The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-09
A REBUKE TO ROYALTY.
Plain Talk to the Notorious
Prince of Baccarat.
SIR EDWARD cLARkE's SPEECH.
Cumming Said to Have Signed Agree
ment to Shield Future King.
Gambling 10 Forbidden by Law, and the
Heir Apparent is Exposed as Habit
ua1 Gamester-sensationai Scenes in
Court During Closing Argument.

Sir Charles Russell took up his address for
the defense, which was interrupted last
Saturday by the adjournment of court.
Sir Charles commenced by calling atten-
tion TO Sir William Gordon Cummings
methods of playing baccarat, saying: sH
what Arthur Stanley Wilson has sworn TO
took place, it mas excluded all that class OF
suggestions, of which no trace appeared in
the correspondence between Sir William,
General Williams, and Lord Coventry, TO
the effect that the accusation arose from
misunderstanding of the plaintiffs s system
of play" SIR Charles said that. in his
opinion, the only course open to Sir Edward
Clarke, the leading counsel for the plain
tiff, was 10 announce the whole accusation
as an invention. This, he said, would be
fatal "Was it possible for an innocent
man to adopt the course taken by the
PLAINTIFF" asked the attorney. "He says
he did not ask to be confronted with the
witnesses becaused he was advised not to
do so, but the impulse of an honorable
man would have been to insist that his ac-
cusers should be brought face to face with
him." Instead of this the jury had placed
before them the feeble suggestion that what
the witness took for acts of cheating were
L
conduct could have been explained, but
there was not syllable of a suggestion OF
that kind uttered at Tranbycroft. The
plaintiff signed that paper, and knew that
so dong was the same as an admission OF
his guilt. Sir Charles cleverly endeavored
to discount the arraignment of the VIII
son family and others members of the
Tranbyeroft baccarat party, which he
anticipated would be one of the features of
the address for the plaintiff which Sir Ed
ward Clark would make. Sir Charles con-
cludes with the remark that he was con-
fident in leaving the defendants case in
the hands of the jury. being fully aware
that the latter would do its duty and give
a verdict upholding the evidence which
was given in behalf of the desense. When
Sir Charles Russell sat down there was q
murmur of surprise, the counsel for the
defendants having closed his address rather
unexpectedly.
Solicitor-General Edward Clarke, lead
ing counsel for the plaintiff, took the door,
and in a few sentences invited the atten-
tion of the jury. He then began by say
ing that it had been common talk that the
presence of the Prince of Wales in court
during the trial of the suit had been for
the purpose of restraining the tongues of
lawyers engaged in the case from COM
menting upon the Prince of Wales in con-
nection with it. This remark caused q
sensation, but it was nothing to what fol-
lowed. Continuing. Sir Edward intimated
that the presence of the prince would not
prevent him from making any comment
necessary, saying he (counsel) had a pain
full duty to perform, and that he intended
TO perform it honestly and faithfully.
His opponent, he continued, had
always been careful to allude to
him Counsel for plaintif1 as the
solicitor general. He added: ssWhile
am proud of the title, / must remind
the jury that appear in the case simply
as an English barrister, and am engaged
TO disregard all friendship and watch my
clients interest, and comment on the con-
duct and evidence of one who is the high
est in the land"
Sir Edward Clarke, as he uttered these
last words, turned squarely around until
he faced the Prince Of Wales, upon whom
all in court then fixed their eyes. The
prince nervously crossed his legs while
the audience waited aghast for what was
TO take place. In several directions there
were whispered comments of: why. is
he going to attack the Prince of Wales ?n
and all attention was riveted upon the
plaintiffs counsel. Continuing, the so.
hcitor general remarked that Sir Charles
Russell, counsel for the defendant, had
said that if the jury found for the plaintiff,
and disregarded the document the latter
had signed at Tranbycroft, the military
authorities would take the matter up. and
that Sir William Gordon Cummings name
would be stricken from the army list. .T
wish to say in unmistakable termsn ex-
claimed Sir Edward, raising his voice until
it echoed tellingly through the court. ssthat
it would be impossible for the authorities
TO do any such thing and leave on that
| list the names of Field MarshaIs Prince of
] Wales and General Owen Williams"
His bold statement seemed TO completely
take away the breath of the audience. and
caused by far the greatest sensation of the
entire trial A hushed murmer of aston
ishment, not unmixed with dismay and
some irritation, swept over the courtroom.
One must thoroughly understand the al
most religious worship of royalty which
prevails throughout Great Britain to
clearly understand the full nearing and
crushing significance of the solicitor-gen-
erals words, aimed directly at the heir
apparent.
Amidst this storm, the Prince OF Wales
sat on the bench to the left Of the lord
chief Justice, immovable, not a muscle in
his face apparently twitehing. leaning his
head upon his arm and endeavorine 10 ap-
pear totally unconcerned- After the sens
alton had somewhat subsided Sir Edward
directed his attention to the DISCREPANCIES
which he asserted existed between the pre-
els drawn up at Tranbycroft, which
accused Sir William Gordon Cum
ming of Withdrawing. as well as
adding counters TO those he had previously
staked at baccarat, and the statement in
which the Wilson family declared that
there was a preconcerted plan 10 watch
Cummings on the second night of the
baccarat playing.
Sir Edward followed this with an ar
raignment OF the Wilson's which was most
severe and cutting.
Yes exclaimed the solicitor-general.
referring to the Wilson's. They undoubt-
edly have money, but even If Sir William
Cummings would condescend 10 take from
such source, shall not ask the jury 10
fix the damages beyond nominal sum. .
When the court adjourned for luncheon
the Prince of Wales hurriedly left his seat
on the bench, and, contrary TO his usual
habits of politeness, completely disregarded
the humble courtesies of several ladies
in his immediate vicinity.
The solicitor general, IN proceeding,