# Concerning Mr. Waring explained — Psmith, Journalist

> Chapter companion for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Psmith and Billy Windsor discuss the identity of the slum landlord exposed by Gooch's confession: Stewart Waring, a former City Commissioner of Buildings who profited from corrupt contracts and is now running for Alderman. Psmith reveals he thwarted an attempt to steal the incriminating paper and mails it to the office to keep it safe.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journalism and Power

The chapter shows how the press can expose political corruption, as Psmith and Billy plan to use the evidence against Waring to influence the election.

### Class and Inequality

Waring's past as Commissioner of Buildings involved taking bribes to allow unsafe tenements, highlighting the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy and powerful.

### Courage and Risk

Psmith and Billy face the danger of being followed and attacked by hired ruffians, yet they persist in their mission to expose the truth.

## Character check-ins

### Psmith

Reveals he spotted and disarmed a follower who tried to steal the evidence; devises the plan to mail the paper to the office.

### Billy Windsor

Excitedly shares Gooch's confession naming Stewart Waring; admits his carelessness in nearly losing the paper.

### Gooch

Mentioned as the source who divulged Stewart Waring's name.

### Stewart Waring

Revealed as the corrupt former Commissioner of Buildings and current candidate for City Alderman, responsible for the dangerous tenements.

### Kid Brady

Mentioned as having been matched against Eddie Wood, which will require him to leave the office for training.

## Key lines

> More bright young careers than I care to think of have been ruined by the fatal practice of talking shop at dinner.

Psmith insists they postpone business discussion until after dinner, humorously warning that discussing work at the table can ruin promising careers.

_Psmith's characteristic blend of wit and principle, prioritizing leisure before serious matters._

> The name seems vaguely familiar, like isinglass or Post-toasties. I seem to know it, but it conveys nothing to me.

Psmith pretends not to recognize Stewart Waring's name, comparing it to obscure or trivial things.

_Psmith's playful ignorance contrasts with Billy's excitement, building suspense before the revelation._

> What matter though it be fairly stiff with low-browed bravoes in tall-shaped hats? They cannot harm us.

Psmith dismisses the threat of hired thugs on the street, confident because the evidence is now safely mailed.

_Demonstrates Psmith's strategic thinking and calm under pressure after mailing the incriminating paper._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxii-concerning-mr-waring
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters