computers don't argue

COMPUTERS DON'T ARGUE

Gordon R. Dickson

Treasure Book ClubPLEASE DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLEOR MUTILATE THIS CARDMr: Walter A. Child Balance: $4.98Dear Customer: Enclosed is your latest book selection."Kidnapped," by Robert Louis Stevenson.

437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganNov 16. 1965

Treasure Book Club1823 Mandy StreetChicago,Illinois

Dear Sirs:I wrote you recently about the computer punch card yousent, billing me for "Kim," by Rudyard Kipling. I did not openthepackage containing it until I had already mailed you mycheckfor the amount on the card. On opening the package, Ifoundthe book missing half its pages. I sent it back to you,requestingeither another copy or my money back. Instead, youhavesent me a copy of "Kidnapped," by Robert LouisStevenson. Will you please straighten this out?I hereby return the copy of "Kidnapped."Sincerely yours,Walter A. Child

Treasure Book ClubSECOND NOTICEPLEASE DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLEOR MUTILATE THIS CARDMr: Walter A. Child Balance: $4.98For "Kidnapped," by Robert Louis Stevenson(If remittance has been made for the above, please disregardthisnotice)

Treasure Book Club1823 Mandy StreetChicago,Illinois

437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganJan. 21. 1966

Dear Sirs:

May I direct your attention to my letter of November16,1965? You are still continuing to dun me with computer punchcardsfor a book I did not order. Whereas, actually, it is yourcompanythat owes me money.Sincerely yours,Walter A. Child

Mr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,Michigan

Treasure Book Club1823 Mandy StreetChicago,IllinoisFeb. 1.1966

Dear Mr. Child:We have sent you a number of reminders concerning anamountowing to us as a result of book purchases you havemadefrom us. This amount, which is $4.98, is now longoverdue.This situation is disappointing to us, particularly since therewasno hesitation on our part in extending you credit at thetimeoriginal arrangements for these purchases were made byyou. If we do not receive payment in full by return mail, we willbeforced to turn the matter over to a collection agency.Very truly yours,Samuel P. GrimesCollection Mgr.

437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganFeb. 5, 1966Dear Mr. Grimes:Will you stop sending me punch cards and form letters andmakeme some kind of a direct answer from a human being?/ don't owe you money. You owe me money. Maybe I shouldturnyour company over to a collection agency.Walter A. Child

FEDERAL COLLECTION OUTFIT88 Prince StreetChicago,IllinoisFeb. 28, 1966Mr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganDear Mr. Child:Your account with the Treasure Book Club, of $4.98 plusinterestand charges, has been turned over to our agency forcollection. The amount due is now $6.83. Please send your

checkfor this amount or we shall be forced to take immediateaction.Jacob N. HarsheVice PresidentFEDERAL COLLECTION OUTFIT88 Pnnce StreetChicago,IllinoisApril 8, 1966Mr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganDear Mr. Child:You have seen fit to ignore our courteous requests to settleyourlong overdue account with Treasure Book Club, which isnow, with accumulated interest and charges, in the amount of$7.51.If payment in full is not forthcoming by April II, 1966, wewillbe forced to turn the matter over to our attorneys forimmediatecourt action.Ezekiel B. HarshePresidentMALONEY, MAHONEY,MACNAMARA and PRUITTAttorneys89 Prince StreetChicago,IllinoisApril 29, 1966Mr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganDear Mr. Child:Your indebtedness to the Treasure Book Club has beenreferredto us for legal action to collect.This indebtedness is now in the amount.of $10.01. If youwillsend us this amount so that we may receive it before May5, 1966, the matter may be satisfied. However, if we do notreceivesatisfaction in full by that date, we will take steps tocollectthrough the courts.I am sure you will see the advantage of avoiding a judgmentagainstyou, which as a matter of record would do lasting harmtoyour credit rating.Very truly yours,HagthorpeM. Pruitt, Jr .Attorney at Law437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganMay 4,1966Mr. Hagthorpe M. Pruitt, Jr .Maloney, 'Mahoney, MacNamara and Pruitt89 Prince StreetChicago,Illinois

