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Idaho Semi Weekly World
Idaho City, Boise County, Idaho
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Congressman O'Neill of Missouri meets Oscar Wilde at the House of Commons terrace through a young English actor. O'Neill jokingly calls Wilde 'the everlasting chump' sent to America, shocking Wilde who asks who the 'wild American person' is and walks away. O'Neill later apologizes.
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How Oscar Wilde was Greeted by an American.
Congressman O'Neill of Missouri is free and easy and bluff in manner, notwithstanding marked ability and certain refinement. Last year he made a trip to Europe and formed the acquaintance of a young English actor on the steamer. The latter relates that one day the congressman visited the house of commons and going out on the river terrace, where members and their friends sit and smoke during the intervals between divisions and when some sixth rate speaker is addressing empty benches, he found the actor and a tall, well built and fashionably dressed young man enjoying cigars together. Congressman O'Neill went over to his friend, who introduced him to his companion saying:
"Permit me to introduce Congressman O'Neill, of Missouri, Mr. Oscar Wilde."
The congressman took the outstretched hand of the aesthete with the cynical smile of the man who believes he sees through a practical joke, but lends himself to it, and said:
"Are you the everlasting chump they sent us to America a couple of years ago?"
The aesthete's cigar dropped from his fingers and he stood aghast. Then turning to the actor he asked in supercilious tones:
"Who is this-a wild American person?"
Then he walked away, leaving O'Neill and the actor dumfounded. Early next morning the congressman took a cab and went to Wilde's house to apologize.-Philadelphia Press.
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Filler Details
Topic
Humorous Greeting Of Oscar Wilde By Congressman O'neill
Location
House Of Commons
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Event Details
On a trip to Europe, Congressman O'Neill meets a young English actor and is introduced to Oscar Wilde on the House of Commons river terrace. O'Neill jokingly asks if Wilde is the 'everlasting chump' sent to America, causing Wilde to drop his cigar in shock and call O'Neill a 'wild American person' before walking away. O'Neill apologizes the next morning.