The New York Times - Friday, April 12, 1895

OSCAR WILDE IN POLICE COURT. An Examination of Several Witnesses in London's Notorious Case.

LONDON, April 11. -- Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were arraigned for examination in the Bow Street Police Court this morning.

Wilde was defended by Commoner Clarke, who announced that he would not cross-examine any of the witnesses until they testified at the trial of the charges against Wilde.

Counsel for Alfred Taylor examined Parker, who said that he was twenty-one years of age, and had committed offenses with many persons.

The owner of the private hotel in St. James's Place, mentioned in the previous proceedings, testified that Wilde had rooms in his house from October, 1893, until April, 1884, and was visited there by a number of young men, including Parker, Taylor, and Atkins.

Atkins testified that in 1892 he went to Paris with Wilde, and remained there a few days. He denied the charge of misconduct. Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case, which cost £3. He acted as Wilde's secretary for about half an hour.

A witness named Shelley detailed the circumstances of his dining with Wilde in 1892. Subsequently he wrote to Wilde, asking him to terminate their friendship.

Mr. Matthews, a partner in the publishing house of Matthews & Lane, testified that he had seen a letter from Wilde to Shelley, and a communication on the subject made to him (Matthews) by Mr. Lane, had led to Shelley's leaving their employ.

It is reported that Wilde has been ill since his confinement in jail.

The Evening Journal - Thursday, April 11, 1895

London, April 11.- Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were arraigned for examination in the Bow st. police court this morning.

Wilde was defended by Commoner Clarke, who announced that he would not cross examine any of the witnesses until they testified at the trial of charge against Wilde.

Counsel for Alfred Taylor examined the young man Parker who admitted that he was 21 years of age and had been guilty of heinous offences with many person besides Wilde. Parker also admitted that he received £20 from persons whose pursuit it was to extort money from gentlemen.

A young man named Atkins was called to the stand. In 1892 he said Wilde had asked him to go to Paris with him as his secretary. He went to Paris with Wilde and remained there a few days. They dined together in splendid style. By Wilde's order he wore his hair curled. Wilde had given him a silver cigarette case, costing £3, and asked him not to mention the visit to Paris.

In reply to a question by the magistrate, Atkins said he has acted as Wilde’s secretary for about half an hour, when he was engaged in writing some letters about Wilde's play, "A Woman of no Importance."

A witness named Shelley detailed the circumstances of his dining with Wilde in 1892, and gave evidence unfit for publication. Subsequently he had written to Wilde, asking him to terminate their friendship.

The owner of the private hotel to St. James' place, mentioned in the previous proceedings, was placed upon the witness stand. He testified that Wilde had rooms in his house from October, 1893, until April, 1894, and was visited there by a number of young men, including Parker, Taylor and Atkins.

Police Inspector Richards testified that when he arrested Taylor he found in his pocket a letter addressed to Sidney Mayer which read:- "Come on at once and see Oscar at Tite street, Chelsea." Taylor also had another letter addressed to Wilde, reading:- "Dear Oscar - Have appointed a meeting with Maver."

The hearing was adjourned for a week and Wilde and Taylor were remanded without bail.

It to reported that Wilde has been ill since his confinement in jail.

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