Reynolds's Newspaper - Sunday, April 28, 1895

WILDE-TAYLOR.
AT THE OLD BAILEY.
THE SCENE IN COURT.
ASTOUNDING EVIDENCE.
A PLEA OF "NOT GUILTY"
OSCAR LOOKS ILL.
TAYLOR COMES UP SMILING.
THE SENSATION OF THE DAY.

The trial of Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor was begun at the Old Bailey on Friday morning. As at the extraordinary case that was heard at the last sessions only three weeks ago, when Wilde was prosecutor and the Marquis of Queensberry was in the dock charged with criminal libel, the public interest in the proceedings was intense. The Old Court was thronged. The gallery, as before, was from an early hour packed with a most unusually well-dressed crowd.

Mr. C.F. Gill, Mr. Horace Avory, and Mr. A. Gill had charge of prosecution on behalf of the public prosecutor. Wilde was defended by Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys. Mr. J.P. Grain and Mr. Paul Taylor appeared for the prisoner Taylor, and Mr Leonard Kershaw held a watching brief for the witness Mavor.

Punctually at 10:30 the Judge, Mr Justice Charles, in his scarlet robes, but with his small wig, not the great heavy-bottomed one kept for special occasions and the opening of country assizes, entered the court, bowing to the jury and the bar, and took his coat on the right of the Lord Mayor.

THE PRISONERS WERE BROUGHT INTO THE DOCK.

Wilde, looking almost haggard, and fallen away from his old fleshiness, wore the dark overcoat and suede gloves which have been his attire throughout these painful cases, and still carried his scrupulously brushed silk hat. Taylor for the first time wore an overcoat of light brown cloth with a collar of slightly darker velvet, and was suede-gloved like his companion. He was neatly groomed as ever, but his fresh-coloured face wore a much more serious expression then when he was first brought up at Bow-street, though he seldom stop grinning. Wilde carried in his hand a small blue volume, possibly a volume of poems, which he played on the ledge of the dock before him. He straightened himself up and signed as he looked over at the Bench.

The Clerk of Arraigns, having read the principle of the

TWENTY-FIVE COUNTS OF THE INDICTMENTS

against the prisoners called upon Wilde to plead first.

Sir Edward Clark took a preliminary technical objection, to the effect that his client should be asked to plead under the criminal law Amendment Act under which he can give evidence or to the charge of conspiracy with Taylor. Both charges were mixed up in the indictment and put his client to some disadvantage. The Judge, however, ruled that he was bound by decided cases, and this course could not be adopted.

PRISONERS PLEAD "NOT GUILTY."

Wilde was then again called to plead, and in cleared tones replied, "Not guilty." Taylor was next called upon, and rather huskily replied in the same words. Both prisoners were then provided with chairs in the dock.

Sir Edward Clarke rose again and demanded that the prosecution should now elect to whether they would proceed under the charge of indecency or that of conspiracy. While the second question was being discussed the prisoners divested themselves of their great-coats and made themselves as comfortable as the circumstances would permit.

Mr. Gill replied that the question of election was won the entirely for the discretion of the Judge.

His lordship that it was impossible for him to put the prosecution to election. The fact that indictment was inconvenient would not justify him in requiring the prosecution to abandon one section of it.

FOR THE PROSECUTION.

Mr. C.F. Gill opened the case for the prosecution. With regard to the nature of the case, he was sure that the jury had read and heard much. He asked them to dismiss from their mind anything they knew of the case, and listen to the evidence to be brought before them with impartiality. Mr. Gill narrated the history of the case from March 1, when Wilde took out a warrant for the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry on a charge of libel, to the collapse of the case against the Marquis through "certain disclosures" made in the hearing of the case, and the subsequent story of arrest and the committal. Mr Gill described the nature of the offences with which the men were separately and jointly charged. Briefly, they were against Wilde for acts of indecency and again Taylor of procuring facility for Wilde to commit indecency, and also with himself committing indecency.

There was no sound in the court, except the moving of the people in their seats, when Mr Gill sat down--no expression of feeling one way or the other, as so frequently marked the Queensberry trial. But when, as immediately followed, the first witness was called, and Charles Parker stepped forward, the vulgar curiosity to get a good view of the fellow caused several of the well dressed men in court to produce opera glasses! They did not appear proud of the act; they did it as furtively as they could, and then hid the glasses in their hats or beneath their coats.

THE FIRST WITNESS.

Charles Parker, pale with the story he had to tell, related how when he and his brother William were out of service in February, 1893, Taylor, a stranger to them then, spoke to them in the St. James's Restaurant, and, after suggesting to them the disgusting means whereby they might obtain plenty of money, offered to introduce them to Wilde. He told of the supper with Wilde at Kettner's, when the tables were lit with red-shaded candles and champagne with plentiful.

Was the dinner a good dinner? - Yes. The table with lighted with shaded candles. We had champagne with our dinner, and brandy and coffee afterwards. Wilde paid for the dinner. Subsequently, Wilde said to me, "This is the boy for me. Will you go to the Savoy Hotel with me?" I consented, and Wilde drove me in a cab to the hotel. He took me first into a sitting-room on the second floor, where he ordered some more drink--whiskey and soda. Wilde then asked me to go into his bedroom with him. [Witness here described certain acts of indecency which took place in the apartment.] Before I left Wilde gave me £2, telling me to call at the Savoy Hotel in a week. I went there about a week afterwards at eleven o'clock at night. We had supper, with champagne. Wilde on that occasion committed the same acts as on the first occasion. I stayed about 2 hours. When I left Wilde gave me £3. I remember subsequently going with my brother to 13, Little College-street. We slept there with Taylor. Taylor told me on that occasion that he had gone through a form of marriage with a youth named Mason.

Did he say who acted as the woman? - Yes; he said he did; that he was in woman's dress, and then they had a wedding breakfast. [Witness here related proposals made by Taylor for the commission of indecencies, but to which Parker would not assent. He gave evidence as to the actual commission of gross acts at Taylor's rooms in Chapel-street.] I had for a fortnight or three weeks a bedroom at 50, Park-walk, Chelsea. Wilde visited me there one night about 11:30 or twelve. He came in a cab, and drove away after staying about a quarter of an hour. After that incident my landlady gave me notice to leave, and I left.

Apart from money, did Wilde give you any presents? - Yes, he gave me a silver cigarette case and a gold ring.

You pawned the cigarette case and the ring? - Yes.

Examination continued: I visited Wilde at St. James's-place. Taylor gave me the address. Wilde had a bedroom and a sitting room opening into each other. I have been there in the morning and to tea in the afternoon. [Witness described

A REVOLTING ACT OF INDECENCY

with Wilde, which took place on one of these occasions.] I remember dining with Wilde at Kettner's and then going back to the London Pavilion. We went back to St. James's-place, where the same thing occurred as before. I committed an act of indecency with Wilde at the Albemarle Hotel. The last time I saw Wilde was about nine months ago when walking in Trafalgar-square. Wilde was riding in a cab. He stopped and spoke to me. He asked how I was, and told me I was looking as pretty as ever.

Did you continue your acquaintance with Taylor until a certain incident occurred--you were arrested? - Yes.

When did you cease your association with Taylor? - In August, 1894. I went away into the country, and took up another occupation.

The Judge: What was the occupation? - I enlisted, and while I was with my regiment I was seen by the solicitor of Lord Queensberry, who took down my statement.

Mr. Gill: Until you became acquainted with Taylor had you ever been mixed up with men in the commission of indecent acts? - No, never.

Sir E. Clarke (to witness): On what day did you enlist? - On September 3. Mr. Russell came to see me about this case at the latter end of March. That was the first I had heard of these matters. I enlisted in my own name. I do not know how Mr. Russell found me out. I stated at the police court that I had received £30, part of moneys extorted from a gentleman with whom I had committed acts of indecency. I received the £30 a few days before I was arrested in August 1894.

I don't ask the name of the gentleman from whom the money was extorted, but I do ask the names of the two men who got the money and gave you £30? - Wood and Allen. I could not tell you where Allen is now. He used to live in Crawford-street.

When the incident occurred in consequence of which you receives the £30--how long before? After long hesitation Witness said: I cannot think.

You had had indecent behaviour with the gentleman in question? - Yes, but only on one occasion, at Camera-square.

Where you were living? - Yes.

Did the gentlemen come to your room? - Yes.

By your invitation? - He asked me if he could come.

And you took him home with you? - Yes.

How much did Wood and Allen tell you they got? - About £400 or £500.

Was that the first time of money for such a thing that you had received? - Yes.

What did you do with the £30? - Spent it.

And then went into the army? - I spent it in a couple of days.

When Taylor asked you if you ever went with men and got money for it did you understand what he meant? - Yes.

You have heard of such things before? - Yes.

Then it was with the intention of entering upon such practices that you called upon Taylor? - No.

Then why did you call upon him? - Because he asked me to.

You meant to go with men and get money? - Yes.

You understood the practices you were going to enter upon? - Yes. I told Wilde that I wanted to get some employment on the stage. I knew that Wilde was a dramatist and had much to do with theatres; and I suggested that he might help me.

When you allowed yourself to be introduced to Mr. Wilde you knew perfectly well the purpose for which the introduction was made? - Yes.

At the dinner Mr. Wilde was the principal conversationalist, I suppose? - Yes.

And you found him a brilliant and amusing talker? - Yes.

Cross-examination continued: On the first visit to the Savoy Wilde locked bedroom door. I did not see any servants as I left the hotel. I went away in a hansom. As to the second visit. Wilde told me the night and the time to come again. I found Wilde occupying the same rooms. I gave him my name and the hall Porter showed me up by the lift. Wilde on this occasion, too, locked the bedroom door. The waiter who served the supper, of course, saw me there.

There there was no concealment about your visit, was there? You gave your name, you were shown up, and in going away you did not attempt to avoid any of the servants? - That's so.

Had other people besides Wilde been to see you at Park-walk? - Yes; Taylor used to call upon me--in the morning. I knew Allen only a little while before I enlisted. At about the same time I became acquainted with Clyborn.

Were Wilde's rooms on the ground floor at St. James's--place very public rooms? - Yes. There were men-servants about. The sitting-room was a sort of library--there were a good many books about.

Do you suggest that in rooms such as you have described and so situated this kind of conduct went on again and again? - Yes.

Did you say at Bow-street that you stayed with Taylor at Chapel-street, every night for a fort-night--"He did nothing to me and I did nothing to him"? Witness (after much hesitation):I suppose I must have said so.

About six months after you made the acquaintance of Taylor did you go to Paris? - Yes.

Did you go

WITH A COMPOSER?

Yes.

An operatic composer? - Yes.

How long were you with that person in Paris? - About a month. I went with him as valet. He paid me two guineas a week. I lived at a different place to the gentleman, but went every morning to his residence to valet him.

Do you know a person of the name of Burton? - Yes. I knew that Atkins and Burton were living together at the same place.

Did you go to Monte Carlo with Burton? - Yes. I knew that Atkins and Burton were living together at the same place.

Did you go to Monte Carlo with Burton? - Yes; in 1894. We only stayed a few days.

Re-examined by Mr. Gill: Did you know Lord Alfred Douglas? - Yes. Taylor introduced me to him.

William Parker corroborated his brother's evidence as to the first meeting with Taylor at the St. James's. On one occasion he said he slept at Little College-street with his brother and Taylor--in one bed. [Witness described an attempt made by Taylor to commit a felonious act.] Witness soon afterwards went away into employment in the country.

Cross-examined by Sir E. Clarke: I went into a groom's situation. After going away from the dinner, I went home after having a drink or two.

Hadn't you had enough at the dinner? - I know when I have had enough.

Did you know when you went with your brother to the dinner that you were to be treated as women, and that you were to have money for it? - That was what I understood.

A FEMALE WITNESS.

A woman was brought into court at a quarter to four. This was Ellen Grant, who said she resided at 13, Little College-street. She was not the landlady, but she and her husband had a portion of the house in which to Taylor had rooms. For a few weeks Mrs. Grant assisted Taylor in his household duties. He had no female servant and did his own cooking with a gas stove. Taylor's rooms were curtained and draped, and no daylight was admitted. He had no gas, but lit his rooms by oil lamps and candles with coloured shades over the light. The bed was a spring bed, which lay on the floor of the bedroom. Mrs. Grant had seen women's shoes and stockings, and "Mr. Taylor's wig"--a fair-haired woman's wig with curls, it was. His night-shirt was fastened with a gold brooch. She knew among his visitors there were no women, but were several young men of from sixteen years old to thirty. She had seen Alfred Woods there. He stayed with Taylor three weeks. Sydney Mavor frequently stayed in the house; so did Charles Mason and one Machlin. Mrs Grant said Taylor and his gentlemen friends used to call one another "Charlie dear," "My dear boy," &c. A sergeant of police visited the house in May last year, and she showed the sergeant over the house. Taylor had several woman's brooches.

Cross examined Mrs Grant said she never saw Wilde at Taylor's rooms. The curtains on window where heavy curtains covered with muslin curtains and over them a thin, strained muslin, which effectually kept out the light. The walls and ceiling were draped.

Lucy Rumsby deposed to Charles Parker lodging at her house at 50, Park-walk. She gave him notice to quit in consequence of something she had heard.

Margaret Bancroft, a tenant of the house, stated that late one night she saw Wilde leave the premises. She knew Wilde through his having previously been pointed out to her.

Sophia Grey testified that Taylor lodged with her at 3, Chapel-place. Wilde was there on only one occasion, when he stopped but a few minutes.

A retired inspector, named Kerley, spoke to finding amongst documents left behind by Taylor the piece of paper on which Charles Parker had written his address, the St. James's Restaurant.

WOOD'S EVIDENCE.

Alfred Wood, examined by Mr. Avory: I was formerly a clerk. In January, 1893, was not in any occupation. I first knew Taylor about that time.

When did you go to Little College-street to live? - In January, 1893. I stayed there about three weeks.

Where did you sleep there? - In the same room with Taylor. There was only one bed.

When did you first know Wilde? - I was introduced to him by a gentleman at the Café Royal.

Who was the gentleman? - Must I give the name?

Yes. - Lord Alfred Douglas.

Had you known Lord Alfred before? - I had seen him at Taylor's rooms.

What took place when you were introduced to Wilde? - I was introduced by telegram.

The Judge: You would have lead anyone to believe that you were personally introduced.

Witness: In consequence of the telegram I went to the Café Royal at nine p.m. Wilde was sitting down. He spoke to me first. "Are you Alfred Wood?" he asked. I said "Yes." Then he offered me something to drink, and I had something, and then he invited me to go round to the Florence in Rupert-street to dinner. I went with him, and we dined in a private room.

What kind of meal was it? - Very nice; one of the best to be got.

What wine did you have? - Champagne. After dinner I went with Wilde to 16, Tite-street. There was nobody in the house to my knowledge. Wilde let himself in by the latch-key. We went up to the bedroom, where we had hock and seltzer. [Witness then admitted to having committed an act of indecency with Wilde.]

Did he give you any money that night? - Yes, at the Florence. About £3 I think it was. He said he thought I must need some money to buy things with. The money was given before any suggestion was made about going to Tite-street. I stayed in his house about an hour. He asked me to meet him again at the corner of Tite-street. Two or three days afterwards, at about eleven p.m., I went to the corner. Wilde came up in a cab, and we both went to the house. I had some chicken in the pantry, and afterwards went to the bedroom, where we had something to drink. I don't remember committing any acts of indecency that night. I stayed only a very short time. I don't remember that I ever went again to Tite-street.

