Galignani Messenger - Saturday, May 25, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE SOCIETY SCANDAL
CASE FOR THE DEFENCE.
WILDE IN THE WITNESS BOX.
SEVERE CROSS-EXAMINATION.
HIS
LOVE OF ADMIRATION.
CLOSING SPEECHES.
London, May 24.
There was a simmer of fresh excitement at the Old Bailey this morning when it became known that Wilde was to give evidence in his own behalf. He arrived at the court soon after 10 o'clock in a small pair-horse brougham, accompanied by Lord Douglas of Hawick and the Rev. Stewart Headlam, his sureties. For five minutes he was engaged in close conversation with Mr. Travers Humphreys, his junior counsel. Sir Frank Lockwood and Mr. C. F. Gill were already in consultation over their briefs at the other end of the same bench. Having finished with his counsel, Wilde stood talking with his sureties, facing the witness-box, till Mr. Justice Wills arrived at half-past 10, when he was called upon to surrender, and took hist seat in the corner of the dock, where he at once began to amuse himself with a quill pen and a piece of paper. Sir Edward Clarke having arrived,
There was a simmer of fresh excitement at the Old Bailey this morning when it became known that Wilde was to give evidence in his own behalf. He arrived at the court soon after ten o'clock in a small pair-horse brougham, accompanied by Lord Douglas of Hawick and the Rev. Stewart Headlam, his sureties. For five munutes he was engaged in close conversation with Mr. Travers Humphreys, his junior counsel. Sir Frank Lockwood and Mr. C. F. Gill were already in consultation over the briefs at the other end of the same bench. Having finished with his counsel, Wilde stood talking with his sureties, facing the witness-box, till Mr. Justice Wills arrived, at half-past ten, when he was called upon to surrender, and took his seat in the corner of the dock, where he at once began to amuse himself with a quill pen and a piece of paper. Sir Edward Clarke having arrived,
The Solicitor-General rose to re-open the controversy of last night as to the withdrawal of the Shelley indictments from the jury. He quoted a more recent case than those quoted yesterday, the case of the Queen v. Meunier, in which the judge said that no doubt it was the practice to warn a jury that they should not convict unless they thought the evidence of an accomplice was corroborated, but he knew of no power to withdraw the case from the jury for want of corroborative evidence.
The Solicitor-General rose to reopen the controversy of last night as to the withdrawal of the shelley indictments from the jury. He quoted a more recent case of the Queen v. monnier, in which the judge said that no dout it was the practice to warn a nury that they should not convict unless they thought the evidence of an accomplice was corroborated, but he know of no power to withdraw the case from the jury for want of corroborative evidence.
His lordship said he preferred to adhere to the course he had taken as the result of very deliberate consideration. He was willing however, to reserve the question for the consideration of the Court of Crown Cases Reserved.
he had taken as the result of very deliberate consideration. He was willing, however, to reserve the question for the consideration of the Court of Crown Cases Reserved.
Then Sir Edward Clarke, opening the case for the defence, embarked on one of the finest of the many admirable orations which have been heard from him in this court. "I shall call Mr. Wilde into the witness-box again," he began, "to state on his oath for the third time in this court that there is no truth whatever in those accusations which are made against him, and to face for the third time in this court, and now with a new assailant, that cross-examination which may be administered to him in regard to these accusations. When he has given that evidence and when he has been cross-examined the case will be complete, and it will be my duty then to address you upon the character of the evidence with which you are asked to deal." But first he had a word to stay about the temper of Sir F. Lockwood's conduct of the prosecution. "I had the honour," he said, "to hold the office of Solicitor-General, which he now holds, for a longer period than any man has held it during the last 100 years, and having been Solicitor-General for six years, it is not likely that I, at any place or time, shall speak lightly of the responsibilities of that office. But I always look upon the responsibility of a Crown counsel, and especially upon the responsibility of a law officer of the Crown as a public rather than a private interest of responsibility. He is a minister of justice, with a responsibility more like the responsibility of a judge than like that of a counsel retained for a particular combatant in the forensic fray." Sir Edward continued that he learnt his work in this court from the best example he ever saw of a law officer conducting criminal cases, that great advocate-and great gentleman--Sir. John Holker, who 20 years ago was conducting great cases in this court with a determined fairness which he admired, and declared at the time he trusted he might be able at some day to emulate. While, therefore, he said these things without the least unfriendliness of feeling towards the Solicitor-General, he said them in the hope that he might do something to induce his learned friend to remember, what he feared, that for a moment yesterday he forgot that he was here not to try and get a verdict of guilty by any means he may have, but that he was to lay before the jury for their judgment the facts on which they would be asked to come to a very serious consideration. He (Sir Edward) had now to answer but the remnant of a charge. But as the case had been whittled down the efforts of the prosecution had been redoubled, and instead of facing Mr. Gill, of the tone of whose conduct of the last case he had never for a moment to complain, down had come a law officer of the Crown, armed with the strange and invidious privilege -- which he, when Solicitor-General, never once exercised, and would not exercise if ever he filled that distinguished position again -- of overriding the usual practice of the court. Whether the defendant called witnesses or not the Solicitor-General enjoyed a right, though why he should enjoy it Sir Edward could not imagine, of the last word with the jury.
