The Judge.—“I am very unwilling to prejudice your deliberations, and I have no doubt that you have done your best to arrive at an agreement. On the other hand I would point out to you that the inconveniences of a new trial are very great. If you thought that by deliberating a reasonable time you could arrive at a conclusion upon any of the questions I have asked you, I would ask you to do so.”
The Foreman.—“We considered the matter before coming into court and I do not think there is any chance of agreement. We have considered it again and again.”
The Judge.—“If you tell me that, I do not think I am justified in detaining you any longer.”
Sir Edward Clarke.—“I wish to ask, my lord, that a verdict may be given in the conspiracy counts.”
Mr. Gill.—“I wish to oppose that.”
The Judge.—“I directed the acquittal of the prisoners on the conspiracy counts this morning. I thought that was the right course to adopt, and the same remark might be made with regard to the two counts in which Taylor was charged with improper conduct towards Wood and Parker. It was unfortunate that the real and material questions which had occupied the jury’s attention for such a length of time were matters upon which the jury were unable to agree. Upon these matters and upon the counts which were concerned with them, I must discharge the jury.”
Sir Edward Clarke.—“I wish to apply for bail, then for M. Wilde.”
Mr. Hall.—“And I make the same application on behalf of Taylor.”
The Judge.—“I don’t feel able to accede to the applications.”
Sir Edward.—“I shall probably renew the application, my lord.”