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LONDON, April 6. - Most all observers of English character would have declared it impossible to arouse the phlegmatic conscience and emotions of a nation to such a pitch of intensity as is today manifesting itself in all classes.

The horror, the loathing, the anger which the revelations in connection with the Wilde-Queensberry case have caused can be compared only with one of those whirlwinds of passion which once in a few decades suddenly sweeps over a nation, and by its very violence restore confidence in human nature.

Not until today, apparently, has the country realized that a moral pestilence in the atmosphere has long been doing deadly work. Already there are signs that the popular revenge and reform will be indiscriminating and unreasoning in their work.

The finger of suspicion is already carrying condemnation wherever it is pointed, and many will suffer fearful social penalties who are absolutely innocent; but the general effect of the great onslaught of public opinion which has now begun will be salutary and for the purifying of the nation.

The best sign of all is that Englishmen are ashamed. It is the first time your correspondent has ever seen a manifestation of this emotion among them. They feel that a deep, black, national disgrace has been uncovered, and the feeling is the more poignant because it is new to them. Their anger against the human reptiles who have brought this shame upon them is indescribable. It not only demands the swiftest and severest punishment, but it has been instantly turned against every art, every fad and every innovation with which those accused or suspected have been identified.

Today's newspapers are unanimous, for instance, in pronouncing the doom of estheticism and everything connected with that cult.

Regarding the measures which society, now thoroughly aroused and exasperated, will employ for dealing with this evil, it may be said that the government has wisely decided upon sharp, rapid and severe action. The evidence which has accumulated in the last few days is ample for the condemnation of several leaders of this abominable coterie which has its ramifications throughout Europe. They will be arrested and railroaded as fast as possible to penal servitude.

They promptly began today by arresting Alfred Taylor, whom the police say has long been known as a leader of this infamous band. His father, who was a prominent city official, and once close to the lord mayor’s chair, left him an immense fortune, which he has used to gratify every appetite. He spent $60,000 furnishing a house which is the headquarters of his coterie of friends.

The victims of himself and crew were dazzled by the oriental luxuries of the place. One of the features of the drawing room, to which daylight is never admitted, is a marble fountain distributing perfume instead of water. The police searched the whole place yesterday.

Both Wilde and Taylor were committed for trial without bail in Bow st today, after an overwhelming mass of revolting evidence had been given by the victims. Prison life is expected to have an immediate effect on men who are accustomed to every luxury and indulgence, and Wilde was much depressed after his night's confinement.

The police have reason to believe that today's exposure is already causing a panic-stricken exodus of many persons from England, such as followed the Cleveland st scandal a few years ago, and there are some who are not unknown to society among them.

Archibald Edward Douglas, brother of the marquis of Queensberry, has written a letter repudiating the statement made today in the course of an interview by Lord Douglas of Hawich, eldest living son of the marquis, to the effect that no member of the family except his father believes the charges against Wilde. In refutation of this statement the writer of the letter says: "My mother, my sister and myself believe the allegations made against Oscar Wilde."

The charge against Wilde is meantime being prosecuted under the criminal law amendment act, which classes his offence as a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty for which is two years imprisonment for each continuation.

Wilde and Taylor were remanded in custody. A request was made that the prisoners be admitted to bail, but bail was refused.

London, April 6. - Oscar Wilde was arraigned before a magistrate this morning. His friend, Alfred Taylor, was arrested and taken to the Bow-st. police station. When Wilde was arraigned in the Bow-st. Police Court this morning Taylor was also placed in the prisoner’s dock. As Taylor stepped into the dock, Wilde smilingly recognized him. Taylor is a man of medium size, with sharp features and a fair complexion. Wilde and Taylor were remanded in custody. A request was made that the prisoners be admitted to bail, but the bail was refused.

Charles Parker, nineteen years old, was the first witness examined. He gave in detail the particulars of his introduction to Wilde by Taylor, and said that the latter told him Wilde was "good for money." Parker told the story which, if true, proves the case of the Treasury against Wilde. Counsel for Wilde and Taylor reserved their right to cross-examine Parker.

William Parker, a brother of the first witness called, was placed on the stand and confirmed the story of the first meeting between his brother and Wilde, in March, 1893.

Charles Parker was bound over in the sum of £85 to give evidence in the Old Bailey proceedings.

The landlady of the house in which Taylor lodged was next examined, and gave testimony regarding the youths who attended the tea parties given by Taylor. She said she had heard Taylor address somebody as "Oscar," but did not recognize Wilde as having been one of her lodger’s visitors.

Alfred Wood, the man whose passage to America was paid by Wilde, testified that he met Wilde at the Café Royal in January, 1893. He went to Wilde's house, No. 16 Tite-st., Chelsea, S.W. He said he was drunk at the time of this visit. Wilde, he said, had often given money to him, and had visited him at his lodgings, but he strenuously denied any wrongdoing. In regard to this point the witness was strongly pressed by the magistrate, but reiterated his denials of misconduct. Wilde had given £35 to him altogether, on the receipt of which sum he had handed over to Wilde a number of letters written by him. Subsequently he went to America, remaining abroad fourteen months. He desired to go to America he said, to get away from Wilde and certain other persons, who are now absent from England.

The next witness was a youth named Mavor, who absolutely denied that there had been anything wrong in his relations with Wilde.

Archibald Edward Douglas, brother of the Marquis of Queensberry, has written a letter repudiating the statement made today in the course of an interview by Lord Douglas of Hawick, eldest living son of the Marquis, to the effect that no member of the family except his father believes the charges against Wilde. In refutation of this statement the writer of the letter says:"My mother, my sister and myself believe the allegations made against Oscar Wilde."

The charge against Wilde is being prosecuted under the Criminal Law Amendment act, which classes his offence is a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty for which is two years’ imprisonment for each conviction.

"AN IDEAL HUSBAND" SHELVED HERE

Daniel Frohman has decided to withdraw "An Ideal Husband" after this week and will produce at the Lyceum Theatre on next Tuesday, April 16, a new play adapted from the French by Frederick Horner entitled "Fortune." This play will employ the following ladies and gentlemen of the Lyceum Theatre Company: Miss Isabel Irving, Miss Rhoda Cameron, Mrs. Thomas Whiffen, Herbert Kelcey, W.J. Le Moyne, Charles Walcot, Fritz Williams, Stephen Grattan, W.S. Hale, Ferdinand Gottschaik and Ernest Tarleton.