San Francisco Chronicle - Friday, April 12, 1895

LONDON, April 11. - Great crowds of people were gathered at the Bow-street Police Court to-day when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from the prison in the black maria to be examined on remand on a charge of having committed serious misdemeanors.

The court opened at 11 o’clock, with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn, and it was noticed that he has greatly changed since he appeared on the witness-stand to prosecute his suit for libel against the Marquis of Queensberry, the collapse of which action in such an unexpected and sensational manner led to his arrest and the subsequent terrible disclosures. Wilde to-day was more subdued, though he smiled once or twice at certain questions.

Taylor, charged with having acted as a procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved in the same sneeringly indifferent manner as when arraigned last week, and was evidently not as deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charges brought againts him as was Wilde.

The prisoners are making a desperate fight. Their lawyers to-day delayed the proceedings in every possible way, and the examination of the accused promise to be a protracted affair. Taylor’s lawyears said they would recall all the witnesses examined on Saturday, as Taylor was not then represented by counsel. Charles Parker, the nineteen-year-old witness examined Saturday, who related at length his relations with Wilde, was again placed in the witness-box to-day.

He was subjected to a cross-examination by Sir Edward Clarke, but his testimony was not shaken.

The other witnesses of Saturday were not present, but by consent of counsel for the prosecution, who promised to produce them later on, the proceedings were continued, and C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury Department, placed on the stand Fred Atkins, 20 years of age, described as a variety singer. Atkins said Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. Further testimony furnished by the same witness was similar to that given by the young men and boys previously examined. He added that Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case and money.

When asked if he did any writing for Wilde, the witness replied: "Yes, I wrote something about ‘A Woman of No Importance.'"

Edward Shelly was then called. He was formerly in the employ of Elkin & Matthews, at whose store in 1891 he said he made Wilde’s acquaintance.

Shelly related how Wilde’s attentions flattered him, and told how Wilde gave him copies of his works with tender inscriptions, took him to the theaters, to the Prince of Wales Club and other resorts. The witness also testified in detail as to Wilde’s behavior to him. Then a number of disreputable lodging-house keepers from Chelsea, in which Wilde’s home is situated, and several servants testified to Wilde's visits to these houses in company with youths. The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle testified how he became suspicious of Wilde and finally issued a writ for a week’s bill in order to prevent his returning to that establishment.

Testimony was presented showing that the relations which existed between Wilde and Shelly were brought to the attention of the latter's employers and Shelly was discharged. After the police had presented evidence concerning the arrests Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, bail being refused.

Daily World - Thursday, April 11, 1895

London, April 11.- Great crowds of people were gathered outside and inside of the Bow street police court this morning when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from the prison in the black maria in order to be examined on the charges of having committed serious misdemeanors. The court opened at 11 o'clock with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn and was much subdued, although he smiled once or twice when curtain questions were put to him, he seemed to realize the gravity of the situation in which he was placed. He was dressed as faultlessly as ever, carrying a shining silk hat in his hand and displaying on one or his un-gloved fingers many sparkling gems. Taylor, Wilde's fellow prisoner, the man who is charged as having acted as procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved In a sneeringly indifferent manner, and was evidently not as deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charges brought against him as was his companion in the prisoner's dock. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, again appeared for Wilde, and reserved cross-examination of witnesses until the trial. Two lawyers acted for Taylor. The prisoners are evidently making a desperate fight. Taylor's lawyer said he would recall all the witnesses who were examined on Saturday last, as Taylor was not represented by counsel upon that occasion. Charles Parker, the 19-year old witness, was again placed in the witness box this morning. He was subjected to examination by Sir Edward Clarke, but his testimony was not shaken. The admission was wrung from him, however, that he had been guilty of heinous offences with other gentlemen besides Wilde. Parker also admitted that he received £20 by extortion from gentlemen. The proceedings were continued, and C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury department, and who, incidentally, was Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the defense of the Marquis of Queensbury, placed on the stand a man named Fred Atkins, 20 years of age, and described as a variety singer. Atkins, in reply to questions put to him by Mr. Gill, said that Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. By Wilde's order he had his hair curled. Further testimony by the same witness was similar to that given by the young men and boys who had been previously examined in this extraordinary case. He added that Wilde gave him a sliver cigarette case and money. Asked if he did any writing for Wilde, witness replied: "Yes, I wrote something about a woman of no importance." Edward Shelly was the next witness. He related how he had wine with Wilde in a private room and that Oscar kissed him. He remained throughout the night. Wilde gave him copies of his woks with tender inscriptions, took him to theatres, to the Prince of Wales club and to other resorts. Witness also testified in detail as to Wilde’s behavior to him. Then a number of disreputable lodging house keepers from Chelsea, the district of London in which Wilde’s home is situated, and several servants testified to Wilde's visits to these houses in the company of youths. The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarie was also examined and he testified as to how he had became suspicious of Wilde and finally issued a writ for a week's bill in order to prevent him from returning to the establishment. Testimony was presented showing that the relations between Wilde and Shelly were brought to the attention of the latter's employers and Shelly was discharged. After the police had presented evidence concerning their arrests, Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, ball being refused. It is reported that Wilde has been ill since his confinement in jail.

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