London Star - Saturday, April 6, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
OSCAR WILDE
CHARGED THIS MORNING
AT BOW-ST.
TAYLOR IS PLACED BY OSCAR'S
SIDE IN THE DOCK
Mr. C. F. Gill Makes a Relentless Opening Speech, and Some Painful Evidence is Given.
There was a big crowd outside Bow-st. half an hour before the doors opened, but most of them had to be content without admittance. Mr. Gill drove up shortly before the doors were opened, and his presence was an indication that the prosecution will not be a half-hearted one. There was a great muster of Pressmen in the lower court, but after waiting half an hour there came the sudden news that the case would be taken in the court upstairs. At once the Pressmen "folded their tents, like the Arabs, and silently stole away -- every man of them--upstairs and along the passage till entrance was gained. The little court was soon so crowded that the ushers began to bring in chairs to accommodate the latest comers. Then after half an hour's wait Mr. Gill, who had met Oscar at Scotland-yard the night before, came into court with Mr. Angus Lewis, the solicitor to the Treasury. In a few minutes the drama was represented by Sir Augustus Harris. Sir John Bridge took his seat and almost immediately Oscar, heavy and flushed,
ENTERED THE DOCK.
He stared round uneasily, and tidgeted incessantly, stroking his face with his brown suède glove. After a whispered inquiry of the constable standing by him, he sat down in the dock and with one arm outstreched along the back rail and the other elbow resting on the end rail took what ease he might.
He started round uneasily, and fidgeted incessantly, stroking his face with his brown suede glove. After a whispered inquiry of the constable standing by him, he sat down in the dock, and, with one arm outstretched along the back rail and the other elbow resting on the end rail, took what ease he might.
Mr. Gill explained that the charge at present to be dealt with were those of acts of indecency at the Savoy Hotel in March 1893. In the upper part of the house in Litlle College-st there lived Taylor, a man closely identified with Wilde. Wilde would afterwards be charged with conspiring with Taylor. Parker was a valet out of place, who was in company with his brother, a groom, when in the St. James's Restaurant, they were accosted by Taylor, who
Mr. Gill explained that the charges at present to be dealt with were those of acts of indecency at the Savoy Hotel in March, 1893. In the upper part of the house in Little College-street there lived Taylor, a man closely identified with Wilde. Wilde would afterwards be charged with conspiring with Taylor. Parker was a valet out of place, who was in company with his brother, a groom, when, in the St. James's Restaurant, they were accosted by Wilde, who
OFFERED THEM DRINK,
took from them their address, and invited them to Little College-st. On a subsequent day Alfred Parker drove with Wilde to the Savoy Hotel--somewhere about the 13 or 14 March. Mr. Gill traced the loathsome story which the prosecution desire to prove. Dealing with the evidence of identification, Mr. Gill remarked that he was a man whom no one who once saw him would be likely to forget--as satisfaction that the artist in Oscar will regard as supporting his claim to be "unique." Parker was leading a respectable life now, and it was painful that his story must be given. It would be corroborated in every step by his brother and by other witnesses, and as the prisoner was an available witness he would have an opportunity, if he chose, of repassing the evidence that he had given elsewhere. Mr. Gill relentless story went on to deal with the other case in which it would be shown that the prisoner had the audacity to commit these offences at the Savoy Hotel, at a hotel in Picadilly, and even at his own house in Tite-st., when all his family were away.
took from them their address, and invited them to Little College-street. On a subsequent day Alfred Parker drove with Wilde to the Savoy Hotel -- somewhere about March 13 or 14. Mr. Gill traced the loathsome story which the prosecution desired to prove. Dealing with the evidence of identification, Mr. Gill remarked that he was a man whom no one who once saw him would be likely to forget. Parker was leading a respectable life now, and it was painful that his story must be given. It would be corroborated in every step by his brother and by other witnesses, and as the prisoner was an available witness he would have an opportunity, if he chose, of repeating the evidence that had been given elsewhere. Mr. Gill's relentless story went on to deal with other cases in which it would be shown that the prisoner had the audacity to commit these offences at the Savoy Hotel, at a hotel in Piccadilly, and even at his own house in Tite-street, when all his family were away.
