Marlborough Express - Monday, April 8, 1895

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.

Wanganui Herald - Saturday, April 6, 1895

Mr Wilde admitted the close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to inferiority if the 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 was political.

Wilde's case is closed.

Mr Causon, in opening the defence, declared that plaintiff's proteges were among the most immoral persons in London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilible with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature along 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.

In the course of his evidence, Mr 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!"

Later.

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

The jury considered that the chares made by the Marquis were of public benefit.

Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case.

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

The vervict was received with cheers.

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

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