The Clarence Darrow Letters


Clarence Darrow to Pauline Wolinski, Apr 11, 1935


Clarence Darrow to Pauline Wolinski, Apr 11, 1935

April 11, 1935

Dear Mr. Darrow:


I am gathering for publication in article or book from the views of outstanding men and women of contemporary America, on the following subject;


“Do you believe that the State should be permitted to give a painless death (euthanasia) to incurables whose physical suffering is unbearable to themselves?”


May I say that I have been working with Rev. John Haynes Holmes, Minister of the Community Church, for the past seven and one-half years, in a secretarial capacity, and that he has expressed his interest in this undertaking and has given me his statement as a contribution to the proposed symposium. I am using his name in this connection with his kind permission.


Among others to whom I am writing at this time are Zona Gale, Judge Ben Lindsay, Dr. Morris Fishbein, Lincoln Steffens, Helen Keller, etc.


Since this is my first venture at editing, I would greatly appreciate your kind cooperation by sending to me your opinion on the question submitted in a statement of not more than 1000 words.


Thanking you for your attention, I am


Very sincerely yours,

Pauline Wolinski


Of course I believe that it should. Everyone would feel the same if it was not for their belief in some cruel religious creed.


Very truly

Clarence Darrow