St. Paul Daily Globe - Thursday, April 4, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
ROUGH ON WILDE.
Aesthetic Oscar's Suit Against
Marquis of Queensberry
the Most
DELICIOUS BIT
OF SCANDAL
That Has Been Aired in London
Courts for Many a Day.
WILDE UNDER CROSS FIRE.
Compromising Testimony Regarding
His
Relations
With Other Men.
LONDON, April 3. -- Every available inch of the Old Bailey was occupied this morning when the Marquis of Queensberry surrendered to bail, and the libel suit brought against him by Oscar Wilde was opened before Justice Collins. Oscar Wilde charges the Marquis of Queensberry with libel by leaving, on Feb. 28 last, an uncovered card at the Albemarle club, on which were written certain foul epithets. As a result, Oscar Wilde, on March 2, caused the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry, and the latter, at the Marlborough street police court, was placed under £1,500 bail. The aisles of the old court room were crowded with lawyers. Admission was obtained by tickets only, and the sheriff in charge showed the representative of the Associated Press a pile of applications a foot high, many being from well-known people. Rumors were current in London yesterday that Oscar Wilde had suddenly left the city in order to avoid being present in court today, and reports were also current that a
LONDON, April 3. -- Every available inch of the Old Bailey was occupied this morning when Marquis of Queensberry surrendered to bail and the libel suit brought against him by Oscar Wilde was opened before Justice Collins. Oscar Wilde charges the Marquis of Queensberry with libel by leaving, on February 28 last, an uncovered card at the Albemarle club, on which were written certain foul epithets. As a result, Oscar Wilde, on March 2, caused the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry, and the latter, at the Marlborough street Police Court was placed under £1,500 bail. The aisles of the old court-room, were crowded with lawyers. Admission was obtained by ticket only, and the sheriff in charge showed the representative of the Associated Press a pile of applications a foot-high, many being from well-known people. Rumors were current in London yesterday that Oscar Wilde had suddenly left the city in order to avoid being present in court to-day, and reports were also current that a startling development would arise to-day. But both of these rumors were set at rest by the arrival in court of the principals to the suit.
London, April 3 — Every available inch of the Old Bailey was occupied this morning, when the Marquis of Queensberry surrendered to bail and the libel suit brought against him by Oscar Wilde was opened before Justice Collins. Oscar Wilde charges the Marquis of Queensberry with libel by leaving on February 28 last na uncovered card at the Albemarle Club, on which card were written certain foul epithets. As a result Mr. Wilde on March 2 caused the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry, and the latter at the Marlborough Street Police Court was placed under £1500 bail. The aisles of the old court-room were crowded with lawyers. Admission was obtained by ticket only. There was a pile of applications a foot high from many well-known persons.
London, April 3. - Every available inch of the Old Bailey was occupied this morning when the Marquis of Queensberry surrendered to bail and the libel suit brought against him by Oscar Wilde was opened before Justice Collins. Oscar Wilde charges the Marquis of Queensberry with libel by leaving Feb. 28 an uncovered card at the Albermarle club, on which were written certain foul epithets. As a result Mr. Wilde March 2 caused the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry, and the latter, at the Marlborough Street Police Court, was placed under £1,500 ($7,500) bail. The Marquis answered to the indictment by pleading, first, not guilty, and, secondly, that the libel was true, and that it was the published for the public good. The Marquis seemed unconcerned, and replying to the questions put to him he spoke quietly and clearly.
London, April 3.– Every available inch of the old Bailey was occupied this morning when the Marquis of Queensberry surrendered to bail and the libel suit brought by Oscar Wilde against the marquis was opened before Justice Collins. Oscar Wilde, or, to give his full name, Oscar Fingail O’Flaherty Wilde, the author and dramatist, charges the Marquis of Queensberry with libel by leaving, on February 28 last, an uncovered card at the Albemarle club, on which were written certain epithets. As a result, Mr. Wilde, on March 2, caused the arrest of the Marquis of Queensberry, and the latter, at the Marlborough street police court, was released on £1,500 bail. The aisles of the old court room were crowded with lawyers. Admission was obtained by ticket only, and the sheriff in charge showed to the newspaper representatives a pile of applications a foot high, many of them being from well known people.
