OPERATION DEMOCRACY, INC.
369 Lexington Avenue
New York 17, N. Y.

Telephone MUrray Hill 6-4986

Executive Secretary
CHARLES L. TODD

Executive Assistant
MARGARETH B. SIMS

April 15, 1949

Dear Velma,

Miss Sims is off for the day, so I'll try my hand at this machine.

It was wonderful to get the news about your eyes, and I can imagine what kind of a relief it must be. Both Bob and I wanted to send you some word of encouragement, but couldn�t quite decide how to reach you.

Those letters in the Morganville Trib from Feves did my heart good, especially the one about the radio broadcast. I'm having photostat copies made for the State Dept. etc. I called Al Weld, of World-Wide immediately, and he was tickled pink that the short-wave actually had an audience - and such an appreciative one. I don't think we need worry any longer about the appreciation of Feves. By the way, would you be good enough to send me the name once more of the man out there who collects stamps. I seem to have mislaid it.

Somehow, I will get to Wichita and Kansas next month, but I still have no details. I'll probably come along on the train with Mayor Falaize and his daughter. I doubt very much that Clare will go, as it is just a little too expensive. Of course, I shall come to Morganville - if they'll have me. Maybe Falaize can come too and speak in behalf of the Mayor of Feves.

Had a nice letter from Peter Wyden of Wichita telling me about his story on Morganville for Parade Magazine. I sent him some information, but I think he�d do better getting most of it from Morganville itself. Incidentally, have you seen the new PAGEANT Magazine. There is quite a bit about Morganville. Also, Max Ascoli's new magazine the REPORTER has a paragraph about you-all. I'm asking Max to send you a copy.

I feel a lot more human these days, having got some of the trout fever out of my system last week. Got my limit of rainbows - plus barked shins, bruised elbows, and a light April chill. Clare caught her first trout, though she nearly went under water after it.

Somehow, I don't feel we quite talked enough while you were here. There always seemed to be other people around. Maybe Morganville will be a better place for it. Bob, incidentally, is pretty grim - mostly over the CCNY strike. The boys are probably in the right - but it all does them no good. Antisemitism is just a little too personal up there, and I am afraid it is difficult for them to behave quite rationally.

Sims, Clare, Vic Scales, Martha, Bob et al join me in wishing you all of the best. Meanwhile, when you get a chance, tell us all about everything. And take care of yourself.

(signed) Lafe