The Cork Examiner - Saturday, April 6, 1895

ARREST OF OSCAR WILDE

London, Friday. The Press Association adds—Mr Oscar Wilde's arrest was made by Inspector Richards at half-past six at the Cadogan Hotel, Sloane-street, Chelsea, where Mr Wilde, it appears, drove after leaving the Holborn Viaduct Hotel. Mr. Wilde's visit to the hotel was of a casual character, he being accompanied by two gentlemen. Throughout the day the accused had been closely followed by two officers, and when Inspector Richards entered the hotel and asked for Mr Wilde, it was stated that he was not staying there. This was virtually correct, but when the Inspector insisted that he was in the establishment and explained the circumstances, he was conducted to a room in the establishment where Mr Wilde was engaged with his two friends. The Inspector informed him that he was a police officer, and that he would arrest him, a warrant being out for his arrest. Mr Wilde made no reply. Mr Wilde, in custody of the two officers, was at once conducted to a cab, which conveyed the party to Scotland Yard, where Inspector Brockwell was waiting with a warrant for Mr Wilde's arrest. The formality of reading the warrant to the accused and the administration of the statutory caution having been gone through, Mr Wilde hazarded no remark. The trio—Mr Wilde, Inspector Richards and Inspector Brockwell—then drove to Bow street where they arrived at ten minutes past eight o'clock in a four-wheeled cab. The accused was the first to alight from the vehicle, and walked direct into the station, followed by the detectives. He was attired in a long black frock coat, dark trousers, and a silk hat. His demeanour was that of a gentleman, self-confident of his own innocence of the charge alleged against him. He was at once placed in the prisoners' dock in the charge room, and while the charge was being taken he stood with his hands in his pockets. Inspector Digby, who took charge, read it to the prisoner, and warned him that anything he might say could be used in evidence against him. Mr Wilde maintained his reticence and indifferent air.

The Press Association understands that the charge alleged against Mr Wilde is that of committing acts of indecency with divers male persons. Having been searched, Mr Wilde was removed to the cells. Shortly after Mr Wilde’s arrival at Bow-street, a Mr Rosse, a friend of the prisoner's, drove up to the station with a small Gladstone bag, containing a change of clothes, and other necessaries for Mr. Wilde ; but, after a short interview with the inspector on duty, Rosse returned to his cab with the bag, having been refused permission to leave it. Later Lord Alfred Douglas visited Bow-street, to inquire as to the possibility of accused being bailed out ; but it was explained that the prisoner had been arrested on a warrant for an alleged criminal offence which admitted of no bail until the prisoner had appeared before the magistrates. Lord Douglas appeared much distressed when he was informed that on no consideration could the authorities entertain his application. He was respectfully informed that the prisoner had a cell to himself, and had been supplied with a blanket and other requisites to make him as comfortable as police regulations would allow. It will be Mr Wilde's privilege to receive food sent him from a neighbouring hotel, if he so desire, pending his transference from the cell in the police station to cells of the adjoining Police Court at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. Sir John Bridge, who signed the warrant for his arrest, will investigate the charge against Mr Wilde, which involves a penal offence.