But for this Sir Edward Clarke might have relied upon his reading of the evidence given by tne defendant at the last trial. Reckoning with this, the defendant, broken as he now is -- as anyone who saw him at the first trial must see that he is -- by being kept in prison without bail, contrary to practice, and, as Sir Edward believed, contrary to law, would submit himself again to the indignity and pain of going into the witness-box. Unfit as he was after the ordeal he had gone through, he would repeat on oath his denial of the charges which had been made against him.
But for this Sir Edward Clarke might have relied uponn his reading of the evidence given by the defendant at the last trial. Reckoning with this, the defendant, broken as he now is--as anyone who saw him at the first trial must see that he is--by being kept in prison without bail, contrary to practice, and, as Sir Eward believed, contrary to law, would submit himself again to the indignity and pain of going into the witness-box. Unfit as he was after the ordeal he had gone through, he would repeat on oath his denial of the charges which had been made against him.
Wilde was called at ten minutes past 11, and at Sir Edward Clarke's request was allowed to be seated in the witness-box. Only when he began to speak wast the full force of Sir Edward's remarks seen. His voice, at the first trial so full and confident, had become hollow and husky, and he seemed glad to lean over the front of the witness-box. He was very briefly, and in very general terms, examined once more as to his friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons, Lord Queensberry's objections to his friendship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and the incident of the libellous post-card. He described the production of his various plays, and declared that it was for convenience of literary work and to be near the theatre that he took the chambers at 10, St. James's-place. "Most literary men like to work out of their own house. It is quieter--and better," he added.
Wilde was called at ten minutes past eleven, and at Sir Edward Clarke's request was allowed to be seated in the witness-box. Only when he began to speak was the full force of Sir Eward's remarks seen. His voice, at the first trial so full and confident, had become hollow and husky, and he seemed glad to lean over the front of the witness box. He was very briefly, and in very general terms, examined once more as to his friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons, Lord Queensberry's objections to his friendship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and the incident of the libellous postcard. He described the production of his various plays, and declared that it was for convenience of literary work and to be near the theatre that he took the chambers at 10, St. James's-place, "Most literary men like to work out of their own house. It is quieter--and better," he added.
Wilde was called at then minutes past eleven, and at Sir Edward Clarke's request was allowed to be seated in the witness-box. His voice--at the first trial so full and confident-had become hollow and husky, and he seemed glad to lean over the front of the witness-box. He was very briefly, and in very general terms, examined once more as to his friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons, Lord Queensberry's objections to his friendship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and the incident of the libellous postcard. He described the production of his various plays, and declared that it was for convenience of literary work and to be near the theatre that he took the chambers at 10. St. James's-place. "Most literary men like to work out of their own house. It is quieter--and better." He added.
Wilde was called at then minutes past eleven, and at Sir Edward Clarke's request was allowed to be seated in the witness-box. His voice--at the first trial so full and confident-had become hollow and husky, and he seemed glad to lean over the front of the witness-box. He was very briefly, and in very general terms, examined once more as to his friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons, Lord Queensberry's objections to his friendship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and the incident of the libellous postcard. He described the production of his various plays, and declared that it was for convenience of literary work and to be near the theatre that he took the chambers at 10. St. James's-place. "Most literary men like to work out of their own house. It is quieter--and better." He added.
There was only one more question - "Is there any truth whatever in the accusations made against you in this indictment?"
"None
whatever." The reply came with emphasis, and something of the old rotundity.
There was only one more question - "Is there any truth whatever on the accusations made against you in this indictment?" "None whatever." The reply came with emphasis, and something of the old rotundity.
When Sir Frank Lockwood rose to cross-examine the witness also rose. "Don't rise, please, unless you wish," said the Solicitor-General; and the witness replied, "I can hear better." In a few minutes, however, he seemed glad to sink into his chair again. He was first asked about his acquaintance with Lord Alfred Douglas. It began, he said, in 1892. The Marquis first objected in March, 1893.
When Sir Frank Lockwood rose to cross-examine, the witness also rose. "Don't rise, please, unless you wish," said the Solicitor-General, and the Witness replied, "I can hear better." In a few minutes, however, he seemed glad to sink into his chair again. He was first asked about his acquaintance with Lord Alfred Douglas. It began, he said, in 1892. The Marquis first objected in March, 1893.
When Sir Frank Lockwood rose to cross-examine, the witness also rose. "Don't rise, please, unless you wish," said the Solicitor-General, and the Witness replied, "I can hear better." In a few minutes, however, he seemed glad to sink into his chair again. He was first asked about his acquaintance with Lord Alfred Douglas. It began, he said, in 1892. The Marquis first objected in March, 1893.
to cross-examine, the witness also rose. "Don't rise, please, unless you wish," said the Solicitor-General, and the witness replied, "I can hear better." In a few minutes, however, he seemed glad to sink into his chair again. He was first asked about his acquaintance with Lord Alfred Douglas. It began, he said, in 1892. The Marquess first objected in March, 1893.
Are you sure? I am very bad about dates. It must have been last year, 1894.
Where is Lord Alfred Douglas now? Abroad.
Where?
In Paris. He went there before the last trial, at my own wish.
And the intervention of the father had no effect? No.
Quoting the two letters about which so much has already been heard, the Solicitor-General asked: "Are these a sample of the style in
which you addressed Lord Alfred Douglas?"
"No," replied the witness, "I do not think I should say a sample. No! The letter written from Torquay [the
'madness of kissing' letter] was intended to be a kind of prose poem in answer to a poem he had written to me in verse. It was written under circumstances
of great feeling."
Are you sure? - I am very bad about dates. It must have been last year, 1894. Where is Lord Alfred Douglas now? - Abroad. Where? - In Paris. He went there before the last trial at my own wish. And the intervention of the father had no effect? - No. Quoting the two letters about which so much has already been heard, the Solicitor-General asked, "Are these a sample of the style in which you addressed Lord Alfred Douglas?" "No," replied the Witness, "I do not think I should say a sample. No ! The letter writing from Torquay (the "madness of kissing" letter) was intended to be a kind of prose poem in answer to a poem he had written to me in verse. It was written under circumstances of great feeling."
"No," replied the witness, "I do not think I should say a sample. No! The letter written from Torquay [the "madness of kissing" letter] was intended to be kind of prose poem in answer to a poem he had written to me in verse. I was written under circumstances of great feeling."
"No," replied the Witness, "I do not think I should say a sample. No ! The letter writing from Torquay (the "madness of kissing" letter) was intended to be a kind of prose poem in answer to a poem he had written to me in verse. It was written under circumstances of great feeling."
Asked as to his choice of the words "My dear boy" as a mode of address, the witness replied that he adopted them because Lord Alfred Douglas was so much younger than himself. The letter wast a fantastic extravagant way of writing to a young man. As he said at the first trial, it did not seem to be a question of whether a thing was proper or right, but of literary expression.
I did not use the word proper or right. Was it decent? Oh, decent! Of course. There is nothing indecent in it.
Do you think that
was a decent way for a man of your age to address a man of his? It was a beautiful way for an artist to address a young man of culture and charm. Decency
does not enter into it.
Doesn't it? Do you understand the meaning of the word, sir? Yes.
Then do you consider that a decent mode of addressing
a young man? I can only give you the same answer, that it is a literary mode of writing what is intended to be a prose poem.
The witness admitted that the second letter, in which he said Lord Alfred Douglas's last communication was red and yellow wine to him, and concluded with lamentable particulars of the amount of his hotel bill and the statement that he had no money, no credit, and a heart of lead, was a mixture of poetry and prose, and was not intended to be any kind of sonnet.
