OSCAR WILDE'S LIBEL ACTION.
Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrijhfc London, April 4. In cross-examination Wilde admitted that he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker and Atkins. Taylor had introduced him to five young men on separate occasions to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He said he derived pleasure from being in the company of bright, happy people. Witness had frequently been in Taylor's room, and was aware that both Taylor and Parker had once been arrested, but continued their friendship. Once he took Atkins and a youth named Price to Paris and introduced them to another youth named Ernest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Wilde said he had made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them. Letters read in Court proved that the Marquis of Queensberry was endeavouring to stop his son visiting Wilde. The son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, where a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door. The witness wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensberry and sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were povertystricken, and some were imploring for assistance or employment. The Marquis of Queensberry wrote to his son, saying he believed he was crazy, and suggesting he should leave the country. Wilde said he paid no regard to social impropriety if his friends were amusing. Lord Douglas' letters showed that he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him. The Marquis' letter referred to an eminent Statesman, but the reference was political. Wilde's case is closed. Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared that literature alone justified the charges against him. He claimed that the defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.
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Press, Volume LII, Issue 9072, 6 April 1895, Page 7
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345OSCAR WILDE'S LIBEL ACTION. Press, Volume LII, Issue 9072, 6 April 1895, Page 7
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