Auckland Star - Tuesday, May 28, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE FALL OF OSCAR WILDE.
HOW IT CAME ABOUT.
OUTLINE OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
PUBLIC OPINION IN LONDON.
Our London correspondent writing on April 12th says:–"The public owes a debt of gratitude to the Marquis of Queensberry for brauding the high priest of a cult which has been a black disgrace to London for the last 15 years. Lord Queensberry disliked Oscar Wilde the first time he met him, and later intervened to stop Lord Alfred's acquaintance with him. This interference merely aggravated Lord Alfred's friendship for the apostle of "culchah." Moreover, not content with defying his erratic parent (which probably wouldn't have mattered much), Lord Alfred chaffed him and scoffed at him. In reply to an indignant epistle calling Oscar unpleasant names, the son wired "Oh! you funny little man," whilst Oscar himself calmly ignored the Marquis. This treatment not unnaturally intensified Lord Queensberry's dislike. He went about raving against Oscar, and the latter having many enemies and having grown careless with immunity awkward evidence was soon in his lordship's possession. The statements the Marquis made everywhere became very serious, and but for "old Q." being a notorious "crank," Wilde couldn't possibly have ignored them as long as he did. The scene on the premier of "The Importance of Being Earnest" brought things to a head. Mr. Alexander expected Oscar to take Lord Queensberry and his bouquet of vegetables as a joke to be skilfully turned against the joker. But Oscar seemed terrified, sent for the police and had every entrance strictly guarded. The actors and actresses were amazed.
Two days later a very influential personage in the Art world intimated to Oscar that Lord Queensberry's mouth must be stopped. His allegations were too specific to be ignored. Mr Wilde thereupon pledged himself to take action at the first opportunity. This was the time to halt or rather to "leave England for an indefinite period." Oscar rejected the opportunity. His conceit and egotism were colossal, he had turned many awkward corners in the past. Mother wit and brazen impudence must enable him to negotiate this one. Lord Queensberry, like "Brer Rabbit," lay low. The proceedings at the Police Court reassured Oscar greatly. It was rumoured the defence meant to rely on the "Priest and the Acolyte" and the "Portrait of Dorian Gray" chiefly, "and they," as Oscar said to "Boysey" (Lord Alfred Douglas), "won't settle us."
THE TRIAL.
Mr Carson, Q.C., who conducted Lord Queensberry's case so brilliantly, was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Dublin, with Oscar Wilde, and a member of the same class. Oscar was a scholar of Trinity, and one of the best classics of his year. Mr Carson's academic career was comparatively undistinguished. On dit, a feud of 20 years' standing exists between the men, and Lord Queensbury, hearing of it, insisted on the member for Dublin University being retained for him. The reports of the trial in the papers of course give only a meagre account of what occurred. At the opening of his cross-examination, Mr Carson allowed Oscar to score off him again and again. The Court re-echoed with laughter at the rather grim-looking advocate's expense. Suddenly, as Oscar lolled gracefully over the bar of the witness-stand, smiling blandly, Carson fired off a short, sharp question. Its effect was magical. The plaintiff started in spite of himself, his hands clutched the bar nervously, and he turned pale as death. In an instant all the question implied must have flashed across him. It meant discovery, social destruction, perhaps lifelong imprisonment. Mr Carson repeated the query incisively. Oscar pulled himself together with a mighty effort, and replied. But from that moment he was demoralised. Epigram and repartee were abandoned. He grew angry, flustered, and confused, and made slip after slip. Often, of course, his answers were flat denials. But he had to admit associating with a number of young men, valets, grooms and junior clerks wholly without culture or even education. Why did he give these money and dinners and jewellery? He could only say because he liked them, because having young fellows round him was a joy and gave zest to life, and because he was wholly indifferent to social distinctions. Questioned as to kissing one of the lads, Oscar made a bad slip. "Nonsense," said he, "the fellow was too ugly." Carson seized on the inevitable inference to be drawn from his reply, and pressed Ocsar terribly hard. He completely lost control of himself at last, and cried, "You harry and badger me till I'm so nervous I don't know what I'm saying." "Or say too much," put in Carson, quietly. At the close of the prosecution the jury privately intimated to the judge that they wished to stop the case and find a verdict for defendant. An intimation to this effect was conveyed to Sir Edward Clarke. He consulted with Wilde, and they determined, after learning the strength of the case from Carson's opening, to throw up the sponge.
THE ARREST.
Wilde's explanation of his collapse is that he could not prove his case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the box against his parent, and this he declined to do. "I prefer to bear what ever ignominy and shame may result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry myself." The new Public Prosecutor lost no time in following up the verdict. Within three hours the police, Sir James Ingham (Chief Magistrate at Bow-street), the Home Secretary and the aforesaid official, had reviewed the depositions, and at 2 p.m. "Oscar Wilde is wanted by the police" had been wired to every station in the metropolis, and he was arrested and lodged in the cells for the night.
AT THE POLICE COURT.
