London Star - Tuesday, April 30, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
OSCAR WILDE.
Sir Edward Clarke instantly and with emphasis exclaimed, "If that had been done in the first instance I should have applied that the defendants should be tried separately. Of course I know my learned friend has the legal right to withdraw the counts at any stage of the case."
Sir Edward Clarke instantly and with emphasis exclaimed: "If that had been done in the first instance I should have applied that the defendants should be tried separately. Of course, I know my learned friend has the legal right to withdraw the counts at any stage of the case."
Sir Edward Clarke said that if that had been done in the first instance he should have asked for the charges against the two prisoners to be heard separately. Of course, Mr. Gill had a legal right to withdraw the counts at any stage of the case.
His Lordship said the evidence had suggested to his mind that the counts of conspiracy were really unnecessary, and
His lordship said the evidence had suggested to his mind that the counts of conspiracy were really unnecessary, and
Mr. Justice Charles said the evidence had suggested to his mind that the conspiracy counts were unnecessary.
Mr. JUSTICE CHARLES.--After the evidence had been given it occurred to my own mind that the counts for conspiracy were really unnecessary counts altogether.
Sir Edward Clarke said that he must ask that a verdict of not guilty on the conspiracy counts might at once be taken of the jury.
Sir Edward Clarke said he must ask that a verdict of not guilty on the conspiracy counts might at once be taken of the jury.
His Lordship: I cannot say that. All I can say at the present stage of the trial is that I feel it my duty to accede to Mr. Gill's application.
His Lordship: I cannot say that. All I can say at the present stage of the trial is that I feel it my duty to accede to Mr. Gill's application.
MR. JUSTICE CHARLES.-- I think at the present stage of the trial it is my duty to say that I accede to Mr. Gill's application.
Sir Edward Clarke: At some part of the case I shall claim that a verdict of not guilty be entered on these counts.
Sir Edward Clarke: At some part of the case I shall claim that a verdict of not guilty be entered on these counts.
SIR EDWARD CLARKE.-- Then I say that at some stage of the case I shall ask for a verdict of not guilty to be entered on those counts.
Sir Edward Clarke.-- That cannot be done. I have a right to have a verdict of not guilty on these counts.
Before the sensation of this first surprise had died away Sir Edward Clarke was on his feet again. "Have you something more to say?" asked his lordship; and the
SENSATION WAS REDOUBLED
when Sir Edward Clarke replied, "No, my lord, I was about to address the jury," After the announcement that had just been made, he said, an announcement of the importance and significance of which he would have much to say later is the day, he was going to call Mr. Oscar Wilde before the jury as a witness! This decision had not been arrived at in consequence of the decision of Mr. Gill in regard to charges which, if they were not to be proceeded with, should never have been put into the indictment. And Sir Edward was fully alive to all the consequences of the course he had elected to take. To put Mr. Wilde in the witness-box would entitle Mr. Gill to the right of reply in the case, and expose him (Sir Edward) to the consequence of having that evidence and his own observations commented on and replied to. But he had never attached as much importance to "the last word" as the great advocate who taught him his profession used to do.
Before the sensation of this first surprise had died away Sir Edward Clarke was on his feet again. "Have you something more to say?" asked his lordship; and the sensation was redoubled when Sir Edward Clarke replied: "No, my lord, I was about to address the jury." After the announcement that had just been made, he said, an announcement of the importance and significance of which he would have much to say later in the day, he was going to call Mr. Oscar Wilde before the jury as a witness! This decision had not been arrived at in consequence of the decision of Mr. Gill in regard to charges which, if they were not to be proceeded with, should never have been put into the indictment. And Sir Edward was fully alive to all the consequences of the course he had elected to take. To put Mr. Wilde in the witness-box would entitle Mr. Gill to the right of reply in the case, and expose him (Sir Edward) to the consequence of having that evidence and his own observations commented on and replied to. But he had never attached as much importance to "the last word" as the great advocates who taught him his profession used to do.
