Irish Daily Independent - Saturday, April 6, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE OSCAR WILDE CASE.
SENSATIONAL ENDING
PLAINTIFF WITHDRAWS FROM THE PROSECUTION
VERDICT FOR THE
DEFENDANT
ARREST OF OSCAR WILDE.
London, Friday Evening.
The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr. Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed today at the Central Criminal Court before Mr. Justice Collins and a common jury.
The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed to-day at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Collins and the common jury.
The hearing of the action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed to-day at the Central Criminal Court.
The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed yesterday at the Old Bailey.
LONDON, FRIDAY.
The hearing of the action brought by Mr. Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed to-day at the Central Criminal Court.
London, Friday.
The hearing of the action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensbery was resumed to-day at the Central Criminal Court.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C. M P; Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys are counsel for Mr Oscar Wilde. Mr B. Carson, Q C MP ; Mr G F Gill, and Mr A Gill appeared for the Marquis; and Mr Besley, Q C, and Mr Monckton hold a watching brief for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q C, M P ; Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys are counsel for Mr Oscar Wilde. Mr B Carsons, Q C, M P ; Mr C F Gill, and Mr A Gill appear for the Marquis ; and Mr Besley, Q C, and Mr Menckton hold a watching brief for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill for the defence; and Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill for the defence; and Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C.F. Gill, and Mr. A Gill defended. Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case for a person interested.
Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., M.P., with Mr C. Mathews and Mr Travers Humphrey, appeared for the prosecution; Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr C.F. Gill, Q.C., and Mr A. Gill defended; and Mr Besley, Q.C., with Mr Monckton, watched the case on behalf of Lord Douglas Hawick.
The galleries and the body of the Court were again throned by half-past nine o’clock, and until the re-appearance of the learned judge barristers and members of the public spent their time in pursuing the reports in the morning papers of yesterday’s proceedings. From the floor of the building to the ceiling printed broadsheets were everywhere visible, the noisy rustling of the papers mingling with the incessant chatter going as to the prospects of the case. Lord Queensberry had this morning made a slight change in his attire. Entering the dock with a confident air, he threw off a great cost, disclosing an under-garment of a moss-green hue and a neat while silk necktie.
The galleries and the body of the Court were again thronged by half-past nine o’clock, and until the re-appearance of the learned judge barristers and members of the public spent their time in perusing the reports in the morning papers of yesterday’s proceedings. From the floor of the building to the ceiling printed broadsheets were everywhere visible, the noisy rustling of the papers mingling with the incessant chatter going on as to the prospects of the case.
The galleries and body of the court were again thronged by half-past nine o'clock, and until the reappearance of the learned judge barristers and numbers of the public spent their time in purusing the reports in the morning papers of yesterday's proceedings. From the floor of the building to the ceiling printed broadsheets were everywhere visible, the noisy rustling of the papers mingling with the incessant chatter going on as to the prospects of the case.
His lordship occupied himself with a newspaper until Mr Justice Collins appeared.
His Lordship occupied himself with a newspaper until Mr Justice Collins appeared.
Mr Carson resumed his address for the defence at half-past ten o’clock with the observation that he hoped he had justified Lord Queensberry in bringing to a climax in the way he did the connection between his son and Mr Oscar Wilde. He had to comment upon other evidence which was supplemental to what he might call plain, clear, and admitted facts. It would be his painful task to call these several young men to their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as procurer for Wilde. It had been said by Wilde in this witness box that he wished to break down social distinctions. That might be a noble and generous instinct, but Wilde had not shown very generous instincts in his treatment of these youths. Declaring much emphasis, "It is a wonder this man Wilde has been tolerated in London society as long as he has," Mr Carson proceeded to details as to the conduct of the Savoy Hotel and elsewhere, which cannot be even indicated, "I regret," proceeded the learned counsel, "to be obliged to put into the witness box that young man Parker, for he has since entered the service of his country, and has had no black mark against him since putting her Majesty’s uniform. He bears an excellent character, and I trust his past experience has been a lesson to him." Mr Carson then characterized Wilde’s behavior in regard to the fisher boy at Worthing as an instance of his disgusting audacity. He picked this boy up on the pier, introduced him to his family, dressed him up as a gentleman, as put public school coolers on his hat. The facts in regard to this boy would not have been accepted had they been proved out of any person’s mouth except that of Wilde himself. They almost passed belief. Mr Carson was continuing his arguments when Sir Edward Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from the court for a moment. The plaintiff, Wilde, had up to this point been absent.
