The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-04-13
BACCARAT TRIAL

one Of the most sensational OF the
social trials in recent years was that
81 the baccarat scandal. which stirred
All Europe during the summer of 1891.
owing TO the prominence OF those con-
cerncd. Even his Royal HiEhness the
Prince of Wales afterwards King Ed
ward VII. appeared IN court and testi-
fled.
London society had been rolling un-
der its tongue as So Get morscl OF
gossip the adventures at tho gaming
table of members of the English arts
tocracy, which eliminated In suit
for SANDER. The baccarat case was Of
ficiaNY known as the suit OF SIR VIII
liam Gordon Cumming against Mr.. and
Mrs. Lycett Green. Mrs Arthur Wilson
Arthur Stanley Wilson and Berkeley
l.evett for slandor, IL! which Sir Gordon
sued each defendant for $4,000 dam
ages.
Tho case grew out OF lively little
gathering AT Mrs. Arthur Wilson's
house at Tranby croft. in September.
1880, at which was present tho Prince
OF Wales. Sir William Gordon Cum
ming and Lady Brooke. Baccarat was
Inc nightly amusement. and the ac-
cusat.on that Sir Gordon had cheated
was made, and. although suppressed. rs
il was thought, for all time the ''hor-
rible scandal" come to light later on.
During tho carly months OF the year
the charges Of his dishonesty came
from time Ia time to the ears OF Sin.
Gordon and he decided TO put a stop to
II. even II II meant public scandal,
Tor only through that means would he
he able to clear his name. Suits We're
begun as carly as February. but the
TRIAL was not called until June ], 1891.
IN the cour; at Temple Ear.
At tho commencement or the trial
tho courtroom was crowded 10 suifoca-
lion by as distinguished party as
WOW
The prince of Wales was accompanicd
by his private secretary. 40 sooner
was he seated than the jury was sworn
and Lord Chief Justice Coleridge began
The case.
Sir Edward Clarlso opened tho case
Tor the plaintiff lie said the charge
was a most serious one involving the
honor and affecting the whole future
career of gallant gentleman. with a
hithcrt" unspottcd reputation. He then
detailed the circumstances of the ia
NOUS card party Ia detail he ex-
rlaincd the mystery of the game, and
IN conclusion said that upon The oc-
Casion referred to- the bank" was
limited to S50e, and that when that
was lost the game was ended
Then the solicitor General read the
much talk,d-of document which Sir
Gordon signed after the discovery of
his alleged cheating At cards and in
which h" undertook, as the price OF
l'lS ic!!pW players silence, never aaain
10 PLAY cards This document was as
follows:
In consideration o. tho promise
made by the gentlemen who have
signed this paper TO preserve silence in
regard to my conduct at baccarat on
lily part. solcmuly undertake never to
play cards again As long as live"
This document was signed by the
plaintiff. the Prince OF Wales. and
others The plaintiff was the nrst TO
take the stand lie absolutely denied
that he had cheated. and said that the
only reason hc had signed tho docu-
lhcnt was that he placed SUCH implicit
confidence ia Lord Coventry and Gen
oral Williams his friends. who drew
u up ana Insisted Il. should sign to
avoid q scandal
ON the second day OF the trial tho
FRINGE OF Wales Was placed on the
witness stand. He detailed what had
Happened at the gaming table and
wien he was asked by a Juryman-a
iather unusual procedurc-to what was
las opinion al the time Of the charges
made against The plaintiff he replied
Ihey were so unanimous mat had
20 other course opcn 10 ne than 70
believe them"
Mos, all Of those Who wcrc present
- tile Trauby croft baccarat game