EDWARD EVERETT, the versatile statesman-educator-clergyman, once said that he was "compelled to regard the post office, next to Christianity, as the right arm of modern civilization" because the mails circulate "the moral sentiments, the intelligence, the affections of so many millions." The Rev. Mr. Everett was guilty of 19th century hyperbole, but he did have a point. Each week we get 1,000 or so letters filled with the moral sentiments, intelligence, affections (and the opposite) of our readers.

Letters Chief Maria Luisa Cisneros and her staff of ten read the entire stack and circulate a weekly digest that keeps the editors up-to-date on reader reaction. She has observed two trends in recent years: TIME'S audience has become increasingly concerned with serious issues in the news, and the letters are generally more thoughtful and balanced than in the past. In 1971, the biggest magnet for mail was the trial and conviction of William Galley; the Pentagon papers case and the "Jesus Revolution" cover story ranked second and third. Many readers took a stand on the Galley court-martial outcome, supporting the verdict, 649 to 422. Sentiment concerning the Pentagon papers case was more closely divided, with those favoring the disclosure of the classified material slightly outnumbering those opposed.

Two of our cover subjects got decisive votes of nonconfidence.

Psychologist B.F. Skinner and his theories about human behavior drew 354 critical comments v. 71 admiring ones. Edward Kennedy's count was 213 in opposition, 30 in support. In general, people wanting

to express opposition seem more eager to write than those who are in an approving mood.

Only a small number of our readers' letters can be printed, and each week Reporter-Researcher Nancy Chase culls the mail for a representative and interesting sample. But all correspondence is answered. Miss Cisneros' staffers make a rough division by subject matter. Isabel Kouri, for instance, specializes in national affairs; Barbara Storfer in foreign news, science and environment.

About 20% of our correspondents want to get facts rather than give opinions. In 1971, requests ranged from information on cases mentioned in LAW to the names of all 47 Charlie Chan movies (we came up with 39). Others are eager to let us know when they think that they have detected an error. Often they are right, but occasionally the "corrections" themselves need further checking. When the origin of the Pop art smile button was at issue, 40 readers claimed credit--individually.

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