Belfast News-Letter - Friday, April 12, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE CHARGE AGAINST OSCAR WILDE.
London, Thurday.—To-day Sir John Bridge again sat in the Extradition Court at Bow Street to hear further evidence on the charges of gross indecency preferred against Oscar Fingal O'Flaherty Wilde, poet and dramatist. With him was Alfred Taylor, who, it will be remembered, was arrested during the progress of the case on Saturday last. This morning two stalwart police constables guarded the gates at the foot of the staircase leading to the Extradition Court, and a few minutes before eleven, when, at a signal given by the chief usher, the bolts were drawn, there was a rush for places, but owing to the very limited accommodation the majority of those who were, admitted were obliged to stand. Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., M.P., whose offer to conduct the defence of Wilde had been thankfully accepted, sat in the seats reserved for counsel, accompanied by Mr. Travers Humphreys, barrister, his junior. Mr. Arthur Newton, freshly instructed, sat at the solicitor's table, holding in his hand a brief for the prisoner Taylor. Mr. C. F. Gill, who, instructed bv Mr. Angus Lewis, conducts the case for the prosecution, arrived later, the Honourable H. Cuffe, of the Treasury, also attending. The charge against Taylor is that of conspiring with Wilde. Sir John took his seat at five minutes past eleven o'clock.
To-day, Sir John Bridge again sat in the Extradition Court, at Bow Street, to hear further evidence in the charges preferred against Oscar Fingal O'Flaherty Wilde, poet aud dramatist. With him was Alfred Taylor, who, it will be remembered, was arrested during the progress of the case on Saturday last. This morning two stalwart police-constables guarded the gates at the foot of the staircase leading to the Extradition Court, and a few minutes before eleven, when, at a signal given by the Chief Usher, the bolts were drawn, there was a rush for places, but owing to the very limited accommodation, the majority of those who were admitted were obliged to stand. Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., M.P., whose offer to conduct the defence of Wilde had been thankfully accepted, sat in the seats reserved for counsel, accompanied by Mr. Travers Humphreys, barrister, his junior. Mr. Arthur Newton, freshly instructed, sat at the solicitors' table holding in his hand a brief for the prisoner Taylor. Mr. C.F. Gill, who, instructed by Mr. Angus Lewis, conducts the case for the prosecution, arrived later. The Hon. H. Cuffe, of the Treasury, also attended. The charge against Taylor is that of conspiring with Wilde. Sir John took his seat at five minutes past 11 o'clock.
To-day Sir John Bridge again sat in the Extradition Court at Bow street to hear further evidence on the charges of gross indecency preferred against Oscar Fingal O’Flaherty Wilde, poet and dramatist. With him was Alfred Taylor, who, it will be remembered, was arrested during the progress of the case on Saturday last. This morning two stalwart police constables guarded the gates at the foot of the staircase leading to the Extradition Court, and a few minutes before eleven, when, at a signal given by the chief usher, the bots were drawn, there was a rush for places, but, owing to the very limited accommodation, the majority of those who were admitted were obliged to stand. Sir Edward Clarke, Q C, M P, whose offer to conduct the defence of Wilde had been thankfully accepted, sat in the seats reserved for counsel, accompanied by Mr Travers Humphreys, barrister, his junior. Mr Arthur Newton, freshly instructed, sat at the solicitors’ table, holding in his hand a brief for the prisoner Taylor. Mr C F Gill, who, instructed by Mr Angus Lewis, conducts the case for the prosecution, arrived later, the Hon H Cuffe, of the Treasury, also attending. The charge against Taylor is that of conspiring with Wilde to obtain boys for an unlawful purpose. Sir John took his seat at five minutes past eleven o’clock.
Today Sir John Bridge again sat in the Extradition Court at Bow street to heat further evidence on the charges of gross indecency preferred against Oscar Fingal O’Flaherty Wilde, poet and dramatist. With him was Alfred Taylor, who it will be remembered, was arrested during the progress of the case on Saturday last. This morning two stalwart police constables guarded the gates at the foot of the suitcase leading to the Extradition Court, and a few minutes before eleven, when, at a signal given by the chief usher, the bolts were drawn, there was a rush for places, but, owing to the very limited accommodation, the majority of those who were admitted were obliged to stand. Sir Edward Clarke, QC, MP, whose offer to conduct the defence of Wilde had been thankfully accepted, sat in the seats reserved for counsel, accompanied by Mr Travers Humphreys, barrister, his junior. Mr Arthur Newton, freshly instructed, sat at the solicitors’ able, holding in his hand a brief for the prisoner Taylor. Mr C F Gill, who, instructed by Mr Angus Lewis, conducts the case for the prosecution, arrived later, the Hon H of the Treasury, also attending. The charge against Taylor in that of conspiring with Wilde to obtain boys for an unlawful purpose. Sir John took his seat at five minutes past eleven o’clock.