Dear Mr. Pruitt:You don't know what a pleasure it is to me in this matter togeta letter from a live human being to whom I can explain thesituation.This whole matter is silly. I explained it fully in my letters totheTreasure Book Company. But I might as well have beentryingto explain to the computer that puts out their punchcards, for all the good it seemed to do. Briefly, whathappenedwas , I ordered a copy of "Kim," by Rudyard Kipling, for $4.98.When I opened the package they sent me, I found the book hadonlyhalf its pages, but I'd previously mailed a check to paythemfor the book.I sent the book back to them, asking either for a whole copyormy money back. Instead, they sent me a copy of"Kidnapped," by Robert Louis Stevensonwhich I had notordered; and for which they have been trying to collect fromme.Meanwhile, I am still waiting for the money back that theyoweme for the copy of "Kim" that I didn't get. That's the wholestory. Maybe you can help me straighten them out.Relievedlyyours,Walter A. ChildP.S.: I also sent them back their copy of "Kidnapped," assoonas I got it, but it hasn't seemed to help. They have neverevenacknowledged getting it back.MALONEY, MAHONEY,MACNAMARA and PRUITTAttorneys89 Prince StreetChicago,IllinoisMay 9, 1966Mr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganDear Mr. Child:I am in possession of no information indicating that any itempurchasedby you from the Treasure Book Club has beenreturned.I would hardly think that, if the case had been as you stated,theTreasure Book Club would have retained us to collect theamountowing from you.If I do not receive your payment in full within three days, byMay 12, 1966, we will be forced to take legal action.Very truly yours,HagthorpeM. Pruitt, Jr .COURT OF MINOR CLAIMSChicago,IllinoisMr. Walter A. Child437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganBe informed that a judgment was taken and entered against

youin this court this day ofMay 26, 1966 , in the amount of$15.66 including court costs.Payment in satisfaction of this judgment may be made to thiscourtor to the adjudged creditor. In the case of payment beingmadeto the creditor, a release should be obtained from thecreditorand filed with this court in order to free you of legalobligationin connection with this judgment.Under the recent Reciprocal Claims Act, if you are a citizenofa different state, a duplicate claim may be automaticallyenteredand judged against you in your own state so thatcollectionmay be made there as well as in the State ofIllinois .COURT OF MINOR CLAIMSChicago,IllinoisPLEASE DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLEOR MUTILATE THIS CARDJudgment was passed this day ofMay 27, 1966 , underStatute $15.66Against: Child, Walter A., of437 Woodlawn Drive , Panduk ,Michigan. Pray to enter a duplicate claim for judgmentIn: Picayune CourtPanduk,MichiganFor Amount: Statute 941Samuel P. GrimesVice President, Treasure Book Club1823 Mandy StreetChicago,Illinois

437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk,MichiganMay 31, 1966

Grimes:This business has gone far enough. I've got to come down toChicagoon business of my own tomorrow.I'll see you then andwe'llget this straightened out once and for all, about who oweswhatto whom, and how much!Yours,Walter A. ChildFrom the Desk of the ClerkPicayune CourtJune 1,1966Harry:The attached computer card fromChicago 's Minor ClaimsCourt against A. Walter has a 1500-series Statute number onit. That puts it over in Criminal with you, ratherthan Civil,withme. So I herewith submit it for your computer instead ofmine. How's business?JoeCRIMINAL RECORDSPanduk,MichiganPLEASE DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLEOR MUTILATE THIS CARD

Convicted: (Child) A. WalterOn:May 26, 1966Address:437 Woodlawn DrivePanduk, Mich.Crim : Statute: 1566 (Corrected) 1567Crime: KidnapDate:Nov. 16, 1965Notes: At large. To be picked up at once.POLICE DEPARTMENT,PANDUK,MICHIGAN.TO POLICEDE-PARTMENTCHICAGOILLINOIS. CONVICTED SUBJECT A. (COM-PLETE FIRST NAME UNKNOWN) WALTER, SOUGHT HERE INCONNECTION REP. YOUR NOTIFICATION OP JUDGMENT FORKIDNAP OF CHILD NAMED ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, ON NOV.16, 1965. INFORMATION HERE INDICATES SUBJECT FLED HISRESIDENCE, AT437 WOODLAND DRIVE , PANDUK, AND MAY BEAGAIN IN YOUR AREA.POSSIBLE CONTACT IN YOUR AREA: THE TREASURE BOOK CLUB,1823 MANDY STREET,CHICAGO,ILLINOIS.SUBJECT NOT KNOWNTO BE DANGEROUS.PICK UP AND HOLD, ADVISING US OF CAP-TURE . . .TO POLICE DEPARTMENT,PANDUK,MICHIGAN.REFERENCEYOURREQUEST TO PICK UP AND HOLD A. (COMPLETE FIRSTNAME UNKNOWN) WALTER, WANTED IN PANDUK ON STATUTE1567, CRIME OF KIDNAPPING.SUBJECT ARRESTED AT OFFICES OF TREASURE BOOK CLUB,OPERATING THERE UNDER ALIAS WALTER ANTHONY CHILD ANDATTEMPTING TO COLLECT $4.98FROM ONE SAMUEL P. GRIMES ,EMPLOYEE OF THAT COMPANY.DISPOSAL: HOLDING FOR YOUR ADVICE.POLICE DEPARTMENTPANDUK,MICHIGAN , TO POLICE DEPART-MENTCHICAGO,ILLINOISREF: A. WALTER (ALIAS WALTER ANTHONY CHILD) SUBJECTWANTED FOR CRIME OF KIDNAP, YOUR AREA, REF:YOUR COM-PUTER PUNCH CARD NOTIFICATION OF JUDGMENT, DATED MAY27, 1966.COPY OUR CRIMINAL RECORDS PUNCH CARD HEREWITHFORWARDED TO YOUR COMPUTER SECTION.CRIMINAL RECORDSChicago,IllinoisPLEASE DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLEOR MUTILATE THIS CARDSUBJECT (CORRECTIONOMITTED RECORD SUPPLIED)APPLICABLE STATUTE NO.1567JUDGMENT NO.456789TRIAL RECORD: APPARENTLY MISFILED AND UNAVAILABLEDIRECTION: TO APPEAR FOR SENTENCING BEFORE JUDGEJOHN ALEXANDER MCDIVOT, COURTROOM A,JUNE 9, 1966From the Desk ofJudge Alexander J. McDivotJune 2, 1966Dear Tony:I've got an adjudged criminal coming up before me for

