THE WILDE-QUEENSBERY SCANDAL.

West Coast Times, Issue 10078, 6 April 1895, Page 2

THE WILDE-QUEENSBERY SCANDAL.

[Per D nited Press Association.]

London, April 4. In cross-examination, Oscar Wilde admitted he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker, and -Atkens. Taylor had introduced him to 5 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 m the company of bright and hajppy people. Witness had frequently been to Taylor's room, and was aware thiit both Taylor and Parker had been arrested, but still continued their friendship. Once he took Atkens and a youth pamed Price to Paris and introduced them to another youth named Earnest Scarp, w^io 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 were read in Court which! proved that the Marquis of Queensbery was endeavoring to stop his son from visiting Wilde. His son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, wfiere a furious soene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door. Witness wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensbery and the sons, remained unbrpken. Certain letters f rom the youths already named^shpwed that the writers were poverty stricken.-- Some were imploring assistance ; or employment. Wilde admitted close intimacy with a number of young men but denied anything irapro'psr in it. • ' He said he paid no regard to sodal inferiority if the friends were ""amusing. Lord Douglas' letters showed he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted ,to thrash him. The Marquis's letter referred to an eminent statesman but the reference was political. Wilde's case is closed. - Carson, in opening for the defence, declared plaintiff's proteges were among the most iminpral persons in, London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified the charges against him. In conclusion he claimed the defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.