Oscar Wilde was brought up at Bow-street on Saturday, and charged under the eleventh section of the Criminal Law Amendment Act with felonious practices. The case had hardly begun before Taylor, the alleged procuror of lads for vicious purposes, was placed in the dock beside Oscar, having just been arrested. Mr Gill (for the Crown) said that the police had known of Taylor's infamous occupation for years, but could never secure satisfactory evidence to lay him by the heels. Now, however, they thought the had all that was necessary.
Oscar Wilde was brought up at Bow street on Saturday and charged under the eleventh section of the Criminal Law Amendment Act with felonious practices. The case had hardly begun before Taylor, the alleged procurer of lads for vicious purposes, was placed in the dock beside Oscar, having just been arrested. Mr Gill (for the Crown) said that the police had known of Taylor's infamous occupation for years but could never secure satisfactory evidence to lay him by the heels. Now, however, they thought they had all that was necessary.
Four witnesses were examined on Saturday two brothers (Charles and William Parker), Taylor's landlady and Sydney Mavor. Charles Parker is a valet, and William Parker a groom. Both are slight, fair, young fellows, and were in deadly fear. They evidently had been assured that there was no alternative save between the witness-box and the dock. Chas. Parker deposed that when out of a situation in March 1893, he went to the St. James's restaurant one afternoon with his brother, who said Oscar was "a good man" (for money), and kind to youths. A dinner at a restaurant followed and a number of meetings in private at which certain improprieties took place and for which witness received money. William Parker and Mavor gave similar evidence.
Four witnesses were examined on Saturday, two brothers (Charles and William Parker), Taylor's landlady and Sydney Mavor. Charles Parker is a valet and William Parker a groom. Both are slight, fair young fellows and were in deadly fear. They evidently had been assured that there was no alternative save between the witness-box and the dock. Charles Parker deposed that when out of a situation in March, 1893, he went to the St. James' Restaurant one afternoon with his brother. They there met Taylor, who said Oscar was "a good man" (for money) and kind to youths. A dinner at a restaurant followed and a number of meetings in private, at which certain improprieties took place, and for which witness received money. William Parker and Mavor gave similar evidence.
It is right to state here that the charge at present alleged against Wilde is not (as most of the public imagine) the most serious which could be made. It is merely filthy, and the maximum penalty under the Criminal Law Amendment Act is two years. The papers talking about Oscar getting ten and fifteen years, simply "dunno where they are."
It is right to state here that the charge at present alleged against Wilde is NOT (as most of the public imagine) the most serious which could be made. It is merely filthy, and the maximum penalty under the Criminal Law Amendment Act is two years. The papers talking about Oscar 10 and 15 years simply "dunno where they are." Of course, the more infamous charge may still be tabled. But at present the prosecution put forward nothing of the kind.
Taylor's landlady, a stupid old woman, evidently selected to wait upon him because of her denseness, described his rooms. He burnt quantities of pastilles, and the curtains in the drawing-room were drawn and the gas lit day as well as night. Young men were constantly coming to see Taylor. They usually drank champagne. Witness did not recognise the prisoner Wilde. To the best of her belief she had never seen him before. Oscar heaved a sigh of relief. "But you've heard of Mr Wilde?" inquired Mr Gill taken aback. "Never 'eard 'is name," replied the woman. "Didn't you ever hear the Parkers or Taylor mention him?" said Mr Gill. "No, never," persisted the witness. "Whom did they talk about then?" "They was allus going on about a man called Hosker." "Oscar, you mean?" "Yes, that's 'im." (Laughter.)
At the close of Saturday's proceedings, the case was adjourned till yesterday (Thursday), bail being refused. Mr Wilde was removed in "Black Maria" to Holloway Castle, in a cell whereof he has had abundant time to distinguish between the beautiful and the degradingly prosaic.
At the close of Saturday's proceedings, the case was adjourned till yesterday (Thursday), bail being refused. Mr Wilde was removed in "Black Maria" to Holloway Castle, in a cell whereof he has had abundant time to distinguish between the beautiful and the degradingly prosaic.
A UNITED FAMILY.
Lord Douglas of Hawick stated to a reporter on Friday that "every member of our family excepting my father, utterly and absolutely disbelieves the allegations of the defence concerning Mr Wilde." This, however, was promptly contradicted by His Lordship's uncle the Hon. and Rev. Lord Archibald Douglas, who, on behalf of Lady Queensberry and his sister stated that they did "most certainly believe the allegations against Wilde and repudiated all sympathy with his nephew's statement."
Lord Douglas of Hawick stated to a reporter on Friday that "every member of our family, excepting my father, utterly and absolutely disbelieves the allegations of the defence concerning Mr Wilde." This, however, was promptly contradicted by his lordship's uncle, the Hon and Rev Lord Archibald Douglas, who, on behalf of Lady Queensberry and his sister, stated that they did "most certainly believe the allegations against Wilde, and repudiated all sympathy with his nephew's statement."
Lord Douglas of Hawick stated to a reporter on Friday that " every member of our family, excepting my father, utterly and absolutely disbelieves the allegations of the defence concerning Mr Wilde." This, however, was promptly contradicted by his lordship's uncle, the Hon and Rev Lord Archibald Douglas, who, on behalf of Lady Queensberry and his sister, stated that they did " most certainly believe the allegations against Wilde, and repudiated all sympathy with his nephew's statement."
Between the Police Court proceedings in the libel case and the trial, Lord Queensberry sent Oscar a contemptuous message advising him to bolt but not to take Lord Alfred with him. If he did the Marquis might follow and shoot him. Oscar's reply was to go abroad at once with Lord Alfred and to send "old Q." his address.
Between the police court proceedings in the libel case and the trial, Lord Queensberry sent Oscar a contemptuous message, advising him to bolt, but not to take Lord Alfred with him. If he did, the Marquis might follow, and shoot him. Oscar's reply was to go abroad at once with Lord Alfred and to send "Old Q." his address.
Between the police court proceedings in the libel case and the trial, Lord Queensberry sent Oscar a contemptuous message, advising him to bolt, but not to take Lord Alfred with him. If he did, the Marquis might follow, and shoot him. Oscar's reply was to go abroad at once with Lord Alfred and to send " Old Q." his address.
PUBLIC OPINION.
Great is the power of the verdict of a British jury. On Friday morning last the plaintiff in the Queensberry libel case was "Mr Oscar Wilde," the "apostle of culture," and an undoubted leader of London society. Despite the rumours concerning his gross and foetid immorality, which have been freely current for over twenty years, there were very few smart houses where he was not an honoured guest. To be quite just, certain well-known persons, as for instance Lord and Lady Bath and Mr and Mrs Gladstone, have never stomached him. But these exceptions were not numerous. Even as late as Thursday night, Oscar was the hero of a big "crush." It was his last. Twenty-four hours later the reporters no longer prefixed the well-known name with Mr. He became "Wilde," or "the man Wilde," or the "infamous Wilde."
Great is the power of the verdict of a British jury. On Friday morning last the plaintiff in the Queensberry libel case was "Mr Oscar Wilde," the "apostle of culture," and an undoubted leader of London society. Despite the rumours concerning his gross and fœtid immorality which have been freely current for over twenty years there were very few smart houses where he was not an honoured guest. To be quite just, certain well-known persons, as for instance Lord and Lady Bath and Mr and Mrs Gladstone, have never stomached him. But these exceptions were not numerous. Even as late as Thursday night Oscar was the hero of a big "crush." It was his last. Twenty-four hours later the reporters no longer prefixed the well-known name with "Mr." He became "Wilde," or "the man Wilde," or the "infamous Wilde."
Great is the power of the verdict of a British jury. On Friday morning last the plaintiff in the Queensberry libel case was "Mr Oscar Wilde," the "apostle of culture," and an undoubted leader of London society. Despite the rumours concerning his gross and fœtid immorality which have been freely current for over twenty years there were very few smart houses where he was not an honoured guest. To be quite just, certain well-known persons, as for instance Lord and Lady Bath and Mr and Mrs Gladstone, have never stomached him. But those exceptions were not numerous. Even as late as Thursday night Oscar was the hero of a big "crush." It was his last. Twenty-four hours later the reporters no longer prefixed the well-known name with " Mr." He became "Wilde," or " the man Wilde," or the "infamous Wilde."
The papers, with one or two exceptions, passed by the trial without comment. The "Daily Twaddlegraph," which has on many occasions "gushed" fulsomely anent Oscar's "coruscating wit," and "undoubted genius," now dilated on his "spurious brilliancy, inflated egotism, diseased vanity and shameless disavowal of all morality." I preferred the tone of the "Chronicle," which summed up the situation and its moral accurality thus:–For long past London life, or–let us say–a small and obscure section of it, has been under the shadow of a black cloud. Everybody has suspected and feared; nobody–no decent person–has known. There was some centre whence a most deadly infection spread; it was apparent in a certain class of literature. Now the jury has declared that even a man of unattractive character has done a public benefit in branding one of the most prominent figures in our drama, our literature, and a by no means "unfashionable" section of society. Upon the genesis of this pose–upon the causes of this degradation of great natural abilities and talents almost amounting to genius–we will not dwell. Suffice it to know that as some return for the undamming of this putrid stream, our life–to go not step beyond the verdict of the jury yesterday–is rid forever of a pestiferous poseur. "Decadence" among us has received a death-blow, and the way has been cleared for an increased wholesomeness of life. Public opinion has been so sharply screwed up during the past two days that certain things in current art and literature, no less than in conduct, will be intolerable for at least a long time to come. One aspect of this sombre and dreadful case forces itself upon the public view, and cannot be withheld from it. We seem for some unhappy hours to have been the shuddering witnesses of a bastard revival of society under the late Roman Empire, or of the dark background of the Italian Renaissance. That is a grave tact, which must be recorded, albeit we set it down with "mourning and lamentation and woe." The aesthetic movement has been dragged into the mud. Great names are associated with its earlier influences, names as great as those of Keats and of Ruskin, and of Dante, Gabriel Rossetti and as pure and high as the name of Christina Rossetti. But all things–even the noblest–are subject to contamination, and we must bear, with what patience we may, the feeling that essentially right and inevitable tendencies in art and in literature have been foully prostituted.