The witness admitted that the second letter, in which he said Lord Alfred Douglas's last communication was red and yellow wine to him, and concluded with lamentable particulars of the amount of his hotel bill and the statement that he had no money, no credit, and a heart of lead, was a mixture of
Asked what the charge was which Lord Queensberry made against him, he quoted the words of the libellous postcard, alter a little fencing with the Solicitor-General. Between Lord Queensberry's committal and the first trial the witness and Lord Alfred Douglas went abroad together for about a week. Before the trial he saw Lord Queensberry's plea of justification which alleged all the misconduct of which evidence has since been given, besides making charges which have not been heard because they refer to occurrences in Paris.
Asked what the charge was which Lord Queensberry made against him, he quoted the words on the libellous postcard, after a little fencing with the Solicitor-General. Between Lord Queensberry's committal and the first trial the witness and Lord Alfred Douglas went abroad together for about a week. Before the trial he saw Lord Queensberry's plea of justification, which alleged all the misconduct of which evidence has since been given, besides making charges which have not been heard because they reger to occurrences in Paris.
Asked what the charge was which Lord Queensberry made against him, he quoted the words on the libellous postcard, after a little fencing with the Solicitor-General. Between Lord Queensberry's plea of justification, which alleged all the misconduct of which evidence has since been given, besides making charges which have not been heard because they refer to occurrences in Paris.
Asked what the charge was which Lord Queensberry made against him, he quoted the words on the libellous postcard, after a little fencing with the Solicitor-General. Between Lord Queensberry's plea of justification, which alleged all the misconduct of which evidence has since been given, besides making charges which have not been heard because they refer to occurrences in Paris.
Did you abandon that prosecution? It was abandoned by the advice of my counsel.
With your consent? Yes, I admit it was with my
consent, but none of those matters had been entered into. It was entirely about literature, and it was represented to me that I could not get a verdict
because of those two letters you have read.
With your consent? - Yes, I admit it was with my consent, but none of those matters had been entered into. It was entirely about literature, and it was represented to me that I could not get a verdict because of those two letters you have read.
With your consent? - Yes, I admit it was with my consent, but none of those matters had been entered into. It was entirely about literature, and it was represented to me that I could not get a verdict because of these two letters you have read.
Examined as to his connection with Taylor, he said that he had not been in Taylor's house more than five or six times. There he had met Sidney Mavor and Schwabe -- he could not remember any others, since he had not been there since he met Wood there about the letters in March, 1893. He had never met the Parkers there. The company did not consist entirely of young men; there were men of his own age. He looked upon Taylor as "a very bright" companion. He did not know whether the young men he met with Taylor had any occupations-"One does not ask these questions," he explained.
Sir Frank Lockwood was cross-examining defendant as to his opinion of Taylor's relations with various young men, when Sir Edward Clarke objected that this was altogether outside the bounds of fair examination.
His lordship said he thought the objection came too late. Since the matter had gone so far it was as well to have the whole matter brought out.
Witness, continuing, said that these young men he met had no intellectual charm, but they admired him, and he liked to be praised and made much of. He liked to be lionised and made much of by these boys. "Praise from anybody was always delightful." He did not think that it was within his power to exercise any influence over these boys either for good or ill.
Sir Frank Lockwood: What was the charm about Taylor? Charm is not the word I would employ. I found him, bright, pleasant, with a great deal of good taste -- not intellectual, but clever.
Witness, continuing, said he thought Taylor's rooms were "very nice. They were near Westminster -- there was the Abbey." He thought that in the decoration of Taylor's rooms there was evidence of artistic taste, though not of a very high order. Taylor had introduced him to six or seven or eight young men, but he could not remember their names. He had known Taylor for about five months when it occurred to him to give him a dinner on his birthday.
Sir Frank Lockwood: Did you tell him how many friends to bring? No. I did not think he would bring a crowd.
Then was it simply a
coincidence that the table was laid for four, and that he brought the two Parkers? Oh, no; I told him to go to Kettner's himself and to order the dinner.
I ordered the wine myself when I arrived.
Continuing, witness said he did not know anything about the guests Taylor was going to take.