LONDON, April 3. -- Every available inch of the old Bailey was occupied this morning when the hearing of the libel suit, brought against the Marquis of Queensberry by Oscar Wilde, was opened before Justice Collins. Wilde charges the Marquis with leaving on Feb. 28th, an uncovered card at the Albemarle club, on which was written certain foul epithets. As a result Wilde, on March 2, caused the arrest of the marquis, and the latter, at the Marlborough street police court, was placed under £1,100 bail. The court room was today crowded with lawyers. Admission was obtained by tickets only, and the sheriff in charge showed a representative of the Associated Press a pile of applications a foot high.
STARTLING DEVELOPMENT
would arise today, but both these rumors were set at rest by the arrival in court of the principals to the suit. The marquis seemed unconcerned, and replying to the questions put to him, he spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly solicitor general, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry, and it was upon this that the libel was written. Continuing, counsel said that the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant in his pleadings alleged that the plaintiff had for some time solicited persons named to commit indecent offenses. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Mr. Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Mr. Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
The marquis seemed unconcerned, and replying to questions spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clark, formerly solicitor-general, in opening the case, said the card left at Albemarle for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensbury. Continuing, counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant in his pleadings alleged the plaintiff had for some time solicited persons named to commit indecent offenses. Certain letters addressed by plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglass, the second son of the Marquis of Queensbury, were brought to plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress and he gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed Beerbohm M. Tree, an actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle Club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry, and it was upon this that the libel was written. Continuing, counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant, in his pleadings, alleged that the plaintiff had for some time solicited persons named to commit indecent offenses. A certain letter addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, was brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Mr. Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
Sir Edward Clarke, formerly solicitor general, in opening the case, said that the card left at the Albemarle club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensbury, and it was upon this that the libel was written. Continuing, counsel said that the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant, on his pleadings alleged, that the plaintiff had for some time solicited persons named to commit indecent offenses. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, second son of the Marquis of Queensbury, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Mr. Wilde gave him 20 pounds with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Mr. Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
The Marquis seemed unconcerned, and in replying to questions spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle Club for Mr Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry. Continuing, the counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant, in his pleadings, alleged that the plaintiff had for some time acted in a disgraceful way. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, the second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
The Marquis seemed unconcerned, and in replying to questions spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle Club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry. Continuing, the counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant, in his pleadings, alleged that the plaintiff had for some time acted in a disgraceful way. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglass, the second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
The Marquis seemed unconcerned, and in replying to questions spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle Club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry. Continuing, the counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant in his pleadings, alleged that the plaintiff had for some time acted in a disgraceful way. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, the second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Wilde had gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
The Marquis seemed unconcerned, and in replying to questions spoke quietly and clearly. Sir Edward Clarke, formerly Solicitor-General, in opening the case, said the card left at the Albemarle Club for Mr Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry. Continuing, the counsel said the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant in his pleadings alleged that the plaintiff had for some time acted in a disgraceful way. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, the second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress, and Wilde have him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
Sir Edward Clark, formerly solicitor general, in opening the case, said that the card left at the Albemarle club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the marquis of Queensberry, and it was upon this that the libel was written. Continuing, counsel said that the gravest issues had been raised, as the defendant in his pleadings alleged that the plaintiff had for some time solicited persons named to commit indecent offenses. Certain letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglass, second son of the marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress and Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America.
Sir Edward Clarke, former solicitor general, in opening the case, said that the card left at the Albemarle club for Mr. Wilde was one of the visiting cards of the Marquis of Queensberry and it was upon this that the libel was written. Continuing, counsel said that the gravest issues had been raised to letters addressed by the plaintiff to Lord Alfred Douglas, second son of the Marquis of Queensberry, were brought to the plaintiff by a man who said he was in distress and Mr. Wilde gave him £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Another letter was handed to Mr. Beerbohm Tree, the actor, who gave it to the plaintiff.
