BLACKMAILING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8516, 6 April 1895, Page 2

BLACKMAILING.

The iWilde-Queensbury Libel Case.

Verdict in Favor of the Marquis.

(By Eleotrio Telegraph — Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.)

London, April 6.

Mr Wilde admitted the oloso intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to inferiority if the 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 is closed. Mr Causon, in opening the defence, declared that plaintiff's protegee were among the most immoral persons in London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilible with his claims as 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. In th« course of his evidence, Mr Wilde explained the effusive language of the letters addressed to Lord Douglas as the natural expression of an artist attracted by a beautiful personality. The Marquis of Queensberry visited his residence and threatened Wilde, to which the latter responded with — " You are the most in- 1 famous brute in London I" Lates. The charge of libel against the Marquis of Quf ensberry fioishod to day, a verdict of not guilty being returned. The jury considered that the chares made by the Marquis were of public benefit. Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case. Wilde himself left the Court while his counsel was explaining that plaintiff * literature and letters justiuod the plea of defence that Wilde posed as an immoral man. He explained the reason he withdrew from the ! case was so as to avoid the appalling evidence which would be adduced. The vervict was received with cheers. It is expected Wilde will be arrested. No warrant has Tee been applied for, bat oountel for the Marquis has sent the Public Prosecutor the statement of witnesses and notes on the eridenco, in order te prevent a muoarriage of justice.