The witness continued the story of his acquaintance with Charles Parker, who might have visited him seven or eight times at St. James's-place, and with whom, on one occasion he dined at Kettner's, going afterwards to the Pavillon. He last saw him in December, in the street, but did not remember saying to him, "You are looking as pretty as ever." He admitted receiving from him the following letter. "7, Camera-square, Dear Oscar, -- Am I to have the pleasure of dining with you this evening? If so, kindly send answer per messenger or wire me at above address. I do trust it will be convenient, and that we can spend the evening together. --With kind regards and apologies, yours, &c., CHAS. PARKER." The witness could not remember whether he responded to this invitation. He was certain he had never been to see Parker at his Chelsea lodging.
him in December, in the street, but did not remember saying to him, "You are looking pretty as ever." He admitted receiving from him the following letter:--"7, Camera-sq. Dear Oscar,--Am I to have the pleasure of dining with you this evening/ If so kindly send answer per messenger or wire me at above address. I do trust it will be convenient, and that we can spend the evening together. With kind regards and apologies, yours, &c., CHAS. PARKER." The witness could not remember whether he responded to this incitation. he was certain he hd never been to see Parker at his Chelsea lodging.
The Solicitor-General introduced the name of a young man named Scarfe, who was taken by Taylor to see Wilde. The witness said Scarfe represented himself as a young man who had made money in Australia.
The Solicitor-General introduced the name of a young man named Scarfe, who was taken by Taylor to see Wilde. The witness said Scarfe represented himself as a young man who had made money in Australia.
Why was he brought to you? Because many people at that time had great pleasure and interest in asking me.
Did he call you Oscar?
Yes.
At once? I had to ask him to. I have a passion for being called by my Christian name. It pleases me.
Did you give him a cigarette case?
Yes.
Has he dined alone with you? Yes.
The witness remembered Alfonzo Conway, whom he met on the beach at Worthing in the August of last year. This was a boy who had an ambition to go to sea, and whose mother was a widow and let lodgings. The witness bought him a suit of blue serge, and to amuse him took him for a 21 hours trip to Brighton, where they slept in adjoining rooms.
The witness remembered Alfonzo Conway, whom he met on the beach at Worthing in the August of last year. This was a boy who had an ambition to go to sea, and whose mother was a widow and let lodgings. The witness bought him a suit of blue serge, and to amuse him took him for a 24 hours'
The Witness remembered Alfonzo Conway, whom he met on the beach at Worthing in the August of last year. This was a boy who had ambition to go to go to sea, and whose mother was a widow, and let lodgings. The witness brought him a suit of blue serge, and to amuse him took him for a twenty-four hours'
In continued cross-examination,the witness, who had constantly to sip at the frequently replenished glass of water at his side, said he met Harrington in the company of Schwabe at the Café Royal. He denied that he had ever given him either of two scarf pins which were produced by the Solicitor-General. He also met Wood, by appointment, at the Café Royal. He had been asked to assist him, and took him to supper at the Florence. He had already supped himself.
In continued cross-examination, the Witness, who had constantly to sip at the frequently replenished glass of water at his side, said he met Harrington in the company of Schwabe at the Café Royal. He denied that he had ever given him either of two scarf pins which were produced by the Solicitor-General. He also met Wood, by appointment, at the Café Royal. He had been asked to assist him, and took him to supper at the Florence. He had already supped himself.
In continued cross-examination, the Witness, who had constantly to sip at the frequently replenished glass of water at his side, said he met Harrington in the company of Schwabe at the Café Royal. He denied that he had ever given him either of two scarf pins which were produced by the Solicitor-General. He also met Wood, by appointment, at the Café Royal. He had been asked to assist him, and took him to supper at the Florence. He had already supped himself.
In continued cross-examination, the witness who had constantly to sip at the frequently replenished glass of water at his side, said he met Harrington in the company of Schwabe at the Cafe Royal. He denied that he had ever given him either of two scarf pins which were produced by the Solicitor-General. He also met Wood, by appointment, at the Cafe Royal. He had been asked to assist him, and took him to super at the Florence. He had already supped himself.
Then why not give him 5s. to go and get his supper? Ah, that would be treating him like a beggar. He was sent to me by Lord Alfred
Douglas.
Did you know he came from 13, Little College-street? No; I did not know that. He told me he was a clerk, out of employment, and was anxious
to find employment. I could not do that, but I gave him money.
Why should he be sent to you for money? The money was not really from me, but was
from Lord Alfred Douglas, who was at Salisbury.
Then why not give him 5s. to go and get his supper? - Ah, that would be treating him like a beggar. He was sent to me by Lord Alfred Douglas. Did you know he came from 13, Little College-street? - No, I did not know that. He told me he was a clerk, out of employment, and was anxious to find employment. I could not do that, but I gave him money. Why should he be sent to you for money? - The money was not really from me, but was from Lord Alfred Douglas, who was at Salisbury. There are such things as postal orders, I believe? - Yes.
The Solicitor-General passed rapidly forward to the time at which Taylor told Wilde that Wood wished to go to America and Wilde learnt through an anonymous letter that his letters to Lord Alfred Douglas had fallen into Wood's hands, and that he was to be blackmailed about them. Wilde went to Sir George Lewis, and then Taylor came to him with a story that Wood was very much distressed and concerned, and arranged the meeting at Little College-street. The witness stated that Wood gave him the letters as soon as he entered the room. They were letters of no importance.
that his letters to Lord Alfred Douglas had fallen into Wood's hands, and that he was to be blackmailed about them. Wilde went to Sir George Lewis, and then Taylor came to him with a story that Wood was very much distressed and concerned and arranged the meeting at Little College-street. The Witness stated that Wood gave him the letters as soon as he entered the room. They were letters of no importance.
that his letters to Lord Alfred Douglas had fallen into Wood's hands, and that he was to be blackmailed about them. Wilde went to Sir George Lewis, and then Taylor came to him with a story that Wood was very much distressed and concerned and arranged the meeting at Little College-street. The Witness stated that Wood gave him the letters as soon as he entered the room. They were letters of no importance.
Where are they? Oh, I tore them up.
He then gave Wood £15, but it was not as the price or the letters. He had gone prepared to
bargain for them if they were worth paying back.
To bargain for what? For those letters.
And you took money with you for the purpose?
Yes.
And you got the letters? Yes.
And gave him luncheons and an additional sum of £5 the following day? Yes.
He then gave Wood £15, but it was not as the price of the letters. He had gone prepared to bargain for them if they were worth buying back. To bargain for what? - For these letters. And you took money with you for the purpose? - Yes. And you got the letter? - Yes. And gave him luncheon and an additional sum of £5 the following day? - Yes.
The Solicitor-General concluded his cross-examination with this question at half-past one, and the court adjourned for lunch.
After lunch Wilde was recalled for re-examination by Sir Edward Clarke. His experience of the morning had, indeed, been an ordeal, and he looked thoroughly shaken. Only a man of iron nerve could have worn through so much and shown comparatively so little demoralisation.
The witness was asked to repeat that Schwabe was the gentleman of fortune and position who introduced him to Taylor.
Had you or had you not any reason to believe that Taylor was a disreputable or immoral person? Certainly not. I regarded him as a quiet, amusing young man.
Sir Edward Clarke then commenced his final address, and went carefully through the various charges, pointing out discrepancies and improbalities. He submitted that no man have gone through the ordeal of three times facing the terrors of cross-examination, and he suggested that no witness had ever been seen in the box who gave his evidence with such complete clearness and frankness, and with so little appearance of a wish to deceive. As that was so, he was entitled to a verdict. If on examination of the evidence they found that it was their duty to say it is not true that the man of brilliant promise clouded by these accusations, that light if reputation which was nearly quenched in the torrent of prejudice which was sweeping through, he would not say the courts, but certainly at least through the Press, he asked them to leave his client, a man of reputation, a brilliant Irishman, to give us more of those great works we owe to his genius.
At the conclusion of Sir Edward Clarke's speech, which had occupied nearly two hours in delivery, there was loud applause in court, which was with difficulty suppressed.
Sir Frank Lockwood then rose to commence his speech on behalf of the prosecution. He warned the jury that they must not allow any considerations of the literary and social distinctions of the defendant to influence them in making their decision in the present case. Sir Edward Clarke had claimed credit for his client for appearing three times in the witness-box, but his very first appearance there had resulted in the downfall of his reputation, and had caused a jury to come to the conclusion that an admitted libel on him, containing in substance the present charges, was true in substance and effect, and had been published for the public good. Commenting on Wilde's evidence , he said it was a remarkable fact that he had forgotten the names of all but two of the persons with whom he admitted having associated at Taylor's rooms. If he had no reason for concealing these names -- and it was unreasonable to suppose that they had all passed out of his mind -- why did he not mention them all, and let the mystery which surrounded his relations with these persons be cleared up once and for all?
At this point the case was again adjourned.