Counsel then recounted the facts already known in the case, showing that Mr. Wilde, who had recently returned from Algiers, drove up to the Albemarle club about 5 p. m. on Feb. 28, and on entering the club he was handed an envelope by the hall porter, Sidney Wright, who said that the Marquis of Queensberry had desired him to hand it to Mr. Wilde. The exact words were: "Lord Queensberry desired me, sir, to hand this to you when you came to the club." Inside the envelope plaintiff found a card, on the back of which was the date 4:30,18-2, '95, and on this card were written certain foul epithets which formed the basis of the suit.
Counsel then recounted the facts already known in the case, showing that Wilde, who had recently returned from Algiers, drove up to the Albemarle Club about 5 p. M., February 28, and on entering was handed an envelope by the hall porter, Sidney Wright, who said: "Lord Queensberry desired me, sir, to hand this to you when you came to the club." Inside the envelope the plaintiff found a card, on the back of which was written the date "4:30, 18, 2, 95," and on this card was written certain vile epithets, which formed the basis of the suit.
Counsel then recounted the facts already known in the case, showing that Wilde, who had recently returned from Algiers, drove up to the Albemarle Club about 5 p.m., February 28, and on entering was handed an envelope by the hall porter, Sidney Wright, who said: "Lord Queensberry desired me, sir, to hand this to you when you came to the club." Inside the envelope the plaintiff found a card, on the back of which was written the date "4.30, 18, 2, 95," and on this card was written certain vile epithets, which formed the basis of the suit.
Counsel then recounted the facts already known in the case, showing that Wilde, who had recently returned from Algiers, drove up to Albemarle club about 5 p. m. on February 28, and on entering was handed the envelope by Porter Sydney Wright, who said "Lord Queensbury desired me, sir, to hand this to you when you came to the club." In the envelope plaintiff found a card, and on this card were written certain foul epithets which formed the basis of the suit.
Counsel then recounted the facts already known in the case, stating that Mr. Wilde, who had recently returned from Algiers, drove up to the Abemarle club at about 5 P. M., on February 25, and on entering the club he was handed an envelope by the hall porter, Sidney Wright, who said that the Marquis of Queensberry had desired him to hand it to Mr. Wilde. The exact word were: "Lord Queensberry desired me, sir, to hand this to you when you came into the club."
WILDE ON THE STAND.
Oscar Wilde was then called, and he languidly arose from the solicitor's table, where he was seated, and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed in a long black frock coat, and carried his gloves in his hand, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed. Wilde spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him. The jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity, The witness said that upon arriving at his house a few months ago he found two gentlemen awaiting in the library. One of them was the Marquis of Queensberry and the other one was unknown to the plaintiff. The former said:
Oscar Wilde was called and he languidly arose and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed in a long black frock coat and carried his gloves in his hand, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed. As he spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him, the jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance--mainly prosperous tradesmen--eyed him with curiosity. The witness said that upon arriving at his house a few months ago he found two gentlemen waiting in the library. One of them was the marquis of Queensberry and the other was unknown to the plaintiff. The former said: "Sit down."
Oscar Wilde was then called, and he languidly arose from the solicitor's table, at which he had been seated, and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed, in a long, black frock coat, and carried his gloves in his hands, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed. Wilde spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box, and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him. The jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity. The witness said that upon arriving at his house a few moments ago he found two gentlemen awaiting in the library. One of them was the Marquis of Queensberry and the other one was unknown to the plaintiff. The former said: "Sit down," I replied. "Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of crime?"
Oscar Wilde was then called and he languidly arose from the solicitor’s table, where he was seated, and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed in a long black frock coat and carried his gloves in his hand, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was pale, but was seemingly composed. Wilde spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him. The jury, which was composed of intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity. Counsel for the plaintiff asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 ($100) with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said:
Oscar Wilde was then called, and he languidly arose from the Solicitor's table, at which he had been seated, and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed in a long blank frock coat, and carried his gloves in his hands, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed. Wilde spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him. The jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity.
Oscar Wilde was then called, and he languidly arose from the Solicitor’s table, at which he had been seated, and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly, dressed in a long black frock coat, and carried his gloves in his hands, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed, Wilde spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms on the rail of the ‘witness box, and replying distinctly to the questions addressed to him. The jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity.
