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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.

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.