But Fine attacked Altman's defense as a "pitiful attempt to rationalizewhat is a clear statement written in this letter."

He also said that the personal rifts betweenhimself and Altman had developed that spring onlybecause of the latter's "lack of ethics."

Crimson President Andrew L. Wright '96 wasquick to defend Altman. "In no way does thisundermine my confidence in Dan," Wright said. "Ihold him in the highest ethical regard."

Wright questioned Fine's motivations inintroducing the letter at this time.

Fine, who unsuccessfully ran for president ofthe Undergraduate Council last month, has beenunfavorably portrayed on The Crimson's opinionpage several times since Altman has been editorialchair.

Fine's ethics were repeatedly called intoquestion based on alleged misconduct in 1993, in aRepublican Club election and as secretary of theUndergraduate Council.

Wright referred all questions about editorialpractice to the editorial chairs.

"Obviously, the editorial board would beopposed to the use of space on the editorial pagefor the purpose of repaying others for personalfavors or private slights," said Crimson AssociateEditorial Chair David B. Lat '96.

And Joanna M. Weiss '94, who was editorialchair of The Crimson at the time Altman wrote theletter, said in a n interview yesterday that theletter represented "inappropriate conduct."

But Weiss said that Altman's mistakes were theresult of youth and inexperience, and should notbe held against him.

"I don't think you should be crucified forthings you did in the learning process," Weisssaid