Oscar Wilde was called. He languidly arose from the solicitors' table, where he was seated, and entered the witness box. The paintiff was faultlessly dressed in a black frock coat and carried gloves in his hand, showing fingers covered with rings. He was very pale, but seeminlgy composed. Wilde spoke with his customary drawl leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions. The jury, which was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, eyed him with curiosity. The witness said that upon arriving at his house a few months ago, he found two gentlemen waiting in the library. One was the Marquis of Queensberry, the other unknown to the plaintiff. The former said: "Sit down." I replied: "Lord Queensberry. I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. It is possible you accuse me and your son of sodomy." He replied: "I don't say it, but you look like it and appear like it."
Oscar Wilde was called, and he languidly arose and entered the witness box. The plaintiff was faultlessly dressed in a long black frock coat, and carried his gloves in his hand, showing his fingers to be covered with rings. He was very pale, but was seemingly composed. He spoke with his customary drawl, leaning his arms upon the rail of the witness box and replying distinctly to the questions asked him. The jury was composed of very intelligent men of elderly appearance, mainly prosperous tradesmen, and they eyed him with curiosity.
"Sit down," I replied. "Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of sodomy?" He replied: "I don't say it, but you look like it, and
"Sit down."
"I replied, 'Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of sodomy?'"
"He replied, 'I don't say it; but you look like it and appear like it.'"
"I replied: 'Lord Queensbury, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of sodomy?" He replied: 'I don't say it, but you look like it and appear like it.'"
" ‘Sit down.' I replied: ‘Lord Queensberry, I will not allow anyone to talk that way in my house. I supposed you had come to apologize. It is possible that you accuse your son and me of such crimes?' He replied:
The former said: "Sit down."
"I replied," said Wilde: "Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. It is possible you accuse me and your son of sodomy."
He replied: "I don't say it, but you look like it and appear like it."
Wilde replied: "Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse me and your son of an unnatural crime?”
Wilde replied: "Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse me and your son of an unnatural crime?"
"I replied: 'Lord Queensberry, I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of --?'"
"'Sit down, Lord Queensberry,' I replied: 'I will not allow any one to talk that way in my house. I suppose you have come to apologize. Is it possible that you accuse your son and me of an unnatural crime?"
"APPEAR LIKE IT."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But finally I gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But finally I gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But finally I gave him the money, in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked him, the witness, about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter and I ad-vised him to immediately accept it. But, finally I gave him the money in order to re-lieve his distress and he gave me the letter."
The counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £50 for a letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But I finally gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he gave £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it; but I finally gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
The counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said, "The man told me he had been offered £60 for a letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But I finally gave him money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said: "The man told me had been offered £60 for a letter and I advised him immediately to accept it. But I finally gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
The counsel for plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for a letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But I finally gave him money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
The counsel for plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said, "The man told me he had been offered £60 for a letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But I finally gave him money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for plaintiff then […] the witness about the man to whom he gave £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said: “The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it, but I finally gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter.”
Counsel for plaintiff asked the witness about a man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. The witness said, "The man told me he had been offered £60 for a letter, and I advised him immediately to accept it. But finally I gave him money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for plaintiff then asked witness about the man to whom he had given 20 pound with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered 60 pounds for the letter and I finally gave him money in order to relieve his distress and he gave me the letter."
Counsel for the plaintiff then asked the witness about the man to whom he had given £20 with which to pay his passage to America. Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for a letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But finally, I gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter." The document referred to was here produced in court and was handed to Justice Collins. It read thus:
Witness said: "The man told me he had been offered £60 for the letter, and I advised him to immediately accept it. But finally I gave him the money in order to relieve his distress, and he gave me the letter."