Mr Carson resumed his address for the de-defence at half-past ten o’clock with the observation that he hoped he had justified Lord Queensberry in bringing to a climax in the way he did the connection between his son and Mr Oscar Wilde. He had now a more painful duty to approach. He had to comment upon other evidence which was supplemental to what he might call plain, clear, and admitted facts. It would be his painful task to call these several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as procurer for Wilde. It had been said by Wilde in the witness box that he wished to break down social distinctions. That might be a noble and generous instinct, but Wilde had not shown very generous instinct, but Wilde had not shown very generous instincts in his treatment of these youths. Declaring with much emphasis it is a wonder this man Wilde has been tolerated in London society so long as he has. Mr Carson proceeded to detail as to the conduct at the Savoy Hotel and elsewhere, which cannot be even indicated, "I regret," proceeded the learned counsels, to be obliged to put into the witness box that young man Parker, for he has since entered to service of his country, and has had no black mark against him since putting on her Majesty’s uniform. He bears an excellent character, and I trust his past experience has been a lesson to him. Mr Carson then characterised Wilde’s behaviour in regard to the fisherboy at Worthing as an instance of his disgusting audacity. He picked this boy up on the pier, introduced him to his family, dressed him up as a gentleman, and put public school colours upon his hat. The facts in regard to this boy would not have been accepted had they been proved out of any person’s mouth except that of Wilde himself. They almost passed belief. Mr Carson was continuing his arguments when Sir Edward Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from the court for a moment.
Mr. Carson resumed his address for the defence at half-past ten o'clock with the observation that he hoped he had justified Lord Queensberry in the bringing to a climax in the way he did the connection between his son and Mr. Oscar Wilde. He had now a more painful duty to approach. He had to comment upon other evidence which was supplemental to what he might call plain, clear, and admitted facts. It would be his painful task to call these several young men to tell their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as an intermediary for Wilde. It had been said by Wilde in the witness-box that he wished to break down social distinctions. That might be a noble and generous instinct, but Wilde had not shown very generous instincts in his treatment of these youths. Declaring with much emphasis, "It is a wonder this man Wilde has been tolerated in London society so long as he has," Mr. Carson proceeded to give details as to conduct at the Savoy Hotel, and elsewhere, which cannot be even indicated. "I regret," proceeded the learned counsel, "to be obliged to put into the witness-box the young man Parker, for he has since entered the service of his country, and has had no black mark against him. Since putting on Her Majesty's uniform he bears an excellent character, and I trust his past experience has been a lesson to him." Mr. Carson then characterised Wilde's behaviour in regard to the fisher-boy at Worthing as an instance of his disgusting audacity. He picked this boy up on the pier, introduced him to his family, dressed him up as a gentleman, and put public school colours upon his hat. The facts in regard to this boy would not have been accepted had they been proved out if any person's mouth, except that of Wilde himself. They almost passed belief.
On Sir Edward Clarke returning he gave a whispered intimation to Mr Carson, who thereupon resumed his seat.
On Sir Edward Clarke returning he gave a whispered intimation to Mr. Carson, who thereupon resumed his seat.
On Sir Edward Clarke returning he gave a whispered intimation to Mr Carson, who thereupon resumed his seat.
Sir E Clarke on returning whispered to Mr Carson, who resumed his seat.
Sir E Clarke on returning whispered to Mr Carson, who resumed his seat.
