New-York Tribune - Thursday, April 4, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
WILDE AGT. QUEENSBERRY.
THE OLD BAILEY CROWDED TO HEAR
THE PLAINTIFF'S TESTIMONY.
HE TELLS OF HIS
RELATIONS WITH THE QUEENS-
BERRY FAMILY AND HOW HE ONCE ORDERED
THE MARQUIS FROM HIS HOUSE - ALL
THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM DENIED
-
HIS PECULIARITIES DISPLAYED
ON THE WITNESS-STAND.
London, April 3. - The Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, was densely packed with people long before the hour of opening today, the attraction being the trial of the action of Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry for libel. Oscar Wilde, wearing a light blue overcoat, entered the courtroom in company with his solicitor, Mr. Humphreys. He resolutely maintained an air of unconcern, despite the fact that everybody was staring at him, and took a seat in front of Sir Edward Clarke, who conducted the prosecution. The Marquis of Queensberry was defended by Edward H. Carson, and Mr. Besley watched the proceedings on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick. Justice Collins took his seat on the bench promptly at 10:30 a.m. and the case was called.
The Marquis of Queensberry entered the dock, and in answer to the usual questions pleaded not guilty, adding that the so called libel was true and had been made known in the public interest.
The marquis of Queensberry entered the dock and, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The Marquis of Queensberry entered the dock and in answer to the usual questions pleaded "not guilty," adding that the so-called libel was true and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The Marquis of Queensberry entered the dock, and, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The Marquis of Queensberry entered the dock and, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true, and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The Marquis of Queensberry, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true, and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The marquis of Queensberry, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The marquis of Queensberry, in answer to the usual questions, pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
The Marquis of Queensberry entered the dock, and pleaded not guilty, adding that the so-called libel was true, and had been made known in the interest of public morality.
Sir Edward Clarke, in opening the case, reviewed the evidence taken in the police court, dwelling on the writing on the card which constituted the libel complained of. The gravity of the case, he said, consisted in the fact that the libels had extended over a long period of time. Several persons implicated in the charges made would be called to deny whatever the Marquis might say on cross-examination.
Sir Edward Clarke, in opening the case, reviewed the evidence taken in the public court, dwelling upon the writing of the card which constituted the libel complained of. This writing alleged that Mr. Wilde had been posing immorally. The Marquis, Sir Edward said, had also accused Mr. Wilde of having solicited a number of gentlemen to engage with him in a series of grave offenses. Several of these gentlemen would be called to deny whatever the Marquis might say on cross-examination.
At this point the Marquis, who with clenched fists sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he would undoubtedly have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the Marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the Marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the Marquis, who with clenched fists sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the Marquis, who, with clinched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the marquis, who, with clinched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the Marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilds, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
At this point the marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat, glaring at Wilde, made a movement as thought he intended to attack him and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
During Sir Edward's speech the Marquis, who, with clenched fists, sat glaring at Mr. Wilde, made a movement as though he intended to attack him, and he undoubtedly would have done so had it not been for the persons between them.
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1893, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterward, at Wood’s earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebly[sic] and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 an extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described the letter as a "prose sonnet." In 1893 the Marquis of Queensberry openly libeled Mr. Wilde in the latter's own house and was shown to the door in the presence of the servants and further admittance refused to him. The annoyance was aggravated by the behavior of the Marquis of Queensberry on the first night of the production of any of Mr. Wilde's plays.
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1890, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterwards, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later, Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebly and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet." In 1893, Sir Edward said, the Marquis of Queensberry openly libelled Mr. Wilde in the latter's own house and was shown the door in the presence of the servants and refused further admittance. The annoyance was aggravated by the behavior of the Marquis of Queensberry on the first night of the production of any of Mr. Wilde's plays.
Sir Edward continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1890, when be learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilda to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterwards, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebley and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Donglas, in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed ia this letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet." In 1893, Sir Edward said, the Marquis of Queensberry openly libelled Mr. Wilde in the latter's own house and was shown the door in the presence of the servants and refused further admittance. The annoyance was aggravated by the behavior of the Marquis on the first night of the production of any of Mr. Wilde's plays.
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wlide had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1890, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterwards at Wood's earnest entreaty Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later, Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebley and Allen, pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wlide, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Albert Douglas, in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet." In 1893, Sir. Edward said the Marquis of Queennberry openly libelled Mr. Wilde in the latter's own house, and was shown the door in the presence of the servants and refused further admittance. The annoyance was aggravated by the behavior of the Marquis on the first night of the production of any of Mr. Wilde's plays.
Sir Edward continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1890, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money and afterwards, at Mr. Wood’s earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later, Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knihby and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in the letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a « prose sonnet. » In 1893, Sid Edward said, the Marquis of Queensberry openly libeled Mr. Wilde in the latter’s own house and was shown the door in the presence of the servants and refused further admittance. The annoyance was aggravated by the behavior of the Marquis on the first night of the production of any of Mr. Wilde’s pays.