The court was very hushed and still when the full significance of Sir Edward Clarke's decision was realised. Wilde himself was least moved of anyone, sitting impassive and expressionless in his corner of the dock. But when Sir Edward had fully embarked on an eloquent and most impressive opening of the case for the defence, Wilde leaned forward as if irresistibly drawn out of his habitual attitude of insouciance by their fervor and
DEEP EARNESTNESS
of his advocate. Sir Edward first protected against the notion of Mr. Gill yesterday is insisting on reading, for the purpose of prejudicing Mr. Wilde, the cross-examination in the Queensberry case. I was a cross-examination upon his books and writings, and Coleridge had long ago said, "judge no man by his books. The man is more a greater than his books." But Mr. Wilde had been judged, not by his own books alone, but by articles written by other people which he had repudiated as horrible and disgusting. Sir Edward would not himself save the smallest hesitation about defending "Dorian Grey," a very simple story which appeared first in Lippincott's, a publication in the highest class of American periodical literature, and which, in book form, had since been in constant circulation and on sale in every English bookshop. As to Mr. Carson's cross-examination of Wilde as the French work, "A Rebours," Sir Edward described it as genuinely unfair, and a violation of every canon of justice. He described Wilde's responsibility for any of the views expressed in that book or in the story of "The Priest and the Acolyte," about which Wilde was one of
The court was very hushed and still when the full significance of Sir Edward Clarke's decision was realised. Sir Edward first protested against the action of Mr. Gill yesterday in insisting on reading, for the purpose of prejudicing Wilde, the cross-examination in the Queensberry case. It was a cross-examination upon his books and writings, and Coleridge had long ago said: "Judge no man by his books. The man is more and greater than his books." But Mr. Wilde had been judged, not by his own books alone, but by articles written by other people which he had repudiated as horrible and disgusting. Sir Edward would not himself have the smallest hesitation about defending "Dorian Grey," a very simple story which appeared first in Lippincott's, a publication in the highest class of American periodical literature, and which, in book form, had since been in constant circulation and on sale in every English bookshop. As to Mr. Carson's cross-examination of Wilde on the French work, "Á Rebours," Sir Edward described it as grossly unfair, and a violation of every cannon of justice. He denied Wilde's responsibility for any of the views expressed in that book or in the story of "The Priest and the Acolyte," about which Wilde was one of the first to protest. Then, passing from the literary part of the case, Sir Edward pointed out that the latest date at which misconduct was charged against Wilde was September, 1893, 18 months ago, and that it was his own act in prosecuting Lord Queensberry which had brought this matter before the public and placed him at his present peril. Wilde had long been, and was now, a friend of Lady Queensberry and her son. Lord Queensberry had been divorced from his wife.
THE FIRST TO PROTEST.
Then, passing from the literary part of the case, Sir Edward pointed out that the latest date at which misconduct was charged against Wilde was September, 1893, 18 months ago, and that it was his own act in prosecuting Lord Queensberry which had brought this matter before the public and placed him in his present peril. Wilde had long been, and was now, a friend of Lady Queensberry and her son. Lord Queensberry had been divorced from his wife.
Mr. C.F. Gill interrupted that this was irrelevant and in no way material to the present case, and he should protest against any attack on Lord Queensberry, who was not represented here.
Mr. C. F. Gill interrupted that this was irrelevant, and in no way material to the present case, and he should protest against any attack on Lord Queensberry, who was not represented here.
There was a laugh when Sir Edward replied that Mr. Gill rebuking irrelevance was rather amusing. He did not further describe Lord Queensberry's position, but proceeded that he, Sir Edward, was responsible for the advice given to Mr. Wilde in the Queensberry case, and it was partly because of that fact that he was here again on Wilde's behalf to meet an accusation which could not be properly tried then. Men charged with offences like those alleged against Mr. Wilde, he said, when they know themselves to be guilty, shrink from investigation. Men guilty of such offences suffer from
A SPECIES OF INSANITY.
What then would they think of the mental condition of a man who, knowing himself to be guilty, and that evidence of his guilt would be forthcoming from half-a-dozen different places, insisted on bringing his case before the world. On 30 March, before the previous trial, Mr. Wilde knew this catalogue of accusations against him. He nevertheless went into the witness box, as he would now go into the witness box again, to deny absolutely that there was the least truth in any of them.
Mr. Grain said he would also call Taylor to give evidence on his own behalf, but he did not propose to make more than one speech to the jury.
Wilde was then called and sworn. He stepped alertly from the dock to the witness-box, and then, standing erect, or leaning in an easy attitude on the front of the box he
QUIETLY ANSWERED
Sir Edward Clarke's questions. He repeated once more the story of his classical distinctions at Dublin and Oxford, where he took his degree in 1878. Since that year, he said, he had devoted himself to literary work. Recently he had devoted himself specially to dramatic literature, and his first play, "Lady Windermere's Fan," was produced in the early part of 1892. He had since produced "A Woman of No Importance," "An Ideal Husband," and "The Importance of Being Earnest," and had also written "Salomé," a tragedy in French, and contributions for various magazines. In 1884 he married Miss Lloyd, and has two sons. His wife and sons have always lived with him at 16, Tite-st. He also had between October, 1893, and April, 1894, rooms at 10, St. James's-place. They were taken for literary work, and he very rarely slept there. His house at Tite-st. was very small, and he always found it most convenient to work elsewhere, that he might not be disturbed. It was entirely and solely for that purpose he took the rooms at St. James's-place. At his previous examination in the Queensberry case he denied every one of the charges made against him.