Sir E Clarke, then rising, said—My lord, I here interpose to make a statement, which which I do under a feeling of the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon inferences to be drawn from admissions made with regard to the letters of Mr Oscar Wilde. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying that he hoped he had yesterday said enough in dealing with these topics to influence the jury, and to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues of this case, I feel it must have been present to your lordship’s mind that those representing Mr Oscar Wilde had before them a very terrible anxiety. They could not conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of the literature and of the conduct which had been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used those words " posing as a — " he was using words for which there was a sufficient justification—that as a father he was entitled to use two words under the circumstances, and to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of the statement. In our view we thought that might not improbably be the result. Upon that part of the case, I and my learned friends, who desire to be associated with me in this matter, have looked forward to a verdict given in favor of the defendant upon that part of this case, and that such a verdict might be interpreted outside as a sufficient justification. With regard to all other points the position in which we stood was that without expecting to obtain a verdict we should be going on from day to day it might be with a large amount of evidence in the investigation of matters of the most appalling character. Under the circumstances I hope your lordship will think I am taking a right course, which I take after communication with Mr Oscar Wilde, in saying that having regard to what has already been addressed by my learned friend, Mr Carson, in respect the matters connected with the literature and the letters. I feel that he could not resist "posing as a —." Under these circumstances, I hope your lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to avoid what would be a most terrible charge, if I now interpose and say on my behalf of Mr Oscar Wilde that I ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and that I am on his behalf prepared to submit to a verdict of not guilty in respect of that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and the "Chameleon."
Sir E. Clarke, when rising, said—My lord, I here interpose to make a statement, which I do under a feeling of the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon interference to be drawn from admissions made with regard to the letters of Mr Oscar Wilde. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying that he hoped he had yesterday said enough in dealing with these topics to influence the jury, and to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues of this case. I feel it must have been present to your lordship’s mind that those representing Mr Oscar Wilde had before them a very terrible anxiety. They could not conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of the literature and of the conduct which had been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used those words "posing as a ——" he was using words for which there was a sufficient justification——that as a father he was entitled to use those words under the circumstances, and to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of the statement. In our view we thought that that might not improbably be the result. Upon that part of the case, I and my learned friends, who desire to be associated with me in this matter, have looked forward to a verdict given in favour of the defendant upon that part of this case, and that such a verdict might be interpreted outside as a sufficient justification. With regard to all other points the position in which we stood was that without expecting to obtain a verdict we should be going on from day to day it might be with a large amount of evidence in the investigation of matters of The Most Appalling Character. Under the circumstances I hope your lordship will think I am taking a right course, which I take after communicating with Mr Oscar Wilde, in saying that having regard to what has already been adduced by my learned friend, Mr Carson, in respect to the matters connected with the literature and the letters, I feel that he could not resist a verdict of "Not guilty" in reference to words "posing as ——." Under these circumstances I hope your lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to avoid what would be a most terrible charge, if I now interpose and say on behalf of Mr Oscar Wilde that I ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and that I am on his behalf prepared to Submit to a Verdict of Not Guilty in respect of that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Vivian Grey" and the "Chameleon."
Sir E Clarke, then rising, said:—My Lord—I here interpose to make a statement which I do under a feeling of gravest responsibility. Mr. Carson yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon inferences to be drawn from admissions made with regard to the letters of Mr. Oscar Wilde. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying I that he hoped he had yesterday said enough in dealing with these topics to influence the jury, and to relieve them from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues in this case. I feel it must have been present to your Lordship's mind that those representing Mr. Oscar Wilde had before them a very terrible anxiety They could not conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of the literature and of conduct which bad been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used those words which constituted the libel be was using words for which there was sufficient justification -that as a father he was entitled to use those words under the circumstances, and to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of the statement. In our view we thought that that might not improbably be the result upon that part of the case. I and my learned friends who desire to be associated with me in this matter have looked forward to a verdict given in favour of the defendant upon that part of this case, and that such a verdict might be interpreted outside as a sufficient justification with regard to all other points. The position in which we stood was that without expecting to obtain a verdict we should be going on-from day to day, it might be-with a large amount of evidence in the investigation of matters of the most appalling character. Under these circumstances I hope your Lordship will think I am taking a right course, which I take after communicating with Mr. Oscar Wilde, in saying that having regard to what has already been adduced by my learned friend, Mr. Carson, in respect of the matters connected with the literature and the letters, I feel that he could not resist a verdict of not guilty in reference to the words which constituted the libel. Under these circumstances I hope your lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to avoid what would be a most terrible task if I now interpose and say on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde that I ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and that I am on his behalf prepared to submit to a verdict of not guilty in respect of that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and the Chameleon.
