Irish Daily Independent - Thursday, May 23, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
SECOND TRIAL OF OSCAR WILDE.
London, Wednesday Evening.
At the Central Criminal Court this morning, before Mr Justice Wills, the second trial was commenced of Oscar Wilde on certain serious charges. The court was densely crowded.
At the Central Criminal Court this morning, before Mr Justice Wills, the second trial was commenced of Oscar Wilde on certain serious charges. The court was densely crowded.
Sir Frank Lockwood, Mr C F Gill, and Mr Horace Avory prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury, and the prisoner was defended by Sir Edward Clarke, Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys.
Sir Frank Lockwood, Mr C F Gill, and Mr Horace Avory prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury, and the prisoner was defended by Sir Edward Clarke, Mr Charles Mathews, and Sir Travers Humphreys.
Sir Frank Lockwood, Mr C F Gill, and Mr Horace Avory appeared for the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by Sir Edward Clarke, Mr Charles Matthews, and Mr Travers Humphreys.
Sir Frank Lockwood, Mr C F Gill, and Mr Horace Avory appeared for the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by Sir Edward Clarke, Mr Charles Matthews, and Mr Travers Humphreys.
The Solicitor General (Sir F. Lockwood), Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. Horace Avory appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Treasury. Wilde was represented by Sir Edward Clarke, Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys.
Oscar Wilde entered the court at half-past ten o’clock precisely, and when the judge came in shortly afterwards he went into the dock and took a seat in the right-hand corner. He looked very worried and careworn, and was very restless.
Oscar Wilde entered the court at half-past ten o'clock precisely, and when the judge came in shortly afterwards he went into the dock and took a seat in the right-hand corner. He looked very worried and careworn, and was very restless.
Oscar Wilde entered the court at half-past ten precisely, and when the Judge came in shortly afterwards he went into the dock and took a seat in the right-hand corner. He looked very worried and careworn, and was very restless during Sir Frank Lockwood's opening statement.
Sir Frank Lockwood opened the case for the Crown.
Edward Shelley was called and was examined by Mr Gill. He said that in 1892, when he was 17 years of age, he met Wilde at the offices of the publishers, where he was employed. Wilde invited him to dine with him at the Albemarle Hotel. After dinner he went with Wilde to his bedroom. Witness said his intimacy with Wilde continued for about three months, and he gave details of certain acts which took place in different places. He had to leave his berth in consequence of his friendship for Wilde. It became talked about. Eventually it also reached his father’s cars.
Edward Shelley was called and was examined by Mr Gill. He said that in 1892, when he was 17 years of age, he met Wilde at the offices of the publishers, where he was employed. Wilde invited him to dine with him at the Albemarle Hotel. After dinner he went with Wilde to his bedroom. Witness said his intimacy with Wilde continued for about three months, and he gave details of certain acts which took place in different places. He had to leave his berth in consequence of his friendship for Wilde. It became talked about. Eventually it also reached his father's ears.
Edward Shelley was then called, and was examined by Mr. Gill. He said that in 1892, when he was 17 years of age, he met Wilde at the offices of the publishers where he was employed. Wilde invited him to dine with him at the Albemarle Hotel. Alter dinner he went with Wilde to his room, where certain acts were committed. Witness said his intimacy for Wilde continued for about three months, and he gave details of certain acts which took place in different places. He had to leave his berth in consequence of his friendship with Wilde. It became talked about. Eventually it also reached his father's ears.
Cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke, witness said he left his employment in March, 1893, about nine or ten months after he had been about with Wilde. He quarreled with Wilde at the Savoy Hotel in the Spring on 1893, and a few days afterwards wrote saying that he would not see him again.
Cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke, witness said he left his employment in March, 1893, about nine or ten months after he had been about with Wilde. He quarrelled with Wilde at the Savoy Hotel in the Spring of 1893, and a few days afterwards wrote saying that he would not see him again.
Cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke: Witness said he left his employment in March, 1893, about nine or ten mouths after he had been about with Wilde. He quarrelled with Wilde at the Savoy Hotel in the spring of 1893, and a few days afterwards wrote saying he would not see him again.
Did you, at the police court, say that you wrote that letter at the end of 1893, or beginning of 1894? If I did so, it was a mistake.
