While the charges which Dr. Wirt has levelled against the Brain Trust seem at first sight to be an effective bid for publicity, it is becoming apparent that beneath the external hullabaloo there is at least some basis for such an indictment. Felix Frankfurter's "hot dogs," the youthful element which he has introduced into the Roosevelt circle, have been using the word "revolution" with careless abandon. Mr. Richberg in several of his speeches has said we are in the midst of one. People acquainted with debonair Rexford Tugwell, knee deep in ideas for economic planning, are not in the least sure that he does not consider Roosevelt another Kerensky. A high official in the administration feels that an attempt is being made to undermine our ideals so that the whole program can be put over.

Now no sane person would believe that the President considers lending his sanction to a program which would revolutionize our system of government without proper discussion. It is hard to believe that the braintrusters intend to accomplish what their lightly bandied words insinuate. But apparently some of them have been talking in this vein. It seems a dubious proposition also that a full investigation of Dr. Wirt's charges will be conducted when he testifies. Undoubtedly, he will be asked to identify his informants and that will be that. Even if a non-partisan committee afterwards carries on their own investigation actual facts may prove difficult to find.

Whatever may happen, however, there is a great deal of food for thought. To feel that persons close to the government are filled with revolutionary ideas is to say the least disturbing. While it may be trite to repeat that in this country the citizens determine what form of government they shall embrace, this platitude still has a very deep significance. Every man has a right to say what he pleases. If members of the Brain Trust believe in a revolutionary program, they are perfectly justified in holding this conception. But those who are opposed to it certainly have a voice in the decision too. The Wirt charges should show the nation that a definition of the stand of these revolutionary suspects is necessary. TERTIUS.