sentencing Thursday morningbut the trial transcript isapparentlymisfiled.I need some kind of information (Ref: A. WalterJudgmentNo. 456789, Criminal). For example, what about the victimofthe kidnapping. Was victim harmed?Jack McDivotJune 3, 1966Records Search UnitRe: Ref: Judgment No. 456789was victim harmed?Tonio MalagasiRecords DivisionJune 3, 1966To: United States Statistics OfficeAtta.:Information SectionSubject: Robert Louis StevensonQuery: Information concerningRecords Search UnitCriminal Records DivisionPolice DepartmentChicago, III.June 5, 1966To: Records Search UnitCriminal Records DivisionPolice DepartmentChicago,IllinoisSubject: Your query re Robert LouisStevenson ( File no.189623)Action: Subject deceased.Age at death, 44 yrs. Furtherinformationrequested?A. K.Information SectionU. S. Statistics OfficeTo: United States Statistics OfficeAtta.:Information DivisionSubject: RE: File no. 189623No further information required.

June 6,1966

Thank you.Records Search Unit

Criminal Records DivisionPolice DepartmentChicago,IllinoisJune 7, 1966To: Tonio MalagasiRecords DivisionRe: Ref: Judgment No. 456789victim is dead.Records Search UnitJune 7,1966

To: Judge Alexander J. McDivot's ChambersDear Jack:Ref: Judgment No. 456789. The victim in this kidnap casewasapparently slain.From the strange lack of background information on thekillerand his victim, as well as the victim's age, this smells tomelike a gangland killing.This for your information. Don'tquoteme. It seems to me, though, that Stevensonthevictimhas a name that rings a faint bell with me. Possibly, oneofthe East Coast Mob, since the association comes back to meas something about piratespossibly New York dockagehijackersandsomething about buried loot.As I say, above is only speculation for your private guidance.Any time I canhelp . ..Best,Tony MalagasiRecords DivisionMICHAEL R. REYNOLDSAttomey-at-law .49 Water StreetChicago,IllinoisJune 8, 1966Dear Tim:Regrets: I can't make the fishing trip. I've been court-appointedhere to represent a man about to be sentencedtomorrowon a kidnapping charge.Ordinarily, I might have tried to beg off, and McDivot , whoisdoing the sentencing, would probably have turned me loose.But this is the damnedest thing you ever heard of.The man being sentenced has apparently been not onlycharged, but adjudged guilty as a result of a comedy of errorstoolong to go into here. He not only isn't guiltyhe's got thebestcase I ever heard of for damages against one of the largerBook Clubs headquartered here inChicago . And that's a case Iwouldn'tmind taking on.It's inconceivablebutdamnably possible, once you stop tothinkof it in this day and age of machine-made recordsthat acompletelyinnocent man could be put in this position.There shouldn't be much to it. I've asked to see McDivottomorrow before the time for sentencing, and it'll just be amatterof explaining to him. "Then I can discuss the damage suitwithmy freed client at his leisure.Fishing next weekend?Yours,MikeMICHAEL R. REYNOLDSAttomey-at-law49 Water StreetChicago,IllinoisJune 10Dear Tim:

