Galignani Messenger - Saturday, April 20, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE SOCIETY SCANDAL
POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS.
SENSATIONAL STATEMENT.
A MOCK MARRIAGE.
APPLICATION
FOR BAIL.
MAGISTRATE'S DECISION.
London, April 19.
A sensational rumour that other arrests had been made in connection with the charges against Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor brought another large crowd to Bow-street, where the prisoners were to be brought before sir John Bridge for the third time this morning. Whatever may be intended; no further arrests have yet been made. It has been obvious from the first that the Treasury is anxious to avoid overloading the case against Wilde and Taylor rather than press the charge, which remains one of simple misdemeanour.
Owing to some misunderstanding, today's proceedings did not begin till noon, though witnesses and a big crowd of would-be auditors were in attendance by ten. Strange to say, many of these curious spectators waiting for the arrival of the prisoners were women. The great majority, of course, were men, and many of them were young fellows, though several of them--a very large number altogether--were well dressed, even fashionably dressed, men. For more than an hour they waited walking up and down, smoking cigarettes, laughing and joking. It was a remarkable and saddening spectacle.
When the black Holloway Castle omnibus drove into the station yard there was again a little booing of an inarticulate kind. The crowd appeared to have no clear opinion of the prisoners one way or another. It only knew it was disappointed at not being able to see them or get into the court. It is just to the officers of Bow-street Police-court to say that to the limited extent of the accommodation at their disposal they always make admirable arrangements for both Press and public at the hearing of a cause celebre. But The Extradition Court is small, and the number of the curious is unlimited, especially when the case is of a kind in which newspapers have to suppress most of the corroborative detail.
When the black Holloway Castle omnibus drove into the station yard there was again a little booing of an inarticulate kind. The crowd appeared to have no clear opinion of the prisoners one way or another. It only knew it was disappointed at not being able to see them or get into the court. It is just to the officers of Bow-street Police-court to say that to the limited extent of the accommodation at their disposal they always make admirable arrangements for both Press and public at the hearing of a cause célèbre. But the Extradition Court is small, and the number of the curious is unlimited, especially when the case is of a kind in which newspapers have to suppress most of the corroborative detail.
Mr. J. P. Grain, Q.C, today watched the case on behalf of the witness Mavor, the lad with ambitions for the music-hall stage. Mavor is a tall young fellow, clean shaven and with a slight cast in his eye. He appeared in court dressed in the height of fashion, with immaculate black frock coat, brilliant silk hat, and a collar four inches deep.
Mr. J. P. Grain, Q.C, today watched the case on behalf of the witness Mavor, the lad with ambitions for the music-hall stage. Mavor is a tall young fellow, clean shaven and with a slight cast in his eye. He appeared in court dressed in the height of fashion, with immaculate black frock coat, brilliant silk hat, and a collar four inches deep. It was ten minutes past 12 before Mr. C. F. Gill arrived, and at 20 minutes past the magistrate and Sir Edward Clarke were still missing. In another minute or two
Mr. J. P. Grain, Q.C., on Friday watched the case on behalf of the witness Mavor, the lad with ambitions for the music-hall stage. Mavor is a tall young follow, clean shaven and with a slight cast in his eye. He appeared in court, dressed in the height of fashion, with immaculate black frock coat, brilliant silk hat, and a collar 4in deep. It was ten minutes past twelve before Mr. C.F. Gill arrived, and at twenty past the Magistrate and Sir Edward Clarke were still missing. In another minute or two Sir John BrIdge took his seat and
It was ten minutes past 12 before Mr. C. F. Gill arrived, and at 20 minutes past the magistrate and Sir Edward Clarke were still missing. In another minute or two Sir John Bridge took his seat, and the prisoners were brought into court. Wilde came first, and strode heavily into the dock, followed by the simpering Taylor, who smiled all over a weak open mouth. Wilde has changed in a startling degree. His face is grey and haggard, his cheeks seem fallen in, his hair unkempt, and his general mien is one of great depression and sudden age. Even his clothes--the grey coat with the velvet cuffs, the silk hat, and the gloves--seemed to have deteriorated. Taylor, on the contrary, remained dapper and apparently careless, even when the first witness made the most damaging statements about him. On the application of Mr. Newton the prisoners were permitted to sit down, and the privilege seemed very welcome to Wilde, who sank heavily into the corner of the seat,and let his great head fall on his hand. In the absence of Sir Edward Clarke, his interests were watched by Mr. Travers Humphreys.
