The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-02
PRINCE OF WALES A WITNESS.
Ills Royal HiShneSS Must Testify in the
BaCcarat Scandal Trial.
FLOWER OF LONDON SOCIETY PRESENT.
did Sir Gordon Cumming Cheat at Cards
or Not?r That Is the Question, Says
the Defense-Foreign Events.
IBy Cable to The Times. ]


LONDON. June What will probably prove
the most exciting trial of the sesson, if not of
recent years. was begun to-day before Lord
Chief Justice Colerdge and a special jury,
being the judicial inquiry into the notorious
baccarat case, in which Sir William Gordon
Cumming is the plaintiff and the Prince of
Wales the most interesting if not the chief
witness.
The courtroom was crowded. The audi
ence comprised the flower of London society,
representing all circles and including as many
leaders in professional life as could possibly
manage to get away from their engrossing
occupations.
The Prince of Wales entered the room
shortly after II o'clock. accompanied by that
veteran in social functions, Sir Francis
hnollis, one of the grooms in waiting
PRINCE OF WALES AS A WITNESS.
The jury having been sworn, the Lord Chief
Justice took his seat and brief discussion
took place regarding the examination of the
Prince Of Wales, the avowed object being TO
come TO some understanding that would cur
tail the attendance of His Royal Highness 10
as brief period as possible. Sir Edward
Clark, solicitor-general, who conducted the
case for the plaintiff, in his opening said the
case was Did Sir Gordon Cumming cheat
at cards or not?"
The question was a serious one, involving
the honor of a man with distinguished mill
tary record. He explained how the game of
baccarat was played. adding that the bank at
Tranby Croft, where the games took place,
was limited TO 100 pounds, and when that was
lost the game was at an end.
SIR WILLIAM DID RIGHT.
It would be his duty TO put the Prince Of
Wales and General Owen Williams IN the
witnesss-box. and they would satisfy the jury
that they saw nothing wrong in Sir Gordon's
play It was his system to double his stakes
if he lost until he recovered his losses.
He would then revert TO his original stake. Bac-
carat was played for two evenings at Iranby
Croft. but it was not until the third day that
any suspicious were breathed, and then the
plaintiff gave Lord Coventry an absolute and
unqualified denial of the charge.
Late on Wednesday evening Sir Gordon was
allowed TO see the Prince of Wales IN pres
ence of Lord Coventry and General Williams,
when he again repeated u positive denial.
THAT FAMOUS AGREEMENT.
In reply to a question " Sir Charles Rus
sell. Sir Edward said that he did not propose
TO call Lord Harrington. as in his opinion the
testimony of General Williams would be suf-
ticient.
The Solicitor-General then read the famous
agreement signed by Sir Gordon, in which he
solemnly undertook never to play cards
again as long as he lived. and added that 1t
might come out in the course of the trial that
the plaintiff had made a great mistake IN
afiixing the signature, but that he was over
persuaded by such old friends as General
/ Williams and Lord Coventry.
SIR CONDOR TEsTIFIEs
After an impassioned appeal for his client
Sir Edward called the plaintiff. Sir Gordon
Cumming, who gave his version OF what
occurred on the three evenings IN
pn Of
on Wednesday evening the Prince of Wales
said laughingly: How came you 10 win so
much money!" to which he replied. How
could help winning with such tableaux,
sir" calling the Princes attention to the wit
ness tableaux.
The following evening Lord Coventry and
General Williams came to him and said that
something very disagreeabls had occurred,
and that some people staying IN the house
had objected to Sir GordOn's method OF
Witness replied; Good God. what do you
mean?"
REsORTED TO FOUL PLAY.
Lord Coventry then explained that he was
accused of resOrting to foul play. The wit
ness characterized the charge as foul.
abominable falsehOod" and asked his
infOrners, who were two Of his old
est friends for advice. placing himself
entirely in their hands. IL was they who ar
ranged the interview the same night with the
Prince of Wales, who, when Sir Gordon pro-
tested his innocence, said that there were
five accusers against him"
Lord Coventry asked witness to leave
them alone for few moments. On his re-
entering the room he was told that there was
but one way TO avoid a horrible scandal and
that was TO sign the agreement not to play
again. Witness pointed out that this was
virtual admission of guilt. His friends adj
mitted this, but still advised him 10 sign,
which he finally did, reluctantly.
SIR WILLIAMS DENIAL.
Sir Gordon then, in a reply TO a question by
the Solicitor-General, formally and emphati-
cally denied the charge.
The crOss-examination Of the plaintiff was
then commenced by Sir Charles Russell, the
leading counsel for the defendants.
The court then adjourned until Wednesday,
after hearing further testimony for the
plaintiff
The Prince Of Wales remained throughout
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