First Published: The New Masses, Vol. 55, No. 7, May 15, 1945.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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To NEW MASSES:
I am very much disturbed to read in your March 6 issue the letter from L.L. and to see the manner in which you answer. To take exception to a few trivial mistakes in spelling, as you have done, shows a lack of judgment, of decency and of good manners that is deplorable. You, of all people, should realize that not all people can have had the advantages of your undoubtedly superior education. Your snobbish attitude, your joke about the “quaint” English, is entirely out of place in NEW MASSES and calls for an abject apology. Any decent editor would have corrected the few mistakes before printing the letter.
As to the contents of the letter, you cowardly and completely evade the issue. I have not the slightest doubt that the majority of your readers will agree with L.L. that NEW MASSES has been dull and poorly edited. I am sure that only a mistaken sense of loyalty’ to what was once a good magazine keeps them from writing to you. The current issues of NEW MASSES are something between a church magazine and an OWI release and not worth the paper they are printed on.
One can readily understand that unity among all progressives is essential, now more than ever. Just the same there was no need to abandon your position as a critic in all social, economic and political problems with such evident pleasure and relish as you have shown. The unctuousness with which you have treated many political and businessmen and problems must have been sickening to a great many of your readers.
In the past I have given substantial financial contributions to your magazine. I do not feel now like cancelling my two subscriptions. But I heartily endorse L.L.’s statement that a new and real leadership is called for if your magazine is to survive.
JAN DE GRAAFF,
Portland, Ore.