Did you ever meet Wilde again? - He once came to my room at Langham-place.

Did you know he was coming? - Yes.

How did you know? - He came by appointment. He took me out to buy me a present. He bought me half a dozen shirts, some collars, and handkerchiefs, and a silver watch and chain. Before he took me out we had some tea.

Has he given you money on any other occasion? - Yes; he has given me £2 or £3 when he has met me.

Up to what time did your acquaintanceship with Wilde go on? - Up to the end of March.

How did it cease? - I told Taylor I would like to go away from

A CERTAIN CLASS OF PEOPLE,

and I think he mentioned it to Wilde, who gave me £30. I saw Wilde at Taylor's rooms.

What took place between you? - Wilde asked me if I wanted to go away to America. I said "Yes," and then he said he would give me some money. "You have," he said, "some letters I should like to get back," and he gave me £30.

In what form? - Two £10 and two £5 notes.

Was it a fact that you had any letters in your possession? - Yes. I don't remember how many, nor do I remember giving them back to Wilde. I might have put them on the table.

Did the letters belong to you? - No; they were letters I found in some clothes Lord Alfred Douglas had given me. They were letters from Wilde to Lord Alfred. I saw Wilde at the Florence the next day. He had invited me to lunch with him there.

What sort of lunch was it? - Very nice lunch. We had champagne. While at lunch Wilde said, "£30 is very little to go to America with, and I will send you £5," which he did by messenger. I went to America two or three days afterwards.

Do you know a lad named Sydney Mavor? - Yes; I met him at Taylor's rooms. He was known there as "Sidney."

At this stage the Court adjourned for the day.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

The crowd in the galleries was as great yesterday as on the preceding day, and briefless young barristers were there galore, looking very fine in wig and gown. They occupied all the spare seats, and some even sat on the stairs of the Court or stood at the sides of the seats with arms akimbo as if they were persons of some importance. Why the Court should be filled with these legal luminaries or otherwise whilst reporters are compelled to stand in crowded out of the way corners where work can be done only under difficulties is best known to the Court officials.

Punctually at 10:30 Mr. Justice Charles took his seat upon the bench, and resumed the trial. Wilde and Taylor being at the same moment placed in the dock. Immediately on entering the dock both Wilde and Taylor sat themselves upon the chairs placed ready for them. Wilde resumed his attitude of the previous day, leaning his arm upon the corder of the dock and resting his head heavily in his hand. Taylor resumed his singular smile, but Wilde seems utterly broken down.

ALFRED WOOD CROSS-EXAMINED.

The witness Alfred Wood again went into the box, and was cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke. He said he went to America in 1893, and returned the following year. He represented to Mr. Wilde in 1893 that he wished to get away from the class of persons he was connected with, and it was by that representation that he obtained the £30 from Mr. Wilde.

Did you return to respectable employment when you came back from America? - I was taken ill on my return, and have not been in any describable employment since.

Charles Parker told us that you and a man named Allen got £300 or £400 out of a gentleman, and gave him £30. - I did not give it to him.

Well, tell us, did you get £300 from a gentleman? - Not me; Allen did.

You were a party to it? - I was there, yes.

Do you mean by that that you came into the room whilst the gentleman was there with Parker? - I did not; Allen went in first.

At all events, Allen and you got £300 or £400 from the gentleman? - Yes.

And you gave Parker £30? - I did not. Allen might have done. I did not know the exact amount he got.

How much did you get? - £175.

What for? - Well, it was given me by Allen.

Then Mr. Wilde's giving you £30 to get away from this class of persons had not a very satisfactory result? - I was in employment all the time I was in America. (The witness appeared to be chewing something during the time this evidence was taken.)

How did you live when you came back? - On some money left by my father. I was not of age when I went to America.

Was that money spent before you had the £175? - No.

when were you last in respectable employment in England? A short time before I met Mr. Wilde.

Give me the date. - It was so long ago I do not remember it.

Write on a slip of paper the name where you were last employed, and the date. - I do not want it disclosed.

It will not be disclosed.

So Wood wrote. The slip was

HANDED TO THE JUDGE,

and passed on to counsel.

But you have not given the date? resumed Sir Edward. - I cannot recall it.

What were you there? - A junior clerk.

Now, did you leave there in 1891? - I cannot say. I think it must have been at the end of 1892.

Since then, have you ever had a salary from anybody in England? - No.

Did you get any moneys besides the £175 in the same way you got that? - No.

What did you live on, then? - Money left me by my father.

How long had you known Allen? - Just before I went to America.

At what date was it that you came into possession of the letters of which you spoke? - Between January and March, 1893.

How long had you them? - Only a few days.

What? - They were lying about my rooms for a long time?

Did you hand them to anybody else? - No.

Did you receive a letter from Sir George Lewis? - Yes.

Before that had you had any of those letters copied? - No. Not to my knowledge was one copied.

When you gave the letters back, or left them on the table, or whatever it was you did, did you know that there was one which you did not give back? - Yes.

Where was that one? - Allen had it.

Did you give it to him? - No; he took it out of my pocket.

Did it remain in Allen's possession? - I don't know. I did not want to have it back.

