Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-10

Critic" and "a. V. Y" are shar
ing M. NJ. Ms" unpopularity in the
discussion of the questions Of love,
heroism and duty presented in the case
of William Tanner, of Hubbards
Woods H. Like M. NJ. NJ" they
expressed tho opinion that Mr.. Tan
ner was not a hero because he left
three little children unprotected in the
world, even though he stood at the
side of his wife as a train rushed down
upon them, after he found that he
could not save her from death.
Those who condemn Critic" " "A.
V. Y" and IN. NJ. NJ" for their
opinion of what is a mans duty, insist
in letters to the EVENING PUBLIC
LEDGER that Tanners conduct was
heroic and should inspire admiration
and praise and not blame.
Some of the letters received follow:
To the Editor OF the EvcninO Public Ledger:
Sir-I would just like to answer the
man or woman that signed him or
herself "Critic." Now Critic. could
you see your mother or father with his
or her foot caught in the railroad track
and, knowing that he or she was going
to be killed, could you stand and do
nothing? I don't blame Mr.. Tanner
a bit. Although it is true he ought
to have thought of his children, who
would think of any thing at a time
like that?
READER.
Danville, Pa.
To the Editor Of Erenin0 Public Ledger:
Sir-With your kind permission |
wish TO say few words to Critic.
l certainly pity you. Critic. if YOU
are always finding fault with what
people do because you will never have
any friends.
1t is easy enough to write what you
! am willing to wager you wouldn't say
it to any fair minded person.
To think that anybody would be SO
heartless as to criticize so brave an act
is beyond me altogether.
Again, for your own sake, hope you
change your views.
A CRITIC OF CRITIC.
To the Editor Of Ercnino Public Ledger:
Sir-I would like to answer the letter
A. V. Y. had in your paper in regard to
the heroic act of Mr.. William Tanner.
! really think he "a. V. " lacks sound
sense, because we all could think of
many things to do after the act is done.
| We all know that such sudden shock
is liable to cause the best of us to lose
our minds. No doubt 4. V. y. is one
of those men that loves his wife dearly
uhi1n in hnr I,,A
one else's wife when he is out.
My idea is that Mr.. Tanner could not
see his wife die and he not help her. He
could not bear to jump and be called
coward as A. V. Y. would say right
away. I think Mr.. Tanner showed 9
good spirit, one that is very scarce
today. TEL.
To the Editor OF Evenfro Public Ledocr:
Sir-Regarding William Tanner. &c
r. seems to give the most reasonable
opinion l have seen. I'll bet that val
who says William Tanner was a cowart
wears a 1919 collar and sells remnant
in the center aisle when he isn't polish
ing his finger nails. It's usually tina
way.
Some say he was a fool. another tha
he lacked courage. Granted that hi
act was one of folly Con account of tn
children), who, if he thinks a moment
can say he lacked courage? Put yoursel
in his place. The one most dear to yoi
is In Mrs. Tanners predicament ant
you are frantically trying to releas
her. A ponderous mass of steel is roar
ing straight at you, fairly breathin
destruction, would you say, "I'll sta,
with you, Mary" On your life, 20,
would not, And neither would 90 pc
cent Of the ordinary mortals. You woul
stay and help until the last moment an,
then instinctively jump to safety. Yo
wouldn't think of what you were goin
L i i =. Il