Several months ago, St. Louis County NAACP treasurer Esther Haywood sent a hotly worded letter on behalf of her branch to Chairman Julian Bond demanding that the national board punish Crumpton and its regional director the Rev. Gil Ford for the “coon” incident. Bond writes to the County branch: “As you know, there are procedures available to NAACP members to initiate charges against those they believe have violated our procedures. And, because we have a democratic organization, our periodic elections can also serve as a control measure against those who fail to represent the NAACP properly.” NAACP insiders figure Bond has Gentry W. Trotter’s back as Trotter maneuvers to dump Crumpton. Crumpton must have gotten the same message, because local politicians are now being asked personally for letters in support of Crumpton. These letters presumably will be used at his Article 10 hearing. Those who still want to join the NAACP or the efforts to remove Crumpton must call Friends of the NAACP, at 367-0601.