Editing 26 Apr 1895 - The Globe (London)

<b>[[Case File: Oscar Wilde]]</b>

Page 5, Column 1, Link

<b><center>TRIAL OF OSCAR WILDE</center></b>
The trial of Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor was commenced to-day at the Old Bailey, before Mr. Justice Charles. As soon as the doors were opened there was a rush for the public gallery, which was soon crowded. Members of the legal profession were also present in large numbers. In the Calendar Wilde's age was given as 40, and he was described as an author. The indictments charged both prisoners with committing offences under the Criminal Law Amendment Act. - Mr. Horace Avory and Mr. C. F. Gill appeared for the prosecution; Sir Edward Clarke, Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys represented Wilde; Mr. J. P. Grain and Mr. Paul defended Taylor; and Mr. Leonard Kershey watched the case for the witness Sydney Mavor. - Wilde looked thinner than when he was at Bow street, and his hair was shorter. He sighed audibly during the reading of the long indictment, but otherwise appeared indifferent to his position. Just as the prisoners were being called upon to plead.

Sir E. Clarke interposed, and submitted, as a point of law, that the accused could not be called upon to plead to an indictment which contained charges under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, and also charges of conspiracy, because, under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, it was competent for the prisoners to give evidence, but on the charge of conspiracy the accused were not competent witnesses. He submitted that the prosecution was elect which of the indictments they intended to proceed with. This point was argued at considerable length by the learned counsel. - Mr. Gill replied on behalf of the prosecution - In answer to the Judge, Sir E. Clarke said he submitted that he court must quash one set of indictments or the other.

The Judge overruled the objection, and held that the indictments could be lawfully joined together, although he felt the inconvenience of the present state of things.

Both prisoners pleaded not guilty.

Mr. C. F. Gill, in opening the case for the prosecution, felt sure that the jury would dismiss from their minds everything that they had read or heard of in connection with the case, and would carefully and impartially consider the facts called in support of the allegations against the two prisoners. The charges arose out of an action for alleged libel preferred by Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry, which was tried at that court at the last sessions. A plea of justification filed by Lord Queensberry was upheld, and arising out of that trial Oscar Wilde was arrested, and charged with the commission of the present offences. Subsequently the man Taylor was also arrested. Wilde was a well known author and dramatist. He had lived some time in Tite-street, Chelsea. Taylor had lived both at Little College-street and at other addresses, which would be mentioned in the course of the inquiry. After pointing out the offences of which the prisoners were accused, the learned counsel stated that both Wilde and Taylor would have an opportunity of answering the charges, and of telling their own stories with reference to the matters complained of. Mr. Gill proceeded to comment on the extraordinary character of the rooms occupied by Taylor in Little College-street, and the persons who frequented them. If the jury believed the evidence of the witnesses who would be called on behalf o the prosecution, they could have no doubt that the allegations made in the indictment were well founded. Documents would also be produced which would abundantly corroborate the charges against the accused.

Charles Parker gave evidence bearing out the statement of the learned counsel. 

The case is proceeding.