Daily World - Wednesday, April 3, 1895

AFFECTIONATE OSCAR.
He Quite Doted on Young Lord Douglas - Interesting Testimony in the Libel Case.

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 maintained an air 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 on a card which constituted a libel. When counsel said that certain witnesses would deny the Marquis’ testimony the Marquis made an attempt to attack Wilde, but could not get at him. Counsel said that Queensberry openly libelled Wilde in the latter’s own house and was put out. Counsel admitted that Wilde had written an extravagant letter to Lord Douglas. The letter was read, and it contained such expressions as "your rose-leaf lips;" "your slim, gilt soul walks between poetry and passion"; "I know that Hyacinthus, who was loved by ApoIIo, was you in the Greek days." Wilde then took the stand and detailed his relations with the family of the Marquis. He said that in 1893 Queensberry came to his house and accused him of having taken rooms for the latter’s son, Lord Douglas, and threatened to thrash Wilde if he again caught him with his son. Wilde denied that he had taken rooms for Lord Douglas. On cross-examination he admitted stopping with Lord Douglas and other young men at hotels. He denied that he had "madly adored" a man 20 years his junior. With regard to his productions he said he did not believe any affected the conduct of its reader. Wilde admitted that he had given sums of money to certain young men, but said that nothing improper occurred between himself and them. Adjourned.