The Dublin Evening Mail - Friday, April 5, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE OSCAR WILDE SCANDAL.
THE PROSECUTION ABANDONED
THE VERDICT.
London, Friday.
The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry
was resumed to-day at
the Old Bailey. Sir E Clarke, Q C; Mr C Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys attended
to prosecute. Mr Carson, Q C; Mr C F Gill, and Mr A Gill (instructed by
Mr Charles Russell), represented the Marquis of Queensberry, : Mr Besley, Q C, with
Mr Monckton, watching the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of
Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquis.
The hearing of the charge of criminal libel brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed at the Old Bailey, London, yesterday morning, before Mr Justice Collins. The court was again densely crowded. Mr Oscar Wilde occupied a seat at the solicitor' table. Sir E Clarke, Q.C., Mr C. Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys appeared to prosecute; while Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr C. F. Gill, and Mr A. Gill (instructed by Mr Charles Russell) represented the Marquis of Queensberry; Mr Bealey, Q.C., with Mr Monckton, watching the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquis.
London, Thursday.
The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed to-day at the Old Bailey. Sir E Clarke, Q C; Mr C Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys appeared to prosecute. Mr Carson, Q C; Mr C F Gill, and Mr A Gill (instructed by Mr Charles Russell), represented the Marquis of Queensberry : Mr Besley, Q C, with Mr Monckton, watching the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquis. The indictment was to the effect that the Marquis "did unlawfully and maliciously write and publish a false, malicious, and defamatory libel" concerning Mr Oscar Wilde, in the form of a card directed to him.
Sir E Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys appeared to prosecute, while Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr C.F. Gill, and Mr A. Gill (instructed by Mr Charles Russell, represented the Marquis of Queensberry; Mr Besley, Q.C., with Mr Monckton, watching the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquis.
Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared to prosecute; while Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill (instructed by Mr. Charles Russell) represented the Marquis of Queensbury; Mr. Besley, Q.C., with Mr. Monckton, watching the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquis.
When the trial was resumed Mr Carson, continuing his address for the defence, said he hoped he had convinced the jury that the defendant was justified in bringing to a climax the association of his son with Mr Wilde. It would be his painful duty to call several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as an agent for Wilde. Mr Carson remarked with much emphasis that it was a wonder a man like Wilde had been tolerated in London society so long. He regretted to have to call the young man Parker because he had joined the service of his country, and now bore an excellent character.
Mr Carson, continuing his address for the defence, said he hoped he had convinced the jury that the defendant was justified in bringing to a climax the association of his son with Wilde. It would be his painful duty to call several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted on behalf of Wilde. Mr Carson remarked with much emphasis that it was a wonder the man Wilde had been tolerated in London society so long. He regretted to have to call the young man Parker because he had joined the service of his country, and now bore an excellent character. The learned counsel characterised Wilde’s behaviour to a Worthing fisher boy as an instance of his disgusting audacity.
Mr. CARSON, continuing his address for the defence, said he hoped he had convinced the jury that the defendant was justified in bringing to a climax the association of his son with Wilde. It would be his painful duty to call several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted on behalf of Wilde. Mr. Carson remarked with much emphasis that it was a wonder the man Wilde had been tolerated in London society so long.
Mr Carson, continuing his address for the defence, said he hoped he had convinced the jury that defendant was justified in bringing to a climax the association of his son with Wilde. It would be his painful duty to call several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as a procurer for Wilde. Mr Carson remarked, with much emphasis, that it was a wonder the man Wilde had been tolerated in London society so long.
Mr Carson was continuing his argument when Sir E Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from the court for a moment. Wilde up to this time had been absent. Sir E Clarke, on returning, whispered to Mr Carson, who resumed his seat.
Mr. CARSON was continuing his argument, when Sir E. Clarke and Mr. Mathews retired from the court for a moment. Wilde had up to this point been absent. Sir E. Clarke on returning whispered to Mr. Carson, who resumed his seat.
Mr Carson was continuing his argument when Sir Edward Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from the court for a moment. Mr Wilde had up to this point been absent. Sir Edward Clarke on returning whispered to Mr Carson, who resumed his seat.
Sir E Clarke then, addressing the Court, said he had to make a statement under the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson yesterday said that he hoped he had said enough regarding Mr Wilde’s letters and literature to influence the jury to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with other issues. Those representing Mr Wilde had, therefore, before them a terrible anxiety, and could not conceal from themselves what the judgment of the jury might be, and that the jury might say Lord Queensberry was justified in using the words he had done. The position he (Sir Edward) stood in was that, without expecting to obtain a verdict, he would be going on from day to day investigating circumstances of a most appalling character. Under those circumstances, he hoped his lordship would think he was taking the right course. After consulting Mr Wilde in a reference to his letters and literature, he felt that he could not resist a verdict of "not guilty" in regard to the words, "posing as a——." He, therefore, asked on behalf of Mr Wilde to withdraw from the prosecution, and submit to a verdict of "not guilty," in respect to that part of the particulars connected with the publication "Dorian Grey and Chameleon."
Sir E. Clarke, then addressing the Court, said he had to make a statement under the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson on Thursday said that he hoped he had said enough regarding Mr Wilde's letters and literature to influence the jury, and to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with other issues. Those representing Mr Wilde had, therefore, before them a terrible anxiety, and could not conceal from themselves what the judgment of the jury might be, and that the jury might say Lord Queensberry was justified in using the words he had done. The position he (Sir Edward) stood in was that without expecting to obtain a verdict he would be going on from day to day investigating circumstances of the most appalling character. Under these circumstances, he hoped his Lordship would think he was taking the right course. After consulting Mr Wilde in reference to the letters and literature, he felt that he could not resist a verdict of not guilty in regard to the words, " posing as a -." He, therefore, asked on behalf of Mr Wilde to withdraw from the prosecution and submit to a verdict of not guilty in respect to that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and the "Chameleon."
Sir E Clarke then, addressing the Court, said he had to make a statement under the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson, by saying yesterday that he hoped he had said enough regarding Mr Wilde’s letters and literature to influence the jury, relieved him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues. Those representing Mr Wilde had therefore before them a terrible anxiety, and could not conceal from themselves what the judgment of the jury might be, and that the jury might say Lord Queensbery was justified in using the words he had done. The position he (Sir Edward) stood in was that without expecting to obtain a verdict he would be going on from day to day investigating circumstances of a most appalling character. Under those circumstances he hoped his lordship would think he was taking the right course. After consulting with Mr Wilde in reference to the letters and literature he felt that he could not resist a verdict of not guilty in regard to the words "posing as a ——." He therefore asked on behalf of Mr Wilde to withdraw from the prosecution and submit to a verdict of "not guilty" in respect to that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and "Chameleon."
Sir E Clarke then, addressing the Court, said he had to make a statement under the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson, by saying yesterday that he hoped he had said enough regarding Mr Wilde's letters and literature to influence the jury, relieved him from the necessity of dealing in detail into the other issues. Those representing Mr Wilde had therefore before them a terrible anxiety, and could not conceal from themselves what the judgment of the jury might be, and that the jury might say Lord Queensberry was justified in using the words he had done. The position he (Sir Edward) stood in was that without expecting to obtain a verdict he would be going on from day to day investigating circumstances of a most appalling character. Under those circumstances he hoped his lordship would think he was taking the right course. After consulting with Mr Wilde in reference to the letters and literature he felt that he could not resist a verdict of not guilty in regard to the words used. He therefore asked on behalf of Mr Wilde to withdraw from the prosecution and submit to a verdict of "not guilty" in respect to that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Gray" and the "Chameleon."