SIR EDWARD CLARKE rose, and, addressing Mr. Justice Collins, said,--Will your Lordship allow me to interpose at this moment to make a statement, which, of course, is made under a feeling of very great responsibility? My learned friend, Mr. Carson, yesterday addressed the jury on the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon the inferences to be drawn from admissions made, with regard to letters, by Mr. Oscar Wilde yesterday, and my friend began address this morning by saying that he hoped yesterday that he had said enough dealing with those topics to induce the jury to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues in this case. I think it must be present in your Lordship's mind that those who are representing Mr. Oscar Wilde in this case have before them a very terrible anxiety. They cannot conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of that literature and of the conduct which had been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used the words, "Posing as," &c., he was using words for which there was sufficient justification to entitle a father using those words in those circumstances to the utmost consideration, and to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of that statement. And, my Lord, we had, in our clear view that that might not improbably be the result upon that part of the case, and I and my learned friends who desire to be associated with me in this matter had looked forward to this--that a verdict given in favour of the defendant upon that part of the case might be interpreted outside as a conclusive finding with regard to all parts of the case. The position in which we stood was this--that, without expecting to obtain a verdict in this case, we should be going through day after day, it might be, with long evidence, investigating matters of the most appalling character. In these circumstances I hope your Lordship will think that I am taking a right course, which I am taking after communications with Mr. Oscar Wilde, --that is to say, that, having regard to what has been already referred to by my learned friend in respect of the matters connected with the literature and the letters, I feel that he could not resist a verdict of "Not guilty" in this case, having reference to the words, " Posing as," &c. In these circumstances I hope that your Lordship will think that I am not going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing some thing to save or to prevent what would be a most terrible task, however it might close, if I now interpose and say, on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde, that I would ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and, if your Lordship does not think at this time of the case that I ought to be allowed to do this, I am prepared to submit to a verdict of "Not guilty," having regard, if to any part of the particulars at all, to that part of them which is connected with the publication of "Dorian Gray " and the publication of the Chameleon. I trust that that may make an end of the case.
Sir Edward Clarke, then rising, said—Perhaps your Lordship will allow me to interpose at this moment in order to make a statement, which I, of course, make under a feeling of grave responsibility. My learned friend, Mr. Carson, yesterday addressed the Jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon the inferences to be drawn from the admissions made with regard to the letters to Mr. Oscar Wilde which were read yesterday. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying that he had hoped that be had said enough yesterday in dealing with these topics to enable him to be relieved of the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues in this case. I think it must be present to your Lordship's mind that those who are representing Mr. Wilde have before them a very terrible anxiety. They cannot conceal from themselves the fact that the judgment that may be formed of that literature, and of the conduct which has been admitted by Mr. Wilde, might not improbably induce the Jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used the words complained of, he was using words for which there was sufficient justification for a father using under the circumstances—words which entitled him to the utmost justification, as well as relieving him from the criminal charge in respect to his statement. It being our clear view that that might not improbably be the result upon that part of the case, I and my friends, who desire to be associated with me in the matter, had to look forward to this, that a verdict given in favour of the defendant on that part of the case might be interpreted outside as a conclusive finding in regard to all parts of the case; and the position in which we stood was this, that without expecting to obtain a verdict in this case, we should be going, day after day, through long evidence, and into an investigation of matters of a most appalling character. In these circum- stances I hope your Lordship will think that I am taking the right course—a course which I am taking after communication with Mr. Oscar Wilde—and that is, that having heard what has been already said by my learned friend in respect to matters connected with the literature and the letters, I feel that we could not resist a verdict of not guilty in respect to the words of the libel. I hope your Lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of duty in doing what I can to prevent what would be a most terrible task, however it might close, if I now interpose on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde, and ask leave to withdraw from the prosecution. (Applause.) If your Lordship does not think that at this point in the case, after what has taken place, I ought to be allowed to do this, I am prepared to submit to a verdict of not guilty having reference—if to any part of the particulars—to that part which is connected with the publication of "Dorian Gray" and the publication of the Chameleon. I do trust, my Lord, that my application may make an end to the case.