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London, April 30. - The Old Bailey was less crowded today than heretofore when court opened for what was expected to be the last day of the trial of Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor. Counsel for the crown withdrew the charge of conspiracy against Wilde. Sir Edward Clarke in his opening speech for the defense denounced the conduct of a large section of the press.

Sir Edward Clarke made a masterly speech, claiming Wilde was a martyr, and that he accepted a verdict of not guilty in the Queensberry case only because it was evident that it could not be properly tried then.

Wilde was then placed upon the stand and absolutely denied there was a word of truth in the charges brought against him. It was evident that he had been well coached for the occasion. He seemed to have lost all the airy swagger which so disgusted all who witnessed it during the former trial.

Mr. C.F. Gill, on behalf of the prosecution, conducted the cross-examination. He quoted from the sonnet to Lord Alfred Douglas, in which occured the line: "I am that love; but dare not speak its name."

Mr. Gill asked what was the nature of the love represented in that poem.

Wilde, with marked deliberation and emphasis, answered: "It is the love of David for Jonathan - a deep, spiritual affection, as pure as it is perfect. It is something this age does not understand. It mocks at it, and sometimes puts one into the pillory."

As Wilde finished his answer there were loud cheers from the gallery, which called forth a rebuke from the Judge, who threatened to eject those who took part in the demonstration.

After a short cross-examination, during which Wilde denied everything, Charles Parker was examined and cross-examined.

Sir Edward Clarke in conclusion to the jury contended there was no real evidence against Wilde except that of blackmailers. Counsel then appealed to the jury not to convict his client unless the evidence against him was overwhelming and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned, accomplished men of letters."

Great crowds were gathered at the Bow Street Police Office on the morning of April 11th, when Oscar Wilde, the dishonured æsthete, and Alfred Taylor, were brought from the prison in the black Maria to be examined on remand, on a charge of having committed serious misdemeanours.

The Court opened at 11 o'clock, with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn, and it was noticed that he had 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 sneering indifferent manner as when arraigned last week, and was evidently not so deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charges brought against him as was Wilde.

Sir Edward Clarke again appeared for Wilde, and two lawyers acted as counsel for Taylor.

The prisoners are making a desperate fight. Their lawyers to-day delayed the proceedings in every possible way, and the examination of the accused promises to be a protracted affair. Taylor's lawyers 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 continues, 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 anything for Wilde, the witness replied: "Yes, I wrote something about "A Woman of no Importance."

Edward Shelley was then called. He was formerly in the employ of Ellon and 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 theatres, to the Prince of Wales Club, and other resorts. The witness also testified in detail as to Wilde's behaviour 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 write 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 of Wilde and Taylor were remanded.

WILDE WEARY OF GAOL.

Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were arraigned in Bow-street Police Court at noon, April 19th, for further examination. Wilde looked greatly fatigued and really ill. His hair was ruffled and his general appearance indicated carelessness. A detective testified that he had searched the rooms occuyied by Taylor in Chapel-street, where he found cheques payable to Mavor and telegrams from Wilde to Taylor arranging and cancelling meetings. Other witnesses were called to the Stand and gave similar damaging testimony. At the conclusion of the examination, Wilde and Taylor were fully committed for trial in Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey. Application was made for bail, but it was denied. Counsel for Wilde said he intended to apply for it to the Court of Queen's Bench, on the ground that the admission of bail to a prisoner charged with or indicted for a misdemeanour is compulsory under the Statute Law. Wilde, in reply to a question from the judge as to whether he had anything to say, answered, "Not at present."

THE TRIAL.

The Grand Jury returned to the Central Criminal Court in the Old Bailey, April 23rd, a true bill against Wilde and Alfred Taylor. The prosecuting witnesses int eh case were lodged in a home in Croyden-street to prevent them from being mobbed. Wilde's solicitors declared that the case would be fought to the end. Wilde's home was sold by the Sherriff on the 23rd in the presence of a crowd of curiosity-mongers. His valuable collection of prints, Moorish pottery, bric-a-brac, as well as Carlyle's writing table, were disposed of. The defendant's counsel had made application that his trial, set for Friday, April 26th, be postponed, on the ground that his lawyers had not had sufficient time to prepare for defence, and that the present state of public feeling made a fair trial impossible, and asked that Wilde be admitted to bail in the meantime. This was refused by the Court, and the trial proceeded on the day set.

