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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.

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 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, bat he continued their friendship. Once he took Atkins and a youth named Price to Paris, and introduced them to another youth named Ernest Scarf, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Wilde said he had made presents to Scarp aud Mayby because he liked them. Letters read in Court 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 leveled 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. Wilde admitted close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied that there was anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if his friends were amusing. Lord Douglas's letters showed that he had threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him. The Marquis's letters referred to an eminent statesman, but the reference was political. Wilde's case is closed. Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared that plaintiff's protégés 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 charge against him. In conclusion Mr Carson claimed that defendant's witnesses, among whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.

The Marquis of Queensberry wrote to his soul saying that he believed that he was crazy, and suggesting that he should leave the country.

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 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 that Wilde posed as au immoral person. He explained that the reason for which he withdrew from the case was to avoid the appalling evidence which would be adduced. The verdict was received with loud cheers.

Oscar Wilde publishes a letter stating that he abandoned the case in order to avoid placing Lord Douglas in the witness box. After the warrant had been issued for Wilde's arrest, the police detained three essential witnesses. Lord Douglas and two men remained in conference with Wilde at the Viaduct Hotel for several hours after the trial, and lunched together in a private room. Subsequently they drove to a bank, where Wilde withdrew a large sum of money. He was then lost sight of until arrested in the evening at a hotel in Sloane street. Lord Douglas was much distressed when he found that he was unable to bail him out. After the trial the Marquis of Queensberry sent Wilds a message stating that he would shoot him if he took his son abroad. Taylor has also been arrested, and will be charged in conjunction with Wilde. The latter's name has been withdrawn from the play-bills of the London and American theatres.