ANOTHER GIANT PASSES. Word reaches Cold Spring Shops of the passing of Harvard's Hendrik S. Houthakker, who is an escapee from the Third Reich as well as a Knight Commander with Star in the Papal Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great.

Houthakker, who is not Catholic, said he does not believe joining an equestrian order will mean he will be obligated to ride a horse. "At least I hope not," he said, "because I am not a horseman."

There was nothing that focused the mind quite like the letter, over his signature, that ran "If you are able to incorporate these comments while submitting a manuscript of not more than 4,500 words we will be pleased to reconsider."

We extend our sympathies to Professor Houthakker's family.