Evening Herald - Thursday, May 23, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
OSCAR WILDE’S TRIAL
FURTHER CROWN EVIDENCE.
Startling Admissions by a Witness.
The trial of Mr Oscar Wilde on charges indecency was resumed before Mr Justice Wills at the Old Bailey to-day.
The public gallery was again crowded long before the time fixed for the opening of the proceedings.
The Solicitor-General and Mr C F Gill, for the prosecution, were early arrivals in court, and they were quickly followed by Sir E [...] Parker, Q C, and Travers Humphreys, counsel for the prisoner.
Mr Oscar Wilde entered the court shortly before 10 30, and for some time stood at the [...] of the jury-box conversing with the Rev Stewart Headlam. His appearance created [...] little stir in the gallery, the occupants which eagerly craned their necks in order [...] obtain a view of him. Soon after Lord Douglas of Hawick joined the group, and they remained in earnest conversation until his Lordship took his seat on the bench. The prisoner then stepped into the dock, and was [...] accommodated with a chair. He sat with his elbow resting on the ledge in front of him, and, while listening to the evidence, stroked his lips with the back of his hand. He looked somewhat worried and anxious.
Mr Oscar Wilde entered the court shortly before 10 30, and for some time stood at the foot the of jury-box conversing with the Rev Stewart Headlam. His appearance created some little stir in the gallery, the occupants of which eagerly craned their necks in order obtain a view of him. Soon after Lord Douglas of Hawick joined the group, and they remained in earnest conversation until his lordship took his seat on the bench. The prisoner then stepped into the dock, and was again accommodated with a chair. He sat with his elbow resting on the ledge in front of him, and, while listening to the evidence, stroked his lips with the back of his hand. He looked somewhat worried and anxious.
The trial of Mr. Oscar Wilde on charges of indecency was resumed before Mr. Justice Wills at the Old Bailey to-day. The public gallery was again crowded long before the time fixed for the opening of the proceedings. The Solicitor-General and Mr. C.F. Gill, for the prosecution, were early arrivals in court, and they were quickly followed by Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., and Mr. Travers Humphreys, counsel for the prisoner. Mr. Oscar Wilde entered the court shortly before 10.30, and for some time stood at the foot of the jury box conversing with the Rev. Stewart Headlam. His appearance created some little stir in the gallery, the occupants of which eagerly craned their necks in order to obtain a view of him. Soon afterwards Lord Douglas of Hawick joined the group, and they remained in earnest conversation until his Lordship took his seat on the bench. The prisoner then stepped into the dock, and was again accommodated with a chair. He sat with his elbow resting on the ledge in front of him, and while listening to the evidence stroked his his lips with the back of his hands. He looked somewhat worried and anxious.
The Solicitor-General at once called William Parker, who said that he was a brother of the witness Charles Parker. In March, 1893, he stayed with his brother in Hunter street, Brunswick square. They occupied one room. One night they went to the St James’s Restaurant, Piccadilly, where they were accosted by a man whom they afterwards knew to be Alfred Taylor. Witness afterwards went to 13 Little College street, Westminster, and saw Taylor there. In consequence of the conversation with Taylor witness and his brother met Taylor on the next day, and Taylor took them to Kitner’s Restaurant.
The Solicitor-General at once called William Parker, who said that he was a brother of the witness Charles Parker. In March, 1893, he lived with his brother in Hunter street, Brunswick square. They occupied one room. One night they went to the St James’s Restaurant, Piccadilly, where they were accosted by a man whom they afterwards knew to be Alfred Taylor. Witness afterwards went to 13 Little College street, Westminster, and saw Taylor there. In consequence of the conversation with Taylor witness and his brother met Taylor on the next day, and Taylor took them to Kittner’s Restaurant.
The Solicitor-General—Up to this time had you seen Oscar Wilde? No.
Were you taken to a private room? Yes.
Was any one else there? No. Oscar Wilde came in afterwards. We were introduced to him by Taylor.
Was anyone else there? No. Oscar Wilde came in afterwards. We were introduced to him by Taylor.
I believe dinner was prepared for four? Yes.
Did the dinner consist of many courses? Four or five.
Was wine provided? Yes—champagne, coffee, and liquears.
Did you hear Oscar Wilde make a statement to your brother? Yes.
After that did you leave? Yes, shortly after this.
Did you go into the country? Yes.
Sir E Clarke first cross-examined witness as to the employment he had been in, and then asked—"Do you suggest you knew your brother was going for an indecent purpose? As I understood it from him.
Sir E Clarke first cross-examined witness as to the employment he had been in, and then asked — Do you suggest yo know your brother was going for an indecent purpose? As I understood it from him.
Sir E. Clarke first cross-examined witness as to the employment he had been in, and then asked: Do you suggest you knew your brother was going for a certain purpos?- As I understood it from him.
You were perfectly sober, I suppose? I was.
You represent that at the end of that dinner you heard of such a proposal made to your brother and did not interfere to prevent it? I did not.
You represent that at the end of that dinner you heard of such a proposal made to your brother, and did not interfere to prevent it?- I did not.