Charles Parker, aged 19, whose present address and occupation are not yet disclosed, told the story of his meeting Taylor at the St. James's Restaurant.
The evidence was interrupted by the news that Alfred
TAYLOR HAD BEEN ARRESTED.
Mr. Gill suggested that the case should be delayed in order that he might be put in the dock with Oscar, and Sir John Bridge accepted.
Then Mr. Humphreys, prisoner's solicitor, asked how long the magistrate thought it probable he would sit to-day.
Sir John Bridge said it was a case that ought to be disposed of as speedily as possible, and he would sit if necessary till four or five o'clock.
When Taylor arrived he came into the dock with a very polite bow to Oscar, which his fellow prisoner returned. Taylor wore a brown cloth overcoat of the latest sporting cut, with a brown velvet collar. He is clean-shaven, both on face and lip, giving him somewhat the appearance of a barrister. He took matter very coolly and a cynical smile hovered round his thin lips all the morning. He stood up in the dock leaning easily on the rail, while Oscar sat, alternately resting his chin and his forehead on his hands clasped in front of him on the rail.
Parker proceeded then with his tale of the rooms at 13, Little College-st. The drawing-room was well furnished--
"SWELLING ROOMS,"
the ex-valet phrased it at first--and he saw no servants. On the night when he first saw Wilde, he and his brother William met Taylor at the St. James's bar and went together to Kettner's, where in a private room, there was a table laid for dinner for four. It was a good dinner--"very good," witness said, with champagne, and it ended with coffee and brandy. Wilde wrote a cheque for the dinner, and then the two drove to the Savoy Hotel. As the witness related the incidents of his stay there Oscar sighed deeply several times. Wilde had rooms in St. James's place to which witness went "very often." They went together to the Crystal Palace, and they occupied one night a box at the Pavilion. After the performance they went to the rooms in St. James's place. Wilde afterwards drove him to Park walk, Chelsea, where witness had one room at No. 50, and having set him down drove home to Tite-st. On one night Wilde drove down to No.50 to see witness, and kept his cab waiting outside. There was a little unpleasantness with the landlady about the visit, and witness left the lodgings and went to Camera-sq. Chelsea. He had called on Wilde at the Albemarle Hotel, Piccadilly, being taken there by someone whose name was not mentioned. Apparently it was not Taylor. The
LAST TIME HE SAW WILDE
before this case was eight or nine months ago, when in Trafalgar-sq. Wilde was in a hansom. He stopped, shook hands and said witness was "looking as pretty as ever," and then drove off. Taylor, after he left Little College-st went to live at 3, Chapel-st, Chelsea, which was close to Park-walk. Witness had visited him there with his brother last year. Witness was with Taylor arrested in the Fitzroy-sq. case last year, and since that incident witness had given up all such companionship. He had seen Atkins at Taylor's rooms. Witness was in the country when he was found by Mr. Chas. Russell and subpoenaed.
Mr. Travers Humphreys, who had arrived since the opening and was now instructed by Mr. Wilde's solicitor, stated that he was taken by surprise by the evidence, and gained the magistrate's permission to,
POSTPONE HIS CROSS-EXAMINATION.
Taylor, who was undefended, also reserved any questions.
Sir John Bridge adjourned the court for half-an-hour, and returned precisely an hour afterwards, looking as punctual as a policeman.
William Parker, brother of the last witness, a groom, gave evidence of the meeting with Taylor.
William Parker, the brother of the last witness, gave evidence in corroboration.
The case is proceeding.
Sir Edward Clarke.
The Exchange Telegraph Company states on reliable authority that Sir E. Clarke may possibly defend Mr. O. Wilde.
How He Was Arrested.
