"PLAYING FAIR"

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

In a published letter from your mailbox, James H. Manahan '58 remarked that "The CRIMSON tendency to meddle in the affairs of Harvard political clubs... is beyond all defense or excuse." The meddling in this case was an editorial on Feb. 20 entitled "Mr. Thomson's Tactics." Manahan further states that "If the CRIMSON is to make any pretense of being an 'impartial observer' of the Harvard scene, a paper of merit, it must leave the path of 'cheap politics' which it has travelled too often in the past." The idea ventured here is a trifle myopic.

By expressing its viewpoint, the CRIMSON is playing fair with its readers. We know what to allow for in reading a newspaper only if we are acquainted with its editorial opinion. I know of no respectable journal which does not give its subscribers the courtesy of an editorial page: this omission would be assuming the role of complete impartiality (which Manahan evidently desires). And it would be extremely naive to consider impartiality a realistic position.

Manahan might have a point if the CRIMSON were a propaganda monopoly attacking an organization with no means for reply. But this is not the case. Manahan's letter was published, and the only attack the CRIMSON has made against Thomson was on the editorial page. Besides, the HYRC has a newspaper of its own with no mean circulation by which it can set aright the slanders on its martyred president.

"Cheap politics" may be unpleasant, but, as in the case of the HYRC's Thomson, it is important that they be brought to our attention. When there is enough smoke to arouse action in the Harvard Student Council, the Dean's Office, and seven spokesmen for undergraduate organizations, there must be a fire somewhere. And I do not see how anyone could object to the CRIMSON'S having an editorial opinion on it. When the day comes that the CRIMSON makes "any pretense of being an 'impartial observer' of the Harvard scene," I, for one, shall let my subscription lapse. Jos. F. Fletcher '57