Did you, at the police court, say that you wrote that letter at the end of 1893, or beginning of 1894? If I did so, it was a mistake.
Did you, at the police office, say that you wrote that letter at the end of 1893 or beginning of 1894?—If I did so, it was a mistake.
A number of letters from witness to Wilde were read thanking defendant for his many kindnesses to witness, and appealing for help.
A number of letters from witness to Wilde was read thanking defendant for his many kindnesses to witness, and appealing for help.
A number of letters from witness to Wilde were read, thanking the defendant for his many kindnesses to witness and appealing for help.
In cross-examination witness admitted that several statements contained in those letters were either exaggerations or untruths, and that when they were written he was becoming very unwell mentally. This was through overstudy, and he was very unwell in August 1894, but there was nothing the matter now. On the first occasion at the Albemarle Hotel he was not drunk but excited. He was shocked at what took place, but when again within a week, and, notwithstanding what had taken place in February, 1892, his friendly relations with Wilde continued unbroken up to 1893.
In cross-examination witness admitted that several statements contained in those letters were either exaggerations or untruths, and that when they were written he was becoming very well mentally. This was through overstudy, and he was very unwell in August 1894, but there was nothing the matter now. On the first occasion at the Albemarle Hotel he was not drunk but excited. He was shocked at what took place, but went again within a week and, notwithstanding what had taken place in February, 1892, his friendly relations with Wilde continued unbroken up to 1893.
In cross-examination witness admitted that several statements contained in these letters were either exaggerations or untruths, and that when they were written he was becoming very unwell mentally. This was through overstudy, and he was very unwell mentally in August, ‘94, but there was nothing the matter now. Evidence was given by Mr Matthews, publisher, of Vigo street, as to Shelley being in his employ, and the proprietor of Albemarle Hotel deposed to Wilde staying there, and being visited by persons who apparently were not gentleman.
Sir Edward Clarke read the following extract from the letter from witness to Wilde, dated 27th October, 1892:— "Do not think me forgetful in not coming before. I shall never forget your kindnesses, and I am conscious that I can never sufficiently express my thankfulness."
Sir Edward Clarke read the following extract from a letter from witness to Wilde, dated 27th October, 1892:—"Do not think me forgetful in not coming before. I shall never forget your kindness, and I am conscious that I can never sufficiently express my thankfulness."
Sir Edward Clarke read the following extract from the letter from witness to Wilde, dated 27th October, 1892:— "Do not think me forgetful in not coming before. I shall never forget kindnesses, and I am conscious that I can never sufficiently express my thankfulness."
"What kindnesses?" Asked Sir Edward Clarke.
Witness — He was friendly with me and helped me with advice about literature.
Witness: He was friendly with me, and helped me with advice about literature.
Witness — He was friendly with me and helped me with advice about literature.
Do you mean to tell the jury that having in your mind what you say happened in the Albemarle Hotel you could write that? He seemed sorry for what he had done, and was very kind to me. He once offered me £100 to help me in my studies.
Do you mean to tell the jury that, having in your mind what you say happened at the Albemarle Hotel, you could write that?—He seemed sorry for what he had done, and was very kind to me. He once offered me £100 to help me in my studies.
Do you mean to tell the jury that having in your mind what you say happened at the Albemarle Hotel you could write that? He seemed sorry for what he had done, and was very kind to me. He once offered me £100 to help me in my studies.
Sir Edward Clarke then read several letters from the witness to the defendant in which he addressed the defendant as "Dear Oscar," in one of which he asked for a loan of £10. Wilde did not send him the money. In another letter he said that he was ill through overwork and through trying to live on £4 3s 4d a month, and he had to do so much for his mother and brothers. One of his brothers had disordered mind. Mr Lane, a member of the firm in Vigo street, objected to his acquaintance with Wilde, and had offered to assist him with money as compensation for his leaving the firm. Yet in a letter to Wilde about a year and a half afterwards witness had referred to Mr Lane as a viper, and said he despised him.
Sir Edward Clarke then read several letters from the witness to the defendant in which he addressed the defendant as "Dear Oscar," in one which he asked for a loan of £10. Wilde did not send him the money. In another letter he said that he was ill through overwork and through trying to live on £4 3s 4d a month, and he had to do so much for his mother and brothers. One of his brothers had a disordered mind. Mr Lane, a member of the firm in Vigo street, objected to his acquaintance with Wilde, and had offered to assist him with money as compensation for his leaving the firm. Yet in a letter to Wild about a year and a half afterwards witness had referred to Mr Lane as a viper, and said he despised him.
