Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Story
September 6, 1913
Hopkinsville Kentuckian
Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
Humorous anecdote about scientist Sir William Crookes, a believer in spiritualism, being confused with politician Will Crooks after the latter's election, culminating in a witty pun about the impossibility of polling ghosts.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
OF LITTLE USE IN POLITICS
Successful Statesman a Believer In Ghosts, but Recognized Their Limitations.
Sir William Crookes, who was irreverently called "Bill!" to his face by the Durham undergraduates during the recent ceremony of conferring honorary degrees at the university, is one of the small band of eminent scientists who believe in spiritualism.
Some years ago, when Mr. Will Crooks, the labor M. P., first stood for parliament, the two names got mixed up several times. A friend of Sir William's, hearing that "Will Crooks" had been elected to a seat in parliament thought it was the great scientist himself. and next time they met he congratulated him on his victory.
"But it's the other Will Crooks." replied Sir William. "I shouldn't have a ghost of a chance if I stood."
"But I thought you believed in ghosts?" his friend remarked, flippantly.
"I do," agreed Sir William; "but it would take a very smart election agent to poll them!"
Successful Statesman a Believer In Ghosts, but Recognized Their Limitations.
Sir William Crookes, who was irreverently called "Bill!" to his face by the Durham undergraduates during the recent ceremony of conferring honorary degrees at the university, is one of the small band of eminent scientists who believe in spiritualism.
Some years ago, when Mr. Will Crooks, the labor M. P., first stood for parliament, the two names got mixed up several times. A friend of Sir William's, hearing that "Will Crooks" had been elected to a seat in parliament thought it was the great scientist himself. and next time they met he congratulated him on his victory.
"But it's the other Will Crooks." replied Sir William. "I shouldn't have a ghost of a chance if I stood."
"But I thought you believed in ghosts?" his friend remarked, flippantly.
"I do," agreed Sir William; "but it would take a very smart election agent to poll them!"
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Curiosity
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Sir William Crookes
Will Crooks
Spiritualism
Name Mix Up
Ghost Pun
Election
Parliament
What entities or persons were involved?
Sir William Crookes
Mr. Will Crooks
Friend Of Sir William's
Where did it happen?
Durham University
Story Details
Key Persons
Sir William Crookes
Mr. Will Crooks
Friend Of Sir William's
Location
Durham University
Event Date
Some Years Ago
Story Details
A friend congratulates Sir William Crookes on election victory, mistaking him for politician Will Crooks; Sir William clarifies the mix-up and jokes about his belief in ghosts not helping in politics, as they can't be polled.