LONDON, ENG., April 30. -- In Old Bailey to-day Oscar Wilde testified in his own behalf. In poetic language he denied the charges against him. During his argument for the defense Sir Edward Clarke appealed to the jury not to convict Wilde unless the evidence against him was overwhelming, and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned, accomplished men of letters."
Sir Edward contended that there was no real evidence against Wilde except that of blackmailers, whose testimony should be utterly discredited. Counsel then appealed to the jury not to convict his client unless the evidence against him was overwhelming, and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned and accomplished men of letters."