The Marquis of Queensberry's Libel Case.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 237, 6 April 1895, Page 2

The Marquis of Queensberry's Libel Case.

A VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY. [Per Press Association! . London, April 4. Wilde admitted the close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if his friends wtre amusing. Lord Douglas' letters showed that he threatened to shoot his father if be attempted to thrash him. The Marquis 1 letter referred to an eminent statesman, but the reference was political. Wilde's case is closed. Mr Carson, in opening the defence, declared plaintiff's proteges were among the most immoral persons in London. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcileable with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified charges against him* In conclusion he claimed that defendant's witnesses, among whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer would prove the case to the hilt. April 5. The charge of libel against the Marquis of Queensberry was finished to-day, a verdict of not guilty being returned. The jury considered that the charges made by Queensberry were of public benefit. Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case and Wilde himself left the court while his counsel was explaining that plaintiff's literature and letters justified the plea of the defence that Wilde posed as an immoral person. He explained the reason he withdrew from the case was so as to avoid repelling the evidence which would be adduced. The verdict was received with loud cheers. It is expected Wilde will be arrested but no warrant has yet been applied for, but counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry has sent the public prosecutor a statement of' the witnesses and notes oh the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.