You represent that at the end of that dinner you heard of such a proposal made t your brother and did not interfere to prevent it? I did not.
Had you intended to do the same sort of thing yourself? I had.
Charles Robinson was the next witness. He was a book-keeper at the Savoy Hotel, and gave evidence to the effect that Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas occupied two bedrooms at the hotel in March, 1893. He produced a bill for dinners, suppers, wine, and so on supplied to Wilde from March 2nd to 29th.
Jane Margaret Potter, chambermaid at the Savoy Hotel, who attended to the rooms occupied by prisoner and Lord Alfred Douglas, told of the condition in which she occasionally found the bed linen.
Margaret Potter, chambermaid at the Savoy Hotel, who attended to the rooms occupied by prisoner and Lord Alfred Douglas, gave evidence of a similar nature to that she gave at the previous trial.
Mr Gill—Shortly after that did you notice somebody in the rooms? Yes, a boy in bed.
How long had Wilde been there? It was the third day I noticed the boy in bed. The boy was between 18 and 19 years of age. He was a dark boy, with close-cropped hair and sallow complexion.
Cross-examined by Sir E Clarke witness said she wore glasses because her sight was bad.
Re-examined—She had no doubt she saw the boy in bed.
Alice Saunders, another chambermaid at the Savoy Hotel, said that she remembered Mr Wilde staying there in March, 1893.
Mr Gill — During the time he was there have you noticed any young men going into his rooms? No, sir.
Mr. Gill: During the time Wilde was staying there have you seen young men in those rooms? -Yes, sir.
Did you notice anyone going into those rooms? No, sir.
Witness added that the last witness called her attention to the bed linen in Wilde’s rooms. Witness saw the linen.
Sir E Clarke—Did you make a statement about this one day last week? Yes, last Friday evening.
Sir E. Clarke: Did you make a statement about this one day last week?- Yes, last Friday evening.
You were not called at the previous trial? No, sir.
Anton Miggi, a masseur, was next examined by Mr. Gill. He said that in March, 1892, he attended Mr Oscar Wilde at the Savoy Hotel. Witness went into the bedroom and saw there Mr Wilde and a young man. The latter was in the bed.
Cross-examined — Mr Wilde told him he did not want him that morning; he was too busy. Witness therefore went away. He could not remember whether the young man was fair or [...].
Emile Becker, a waiter at the Savoy Hotel, stated that in March, 1893, he waited on Mr Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas.
Emile Becker, waiter at the Savoy Hotel in March, 1893, said he waited on Mr. Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas.
Mr Gill — During the time Wilde was staying there have you seen young men in those rooms? Yes, sir.
Mr. Gill: During the time Wilde was staying there have you seen young men in those rooms? -Yes, sir.
How many young men did you see go there during that time? About five.
How many young men did you see go there during that time? -About five.
Have you served supper in Mr Wilde’s room when any young man has been there? Yes, on one occasion there was a young man there; he was dark-looking.
Have you served supper in Mr. Wilde's room when any young man his been there? -Yes. On one occasion there was a young man there. He was dark looking.
Have you served drinks there when young men were there? Yes.
Cross-examined by Sir E Clarke, witness said that he first made a statement as to this matter on Friday last. He was not examined at the last trial.
Crass-examined by Sir E. Clarke: Witness said he first made a statement as to this matter on Friday last. He was not examined at the last trial.
And yet you say you remember a supper and champagne more than two years ago? Yes.
And yet you say you remember a supper and champagne rather more than two years ago? -Yes.
[...] wonder whether you took any interest in [...]ious trial. Did you read the papers? [...] read a paper.
I wonder whether you took any interest in the previous trial. Did you read the papers? -I read a paper.
Did you happen to see in the papers that Charles Parker had had chicken and champagne for supper? No.
Did you happen to see in the papers that Charles Parker had had chicken and champagne for supper? -No.
How many sittingrooms had you to look after? Seven.
Have you seen Charles Parker here? I have [...] told that this was Charles Parker.
Have you seen Charles Parker here? -I have been told that this was Charles Parker.
Have you seen him? Yes.
Did you recognise him? No, sir.
Who told you it was Charles Parker? Some of the witnesses told me it was Charles Parker.
Who told you it was Charles Parker? -Some of the witnesses told me it was Charles Parker.
[...] of South[...], formerly house[...] at the Savoy Hotel, gave additional [...] the bed linen.
Mrs. Perkins, of Southsea, formerly housekeeper at the Savoy Hotel, gave additional evidence.
Margaret [...]croft said that she lived at 50 [...]k, Chelsea. She remembered Charles Parker coming to lodge there. He occupied [...]. One night she heard a cab drive up to Parker’s room. After being in the house for twenty minutes or half an hour they went [...] in the cab. Witness looked out of the window and saw Wilde getting into the cab. [...]ther man [...] Parker. They went away together. Witness made a communication to [...] landlady, and Parker left.
Margaret Bancroft said that she lived 50 Park walk, Chelsea. She remembered Charles Parker coming to lodge there. He occupied one room. One night she heard a cab drive up and two men entered the house and went up to Parker’s room. After being in the house for twenty minutes or half an hour they went away in the cab. Witness looked out of the window and saw Wilde getting into the cab. The other man was Parker. They went away together. Witness made communication to landlady, and Parker left.
