Daily Times - Wednesday, April 3, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
WILDE VERSUS QUEENSBERRY
The Two Principals Give Evidence in the Libel Case This Morning.
Queensberry
Admits Writing Alleged Libel, But Says It Was Justified.
London, April 3.— The central court was densely packed to-day to hear the proceedings in the action of Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry for libel. Wilde was present and maintains an appearance of unconcern. Queensberry pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true and was made known in the interest of public morality. Sir Edward Clark, for the prosecution, reviewed the evidence, dwelling upon the writing of the card, which constituted the libel. The counsel said certain witnesses would deny the testimony of the marquis. The marquis made an attempt to attack Wilde but could not get at him. He also openly libelled Wilde in the latter’s house and was put out. Counsel admitted that Wilde had written an extravagant letter to Lord Douglas.
London, April 3 - The Central court was densely packed today to hear proceedings in the action of Wilde against the Marquis of Queensbury for libel. Wilde was present and maintained the greatest unconcern. Queensbury pleaded not guilty adding that the so-called libel was true and made known in the interest of public morality. Sir Edward Clark for the prosecution reviewed the evidence dwelling upon the writing on the card which constituted the libel. When the counsel said certain witnesses would deny the Marquis' testimony, the Marquis made an attempt to attack Wilde but could not get at him. He also openly libelled Wilde in the latter's own house and was put out. Counsel admitted Wilde had written an extravagant letter to Lord Douglas. The letter was read and it contained such expressions a "Your roseleaf lips," "Your slim gilt soul was between poetry and passion," "I know that hyacinthe as who was loved by Apollo was yon in Greek days" Wilde then took the stand and detailed his relations with the family of Marquis.
The letter was read, it contained such expressions as "Your rose leaf lips," "your slim, gilt soul walks between poetry and passion." Wilde then took the stand and detailed his relations with the family of the marquis. Wilde said in 1893 Queensberry came in his house and accused him of having taken rooms for the latter’s son. Wilde denied that he had taken rooms for Douglas. On cross-examination Wilde admitted stopping with Douglas and other young men at hotels.
He denied that he "madly adored" a man twenty years his junior. In regard to his productions, he said he did not believe any affected the conduct of his reader.
He denied that he had "madly adored" a man twenty years his junior. In regard to his productions he said he did not believe any of his books had affected the conduct of its readers.
Wilde admits having given sums of money to certain young men but said there was nothing improper occurred between himself and them. The court then adjourned.