At this juncture Sir Edward Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from court for a [ . . . ] On reappearing the former addressed the court, and he had to make a statement [ . . . ] the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson on Thursday said he hoped he had said enough in [ . . . ] Mr Wilde’s letters and literature to influence the jury, and to relieve him from the [ . . . ] of dealing in detail with other [ . . . ]. Those representing Mr Wilde couldn ot conceal from themselves that the [ . . . ] say Lord Queensberry was [ . . . ] he had done. The position he, SIr Edward, stood in was that without expecting to obtain a verdict he would be [ . . . ] circumstances of a most appalling character. After consulting with Mr Wilde in reference to the letters and literature, he felt he could not resist a verdict of not guilty, and therefore asked on behalf of Mr Wilde to withdraw from the prosecution, and submit to a verdict of "not guilty" in respect to that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and the "Chameleon."
Sir Edward Clarke’s statement produced a profound sensation in court.
Sir Edward Clarke's statement produced a profound sensation in court.
Sir Edward Clarke’s statement produced a profound sensation in court.
Sir Edward Clarke’s statement produced a profound sensation in court.
Sir Edward Clark's statement produced a profound sensation in court.
Mr Carson said a verdict of "not guilty" involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr Carson said a verdict of not guilty involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr Carson said a verdict of not guilty involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr. CARSON said the verdict of "not guilty" involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr Carson said the verdict of "not guilty" involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr Cason said the verdict of "not guilty" involved a verdict also of justification.
Mr Justice Collins said that if the jury found a verdict of "not guilty" they would also find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact: and that the statement was published for the public benefit.
Mr Justice Collins said that if the jury found a verdict of not guilty they would also find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that the statement was published for the public benefit.
Justice COLLINS said that if the jury found a verdict of not guilty they would also find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that the statement was published for the public benefit.
Justice Collins said that if the jury found a verdict of not guilty they would also find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that the statement was published for the public benefit.
Justice Collins said that if the jury found a verdict of not guilty they would also find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that statement was published for the public benefit.
Mr Justice Collins concurred, adding the jury would also find that the justification was true in substance and in fact, and that the statement was published for the public benefit.
Justice Collins said that if the jury should consent to the course suggested and should return a verdict of not guilty, they were also to find that the justification set up by the defense was true in substance and in fact, and that the words complained of were published for the public benefit.
THE VERDICT.
The jury, after a moment’s consideration, returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY against the Marquis of Queensberry, the foreman adding that what he had written was published for the public benefit.
The jury, after a moment’s consideration, returned a verdict of "not guilty" against the Marquis of Queensberry, the foreman adding that what he had written was published for the public benefit.
The jury, after a moment's consideration, returned a verdict of "not guilty" against the Marquis of Queensberry, the foreman adding that what he had written was published for the public benefit.
The jury, after a moment’s consideration, returned a verdict of "not guilty" against the Marquis of Queensbery, the foreman adding that what he had written was published for the public benefit.
The jury, after a few moments' consideration, returned a verdict of not guilty against the Marquis of Queensberry, the foreman adding that what he had written was published for the public benefit.
The Judge thereupon ordered the Marquis of Queensberry’s discharge from custody and certified for costs.
The Judge thereupon ordered the Marquis of Queensberry's discharge from custody, and certified for costs.
The JUDGE thereupon ordered the Marquis of Queensberry’s discharge from custody, and certified for costs.
The Judge thereupon ordered the Marquis of Queensberry's discharge from custody, and certified for costs.
The Judge thereupon ordered the Marquis of Queensbery’s discharge from custody, and certified for costs.
The Marquis on descending from the dock was heartily congratulated by his friends, and the court rapidly cleared.
The Marquis, on descending from the dock, was heartily congratulated by his friends, and the court soon rapidly cleared.
The Marquis, on descending from the dock, was heartily congratulated by his friends, and the court soon rapidly cleared.
The Marquis, on descending from the dock, was heartily congratulated by his friends, and the court soon rapidly cleared.
The Marquis, on descending from the dock, was heartily congratulated by his friends, and the court soon rapidly cleared.
THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR INVOKED.
