44 The Blot in the Scutcheon "
SIR,—Some months ago Janus gave me a hint of his identity ; since when I have imagined I understand why the Editor tolerates his intolerances. Nevertheless, I hope that he will pay heed to Mr. Gresham's criticism: while a column gains spice from prejudice, that prejudice should not be of a nature to spoil the fair outlook of the paper. For instance, anti- semitism is not a feature of the Spectator, and the tinge occasionally observable in the " Notebook " is to be regretted. His paragraph on Professor Bernal on November 1 1 th clearly shows uncritical prejudice. I wonder what he means by " the general mass " of British scientists ? Perhaps you, Sir, told Janus about Julian Huxley's article in the same issue, and this " mass " are those distinguished men of science who appear to have abandoned the scientific attitude altogether when it comes to dis-
cussing Soviet science.—Yours, &c., A. M. BASSADONE. 78 St. George's Square, S.W.!.
Stn,—I am sure that hundreds of readers of the Spectator will resent, as I do, Mr. Gresham's attack on Janus. Every week I look first for Janus's column, and every week I get fresh delight from it. I am glad to see that this week he has a whole page, and I hope that this is a treat to be repeated weekly. That Janus, of all people, should be accused of
pomposity is to me amazing.—Yours, &c., C. H. S. IVIATTIIEWS. The White Cottage, Wilco:, Marlborough.
[Janus desires to acknowledge with warm thanks the receipt of many letters of similar tenor to this.]
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