Historical Perspective

From Russian emigres in Paris last week came a Stalin story. The aging dictator, feeling that his days were numbered, was looking around for a burial place.

First he tried the tomb of Peter the Great. But the Czar whose life had been spent making Russia over in the Western pattern would have none of Joe. "No, no," he said, "I opened Russia's window on Europe and now you've closed it. I don't want you in here." Joe sighed and went on to the tomb of Alexander II. "No room," called the Czar. "I freed the slaves and you enslaved them again. I don't want you with me." There was just one tomb left to try.

"All right," said Catherine the Great wearily as Stalin approached, "so many men have slept with me, you might as well come in too."

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