9 Mar 1895 - The Globe (London)
No 31125, Link
Page 4, Column 5
Even xonsidering the social and public standing of those concerned in the charge brought by Mr. Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry, the interest taken in the case when it came on for hearing to-day was phenomenal. From the time the Court opened, although it was known that night charges, the speciality of Marlborough-street, would occupy an hour or two, there was a constant stream of persons seeking admission. Many well-known peopl endeavoured to obtain seats on the bench, but the available space was soon bespoke, and refusals became general. No one was admitted until 11.30, and then there was a tremendous rush for even standing room, a proceeding in which press representatives were forced to join with the merely inquisitive spectators. Mr. Carson, Q.C., who represented the Marquis of Queensberry, was the first of the counsel to put in an appearance. He was quickly followed to the court by Mr. Oscar Wilde, who drove up in a carriage drawn by a pair of horses, accompanied by Lord Alfred Douglas, son of the Marquis, and another friend.
So scanty was the accommodation of the court, that the prosecutor was unable for some time to obtain a seat, and Mr. Humphreys, the prosecuting solicitor, had to apply to the Bench "sotto voce" for a chair for his clerk.
When the case was called on, the Marquis entered the dock, but Mr. Newton at once ordered a chair to be placed at his disposal outside the rails. The examination of Mr. Wilde proceeded slowly, but the answer to almost the first question addressed to the prosecution called forth a mild word from the Bench. "Are you a dramatist and author?" asked his solicitor. "I believe I am well-known in that capacity," came the reply, which prompted Mr. Newton to say, "Only answer the questions, pleae." During the examination the Marquis, in order ot be nearer his advisers, was, at the suggestion of the magistrate, permitted to occupy a seat behind Mr. Carson and his solicitor, Mr. C. Russell. The case had not proceeded far when the inevitable legal discussion ensued, and revealed other suggested charges contained in letters written by father to son. The magistrate deprecated importing further alleged libels which could be reserved for the trial, and on Mr. Newton's adivse they were withdrawn, although Mr. Carson, speaking for the defendant, raised no objection to additional charged being advanced.
When the witness, who gave his full named as "Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde," had concluded his evidence, the magistrate asked the legal adviser on both side to "have a few words" with him in his private room. After an interval of some minutes they returned into court, but nothing was said as to what had transpired in camera. However, the proceedings did not get much further, for the magistrate ruled cross-examination out of order, as it amounted to a plea of justification which he said could only be urged at the Old Bailey. The prosecuting solicitor quoted a case to support the ruling, and Mr. Carson, while bowing to the dictum of the bench, expressed surprise that his learned friend should have also taken exception. This close the case for the prosecutor, and the depositions of Mr. Wilde were read over to him. He made one correction, and was about to affix his signature when he asked ot have a certain part of the evidence read over a second time. "If you would just attend, this would not have happened," said the magistrated testily, but the privilege was accorded, and then with a whisper from the usher, "initials will do," in reply to whether he should "sign in full," Mr. Oscar Wilde, withotu removing his spotless Suede gloves, took quill in hand, and appended his initials to the depositions. Standing behind his counsel, the Marquis of Queensberry, in answer to the magistrate, said, in reference to the terrble charge he had made, that he would abide by what he had written on the card left at the Albemarle Club. He was then committed to take his trial, witnesses were bound over in formal terms to appear at the Central Criminal Court, the Marquis was duly "bailed," and Mr. Wilde drove away in his carriage.
The Marquis of Queensberry, residing at Dover-street, W., was again charged before Mr. Newton, at Marlborough-street to-day, with publishing a libel concerning Mr. Oscar Wilde, at Albemarle-street, on February 18. Mr. C. O. Humphreys, solicitor, prosecuted, and Mr. E. Carson, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. C. F. Gill (instructed by Messrs. Russell, Day, and Russell) appeared for the defence.
