Dr. Esther L. Richards
41 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MarylandSat. 6.50 P.M.
Lady dear,
Your letter came this A.M. & I answer it at once. I've missed them so while you were abroad, & it's good to know you are nearer, & hear you talk to me the way you used to. Yes, the days are grey, & there doesn't seem to be much one can do about it. Last night the new pres. of our Balto. Sch. Board (lawyer) spent from 8 to 10.30 with me talking educational policies & finances. Retrenching seems to be the policy for an indefinite period. We tried to decide whether to give the teachers another cut (they've already had a 6% one) or cut equipment. Schools are crowded all ver the country with children who in ordinary times would be working. Family case work director came to see me at 3 P.M. What shall we do with the increasing no. of dependent children? They are scary questions, darling, & I cannot answer them, & people seem to think I can, & psychiatry ought to know etc etc. You see our times prove the fallacy of juggling with the clap trap of economics when the human nature behind economics is what we have failed to reckon with. That's why I don't believe in the efficacy of the 18th Amendment, & have a corrugated brow over Disarmament. Education does not educate emotions of selfishness, & greed & Ego striving. Only the Grace of God does that, & people don't believe in that any more. We are sold to service & culture.
Yes the book is delayed. I sat up till 1 A.M. last over page proof[s], and I have one more batch. Wed 17th I leave for Detroit to be gone till Feb. 22nd - speaking. I try to keep calm & cheerful & not let life get my goat. I love you - more than you realize -
Write me.