Wilde's face has undergone a distinct change since his appearance on Saturday. He is paler and thinner. He entered with a languid and wearisome air, and having seated himself at one end of the dock, leant heavily upon his right elbow. Taylor had lost the jaunty and rather contemptuous bearing with which he surveyed his surroundings on the last occasion.
Wilde’s face has undergone a distinct change since his appearance on Saturday. He is paler and thinner. He entered with a languid and wearisome air, and having seated himself at one end of the dock, leant heavily upon his right elbow. Taylor had lost the jaunty and rather contemptuous bearing with which he surveyed his surroundings on the last occasion.
Wilde's face has undergone a distinct change since his appearance on Saturday. He is paler and thinner. He entered with a languid and wearisome air, and having seated himself at one end of the dock, leant heavily upon his right elbow. Taylor bad lost the jaunty and rather contemptuous bearing with which be surveyed his surroundings on the last occasion.
Wilde’s face has undergone a distinct change since his appearance on Saturday. He is paler and thinner. He entered with a languid and wearisome air, and having seated himself at one end of the dock, heavily upon his right elbow. Taylor had lost the jaunty and rather contemptuous bearing with which he surveyed his surroundings on the last occasion.
Sir Edward Clarke at once rose and said — I appear in this case with my friend, Mr. Travers Humphreys, for the defence of Mr. Oscar Wilde. I have had the opportunity of reading the depositions which were taken last Saturday, and I am much obliged for the permission to postpone the cross-examination of those witnesses. But upon considering the matter I have decided not to ask for those witnesses to be called for cross-examination, as probably no cross-examination could affect the result, so far as this Court is concerned. And, of course, it is desirable on all grounds that the investigation shall be taken in as short a time as possible, and with as few occasions of hearing in this court as possible, and saying that with regard to the witnesses who have been called I shall probably take the same course with regard to other witnesses with a view to shorten the proceedings before you.
Sir Edward Clarke at once rose and said—I appear in this case with my friend, Mr Travers Humphreys, for the defence of Mr Oscar Wilde. I have had the opportunity of reading the depositions which were taken last Saturday, and I am much obliged for the permission to postpone the cross-examination of those witnesses. But upon considering the matter I have decided not to ask for those witnesses to be called for cross-examination, as probably no cross-examination could effect the result, so far as this court is concerned, and so far as your action in the matter is concerned. And of course it is desirable on all grounds that the investigation shall be taken in as short a time as possible, and with as few occasions of hearing in this court as possible, and saying that with regard to the witnesses who have been called I shall probably take the same course with regard to other witnesses with a view to shorten the proceedings before you.
Sir Edward Clarke at once rose and said: I appear in this case with my friend Mr. Travers Humphreys for the defence of Mr. Oscar Wilde. I have had the opportunity of reading the depositions which were taken last Saturday, and I am much obliged for the permission to postpone the cross-examination of those witnesses; but upon considering the matter I have decided not to ask for those witnesses to be called for cross-examination, as probably no cross-examination could affect the result so far as this court is concerned and so far as your action in the matter is concerned. Of course it is desirable on all grounds that the investigation shall be taken in as short a time as possible, and with as few occasions of hearing in this court as possible, and having said that with regard to the witnesses who have been called, I shall probably take the same course with regard to other witnesses with a view to shorten the proceedings before you.
Sir Edward Clarke at once rose and raise — I appear in this case with my friend, Mr. Travers Humphreys, for the defence of Mr Oscar Wilde. I have had the opportunity of reading the depositions which were taken last Saturday, and I am much obliged for the permission to postpone the cross-examination of those witnesses. But upon considering the matter I have decided not to ask for this witnesses to be called for cross-examination, as probably no cross-examination could affect the result, so far as this court is concerned, and so far as your action in the matter is concerned. And of course it is desirable on all ground that the investigation shall be taken in as short a time as possible, and with as few occasions of hearing in this court as possible, and as that with regard to the witnesses who had been called I shall probably take the same course with regard to other witnesses with a view to shorten the proceedings before you.
Sir John Bridge—It is absolutely incumbent upon all of us to get the matter over as quickly and as speedily as possible.
Sir John Bridge—It is absolutely incumbent upon all of us to get the matter over as quickly and speedily as possible.
Sir John Bridge: It is absolutely incumbent upon all of us to get the matter over as quickly and speedily as possible.
Sir John Bridge — It is absolutely incumbent upon all of us to get the matter over as quickly and speedily as possible.
Sir John Bridge: It seems incumbent upon all of us to get the matter through as quickly as possible.
The Magistrate said it was incumbent on all of them to get the matter over as speedily as possible.
The Magistrate said it wae incumbent on all of them to get the matter over as speedily as possible.
Mr. Newton asked to be allowed to put a few questions to some of the witnesses examined on Saturday.
Mr. Newton asked to be allowed to put a few questions to some of the witnesses examined on Saturday.
Mr Newton asked to be allowed to put a few questions to some of the witnesses examined on Saturday.
Mr Newton asked to be allowed to put a few questions to some of the witnesses examined on Saturday.
Charles Parker, recalled, was cross-examined by Mr. Newton. He admitted being arrested in August last in Fitzroy Square, but denied he was a friend of any of the men arrested there. Witness knew a man named Atkins, but was not aware that he was a notorious blackmailer.
Charles Parker, recalled, was cross-examined by Mr Newton. He admitted being arrested in August last in Fitzroy square, but denied he was a friend of any of the men arrested there. Witness knew a man named Atkins, but was not aware that he was a notorious blackmailer.
Charles Parker, recalled, was cross-examined by Mr Newton. He admitted being arrested in August last in Fitzroy square, but denied he was a friend of any of the men arrested there. Witness knew a man named Atkins, but was not aware that he was a notorious blackmailer.
Charles Parker, recalled, was cross-examined by Mr Newton. He admitted being arrested in August last in Fitzroy square, but denied that he was a friend of many of the men arrested there. Taylor might not have heard Wilde ask witness to go to the Savoy. Witness knew a man named Atkins, but was not aware that he was a notorious blackmailer.
Charles Parker, recalled, was cross-examined by Mr Newton. He admitted being arrested in August last in Fitzroy square, but denied that he was a friend of many of the men arrested there. Taylor might not have heard Wilde talk witness to go to the Savoy. Witness knew a man nmed Atkins, but was not aware that he was a notorious blackmailer.
Mr. Gill did not know why this cross-examination was being pursued.
Mr Gill did not know why this cross-examination was being pursued.
Mr Gill did not know why this cross-examination was being pursued.
Mr Gill said he did not know why this cross-examination was being pursued.
Mr Gill said he did not know why this cross-exammination was being pursued.
Mr. Newton replied that he was entitled to show this witness was an associate of most notorious and degraded characters. Parker, replying to further questions, admitted receiving from two men £30, being part of a sum which had been obtained from a gentleman under an accusation of crime.
Mr Newton replied that he was entitled to show this witness was an associate of most notorious and degraded characters. Parker replying to further questions admitted receiving from two men £30, being part of a sum which had been obtained from a gentleman under an accusation of crime.
Mr Newton replied that he was entitled to show this witness was an associate of most notorious and degraded characters. Parker replying to further questions admitted receiving from two men £30, being part of a sum which had been obtained from a gentleman under an accusation of crime.
Frederick Atkins, who described himself as a comedian, detailed circumstances under which, in November, 1892, he accompanied Wilde to Paris.
Frederick Atkins, who described himself as a comedian, detailed circumstances under which, in November, 1892, he accompanied Wilde to Paris.
Frederick Atkins, who described himself as a comedian, detailed circumstances under which, in November, 1892, he accompanied Wilde to Paris.
Frederick Atkins, 20, who described himself as a comedian, detailed the circumstances under which, in November, 1892, he accompanied Wilde to Paris.
Frederick Atkins, 20, who described himself as a comedian, detailed the circumstances under which, in November, 1892, he accompanied Wilde to Paris.
Edward Shelley, who said he was formerly employed at a firm of publishers with whom the defendant, Wilde, had business, also gave evidence against him.
Edward Shelley, who said he was formerly employed at a firm of publishers with whom the defendant Wilde had business, also gave evidence against him.
Edward Shelley, who said he was formerly employed at a firm of publishers with whom the defendant Wilde had business, also gave evidence against him.
The proprietor of the Hotel Albermarle said he pressed Wilde for a small bill to deter him from frequenting that house. This was in consequence of something he had seen.
The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle said he pressed Wilde for a small bill to deter him from frequenting that house. This was in consequence of something he had seen.
Mr. Gill announced that he did not propose to go further to-day.
Sir J. Bridge thereupon remanded the prisoner until to-morrow week, and again declined to accept bail.
Sir J Bridge thereupon remanded the prisoner until to-morrow week, and again declined to accept bail
Sir J. Bridge thereupon remanded the prisoners until Friday next week, and again declined to accept bail.
Sir J. Bridge thereupon remanded the prisoners until Friday next week, and again declined to accept bail.
Sir John Bridge then remanded the prisoner until 12 o'clock on Friday week, and again refused to accede to applications for bail.
New York, Monday. — Mr. John Lane, publisher, of London, writes to the Central News agent in New York as follows :—"The details of Oscar Wilde's case have not been extensively reported here, but private cable adviees inform me that it has been stated in court that I introduced Shelley to Wilde. Allow me to say that I did not know Wilde except by sight until he became an active partner with Elkin Mathews in February, 1892, and after Mathews had arranged to publish Wilde's poems. At that time Shelley had been clerk to Mathews for a whole year, and acting in that capacity Shelley had already made the acquaintance of Wilde. My relations with Wilde have been entirely of a business nature. I have never introduced anyone to him. On the contrary, I have frequently declined to do so. My attitude towards him is quite well known. After seeing the papers here on my arrival last Sunday I immediately cabled to my manager to withdraw all of Wilde's books, and not merely his name from the title pages."