Evening star., 1948-11-30

the tides of truth and justice.
EDMUND X. GOLDSBOROUGH.
On Nationality of Columnists
TO the Editor Of The Star:
must disagree with H. C. Dickinson's
statement that "a columnist must have some-
thing rational and printable to say about the
thing he indorses If he is to remain column
ist" must disagree because 1t Is simply not
so Anybody who reads the newspapers knows
that there are columnists (only few, fortun-
ately) who have been appearing regularly for
wears and have never been known to write
q rational column.
I noticed particularly that Mr.. Dickinson
did not use the words "objective' or Impair
tial" in describing the necessary quallfica-
tions for a columnist. Therefore, presume ne
agrees that The Star should pay good money
to q columnist who uses his space to grind
his own axe" For example, I have been in
formed that Gerard Reilly had a great deal to
do with the writing of the infamous Taft
Hartley Law. And I have also been informed
that David Lawrence is an employer and deals
with labor unions on management's side Of the
table. Now, assuming that my information is
correct, don't blame Mr.. Reilly for Defend
ing his baby" nor do I blame Mr. Law
renee for propounding his own views as an en-
ployer, but I do criticize The Star for not
counterbalancing these biased viewpoints with
opposing viewpoints or at least with impartial
ones.
Mr. Dickinson states that none Of the col
umnists would support the coal or steel in
dustries If they combined and refused to de-
liver any coal or steel until the public paid
q 20oo increase in prices. 1t is not possible to
use the coal or steel industry as an example
because those industries raise their prices as
they. please and the public is forced to pay.
However, I can cite one case in which an
industry withheld its product from the public
until it got a price increase. I refer to the
"meat shortage" which occurred some time
ago. 1t was repeatedly charged that the meat
producers and packers went on strike" and
withheld meat from the market because the
Government held down prices. During the
strike" watched carefully for any outcries
from the columnists who are always pretend
ing that they are so solicitous Of the public's
welfare. But the Republican columnists were
silent. They had always been quick to condemn
labor strikes. Apparently they approved strike
by management. E. L. HAGEMAN.
Advocates Simplifed Business Letters
To the Editor of The Star:
The Frank Colby column on Page Bib Of The
Star of November % should be required read
ing for the numerous persons who use anti
quated, redundant phrases in business letters.
All who are compelled to read letters filled with
stupid, tired old cliches will be delighted to see
Mr. Colby's condemnation of BE advised that
your favor Of" I'm reply to yours of the
second we wish to say" and similar stilted
nonsense.
Tn pnd If nnof q en- 0t q
ments, not mentioned in the column cited. "At-
tention of in addresses is so much waste
motion. John Doe S Co., Attention of Mr.
Dick Roe, Somehow, A. S." should be, John
Doe & Co., Mr.. Dick Roe etc. Attention Of
Is as useless before "Mr. Dick Roe" as 1t would
be before John Doe & Co."
"In the amount Of is another monstrosity
in the phrase, Enclosed is check in the
amount of S." Simply say, "a check for S."
Or more briefly, "A check ($5)."
eff necessary" on labels is unnecessary. The
conventional form is, This parcel may be
opened for postal inspection if necessary"
The 'if necessary" is not logical. What post
master is going to open the parcel unneces-
sarily? And if it is opened by the postmaster,
who can say whether the opening was neces-
sary? More than one company use labels
regularly from year to year with no IF neces-
Sary on Jnem.
But for unaduterated rubbish, my dear
Sir" and "Very truly yours" or equivalents
take first prize. Simply omit them; and the
letter will begin, John Doe & Co.. Mr.. Dick
Roe, Somehow, A. S. The two dozen cans Of
RI powder" Immediately after the last
sentence will come the required signature (s)
What more is needed?
Schools and textbooks should help in mod
ernizing business correspondence, instead of
following tradition so closely.
GEORGE FREDERICK MILLER.
Wants News of Rich and Poor Alike
To the Editor of The Star:
I notice that some of your correspondents
have become almost violent because Princess
Elizabeth was fortunate enough to have been
able to have her baby with certain amount of
comfort I cannot understand this animosity
toward persons who, at the moment, have
more than we ourselves. wouldn't want to
live in world where every one is as poor as
I am. And then you never know at what
moment you yourself, may be able to annex
some of the other fellows assets!
The editor is being criticized for giving space
to news about the birth. Why? great many
people are interested in this news. Personally,
I have no interest in sports news and pictures.
Seeing two practically nude and sweaty indi-
yiduals attacking one another does absolutely
nothing for me, but am not suggesting that
you suppress this page. Many persons must
IT. A~~A L. xNN$