Greenbelt cooperator. (Greenbelt, Md.) 1937-1954, 1941-09-26
In the Interest of Justice

III ulc IHcTcSL OF JuStlCe
1t is the duty of community newspaper collect and
ooute the news as accurately possible is the duty
OF the community paper to editorial stands when it
honestly believes Fst, that the community welfare is at
stake (Second), that the community interest involved
and 1hrd) that matters of interest should brought
before them. When newspaper publishes something
through error is the duty of that paper apologize
TO Its readers and second to person organization
affected by such error.
The past record of the Cooperator shows that it has
oeen more than willing to make amends for any injustice
may have done any organization The policy
OF the Cooperator remains unchanged.
On the basis of the above we do not feel at the present
moment That we owe an apology anyone for last
eoltoal on the polio situation In the first place. the ed
tora was not attack any Individual but rather on an
unusual situation Second the meeting the Town Council
Saturday called for the avowed purpose investigating the
Health Department. evolved into trial of the Cooperaor
wherein the dying council acted Judge jury prosecuting
attorney and defense attorney for the Cooperator Third
the evidence leading to the conclusions drawn the
letter mailed to everyone Monday public
and to this date the Cooperator does copy of said
evidence testimony
Fourth hold that this meeting and attendant results
did more damage to the Health Department than it did
good, because of these facts concerning the matter
L. The meeting was called in such hurry that Coun-
Gilman Walther unable to attend until after all testi-
mony given, due to his having insufficient notice ar
ranged to be absent from his job.
2. The Cooperator wasn't represented nv anv staff
member The Council claims that effort was made to
notify one person who not available but at the same
time all members but the Board of Directors and
other key staff members we're in Greenbet and avail
able
g. The families of the victims If polio were not pres
ent to testify.
a. The other mentioned in our editorial were
not present.
B. The Town Manager left the meeting before the
resolution was drawn and adopted although from the
tone of the letter. you led to believe that he con-
Cured with the decision of the Council
Fifth, we feel that the whole matter was handled in
high-handed manner which than ustes the charges
of whitewash, ETC., that now being circulated in
Greenbelt.
We feel that in all fairness to Dr. Silagy the Health
Department. the dignity of elected council and The Co.
operator the council should call concerned to their
first meeting, Monday night and give full and complete
nearing to the whole matter Failure to do so will onv
result in continued bitterness and will add to the existing
controversies now spreading in town.
We may be wrong. No one is infaible but we intend
TO take no further action until the public gets right to
near all the facts not to just read side imprinted
or the councils opinion in letter We to take the
word of council that its official position to condemn
and endanger the rights of free press without thorough
investigation.
Mr. Councilman: We have herewith presented TO Won
what we feel first and important duty in the
interests of public welfare The decision up to you AS
much hate to toss the of dead council into your
lap we feel that this will not be the only hangover you
will be faced with in the future