The South Australian Chronicle - Saturday, April 20, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE OSCAR WILDE CASE.
LORD QUEENSBERRY'S ARREST.
[From our Special Correspondent.]
London, March 1,
1895.
Lord Percy Douglas's younger brother, Lord Alfred, is the casus belli between Lord Queensberry and Mr. Oscar Wilde. His lordship does not approve of the very intimate and affectionate friendship existing between Lord Alfred Douglas and Mr. Wilde. The pair have for a long time past been almost inseparable, and the marquis is understood to accuse the eminent dramatist and poseur of influencing his son in an abominable manner. Lord Alfred has for some time been on bad terms with his father, and makes no secret of his dislike of him. I'm told that a very Oscarian poem addressed "To him whom I hate," or "To him for whose death I hunger," which appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette or Budget some time ago, was by Lord Alfred, and seemed to be levelled at his sire. Nothing that a Douglas could do would ever astonish society much, or this story would be incredible. We shall see what to-morrow brings forth. On dit Sir George Lewis is working hard to patch up peace.
Lord Percy Douglas's younger brother, Lord Alfred, is the casus belli between Lord Queensberry and Mr. Oscar Wilde. His lordship does not approve of the very intimate and affectionate friendship existing between Lord Alfred Douglas and Mr. Wilde. The pair have for a long time past been almost inseparable, and the marquis is understood to accuse the eminent dramatist and poseur of influencing his son in an abominable manner. Lord Alfred has for some time been on bad terms with his father, and makes no secret of his dislike for him. I'm told that a very Oscarian poem addressed "To him whom I hate," or "To him for whose death I hunger," which appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette or Budget some time ago, was by Lord Alfred, and seemed to be levelled at his sire. Nothing that a Douglas could do would ever astonish society much, or this story would be incredible. We shall see what to-morrow brings forth. On dit Sir George Lewis is working hard to patch up peace.
Lord Percy Douglas's younger brother, Lord Arthur, is the causis belli between Lord Queensberry and Mr Oscar Wilde. His lordship does not approve of the very intimate and affectionate friendship existing between Lord Arthur Douglas and Mr Wilde. The pair have for a long time past ben most inseparable, and the Marquis is understood to accuse the eminent dramatist and poseur of influencing his son in an abominable manner. Lord Arthur has for some time been on bad terms with his father, and makes no secret of his dislike for him. We shall see what to-morrow brings forth. On dit Sir George Lewis is working hard to patch up peace.
London, March 8, 1895.
The most noble the Marquis of Queensberry has in the course of his eccentric career raved against so many persons and causes, that society paid little or no attention of late to the fact that he was constantly crying out against Mr. Oscar Wilde. We heard a week ago that there was something akin to a scene at the St. James's Theatre premiere owing to his lordship wishing to salute Oscar with a bouquet of carrots. But most people took this merely for a Queensberrian joke. Great, therefore, became the cackle of gossip and speculation at the clubs when on Saturday morning the marquis was arrested for criminally libelling the poseur-poet-dramatist, and brought before Mr. Newton at Marlborough-street.
The most noble the Marquis of Queensberry has in the course of his eccentric career raved against so many persons and causes, that society paid little or no attention of late to the fact that he was constantly crying out against Mr. Oscar Wilde. We heard a week ago that there was something akin to a scene at the St. James's Theatre premiere owing to his lordship wishing to salute Oscar with a bouquet of carrots. But most people took this merely for a Queensberrian joke. Great, therefore, became the cackle of gossip and speculation at the clubs when on Saturday morning the marquis was arrested for criminally libelling the poseur-poet-dramatist, and brought before Mr. Newton at Marlborough street.
The most noble the Marquis of Queensberry has in the course of his eccentric career railed against so many persons and causes that society paid little or no attention of late to the fact that he was constantly crying out against Mr Oscar Wilde. We heard a week ago (as I told you in my last) that there was something akin to a scene at the St. James's Theatre premiere, owing to his lordship wishing to salute Oscar with a bouquet of carrots, but most people took this merely for a Queensberrian joke. Great, therefore, became the cackle of gossip and speculation at the clubs when, on Saturday morning last, the Marquis was arrested for criminally libelling the poseur-poet-dramatist, and brought before Mr Newton at Marlborough street.
Mr. C.O. Humphreys, solicitor, prosecuted, and Sir George Lewis, solicitor, appeared for the defence.
Mr. C.O. Humphreys, solicitor, prosecuted, and Sir George Lewis, solicitor, appeared for the defence.
Mr. Humphreys, in opening the case, said that Mr. Oscar Wilde was a married man, and living on most affectionate terms with his wife and family of two sons. He had been the object of a most cruel persecution at the hands of Lord Queensberry, certainly, within his (Mr. Humphreys's) knowledge, for about nine or ten months, or, he was informed, even longer than that. Ten months ago Mr. Oscar Wilde consulted him on the matter, and in consequence of family affairs Mr. Oscar Wilde was very unwilling to take any steps of a criminal nature against Lord Queensberry. But he had been so fearfully persecuted by that gentleman that he was compelled to take the step he had now taken for self-protection and peace of mind. The last act in this most melancholy drama, continued Mr. Humphreys, was performed on the 18th of last month, but it only came to the notice of Mr Oscar Wilde the night before last. Mr. Wilde was a member of the Albemarle Club, where both ladies and gentlemen are admitted. Mrs. Wilde is also a member of the club. On the night before last Mr. Oscar Wilde went to this club, and the hall porter presented him with a card enclosed in an envelope and addressed to "Oscar Wilde, Esq.," explaining that a gentleman had called and requested that that the card should be handed to Mr. Oscar Wilde. The porter was astonished at what was written upon the card, and considered it of sufficient importance to add the date and hour when the card was left. He wrote 4.30, February 18, 1895. The words written upon the card were "Ponce," then a word he could not decipher, then followed improperly spelt another word of a gross character.
Mr. Humphreys, in opening the case, said that Mr. Oscar Wilde was a married man, and living on most affectionate terms with his wife and family of two sons. He had been the object of a most cruel persecution at the hands of Lord Queensberry, certainly, within his (Mr. Humphreys's) knowledge, for about nine or ten months, or, he was informed, even longer than that. Ten months ago Mr. Oscar Wilde consulted him on the matter, and in consequence of family affairs Mr. Oscar Wilde was very unwilling to take any steps of a criminal nature against Lord Queensberry. But he had been so fearfully persecuted by that gentleman that he was compelled to take the step he had now taken for self-protection and peace of mind. The last act in this most melancholy drama, continued Mr. Humphreys, was performed on the 18th of last month, but it only came to the notice of Mr Oscar Wilde the night before last. Mr. Wilde was a member of the Albemarle Club, where both ladies and gentlemen are admitted. Mrs. Wilde is also a member of the club. On the night before last Mr. Oscar Wilde went to this club, and the hall porter presented him with a card enclosed in an envelope and addressed to "Oscar Wilde, Esq.," explaining that a gentleman had called and requested that that the card should be handed to Mr. Oscar Wilde. The porter was astonished at what was written upon the card, and considered it of sufficient importance to add the date and hour when the card was left. He wrote 4.30, February 18, 1895. The words written upon the card were "Ponce," then a word he could not decipher, then followed improperly spelt another word of a gross character.
at the hands of Lord Queensberry, certainly within his (Mr. Humphreys') knowledge, for about nine or ten months, or, he was informed, even longer than that. Ten months ago Mr. Oscar Wilde consulted him on the matter, and in consequence of family affairs Mr. Oscar Wilde was very unwilling to take any steps of a criminal nature against Lord Queensberry. But he had been so fearfully persecuted by that gentleman that eh was compelled to take the step he had now taken for self-protection and peace of mind. The last act in this most melancholy drama, continued Mr. Humphreys, was performed on February 18th, but it only came to the notice of Mr. Wilde on Thursday night. Mr. Wilde was a member of the Albemarle Club, where both ladies and gentlemen are admitted. Mrs. Wilde is also a member of the club. On Thursday night Mr. Oscar Wilde went to this club, and the hall porter presented him with a card enclosed in an envelope, and addressed to "Oscar Wilde, Esq," explaining that a gentleman had called and requested that the card should be handed to Mr. Oscar Wilde. The porter was astonished at what was written upon the card, and considered it of sufficient importance to add the date and hour when the card was left; he wrote "4.30, February 18th, 1895." The words upon the card were "Ponce," then a word he could not decipher, then followed improperly spelt another word of a gross character.—The Marquis of Queensberry: "The missing word is ‘posing.'"—Mr. Humphreys, continuing, said that a more
The Marquis of Queensbery - The missing word is "posing."
Mr. Humphreys, continuing, said that a more frightful, serious, or abominable libel for one man to publish about another he could not conceive. Mr. Humphreys added that he now proposed to call as witnesses only the hall porter of the club and the officer, Detective-Inspector Greet, who executed the warrant. After the evidence he would ask for an adjournment that the whole matter might be gone into on a future occasion, because he did not propose to rest his case simply upon the question of this libel. He proposed to go into other cases which had occurred before February 18, and after they had been investigated would ask the magistrate to commit the defendant to take his trial.
Mr. Humphreys, continuing, said that a more frightful, serious, or abominable libel for one man to publish about another he could not conceive. Mr. Humphreys added that he now proposed to call as witnesses only the hall porter of the club and the officer, Detective-Inspector Greet, who executed the warrant. After the evidence he would ask for an adjournment that the whole matter might be gone into on a future occasion, because he did not propose to rest his case simply upon the question of this libel. He proposed to go into other cases which had occurred before February 18, and after they had been investigated would ask the magistrate to commit the defendant to take his trial.
Mr Humphreys said that a more frightful, serious, or abominable libel for one man to publish about another he could not conceive. He now only proposed to call as witnesses the hall porter of the club and the officer, Detective-inspector Greet, who executed the warrant. After their evidence he would ask for an adjournment, and the whole matter could be gone into on a future occasion, because he did not propose to rest his case simply upon the question of this libel. He proposed to go into other cases which had occurred before the 18th February, and after they had been investigated he would ask the magistrate to commit the defendant to take his trial.
Sir George Lewis asked that before any evidence was taken the case should be adjourned, so that he might consult with his client and have more time to consider the matter.
Sir George Lewis asked that before any evidence was taken the case should be adjourned, so that he might consult with his client and have more time to consider the matter.
Sir George Lewis asked that before any evidence was taken the case should be adjourned, so that he might consult with his client and have more time to consider the matter.
Mr. Humphreys said that he only proposed now calling two witnesses, whose evidence would be very short, and the whole matter could be gone into next week.
Mr. Humphreys said that he only proposed now calling two witnesses, whose evidence would be very short, and the whole matter could be gone into next week.
Mr Humphreys said he only proposed then to call two witnesses, whose evidence would be very short, and the whole matter could be gone into next week.
Sidney Wright, hall porter of the Albemarle Club, Piccadilly, said that the defendant presented himself at the club on February 18, and handed him the card produced. He wrote the words on the card in his presence, excepting the letter "A." He said, "Give that to Oscar Wilde." Witness wrote on the back of the card the date and hour when the card was given him. He put the card into an envelope, so that it should not be lost. On February 28 Mr. Oscar Wilde called at the club. (In reply to the magistrate — He did not seal the envelope down.) Continuing — He knew that Mrs. Wilde was a member of the club. When Mr. Wilde called at the club he handed him the envelope containing the card, and said that Lord Queensberry had left the card for him. Cross-examined — He made it quite evident that the card was to be delivered to Mr. Wilde. Knew nothing of the circumstances preceding the delivery of the card.
Sidney Wright, hall porter of the Albemarle Club, Piccadilly, said that the defendant presented himself at the club on February 18, and handed him the card produced. He wrote the words on the card in his presence, excepting the letter "A." He said, "Give that to Oscar Wilde." Witness wrote on the back of the card the date and hour when the card was given him. He put the card into an envelope, so that it should not be lost. On February 28 Mr. Oscar Wilde called at the club. (In reply to the magistrate — He did not seal the envelope down.) Continuing — He knew that Mrs. Wilde was a member of the club. When Mr. Wilde called at the club he handed him the envelope containing the card, and said that Lord Queensberry had left the card for him. Cross-examined — He made it quite evident that the card was to be delivered to Mr. Wilde. Knew nothing of the circumstances preceding the delivery of the card.
Inspector Greet deposed that he arrested prisoner at Carter's Hotel. He told him that he held a warrant for his arrest. He then read the warrant to him. The marquis said - "In these cases I thought proceedings were generally taken by summons, but I suppose it is all right. What is the date?" Told him February 18. He then said, "I have been wanting to find Mr. Oscar Wilde for nine or ten days. This thing has been going on for about two years." He made no reply when charged at Vine-street police-station.
Inspector Greet deposed that he arrested prisoner at Carter's Hotel. He told him that he held a warrant for his arrest. He then read the warrant to him. The marquis said - "In these cases I thought proceedings were generally taken by summons, but I suppose it is all right. What is the date?" Told him February 18. He then said, "I have been wanting to find Mr. Oscar Wilde for nine or ten days. This thing has been going on for about two years." He made no reply when charged at Vine-street police-station.
Sir George Lewis — Let me say one word, sir. I venture to say that when the circumstances of this case are more fully known Lord Queensberry acted as he did under feelings of great indignation and -
Sir George Lewis — Let me say one word, sir. I venture to say that when the circumstances of this case are more fully known Lord Queensberry acted as he did under feelings of great indignation and -
Sir George Lewis (to the magistrate): Let me say one word, sir. I venture to say, when the circumstances of this case are more fully known, you will find that Lord Queensberry acted as he did under feelings of great indignation and——
Mr. Newton (interrupting) — I cannot go into that now.
Sir George Lewis — I don't wish this case to be adjourned without its being known that there is nothing against the honor of Lord Queensberry.
Sir George Lewis — I don't wish this case to be adjourned without its being known that there is nothing against the honor of Lord Queensberry.
Sir George Lewis: I don't want the case to be adjourned without its being known that there is nothing against the honor of Lord Queensberry.
Mr. Newton — You mean to say that you have a perfect answer to the charge?
Mr. Newton — You mean to say that you have a perfect answer to the charge?
Mr Newton: You mean to say you have a perfect answer to the charge.
Sir George Lewis — I ask you, sir, to allow his lordship to be at large on his entering into his own recognisances in £1,000.
Sir George Lewis — I ask you, sir, to allow his lordship to be at large on his entering into his own recognisances in £1,000.
Sir George Lewis: I ask you, sir, to allow his lordship to be at large on his entering into his own recognisances in £1,000.
Mr. Humphreys — I should like to have a surety.
The Magistrate — The case will be adjourned for a week, and the defendant will have to find one surety in the sum of £500 and enter into his own recognisances in the sum of £1,000.
The Magistrate — The case will be adjourned for a week, and the defendant will have to find one surety in the sum of £500 and enter into his own recognisances in the sum of £1,000.
Mr Newton: The case will be adjourned for a week, and the defendant will have to find one surety in the sum of £500, and enter into his own recognisances in the sum of £1,000 to appear.
Mr. William Tyser, a merchant, of Gloucester-square, then went into the witness-box and tendered the necessary bail, and the Marquis of Queensberry left the court with his friends.
Mr. William Tyser, a merchant, of Gloucester-square, then went into the witness-box and tendered the necessary bail, and the Marquis of Queensberry left the court with his friends.
Mr William Tyser, a merchant of Gloucester square, then stepped into the witness box, tendered the necessary bail, and the Marquis of Queensberry left the court with his friends.
Mr. Wm. Tyser, a merchant of Gloucester-square, London, was accepted as surety, and the Marquis of Queensberry left the court with his friends.