Witness now admitted that he should not have used the term.
The letter continued that witness’s mother and brothers were dependent upon him, and he appealed to the defendant for help.
The letter continued that witness's mother and brothers were dependent upon him, and he appealed to the defendant for help.
Witness now said that that was an exaggeration. His salary was very small, and he found it difficult to pay for his board and keep. At the time those letters were written he was very ill mentally through overstudy, and many of the statements they contained out not to have been written. He got gradually worse up to August, ’94, but there was nothing the matter with him now.
Witness now said that that was an exaggeration. His salary was very small, and he found it difficult to pay for his board and keep. At the time those letters were written he was very ill mentally through overstudy, and many of the statements they contained ought not to have been written. He got gradually worse up to August, '94, but there was nothing the matter with him now.
In January last you committed an assault upon your father? Yes, I lost my temper.
In January last you committed an assault upon your father?—Yes, I lost my temper.
ln January last you committed an assault upon your father? Yes, I lost my temper.
And you were locked up? Yes.
And when you were arrested you asked that a messenger should go for Mr Wilde? Yes.
And when you were arrested you asked that the messenger should go for Mr Wilde? Yes.
And when arrested you asked that a messenger should go for Mr. Wilde?—Yes.
At that time was your mind deranged? I think I must have been out of my mind to assault my father.
At that time was your mind deranged?—I think I must have been out of my mind to assault my father.
At that time was your mind deranged? I think I must have been out of my mind to insult my father.
Examined by Sir Frank Lockwood, witness said that before he met Wilde he was in congenial employment and was a happy boy. Wilde’s bocks and Wilde himself had fascinated him. His position in the firm at Vigo street became uncomfortable during the three months when he was going about with Wilde. Other persons besides Mr Lane had spoken to him about his acquaintance with Wilde.
Examined by Sir Frank Lockwood, witness said that before he met Wilde he was in congenial employment and was a happy boy. Wilde’s books and Wilde himself had fascinated him. His position in the firm at Vigo street became uncomfortable during the three months when he was going about with Wilde. Other persons besides Mr Lane had spoken to him about his acquaintance with Wilde.
Re-examined by Sir Frank Lockwood: Witness said before he met Wilde he was in congenial employment, and was a happy boy. Wilde's books and Wilde himself fascinated him. His position in the firm at Vigo Street became uncomfortable during the three months when he was going about with Wilde. Other persons besides Mr. Lane had spoken to him about his acquaintance with Wilde.
What was the assault on your father about? It was in connection with Wilde. My father used a nasty expression and I threw a teacup at him.
What was the assault on your father about?—It was in connection with Wilde. My father used a nasty expression, and I threw a teacup at him.
What was the assault on your father about? It was in connection with Wilde. My father used a nasty expression and I threw a teacup at him.
Charles Matthews, publisher in Vigo street, formerly in partnership with Mr John Lane, deposed that Shelley was in his employ in 1892 and left in February, ’93. He had seen a letter in Wilde’s handwriting addressed to Shelley.
Charles Matthews, publisher in Vigo street, formerly in partnership with Mr John Lane, deposed that Shelley was in his employ in 1892 and left in February, '93. He had seen a letter in Wilde's handwriting addressed to Shelley.
Charles Matthews, publisher in Vigo Street, formerly in partnership with Mr. John Lane, deposed that Shelley was in his employ in 1892, and left in February, 1893. He had seen a letter in Wilde's handwriting addressed to Shelley.
Mr Vogel, proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle, said that the defendant had stated at his hotel various times. In April, 1892, people visited defendant who did not appear to be gentlemen.
Mr Vogel, proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle, said that the defendant had stayed at his hotel various times, in April, 1892, people visited defendant who did not appear to be gentlemen.
Mr. Vogel, proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle, said defendant had stayed at his hotel various times. In April, 1893, people visited defendant who did not appear to be gentlemen.
