Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-04-08
CROWDS OF PEOPLE
Flock to See Doubly Famous and Now
Infamous Oscar Wilde.
The Evidence is Overwhelming Against Him
Is Held Withou! Bail.

London, April Crowds of people be-
sieced the neighborhood of Bow street
early Saturday morning and the Bow
Street police court was filled with inter-
ested spectators Immediately after the
doors We're opened. Among those who
succeeded in pressing their way into court
was one good-looking middle aged wo-
man. All were anxious to see oscar
Wilde, whose arrest following close upon
the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of his suit for
libel against the Marquis Of Queensberry
is discussed on all Sides
C. f. Gill; who was Edward NJ Car
sons junior counsel in the defense OF the
Marquis of Queensberry, acted IS prose-
cutor for the treasury department. Sir
John Bridge, the presiding magistrate,
took his seat on the bench at II o'clock.
The doors leading to the cells were then
opened and Wilde was seen approaching
carrying silk hat in his hand. When he
reached the center of the prisoners dock
Wilde calmly deposited his hat on the
seat, bowed to Sir John Bridge, folded his
arms and leaned on the rail of the dock IN
the same insolent manner which he dis
played while on the witness stand in the
Old Bailey.
Mr.. Gill said that he appeared to prose-
cute the prisoner on series of charges oil
melting boys to terrible crime and of &C.
tually committing acts of gross indecency.
The prosecutor then related how, in 1888,
when Wilde was staying at the Savoy
hotel, Alfred Taylor, who was arrested to-
day, acted as procurer for Wilde, who
Repeatedly Visited Taylor's House.
Continuing Mr. Gill said that the pro.
secution proposed to show how Taylor APP
preached young man named Parker,
who was valet out of q position, and his
brother, groom. Taylor, it was stated,
told them how money could be made and
said that Wilde was u man who gave
much money to youths and men. They
finally consented and it was arraigned
that they should be introduced to Wilde
at dinner which he would give in Il pri-
vate room at kittner's restaurant. After
this dinner Wilde announced to Taylor,
who was also present, that Charles Parker
was the boy for him and he took the latter
to the Savoy hotel.
Parker was here called to the stand, but
the proceedings were interrupted by the
official announcement that Taylor had
been arrested. A few moments later Tay-
lor was brought into court and was placed
in the dock beside Wilde, who nodded to
him.
Parker was then examined and related
at length giving the most minute Details
his intimacy with Wilde. He testified
that he visited Wilde at the Savoy hotel
at the Albemarle, at Wilde's chambers
and at other addresses at one time almost
daily.
While Parker was giving this testimony
Wilde moved restlessly in the dock and
passed his hands across his face
Parker added that he was arrested will
Taylor in the raid, in 1894, on the house in
Fitzroy square, but, he claimed, he had
since abandoned his evil life.
Counsel for Wilde asked leave to post.
pone the cross-examination of Parker, as
the evidence had taken them by surprise
Parker was then bound over to testify
at the trial of Wilde, which is to take
place in the Old Bailey.
Parker was deadly pale when conciud-
ing his testimony and asked to be allowed
to take seat as he was not feeling we'll
Woman Testifies.
The woman previously referred to as
having entered the court room early in
the morning was the next witness. She
gave her name as Mrs. Grant, and said
that she let rooms to Taylor, who she
added, was visited by number of young
men. When Mrs. Grant was asked to
state the ages of these young men she re
piled that they were from 16 years and up
wards. The statement caused sensation
in court
Mrs Grant was then asked if she could
identify Wilde as a visitor to Taylors
rooms She said she could not
Thereupon Sir John Bridge said
brusquely: "Wilde, stand up" Wilde
arose, but the witness was still unable to
recognize him. But, replying to counsels
questions, said that she remembered Tay
lor addressed one visitor as Oscar"
Replying to further questions, Mrs.
Grant said that Taylor's rooms were well
furnished and highly perfumed. Taylor,
she added, dressed effeminately.
The witness said that the boys had
stayed all night with him. Before Taylor
left Mrs. Grants rooms sergeant of po-
lice once went to his apartments and sec.
reilly watched Taylor's proceedings.
Sir John Bridge asked Taylor if he dc,
sired to ask the woman any questions.
The prisoner replied, mot yet"
a Nice Looking Youth.
Alfred Woods, slim. nice looking
youth, was then called to the stand. He
testified that Taylor introduced him to
Wilde in January, 1898 and that the wit
ness committed indecencies at Wilde's
own house while the latter's family was
at Torquay. The witness added that he
was intoxicated at the time, rs Wilde had
previously given him champagne whisky
and hook. Continuing, Woods said that
Wilde afterwards gave him deal of
money and a watch and chain. Witness
also said that soon afterwards he told
Taylor that he wanted to get away from
Wilde and these people," Counsel, inter
rupting, said;
'Iet us deal with the case of Wilde
alone. But I believe that there were
other people present at these gatherings"
Witness-"Yes one or two of them have
left the country"
The witness added that Taylor told
Wilde that he, the witness. wanted to 60
to America, whereupon Wilde asked to
have certain letters returned to him