Letters: Sep. 12, 1969

(2 of 4)

Sir: Frankly, your article "Bathtub on Wheels" [Aug. 22] depressed me greatly. There seems to be an ever-growing group of American young men who simply regard our remaining wildlands as obstacle courses for their machines. Anyone hoping to escape the filth and din of cities for the quiet beauty of our woods, mountains or deserts is in for a rude shock. He is greeted by the rattling snarl of trail bikes, dune buggies and the like.

Hundreds of rugged American "sportsmen" are blazing a trail of gouged hillsides, crushed and broken vegetation, and discarded beer cans. As with racing cars and dragsters, I would like to see certain less aesthetic areas set aside for the exclusive use of such machinery. The remaining wildlands should be closed to such off-the-road vehicles before what is left of their solitude, scenic beauty and scientific value is forever lost.

TIMOTHY W. BROWN Los Angeles

O Happy Day

Sir: Although you quoted me quite accurately as calling Judge Haynsworth a "mediocre slob" [Aug. 29], you did not add, as I did, that his appointment to the Supreme Court, in preference to such as Professor Freund or Judge Friendly, pleased me no end because Haynsworth, as a not quite bright conservative will have little or no influence on the court or the law, save with his own vote.

FRED RODELL Professor of Law Yale University New Haven, Conn.

Sir: Allow a word from one who served on a faculty committee that recommended him for an honorary degree from his alma mater Furman University.

You quoted Professor Fred Rodell (whoever he is) of the Yale Law School as referring to Haynsworth as a "mediocre slob." May I ask that if you insist on quoting from representatives of such institutions you request them to do a little upgrading of their faculties? There are many of us who are not always impressed or intimidated by the Ivy League, and we still appreciate gentlemen who have differing points of view. It doesn't take much sense to see that the "mediocre slob" statement is much more a reflection upon the one who said it than upon Judge Haynsworth.

JOE M. KING Professor of Religion Furman University Greenville, S.C.

More by Less

Sir: In paying tribute to Mies van der Robe [Aug. 29], you managed to list his achievements yet retain the spirit of his modesty. You said more by saying less. I'm sure he would have appreciated it.

ALBERT CHRIST-JANER Pratt Institute New York City

Anti-Knock Additive

Sir: As president of the National Automobile Dealers Association, I am compelled to protest the article entitled "Autos —Bargain Season" [Aug. 22]. Your reporter has indicted an industry vital to the economic well-being of this country with false and misleading statements that have discredited the vast majority of dealers who are quality merchants and community-minded citizens.