Life at the 'Queen'
Sut.--It would be a pity if the correspondence columns of the Spectator became clogged with ex- changes between Jocelyn Stevens and his ex-editors or contributors. There is ample material here for several series of Compact, but, as Mr. Stevens would doubtless put it, 'one gets so bored.' However, in view of the latest manifestation of his infinite capacity to be wise after the event. I must clarify the misleading impression conveyed by his letter of June 18.
He suggested that his announcement to the edi- torial conference of the Queen that he was relieving me of my full editorial responsibilities did not justify what your contributor, Christopher Booker, described as 'my cue for departure.' What else is an editor faced with such an ultimatum from a proprietor expected to do? The courts understandably fix him with legal responsibility for the magazine. How can he exercise this responsibility if someone else is to make the decisions?
It is understandably difficult for Mr. Stevens. in the absence of personal experience, to appreciate that the labourer is not only worthy of his hire but entitled to dignity. The fact that he can dispense with dignity so easily does not rob it of its desir- ability as a quality.
DENNIS W. HACKETT 'Nova,' Tower House, Southampton Street, WC2
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