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On the contrary, there was Dennetts. Dennetts originated the dairy lunch with the legend "Surpassing Coffe e" in white script on the windows, the marble-topped tables that could be swabbed off with a damp cloth, sweeping the crumbs into the customers' laps. Dennett also had his quirks and crotchets. He was excessively pious, hung framed Bible texts on the walls of his restaurants and required every employe to attend 15 minutes of morning prayers—on his time, not theirs. It was in Dennetts that those heavy coffee cakes known as "sinkers" were first served. The first of these rapid-transit chow palaces was in Park Row next to where the Park Row building now stands, but there was a more aristocratic one in Temple Court at the corner of Nassau and Beeckman streets, with broad-armed chairs instead of tables, where you helped yourself, and the cashier took your word for the amount of your bill. But when Dennett opened another self-serve unit nearer Wall Street, he installed a gate and checkers who punched a ticket for your trayful.
The Childs brothers were employes of Dennett . . . they learned all the tricks and started their own chain, minus the prayers and texts.
EARNEST ELMO CALKINS Lakeville, Conn.
To Author Calkins (They Broke the Prairie), TIME'S thanks for an interesting footnote.—ED.
McArthur's Talents
Sirs:
Permit me to express a few thoughts in reply to "Senator's Dream" (TIME, June 14), with reference to the taste, talent and qualifications of General Douglas MacArthur for the Presidency. . . .
I have known Douglas MacArthur since shortly after he graduated from West Point. Before that I knew his mother and father, and served under the latter in the Philippine Islands. . . . Douglas MacArthur has NOT devoted a lifetime to training for MILITARY leadership. His life has been devoted to training for LEADERSHIP in its widest definition. He has proved his capacity by demonstration, as a soldier, a civil administrator and an executive of civilian affairs.
During many years of close association with Douglas MacArthur, I have never heard him discuss politics or indicate any political ambition. I have not the slightest idea whether or not he has any taste for service to his country other than as a military commander. I do know that he is endowed with and practices the following:
1) he is fundamentally honest and absolutely fearless, both personally and officially.
2) He is brilliant in intellect and sound and reasonable in his judgments.
3) He possesses what is called "common sense" to an uncommon degree.
4) He inspires the greatest confidence and respect of all who know him and he has demonstrated that this confidence has never been misplaced.
I know of no greater talents required from any individual for any position.
FREDERICK W. COLEMAN
Major General, U.S.A. (Ret.) Washington
Prices and The Happy Farmer
Sirs:
I am just an unlettered housewife. But I can read the price tags. They're going up. ...