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London, April 6.

Oscar Wilde has been arrested.

Oscar Wilde publishes a letter stating that he abandoned the case in order to avoid placing Lord Douglas in the witness box. After a 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 an hotel in Sloane-street. Lord Douglas was much distressed when he found he was unable to bail him out. After the trial the Marquis of Queensberry sent Oscar Wilde 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 The latter's name has been withdrawn from the playbills of the London and American theatres.

[Special.]

April 4.

In the course of his evidence, Oscar 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!"

London, April 4.

In his cross-examination, Oscar Wilde admitted 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 of 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 continued their friendships.

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 made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them.

Letters read in Court proved that the Marfluis of Queensbury was endeavouring to stop his son visiting Wilde.

The son wired backed 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 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 Queensbury and sons remained unbroken.

Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty stricken and needed some employment.

Later.

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 refence 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!"