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., who, with Mr. Matthews, have left the court during Mr. Carson’s address, and who now returned, after a hurried conversation with Mr. Carson, rose, and addressing his lordship, said: Will you allow me to interpose at this moment and to make a statement which is, of course, made under a feeling of great responsibility. My learned friend, Mr. Carson, yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case and from the inferences to be drawn from the admissions made by and the letters read yesterday with regard to Mr. Oscar Wilde. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying that he hoped that he had said enough yesterday, dealing with those topics, to induce the jury to believe from the necessity of dealing in detail with other issues of this case. My lord, I think it must have been present to your lordship’s mind that those representing Mr. Oscar Wilde in this case have before them a very terrible anxiety. We could not conceal from ourselves that the judgement that might be formed of that literature and of the conduct which has been admitted, might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used the words that he did, he was using words of which there was sufficient justification to entitle a father to use, and, under these circumstances to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of that statement. That being our clear view—that that would not improbably be the result of the issue of that part of the case—I and my learned friends, who desire to be associated with me in this matter, have to look forward to this—that the verdict given in favour of the defendant on that part of the case might be interpreted outside as a conclusive finding with regard to all parts of the case and the position in which we stood was this—that without expecting to obtain a verdict in this case, we should be going through, day by day, it might be, matters of a most appalling character. Under these circumstances, I hope your lordship will think that I am taking the right course, which I take after communication with Mr. Oscar Wilde, and having regard to what has already been referred to by my learned friend, in respect to the matters connected with the literature and letters, when I say that I feel we could not resist a verdict of not guilty in this case. I hope, therefore, that your lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of my duty and that I am doing something to save and to prevent what would be most terrible task, however it might close, if I now interpose, and say on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde that he would ask to withdraw from the prosecution. If your lordship does not think, after what has taken place, that I ought to be allowed to do that, on his behalf, my lord, I am prepared to submit to a verdict of not guilty, having reference, if to any part of the particulars at all, to that part connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and "The Chameleon." I trust that this suggestion may meet with the approbation of the Court and my learned friend.
This statement of the son and learned gentlemen produced a profound sensation in the crowded court.
This statement of the son and learned gentlemen produced a profound sensation in the crowded court.
The statement of the hon. and learned gentleman produced a profound sensation in the crowded court.
Mr Carson— I do not know, my lord, that I have any right to interfere at this stage in any way except to submit that as far as Lord Queensberry is concerned if there is to be a verdict of not guilty it involves also a verdict of justification. If your lordship takes that view I am satisfied. We must succeed in that plea, and upon it depends whether the course suggested by my learned friend can be adopted. Mr Justice Collins—As to the jury putting any limitation upon the verdict the charge contained in the words "posing as a —" is either justified or it is not justified, the verdict of the jury must be guilty or not guilty, and I understand the prosecution assent to a verdict of not guilty. There can be no limitation, and if the jury assent to the course suggested they will return a verdict of not guilty and they will find that the justification set up was true in substance and I fact, and that it was published for the public benefit.
The jury consulted for a moment, and the foreman, in reply to the usual question, said, "We find the defendant not guilty."
The jury consulted for a moment, and the Foreman in reply to the usual question said, "We find the defendant not guilty."
