Autograph testimonial on behalf of G. K. Chesterton's candidacy for the Rectorship of the University of Glasgow.

Two foolscap (32.5 x 20.5 cm) pages. Seventy-three lines of text. On two pieces of aged paper, with wear at head and foot. Text clear and complete. A witty and light-hearted endorsement of Chesterton's candidacy, beginning 'Rumour reaches me that my name & my past misdeeds h[ave]. b[ee]n astonishingly flung into the Rectorial arena. Things that I said in my haste or my leisure long years ago about the candidates [Chesterton, Chamberlain and Webb] h[ave]. b[ee]n. dragged into the light to exalt this one & prejudice that. [...] Mr. Chamberlain's presence is sufficient & Mr. Webb's presence is exiguous. But Mr. Chesterton's presence is glorious & opulent. [...] It is spherical like the globe & when he walks abroad ye earth resounds. Not t[hat] he ever walks if he can find a cab large enough to hold him. [...] And at this point I come to the supreme function o[f]. t[he]. Lord Rector. Think of it! Think of a rectorial by Chesterton! But first think of a rectorial by Mr. Chamberlain or Mr. Webb! Do I detect a pained silence at this horrific vision? I do .... Enough ... [..]'. With photocopy of the essay as printed in the 22 October 1925 issue of 'G.K.C.', a rectorial newspaper published by the Glasgow University Liberal Club. From the papers of Glasgow University Liberal Club member J. Gordon Murdoch, who campaigned on behalf of Chesterton and edited 'G.K.C.' Chesterton lost the election to Sir Austen Chamberlain.