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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."

It is only fair play for a man who is down, and charged with crimes so abominable that they are nameless, and therefore the accusers have all the advantages, to say that yesterday on the stand he "absolutely denied that there was any word of truth in the charges against him." He had many friends present who utterly disbelieve the testimony of the totally depraved creatures who have appeared as witnesses. The sonnet that Wilde wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas was quoted: "I am that love, but dare not speak its name." Wilde was asked what that meant, and the press report says:

"Wilde, with marked deliberation and emphasis, answered: ‘It is a 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 into the pillory.' As Wilde finished his answer there were loud cheers from the gallery."

Sir Edward Clarke, who withdrew from the case in the Queensberry prosecution, appeared for Wilde and made a masterly speech, saying Oscar was a martyr. The jury in Wilde's case has disagreed, which means that the prosecution has failed. The verdict is at least "not proven," and it is not likely the case will come to trial again.