From Washington

With few exceptions, newsmen in the nation’s capital failed to subscribe to the falling-sky mood that seized some people when the President fell ill. There was no lack of alertness (anything can happen any time) but the stock market stampede failed to carry the press along. News business went on as usual. Every correspondent was ready, if, as and when, to file the story by telegraph, phone it, or tell it over radio and TV; but there was an amazing lack of the tension that usually—almost always—accompanies a potential “break” in a big story. While national and international apprehension, speculation trepidation and confusion concentrated on Mr. Eisenhower’s viscera, eight newsmen were playing poker, waiting for developments. One of them said, “Well, he might die.” And another responded, “Everybody does, sooner or later; deal, damn it, deal. I’m hooked forty bucks.”

This incident is not cited to suggest that Washington correspondents are unduly cynical or lacking in respect or esteem for the President. But most of them are familiar with the facts of life and death. Many agreed with a statement reiterated by Mr. Eisenhower that no man is indispensable.

SJ

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Sam M. Jones

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House of Representatives

With few exceptions, newsmen in the nation’s capital failed to subscribe to the falling-sky mood that seized some people when the President fell ill. There was no lack of alertness (anything can happen any time) but the stock market stampede failed to carry the press along. News business went on as usual. Every correspondent was ready, if, as and when, to file the story by telegraph, phone it, or tell it over radio and TV; but there was an amazing lack of the tension that usually—almost always—accompanies a potential “break” in a big story. While national and international apprehension, speculation trepidation and confusion concentrated on Mr. Eisenhower’s viscera, eight newsmen were playing poker, waiting for developments. One of them said, “Well, he might die.” And another responded, “Everybody does, sooner or later; deal, damn it, deal. I’m hooked forty bucks.”

This incident is not cited to suggest that Washington correspondents are unduly cynical or lacking in respect or esteem for the President. But most of them are familiar with the facts of life and death. Many agreed with a statement reiterated by Mr. Eisenhower that no man is indispensable.