Compare Documents

London, April 4.

In the libel action, Oscar Wilde v. the Marquis of Queensberry, it was stated that the Marquis of Queensberry wrote to his son, saying he believed he was crazy, and suggesting he should leave the country.

Wilde admitted intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if his friends were amusing.

Lord Douglas's letters showed that he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him. The Marquis' letter referred to an eminent statesman, but the reference was political.

Wilde's case is closed.

Mr Carson, in opening the case for the defence, declared that the plaintiff's proteges were among the most immoral persons in London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified the charges against him. In conclusion, Mr Carson claimed that the defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case up to the hilt.

London, April 4.

The charge of libel against the Marquis of Queensbury finished to-day, a verdict of "not guilty" being returned. The jury considered that the charges made by the Marquis of Queensbury were of public benefit.

Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case, and Wilde himself left the Court while his counsel was explaining that the plaintiff's literature and letters justified the plea of defence that Wilde posed as an immoral person. He explained the reason he withdrew from the case was so as to avoid appalling evidence which would be adduced.

The verdict was received with loud cheers.

It is to be expected Wilde will be arrested. No warrant has yet been applied for, but counsel for the Marquis of Queensbury has sent the Public Prosecutor the statements of witnesses, and a note on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

London, 4th April.

Oscar Wilde, in his evidence, admitted close intimacy with a number of young men but denied that there was anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if his friends were amusing.

Lord Alfred Douglas' letters showed that he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him.

The Marquis' letter referred to an eminent statesman, but the reference was political.

Wilde's case is closed.

Mr. Carson, in opening the case for the defence, declared that the plaintiff's protégés were among the most immoral persons in London, and that Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified the charges against him. In conclusion, counsel claimed that defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.

[SPECIAL.]

London, 4th April.

The Marquis of Queensbery wrote to his son saying that he believed he was crazy and suggesting that he should leave the country.

Latest.OSCAR LOSES THE CASEPROCEEDINGS AGAINST HIMSELFUnited Press Association(Received April 6, 10.30 a.m.)

London, 5th April.

The hearing of the charge of libel against the Marquis of Queensbery finished to-day.

A verdict of Not Guilty was returned, the jury considering that the charges made by Lord Queensbery were for the public benefit.

Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case.

Wilde himself left the Court while his counsel was explaining that the plaintiff's literature and letters justified the plea of the defence that Wilde posed as an immoral person, and that he withdrew from the case so as to avoid appalling evidence which would be adduced.

The verdict was received with loud cheer.

It is expected that Wilde will be arrested. No warranty has yet been applied for, but counsel for the Marquis of Queensbery has sent to the Public Prosecutor the statements of witnesses and notes on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

(Received April 6, 3 p.m.)

London, 5th April.

Oscar Wilde has been arrested.