In hasteNo fishing this coming week either. Sorry.You won't believe it. My innocent-as-a-lamb-and-I'm-not-kiddingclient has just been sentenced to death for first-degreemurderin connection with the death of his kidnap victim.Yes, I explained the whole thing to McDivot . And when heexplainedhis situation to me, I nearly fell out of my chair.It wasn't a matter of my not convincing him. It took less thanthreeminutes to show him that my client should never havebeenwithin the walls of theCountyJail for a second. ButgetthisMcDivot couldn't do a thing about it.The point is, my man had already been judged guiltyaccordingto the computerized records. In the absence of a trialrecordofcourse there never was one (but that's something I'mnotfree to explain to you now)the judge has to go by whatrecordsare available. And in the case of an adjudged prisoner,McDivot'sonly legal choice was whether to sentence to lifeimprisonment, or execution.The death of the kidnap victim, according to the statute,madethe death penalty mandatory. Under the new lawsgoverninglength of time for appeal, which has been shortenedbecauseof the new system of computerizing records, to force aneliminationof unfair delay and mental anguish to thosecondemned, I have five days in which to file an appeal, and tentohave it acted on.Needless to say, I am not going to monkey with an appeal.I'm going directly to the Governor for a pardonafter which wewillget this farce reversed. McDivot has already written theGovernor, also, explaining that his sentence was ridiculous, butthathe had no choice. Between the two of us, we ought to haveapardon in short order.Then, I'll make the fur fly . . .And we'll get in some fishing.Best,MikeOFFICE OF THEGOVERNOR OFILLINOISJune 17,1966Mr. Michael R. Reynolds49 Water StreetChicago,IllinoisDear Mr. Reynolds:In reply to your query about the request for pardon forWalter A. Child (A. Walter), may I inform you that theGovernor is still on his trip with the Midwest GovernorsCommittee, examining the Wall inBerlin.He should be backnextFriday.I will bring your request and letters to his attention theminutehe returns.Very truly yours,Clara B. Jilks

Secretary to the GovernorJune 27,1966Michael R. Reynolds49 Water StreetChicago,IllinoisDear Mike:Where is that pardon?My execution date is only five days from nowlWaltJune 29,1966Walter A. Child (A. Walter)Cell Block EIllinoisStatePenitentiaryJoliet,IllinoisDear Walt:The Governor returned, but was called away immediately totheWhite House inWashington to give his views on interstatesewage.I am camping on his doorstep and will be on him the momenthearrives here.Meanwhile, I agree with you about the seriousness of thesituation. The warden at the prison there, Mr. Alien Magruder ,willbring this letter to you and have a private talk with you. Iurgeyou to listen to what he has to say; and I enclose lettersfromyour family also urging you to listen to Warden Magruder .Yours,Mike

June 30, 1966Michael R. Reynolds49 Water StreetChicago,IllinoisDear Mike: (This letter being smuggled out by WardenMagruder)As I was talking to Warden Magruder in my cell, here, newswasbrought to him that the Governor has at last returned for awhiletoIllinois , and will be in his office early tomorrowmorning, Friday. So you will have time to get the pardonsignedby him and delivered to the prison in time to stop myexecutionon Saturday.Accordingly, I have turned down the Warden's kind offer ofachance to escape; since he told me he could by no meansguaranteeto have all the guards out of my way when I tried it;andthere was a chance of my being killed escaping.But now everything will straighten itself out. Actually, anexperienceas fantastic as this had to break down sometimeunderits own weight.Best,WaltFOR THE SOVEREIGNSTATE OFILLINOIS

I, Hubert Daniel Willikens , Governor of the State ofIllinois ,andinvested with the authority and powers appertainingthereto, including the power to pardon those in my judgmentwrongfullyconvicted or otherwise deserving of executivemercy, do this day ofJuly 1, 1966 , announce and proclaim thatWalter A. Child (A. Walter), now in custody as a consequenceoferroneous conviction upon a crime of which he is entirelyinnocent, is fully and freely pardoned of said crime. And I dodirectthe necessary authorities having custody of the saidWalter A. Child (A. Walter) in whatever place or places hemaybe held, to immediately free, release, and allow unhindereddepartureto him . . .Interdepartmental Routing ServicePLEASE DO NOT FOLD, MUTILATE,OR SPINDLE THIS CARDFailure to route Document properly.To: Governor Hubert Daniel WillikensRe: Pardon issued to Walter A. Child,July 1, 1966DearState Employee:You have failed to attach your Routing Number.PLEASE: Resubmit document with this card and form876, explaining your authority for placing a TOP RUSHcategoryon this document. Form 876 must be signed by yourDepartmentalSuperior.RESUBMIT ON: Earliest possible date ROUTINGSERVICE office is open.In this case,Tuesday, July 5, 1966.WARNING: Failure to submit form 876 WITH THESIGNATURE OF YOUR SUPERIOR m,ay make you liable toprosecutionfor misusing a Service of the State Government. Awarrantmay be issued for your arrest.There are NO exceptions. YOU have been WARNED.l

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