Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1908 — Proof That Oysters Have Brains. [ARTICLE]

Proof That Oysters Have Brains.

William R. Travers, the famous stammering New York wit, once met at dinner a pompous Englishman who was "doing” the States. He had letters a-plenty attesting his importance —letters from Gladstone, Dilke, Salisbury and Churchill. He had talked everybody tired before the dinner began, and Travers saw visions of a bad meal when he discovered the Englishman to be his neighbor at table. There was never a stop to the fellow’s tongue. When the oysters were 'brought on he began: "Now, it is a question whether or not the oyster has brains; scientists dispute the idea.” “T-t-t-they certainly have some,” retorted Travers. “Your proof, sir,” challenged the Briton, eager for argument "W-ah-ah-why, sir, the o-o-oyster knows h-hah-how to shut up."