Compare Documents

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, April 4.

Oscar Wilde was subjected to a stringent cross-examination with a view to showing that 'Dorian Grey' and some articles in the magazine 'Chameleon,' with which he is connected, are of an immoral tendency. He insisted that they are merely expressions of artistic faculty. His letters to Lord Douglas were prose poems, extraordinary perhaps, but not justifying an immoral interpretation. He admitted that he gave one of his alleged blackmailers £21, and lunched with him in a private room afterwards. The case was adjourned, defendant being admitted to bail.

In cross-examination Wilde admitted that 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 that he derived pleasure from being in the company of bright, happy people. Witness had frequently been in Taylor's room, and 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.

The letters read in court proved that the Marquis of Queensberry was endeavoring to stop his son from 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 at the time the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door.

Wilde, continuing his evidence, said he wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensberry and the Marquis's son remained unbroken.

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

[Special to Press Association.]

London, April 4.

Oscar Wilde explained the effusive language of the letters addressed to Lord Douglas as the natural expression of an artist attracted by a beautiful personality. The Marquis of Queensberry visited his residence and threatened Wilde, the latter responding "You are the most infamous brute in London."