The jury consulted for a moment, and the foreman, in reply to the usual question, said, "We find the defendants not guilty."
The Clerk of the Court—And do you also find that the plea of justification was true in substance and in fact.
The Clerk of the Court: And do you also find that the plea of justification was true in substance and in fact?
The Clark of the Court—And do you also find that the plea of justification was true in substance and in fact.
The Foreman — We do, and that is was published for the public benefit.
The Foreman: We do, and that it was published for the public benefit.
The foreman—We do, and that it was published for the public benefit.
The Foreman.--Yes; and we also find that it was published for the public benefit.
The Foreman—Yes; and we also find that the publication was for the public benefit.
The Foreman. — Yes ; and we also find that the pub- lication was for the public benefit.
Mr. Carson at once asked that Lord Queensberry be discharged from custody.
Mr. Carson at once asked that Lord Queensberry be discharged from custody.
Mr Carson at once asked that Lord Queensberry be discharged from custody.
Mr Justice Collins intimated his assent, and, replying to a question from the learned counsel, also certified for.
Mr. Justice Collins intimated his assent, and replying to a question from the learned counsel also certified for costs.
Mr Justice Collins intimated his assent, and, replying to a question from the learned counsel, also certified for costs.
The Marquis was congratulated as he descended the steps of the dock to the well of the court. The feelings of the public and the bar found vent in a flood of excited conversation, but with the disappearance of the learned judge form the tribunal the scene ended and the court was rapidly cleared.
The Marquis was congratulated as he descended the steps of the dock to the well of the court. The feelings of the public and the bar found vent in a flood of excitable conversation, but with the disappearance of the learned judge from the tribunal the scene ended and the court was rapidly cleared.
The feelings of the public and the bar found vent in a flood of excitable conversation, and with the disappearance of the learned judge from the tribunal the scene ended, and the court was rapidly cleared.
The London "Evening News" states that it has received four letters from Mr Oscar Wilde, written on the notepaper of a Holborn hotel: "To the Editor—It would be impossible for me to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was trembly anxious to go into the box, and I would not let him do so. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry."
The London Evening News states that it has received four letters from Mr Oscar Wilde, written on the notepaper of a Holborn Hotel."TO THE EDITOR."It would be impossible for me to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not let him do so. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry."
The London Evening News states that it has received four letters from Mr Oscar Wilde written on notepaper of a Holborn hotel:—"To the Editor—It would be impossible for me to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him do so. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignomy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry."
"TO THE EDITOR—It would be impossible for me to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not let him do so, rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry."
"The Evening News" has received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon the notepaper of the Holborn Viaduct Hotel: "It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness-box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position, I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my persecution of the Marquis of Queensberry."
The Evening News has received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon the note paper of the Holborn Viaduct Hotel: "It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful at position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry. OSCAR WILDE."
The Evening News to-day received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon note paper of the Holborn Hotel:—"It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry."—Oscar Wilde.
The 'Evening News' to-day received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon note paper of the Holborn Hotel:—"It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness-box but, I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry."—Oscar Wilde.
The Evening News to day received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon note paper of the Holborn Hotel: "It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness-box but I would not let him. rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my persecution of the Marquis of Queensberry."—Oscar Wilde.
To the Editor,—It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not let him do so. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry. Oscar Wilde.
"TO THE EDITOR-
"It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father.
"Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not let him do so.
"Rather than put him in so painful a position, I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry.
OSCAR WILDE."
The Evening News has received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon the note […] of Holburn Viaduct Hotel:- "It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry. (Sgd.) Oscar Wilde."
The Evening News received the following letter from Oscar Wilde, written upon note paper of the Holborn Hotel:— "It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and hear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from the prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry. (Signed) Oscar Wilde."
It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father.
Lord Alfred Douglas was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not let him do so.
Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry. OSCAR WILDE
LONDON, April 5. - Oscar Wilde was arrested at Cadogan Hotel today. Oscar Wilde has written a letter to a newspaper in which he says: "It was not possible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position I determined to retire from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever shame and ignominy might result from not prosecuting the Marquis of Queensberry."