THE WORSE FOR DRINK.

Did you say at the police-court that you were the worse for drink when you went on the first occasion with Mr. Wilde too Tite-street? - Yes.

Were you the worse for drink? - Yes.

How long before you examine the police court did you make a statement to someone--a solicitor, for instance? - It was just after the arrest of Lord Queensberry.

Who came to see you about taking your statement? - Mr. Littlechild, the detective.

How did he find you out? - I don't know.

Have you ever, since you came from back from America, visited Charles Parker? - Yes, at Camera-square.

Have you stayed there? - No.

Re-examined by Mr. Gill: Until he went to College-street he had never committed any indecency with any man. He was introduced to Taylor by a gentleman whose name had been mentioned in this case. He went to America to get away from the people whose names have been mentioned in this case and several others whose names have not been mentioned.

VISITS TO A PRIVATE HOTEL.

Thomas Price, a waiter at a private hotel at 10, St. James's-place, said the prisoner Wilde had room there from October, 1893 to April, 1894. The rooms were on the ground floor and consisted of a bedroom and sitting-room communicating. He recognized the prisoner Taylor, and had seen him at St James's-place on one occasion. Charles Parker came there five or six times. He used to ask for Mr Wilde and was shown into Mr. Wilde's rooms. He lunched there once. He knew Atkins by sight. He had called there twice. Scarfe called five or six times, and Barker about the same number of times. Wilde had a latch-key, but never slept there more than a dozen times. He generally arrived about eleven o'clock in the morning, did some literary work, went out to lunch, and returned in the afternoon.

DOINGS AT PARIS.

Then came Fred Atkins, a stout youth who described himself as a bookmaker's clerk at a comedian. He said he was introduced to Wilde by a young fellow named Schwabe in November, 1892. He dined at a restaurant with Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas. Mr. Avory: What happened at the dinner? - Oscar Wilde kissed the waiter.

Did he ask you to go to Paris with him? - Yes. We were seated at the table, and he put his arm round me and said he liked me. I arranged to meet him two days afterwards at Victoria Station, and went to Paris with him as his private secretary. They stayed at 30, Boulevard des Capicines. They had two rooms there--bed-sitting-room and bedroom, one leading into the other. The day after he got to Paris he did some writing for Wilde, and afterwards lunched at the CafÈ Julien with him. They went for a drive in the afternoon. The next day they went to a hair dresser's and had his hair cut.

Anything else? - Yes, curled.

Did you tell him to curl it? - No. He did it on his own account.

Wilde was there? - Yes; he was having his hair cut and with talking to the man in French all the time. After dinner on the second day he was in Paris he went to the Moulin Rouge. Oscar Wilde told him not to go but he went. He had to pay to go in. He had money Mr. Wilde had given him.

By the Judge: Oscar Wilde told him not to go to see those women, as women were the ruin of young fellows. Wilde spoke several times about the same subject and always to the same effect.

Continuing his evidence, Witness said he got back to the rooms is very late. Wilde was in bed. He went into his room and had something to drink. Schwabe, the person who introduced him to Wilde, was in bed with him. Witness went to bed by himself. Before he got out of bed in the morning Wilde came into his room. That was about nine o'clock. He talked about the Moulin Rouge, and the witness told Wilde that

HE HAD ENJOYED HIMSELF.

Wilde said to him, "Shall I come into bed with you?" and he replied that it was time to get up. A waiter came into the room with breakfast, and after drinking a cup of coffee witness got up. The man he saw in bed with Wilde was about twenty-two years of age. He returned to London with Wilde, who gave him a silver cigarette case. Wilde addressed him as "Fred," and he Wilde as "Oscar." He afterwards visited Wilde at Tite-street, and subsequently Wilde called upon him at Osauaburgh-street. On the latter occasion there was also present Harry Barker, a young man. He knew Sydney Mavor by sight. He heard him called "Jenny" Mavor. Witness once went to St. James's-place to see Mr. Wilde.

Cross-examined, Atkins said that when Wilde came to see him at Osnaburgh-street he was ill of small-pox. Barford had written saying he was ill, and asking Mr. Wilde to come. The day after Wilde saw him he was removed to the hospital ship. Since then--December, 1893--he had never seen Mr. Wilde, except once at the theatre.

When he visited Paris it had been previously arranged that he should go with Schwabe, but, the latter not being able to get away, Wilde took him. During his stay at Paris he never committed any act of impropriety with anyone. At Osnaburgh-street he lived with a man named Burton, a man of fifty. He had lived with him about three years at 124 Tichbrook-street, Pimlico, and other places. Burton was a bookmaker, and witness when to races with him and acted as his clerk.

Asked if he and Burton had been engaging in

THE BUSINESS OF BLACKMAILING,

Atkins said he "didn't remember it." He said Burton had never got any money for accusing men of criminal acts. His professional name was Fred Denny. He had never gone into the streets in women's dress, and to his knowledge Burton had never blackmailed anyone by threatening to make disgraceful charges.

Sir Edward then wrote a name down. Atkins said he had never seen or heard the name before.

Do you know anything about a Birmingham gentleman? - No.

Where were you living on June 9, 1891? - Lennox-gardens.

On that date did a Birmingham gentleman come with you to the rooms you were living at, and did Burton come in, and did you and he get a large sum of money from that gentleman? - Nothing of the kind ever took place.

