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. . . You dare to speak so self-righteously of blind hate and prejudice in conflict with the law, and in the same breath condemn a whole county, who had never heard of Emmett Till until a body was found in the river, just because you didn't like the verdict of the jury . . . Any Negro or white from anywhere in the world knows it is wrong to roll his eyes, whistle lewdly, make obscene remarks, and sling an innocent lady around as if she were a barmaid. Is it justice to make a hero of an immoral Negro? TIME could at least have the decency to disapprove of his actions and sympathize with his victim . . .
BENNYE CHATHAM
(A native Tallahatchie Islander)
Rose Hill, Miss.
Sir:
The story of Till's death—simply because the boy whistled "lewdly" at Mrs. Carolyn Bryant—has proved disgusting to the whole world . . .
JOSÉ DE BARROS FRANÇA
São Paulo, Brazil
Sir:
The latest atrocity from behind the Grits and Gravy Curtain moves me to suggest that Mississippi, Georgia and Unoccupied Florida secede from the Union forthwith, all white Deep Southerners to receive free passage to another Union more in line with their philosophy—that of South Africa. To fill this welcome vacuum, let us then admit Hawaii and Alaska to statehood. I am sure that they would contribute more to the glory of the U.S. than treacly novels, Neanderthal politicians and made-to-measure propaganda for the Soviet Union . . .
THOMAS H. SHANKS
Los Angeles
In a Glass Darkly
Sir:
Referring to the painting of Gabrielle d'Estrées, one of Henri IV's mistresses, reproduced in the Oct. 3 issue, you mention her mirrored profile "which disobeys all known laws of reflection." Has it not occurred to your Art editor that the reflection in the mirror is that of a lady-in-waiting, not seen elsewhere in the painting? . . .
JASON LINDSEY
Hollywood, Calif.
¶Despite the angles of refraction, it is indeed Gabrielle's reflection.—ED.
Sir:
A quick word of kudos for your Art section. It is an outstanding section in an outstanding magazine. As an interpreter of art history and a translator of the high-flown language of art critics, it is without peer in the field; its lack of condescension is refreshing, and in no wise detracts from the impression it gives of being knowledgeable.
HANK QUINTO
New York City
The Bad Woman's Wind
Sir:
I note this in TIME [Sept. 26]: "Los Angeles Smog: the serious indirect consequences on health, etc." One of the earliest references to smog can be found in the Chinese prose-poem by Sung Yu (300 B.C.):
The Man Wind is fresh and sweet to breathe and its gentle murmuring Cures the diseases of men, blows away the stupor of the wine, Sharpens sight and hearing, and refreshes the body . . . The Woman's Wind, the common people's wind, rises from the streets And narrow lanes, carrying clouds of dust . . . Now this wind is heavy and turgid, oppressing man's heart. It brings fever to his body, ulcers to his lips, and dimness to his eyes. It shakes him with coughing; it kills him before his time. To our Los Angeles Woman Wind, we resign ourselves.
R. BARONDES, M.D.
Los Angeles
The Crow That Crew in Brooklyn
Sir: