PRINCE AS WITNESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1018, 8 July 1930, Page 13

PRINCE AS WITNESS

LATE KING EDWARD’S PART IN FAMOUS SUIT A BACCARAT SCANDAL Sir William Gordon Gordon-Cum ming, who was the central figure m the famous Tranby Croft baccarat case in 1891, in which the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII., was a witness, died in May at his home, Altyre, near Forres, Morayshire, aged 81. His death brings to and end 39 years of self-imposed seclusion in his Highland home, where he lived the simple life of a Scottish laird and steadfastly maintained a vow that he made at the end of the case—that he would never play cards again. The story of the incidents which took place at Tranby Croft, Yorkshire, the palatial home of Mrs. Arthur Wilson, was brought out at the trial which began on June 1, 1891, before Lord Chief Justice Coleridge and a special jury. Sir William brought an action for slander against Mrs. Wilson, the hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Lycett Green, Mr. Arthur Stanley Wilson, and Mr. Berkeley Levett, members of the house party. When the trial began the Prince of Wales took a seat in the crowded court on the left of the judge. The trial lasted seven days, and the Prince was present on six of them. It was stated that after dinner the party played baccarat, the Prince act ing as banker. The counters used as stakes were the property of the Prince and had been brought down with him from London. Sir William was accused of having doubled his stakes when he won and halving them when he lost. He denied the accusation strenuously, but to avoid, it was suggested, any scandal attaching to the name of the Heir to the Throne, he signed a document, which ran: “In consideration of the promise made by the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to preserve silence with reference to an accusation which has been made in regard to my conduct at baccarat on the nights of Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, 1890, at Tranby Croft, I will on my part solemnly undertake never to play cards again as long as I live.” This document was signed by the Earl of Coventry and the Prince as witnesses, and was kept by the Prince. As, however, the scandal soon became the talk of London, Sir William brought the action. A member of the jury asked the Prince, “I understand you saw no foul play?” to which he replied: “It is difficult for the banker to see the play, and. moreover, at the house of a friend you are not likely to suspect foul play.” On being asked, “What was your opinion at the time as to the charges made?” the Prince replied: “They seemed so strongly supported—unanimously so—by those who brought them forward that I felt that no other course was open to me but to believe what I was told.” The trial resulted in a verdict for the defendants, but there was much popular sympathy with Sir William, who always strenuously asserted his innocence. On the morning following the verdict he married Miss Florence Josephine Garner, of New York, after having given her an opportunity to end the engagement, which she refused. On the arrival of the bride and bridegroom at Forres they were met by the provost and town council and presented with an address. Sir William is succeeded in the baronetcy by his son, Major Alexander Penrose Gordon-Cumming, who was born in 3 893 and served with distinction in the Great War. Lady Gordon-Cumming died eight years ago.