Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-12-30
EXEUNT OSCAR WILDE.
Departure Ofthe pOstie of thetIcism
on the B0thnia for Europe.
What He Had 10 Say About the Press
and the People of america.

New YORK, December 90 O-car Wilde
has sailed for Liverpool on the steamer Both
| mia. The fact OF his geipg was not generally
known, and he escaped the scrutiny OF curl.
| Gus people, which would otherwise have at
tended his departure. His friend, Mr.. Nor
man Forbes, of Nine. Modjeska's troupe, was
the only person at the steamer with him
The early morning was chilly, and Mr.. Wilde
wore his fur collar buttoned closely about
his neck, and beneath was tied a heavy old
| gold silk scarf. 1t was bright moonlight
when Mr.. Forbes and reporter greeted him.
"You eee," he said, as be raised his hat
and allowed his long hair to linger for a mo-
ment in the moonlight, "my going away has
been kept quiet. Only few of my personal
friends know OF il, aud l persuaded them
| not to get up at so early an hour to see me
| away"
'.Did you enjoy your visit TO this country"
asked the reporter.
"Very much, indeed" he replied. II
think America is very progressive country,
but it is somewhat behind in art, but that, Of
course, is to be expected. Nevertheless,
was much delighted with the progress that
art had made here. There is much that is
good, and, individually, 1 have met many
gentlemen with whom / am delighted. OF
course had much to contend against, and
had L not been a young man, probably
would have been forced 10 give up my object.
/ have been subjected to much ridicule and
at the same time have made many friends.
l have seen very much 10 be pleased with
and believe that have learned great deal.
l enjoyed my visit 10 the Western States and
wanted 20 spend more time there"
"Were you pleased with your reception
here, Mr.. Wilde"
mo, l was noi," he replied smiling. "Ne
man ever came 10 this country who had to
contend with what did. / am glad that /
am on The bright side of thirty, for do not
think that man past thirty could have
accomplished what l have"
"What do you think of the Americans as
a people%
"Ah," he said, as he paused in his walk,
"the Americsps had type fifty years ago,
but they have lost it. In fifty years hence,
however, they may regain ii. But like the
Americans" Mr.. Wilde spoke with some
hesitsncy of Mrs. Langtry and Mrs. Lsbou-
chere, and said: 81 am very friendly with
both the ladies, and Mrs. Langtry is par
ticular friend OF mine. | attach no impor-
lance to their quarrel. Mrs. Langtry has
perfect right 10 choose her friends, and
think know that she would do nothing 10
ipjure her reputation. / think that Mrs.
Langtry has been treated very unjustly here.
She came TO this country TO set and to study.
She has been misrepresented. Your people,
who are so chivalrouE, have not treated her
with consideration. The press has been too
severe in its criticisms. She is young, and
all this is very discouragiug. A man, for in
stance, could contend with this, but you
should be more chivalrous to the ladies'"
what is your opinion OF the American
press?"
Mr.. Wilde did not answer directly. He
placed bis right foot on the rail, rested his
chin on his hand and gszed meditatively at
the waning moon. Finally he said, with a
smile:
"Of course the American press is very diff
ferent from our Engish press. The English
press is made up of facts, while the Ameri-
can press is imagination. But you have
many brilliant writers and courteous Jour
nalists. But, as 1 said before, your dramatic
critics have been rather hard on Mrs. Lang
try. They should be little more chival-
rouso
will you ever return to this country, Mr..
Wilder"
"Oh, yes" he replied, Il hope to return
some time. / like the country very much,
and when return l hope 10 find a great i'm
provement in decorative art. II is progress
ing, and / have great hopes of the future.
AT present 1 want rest and peace, and would
like 10 go to a country where / am not
known-if there Is such a country"
"Your lecture tour has been financial |
success, has it not, Mr.. Wilder
COB, yes, quite financial success" he |
replied.
1t was now time for the steamer to leave, |
and Mr.. Forbes and the reporter went on |
shore, and a few minutes later the Bothnia |
moved avay from the wharf