To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Regarding your story Monday about the student who was arrested for cracking a very old joke in public. The day after that, I chanced to overhear in the Bick two old Square cronies discussing the case. After being told about the incident, one man said "Which cop was it, you say? Delaney? Hmm, I thought so. Just like him."

Now this whole affair may seem ludicrously petty, and indeed it is; but it seems to me also to typify a more-or-less prevalent attitude among some of the local police. Several times recently I have been witness to some unnecessary pushing and manhandling of students by the constabulary (in one case, they were merely watching and cheering firemen who were fighting the very minor Little Hall fire) and the relish with which it was done, and the expressions on the officers' faces, were all too reminiscent of movie gangsters.

Some anti-Harvard feelings among the police and towns people is understandable, if only for economic differences. However, I suspect that this feeling in a policeman is indicative of some psychic disturbance which, harmful enough in itself, could be extended to other prejudices and obsession. Needless to say, a policeman is daily called upon to pass judgment many more times than the robed figure behind the bench. A mentally-ill police officer can be a dangerous thing. Periodical psychiatric checkups should be required for all public officials, including policemen and congressmen.

While the student in this case was arrested for making an insulting joke ("Does your father work? No. he's a cop.") which, according to the officer, drew a crowd in the Square, it seems to me that the citizenry have been most insulted. If that old chestnut can draw a crowd, the future of our race is indeed black.

Tonight, at 7:15, I intend to stand at the Subway kiosk and repeat the following: "Who was that lady I saw you with last night? That was no lady, that was my wife." This should tie up traffic as far as Watertown. And, as it is a slur not only on Womankind, but, by extension, on Motherhood as well, I expect arrest. Constant Reader