Letters, Jul. 5, 1954

(3 of 4)

First rate minds are, by their nature, explorative, adventurous, dynamic . . . The board impeached its decision a second time when it indicated that it would have made an "alternative recommendation ... if we were allowed to make mature, practical judgments." In effect this says that because of the "rigid conscription of regulations," it was obliged to make an immature, impractical decision . . . The intolerant Reds are less rigid than we. For they use, without qualms, the scientists of their late enemy, Germany, to advance their production of atomic and H-bombs, whilst we are refusing to use the best native, loyal brains we have! . . .

BENJAMIN KIZER Spokane

The War Dead

Sir:

While on active duty in Europe, I had the opportunity of visiting the U.S. cemetery at Hamm, Luxembourg. At that time, September

1953, I was informed by our guide that there were 5,062 G.I.s buried there, not 30,000, as TIME [May 31] said.

Who is correct, TIME or my guide?

LIEUT. THOMAS L. LEEURAIN JR. U.S.A.R.

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

TIME erred. According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, there are now 5,076 G.I.s buried there; the 6,700 others originally buried at Hamm were returned to the U.S.—ED.

Declarations & Decisions

Sir:

After having read some of the letters [TIME, June 14] on the Supreme Court's decision on segregation, I could not refrain from answering them. These so-called human beings . . . who have the unmitigated gall to set themselves above all other peoples have forgotten the Christian creed and above all have forgotten that it is only by the grace of God that their skins are white instead of brown, yellow or black . . .

(MRS.) ALICE Y. DAVIS Canandaigua, N.Y.

Sir: I have just finished reading those letters criticizing the Supreme Court's decision. This is the sort of bigotry that bitterly disillusioned me ... as a child. People like these dissenters, most of whom are from the South, are driving the Negroes to Communism . . .

T/SGT. FRANK F. Russo U.S.A.F.

Reno Sir: It was difficult for me to believe that I was reading literate letters from intelligent Americans. Amusement became amazement, which in turn became horror, and then inevitable anger sprang up ... Perhaps when the younger generation grows up and the older one is dead these unfortunate attitudes can be destroyed . . . Then this hate and resentment, so carefully preserved along with other Civil War relics, will become positive emotions designed to build a better world . . .

ERIC W. HUGHES JR.

USA Ft. Jackson, S.C.

Sir: In a time when so much is needed—some bright evidence of human understanding, vision and intelligence, wisdom and courage —to show the world that the U.S. has qualifications for a leading role in this world, your Supreme Court came out with it ...

ANDRES KENDE Mexico City

Why Nobody Sang about Timken

Sir: