The Otago Daily Times - Saturday, April 27, 1895

LONDON CHAT
(From Our Special Correspondent.)
London, March 8

A SOCIETY SCANDAL.

A tremendous sensation was caused in London last Saturday by the announcement that the Marquis of Queensberry had been arrested and lodged in the police station on a charge of gross criminal libel on Mr Oscar Wilde. The Marquis was duly brought up on this charge and was placed on the dock, Mr Oscar Wilde being present at the solicitor's table.

Only some preliminary formalities were gone through, but they sufficed to indicate the case as one of a most extraordinary character. The specific libel in which the proceedings were based consisted in Lord Queensberry having called at Mr Wilde's club (the Albemarle) and left for him one of his (the Marquis's) visiting cards, on which were written certain words that have not been disclosed, but are alleged to be of a most grossly offensive nature, conveying the vilest possible imputations upon Mr Wilde, and, in fact, charging him with criminal conduct.

But counsel for the prosecution affirmed that this was only the culminating point of a long course of vile and cruel persecution on the part of Lord Queensberry. It is by no means easy to gather from the meagre reports what the whole affair is about, though of course much may be inferred. But manifestly there has been some very bitter feeling between the two men, although it has not been explained how this arose. It appears Lord Queensberry called at the club personally, and himself handed to the hall porter the card on which the offensive words were written. The porter, seeing what was written, placed the card in an envelope, endorsed with the time of receipt, and gave it to Mr Wilde, who at once sought his legal adviser and laid an information.

Lord Queensberry apparently does not attempt to deny the fact, but intends to justify his action. When arrested at his hotel he remarked that he thought such proceedings were usually taken by summons, and not by warrant. "But," he added, "I have been wanting to find Mr Oscar Wilde for the last nine or ten days. This thing has been going on for over two years."

Sir George Lewis, Lord Queensberry's solicitor, in applying for a remand that he might consult with his client, made several remarkable observations. He said: "I venture to say that when the circumstances are known you will find that Lord Queensberry has acted under a sense of the greatest indignation. He has acted as a father toward his child. I do not wish the case to be adjourned without its being known that there is nothing against the honour of Lord Queensberry."

The Marquis was then remanded for a week on bail, himself in £1000 and one surety at £500. Sir George Lewis, when one surety was asked for, said "Lord Queensberry is not going to run away." I need hardly say that this extraordinary scandal has been the general topic of conversation ever since the first announcement was made, specially as Mr Oscar Wilde has become a personage of increased prominence now that he has two successful plays running simultaneously at London theatres.