The Ashburton Guardian - Saturday, April 6, 1895

LONDON, April 5

The libel case against the Marquis of Queensberry finished to-day, a verdict of not guilty being returned. The jury considered that the charges made by the Marquis of Queensberry were of public benefit. Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case and Wilde himself left the Court, while his counsel was explaining that plaintiff's literature, and letters justified the plea of the defence, and 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, but no warrant has yet been applied for. The counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry has sent the public prosecutor the statements or the witnesses, and notes on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

(Received April 6, at 3 p.m.)

Oscar Wilde has been arrested.

Fielding Star - Saturday, April 6, 1895

London, April 4.

Wilde admitted the 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.

Wilde's case is closed.

Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared the 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 along justified charges against him. IN conclusion he claimed that defendant's witnesses, among whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer would prove the case to the hilt.

April 5.

The charge of libel against the Marquis of Queensberry was finished to-day, a verdict of not guilty being returned. The jury considered that the charges made by Queensberry were of public benefit. Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case and Wilde himself left the court while his counsel was explaining that plaintiff's literature and letters 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 repelling the evidence which would be adduced. The verdict was received with loud cheers. It is expected that Wilde will be arrested, but no warrant has yet been applied for, but counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry has sent the public prosecutor a statement of the witnesses and notes on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

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