The Hissiad: A Correction

The ever-helpful press has been at it again, this time in the matter of Alger Hiss’ decision to go to Europe, and the State Department’s decision to issue him a passport for the purpose. Press treatment of this news reached a fine blossom in the paragraph with which Newsweek (April 20) wound up its story about the Hissiad: “At the weekend, endorsement of Hiss’ travel plans came from an unexpected source. ‘Alger Hiss is an American citizen who has paid his penalty for the crime of perjury,’ said Whittaker Chambers. ‘He has every right to apply for and receive a passport.’ “

Whatever the intention, the effect of this paragraph is mischievous. Still, left to myself, I should probably have let it pass without comment. Why single out one item more than another from the quota of distortion that daily passes for news? But good friends insist that this one will deeply puzzle, and even dismay, many people. I am afraid that anybody of whom this may be true is in for a good deal of nervous shock, though for better cause, before this century ends. But I also agree that there are matters about which people have a right not to be puzzled and dismayed unnecessarily. So, for what good it may do, here goes.

WC

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Whittaker Chambers

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The ever-helpful press has been at it again, this time in the matter of Alger Hiss’ decision to go to Europe, and the State Department’s decision to issue him a passport for the purpose. Press treatment of this news reached a fine blossom in the paragraph with which Newsweek (April 20) wound up its story about the Hissiad: “At the weekend, endorsement of Hiss’ travel plans came from an unexpected source. ‘Alger Hiss is an American citizen who has paid his penalty for the crime of perjury,’ said Whittaker Chambers. ‘He has every right to apply for and receive a passport.’ “

Whatever the intention, the effect of this paragraph is mischievous. Still, left to myself, I should probably have let it pass without comment. Why single out one item more than another from the quota of distortion that daily passes for news? But good friends insist that this one will deeply puzzle, and even dismay, many people. I am afraid that anybody of whom this may be true is in for a good deal of nervous shock, though for better cause, before this century ends. But I also agree that there are matters about which people have a right not to be puzzled and dismayed unnecessarily. So, for what good it may do, here goes.