The Times - Thursday, April 4, 1895

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.--Before Mr. Justice Collins, the Marquis of Queensberry was charged with having published a malicious and defamatory libel concerning Mr. Oscar Wilde. He pleaded not guilty, and also that the libel was true, and that its publication was for the public benefit. The case for the prosecution having been opened by Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Oscar Wilde was examined, and gave evidence as to his acquaintance with Lord Alfred Douglas, his dealings with men named Wood, Allen, and Olyburn [sic], who had obtained possession of letters he had written to Lord Alfred, and interviews he had had with Lord Queensberry--one of which took place at the witness's own house. He denied that he had had anything to do with a magazine called the Chameleon beyond contributing some aphorisms to the first number, and said there was no truth whatever in allegations in the plea of justification, impugning his conduct with certain persons. The witness was then cross-examined at great length by Mr. Carson, Q.C., with reference to a story entitled "The Priest and the Acolyte" in the Chameleon, his own aphorisms contributed to that publication, his views on questions of art and morality especially as illustrated in his book "Dorian Gray," his letters to Lord Alfred Douglas, and his dealings with the men from whom he bought the letters back. The cross-examination was still proceeding when the Court rose.