11 Apr 1895 - The Globe (London)
Page 5, Column 2, Link
Sir J. Bridge again sat in the Extradition Court at Bow-street to-day to hear further evidence in support of the charges preferred against Oscar Wilde. Alfred Taylor, who was arrested last week, was again placed with him in the dock, and charged with conspiracy. - Mr. C. F. Gill, instructed by Mr. Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, prosecuted; Sir E. Clarke and Mr. Humphreys appeared on behalf of Wilde; and Mr. A. Newton defended Taylor - There was a large attendance, and the greatest interest was manifested in the proceedings.
Sir E. Clarke said that, by the courtesy of the magistrate, he had had the opportunity of reading over the depositions taken last Saturday, but upon considering the matter, he had decided not to ask that the witnesses should be recalled for cross-examination, as probably no cross-examination could affect the result, so far as the proceedings at that court were concerned. It was most desirable that the defence should be conducted in as short a time as possible, with a view to terminating the proceedings.
The Magistrate: It is absolutely incumbent to get the matter over as quickly as possible.
Mr. Newton said he had been instructed to appear on behalf of Taylor. Without going into details, he was desirous of asking a few questions of the witnesses already called. He was bound to do this, as the charge against Taylor was quite district from that against Wilde.
Charles Parker was recalled, and cross-examined by Mr. Newton, said he was arrested with several others in Fitzroy-square last August, but he only knew one of them. Questioned as to his conversation at the St. James's Restaurant, he said he had never seen Taylor before. Witness was examined as to his knowledge of a man named Atkins, and as to the reason of his leaving his employment as valet. He said he received ₤30 from persons who had blackmailed gentlemen.
Frederick Atkins, aged 20, said he was asked to dine at the Florence Hotel, and on going there was introduced to Wilde. Taylor and two other persons were also present. During dinner Wilde asked witness if he would like to go to Paris as his private secretary. Witness replied in the affirmative, and by arrangement he met Wilde at Victorian Station two days later and accompanied him to Paris. While there Wilde presented him with a silver cigarette case - Cross-examined by Mr. Newton: He was introduced to Taylor by the man who was in Paris with Wilde. He was a comedian and a bookmaker's clerk. He had never attempted to extort money from gentlemen under threats. While in Paris he did some writing in connection with "A Woman of No Importance".
Edward Shelley stated that he made the acquaintance of Wilde at a firm of publishers at which he was employed, and at a time when Wilde was about to republish some of his poems. Witness dined with Wilde at the Albemarle Hotel. Wilde asked witness to go to Paris, but he could not get the time. He had a number of letters from Wilde, all of which he had destroyed, and he had torn out the title-pages of several books which Wilde gave him, and which bore his writing.
Other witnesses were called as to the movements of Taylor.
Thomas Price, waiter at a private hotel in St. James's-place, said that Wilde had rooms there from October, 1893, to the following April, and used to receive a good many visitors.
Alois Vogel, proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle, spoke of Wilde's visits to the hotel. From what witness saw on the third occasion he determined not to have Wilde there again, and pressed him for payment, so that he would not come back.
Annie Perkins, formerly houskeeper at the Savoy Hotel, and Mr. C. Matthews, formerly a partner with Mr. J. Lane, of Vigo-street, who published Wilde's books, gave evidence.
Inspectors C. Richards and T. Brockwell next deposed to arresting Wilde on the 5th inst. at the Cadogan Hotel, and conveying him first to Scotland-yard and subsequently to Bow-street, where he was charged - Evidence was afterwards given as to the arrest of Taylor.
George F. Clarridge, employed by Herbert Thornhill and Co., silversmith, having given evidence as to the purchase of a silver cigarette case by WIlde for Mayor, Mr. Gill intimated that that was as far as he intended to go that day.
Mr. Newton applied that Taylor should be released on bail, but the application was refused, both prisoners being remanded in custody until to-morrow week.
Mr. John Lane, publisher, of London, writes to the Central News agent in New York as follows: "The details of Oscar Wilde's case have not been extensively reported here, but private cabled advices inform me that it has been stated in court that I introduced Shelley to Wilde. . . . My relations with Wilde have been entirely of a business nature. I have never introduced anyone to him. On the contrary, I have frequently declined to do so. My attitude towards him is quite well known. After seeing the papers here on my arrival last Sunday, I immediately cabled to my manager to withdraw all of Wilde's books, and not merely his name from the title pages."