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London, April 4.

In the course of his evidence, Mr Wilde explained the effusive language of the letters addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas as the natural expression of an artist attracted by a beautiful personality. The Marquis of Queensberry visited his residence, and threatened Wilde, to which the latter responded with—"You are the most infamous brute in London!"

Wilde admitted a close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if friends were amusing. Lord Douglas' letters showed that he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him. The Marquis' letter referred to eminent statesmen, but the reference as political.

Wilde's case is closed.

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

London, 4th April.

At the trial of the Marquis of Queensbery on the charge of libelling Oscar Wilde, the plaintiff was subjected to a stringent cross-examination with the view of showing that "Dorian Grey," and some articles in the magazine Chameleon, with which he is connected, are of an immoral tendency. Wilde insisted that they were merely an expression of artistic faculty. His letters to Lord Alfred Douglas were prose poems—extraordinary, perhaps, but not justifying an immoral interpretation. He admitted that he gave one of his blackmailers £21, and lunched with him in a private room afterwards.

The case has been adjourned, and the defendant admitted to bail.

[SPECIAL.]

London, 4th April.

In the course of his evidence, Mr. Wilde explained the effusive language of the letters addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas as the natural expression of an artist attracted by a beautiful personality. The Marquis of Queensberry visited his residence and threatened Wilde, to which the latter responded with—"You are the most infamous brute in London!"

Latest.United Press Association.(Received April 5, 11.45 a.m.)

London, 4th April.

In cross examination Wilde admitted that he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker, and Atkins. Taylor had on separate occasions introduced him to five young men, to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. 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 had 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 Alfred Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Witness 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, when a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door.

Wilde said he wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty-stricken, some imploring assistance or employment.