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London, April 4.

In cross-examination, Mr Wilde admitted he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker, and Atkens. Taylor had introduced him to five young men on separate occasions, to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He said he derived pleasure from being in the company of bright, happy people. Witness had frequently been in Taylor's room. He was aware that both Taylor and Parker had once been arrested, but continued their friendship. Once he took Atkens and a lad named Price to Paris, and introduced them to another youth named Ernest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas. When making the voyage to Australia Wilde said he had made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them.

Letters read in Court proved that the Marquis of Queensberry was endeavoring to stop his son visiting Wilde. The son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, where a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charge levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door.

Witness wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensbery and the sons remained unbroken.

Certain letters from youths already named showed that the writers were poverty stricken, some imploring assistance or employment.

London, April 4.

In the libel action, Oscar Wilde v. the Marquis of Queensberry, the plaintiff in cross-examination admitted he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker, and Atkins. Taylor had introduced him to five young men on separate occasions, to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He said he derived pleasure from being in the company of bright, happy people. Witness had frequently been in Taylor's room. He was aware that both Taylor and Parker had once been arrested, but he continued their friendship. Once he took Atkins and a youth named Price to Paris, and introduced them to another youth, named Ernest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Wilde said he had made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them.

Letters read in Court proved that the Marquis of Queensberry was endeavouring to stop his son visiting Wilde. The son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, where a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door.

Witness wrote to the Marquis, complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensberry and her son remained unbroken.

Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty-stricken, some imploring assistance or employment.

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 any thing 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.