The document referred to was here produced in court and handed to Justice Collins. The letter referred to the "rose red lips" of Lord Alfred Douglass, and the writer addressed him as "my own boy" and asked, "Why are you alone in London?" The letter was signed "With undying love, Oscar." Counsel in explaining this letter, said that it might seem extravagant to those who were in the habit of writing commercial letters; but, he added, it was "mere poetry." (Laughter.) Interest in the case was heightened when Sir Edward Clarke, upon finishing the direct examination of his client, turned the letter over to E. S. Carson, Q. C., M. P., counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry, for cross-examination. Mr. Carson began the presentation of the case for the marquis by reading passages from "Dorian Gray," one of Oscar Wilde's novels of modern life, to show that the author upheld sodomy, the plaintiff following counsel with a copy of the book, and laughing at Mr. Carson's insinuation. Mr. Carson, addressing the plaintiff, asked:
The document referred to was here produced in court and was handed to Justice Collins. The letter referred to the "rose-red lips" of Lord Alfred Douglass, and the writer addressed him as "My own Boy." and asked, "Why are you alone in London?" The letter was signed, "With undying love, Oscar Wilde." Counsel, in explaining this letter, said it might seem extravagant to those in the haibt of writing letters. "But," he added, "it was mere poetry." [Laughter.] Interest in the case was increased when Sir Edward Clarke, upon finishing direct examination, turned the witness over to E. H. Carson, Q. C., M. P., counsel for the Marqiuis of Queensberry, for cross-examination. Carson began his presentation of the case for the Marquis by reading passages from Dorian Gray, one of Oscar Wilde's novels of modern life, to show the author upheld sodomy, plaintiff following counsel with a copy of the book and laughing at Carson's insinuation. Carson, addressing plaintiff, asked: "Do you think the description of Dorian Gray, given on page 6, is a moral one?"
The document referred to was produced in court. It referred to "the rose red lips" of Lord Alfred Douglass and the writer addressed him as "my own boy." It was signed "with undying love - Oscar." Counsel, in explaining this letter, said it might seem extravagant to those in the habit of writing letters. But, he added: "It was mere poetry." (Laughter.) The interest in the case was increased when Sir Edward Clarke, upon finishing the direct examination, turned the witness over to Mr. E. H. Carson Q.C., H.P., counsel for the Marquis of Queensbury, for cross-examination. Carson begun the presentation of the case for the marquis by reading passages from "Dora Gray," one of Oscar Wilde's novels, to show that the author upheld sodomy. Plaintiff was following counsel with a copy of the book and was laughing at Carson's insinuatios, Carson, addressing plaintiff, asked:
"Do you think the description of 'Dorian Gray' given on page 6 is a moral one?"
"Yes," replied Wilde. "Just what an artist
would notice in a beautiful personality."
"Did you ever
"ADORE MADLY,
"as described in 'Dorian Gray,' any person of the male sex younger than yourself?"
was Mr. Carson's next question.
In reply
Wilde said: "I took the idea from Shakespeare's sonnets."
"Yes," replied Wilde, "just what an artist would notice in a beautiful personality."
"Did you ever adore madly, as described in 'Dorian Gray,' any person of the male sex younger than yourself?" was Mr. Carson's next question.
In reply Wilde said: "I took the idea from Shakespeare's sonnets."
"Yes," replied Wilde, "just what an artist would notice in a beautiful personality."
"Did you ever adore madly, as described in 'Dorian Gray' any person of the male sex, younger than yourself?" was Mr. Carson's next question.
In reply, Wilde said: "I took the idea from Shakespeare's sonnets."
During this portion of the proceedings the Marquis of Queensberry followed his counsel with a copy of "Dorian Gray" in his hands, with seeming enjoyment. Wilde testified to the fact that the man to whom he gave the £20 on receipt of the letter in which he had referred to the "rose red lips" of Lord Alfred Douglass, which amount was used to pay his passage to America, was named Wood. Replying to other questions put to him by Mr. Carson, Wilde said that the letter to Lord Alfred was "merely poetical," and he added that he had "undying love" for Lord Alfred, who, he claimed, was his best friend. The witness denied having misconducted himself with Wood. The latter, he added, was introduced to him by Lord Alfred Douglass, who asked him to befriend the man. Wilde and Wood, it was also shown by the cross-examination, addressed each other by their Christian names. It was also developed during the cross-examination of Wilde that in writing he did not concern himself to produce morality or immorality. He had no purpose in the matter, and was concerned merely with literature, beauty, wit and emotion. He rarely thought of anything he wrote as true, indeed, he might say, never, in regard to "Dorian Gray."
Sir Edward Clark objected to Mr Carson cross-examining his client on that novel, as it appeared in Lippincott's magazine and not as it was published in England.
Sir Edward Clarke objected to Carson crossexamining his client on that novel as it appeared in Lippincott’s Magazine and not as it was published in England.