Do you swear that you never took the gentleman whose name I wrote down home with you

FROM THE CRITERION?

Did you take people home there?--Only friends, for a game of cards.

Give me some names. - I cannot; I forget them.

Were you and Burton ever taken to Rochester-row Police Station? - Not that I know of.

Did you take the gentleman home? Did Burton come in and threaten him? Did you take the gentleman's watch and chain? And were you the following night taken to the police station, and did you there give the things up? - Never.

Asked where Burton lives now, Witness said he "didn't think he lived anywhere now," he hadn't seen him for six months.

Did he, he was asked, dressed as a woman, take a gentleman home with him to 35, Alderney-street, Pimlico, in August, 1892. - No, he absolutely denied it, denied that Burton came in and found a gentleman in bed with him, denied that they extorted a cheque for £200, denied the whole circumstance.

Have you ever been to the Hotel Victoria? - Never been inside; I swear I never have.

Did you and somebody else, about two years ago, go to the Hotel Victoria with two American gentlemen? - I never did.

And did Burton appear and extort a large sum of money? - I have never been there.

Do you know Anderton's Hotel in Fleet-street? - Have never been there.

When did you go abroad with Burton? - It was in February; I forget the year. We stayed at Nice and went to Monte Carlo in the afternoon.

What were you and Burton doing at Nice? - Having a holiday.

You and Burton fell out, didn't you? - No.

Was there no dispute there? - No.

How came you to separate from Burton then? - I gave up being a bookmaker's clerk.

What name did he use in the betting ring? - Watson.

Did you blackmail a gentleman at Nice? - No.

Are you sure there was no quarrel between you and Burton at Nice?--There may have been a little row; but I don't remember.

Mr Grain: Did you go to Scarborough about a year ago? - Yes.

Did Burton go with you? - Yes.

What was your business there? - I sang at the Aquarium.

Did you make

THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A COUNT

there? (Handing up the name on a slip of paper.) - I heard his name mentioned.

Did you ever speak to him? - No.

Was not the sum paid by that person to you or Burton to the extent of nearly £500 about this time last year? - No.

Had you an engagement at the Scarborough Aquarium? - Yes.

How much a week? £4 10s.

How long were you there? -Three weeks.

Have you ever lived in Buckingham-palace-road? - In 1892.

Do you remember being introduced to an elderly man in the City? - No.

Did you take him to your room and rob him of his pocket-book? - No.

Did you threaten to extort money from him? - No.

Did you ever go to a place in the suburbans the South-Western line with Burton? - No.

What other addresses have you had in London during the last three years? - None but those I have mentioned.

The prisoners had followed this cross-examination with close attention. Taylor showed some excitement but Wilde, lolling wearily in the corner of the dock with his head on his hands, was inscrutable. When the witness left the box Taylor raked the court with a bold stare, seeming specially anxious to explore the dark corners of the gallery.

Then came Mary Applegate, the servant at 28, Osnaburgh-street, who has been promoted to housekeeper since the police proceedings. She remembered Atkins living there and Wilde visiting him. He came at five and went at seven. Both visits were in the same week.

SIDNEY MAVOR.

Sidney Mavor looked exceedingly superior, and described himself as "something in the City in partnership with a friend." He said he lived at St. Helen's-gardens, Kensington. In 1892 he made the acquaintance of Taylor, who spoke to himself and a friend at the theatre. Afterwards Taylor asked him to go to Little College-street, and he went to afternoon tea. He went to tea a dozen times perhaps altogether, and he had slept there with Taylor. Once he went to dinner at Kettner's with Taylor and Schwabe, and was introduced to Wilde. Shortly after the dinner he received a silver cigarette case with his Christian name scratched inside it. The case was produced, a smaller one than most of the others, the inscription reading "Sydney, from Oscar, October, 1892."

The Judge looked at it and inquired how the scratching was done, and it passed round the jury-box, each juryman examining it with the acutest interest. Mavor meanwhile wiped his brow as though he perspired.

Soon afterwards, Witness continued, he went by appointment to stay the night at the Albemarle Hotel, to see Wilde, whom he had seen several times in the meantime at the College-street tea parties. He got there soon after eight, and they had supper in a private sitting-room, with two bedrooms opening out of it. He stayed the night. He and Wilde called each other "Oscar" and "Sidney.> He was never called any nickname; didn't know he had one.

Cross-examined: Mavor said nothing improper had ever taken place between himself and Wilde. Wilde had never given him money; and he was always glad of Wilde's friendship.

SHELLEY AND WILDE.

Edward Shelley, who next gave evidence, formed a strange contrast with Mavor. Mavor has very thin lips, and only allowed the thinnest possible amount of voice to escape through them. Shelley speaks in a loud voice, and evidently with considerable pain. He was dressed in a long overcoat and had a silk hat in his hand. He said that in 1891 he was employed by a firm of publishers in Vigo-street, and at that time Wilde's books were published by the firm. At the beginning of 1892 he dined with Wilde in a public room at the Albemarle Hotel. He had champagne with his dinner, and afterwards had whiskey and soda and smoked cigarettes in Mr. Wilde's sitting-room.

Asked what happened afterwards, he said he did not like to say, and suggested that his depositions should be read over.

