Compare Documents

London, May 20. - The Old Bailey Court was crowded today when Justice Wills, accompanied by the Lord Mayor of London, the Rt.-Hon. Sir Joseph Ronals, and several Aldermen took their seats upon the bench preparatory to the commencement of the second trial of Oscar Wilde. Wilde appeared, accompanied by Lord Douglas of Hawick and the Rev. Stewart Headlam, his bondsmen. He walked smilingly into the prisoners' dock, where he took his stand beside Alfred Taylor, charged with similar offenses.

Sir Edward Clarke immediately made an elaborate argument in favor of having Wilde tried separately. The Judge agreed to this and decided to try Taylor first. Wilde looked pleased as the Judge allowed his bail to be renewed. It is now probable Wilde's case will go over until next session of the Central Criminal Court, and there is evidently but slight chance of his conviction. In consequence indignant comment is heard on allsides at the turn events have taken.

In the meanwhile, the trial of Alfred Taylor proceeded.

London, May 20 — Old Bailey Court was crowded today at 11 o’clock in the morning, when Justice Wills, accompanied by the Lord Mayor of London, Right Hon. Sir Joseph Renals and several aldermen, took their seats upon the bench, preparatory to the commencement of the second trial of Oscar Wilde. Wilde had previously been driven to the Old Bailey. He was accompanied by Lord Douglas, of Hawick, and Rev. Stewart Headlam, his two bondsmen. He looked haggard, but had apparently improved in health since his release on bail, and walked smilingly into the prisoner’s dock, where he took his stand, beside Alfred Taylor, who is charged with similar offences. Sir Edward Clarke, Q. C., counsel for Wilde, immediately made an elaborate argument in favor of having Wilde tried separately. The judge agreed to this and decided to try Taylor first. Sir Edward Clarke then dwelt at length on the great injury which was done his client by having to wait while Alfred Taylor was tried, but, in spite of the argument of his counsel, Wilde looked only too pleased as he stepped from the dock. The judge allowed his bail to be renewed, and he was again released from custody after filling his personal bond in $12,500, and finding the securities, Lord Douglas of Hawick, and Rev. Steward Headlam, in $6,250 each. It is now probably that Wilde’s case will go over until the next session of the central criminal court and there is evidently but a slight chance for his conviction. In consequence indignant comment is read on all sides at the turn events have taken. Meanwhile the trial of Alfred Taylor is proceeded with.