The arrest-announced last night in a late edition of The Star--was quietly accomplished at the Cadogan Hotel, Sloane-st, whither private detectives employed by Lord Queensberry had tracked him after the sensational end of the Old Bailey trial.
There were happenings of some importance before the arrest. Friends drew money from Oscar's bank, and Inspector Riches and Sergeant Allen arrived from Scotland-yard. Ten minutes afterwards they reappeared; this time Oscar Wilde was their prisoner. No one in the street know what had happened. Oscar had a cigarette between his lips, and he puffed at it nervously as he stopped into a four-wheeler that had been called to the door. He looked neither to the right nor to the left. His face had
A HAGGARD LOOK,
and there was a dull red flush on his cheeks. Quickly the cab drove off, and a good pace was kept up till Scotland-yard was reached.
It is said that when Inspector Riches inquired at the hotel for Mr. Wilde he was told he was not there. This was to ward off what was thought to be an unnecessary intrusion. The inspector, however, insisted. He explained that he was a police officer, and that it would be dangerous to trifle with him. When the inspector stated the object of his visit Mr. Wilde made no reply. When the police and their prisoner alighted at New Scotland-yard Mr. Wilde made an earnest attempt to pay the cabman, but Inspector Riches would not permit it. Nevertheless he pressed some silver into the driver's hand. Mr. Wilde, whose bearing towards the officers of the law was thoroughly respectful asked what the dates in the charge were, and these dates were given. Mr. Wilde made no reply.
A Night in the Cell.
In the dock at Bow-st, where Inspector Digby took the charge, he stood with his hands in his trousers pockets, and leaned with an air of assumed indifference, but it was easy to see that Wilde who had complained of being unnerved by the stinging questions of the relentless Irish Q. C., was now
MORE UNNERVED THAN EVER
by the gravity of the position in which he found himself. One of the friends who was with Wilde at the time of the arrest drove up to Bow-st. shortly after Oscar had been taken to the cells, and wished to leave a portmanteau for him with a change of clothing. This being, in the discretion of the police, an irregular proceeding was not permitted. Soon after Lord Alfred Douglas arrived with an offer of bail. This was refused, much to his astonishment, though he was allowed to have an interview with his friend. He was much distressed at being unable to provide such comfort as he desired Oscar to have in the cells, and also at being unable to obtain his release for the night.
Lord Queensberry's Threat.
The Marquis of Queensberry wishes to correct the statement that has been published with regard to his message to Oscar Wilde. Some of the morning papers stated to-day (that as soon as the trial ended Lord Queensberry sent the following message to Mr. Wilde. -- "If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country, but if you take my son with you I will follow you wherever you go, and shoot you. "This statement is not correct. The message was sent some days ago, and not after the trial ended. Lord Queensberry did not stay he would shoot Mr. Wilde. What he said was that "If he persuaded his misguided son to go with him he would feel quite satisfied in following him (Wilde) and shooting him, did he feel inclined to do so, and was he worth the trouble."
The Marquis of Queensberry wishes to correct the statement that has been published with regard to his message to Oscar Wilde. Some of the morning papers stated yesterday that as soon as the trial ended Lord Queensberry sent the following message to Mr. Wilde: "If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country; but if you take my son with you I will follow you wherever you go, and shoot you." This statement is not correct. The message was sent some days ago, and not after the trial ended. Lord Queensberry did not say he would shoot Mr. Wilde. What he said was that "If he persuaded his misguided son to go with him, he would feel quite justified in following him (Wilde) and shooting him, did he feel inclined to do so, and were he worth the trouble."
The Marquis of Queeosberry wishes to correct the statement that has been published with regard to his message to Oscar Wilde. It has been reported that as soon as the trial ended Lord Queensberry sent the following message to Mr. Wilde :—" If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country ; but if you take my son with you I will follow you wherever you go and shoot you." This statement is not correct. The message was sent some days ago, and not after the trial ended. Lord Queensberry did not say he would shoot Mr. Wilde. What he said was that if he persuaded his misguided son to go with him, he would feel quite justified in following him (Wilde) and shooting him, did he feel inclined to do so, and were he worth the trouble.