Mr. Wilde's conversation was principally about books and himself (Shelley). Wilde said, "Will you come into my bedroom?" I did not know what he meant, and as I went into the room

HE KISSED ME.

I got into bed and Oscar undressed and did likewise. Wilde was in the bed with me all night. Witness here described certain indecency, and said: I have been taking a lot of wine. Wilde saw him the next day and again kissed him, and there was a "repetition of the previous night's performance." Wilde invited him to go to Brighton, to Paris, and to Cromer, but he did not go. Wilde gave him a set of his writings, including "Dorian Gray." Wilde wrote in the books, but witnesses destroyed the inscriptions. He did that since the commencement of the Queensberry case. About two years ago he wrote Wilde a letter in which he said that he felt he could not have anything further to do with so immoral a man, and he would not see him again.

The Judge asked whether the letter could be produced, and as it was not forthcoming, doubted whether he could take the statement about the letter as evidence. The Court then adjourned for half an hour for luncheon.

Cross examined by Sir E. Clarke: He wrote to Oscar Wilde in the spring of 1893, in which he said, "I have suffered more from my acquaintanceship of you then you are ever likely to know of."

If such a thing as you have alleged happened you must have resented the outrage upon you? - Yes, I did.

Then why did you go and dine with him the very next day? - Because I was a young fool, I suppose. He had not made any mistake with reference to what occurred between himself and Oscar Wilde.

Did it occur to you that it was a sin after the second occasion? - Yes, it did occur to me that it was a sin I was committing.

Some discussion took place relative to the admission in evidence of the transcript of the shorthand note taking in the case of Wilde v. Queensberry. The difficulty was overcome by Mr. C.F Gill consenting to Sir Edward Clarke reading what portion of the note he wish to relative to the evidence of Mr. Wilde at the trial with reference to certain letters of the witness to Mr Wilde. Sir Edward Clark read one letter in which the witness expressed his admiration of a new play, which had just been produced, of which Mr. Wilde was the author, and said that he intended to invite Mr. Wilde to dine with him. Some time later, after the commission of the alleged acts by Mr Wilde, he was writing "Dear Oscar... I can never forget your kindness, and am conscious that I can never sufficiently express my thankfulness to you," &c.

Was there present in your mind at the time you wrote this that

MR. WILDE HAD INSULTED YOU

when you had had too much to drink? - Certainly, I could not forget such a thing.

Were you then under the painful sense of having committed sin? - I tried to forget it. I wanted to think some good of the man.

In another letter which the witness sent to Mr. Wilde, he related how he had a frightful interview with his father, and as to how his parents accused him of idleness, and that "he was sick and tired in body and soul of his harsh existence." In another communication he implored Mr. Wilde to assist him, and added, "I am trying to lead a Christian life, and I will accept poverty as part of the Christian religion."

These letters were written to one whom you thought an immoral man? - Yes.

In another letter the witness said, referring to his late employer, Mr. Lane, "I detest him." Mr Lane had offered him money in an hour of distress, yet he had called him a "viper." The only explanation he could give was that his mind have been overstrained through hard study.

Counsel read a number of other letters, couched in a pleading and religious strain, from the witness to Mr Wilde. He was unwell at the time that he wrote these letters. You mean that your head was untrustworthy? - Yes. (Laughter.)

In January last he was arrested for assaulting his father. Were you quite in your sound mind when you assaulted your father? - No, I couldn't have been. He sent to Mr. Wilde for bail. The charge of assault was withdrawn by his father.

SENSATION OF THE DAY

Atkins was here recalled, and the sensation of the day arose. During the luncheon interval Mr. Robert Humphreys, Mr. Wilde's solicitor, had been busy. He had searched the records at Scotland Yard and Rochester-row and made some discoveries.

A folded document was handed up to the Judge. Mr Justice Charles read it, and at once assumed his sternest expression. That document was a copy of a record from Rochester-row.

Sir Edward begins: Now, I warn you. I'm going to ask you a question. Think before you reply.

"Just be careful now," put in the Judge.

Sir Edward went on: On June 10, 1891, you were living at Tachbrook-street, Pimlico? - Yes.

James Dennis Burton was living there with you? - Yes.

Were you both taken by two constables, 396 A and 500 A--you've probably forgotten the numbers--to Rochester-row Police Station and charged with demanding money from a gentleman with menaces? - "I was not charged with that," murmured the young fellow in a husky voice.

Were you taken to the police station? - Yes.

You and Burton? - Yes.

What were you charged with? - With hitting a gentleman.

In what place was it alleged that you had hit him? - At the card table.

In your room at Tachbrook-street? - Yes.

"What was the gentleman's name?" continued Sir Edward, after consultation with his junior, Mr. Charles Mathews. - I don't know.

How long had you known him? - That night.

Where had you met him?--At the Alhambra.

Had you seen him before that time? - Not to speak to.

Meeting him at the Alhambra, did he go with you to Tachbrook-street? - Yes; to play cards.

Was Burton at home? - Yes.

Anyone else there? - I don't think so.

Eh? - No.

Was the gentleman sober? - Yes.

Sure of it? - Yes.

What room did you go into? - Sitting-room.

Who called the police? - I don't know; I believe the landlady.