Wilde was then called and sworn, He stepped alertly from the dock to the witness-box, and then, standing erect, or leaning in an easy attitude on the front of the box, he quietly answered Sir Edward Clarke's questions. He repeated once more the story of his classical distinctions at Dublin and Oxford, where he took his degree in 1878. Since that year, he said, he had devoted himself to literary work. Recently he had devoted himself specially to dramatic literature, and his first play, "Lady Windermere's Fan," was produced in the early part of 1892. He had since produced "A Woman of No Importance," "An Ideal Husband," and "The Importance of Being Earnest," and had also written "Salomé," a tragedy in French, and contributions for various magazines. In 1884 he married miss Lloyd, and has two sons. His wife and sons have always lived with him at 16, Tite-street. He also had between October, 1893, and April, 1894, rooms at 10, St. James's-place. They were taken for literary work, and he very rarely slept there. His house at Tite-street was very small, and he always found it most convenient to work elsewhere, that he might not be disturbed. It was entirely and solely for that purpose he took the rooms at St. James's-place. At his previous examination in the Queensberry case he denied every one of the charges made against him.
Was the evidence that you gave on that occasion absolutely true? - Entirely true evidence.
Is there any truth in any of the allegations made against you in the evidence in this case? - There is
Is there any truth whatever in the accusations made against you in this indictment? None whatever.
Is there any truth whatever in the accusations made against you in this indictment? None whatever.
Is there-any truth whatever in the accusations made; against you in this indictment? -None whatever.
NO TRUTH WHATSOEVER
in any one of the allegations. No truth whatsoever.
With this emphatic declaration the examination in chief was concluded, and Mr. C. F. Gill tose with the weightier purpose of cross-examining. He spoke first of "Dorian Grey," and the letters to Lord Alfred Douglas, the originals of which were handed to the witness. He reminded the witness that he had said Lord Alfred Douglas contributed two poems to the "Chameleon," and that they were beautiful poems. "Yes," said the witness. The first, Mr. Gill continued, was "In Praise of Shame," concluding, "Of all sweet passions, shame is the loveliest."
"May I---," said Mr. Wilde.
"No!" Mr. Gill sharply replied. "Kindly answer my questions!"
"Certainly," said Mr. Wilde; but Mr. Justice Charles interposed, "If you have any explanations to add to your answer you may do so."
"Certainly," said Wilde; but Mr. Justice Charles interposed, "If you have any explanation to add to your answer you may do so."
"It is not for me to explain anyone else's work," said Mr. Wilde, "but the explanation given to me by the person who wrote that sonnet was that the word shame was used in the
SENSE OF MODESTY--
to feel shame, or not to feel shame. It seemed to me obscure."
The other sonnet was entitled "The Two Loves." It concluded, "'I am true love, I fill the heart of girl and boy with mutual flame.' Then, sighing, said the other, 'Have your will. I am the love that dares not speak its name.'"
Witness: That is clear.
Mr. Gill: Clear that it refers to natural love and unnatural love?
"Oh no," said the witness, "most certainly not," and entered upon the explanation which unfortunately was not at times perfectly audible. The love that dare not speak its name, he said, was the great affection between an elder and a younger man, as between David and Jonathan, such as Plato made the basis of his philosophy, such as you find in the sonnets of Michael Angelo and Shakespeare, "and these two letters of mine." It was a love so misunderstood that it might be described as "the love that dare not speak its name." There was
NOTHING UNNATURAL
about it. It was beautiful, it was fine, it was noble, it was intellectual, this love between an elder man, with his experience of life and a younger with all the joy and hope of life before him.
This long explanation was delivered with a dramatic emphasis that drew a burst of spontaneous applause from the small public gallery, His lordship was deeply annoyed. "If there is the slightest manifestation of feeling," he said, "I shall certainly have the court cleared."
Mr. Gill tried to apply this definition to the two letters to Lord Alfred Douglas--the first containing the references to the slim gilt soul and the red rose-leaf lips, and the second saying, "You are the most divine thing I want," and describing Lord Alfred Douglas's letter as being "delightful red and yellow wine to me."
Mr. Gill then read the letter written by the witness to Lord Alfred Douglas which was produced in the Queensberry case--the first containing references to the slim gilt soul and the red rose-leaf lips, and the second saying, "You are the divine thing I want," and describing Lord Alfred Douglas's letter as being "delightful red and yellow wine to me."
"There is nothing in that," said the witness, "of which I am ashamed. It is full of deep affection. The other letter was more of a prose poem, more of a literary answer to a sonnet he had sent me."
"There is nothing in that," said the Witness, "of which I am ashamed. It is full of deep affection. The other letter was more of a prose poem, more of a literary answer to a sonnet he had sent me."
Passing to the incidents at the Savoy Hotel, Mr. Gill asked if the witness would contradict the evidence of the hotel servants. "It is entirely untrue!'' he replied, and with some temper added, "Can I answer for what hotel servants say years after I left the hotel?
Passing to the incidents at the Savoy Hotel, Mr. Gill asked if the witness would entirely contradict the evidence of the hotel servants. "It is entirely untrue!" he replied, and with some temper added, "Can In answer for what hotel servants say years after I have left the hotel?
IT IS CHILDISH.
I am not responsible for hotel servants." He denied that Charles Parker ever went with him to the Savoy Hotel at all, while admitting that he had lunched at St. James's-place. Edward Shelley's accusations of impropriety were equally untrue.
"Did you see no impropriety is kissing him?" asked Mr. Gill, and the witness replied, "I certainly do not think that one should kiss a young man." It was true that the lad Atkins went to Paris with him, but quite untrue that that any impropriety occurred, as was suggested, there. Schwabe was certainly there, but there were three bedrooms.
Atkins never tried to blackmail you in any way? - No.
And you have no complaint to make of Barton? - No.
Do you know him? - No.
Apart from the suggestions of indecency Atkins's statements were in the main true, and the same remark applied to Wood's evidence. He was introduced to Taylor by Schwabe, and at his rooms in Little College-st., met actors and singers, chiefly young men. the only men ever introduced to him by Taylor to whom his had given money were Charles Parker and Ernest Scarfe.
A rather
CURIOUS ESTABLISHMENT,
wasn't it, Taylor's? - I didn't think so. I thought it Bohemian.
Not the sort of place you usually visit at? You had no other friends in that street? - Of no; merely a bachelor's place. Did you notice that no one could see in through the windows? - No, that I didn't notice.
He burned incense, did he not? - Pastilles, I think.
What did you go there for? - To amuse myself sometimes--smoke a cigarette--music--singing--chat--nonsense.
What was Taylor's occupation? - I understood he had private means.
Then I may take it that you never saw anything at Little College-st. to excite suspicion? - The witness nodded.
And up to the time of the trial nothing had occurred to shake your faith in Taylor? - Nothing.
Mr. Gill now introduced
A NEW NAME
to the case. He asked, "After the Queensberry case was committed for trial did you not see, at Calais, a boy named Tankard, who used to be page at the Savoy Hotel?" "Yes," said the witness, that was when Lord Alfred Douglas and he were going abroad for a few days (the occasion of the flying visit to Monte Carlo) and before the plea of justification, which introduces Tankard's name, had been put in. As to Alphonso Conway, the boy of the beach at Worthing, he was such a happy, bright boy, it was a pleasure to talk to him.
Did you feel this deep affection of an elder man to a younger man towards all these boys?" asked Mr. Gill, and the witness replied with a kind of exaltation. "Certainly not! one feels that once in one's life, and only once, towards anyone."
This practically concluded the cross-examination, which had not been very fruitful of results. Sir Edward claim briefly re-examined. The witness explained that passing through the Calais he recognised the boy Tankard, who was doorkeeper at the buffet. He merely asked him how he was getting on, and he replied that he was learning French. At that time witness knew nothing of the plea of justification. Taylor was an
ACCOMPLISHED PIANIST,
and there was always music at his rooms. When the witness heard that Wood had letters of his he communicated with Sir George Lewis, and Taylor arranged a meeting at his rooms. Witness was anxious to get back those letters (which have not been produced) because they contained some slighting references to other people, which he would not have liked to have published. Then he received an anonymous letter saying that Wood had other letters, and intended to try and extort money by means of them. Witness did not give any money for them at all, but he gave Wood money to enable him to go to America.
In reference to the two poems by Lord Alfred Douglas in the "Chameleon," the witness denied that he had anything to do with their publication, and this concluded his re-examination.
