Helping Hand

Shrewd Evita Peron knew a good chance when she saw one. The letter on her desk, addressed to Agustin Americo Merlo of Argentina's Washington embassy staff, was a routine solicitation from the capital's Children's Society, Inc. for a contribution for needy Washington children. Smart Senior Merlo had got the society's O.K. to send the request to Buenos Aires for Evita to peruse.

Evita was willing. After all, if she sent help to the poor in the U.S., her descamisados would have new and dramatic proof of her great heart. Besides, after all the coolness in Washington every time her friends suggested a U.S. trip, it would be fun to play the role of Lady Bountiful.

Last week in Washington, Agustin Merlo phoned the society to say that the Maria Eva Duarte de Peron Social Assistance Foundation of Argentina had been pleased to send enough clothes for 600 of the poor children of Washington. Told that the State Department had no objections, Mrs. Fay Vawters, co-director of the Society, said bravely: "We are going to accept [the gift] with all the grace that God in his mercy can bestow upon us." Evita had made the most of her chance.

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