Liquor Ads
I am writing to ask you to discontinue my subscription to your magazine. The reason for this is your printing of liquor advertisements. I refer to the advertisement on p. 30 of the Oct. 23 issue, which just came to my desk. You are certainly a bit previous in this advertising, being unable to wait until it is constitutional to allow such advertising to appear. You evidently cannot wait to increase your revenue from this iniquitous source.
In sharp contrast to your policy is the announced policy of the Chicago Tribune which recently stated editorially that it would re fuse to carry liquor advertisements, when the 18th Amendment is repealed. The Kansas City Star has made a similar announcement, I learn from a reliable source. A great national advertising agency has also recently refused to continue its advertising contract with the Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Inc., because the company will sell beer and whiskey after repeal. I refer to N. W. Ayer & Son, Inc.
The president of this agency, Wilfred W. Fry, predicted that the return of the liquor traffic will "divert an important share of America's mass purchasing power from essential commodities." He stated that he did not ''wish to classify our clients with the liquor business. . . . We regret the condition which necessitates this step, but on a strictly business basis we are certain we are right." He says further: "The moral questions in repeal can be left out entirely, but from a purely business standpoint, we cannot see a very happy result in the return of liquor. The liquor business has not changed. When the 36th State has been lined up, it will be run by the same old crowd in the same old way."
I believe that in the long run, the wisest publications will be those who follow the above stands. At any rate, since you are already al lowing liquor advertisements, your policy is probably settled. Since it is, you may discontinue my subscription upon receipt of this notice.
WILBUR H. FOWLER, D. D.
The First Methodist Church Findlay, Ohio
... In recent weeks, I have been more than pained. I have been utterly disgusted at the appearance of booze advertisements in your pages. 1 know human nature and the liquor gang sufficiently well to know that no longer can TIME readers depend upon the impartiality and disinterestedness of its news. One could thus paraphrase a famous saying of Jesus: "Where an editor's treasure is there will his editorial policy be, also." Surely when even the blatant, sensational, money-grabbing Chicago Tribune openly announces it will not accept liquor ads, we have a right to expect even as much from our beloved TIME. . . .
HOWARD T. HOLROYD
San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Sirs:
... I said I liked TIME but would not subscribe to it because it contains liquor ads. As a recent issue contained at least three ads of beer, vermouth and the like I am unable to understand why you could not easily see just what I meant. . . .
In plain words if you are willing to help make drinkers and drunkards of my family your paper is unworthy a place in my home.
WILLIAM R. HUTTON
Rosalia, Kan.
Sirs: