The Morning Post - Thursday, May 23, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
LORD QUEENSBERRY AND HIS SON.
The Marquis of Queensberry, of Carter's Hotel, Holborn, and Lord Douglas of Hawick, of Chalcott House, Long Ditton, were charged yesterday at Marlborough-street Police Court with disorderly conduct and fighting.—Mr. Stoneham, solicitor, appeared for Lord Douglas; Lord Queensberry was not represented by counsel.
The Marquess of Queensberry, 51 of Carter's Hotel, Holborn, and Lord Percy Sholto Douglas, 25, of Chalcott House, Long Ditton, were charged yesterday. at Marlborough-street Police-court with disorderly conduct and fighting.— Mr. Stoneham, solicitor, appeared for Lord P. Douglas ; Lord Queensberry was not represented by counsel.
Police-constable Morrell, 32 C R, said that about ten minutes past five on Tuesday afternoon he was on duty in Piccadilly, when his attention was called to a crowd outside Scott's, the hatters, where he saw the Marquis and his son fighting. He separated them, when they again closed. He separated them a second time, when they both crossed Bond-street, and met again outside Stewart's and recommenced fighting. He then arrested the Marquis, and his son was arrested by Police-constable 6 C R, and both were taken to Vine-street station, where they were charged with disorderly conduct. In answer to the charge, the Marquis said, "That's quite correct."
Police-constable Morrell said about ten minutes past five o'clock on Tuesday night he was on duty in Piccadilly, when his attention was called to a crowd outside Scott's, the hatters, where he saw the Marquess and his son fighting. He separated them a second time, when they both crossed Bond-street, met again outside Stewart's, and re-commenced fighting. He then arrested the Marquess, and his son was arrested by Police-constable 6 C R., and both were taken to Vine-street Sation, where they were charged with disorderly conduct. In answer to the charge, the Marquess said, "That's quite correct."
The Marquis—I only remember two attacks. I was going away towards my hotel, and my son came after me.
The Marquess. — I only remember two attacks. I was going away towards my hotel, and my son came after me.
The constable, cross-examined, said he did not see the commencement. He heard the Marquis at the station say he would fight his son for £10,000. Lord Queensberry did not give his name in the street. Witness did not ask who they were. He did not hear the Marquis call his son by an opprobrious name.
The Constable, cross-examined, said he did not see the commencement of the affray. He heard the Marquess at the station say he would fight his son for 10,000l. The Marquess did not give his name in the street. Witness did not ask who they were. He did not hear the Marquess call his son by an opprobrious name.
Police-constable 6 C R said he was in company with the last witness, and saw Lord Queensberry and his son fighting. They were separated, and Lord Queensberry crossed Bond-street towards Albemarle-street, and was followed by Lord Douglas. He could not say who was the aggressor, but he believed Lord Douglas struck the Marquis first on the hat. He took Lord Douglas to the station.
Cross-examined—Lord Douglas might have said that he took the opportunity, on meeting his father, of asking him to discontinue the letters. Lord Douglas did not follow his father across Bond-street. Witness heard the Marquis say at the station that he would fight his son in any part of the country.
Cross-examined. — He might have said that he took the opportunity, on meeting his father, of asking him to discontinue the letters. Lord P. Douglas did not follow his father across Bond-street. Witness heard the Marquess say at the station that he would fight his son in any part of the country.
Inspector Walter Fitt said that after the charge was read over the Marquis said:—"That is quite right as far as the police are concerned." Pointing to his son he then added, "That is my son, who bailed Oscar Wilde. He struck me in Piccadilly." Lord Douglas said, "Yes. It is through him writing disgusting letters to my wife." They then had some conversation about fighting.
Inspector W. Fitt said after the charge was read, the Marquess said — "That is quite right as far as the police are concerned." Pointing to his son, he then added, "That is my son, who bailed Oscar Wilde. He struck me in Piccadilly." Lord P. Douglas said, " Yes. It is through him writing disgusting letters to my wife." They then had some conversation about fighting.
The Marquis here stated that he had just come away in a cab from another Court, and when at the bottom of St. James's-street saw his son about 50 yards away with another gentleman. He got out of the cab and approached his son, who "came at him " immediately with a run and assaulted him, but did not hit him. He only pushed him against a shop window, at the same time threatening him at the top of his voice. He struck his son in self-defence.
The Marquess said he had just come away in a cab from another Court, and when at the top of St. James's-street saw his son about fifty yards away with another gentleman. He got cut of the cab and approached his son, who came immediately with a run and assaulted him, but did not hit him. He only pushed him against a shop window, at the same time threatening him at the top of his voice. He (the Marquess) struck his son in self-defence.
Mr. Stoneham, who appeared for Lord Douglas, said that the trouble was undoubtedly caused by the conduct of the Marquis in writing letters to Lord Douglas's wife. The only reason Lord Douglas spoke to his father was to get his assurance that this thing should cease.
The Marquis said he had heard that Mr. Wilde was at his son's house, so he went there to find out whether his son was there, and was ordered away from the house. He would like a letter produced which he had written to explain the reason of his visit. He considered this letter was anything but an improper letter.
After hearing further evidence from bystanders, Mr. Hannay said that though he had permitted much that was irrelevant in the case to he said, he should not say a word more than was necessary to decide the charge, which was that the defendants had behaved in a disorderly manner in a public street. They would each be bound over in the sum of £500 to keep the peace for six months.
Mr. Hannay said though he had permitted much that was irrelevant in the case to be said, he should not say a word more than was necessary to decide the charge, which was that the Defendants had behaved in a disorderly manner in a public street. They would each be bound over in the sum of 500l. to keep the peace for six months.