Compare Documents

Taylor, His Companion, Sneeringly Indifferent in Manner. The Boy Parker and Atkins, a Young Variety Actor, Testify.

LONDON, April 11. -- Crowds of people gathered outside and inside the Bow Street Police Court this morning when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from the prison an early hour in a Black Maria to be examined on remand charges of having committed misdemeanors.

The Court opened at 11 o'clock with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn, and it was noticed that he has greatly changed since he appeared on the witness stand of the Old Bailey to prosecute his suit for libel against the Marquis of Queensberry.

Wilde was much more subdued, although he smiled once or twice at certain questions which were put to him. But he seemed to realize the gravity of the situation in which he found himself.

He was dressed as faultlessly as ever, carrying a shining silk hat in his hand and displaying on his ungloved fingers many sparkling gems.

Taylor, Wilde's fellow-prisoner, the man who is charged with having acted as procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved in the same sneeringly indifferent manner, and was evidently not as deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charge brought against him as Wilde.

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

The prisoners are evidently 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 long affair. Taylor's lawyer said that he would recall all of the witnesses who were examined on Saturday last, as Taylor was not represented by counsel upon that occasion.

Charles Parker, the nineteen-year-old witness who was examined on Saturday last, and who related at length on the stand, giving the most minute details, his intimacy with Wilde, was again placed in the witness box this morning. He was subjected to cross-examination by Sir Edward Clarke, but his testimony was not shaken.

The other witnesses of Saturday were not present in Court, but by consent of counsel for the prosecution, who promised to produce them later on, the proceedings were continued.

Mr. C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury Department, and who, incidentally, was Mr. Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the defence of the Marquis of Queensberry, placed on the stand a man named Fred Atkins, twenty years of age, and described as a variety singer.

Atkins, in reply in questions put to him by Mr. Gill, said that Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. Further testimony furnished by the same witness was similar to that given by young men and boys who have been previously examined in this extraordinary case. He added that Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case and money. Asked if he did any writing for Wilde, Atkins replied:

"Yes. I wrote something about 'A Woman of No Importance.'"

Edward Shelly was the next witness. He said that in 1891 he first became acquainted with Wilde.

Shelly related how Wilde's attentions flattered him, and told how Wilde gave him copies of his works with tender inscriptions, took him to theatres, to the Prince of Wale's Club and to other resorts. Shelly also testified in detail as to Wilde's criminal behavior to him.

Then a number of disreputable lodging-house keepers from Chelsea, the district of London 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 was also examined. He testified that he became suspicious of Wilde, and finally issued a writ for a week's bill in order to prevent him from 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, Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, bail being refused.

LONDON, April 11. - Great crowds of people were gathered outside and inside of the Bow Street Police Court to-day when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from the prison in a "Black Maria" in order to be examined on remand on the charges of having committed serious misdemeanors.

Court opened at 11 o'clock with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn, although he smiled once or twice at certain questions put to him. But he seemed to realize the gravity of the situation in which he found himself. He was dressed as faultlessly as ever, carrying a shining silk hat and displaying on his ungloved fingers many sparkling gems.

Taylor, Wilde’s fellow prisoner, who is charged with having acted as procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved in the same sneeringly indifferent manner as when arraigned last week and was evidently not impressed with the seriousness of the charges.

Sir Edward Clarke again appeared for Wilde and two lawyers acted as counsel for Taylor. The prisoners are evidently 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 that they would recall all of the witnesses who were examined last Saturday, as Taylor was not then represented by counsel.

Charles Parker, the 19-year-old witness who was examined last Saturday, and who related at length his intimacy with Wilde, was again placed in the witness-box to-day. He was subjected to 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 continued.

C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury Department, and who was Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the defense of the Marquis of Queensberry, placed on the stand a man named Fred Atkins, 20 years of age, a variety singer. Atkins, in reply to questions by Mr. Gill, said Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. Further testimony furnished by the same witness was similar to that given by young men and boys who have been previously examined. He added that Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case and money. Asked if he did any writing for Wilde, Atkins replied. "Yes, I wrote something about 'A Woman of No Importance.'"

Edward Shelly, formerly in the employ of Elkin and Matthews, said that in 1891 Wilde called at the latter's store, and witness made the prisoner'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 theatres, to the Prince of Wales' Club and to other resorts. The witness also testified in detail as to Wilde's criminal behavior to him.

Then a number of disreputable lodging-house keepers from Chelsea, the district of London in which Wilde's home is situated, and several servants testified to Wilde's visits to these houses in company with young men.

The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle testified that he became suspicious of Wilde, and finally issued a writ for a week's bill in order to prevent him from 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 arrest, Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, bail being refused.