Wilde and Taylor, when arraigned on April 26th, pleaded not guilty. Men and women fought for standing room near the door through which the prisoners entered the Old Bailey. The jury was composed of highly intelligent-appearing middle-aged tradesmen. As Wilde appeared in the dock his face was drawn and haggard, his hair had beed cut, and his swagger manner had entirely disappeared. Justice Clarke opened Court about 10.25. A lengthy discussion followed as to whether the prisoners should be tried on all of the twenty-five separate counts of the indictments. Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C. for the defence, objected to such a course, but the Court overruled him. After the prisoners pleaded, C. F. Gill, on behalf of the Treasury, opened the prosecution, reciting the well-known history of the case, dwelling upon the association of Wilde with Taylor, and giving a graphic description of Taylor's darkened, perfumed rooms, where Wilde was in the habit of meeting his associates. Counsent went in detail through the various charges, reviewing all the testimony already presented. Charles Parker was the first witness. His testimony was most revolting, but the Judge held it to be necessary that the charges against Wilde "should be explained in detail."

The trial was resumed on April 27th; there was a large attendance. Alfred Wood was severely cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke, counsil for Wilde, but his evidence was not shaken. Frederick Atkins, described as a variety singer, gave evidence as to knowing Alfred Taylor and others mentioned during the trial. This witness was also questioned by counsel with a view of showing that he received £500 from a foreign count whose yacht was lying at Scarborough. He denied having received the money.

The prosecution completed its case April 29th, and the defence opened on the 30th.

The Old Bailey was less crowded when the trial resumed on the 30th. Counsel for the Crown withdrew the charge of conspiracy against Wilde, saying that he desired to avoid any difficulties in placing the prisoners on the witness stand. Sir Edward Clarke, Counsel for the accused, demanded a verdict of 'Not Guilty' on this count, but the Judge refused to allow it. In opening the speech for the defence, Clarke denounced the conduct of the large section of the press, saying it prejudices the case of his client, and imperilled the interests of justice.

Wilde was then placed upon the stand, and absolutely denied there was a word of truth in the charges of indecency brought against him. He answered the questions of Clarke in snbdued tones. During the examination of the prisoner by his Counsel it was apparent that many of Wilde's friends were present. Clrrke claimed that Wilde was a martyr, and had accepted the verdict of 'Not Guilty' in the Queensbury case only because it was evident that it could not be determined on a proper issue, according to Counsel.

When Wilde was placed in the dock, it was evident that he seemed to have lost entirely the swagger which so disgusted all who witnessed it during the former trial. C. F. Gill, on behalf of the prosecution, began a cross-examination o the same lines as that of Edward M. Carson, Q.C., who defended the Marquis of Queensberry against the charge of libel. He quoted from a sonnet to Lord Alfred Douglas, in which occurred the line, 'I am that love, but dare not speak its name." Gill asked the nature of the love represented in that poem. Wilde, with marked deliberation and emphasis, replied, "It is the love not understood in this century. It is the love of David for Jonathan—a deep, spiritual affection, as pure as it is perfect. It is something this age does not understand. It mocks at it, and sometimes puts one in a pillory." As Wilde finished his answer, there were loud cheers from the gallery, which called forth a rebuke from the Judge, who threatened to eject those who became too demonstrative.

After a short cross-examination, during which Wilde denied everything, Charles Parker was examined and cross-examined.

Sir Edward Clarke, in conclusion to the jury, contended that there was no real evidence against Wilde except that of blackmailers, whose testimony should be utterly discredited. Counsel then appealed to the jury not to convict his client unless the evidence against him was overwhelming, and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned and accomplished men of letters."

