The manuscript is a commodity. The time element of the political economist enters into the determination of its value, though, forsooth, the writer is denied any monetary consideration on the same. Since the writer is denied this, it is the plain duty of the editor to create as little possible delay in the examination of his wares. The very fact that the 'trailer' elicited so prompt an editorial decision, proves that the editor was sinning. But when, after long holding of the article, the editor takes no notice of the trailer, he is positively criminal.
Common ethics demands a reply.
Now the trailer distinctly stated that it did not wish the return of the manuscript, but was merely what it purported to be-an enquiry after its welfare and a desire to guard against its loss. Having had such an experience, the present writer, fearing a repetition, allowed a manuscript to remain six months with another magazine editor. While it does not suit our paper you will doubtless find a market . The return of manuscript written over and scrawled upon is not so unusual an occurrence in the course of marketing one's wares. And it is in no pleasant spirit that a writer sits down to re-type an article mutilated by a criminal editor.