Daily World - Thursday, April 11, 1895

THE OSCAR WILDE CASE.
MORE EVIDENCE ADDUCED BY THE PROSECUTION.
Young Parker Made to Appear in a Bad Light - Witnesses of all Kinds Take the Stand - Hearing Adjourned for a Week.

London, April 11.- Great crowds of people were gathered outside and inside of the Bow street police court this morning when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from the prison in the black maria in order to be examined on the charges of having committed serious misdemeanors. The court opened at 11 o'clock with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn and was much subdued, although he smiled once or twice when curtain questions were put to him, he seemed to realize the gravity of the situation in which he was placed. He was dressed as faultlessly as ever, carrying a shining silk hat in his hand and displaying on one or his un-gloved fingers many sparkling gems. Taylor, Wilde's fellow prisoner, the man who is charged as having acted as procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved In a sneeringly indifferent manner, and was evidently not as deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charges brought against him as was his companion in the prisoner's dock. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, again appeared for Wilde, and reserved cross-examination of witnesses until the trial. Two lawyers acted for Taylor. The prisoners are evidently making a desperate fight. Taylor's lawyer said he would recall all the witnesses who were examined on Saturday last, as Taylor was not represented by counsel upon that occasion. Charles Parker, the 19-year old witness, was again placed in the witness box this morning. He was subjected to examination by Sir Edward Clarke, but his testimony was not shaken. The admission was wrung from him, however, that he had been guilty of heinous offences with other gentlemen besides Wilde. Parker also admitted that he received £20 by extortion from gentlemen. The proceedings were continued, and C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury department, and who, incidentally, was Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the defense of the Marquis of Queensbury, placed on the stand a man named Fred Atkins, 20 years of age, and described as a variety singer. Atkins, in reply to questions put to him by Mr. Gill, said that Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. By Wilde's order he had his hair curled. Further testimony by the same witness was similar to that given by the young men and boys who had been previously examined in this extraordinary case. He added that Wilde gave him a sliver cigarette case and money. Asked if he did any writing for Wilde, witness replied: "Yes, I wrote something about a woman of no importance." Edward Shelly was the next witness. He related how he had wine with Wilde in a private room and that Oscar kissed him. He remained throughout the night. Wilde gave him copies of his woks with tender inscriptions, took him to theatres, to the Prince of Wales club and to other resorts. Witness also testified in detail as to Wilde’s behavior to him. Then a number of disreputable lodging house keepers from Chelsea, the district of London in which Wilde’s home is situated, and several servants testified to Wilde's visits to these houses in the company of youths. The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarie was also examined and he testified as to how he had became suspicious of Wilde and finally issued a writ for a week's bill in order to prevent him from returning to the establishment. Testimony was presented showing that the relations between Wilde and Shelly were brought to the attention of the latter's employers and Shelly was discharged. After the police had presented evidence concerning their arrests, Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, ball being refused. It is reported that Wilde has been ill since his confinement in jail.