To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse the sentiments of Mr. Charles E. Moseley in his letter of July 25 (” … Hotel needs to be saved”) concerning the St. James Hotel.

Like Mr. Moseley, I grew up in Selma and returned there recently for the first time in almost 15 years. My wife and I made reservations at the St. James based on its attractive web site and on the recommendation of local friends.

Having lived most of our adult lives in Europe, we were most impressed by the beauty and authenticity of the hotel’s restoration. Also, we found the staff generally friendly and helpful. However, we were struck by the same shortcomings noted by Mr. Moseley; poor maintenance, inadequate cleaning and what seemed to be people in the public areas who were not guests of the hotel.

All this was most disconcerting, and I can only echo Mr. Moseley’s advice to have some of those prominent people whose names appear on various plaques, doors and photographs return for inspection.

I also share his hope that the hotel can be saved.

Carroll Brown

New York