Their system is very simple and admirably workable. When either, by any internal or external process, generates an idea for the conduct of the magazine, he lays it before the other in all its details. This is always done in writing; never orally. If the other approves the idea he writes upon the brief the words “Nihil obstat,” and it is forthwith executed. If, on the contrary, he disapproves, he indorses it with the word “Veto” and it is returned. The same idea may be revived by its author thirty days later, but not before. If thrice vetoed it is forever banned. The office records for the past three years yield the following: Plans Proposed Approved Vetoed By Nathan 18 13 5 By Mencken 12 8 4 In the handling of manuscripts they pursue a somewhat analogous system. Mencken never reads manuscripts while in New York; all such work he does in Baltimore. As the offerings of authors are received in the office they are scrutinized by Nathan’s secretary, and the following classes are weeded out and immediately returned: Mss. written in pencil or with green, purple, or red typewriter ribbons. Mss. fastened together with ribbons or pins. Mss. radiating any scent or other odor. Mss. of plays which begin with soliloquies into a telephone. Mss. bearing the recommendations of the editors of other magazines. Mss. accompanied by letters of more than one hundred words. Mss. accompanied by circulars advertising books written by their authors or by other printed matter. Mss. of poetry by poets whose names do not appear upon a list in the possession of the secretary.