BACCARAT CASE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 190, 10 May 1938, Page 11

BACCARAT CASE

When Prince Of Wales Gave Evidence In Court “Dominion" Special Service —By Airmail. London, April 15. The famous baccarat case, in which King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, gave evidence', is recalled by the death this week of Captain Arthur Stanley Wilson, of Tranby Croft, Yorkshire. It was in 1890 that Mrs. Arthur Wilson, Captain Wilson's mother, gave a party at Tranby Croft. Among the guests were Sir William Gordon Gor-don-Cumming, a lieutenant-colonel in the Scots Guards, and the Prince of Wales.

One night there was a game of baccarat. Sir William was accused of cheating. Under great pressure he signed the following declaration, which was witnessed by the Prince of Wales: “In consideration of the promise made by the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to preserve silence with reference to an accusation which has been made in regard to my conduct at baccarat on the nights of Monday, and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, 1890, at Tranby Croft, I will, on my part, solemnly undertake never to play cards again as long as I live.” Later the secret leaked out. Society began to talk about it. Eventually Sir William brought an action for alleged slander against Mrs. Wilson and four others. The case lasted for seven days. The Prince was called into the wit-ness-box. He said that he had known Sir William for 20 years and had entertained him several times. Asked by a juror what his opinion was of the charges, the Prince shrugged his shoulders, and said: “There were five of them (meaning accusers). I had no other course.”

The jury were out for 13 minutes. They found for the five defendants. Sir William resigned his commission, and the day after the verdict married the daughter of the commander of the New York Yacht Club. He died eight years ago at the age of 81. Captain Wilson, who died this week, was one of the most popular personalities on the Turf.