Letters, Aug. 27, 1934

  • Free-For-All

    Sirs:

    In TIME of Aug. 13, Leroy Stafford Boyd, of Arlington, Va. objects strongly to statements made by Lloyd Robinson of South Orange, N. J. concerning Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt's flair for publicity and the fact that she is not the elected member of the family. I certainly agree with Mr. Robinson's statement.

    Mr. Boyd, in effect, says she was elected. I do not agree with the inclusive gentleman from Virginia, the original home of slavery in North America, as to this, nor can I agree as to the probable diet of Mr. Robinson having been clay from New Jersey. Sand is more plentiful in that State, and my understanding has always been that the Clay-Eaters hailed from the South. I think his diet is sand, and apparently it is a good and peppy diet. Again, I cannot agree that Republican legs have been amputated, as yet. If we are to believe the breathings of fire and slaughter which emanate from the party in power at the moment, such may be our fate. We have indeed lost plenty on this centennial of Andrew Jackson, but, thank God, we are still able to navigate on our pedal extremities around home, and the polls are within walking distance.

    R. A. CAMPBELL. M. D.

    Homestead, Pa.

    Sirs:

    "Reader Robinson Flayed?" TIME errs. Gentle Reader Boyd's quarrel is not with me, but with that other disciple whose pronouncement on the limitations of the presidential ballot I so trustingly quoted [TIME July 23].

    So all the Roosevelts are President—Alice, T. R. Jr., James, Elliott, etc., etc.! At last the Washington muddle is explained. No wonder we destroy wealth to create prosperity; "help" the poor by raising the cost of food and clothing, and are made dizzy by the galaxy of alphabetical acrobats; dishonor our national obligations; mix idealistic speeches with the "practical politics" of Farley and Long; denounce the cannibalism of George Washington and that celebrated Tory, Thomas Jefferson. No wonder the White House executive offices had to be enlarged—and John Nance Garner faded into total eclipse.

    Light has finally penetrated a clay-clogged, moronic mind—thanks to the keen vision of a peanut-fed Virginia ham.

    LLOYD ROBINSON

    South Orange, N. J.

    Sirs:

    As a highly amused spectator may I inquire if this question of a code for the First Lady is a "private fight or can anyone get into it?" . . .

    JOHN S. LIVERMORE

    Rochester, N. Y.

    When TIME (July 9) quoted Editor Guy Emery Shipler of The Churchman, who said "The American people didn't elect Roosevelt's family to the Presidency," it started a free-for-all which has raged in Letters ever since (July 23, Aug. 13, Aug. 20). As impartial referee, TIME calls a halt. Let Readers Boyd, Robinson, Hamlett, Campbell et al. kiss and make up. There will be no more discussion of the subject in TIME'S columns.—ED.

    Rumor

    Sirs:

    Rumor has it that TIME is entering the motion picture field.

    By any chance are you producing a series of pictures comparable to "The March of TIME?''

    If so you will find delighted audiences.

    And what theatres would be used for the showings?

    (MRS.) RUTH CAMPBELL GILLESPIE

    New York City

    Sirs:

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