Alfred Wood was the next witness called. He repeated the evidence which has already been published respecting his connection with Alfred Taylor, of 13 Little College street, Westminster, and with the defendant, whom he met on the 1st of January, ’93, at the Cafe Royal, and with whom, after sumptuous supper, he went home. The defendant gave witness money, and bought him a watch and chain, and some clothes. In March, ’93, witness having expressed a desire to go to America, defendant gave him £30, and witness believed he gave to the defendant some letters in Wilde’s handwriting addressed to "Dear Alf." On the following day defendant sent him another £5, and witness went to America at the end of March. Lord Alfred Douglas first made the appointment for witness to meet defendant.
AIfred Wood was the next witness called. He repeated the evidence which has already been published respecting his connection with Alfred Taylor, of 13 Little College street, Westminster, and with the defendant, whom he met on the 1st of January, '93, at the Cafe Royal, and with whom, after a sumptuous supper, he went home. The defendant gave witness money, and bought him a watch and chain, and some clothes. In March, '93, witness having expressed a desire to go to America, defendant gave him £30, and witness believed he gave to the defendant some letters in Wilde's handwriting addressed to "Dear Alf." On the following day defendant sent him another £5, and witness went to America at the end of March. Lord Alfred Douglas [...] appointment for witness to meet defendant.
Cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke, witness said he was at present unemployed. Formerly he was a clerk, but he could not say when he left his employment. He could not swear that he left it in 1890.
Cross-examined by Sir Edward Clarke, witness said he was [...]. Formerly he was a clerk, but he could not say when he left his employment. He could not swear that he left in 1890.
By a Juryman — can you not say within a year or two? Since he had retuned from America he had worked for his brother, who was a commission agent. He was living at present with a detective provided by the Crown (laughter).
By a Juryman—Can you not say within a year or two? [...] he had returned from America [...] had worked for his brother [...] He was living at present with a detective provided by the Crown (laughter).
Have you obtained money dishonestly in this country? No, not dishonestly.
Have you obtained money dishonestly in this country? No, not dishonestly.
Cross examined by Sir E. Clarke: Have you obtained money dishonestly in this country?—No, not dishonestly.
Did you obtain in August last a sum of £175? I had it given me.
What have you done to deserve this £175? Nothing. Allen, who gave him the money had received £400 from a gentlemen with Charles Parker, and witness came in while the gentleman was there. He obtained the £175 next morning.
Allen also gave Parler £30. In may, 1894, witness had received about £100, left him by his father. He had made the acquaintance of Lord Alfred Douglas a few weeks before he met Wilde. He had found the letters which he gave Wilde in a suit of clothes given him by Lord Alfred Douglas. He did not return them because he did not know Lord Alfred’s address. He kept them about a month, during which time they were stolen from him by.a man named Allen, the same man who later on gave him a sum of money. Allen kept one letter, saying that it was hot enough.
Do you know what that meant? I did not at the time.
Will you swear that? Yes.
Did you read the letters? I cannot remember.
Then how did you know they were addressed to "Dear Alfred" and "Dear Bodie." I just glanced at the top of them.
At the interview at College street did you tell Mr Wilde that you wanted to get away from bad companions, and did you mention Allen as one of them? I did.
And it was after that statement that Mr Wilde gave you the money? Yes.
It was therefore owing to Mr Wilde’s generosity that you were enabled to go to America and lead a better life? Yes.
The witness Shelley, recalled by the Judge first time after the dinner at the Albemarle Hotel. The defendant asked him to do so.
Charles Parker was then called, and examined by Mr Gill. He repeated the evidence which he gave at the previous trial as to meeting Taylor and being introduced to Wilde with whom he subsequently went to the Savoy Hotel and other places.
Cross-examined, witness said he was the Charles Parker who got the £30, part of a sum paid by a gentleman through indecent practices and witness, but he could not say how the man Allen knew of it. He (witness) had not told him. He and his brother were at present living at Chiswick under the care of a police officer. After he left the service of Mr Bills, to whom he was valet, his employer wrote complaining that he had stolen some clothes, and he (witness) returned some shirts and collars belonging to Mr Bills, who did not prosecute. When Mr Wilde took him to the Savoy Hotel they entered openly, and witness left alone at about one a.m. There were plenty of people about at this and the next visit. There was no concealment whatever.
Did you represent to Mr Wilde that you wished to obtain employment on the stage? Yes.
And you know that Mr Wilde was a dramatic author? Yes.
The case was then adjourned until 10 30 tomorrow.