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WILDE V. QUEENSBERRY.

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

LONDON, April 4.

In cross-examination Oscar 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 who derived pleasure from being in the company of bright and 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 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 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 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 sons 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 that he believed he was crazy, and suggesting that he should leave the country.

Mr Wilde admitted 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's letter referred to an eminent statesman, but the reference was political.

Mr Wilde's case is closed.

Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared that Mr Wilde's literature alone justified the charges against the plaintiff. In conclusion, he claimed that the defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.