THE JURY DISAGREE.

In the Old Bailey Court, May 1st, Justice Charles summed us, In doing so, he said the counsel for the prosecution acted wisely in withdrawing the charge of conspiracy against Wilde, as he would have ordered the jury to bring in a verdict of 'not guilty' on that specification. He admitted that there was combination of the witnesses, but the jury, he added, would have to weigh the character of men like Parker, Wood, and Atkins, whom Sir Edward Clarke, in the Justice's opinion, had properly described as blackmailers.

The Justice also urged upon the jury not to be influenced by Wilde's writings, saying that many great men had written indecently. The jury must exercise its own judgment as to whether Wilde's letters to Lord Alfred Douglas breathed unnatural passion, and he also said the relations between Shelly and Wilde would be interesting matter for the jury.

The jury retired at 1.30 p.m., and after being out a short time reported a disagreement.

When news of the disagreement reached the outside of the court there was great excitement, and extra editions of the evening papers were bought up quickly. When Sir Edward Clarke, counsel for Wilde, asked for bail, Justice Charles said the application must be made in chambers.

Wilde will be tried again at the next session of the Central Criminal Court. Throughout the proceedings to-day he was very pale.

As Sir Edward Clarke, counsel for the prisoner, left the court, he was heard to remark, "Truth is mighty and will prevail."

There was a big crowd outside the Old Bailey during the last stages of the famous trial to-day, but there was no demonstration for or against the prisoner upon the part of the populace.

In spite of this, Wilde was kept in the prisoner's room of the court for an hour after adjournment or until the crowds had disappeared, before he was taken to Holloway Jail.

Wilde grew quite hysterical and was in a highly-strung condition when he was placed in the dock again to hear the foreman of the jury announce that they could not agree. He passed his hand across his forehead with a deep-drawn sigh of relief, and it seemed as if he would fall and faint.

It is generally thought Wilde will not be tried again.

CONCERNING OSCAR WILDE.

There is not the slightest ground for the report that Oscar Wilde attempted suicide, and it is not true even (says a London dispatch of April 8th) that a rumour to this effect was current here last evening. Further startling revelations in connection with this deplorable case are hinted at. It is said that Alfred Taylor has determined to drag down Wilde with him if he is to prosecute him, and this will involve many men in England who have been freely whispered about in connection with scandal.

Sydney Grundy, the dramatist, wrote the "Daily Telegraph" a letter April 6th, regarding the removal of Wilde's name from the programme of his plays. He asks, "By what principle of justice or charity is an author's name blotted from his work? If a man is not to be credited with what he has done well, by what right is he punished for what he has done ill?"

Wilde is suffering from insomnia, and sleeping draughts given him by the prison surgeon have no effect on him. He paces his cell all night long. Although he is allowed to have food sent him from the outside, he eats almost nothing. Another prisoner cleans his cell. He is not allowed to smoke, and may receive only a single visitor daily. The prospect of conviction with the consequent horrors of a convict's life have simply stupefied the wretched man. It is that aspect of the case which seems to concern him entirely, not the shame and degradation to which his vices have brought him. he is a man to whom the luxuries of life were everything, and his sole thought was self-indulgence. To such a one the rigours and deprivations of a prison will be the very worst kind of punishment.

The Wilde business is having its effect in the United States. By order of the trustees of the Newark Free Library all of Oscar Wilde's books have been taken from the shelves, and his name has been stricken from the catalogues. Three-fourths of the patrons of the library are women, and all the employees are girls. Major Lebkurcher told a reporter of the "World" that explanation would be made. "The books were cast out," said Librarian Frank Hill. "The reason is patent."

A New York newsdealer reports an unprecedented number of orders for those London newspapers which printed in full the testimony of the Wilde-Queensberry case.

By order of the librarian of St. Louis the works of Oscar Wilde—poems, stories and plays—were withdrawn from the public library on April 9th. The action of the librarian is approved by the Board of Directors.

The British Museum on April 10th withdrew from public use in its library all of Wilde's writings.