Sir Edward Clarke objected to Carson cross-examining his client on that novel as it appeared in Lippincott's Magazine and not as it was published in England.
Sir Edward Clarke objected to Carson cross-examining his client on that novel, as it appeared in Lippincott's Magazine and not as it was published in England.
Sir Edward Clarke excepted to Carson's cross-examination of his client on that novel, as is appeared in Lippincott's Magazine, and was not published in England.
Wilde thereupon descended from the witness box and whispered a few words to his counsel, after which Sir Edward Clarke withdrew his objection.
Wilde thereupon descended from the witness-box and whispered a few words to his counsel, after which Sir Edward Clarke withdrew his objection.
Wilde thereupon stepped from the witness box and whispered a few words to his counsel, after which Sir Edward Clarke withdrew his objection.
Wilde thereupon stepped from the witness box and whispered a few words to his counsel, after which Sir Edward Clarke withdrew his objection.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
was very severe, and brought out the great difference in the ages of Lord Alfred Douglass and Oscar Wilde (the former was born in 1870 and the latter in 1856), how the two had visited various towns together, stopped at the Savoy hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde's chambers in St James Place, which the plaintiff maintains in addition to his house at No. 16 Tite street southwest. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde's opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
Cross-examination was very severe, and brought out the great difference in the ages of Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglass (the former was born in 1856 and the latter in 1870), how the two had visited various towns together, stopped at the Savoy hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde's chambers in St James Place, which the plaintiff maintains in addition to his house at No. 16 Tite street. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde's opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
Cross-examination was very severe, and brought out the great difference in the ages of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas (the former was born in 1856 and the latter in 1870), how the two had visited various together, stopped at the Savoy hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde's chambers in St. James' Place, which the plaintiff maintains in addition to his house at No. 16 Tite street, S. W. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde's opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
The cross-examination was very severe, and brought out the great differences in the ages of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas (the former born in 1856 and the latter in 1870), how the two had visited various towns together, stopped at the Savoy Hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde's chambers in St. James Place, which the plaintiff maintains in addition to his house at No. 10 Tite street S. W. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde's opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
The cross examination was very severe and brought out the great differences in the ages of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas (the former was born in 1856 and the latter in 1870); how the two had visited various towns together, stopped at the Savoy hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde’s cham-bers in St. James place, which the plaintiff maintains in addition to his house at 16 Tite street, S. W. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde’s opinions regarding literature in genneral, to which line of cross examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
The cross-examination was very severe and brought out the great differences in the ages of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas — the former was born in 1856, and the latter in 1879 — how the two had visited various towns together, stopped at the Savoy Hotel together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde’s chambers in St. James place, which the plaintiff maintains, in addition to his house at 16 Tite Street, S. W. Mr. Carson drew out Wilde’s opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart responses in the same line as in his plays.
The cross examination was very severe, and brought out the differences in the ages of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas (the former was born in 1856 and the latter in 1870), how the two visited various towns together, stopping at the same hotels together, and how Lord Alfred visited Wilde's chambers in St. James, which the plaintiff maintained in addition to his house at 16 Tite street, S. W. Mr. Carson then drew out Wilde's opinions regarding literature in general, to which line of cross-examination the plaintiff made many smart answers, in the same line as in his plays.
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care tuppence for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care tuppence for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care ,tuppence' for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care two-pence for what the Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care twopence for what the Phillistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care twopence for what the Phillistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence' for what Philistines think about me."
"The interpretation of my work does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care ‘tuppence’ for what Philistines think about me."
“The interpretation of my works does not concern me” said Wilde. “I do not care ‘tuppence’ for what Philistines think of me.”
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care two cents what the Philistines think about me."
But Mr. Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness, and began the more serious phase of the cross-examination by questioning Mr. Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy eighteen years of age belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
But Mr. Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness, and began the more serious phase of the cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness and began a more serious phase of the cross-examination, by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
Mr. Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness and began the more serious phase of the cross examination by questioning Wilde about his acquaintance with a newsboy, 18 years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of witness and began a more serious phase of the cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to the Hotel Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness and began the more serious phase of the cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy, 18 years of age, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to hotel Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness and began a more serious phase of cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to the hotel Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness and began a more serious phase of cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to the Hotel Brighton.