Margaret Bancroft said she lived at 50, Park Walk, Chelsea. She remembered Charles Parker coming to lodge there. He occupied one room. One night she heard a cab drive up, and two men entered the house and went up to Parker's room. After being in the house for 20 minutes or half an hour they went away in the cab. Witness looked out of the window and saw Wilde getting into the cab. The other man was Parker. They went away together. Witness made a communication to the landlady, and Parker left.
Cross examined—Witness believed Parker [...] in a cab, but she was not certain. She did not hear him come upstairs again. She had never seen Wilde at the house before [...] had seen him about half a dozen times previously, but had never spoken to him.
Cross-examined — Witness believed Parker went away in a cab, but she was not certain. She did not hear him come upstairs again. She had never seen Wilde at the house before. She had seen him about half a dozen times previously, but had never spoken to him.
Cross-examined: Witness believed the party went away in the cab, but she was not certain. She did not hear him come upstairs again. She had never seen Wilde at the house before. She had seen him about half a dozen times previously, but had never spoken to him.
Lucy Rumsby, landlady of 50 Park walk, [...] gave Parker notice in consequence of [...] statement made to her by the last witness. [...] point the Marquis of Queensberry [...] the court and took a seat, from which he had a good view of the dock and the witness.
Lucy Rumsby, landlady of 50 Park walk, said she gave Parker notice in consequence of the statement made to her by the last witness. At this point the Marquis of Queensberry entered the court and took a seat from which he had a good view of the dock and the witness box.
Sophia Grey, of 3 Chapel street, Chelsea, [...] she remembered Alfred Taylor staying at [...] address in the autumn of 1893. She also remembered Charles Parker [...] there and [...] with him. On one occasion Wilde [...] Parker.
Sophia Grey, of 3 Chapel street, Chelsea, said she remembered Alfred Taylor staying at that address in the autumn on 1893. She also remembered Charles Parker come there and staying with him. On one occasion Wilde came to see Parker.
Cross examined—That was when Taylor [...] with an accident [...] he had been run [...] by a cab.
Cross-examined — That was when Taylor had met with an accident; he had been run over by a cab.
[...] Price said that he [...]ployed at 10 and 11 St James’s place. Wilde occupied two rooms at that address from October, 1893, to April, 1894, a sitting-room with a bedroom opening out of it. Taylor called there once and Charles Parker called five or six times. Wilde slept in those rooms about a dozen times.
Thomas Price said that he was employed at 10 and 11 St James’s place. Wilde occupied two rooms at that address from October, 1893, to April, 1894, a sitting room with a bedroom opening out of it. Taylor called there once and Charles Parker called five or six times. Wilde slept in those rooms about a dozen times.
Police Inspector [...]hards and Brockwell again told the [...] prisoner's arrest at the Cadogan Hotel, after the conclusion of the Queensberry trial.
Police Inspectors Richards and Brockwell again told the story of prisoner’s arrest at the Cadogan Hotel, after the conclusion of the Queensberry trial.
The Solicitor-General next proposed to read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
The Solicitor-General next proposed to read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
This was agreed to, and Sir Edward Clarke then read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in examination-in-chief in the Queensberry case.
The solicitor-general said that was not an objection to his reading the cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
Sir E Clarke submitted that the prisoner was examined at the previous trial, and that his evidence on that occasion ought to be read.
Sir E Clarke submitted that the prisoner was examined at the previous trial, and that his evidence on that occasion ought to be rend.
The Solicitor-General said that was not an objection to his reading the cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
The solicitor-general said that was not an objection to his reading the cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
The Solicitor-General next proposed to read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
Sir E Clarke said he should be entitled to read the evidence given in examination-chief.
Sir E Clarke said he should be entitled to read the evidence given in examination in chief.
This was agreed to, and Sir Edward Clarke then read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in examination-in-chief in the Queensberry case.
This was agreed to, and Sir Edward Clarke then read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in examination-in-chief in the Queensberry case.
The Solicitor-General next proposed to read portions of the evidence given by Wilde in cross-examination in the Queensberry case.
The Solicitor-General afterwards read portions of Wilde's evidence given in cross-examination.
The Solicitor General afterwards read portions of Wilde’s evidence given in cross-examination.
The Court then adjourned for luncheon.
On the Court resuming, The reading of Wilde's evidence was continued by Mr Avory. The prisoner, leaning over the dock, had a consultation with Mr Charles Matthews, and then, taking his seat facing the jury, resumed the attitude he has adopted throughout the trial. When Mr Avory sat down, Sir Edward Clarke proceeded to read the evidence given bv Wilde in re-examination.
The reading of Wilde’s evidence was continued by Mr Avory. The prisoner, leaning over the dock, had a consultation with Mr Charles Matthews, and then, taking his seat facing the jury, resumed the attitude he has adopted throughout the trial. When Mr Avory sat down, Sir Edward Clarke proceeded to read the evidence given by Wilde in re-examination. At five minutes past three the Solicitor-General intimated that the case for the prosecution had closed.