Mr. Oscar Wilde, who was the first witness called, said: - I am a dramatist and author. I am acquainted with the defendant and many members of his family, and first became acquainted iwth them about 1893. I left Oxford in 1879, and I think I met him once before 1893. I remember on one occasion I was lunching with his son, Lord Alfred Douglas, at the Cafe Royal, in October, 1892, when I saw the defendant. He entered the room where I was lunching, and came up to our tbale by invitation of his son. He shook hands with both of us on that occasion. He also sat down and lunched at the same table. I don't think I saw Lord Queensberry after that until March, 1894. That was on the occasion when Lord Alfred Douglas and I were lunching together at the Cafe Royal. His lordship entered the room while we were lunching, and after shaking hands with his son, I asked him to join us. That was just after Lord Alfred had returned from Egypt. There was a general conversation between us, but principally about Egypt.
- Mr. Humphreys: Shortly after that did Lord Alfored show this letter? (handing the original)
- Mr. Newton objected to the letter being put in.
- Mr. Humphreys: I am proposing to put in other libels as well.
- Mr. Carson: If this letter had not have been put in I should have called for it. My point is that Lord Queensberry was acting in the interests of his son.
- The Magistrate: Well, I should not have advised its being put in here.
- Mr. Humphreys: My point is that unless the decuments are attached to the depositions here, we cannot indict for other libels at the higher Court.
- The Magistrate: But Mr. Carson cannot cross-examine here on his or other letters. Why, therefore, touch them at all? If the letters are put in, it will open the door to difficulties hereafter.
- Mr. Carson: Well, sir, with great respect, I shall object if the documents are not put in here. Of course, my friend can confine himself to the card; but if he intend to proceed with other letters, I must ask that they be put in.
- Mr. Humphreys: I am extremely reluctant to read the letters in public, as the names of exalted persons are mentioned therein. Therefore, sir, I will adopt your suggestion.
- Mr. Oscar Wilde: in further examination, said: On the 28th February last I drove up to the Albemarle Club, Albemarle-street. I had just recently returned
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- from Algiers. On my entering the Club I spoke to the hall-porter, and he handed me the envelope now produced. My name is written on the back of the envelope. In handing it to me he gave me a message, which he stated he had been directed to give me by another person. He said, "Lord Queensberry desired me to hand this to you when you came to the Club." Inside the envelope there was a card. On the card, were the figures "4.30, 18-2-95" and some words. I immediately communicated with my solicitor, and had an interview with him on March 1, and on the same day applied for a warrant for Lord Queensberry's apprehension.
- The Magistrate: I suggest, Mr. Humphreys, that you and Mr. Carson should accompany me into my room and have a word together.
Mr. Newton, Mr. Carson, and Mr. Humphreys then left the court together. After an interval of about five minutes they returned.
- Mr. Humphreys: That is all I propose to ask Mr. Wilde.
- Mr. Carson proceeded ot cross-examine, asking: How long have you known Lord Alfred Douglas?
The Magistrate wanted to know what this was to lead up to.
- Mr. Carson: My cross-examination will go to show that the steps taken by Lord Queensberry in the present case were with a vew to putting an end to the acquaintance between Mr. Wilde and his son, and I propose to ask whether Lord Queensberry had not forbidden the acquaintanceship.
The Magistrate intimated that would be a quasi-justification, which should be reserved for the tiral.
Mr. Carson simply submitted the privilege of a father protecting his son. The plea of justification was one which Lord Queensberry, with the full responsibility of its effects, would raise if the matter was sent for trial; but he proposed now to ask certain questions to show how it was the Marquis came to write the charge. His object, then, as with previous letters and visits, was in the interest and morality of his son, to put a stop to acquaintance with Mr. Oscar Wilde.
The Magistrate said he had given his decision, and he knew Mr. Carson would abide by it.
Mr. Humphreys intimated that that was his case. The depositions were then read over, and Mr. Carson asked that his question ashould be recorded so as to show that he was prepared to cross-exmaine Mr. Wilde. The Marquis of Queensberry, in answer to the magistrate, said: I have simply to say that I wrote that card with the intention of bringing matters to a head (having been unable to meet Mr. Wilde otherwise), and to save my son; and I abide by what I wrote.
Defendant was then committed for trial at the next Session of the Central Criminal Court, the same bail being allowed as on the former occasion.