Previous to his arrest Wilde wrote a letter to the newspapers in which he says: "It was impossible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position I determined to retire from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever shame and ignominy might result from not prosecuting the Marquis of Queensberry."
Oscar Wilde has written a letter to the newspapers, in which he says: "It was not possible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness-box against his father. Lord Alfred was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position I determined to retire from the case-to bear upon my own shoulders whatever shame and ignominy might result from not prosecuting the Marquis of Queensberry."
Oscar Wilde has written a letter to the newspapers in which he says: "It was not possible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglass in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position, I determined to retire from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever shame and ignominy which might result from not prosecuting the Marquis of Queensberry."
Oscar Wilde has written a letter to newspapers, in which he says: "It was not possible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred was extremely anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position I determined to retire from the case, bear upon my own shoulders whatever shame and ignominy might result from not prosecuting the Marquis of Queensberry."
"It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry."
"It would have been impossible for me to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go into the witness box, but I would not let him. Rather than put him in so painful a position, I determined to withdraw from the case, and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry.
Oscar Wilde has just written a letter to the newspapers, in which he says: "It was impossible to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred was anxious to go into the box, but I would not allow it. Rather than put him in such a painful position I determined to retire and let fall upon my shoulders whatever shame and ignominy that might result from not prosecuting the marquis of Queensberry.
London, Apr. 5. -- The Evening News has received this letter from Oscar Wilde: "It would have been impossible to have proved my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. He was extremely anxious to go, but I would not let him. I determined to withdraw from the case and bear upon my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecution of the Marquis of Queensberry.
Mr Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, who was accompanied by Detective-Inspector Brockwell, attended at the Bow street, London, this afternoon and said he would like some private conversation with Sir John Bridge. The magistrate granted the request, and it is understood that Mr Lewis intimated that an application might be made during the day with reference to an important case, which is at present engaging much public attention.
Mr Angus Lewis of the Treasury, who was accompanied by Detective-Inspector Brockwell, attended at Bow street this afternoon and said he would like some private conversation with Sir John Bridge. The magistrate granted the request, and it is understood that Mr Lewis intimated that an application might be made during the day with reference to an important case which is at present engaging much public attention.
Mr. Angus Lewis of the Treasury, who was accompanied by Detective-Inspector Brockwell, attended at Bow-street this afternoon and said he would like some private conversation with Sir John Bridge. The magistrate granted the request, and it is understood that Mr Lewis intimated that an application might be made during the day with reference to an important case which is at present engaging such public attention.
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.
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.
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, 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 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 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."
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."
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.
"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,
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.
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.
"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."
37, Norfolk Street, Strand. The Hon. Hamilton Cuffe, E-q., 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 witnesses' statements together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.—Yours faithfully, Charles Russell. The Treasury, Whitehall.
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 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 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, 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.
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.
The Press Association says its is understood in connection with this case that a warrant was applied for at five o’clock this afternoon and it is believed that it was granted. The application was to Sir John Bridge in his private room, Mr Charles Russell (son of the Lord Chief Justice) and Mr Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, being in attendance. The officials were naturally reticent on the subject.
It is understood that a warrant in connection with this case was applied for at five o'clock on Friday evening, and it is believed that it was granted. The application was made to Sir John Bridge in his private room. Mr. Charles Russell-son of the Lord Chief Justice--and Mr. Angus Lewis--of the treasury--were in attendance, and it is understood that the application for the warrant was made by them.
A report from Bow Street states—"It is understood that a warrant in connection with the Wilde case was applied for at five o'clock thia afternoon, and it is believed that it was granted. The application was made to Sir John Bridge in his private room, and the officials were naturally reticent on the subject. Mr. Charles Russell (son of the Lord Chief Justice) and Mr. Angus Lewis of the Treasury, with two witnesses, were in attendance, and it is understood that the application for the warrant was made by them.