Compare Paragraphs
This page compares two reports at the paragraph level. The column on the left shows the first report in its entirety, and the column in the middle identifies paragraphs from the second report with significant matching content. The column on the right highlights any differences between the two matching paragraphs: pink shows differences in the first report and purple in the second report. The Match percentage underneath each comparison row in this column shows the percentage of similarity between the two paragraphs.
Original paragraph in
The Boston Globe - Sunday, April 7, 1895
The Boston Globe - Sunday, April 7, 1895
Most similar paragraph from
Nanaimo Free Press - Thursday, April 11, 1895
Nanaimo Free Press - Thursday, April 11, 1895
Difference
LONDON, April 6. - Most all observers of English character would have declared it impossible to arouse the phlegmatic conscience and
emotions of a nation to such a pitch of intensity as is today manifesting itself in all classes.
The horror, the loathing, the anger which the revelations in connection with the Wilde-Queensberry case have caused can be compared
only with one of those whirlwinds of passion which once in a few decades suddenly sweeps over a nation, and by its very violence restore confidence in
human nature.
Not until today, apparently, has the country realized that a moral pestilence in the atmosphere has long been doing deadly work.
Already there are signs that the popular revenge and reform will be indiscriminating and unreasoning in their work.
The finger of suspicion is already carrying condemnation wherever it is pointed, and many will suffer fearful social penalties who are
absolutely innocent; but the general effect of the great onslaught of public opinion which has now begun will be salutary and for the purifying of the
nation.
Already there are signs of popular revenge, and the reformers will be indiscriminating and unreasoning in their work. The finger of
suspicion is already carrying condemnation wherever it is pointed. Many will suffer fearful social penalties who are absolutely innocent, but the general
effect of the great onslaught of public opinion which has now began will be salutary and for the purifying of the nation.
The best sign of all is that Englishmen are ashamed. It is the first time your correspondent has ever seen a manifestation of this
emotion among them. They feel that a deep, black, national disgrace has been uncovered, and the feeling is the more poignant because it is new to them.
Their anger against the human reptiles who have brought this shame upon them is indescribable. It not only demands the swiftest and severest punishment,
but it has been instantly turned against every art, every fad and every innovation with which those accused or suspected have been identified.
The best sign of all is that Englishmen are ashamed. They feel that a deep, black national disgrace has been uncovered, and the feeling
is more poignant because it is new to them. Their anger against the human reptiles who have brought this shame upon them is indescribable. It not only
demands the swiftest and severest punishment, but it has been instantly turned against every art, every fad and innovation with which those accused or
suspected have been identified. Today's newspapers are unanimous, for instance, in pronouncing the doom of estheticism and everything connected with that
cult.
Today's newspapers are unanimous, for instance, in pronouncing the doom of estheticism and everything connected with that cult.
Regarding the measures which society, now thoroughly aroused and exasperated, will employ for dealing with this evil, it may be said
that the government has wisely decided upon sharp, rapid and severe action. The evidence which has accumulated in the last few days is ample for the
condemnation of several leaders of this abominable coterie which has its ramifications throughout Europe. They will be arrested and railroaded as fast as
possible to penal servitude.
Regarding the methods which society, now so thoroughly aroused and exasperated, will employ for dealing with the evil, it may be said
that the Government has wisely decided upon sharp, rapid and severe action. Evidence has accumulated in the last few days ample for the condemnation of
several leaders of the abominable coterie, which has its ramifications throughout Europe. They will be arrested and railroaded as fast as possible to
penal servitude.
They promptly began today by arresting Alfred Taylor, whom the police say has long been known as a leader of this infamous band. His
father, who was a prominent city official, and once close to the lord mayor’s chair, left him an immense fortune, which he has used to gratify every
appetite. He spent $60,000 furnishing a house which is the headquarters of his coterie of friends.
The victims of himself and crew were dazzled by the oriental luxuries of the place. One of the features of the drawing room, to which
daylight is never admitted, is a marble fountain distributing perfume instead of water. The police searched the whole place yesterday.
He spent £60,000 furnishing his house, which had been tbsp headquarters of this class of sensualists. The victims of himself and his
crew were dazzled by the oriental luxuries of the place. One of the features of the drawing room, to which daylight is never admitted, is a marble
fountain distributing perfume instead of water. The police searched the whole place recently.
Both Wilde and Taylor were committed for trial without bail in Bow st today, after an overwhelming mass of revolting evidence had been
given by the victims. Prison life is expected to have an immediate effect on men who are accustomed to every luxury and indulgence, and Wilde was much
depressed after his night's confinement.
The police have reason to believe that today's exposure is already causing a panic-stricken exodus of many persons from England, such
as followed the Cleveland st scandal a few years ago, and there are some who are not unknown to society among them.
Archibald Edward Douglas, brother of the marquis of Queensberry, has written a letter repudiating the statement made today in the
course of an interview by Lord Douglas of Hawich, eldest living son of the marquis, to the effect that no member of the family except his father believes
the charges against Wilde. In refutation of this statement the writer of the letter says: "My mother, my sister and myself believe the allegations made
against Oscar Wilde."
The charge against Wilde is meantime being prosecuted under the criminal law amendment act, which classes his offence as a
misdemeanor, the maximum penalty for which is two years imprisonment for each continuation.
Wilde and Taylor were remanded in custody. A request was made that the prisoners be admitted to bail, but bail was refused.