The Yorkshire Evening Post - Saturday, April 6, 1895

TO-DAY'S LATE NEWS.
THE WILDE SCANDAL.
MAGISTERIAL PROCEEDINGS AT BOW STREET.
HOW THE ARREST WAS EFFECTED.

As reported in the Evening Post yesterday, a warrant was issued yesterday for the arrest of Oscar Wilde. He was arrested last evening. At the conclusion of the trial at the Old Bailey yesterday, Oscar Wilde left in a brougham drawn by two brown cobs. He was driven to the Holborn Viaduct Hotel, where he had reserved a large sitting-room. In a few minutes he was joined by Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick, and another gentleman. The four had lunch, finishing shortly before three. After satisfying themselves Wilde and the two Douglases left the hotel, and entering the brougham drove to the offices of Sir George Lewis in Bly Place, where Wilde personally delivered a note. He re-entered the brougham and drove back with his two companions to the Viaduct Hotel. There Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick left the carriage and took up a cab, which the brougham followed. There was a drive into Fleet Street, and thence to St. James's Square, where the cab pulled up at the London and Westminster Bank, and Lord Alfred Douglas cashed a cheque. Wilde, in the brougham, did not stop, but drove straight to the Cadogan Hotel, in Sloan Street. Shortly after his arrival, there entered Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick. Another account says that Wilde went to a bank in St. James's, where a large sum of money was drawn out on a cheque payable to "self."

Later in the day Mr. Oscar Wilde was arrested by Inspector Richards at this hotel in Sloane Street. The inspector, who had with him Sergeant Allen, made the arrest about half-past six o'clock. When the senior officer asked for Mr. Wilde he was told that he was not there, but on the inspector's insisting, he was conducted to his room. In the room were two young men. Wilde was seated by the fireplace in a saddle-bag chair, calmly smoking a cigarette. He raised his inquiring eyes to the intruders. Inspector Richards said, "Mr. Wilde, I believe?" Wilde languidly responded, "Yes! yes!" The floor of the room was strewn with some eight or nine copies of evening papers which had evidently been hastily scanned and then thrown aside. Inspector Richards said, "We are police officers, and hold a warrant for your arrest." Wilde replied, "Oh, really." Inspector Richards added, "I must ask you to accompany me to the police station." " Whither shall I be taken?" inquired Wilde. "To Scotland Yard," replied the inspector, "and thence to Bow Street." "Shall I be able to obtain bail?" plaintively said Wilde. The officer sternly replied, "That is a matter for the magistrate."

With a deep sigh Wilde dropped an evening paper, and raising himself by the aid of the arms of the chair into standing position he remarked with characteristic nonchalance to the officers, "Well, if I must go I will give you the least possible trouble." Wilde then passed over to a couch, picked up his overcoat and was assisted in putting it on by one of the young men present. Carefully he lifted and adjusted his hat. He grasped his suéde gloves in one hand and seized his stick with the other. Then he picked up from the table a copy of "The Yellow Book," which he placed in security under his left arm. Before departing with the police-officers be asked one of the young men present to go to his house and obtain some clean linen and forward it to the police-station whither he was to be conveyed. Then said he to the detectives, "I am now, gentlemen, ready to accompany you."

Detective Allen, acting upon this condescension, ran down the stairs and hailed a four-wheel cab. It was about 6.45 when the departure took place. It was noticed that Wilde looked considerably flushed, but he did not appear in any way to have lost the arrogant self-possession which he displayed at the court, and that he never for a moment relaxed the grasp of his arm upon "The Yellow Book." One of the young men referred to as having been in the room of the hotel—a sallow complexioned young fellow, wearing a fur-lined coat and a silk hat—exhibited the intention of entering the cab, but, on a strong hint from one of the detectives, he desisted. The detectives and Wilde were now fairly seated in the growler. Detective Allen directed the cabman to drive by the shortest route to Scotland Yard. The driver accordingly proceeded by way of Cadogan Square, and as he passed the cab rank he cried out to some of his brethren, "I've got him inside." The man was evidently animated by the full glory that he had captured a distinguished fare. The four-wheeler then proceeded to Scotland Yard.

Detective Allen alighted first, and Wilde came next. In alighting he missed the carriage-step and nearly fell to the stone pavement. Quickly recovering his position and still retaining between his teeth the cigarette which he was smoking, he dived his hand into his pocket and pulled out some money for the purpose of paying the cabman. Detective Allen interposed, "I'll pay." "No! No!" said Wilde, "Allow me, if you please," but on being informed that it was a way they had at Scotland Yard of paying for the conveyance of prisoners, Wilde returned the coins to his pocket. Wilde was then hurried by the two detectives into "the Yard," where he was detained for some time, and subsequently removed to Bow Street. To that place he was conveyed at 8 p.m. in a cab.

On the road Wilde smoked his cigarette and made divers inquiries of the detectives: Could he have a private cell? Would he be allowed to smoke? Might he order his food from outside the prison? At Bow Street Wilde was placed like other alleged criminals in the station dock. The warrant upon which he had been arrested was read out to him. The charge referred to acts committed on March 25, 1895, and on divers other dates. Wilde, leaning on the side of the dock, smiling, made no reply to the charge. He, however, requested that the dates be repeated. He was searched according to the police regulations, and then conveyed to one of the ordinary cells of the station.

Shortly alter the prisoner's arrival at Bow Street a Mr. Rose, a friend of Mr. Wilde, drove up with a small Gladstone bag containing a change of clothes and other necessaries for Wilde, but after a short interview with the inspector on duty Mr. Rose returned to his cab with the bag, he not being allowed to leave it. Later Lord Alfred Douglas visited Bow Street in order to see it he could bail out Wilde, and appeared much distressed when he was informed that on no consideration could his application be entertained. He then offered to procure extra comforts in the shape of bedding for his friend, but this offer was also refused by he officer on duty. Wilde occupies an ordinary cell, but will be allowed to supply himself with any extra food he thinks fit.

THE TRIAL.
A GRATIS DEFENCE BY SIR EDWARD CLARKE.

The doors of Bow Street Police Court were besieged at an early hour this morning, it being known that Mr. Oscar Wilde, who had been arrested on the previous night on a warrant granted shortly after the termination of tho Wilde v. Queensberry case, would be placed in the dock. A few minutes before ten the doors were opened, but only representatives of the press were admitted. They quickly seized upon all available accommodation. After a few minutes' delay it was intimated that the case would be taken in the Extradition Court upstairs, thereupon there was a wild rush from this part of the building on the part of the public, who had by this time got within the gates. The small court was thronged to its fullest capacity by an assemblage of well-dressed men. Only one woman was present and, seated immediately behind the dock, was the object of a great deal of curious and audible speculation.

Mr. C.F. Gill, who in the libel action acted as junior to Mr. Carson, Q.C., in defending the Marquess of Queensberry, entered at eleven o'clock. A moment later Sir Augustus Harris appeared, followed by several gentlemen understood to be connected with the drama. Sir John Bridge took his seat at five minutes past eleven. Simultaneously the door of the passage leading from the cells was thrown open, and the prisoner was seen approaching, carrying a silk hat in his hand. He advanced with an easy and even a stately step. He was wearing the overcoat which he wore at the Old Bailey, with a heavy velvet collar and cuffs. Having reached the centre of the dock, Wilde calmly deposited his hat upon the seat at his side, bowed slightly to Sir John, then crossing his arms over the rails, he bent slightly forward and listened attentively to the opening sentences which fell from Mr. Gill.

Mr. C.F. Gill, rising immediately the prisoner was placed in the dock, said he appeared to prosecute the prisoner on a series of charges, which he then specified. With regard to the nature of the case, he did not think it desirable that he should trouble the Court with any opening detail. No good purpose would be served by going into this matter in an opening speech. He would indicate to the Court generally what had occurred, and the evidence he proposed to adduce, and the nature of the charges upon which he should ask for the prisoner to be ultimately committed for trial would depend upon the evidence disclosed. The case, which counsel went into, in the first instance related to the conduct of the prisoner with regard to a young man named Charles Parker. Mention was also made of the part played by a person named Taylor. Thereafter counsel went on to give details unfit for publication.

Charles Parker was called, and as he entered the witness-box the prisoner, who by this time was seated and supporting his head on his gloved hand, looked steadily for a moment at the youth. Parker is a good-looking, well-set up young man of 19 years. He was smartly dressed, having a full depth white collar and light velvet-cuffed overcoat approximating somewhat to the Newmarket cut. Answering Mr. Gill, he said he was formerly a valet.

During his evidence the learned counsel startled the Court by the sudden intimation that Taylor bad been arrested, and he would postpone the further examination of Pinker pending Taylor's arrival in the dock.

At this juncture Detective-inspector Marshall announced "Alfred Taylor," and in obedience to the call a young man of similar build and address to Parker stepped briskly into the dock, and took his stand on Wilde's left.

Parker, replying to Mr. Gill, said he identified Taylor. When Taylor introduced him to Wilde Taylor said Wilde was a good man. Witness then described his visits to Taylor's rooms. He also gave an account of dining with his brother, Taylor, and Wilde in a private room at a restaurant. The table was lighted with candles with red shades.

Was it a good dinner?—Yes, a very good. (A laugh).

What wine?—Champagne.

Anything besides after dinner?—Yes; Coffee and brandy.

Did you smoke?—Yes.

What?—Cigarettes.

Did you see who paid for the dinner?—Wilde wrote out a cheque.

Parker gave his evidence with some hesitancy, and blushed deeply. As the examination of this witness had proceeded, Wilde moved restlessly about the corner of the dock in which he had seated himself, and occasionally passed his hands across his face in a way indicative o£ distress of mind.

Mr. C.O. Humphreys here announced that he had instructed counsel for the defence, and Mr. Travers Humphreys, who was with Sir Edward Clarke and Mr. Mathews at the Old Bailey, now entered the court and took his seat at the barristers' table.

Cross-examination was reserved. The Court then adjourned for luncheon.

During the adjournment for luncheon the gossip in court was to the effect that Sir Edward Clarke had written to Wilde's solicitor expressing his willingness to defend the prisoner without fee. On inquiry this statement proved to be well founded.

On the court resuming W. Parker, a brother of the former witness, and strongly resembling him, waa called. The witness complained or feeling unwell, and was accommodated with a seat. Parker, whose face was deathly pale, said falteringly that he, his brother, Taylor, and Wilde dined together.

Mrs. Ellen Grant, 13 Little College Street, described prisoners peculiar way of furnishing and lighting his rooms.

ANOTHER ARREST.

The Press Association telegraphs:—The man Taylor, who is alleged to have acted as an intermediary for Oscar Wilde, was arrested this morning and taken to Bow Street.

THE NIGHT IN THE CELL.

As soon as Wilde was inside the police-station last night his demeanour appeared to change completely. Had he not supported himself by the rail which runs down the lower end of the office he would have fallen. In a few seconds, however, he recovered himself, and sweeping back his hair from his forehead desired to know in what manner he was to be treated. He was informed, says to-day's Echo, that he would be placed in an ordinary cell. "Cannot I have a private room?" he plaintively queried. "No." was the reply, "but we will make you as comfortable as possible." He was requested to give up any articles winch he had upon him. He, without a word, turned out his pockets. A few loose coins, a pencil case, some papers, and 20 £5 notes, this was all he had upon him. The notes were kept by the police, but the remaining articles, excepting the pencil, were returned to him. Then he was conducted to the cell. "How am I to sleep to-night?" was Oscar's next question. In reply a constable brought in a few rugs, and throwing them upon a bench in the cell indicated that that would be the bed for the night.

LAST NIGHT'S DINNER.

The question of dinner was next considered. The prisoner, placed as he was, would be allowed to secure special food if he desired it. He did so desire, and a messenger acting on his request was despatched to an hotel. He returned attended by one of the hotel servants bearing a waiter piled with soup, fish, chicken, and a small bottle of champagne. For this repast Oscar displayed only the slightest partiality. Then he requested to be provided with a book, but the light in the cell, however, prevented reading. He also pleaded for permission to smoke, but this was refused. He slept very lightly, and now and then paced his cell. As soon as morning broke he stepped up to the door of the cell, and catching sight of the constable who had been detailed for the duty of watching him during the night had a brief conversation with him. At eight o'clock a messenger arrived with his breakfast of coffee and bread and butter. The coffee he drank, but the solid food he returned untouched. A curious feature, however, was that before this food could be taken from the cell another messenger arrived with coffee, bread and butter, and two eggs. This, of course, was returned.

HIS AGITATION.

It is reported from Bow Street that when Mr. Gill stated that Taylor had been arrested Wilde displayed the greatest agitation, and repeatedly laid his head on his hands. Tayior, on going into the dock, smiled at his felloW prisoner, who, however, was buried in a fit of abstraction.

ALL IRISHMEN.

The Westminster Gazette points out that it is somewhat remarkable that Oscar Wilde, Mr. Carson and Mr. Gill (the leading counsel against him), and Mr. Justice Henn Collins, who tried the case, are all Irishmen, and are ail graduates of Dublin University.

ON THE WATCH.

All the railway stations from which trains left in connection with steamers for foreign ports were watched by detectives yesterday afternoon, aud Wilde's description was sent by telegraph to the chiefs of police in British ports with urgent requests that, if he was seen there, he might be arrested at sight.

"THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST."

Mr. George Alexander, lessee and manager of St. James's Theatre, London, where Mr. Oscar Wilde's successful comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, is being performed, does not at present intend to remove the play from his boards, although the name of the author will no longer appear in the advertisements or the bills. He points out that no kind of objection, on grounds of morality or of taste, can be taken to the comedy.

THE WILDE SCANDAL.
PRISONERS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

(Continued from Page 3.)

The prisoners were remanded until Thursday next. Bail was refused, and prisoners were taken to the cells.

The police have re-searched Taylor's rooms, and it is said other startling disclosures are on the tapis.