Did the landlady give you and Burton into custody? - Nobody did.

Who did? - I did not hear anybody.

You were taken to Rochester-row and the gentleman went with you? - Yes.

Police-constable 396 A. was here being called into court in sight of Atkins.

"Now I ask you, in this constable's presence," continued Sir Edward, "was the statement made at the police station that you and the gentleman had been in bed together? - I don't think so."

You may as well tell us about it, you know. Was that statement made? - Yes, it was.

The gentleman declined to prosecute, and so you and Burton were liberated? - Yes.

Sir Edward concluded. His last question brought a characteristic reply.

About two hours ago, Atkins, I asked you these very questions and you swore upon your oath that you had not been in custody at all and never been taken to Rochester-row. How came you to tell me those lies? - I did not remember it.

Atkins looked very abashed.

"Leave the court," said the Judge, and pointed to the doorway with his pencil.

Evidence of a formal character was given with respect to the purchase by Mr. Wilde of certain small articles, which were given away by Mr. Wilde, also as to the apartments which the latter occupied at hotels.

At this stage the trial was adjourned until Monday morning. No applications were made for bail, and the defendants were severally taken back to Holloway Gaol.

SALE OF OSCAR WILDE'S EFFECTS

Mr. Oscar Wilde.s goods and chattels were dispersed on Wednesday at his house in Tite-street, Chelsea, under a sheriff's order. Most of the people, excepting in particular a knot of artists who attended the sale, were brokers. Taking the prices in all, they ruled low.The collection of china figuring in the catalogue caused almost the least spirited bidding of the sale, which must have been a satisfaction to the women present, who purchased some of the best pieces. For instance, a blue and white Worcester china jug, a blue and white bowl, and a blue Oriental crocus stand fetched only just over a guinea. A connoisseur observed "the china was being thrown away," but he did not offer more for the next lot. The most interesting article sold was an antique mahogany writing-table, fitted with flaps, a rising slope, and a draw-out desk, stated to have been at one time the property of Carlyle. It looked a singularly uncomfortable table. "Do you guarantee it Carlyle's desk?" somebody asked when the auctioneer invited a starting offer. "No," was the reply: "I guarantee nothing; but I have no reason to doubt its history." The bidding rapidly mounted to ten guineas, and then more slowly to fourteen guineas, at which figure it was knocked down. Beside this price there was one of £14, given for "An oil painting by Pennington" of Oscar Wilde, a full-sized portrait, which, to quote the catalogue further, was not only "framed" but had been "exhibited." A crayon figure drawing attributed to Whistler brought £21. Then £15 was offered and taken for "a pencil sketch of a lady by Whistler," accompanied by a pair of crayon drawings not his. Two etchings of two of the leading actresses, several dainty water colours, and more portraits of Oscar Wilde, were included among the pictures. The largest section of the strangely mixed household gods was certainly the books, and they ranged over a wide area of authors and subjects--poetry, belles lettres, and French fiction being most prominent. Parcels of French novels followed each other, and three volumes of newspaper cuttings preceded by a little space thirteen volumes of Parnell Commission evidence and speeches. The newspaper cuttings, referring, one supposed, to Oscar Wilde as author and playwright, went for 13s., while the more bulky Parnell Commission records only produced 8s. No rigid method of classification seemed to have been observed in the arrangement of the books, and when the bundles were large only a few of the volumes were mentioned. Thus buyers were as often as not in the position of boys dipping into a lucky bag, only the gentlemen who for £2 got Tennyson's poems of 1858, with Carlyle's autograph, and nine-and-twenty other books, must have come out safely enough. Daniel O'Connell's autograph on a copy of "Home Hellenicsm" made it marketable at once, and a parcel of manuscripts nearly ran up to £3 15s. As an interesting commentary on the bearing of modern appliances towards manuscripts, it should be mentioned that a good many of these were type-written. The most keenly-competed for lot of absolute Oscar Wilde works contained "The Happy Prince," "The Sphinx," and "Lady Windermere's Fan," and realized £8 5s.; while "Dorian Grey" passed to a buyer for £3 3s.

LORD QUEENSBERRY'S "SYMPATHY."

Lord Queensberry writes the following letter to the Star:--

"I must take exception to the word 'sympathy' that is placed in my mouth. I never used it. In my time I have helped to cut up and destroy sharks. I had no sympathy for them, but may have felt sorry, and wished to put them out of pain as soon as possible.

"What I did say was that as Mr. Wilde now seemed to be on his beam ends and utterly down. I did feel sorry for his awful position, and that, supposing he was convicted of those loathsome charges brought against him, that were I the authority that had to mete out to him his punishment, I would treat him with all possible consideration as a sexual pervert of an utterly diseased mind, and not as a sane criminal. If this is sympathy, Mr. Wilde has it from me to that extent."

LORD ALFRED DOUGLAS

The Central News is requested by Lord Alfred Douglas to state that in response to an urgent telegram from his mother he started on Friday for Italy to see her, but hopes to return to London in a few days.

APPLICATION AGAINST THE MARQUIS

The Exchange Telegraph Company states that an application for a summons against the Marquis of Queensberry was on Tuesday made in private to the presiding Magistrate at Marlborough-street on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick for threats contained in a letter written by Lord Queensberry. The application was dismissed.