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 189O, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterward, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebly and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the statements expressed in this letter the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet."
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 189O, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterwards, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later, Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Knebly and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Douglas, in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet."
Sir Edward, continuing, said that Mr. Wilde had been a close friend of the Queensberry family until 1893, when he learned of the offensive statements being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. He offered to return these letters for money and afterwards, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later Mr. Wilde learned that two men named Kneblin and Allen pretend to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr. Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas in answer to a poem the latter had written. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described this letter as a "prose sonnet."
He said that Mr. Wilde had been a friend of the Queensberry family until 1890, when he learned that offensive statements were being made against him by a man named Wood, who had either stolen or found some letters written by Mr. Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas. Wood offered to return these letters for money, and afterward, at Wood's earnest entreaty, Mr. Wilde paid his fare to America. Later, Air. Wilde learned that two men named Knebly and Allen pretended to have in their possession compromising letters, but Mr.- Wilde refused to purchase them. Mr. Wilde, he said, admitted having written in 1893 a most extravagant letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, in answer to a poem by the latter. Despite the sentiments expressed in this letter, the jury must take into consideration the artistic circle in which Mr. Wilde moved. Mr. Wilde himself described the letter as a "prose sonnet."
Mr. Wilde was then called to the stand and detailed his relations with the family of the Marquis. He testified that Wood produced three letters, which were of no importance. Afterward, in response to a strong appeal from Wood, he gave £15 to him with which to go to America. Later Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters, which had been sent Mr. Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wilde laughed at him and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Mr. Tree had handed to him what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893 Mr. Wilde asked him whether he had come to apologize, but Queensberry, instead of apologizing, reiterated his charges, saying: "If I ever catch you with my son again I will thrash you." Mr. Wilde replied to the Marquis: "I don't know the Queensberry rules, but the Oscar Wilde rules are short and at sight . The letters you have written about me are infamous. You are trying to ruin your son through me." Then[sic] when they were in the hall he said to a servant: "This is the Marquis of Queensberry, the most infamous brute in London. Do not let him enter the house again."
Mr. Wilde was then called to the stand and detailed his relations with the family of the Marquis. He testified that Wood produced three letters which were of no importance. Afterwards, in response to a strong appeal from Wood, he gave him £15 with which to go to America. Later Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters, which had been sent to Mr. Beerbohm-Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wide laughed at him and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently he gave Allen a half-sovereign for himself. Mr. Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893, Mr. Wilde asked him whether he had come to apologize, but Queensberry, instead of apologizing, declared that he (Wilde) had taken furnished rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde asked the Marquis if he really accused him of the crime implied, whereupon the Marquis replied: "You look it, and if I ever catch you with my son again I will thrash you."
Mr. Wilde was then called to the stand and detailed his relations with the family of the Marquis. Mr. Wilde testified that Wood produced three letters which were of no importance. Afterward, in response to a strong appeal from Wood, he gave him £15 with which to go to America. Later Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters which had been sent to Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wilde laughed at him and refused to pay the money, stating he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently he gave Allen a hard sovereign for himself. Mr. Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purposed to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893, Mr. Wilde asked him whether he had come to apologize, but the Marquis of Queensberry, instead of apologizing, declared he (Wilde) had taken furnished rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas. Mr. Wilde asked the Marquis if he really accused him of the crime implied, whereupon the Marquis replied "you look it and if I ever catch you with my son again I will thrash you." Mr. Wilde continuing said he replied to the Marquis "I don’t know the Queensberry rules, but the Oscar Wilde rules are short and at sight. The letters you have written about me are infamous. You are trying to ruin your son through me." Then, when we were in the hall, I said to a servant:— "This is the Marquis of Queensberry, the most infamous brute in London. Do not let him enter the house again" Mr. Wilde said it was absolutely untrue that he had taken rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas or that he had stopped with him at the Savoy Hotel. He had no connection with the Chameleon and strongly disapproved of the article entitled « Acolyte and Priest » which had been published therein. As regarded "Dorian Grey," Mr. Wilde said it had first appeared as a serial in Lippincott’s Magazine, but has been altered when published in book form.
Mr. Wilde was then called to the stand, and detailed his relations with the family of the Marquis. He testified that Wood produced three letters, which were of no importance. Afterward, in response to a strong appeal from Wood, he gave him £15 with which to go to America. Later Allen brought him a copy of one of the letters, which had been sent to Mr. Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wilde laughed at him, and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently he gave Allen half a sovereign for himself. Mr. Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893 Mr. Wilde asked him whether he had come to apologize, but Lord Queensberry, instead of apologizing, declared that he (Wilde) had taken furnished rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas.
