Dear TIME-Reader:

FROM Paris last week, TIME'S Dec. 12 cover subject, Toymaker Louis Marx, received a note from NATO's commanding General Alfred Gruenther. Wrote the general: "That is a fine tribute to the great Louis Marx. I still feel that Idella's picture should have been on the cover. Not only is she better looking . . . but she has the brains to qualify." (For General Gruenther's second guess, see cut.)

When Contributing Editor Michael Demarest and Researcher Jane Meyerhoff were working on the cover story, they were astonished at the extraordinary number of people interviewed who spoke of the toymaker with the same warm affection that children have for Santa Claus. It was hard for them to believe that one man could have so many--and such distinguished--friends. But since the story appeared, Marx has received more than 1,000 letters from politicians and priests, generals and industrialists, grand dames and schoolboys.

Many began: "God bless you . . ."

Mrs. George C. Marshall wrote: "First of all I want to send our congratulations on the wonderful 'Marx article' in TIME and on being 'the cover' for our leading news magazine. It is a great honor and so justly deserved. General Marshall and I are delighted that it has come to you."

The Rev. William T. Hogan, S.J., of the Fordham Graduate School, promised: "This Christmas I will give you, Idella and your family, a special remembrance in my Masses."

Showman Billy Rose wrote: "A heart-warming salute and an endearing one." Retired Heavyweight Champion Gene Tunney seconded Rose's sentiment with a telegram: "Louis, that TIME article is the finest I have ever seen . . ."

And from the White House came word that another old friend had read the cover story with delight.

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