The Press Association, on inquiring of Lord Queensberry’s solicitors (Messrs Russell and Day), is informed that it is not his lordship’s intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, but after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action, the whole of the documents, with proofs of the evidence upon which the defence had intended to rely, were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon Hamilton Cuffe.
The Press Association, on inquiring of Lord Queensberry’s solicitors (Messrs. Russell and Day), is informed that it is not his lordship’s intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, but after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action the whole of the documents with proofs of the evidence upon which the defence had intended to rely were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon. Hamilton Cuffe.
The Press Association on enquiring of Lord Queensberry's solicitors (Messrs Russell and Day) is informed that it is not his lordship's intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, but after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action the whole of the documents with proofs of the evidence upon which the defence had intended to rely were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon Hamilton Cuffe.
The Press Association on inquiry of Lord Queensberry’s solicitors (Russell and Day) is informed that it is not his lordship’s intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, bur after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action the whole of the documents, with proofs of the evidence upon which the defense had intended to rely, were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon Hamilton Caffe.
London, Friday Evening.
The Press Association on enquiring of Lord Queensbery’s solicitors (Messrs Russell and Day) is informed that it is not his lordship’s intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, but after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action the whole of the documents with proofs of the evidence upon which the defence had intended to rely were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon Hamilton Cuffe.
Lord Queensberry's solicitors yesterday stated that it was not his lordship's intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Mr. Oscar Wilde, but after the finding of the jury in the libel action the whole of the documents, with proofs of the evidence upon which the defence had intended to rely, were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor.
The letter written by Mr Russell, and accompanying the documents, is as follows :—
"In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses’ statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial."
Dear Sir,--In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.
"Dear Sir,—In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses' statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial—Yours faithfully,
"Dear Sir—In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.
"Yours faithfully,
CHARLES RUSSELL,
"The Treasury, Whitehall."
"37, Norfolk-street. Strand.
" Dear Sir,— In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice. I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our Witnesses' statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of trial. — Yours faithfully,
"Charles Russell."
The letter written by Mr Russell and accompanying documents is as follows—"In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses' statements together with the copy of the shorthand notes of the trial."
The letter written by Mr Russell, with the accompanying document, is as follows:— "in order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think in my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses’ statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial."
The letter written by Mr Russell and accompanying documents is as follows—"In order that there may be no miscarriage of ujstice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witness’s statements together with the copy of the shorthand notes of the trial."
To the Hon. HAMILTON CUFFE, Director of Prosecutions.
DEAR SIR,--In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witness's statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.
Yours faithfully, CHARLES RUSSELL.
The letter written by Mr Russell and accompanying the documents is as follows:—"In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses statements, together with copy of shorthand notes of trial."
37, Norfolk-street, Strand.
To the Hon. HAMILTON CUFFE, Director of Prosecutions.
DEAR SIR,-In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witness's statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.-Yours faithfully,
CHARLES RUSSELL.
WILDE’S RETREAT.
As was surmised, Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensberry was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Wilde that his leading counsel left court. At the close of the consultation in one of the waiting rooms Wilde hailed a hansom and drove away, leaving Sir E Clarke to withdraw formally from the prosecution.
As was surmised Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensberry was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Wilde that his leading counsel left the Court. At the close of the consultation in one of the waiting rooms Wilde bailed a hansom and drove away, leaving Sir E Clarke to formally withdraw from the prosecution.
As was surmised Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensbery was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Wilde that his leading counsel left the Court. At the close of the consultation in one of the waiting rooms Wilde hailed a hansome and drove away leaving Sir E Clarke to formally withdraw from the prosecution.
As was surmised, Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensberry was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Wilde that his leading counsel left the court. At the close of the consolation in one of the waiting rooms Wilde hailed a hansom cab and drove away, leaving Sir E Clarke to formally withdraw from the prosecution.
As was surmised, Mr Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensberry was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Mr Wilde that his leading counsel left the court. At the close of the consultation in one of the waiting rooms Mr Wilde hailed a hansom and drove away, leaving Sir E Clarke to formally withdraw from the prosecution.