THE WEEK

• We learn, that the Vanguard that finally went up, and orbits gaily over us as we write, contained a modification over its disastrous predecessors which was not widely reported; and, mirabile dictu, we have the New York Times to thank for bringing it to our attention. The successful model contains, grafted against the casing of the rocket, a St. Christopher medal! The addition, we see from a facsimile of the form entitled “Drawing Change Request,” was duly checked out by engineers, designers, metallurgists and production men for Stress, Weight, Material, Operation, Control, Manufacturing, and Inspection. Under the heading “Reason For Change” appears, very simply, “Addition of Divine Guidance.” Then, at the bottom of the form there is an asterisk and the notation: “The cost will be deferred by field crew members and no additional charges will be made for engineering, manufacturing, installation, inspection, processing, etc.” This last precaution was undoubtedly intended to avert the hurtling figure of Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam descending upon Canaveral at the moment of count-down, and smashing his frame against the controls, shouting that he will not countenance the union of Church and State.

• The Committee for Economic Development has come forth with a recommendation for a 20 per cent across-the-board reduction in personal income taxes if the recession continues to deepen through April. Since the aim of the cut would be to provide a quick fillip to consumption expenditures, not to reform the tax structure, the CED suggests that it be offered for a year only, to expire automatically on March 31, 1959. The CED proposal seems infinitely preferable to schemes for splurging on public works, which could hardly take hold in the immediate future. But a tax cut should be accompanied by a drastic retrenchment in government spending on things that add nothing to the productivity of the economy. We grow tired of hearing ourselves mention the savings contemplated in the Hoover Commission reports. But we grow equally tired of being inflated to death, too.

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• We learn, that the Vanguard that finally went up, and orbits gaily over us as we write, contained a modification over its disastrous predecessors which was not widely reported; and, mirabile dictu, we have the New York Times to thank for bringing it to our attention. The successful model contains, grafted against the casing of the rocket, a St. Christopher medal! The addition, we see from a facsimile of the form entitled “Drawing Change Request,” was duly checked out by engineers, designers, metallurgists and production men for Stress, Weight, Material, Operation, Control, Manufacturing, and Inspection. Under the heading “Reason For Change” appears, very simply, “Addition of Divine Guidance.” Then, at the bottom of the form there is an asterisk and the notation: “The cost will be deferred by field crew members and no additional charges will be made for engineering, manufacturing, installation, inspection, processing, etc.” This last precaution was undoubtedly intended to avert the hurtling figure of Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam descending upon Canaveral at the moment of count-down, and smashing his frame against the controls, shouting that he will not countenance the union of Church and State.

• The Committee for Economic Development has come forth with a recommendation for a 20 per cent across-the-board reduction in personal income taxes if the recession continues to deepen through April. Since the aim of the cut would be to provide a quick fillip to consumption expenditures, not to reform the tax structure, the CED suggests that it be offered for a year only, to expire automatically on March 31, 1959. The CED proposal seems infinitely preferable to schemes for splurging on public works, which could hardly take hold in the immediate future. But a tax cut should be accompanied by a drastic retrenchment in government spending on things that add nothing to the productivity of the economy. We grow tired of hearing ourselves mention the savings contemplated in the Hoover Commission reports. But we grow equally tired of being inflated to death, too.