London Star - Monday, April 8, 1895

OSCAR WILDE IN PRISON
Eats Little and Sleeps Less in Spite of
A Doctor's Draught.

After the preliminary and formal investigation which attaches to all prisoners arriving at Holloway Gaol Oscar Wilde on Saturday evening was conveyed to one of the better class cells in the prison, the occupation of which in preference to the ordinary cell is provided for in the prison regulation on the payment of a nominal amount, about a shilling a day. It has been arranged that one of the prisoners at present in Holloway shall perform the menial duties which every prisoner is bound to perform in his cell unless prepared to pay for a substitute. His meals will be sent unto the prison by arrangement between his friends and a local caterer. The regulations permit of his being visited daily by a friend. The only points of discomfort are that he will have to forego cigarette smoking, and parade for exercise with the other occupants of the gaol awaiting trial.

For the first few hours Oscar Wilde paced up and down his cell, and though through his friends some dainty food--accompanied by cold water only--was during the night brought him he ate but little. Lord A. Douglas sought to see him, but prison regulations did not permit more than his legal advisor being admitted. About eleven he complained of insomnia, and the police surgeon was called, and gave him a sleeping draught, but to no purpose, as he slept little, and mainly walked his cell during the night. For breakfast a can of coffee and a little bread and butter was his listless choice, and though he was apparently thirsty he did not evince any hunger.

Who Paid the Fare?

It was stated that thought Wilde was anxious to pay the cabman who took him from Cadogan Hotel to the police-station, he was not allowed to do so. A correspondent, who says he was a spectator of the scene, writes to correct this version. "The officer," he says, "was going to pay, but when he saw Mr. Wilde so determined he allowed him to do so."

Rumors of More Arrests.

It is stated that another sensational development may be expected before Thursday. Warrants are understood to have been granted for the arrest of four other persons whose names have been canvassed in connection with the case.

The Plays.

The managers of the Haymarket Theatre write us that they do not feel justified in making large numbers of people suffer by altering their plans, and that they shall therefore adhere to their engagements and play the piece at the Criterion on Saturday, 13 April. ``An Ideal Husband,'' as they point out, is an entirely innocent play, which has been well received as an agreeable entertainment and has already been performed over 100 times.

About Bail.

A rumor was prevalent at the Law Courts this morning that Mr. Oscar Wilde's advisers intended to make an application to a judge in chambers to grant bail. No notice has yet been given, a Star man hears, of their intention to take this course, nor is it likely that it will be followed. While a charge is in process of hearing by a magistrate, a judge in chambers will never interfere by directing the magistrate to grant vail. The reason for this is obvious; there may be other charges in reserve, other witnesses whom it is desired to find. In the case of Mr. Oscar Wilde, it is not yet certain whether the charge ultimately preferred against him is to be one of misdemeanor or felony, and until this close of the magisterial proceeding it is certain that no such application as rumored will be granted, nor is likely to be made.

Sir E. Clarke's Generous Offer.

The offer of Sir Edward Clarke to defend Oscar Wilde on his trial without fee has been gratefully accepted.