The Marquis of Queensberry wishes to correct the statement that has been published with regard to his message to Oscar Wilde. It has been reported that as soon as the trial ended, Lord Queensberry sent the following message to Mr. Wilde: "If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country; but if you take my son with you, I will follow you wherever you go and shoot you." This statement is not correct. The message was sent some days ago, and not after the trial ended. Lord Queensberry did not say he would shoot Mr. Wilde. What he said was that if be persuaded his misguided son to go with him, he would feel quite justified in following him (Wilde) and shooting him, did he feel inclined to do so, and were he worth the trouble.
The Marquis of Queensberry wishes to correct the published statement as to his message to Oscar Wilde, which was reported as follows : "If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country, but if you take my son with you I will follow you wherever you go and shoot you." This statement, his lordship says, is not correct. The message was sent some days ago, and not after the trial ended. Lord Queensberry did not say he would shoot Mr. Wilde. What he said was, that if he persuaded his misguided son to go with him he would feel quite justified in following him (Wilde) and shooting him, did he feel inclined to do so, and were he worth the trouble.
About "The Chameleon,"
Messrs. Ward, Perks, and M'Kay have written the following letter to the Press:
"On behalf of Messrs. Gay and Bird, the publishers of the first and only number of this publication, we ask you to be good enough to allow us to say through your columns that our clients of their own act stopped the sale directly they were aware of the contents of the magazine. Such sale was not stopped at the request of a contributor or anyone else. They were requested to renew the sale, and refused. Had the trial proceeded we should, at the proper time, have tendered our clients to give the above facts in evidence."
Sir,—on behalf of Messrs. Gay and Bird, the publishers of the first and only number of this publication, we ask you to be good enough to allow us to say through your columns that our clients, of their own act, stopped the sale directly they were aware of the contents of the magazine. Such sale was not stopped at the request of the contributor or anyone else. They were requested to renew the sale and refused. Had the trial proceeded we should, at the proper time, have tendered our clients to give the above facts in evidence.—We are, your obedient servants,
Messrs. Ward. Perks, & M'Kay (86, Gracechurch Street), solicitors, write as follows with regard to the "Chameleon"—"On behalf of Messrs. Gay & Bird, the publishers of the first and only number of this publication, we ask you to be good enough to allow us to say through your columns that our clients of their own act stopped the sale directly they were aware of the contents of the magazine. Such sale was not stopped at the request of a contributor or anyone else. They were requested to renew the sale, and refused. Had the trial proceeded, we should, at the proper tims, have tendered our clients to give the above facts in evidence."
Messrs. Ward, Parks, and M'Kay (85, Gracechurch-street), solicitors, write to us as follows with regard to toe Chameleon:--"On behalf of Messrs. Gay and Bird, the publishers of the first and only number of this publication, we ask you to be good enough to allow us to say through your columns that our clients of their own act stopped the sale directly they were aware of the contents of the magazine. Such sale was not stopped at the request of a contributor or any one else. They were requested to renew the sale and refused. Had the trial proceeded, we should, at the proper time, have tendered our clients to give the above facts in evidence."
To the EDITOR of the PALL MALL GAZETTE. Sir,--On behalf of Messrs. Gay and Bird, the publishers of the first and only number of this publication, we ask you to be good enough to allow us to say through your columns that our clients, of their own act, stopped the sale directly they were aware of the contents of the magazine. Such sale was not stopped at the request of a contributor, or any one else. They were requested to renew the sale, and refused. Had the trial proceeded, we should, at the proper time, have tendered our clients to give the above facts in evidence.--We are, your obedient servants, 85, Gracechurch-street E. C., April 5. WARD, PERKS, AND MCKAY.
The Family Feud.
"You may say from me myself," said Lord Douglas of Hawick to an interview yesterday afternoon, "that I and every member of our family, excepting my father, disbelieve absolutely and entirely the allegations of the defence. It is in my opinion, simply a part of the persecution which my father has carried on against us ever since I can remember. I think Mr. Wilde and his counsel to blame for not showing as they could have done, that was the fact."
"You may say from me myself," went on Lord Douglas of Harwick, "that I, and every member of our family, excepting my father, disbelieve absolutely and entirely the allegations of the defence. It is, in my opinion, simply a part of the persecution which my father has carried out ever since I can remember. I think Mr. Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they could have done, what was the fact."
The Leader published an interview with Lord Douglas, in which the latter says: "Myself and every member of the family except father disbelieve all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us ever since I can remember, and that Mr. Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they should have done, that that was the fact."
The "Leader" published an interview with Lord Douglas, in which the latter says: "Myself and every member of the family except father disbelieve all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us ever since I can remember, and that Mr Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they should have done, that that was the fact."
The Leader published an interview with Lord Douglas, in which the latter says: "Myself and every member of the family except father disbelieve all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us ever since I can remember, and that Mr Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they should have done, that that was the fact."
The Leader publishes an interview with Lord Douglass, in which the latter says: "Myself and every member of the family except father, disbelieve all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us ever since I can remember, and that Mr. Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing as they should have done, that that was the fact."
The Leader publishes an interview with Lord Douglas, of Hawick, in relation to the Wilde scandal. Lord Douglas says: "Myself and every member of the family, except father, disbelieve entirely all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us as long as I can remember, and that Mr. Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they could have done, that that was the fact."
"Myself and every member of the family, except father, disbelieve absolutely and entirely all the charges. We think them simply part of the persecution father has carried on against us as long as I can remember, and that Mr. Wilde and his counsel are to blame for not showing, as they could have done, that that was the fact."
Oscar's Plays Still Run.
Oscar's plays were produced last night as usual at the Haymarket and the St. James's Theatre, and at neither place was there any hostile demonstration. At the latter theatre, however, it was noticed that except in those portions of the building reserved and prepaid the audience was much similar than usual. In one or two places slightly discordant remarks were made especially when reference was made to the town of Worthing, but these chiefly came from the gallery and were of a trifting character.
Both Mr Oscar Wilde's plays, "The Ideal Husband" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," were produced to-night as usual at the Haymarket and at the St James Theatre, and at neither place was there any hostile demonstration. At the latter theatre, however, it was noticed that except in those portions of the buildings reserved and prepaid, the audience was smaller than usual. In one or two places slightly discordant remarks were made, especially when reference was made to the town of Worthing, but these chiefly came from the gallery and were of a trifling character.
The management of the New York Lyceum Theatre where "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author's name from the bills and programs. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance," in the Western State has received to omit the play from her répertoire.
The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author’s name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing Wilde’s play, "A Woman of No Importance," in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
New York, Saturday. The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde's play, " An Ideal Husband" is now running, have decided to remove the author's name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rosa Coghlan, who has been playing " A Woman of No Importance" in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
NEW YORK, SATURDAY. The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author’s name from the bills and programmer; Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance" in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
NEW YORK, SATURDAY.The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author’s name from the bills and programmer: Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance" in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
NEW YORK, SATURDAY.—The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author’s name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance" in Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
New York, Saturday.The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author's name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing Wilde’s play, "A Woman of No Importance," in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
A Reuter's New York telegram says :—The management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde's play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author's name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance" in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
A New York telegram to Reuter says that the management of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde's play, "An Ideal Husband," is now running, have decided to remove the author's name from the bills and programmes. Miss Rose Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance" in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.
A [...] telegram from New York says: The [...] of the Lyceum Theatre, where Oscar Wilde’s play "An Ideal Husband" in [...] decided to remove the [...] from the bills and programmes. Miss [...] Coghlan, who has been playing "A Woman of No Importance"—in the Western States, has resolved to omit the play from her repertoire.