Mr. Wilde testified that Wood produced three letters, which were of no importance. Afterward, in response to a strong appeal from Wood, he gave him £15 with which to go to America. Later Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters which had been sent to Mr. Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wilde laughed at him and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently he gave Allen a half sovereign for himself. Mr. Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893 Mr. Wilde asked him whether he had come to apologize, but Queensberry instead of apologizing declared that he (Wilde) had taken furnished rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde asked the marquis if he really accused him of the crime implied; whereupon the marquis replied, "You look it, and if I ever catch you with my son again I will thrash you."
Mr. Wilde stated the man named Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters, which had been sent to Mr. Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Mr. Wilde laughed at him and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen he had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently he gave Allen a half sovereign for himself. Mr. Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Wilde. Reverting to the visit of Lord Queensberry to his house, the plaintiff said he replied to the Marquis: "'I don't know the Queensberry rules, but the Oscar Wilde rules are short and at sight. The letters you have written about me are infamous. You are trying to ruin your son through me.' Then, when we were in the hall I said to a servant: 'This is the Marquis of Queensberry, the most infamous brute in London. Do not let him enter the house again.'"
Mr. Wilde testified that Wood produced three letters, which were of no importance. Afterwards in response to a strong appeal from Wood he gave him £15 with which to go to America. Later Allen brought to him a copy of one of these letters, which had been sent to Beerbohm Tree. Allen demanded £60 for the letter. Wilde laughed at him and refused to pay the money, saying he had never received as much as £60 for his own short prose writings. He told Allen be had better sell the letter to somebody else. Subsequently be gave Allen a half sovereign for himself. Mr Tree had handed him (Wilde) what purported to be a copy of a letter written by Wilde. When the Marquis of Queensberry called at his house in 1893, Wilde asked him whether he bad come to apologize, but Queensherry, instead of apologizing, declared he (Wilde) had taken furnished rooms for Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde asked the Marquis if he really accused him of the crime implied, whereupon the Marquis replied : "You look it, and if I ever catch you with my son again I will thrash you."
Mr. Wilde said that the charges against him were absolutely untrue.
He was then cross-examined by Mr. Carson. Referring to his publication, "Philosophy for the Young," Mr. Carson asked Mr. Wilde if he believed what he had written. Mr. Wilde answered: "I rarely write what I believe is true." The man Allen, he said, when endeavoring to obtain money for the copy of the letter in his possession had remarked that it might bear a curious meaning. To this he replied: "Art is rarely intelligible to the criminal classes." He gave the £15 to Wood because Lord Alfred Douglas had asked him to assist the man. He admitted that he thought the matter was blackmail, yet he gave £5, besides his dinner, to Wood the next day and saw him off for America. He again denied all charges of misconduct.
Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas was beautiful , but that it could not be judged as a letter, apart from art. He did not adore anyone except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader.
Throughout his testimony, Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning, contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in Court, was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter, apart from art. He said he did not believe that any book could affect the conduct of the reader.
Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in court, was beautiful but that it could not be judged as a letter, apart from art. He denied that he had madly adored "a man twenty years his junior; he did not adore anyone except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader."
Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in court, was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter apart from art. He denied that he had "madly adored" a man twenty years his junior; he did not adore any one except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader.
Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas which was read in court was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter apart from art. He denied that he had madly adored a man twenty years his junior; he did not adore any one except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader.
Throughout the testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in court, was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter, apart from art. He denied that he had "madly adored" a man twenty years his junior; he did not adore anyone except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its readers.
Pressed to say whether the articles in the Chameleon were not immortal, Mr. Wilde replied: "They were worse, they were badly written." Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the latter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in court, was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter apart from art. He denied that he had madly adored "a man 20 years his junior," he did not adore anyone except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader.
Wilde frequently ran his fingers through his hair, a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, which was read in court, was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter apart from art. He denied that he had madly adored Lord Alfred, a man twenty years his junior. He did not adore anyone except himself, nor did he believe that any book affected the conduct of its reader.
Pressed to say whether the articles in the Chameleon were not immoral, Mr. Wilde replied: "They were worse - they were badly written." Throughout his testimony Mr. Wilde maintained perfect composure. He frequently ran his fingers through his hair - a habit which is peculiar to him. Several times he propounded paradoxes to Mr. Carson, and in the course of the questioning contended that the letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas which was read in court was beautiful, but that it could not be judged as a letter apart from art. He denied that he had "madly adored" a man twenty years his junior - he did not adore any one except himself. The case was adjourned until to-morrow.
Mr. Wilde's cross-examination was not finished when the court adjourned for the day.
The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day.
The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day.
The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day at 5 P.M.
The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the Court adjourned for the day at 5 p. m.
Tho cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the Court adjourned for the day at 5 P.M.
Cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day at 5 p.m.
The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned at 5 P. M.
Cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned at 5 p. m.