Dear Editor:

I was talking with a "friend" of mine in the white race a few days ago, and we were discussing the "whys" and "wherefores" of the economic condition of whites and Negroes. He told me frankly that it had been proven by facts and figures, that the standard of living for the white race was higher than that for the Negro. He cited many examples and produced concrete evidence. At first, I did feel that he, like other members of his race, was unfair to us. Then, after talking for a good while with him, I could see his point, when he told me that they had to pay more rent, higher prices for theatre tickets and ball games, and that service was even higher. Well, I couldn't say much more to him, but I still believe that there is something unfair in the general plan of things.

Charles Wiggins; Gordonsville, Va.

My dear Mr. Wiggins:

A man's cost of living is as high as he makes it or as conditions will allow him. Why, I can spend as much money on a mansion as Henry Ford or John D. Rockefeller, or Mr. Rinehart; the only difference is that I don't have the money. Your "friend" lost sight of the fact that I would like to buy a three hundred dollar diamond ring, but I must make the most of a thirty dollar imitation. How in the world can a man with an income of one hundred dollars a month, pay ninety-five dollars a month for house rent? Even now, those of our race who do maintain even a decent standard of living are doing so above their means, and all which they have to depend on is a winning battle against adversity. If your friend wants proof, ask him to place a half million dollars on an experiment and allow any intelligent, no matter how poor, Negro the privilege of using it and note his standard of living.

White patrons pay more for theatre tickets, especially in the South, because they have better accomodations and their financial condition enables them to demand better service. A man's standard of living is high or low as conditions or circumstances permit them to be.