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London, April 5.

The charge of libel against the Marquis of Queensbery was finished to-day, a verdict of not guilty being returned.

The jury considered that the charges made by Queensbery were of public benefit.

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

The verdict was received with loud cheers.

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

London, April 5.—In the cross-examination, Oscar Wilde admitted that he was acquainted with 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 if 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, and was aware that both Taylor and Parker had once been arrested, but continued their friendships. Once he took Atkins and a youth named Price to Paris, and introduced them to another youth named Ernest Scarpe, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas. When making a voyage to Australia, Oscar Wilde said he had made presents to Scarpe and Mabor because he liked them.

A letter was read in court which 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 charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door. Witness wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visit to Wilde's. The friendship with Lady Queensberry and sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were endeavouring to get some employment.

Mr 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, to which the latter responded with—"You are the most infamous brute in London!"

Mr Oscar Wilde admitted close 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 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. The case for the prosecution is closed.

Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared that 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, he claimed that defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.

The libel case against the Marquis of Queensberry was finished to-day, a verdict of not guilty being returned. The jury considered that the charges made by the Marquis of Queensberry of public benefit.

Oscar 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 that the reason he withdrew from the case was so as to avoid the appalling evidence which would be advanced.

The verdict was received with loud cheers.

It is expected that Wilde will be arrested.

No warrant has yet been applied for, but the counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry has sent to the Public Prosecutor a statement of witnesses and notes on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

LATEST.—Oscar Wilde has been arrested.