Carson severely repressed the levity of witness and began a more serious phase of cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy 18 years of age, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to Hotel Brighton.
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care 'tuppence', for what the Philistines think about me." But Mr. Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness, and began the more serious phase of the cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy, eighteen years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
"The interpretation of my works does not concern me," said Wilde. "I do not care a 'tuppence' for what the Philistines think about me." But Carson severely repressed the levity of witness and began the more serious phase of cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his intimacy with a newsboy, 18 years of age, belonging to Worthing, and brought out the fact that Wilde took the boy to a hotel at Brighton.
But Mr. Carson severely repressed the levity of the witness, and began the more serious phase of tho cross-examination by questioning Wilde about his friendship with a newsboy eighteen years of age.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Mr. Carson. "Was it for an intellectual
treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless,
amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Mr. Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh! He was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Mr. Carson; "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy’s society?" asked Mr. Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature." replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Mr. Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Carson, "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Carson. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied Wilde.
"Why did you seek the boy's society?" asked Carson; "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied Wilde.
"Why do you seek the boy's society?" Mr. Carson asked. "Was it for an intellectual treat?"
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness.
Mr. Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome silver-mounted cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
Mr. Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome silver-mounted cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
Mr. Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome silver-mounted cane and a book, which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
Mr. Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome silver mounted cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
Mr. Carson here produced a silver cigarette cape, a handsome silver-mounted cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome cane and a book, which Wilde admitted he had given the newsboy.
Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had given the newsboy.
Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a a handsome cane and a book which Wilde admitted he had given the newsboy.
Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, handsome cane and book, which Wilde admitted he had given the newsboy.
"Oh, he was a bright, careless, amusing creature," replied the witness. Mr. Carson here produced a sliver cigarette case a handsome silver-mounted cane and a book, which Wilde admitted he had presented to the newsboy referred to.
The cross-examination then touched upon Wilde's relations with several boys and men, and the questions put to the witness were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, emphatically denied that he had done anything improper; but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact, he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him, and did not take his eyes off the man in the witness box. The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day at 5 p.m. A large crowd of people assembled about the Old Bailey in order to see Wilde deave the court.
Wilde denied that he had done anything improper, but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact, he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him, and did not take his eyes off the man in the witness box. The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned for the day at 5 p.m. A large crowd of people assembled about the Old Bailey, in order to see Wilde leave the court.
The cross-examination then touched upon Wilde’s relations with various boys and men, and the questions put to the witness were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, empathically denied that he had done anything improper; but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact, he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff, the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him, and did not take his eyes off the man in the witness box.
Carson here produced a silver cigarette case, a handsome cane and book which Wilde admitted he had given the newsboy. The cross-examination then touched upon Wilde's relations with various boys and men, and the questions were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, emphatically denied he had done anything improper, but was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff, the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him and did not take his eyes off the man. The cross-examination of Wilde was not finished when the court adjourned at 5 p. m. A large crowd had assembled about Old Bailey to see Wilde leave.
Cross-examination then touched upon Wilde’s relations with various boys and men, and the questions were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, emphatically denied that he did anything improper, but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him, and did not take his eyes off the man.
Cross-examination then touched upon Wilde's relations with various boys and men, and the questions were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, emphatically denied that he did anything improper, but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness-stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him, and did not take his eyes off the man.
The cross-examination then touched upon Wilde's relations with various boys and men, and the questions were so pointed as to be unprintable. Wilde, however, emphatically denied that he had done anything improper, but was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected and frequently drank water. In fact, he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside of the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of plaintiff the marquis of Queensberry stood eying him and did not take his eyes off the man.
The cross-examination then touched upon Wilde's relations with various boys and men. Wilde emphatically denied that he had done anything improper, but he was troubled and confused under the terrible cross-examination to which he was subjected, and frequently drank water. In fact, he seemed ready to faint, and a chair was placed inside the witness stand for his use. Throughout the questioning of the plaintiff the Marquis of Queensberry stood facing him and did not take his eyes off the man in the witness box.
- The Cincinnati Enquirer - Thursday, April 4, 1895 - 93.9%
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