"Alfred Taylor," cried Mr. Grain, whose client changed places with Wilde, nervously struggling to get off his right glove for the purpose of being sworn. Hitherto little has been heard of Taylor's antecedents. He now described himself, in a clear and not unpleasant voice, as 33 years of age, and the son of a manufacturer whose business was now being carried on as a limited company. Up to the age of 16 or 17 he was
EDUCATED AT MARLBOROUGH
School, afterwards going as a private tutor to a house at Preston, near Brighton. He afterwards entered the militia, 4th Batt. Royal Fusiliers, City of London Regiment, with the idea of going into the Army. On coming of age in 1883 he came into a fortune of £45,000, and since that time had had no occupation, living a life of pleasure. The charges of gross misconduct being put to him seriatim, he denied them categorically as "Certainly not true," "Absolutely untrue."
"Alfred Taylor" was called by Mr. Grain. He described himself as thirty-three years of age, and the son of a manufacturer whose business was now being carried on as a limited company. Up to the age of sixteen or seventeen he was educated at Marlborough School, afterwards going to a private tutor at Preston, near Brighton. He afterwards entered the militia, 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, City of London Regiment, with the idea of going into the army. On coming of age in 1883 he came into a fortune of £45,000, and since that time had had no occupation, living a life of pleasure. The charges of gross misconduct being put to him seriatim, he denied them categorically as "Certainly not true," "Absolutely untrue."
Cross-examined by MR. C. F. Gill, he admitted that the witnesses who had sworn to it had slept at his rooms at Little College-st., and that he had there certain articles of female apparel.
Cross-examined by Mr. C.F. Gill, he admitted that the witnesses who had sworn to it had slept at his rooms at Little College-street, and that he had there certain articles of female apparel. The dress came from Constantinople, and was obtained for use at a fancy dress ball.
At the time you were living at Chapel-st., were you in serious money difficulties? - I had just gone through the Bankruptcy Court.
At the time you were living at Chapel-street were you in serious money difficulties? - I had just gone through the Bankruptcy Court.
Alluding to the depraved life of certain lads, Mr. Gill asked, "You know what I mean?" and the witness replied, "Yes, I thoroughly understand," but
ABOSLUTELY DENIED
that he had been in any way associated with them.
Did you know Wilde well? - Yes.
Did you ever tell them he was fond of boys? - No, never.
Do you know that he is? - I believe he is fond of young people.
Taylor corroborated the story that it was to celebrate his birthday that Wilde invited him to dine at Kettner's, and bring any friends he liked. He took the Parkers, but there was no impropriety of any kind. Asked if he knew a man named Marven who was concerned in the Fitsroy-st. raid, Taylor said yes. Whether he knew what Marven was, that he had "heard a good deal." Witness and Parker were both captured in that raid, but were discharged from custody. Taylor described with every appearance of candor the way in which he made the acquaintance of the various lads who had given evidence in the case, and the tea parties in which they indulged at Little College-st. The cross-examination did not materially advance the case or evoke any kind of damaging admission.
The Court was adjourned for lunch.
Having forfeited the last word, sir Edward Clarke was now required to address the jury on behalf of Wilde. It was so close upon the usual time of adjournment however, that his lordship suggested luncheon first and speech afterwards. Breathing space was very welcome, and gave people
TIME TO REALISE
1. That the withdrawal of the conspiracy indictment has solved the difficulty in regard to which Sir Edward Clarke last night lodged his demurrer.
2. That the defendants, contrary to expectation, had not suffered, even if they had not gained, by going into the witness-box, while they had disarmed the obvious criticism which would have been passed had they not given evidence.
Sir Edward Clarke began in measured terms a careful analysis of the case for the prosecution. Appealing to the jury to set aside prejudice, and regard only the evidence which had been laid before them, he asked if they could possibly find Wilde guilty of the terrible offences with which he was charged. He complained of the embarrassment caused by the action of the Crown in allowing the conspiracy counts of the indictments to stand till late in the case, and pointed out what he said was the cruel hardship of trying the prisoners conjointly on charges, many of which affect them individually only. Taylor, for example, could not possibly be concerned in the charges made by Edward Shelley against Wilde, nor Wilde in the misconduct alleged to have taken place in Taylor's rooms. Dealing then with the evidence, Sir Edward pointed out that in cross-examining Mr. Gill had dealt, not with Wilde's own writing, but with two
POEMS WRITTEN BY LORD ALFRED
Douglas, with which Wilde had no more to do than Sir Edward--or the jury.
The case is proceeding.