[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR; It was almost
as great a shock to find the Spectator surprised into comment upon the Kaiser's observation that Scotsmen have the greater sense of humour as to learn that he whose judgment was so often faulty was right in this.
Nor is it so entirely contrary to English belief, as all who have lived and worked in Scotland will agree. During the five years in which I directed the Glasgow Repertory Theatre I lived on close terms with all manner of Scots and soon acquired a proper appreciation of Scottish humour, which is a higher kind than any other I know.
But is " pawky " the right word to apply to it ? It is more than sly. It is founded upon and bounded by the intelligence of a nation better trained in logic. The humours of sausages, kippers, mothers-in-law or a fall on a banana skin give place in Scotland to such as the following :—" A young man was looking at the family photograph album when his grandmother remarked An' that's your puir Uncle Tam—before he died ! ' For Uncle Thomas was the family reprobate."
Dean Ramsay's Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character is full of the real Scottish humour. It will interest many to know that the audience at the Glasgow Repertory Theatre was considered by all who crossed the Border to work there to be the finest anywhere, unequalled for intelligence and quick- ness of uptake. I remember that such a shrewd observer as
Arnold Bennett remarked upon these qualities when he came to Glasgow to see the first performance of The Great Adventure. Within the walls of the old Royalty. you would never hear " The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind."—I am, Sir, &c., Theatre Royal, Huddersfield.
ALFRED WAREING.
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