THE WILDE-QUEENSBERY LIBEL CASE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 80, 6 April 1895, Page 2

THE WILDE-QUEENSBERY LIBEL CASE.

[UNITED PBBSB ASSOCIATION.! London, April 4. In the course of his evidence, Mr Wilde explained the effusive language of the letters addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas as the natural expression of an artist attracted by a beautiful personality. The Marquis of Queensbery visited his residence, and threatened Wilde, to which the latter responded with — " You are the most infamous brute m London 1" Wilde admitted a close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper m it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if 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 eminent statesmen, but the reference was political. Wilde's case has closed. Mr Cawons, m opening the defence, declared that the plaintiff's proteges were among the most immoral persons m London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcileable with his claims to be an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified the charges against him. In conclusion, he claimed that defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.