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London, April 4.

Oscar Wilde admitted close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if friends were amusing. Lord Douglas' letter showed 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 Carson, in opening for the defence, declared the plaintiff's protegees 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 charges against him. In conclusion he claimed that the defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case.

In cross-examination, 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 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. 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 the 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 Queensbery was endeavoring to stop his son visiting Wilde, and that 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 at 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 Queensbery and sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty-stricken, some imploring assistance or employment.

Received April 5, at 9.15 p.m.

London, April 4.

Wilde admitted close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if friends were amusing. Lord A. 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 that the plaintiff's proteges were amongst the most immoral persons in London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims as the exponent of culture. His literature alone justified the charges against him. In conclusion he claimed that defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove his case to the hilt.