Compare Paragraphs

LONDON, 7th April.

A widespread sensation was created to-day by the report that Oscar Wilde had committed suicide at the Bow-street station. It was found that the rumour originated in the fact that when Wilde was about to be transferred from the police station to the prison van for Holloway jail, he was in a state of semi-collapse and was suffering from hysteria. He said to his jailers that he should commit suicide if he had a chance. This put them on the alert and he was immediately subjected to a thorough search. The police even removed his pearl breast-pin and a handkerchief, lest he might stab or strangle himself.

The prospect of conviction, with the consequent horrors of a convict’s life, have simply stupefied Wilde. It is that aspect of the case which seems to concern him exclusively, not the shame and degradation into 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 deprivation of prison will be the very worst kind of punishment.

Wilde’s legal advisors declare that they never had a client less able to bear up under trial or whose anticipatory agonies are more intense. Being a man of heavy and flabby physique and with a constitution greatly undermined by dissipation it would not in the least surprise his doctor is a sudden seizure ended his troubles.

It is stated to-night that Wilde is suffering from insomnia. The prison surgeon on Saturday night gave him a sleeping draught. It had no effect on him and he continued pacing his cell all night long. He eats almost nothing, although he is allowed to have food sent to him from the outside. Another prisoner cleans his cell. He is not allowed to smoke and is allowed to receive only a single visitor daily.