Inconceivable

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has 14,000 members, among them Bethlehem Steel's Charles M. Schwab. Mr. Schwab was president of the society in 1927 when its council decided to enlarge its index of engineering articles. Between 1927 and 1934, A. S. M. E. lost $215,000 on the index. Last week, in New York Supreme Court, Justice William H. Black said he would appoint a referee to decide whether certain members of the council were liable for this loss, ordered a referendum of the society to see if it thought the index was a good idea, seized the opportunity to abuse Mr. Schwab and these associates: "Inconceivable ignorance . . . flagrant instance of inattention . . . heedlessness of duty. . . ." Reason for Justice Black's fury was their inability to remember what happened. "Rip Van Winkling," said Justice Black, shaking his head, "is no defense."

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