and the prisoners were brought into court. Wilde came first, and strode heavily into the dock, followed by the simpering Taylor, who smiled all over a weak open mouth. Wilde has changed in a startling degree. His face is grey and haggard, his cheeks seem fallen in, his hair unkempt, and his general mien is one of great depression and sudden age. Even his clothes--the grey coat with the velvet cuffs, the silk hat, and the gloves--seemed to have deteriorated. Taylor, on the contrary, remained dapper and apparently careless, even when the first witness made the most damaging statements about him. On the application of Mr. Newton the prisoners were permitted to sit down, and the privilege seemed very welcome to Wilde, who sank heavily into the corner of the seat,and let his great head fall on his hand. In the absence of Sir Edward Clarke, his interests were watched by Mr. Travers Humphreys.
The witness Charlie Parker, whose evidence was taken last week, was first recalled, and Mr. Gill put to him a series of questions which elicited evidence against Taylor of a more serious character than anything yet actually heard in the case. Taylor laughed contemptuously at some of the witness's statements, but his colour heightened, and for the first time he betrayed something like uneasiness. Parker also told of a more fantastic episode, in which Taylor and the lad Charley Mason went through a mock ceremony of marriage. Taylor, he said, wore female garments, Mason played the bridegroom, and the ceremony was followed by a wedding breakfast.
The witness Charlie Parker, whose evidence was taken last week, was first recalled, and Mr. Gill put to him a series of questions which elicited evidence against Taylor of a more serious character than anything yet actually heard in the case. Taylor laughed contemptuously at some of the witness's statements, but his colour heightened, and for the first time he betrayed something like uneasiness. Parker also told of a more fantastic episode, in which Taylor and the lad Charley Mason went through a mock ceremony of marriage. Taylor, he said, wore female garments, Mason played the bridegroom, and the ceremony was followed by a wedding breakfast. Witness's brother, Wm Parker, also gave some revolting evidence. This lad, first asking, "Am I to speak plainly ?" spoke very plainly indeed. Taylor sneered, and affected to smile at his statements, but he presently placed his face on his gloved hands, on the front of the dock, and made a careful study of the floor.
Witness's brother, William Parker, also gave some revolting evidence. This lad, first asking, "Am I to speak plainly?" spoke very plainly indeed. Taylor sneered, and affected to smile at his statements, but he presently placed his face on his gloved hands on the front of the dock and made a careful study of the floor.
Mr. Frederick Kearley, a capable-looking superannuated detective - inspector of the Metropolitan Police, was the next witness. He deposed that he was employed by Messrs. Russell and Day, Lord Queensberry's solicitors, to make the inquiries on which his justification of the libel on Oscar Wilde was based, and in the course of those inquiries obtained from Mrs. Grey, the landlady of 3, Chapel-street, a leather hat-box containing papers. Among these were letters and short notes making appointments for meetings between Wilde, Taylor, and Mavor. There was a cheque for a small amount in favour of Mavor, and a telegram asking him to meet Wilde at the Savoy Hotel.
Mr. Frederick Kearley, a capable-looking superannuated detective - inspector of the Metropolitan Police, was the next witness. He deposed that he was employed by Messrs. Russell and Day, Lord Queensberry's solicitors, to make the inquiries on which his justification of the libel on Oscar Wilde was based, and in the course of those inquiries obtained from Mrs. Grey, the landlady of 3, Chapel-street, a leather
Mr. Frederick Kearley, a superannuated detective-inspector of the Metropolitan Police, was the next witness. He deposed that he was employed by Lord Queensberry's solicitors to make inquiries on which his justification of the libel on Oscar Wilde was based, and in the course of those inquiries obtained from Mrs. Grey the landlady of 3, Chapel-street, a leather hat-box containing papers, including cheques, telegrams, tradesmen's bills, &c. Among the cheques were two for 30s, and £2 made payable to Sidney Mavor and certain telegrams addressed to Taylor at Little College-street. One read: "Cannot manage the dinner tomorrow; am so sorry. - OSCAR." And another, "Obliged to see--at five o'clock. So don't come to Savoy. Let me know at once about Fred. - OSCAR."
The cross-examination of these witnesses was merely perfunctory, and did not attempt to controvert their statements. Formal evidence of Wilde's occupation of particular rooms at the Savoy Hotel in March, 1893, was given by Charles Robinson, bookkeeper at the hotel. A certified copy of the account of "Alfred Waterhouse Somerset Taylor" at the Marylebone branch of the London and Westminster Bank from Jan. 1, 1892, to Dec. 9, 1893, was produced by Mr. Leith, a clerk.
The cross-examination of these witnesses was merely perfunctory, and did not attempt to controvert their statements. Formal evidence of Wilde's occupation of particular rooms at the Savoy Hotel in March, 1893, was given by Charles Robinson, bookkeeper at the hotel. A certified copy of the account of "Alfred Waterhouse Somerset Taylor" at the Marylebone branch of the London and Westminster Bank from Jan. 1, 1892, to Dec. 9, 1893, was produced by Mr. Leith, a clerk.
Mr. Brooks, a clerk in the Westminster branch of the same bank, produced a copy of the prisoner Wilde's banking account from Jan. 1, 1892, to April 9 last, the significance of the evidence being again left to the imagination. Transcripts of the evidence taken by shorthand writers at the recent trial at the Old Bailey were also put in.
Mr. Brooks, a clerk in the Westminster Branch of the same bank, produced a copy of the prisoner Wilde's banking account from January 1, 1892, or April 9 last, the significance of the evidence being again left to the imagination. Transcripts of the evidence taken by shorthand writers at the recent trial at the Old Bailey were also put in.
Mr. Brooks, a clerk in the Westminster branch of the same bank, produced a copy of the prisoner Wilde's banking account from 1 Jan., 1892, to 9 April last, the significance of the evidence being again left to the imagination. Transcripts of the evidence taken by shorthand writers at the recent trial at the Old Bailey were also put in.
This evidence would seem to portend possible charges of perjury.
Mr. Gill said the case for the prosecution was now complete. He had extracted from the depositions the offences on which he would ask Sir John to commit the prisoners to take their trial. These he handed up to the magistrate, who carefully studied them. Wilde meantime stroked his nose or bit the nail of his little finger, impassive and to all seeming indifferent, but Taylor began to show signs of great uneasiness.
Mr. Gill said the case for the prosecution was now complete. He had extracted from the depositions the offences on which he would ask Sir John to commit the prisoners to take their trial. These he handed up to the magistrate, who carefully studied them. Wilde meantime stroked his nose or bit the nail of his little finger, impassive and to all seeming indifferent, but Taylor began to show signs of great uneasiness.
Sir John Bridge suggested that the proposed indictments had better be read out, and Mr. Travers Humphreys said he should like to know what his client had to answer.
Sir John Bridge suggested that the proposed indictments had better be read out, and Mr. Travers Humphreys said he should like to know what his client had to answer.
The clerk then read out the indictments, which, in a cloud of legal verbiage, alleged that Wilde had committed acts of gross indecency with various lads, that Wilde and Taylor had conspired together to procure the commission of acts of gross indecency by Wilde with divers male persons, who were named, and, finally and most seriously, that Taylor attempted to commit "the abominable crime" with the lads named Parker. This last indictment was of course based on the evidence given this morning.
The clerk then read out the indictments, which, in a cloud of legal verbiage, alleged that Wilde had committed acts of gross indecency with various lads, that Wilde and Taylor had conspired together to procure the commission of acts of gross indecency by Wilde with divers male persons, who were named, and, finally and most seriously, that Taylor attempted to commit "the abominable crime" with the lads named Parker. This last indictment was of course based on the evidence given this morning.
Sir John Bridge: Now you have heard the offences of which you stand charged and the evidence given against you, do you wish to say
anything in answer to the charge?
Wilde, standing up, quietly answered, " No, not at present, your Worship."
There was not a trace of emotion,
and the cultured voice Was under perfect control.
Sir John Bridge: Do you, Taylor ?
Mr. Newton said that before Taylor answered the question he would like to ask if Sir John thought it right to commit his client on the serious charge named in the last indictment on the uncorroborated testimony of the two discredited witnesses chiefly concerned. He submitted that the evidence of such witnesses was wholly unworthy of credence.
Mr. Newton said that before Taylor answered the question he would like to ask if Sir John thought it right to commit his client on the serious charge named in the last indictment on the uncorroborated testimony of the two discredited witnesses chiefly concerned. He submitted that the evidence of such witnesses was wholly unworthy of credence.
Mr. Newton said that before Taylor answered the question he would like to ask if Sir John Bridge thought it right to commit his client on the serious charge named in the last indictment on the uncorroborated testimony of the two discredited witnesses chiefly concerned. He submitted that the evidence of such witnesses was wholly unworthy of credence.
Sir John Bridge said there was general corroboration as to the nature of Taylor's life which made the evidence of the Parkers admissible. " Certainly," he said, "I shall commit. The prisoners are committed for trial."
Sir John Bridge said there was general corroboration as to the nature of Taylor's life which made the evidence of the Parkers admissible." Certainly," he said, "I shall commit. The
Sir John Bridge said there was general corroboration as to the nature of Taylor's life which made the evidence of the Parkers inadmissible. "Certainly," he said, "I shall commit. The
Mr. Travers Humphreys applied that Wilde might now be admitted to bail. He based the application chiefly on the importance to the prisoner of being at complete liberty to direct personally the preparation of his defence; and, in offering the most substantial bail, he pointed out that the only charge against Wilde was misdemeaour.
Mr. Travers Humphreys applied that Wilde might now be admitted to bail. He based the application chiefly on the importance to the prisoner of being at complete liberty to direct personally the preparation of his defence; and, in offering the most substantial bail, he pointed out that the only charge against Wilde was misdemeaour.
Mr. Newton made a similar application on behalf of Taylor, urging that he had shown no desire to evade arrest, and had been available at any moment during the trial at the Old Bailey, after which he quietly returned to his own home, where the police found him.
Mr. Newton made a similar application on behalf of Taylor, urging that he had shown no desire to evade arrest, and had been available at any moment during the trial at the Old Bailey, after which he quietly returned to his own home, where the police found him.
Sir John Bridge said that in the exercise of his discretion he must refuse bail. To his mind there was no offence so grave as that with which the prisoners were charged. As to the evidence, he would say no more than that he did not think it slight. Therefore he refused bail.
Sir John Bridge said that in the exercise of his discretion he must refuse bail. To his mind there was no offence so grave as that with which the prisoners were charged. As to the evidence, he would say no more than that he did not think it slight. Therefore he refused bail.
Sir John Bridge said that in the exercise of his discretion he must refuse bail. To his mind there was no offence so grave as that with which the prisoners were charged. As to the evidence he would day no more that he did not think it slight. Therefore he refused bail.
The sessions at the Old Bailey often on Monday next. There is some opinion that, contrary to the usual practice, of taking the heavy trials after all the lighter ones have been disposed of, a day early in the week will be fixed for the Wilde case. It may be taken even as soon as Tuesday next; the authorities are anxious to have it disposed of at the soonest moment. It is expected to last at least a couple of days. In the event of a postponement of the trial Mr. Wilde's counsel would apply to the Queen's Bench for bail. It was even reported that a judge had been applied to to-day, but that is not the case.
The sessions at the Old Bailey is open on Monday next. There is some opinion that, contrary to the usual practice of taking the heavy trials after all the lighter ones have been disposed of, a day will be fixed for the Wilde case. It may be taken even as soon as Tuesday next; the authorities are anxious to have it disposed of t the soonest moment. It is expected to last at least a couple of days. In the event of a postponement of the trial Mr. Wilde's counsel would apply to the Queen's Bench for bail.