West Anticipates Minneapolis Star Tribune Article

[Michael Ward <mike@tap.org>]

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TAXPAYER ASSETS PROJECT - INFORMATION POLICY NOTE
CROWN JEWELS CAMPAIGN - Juris, Legal Information
March 1, 1995

In an extraordinary move, West Publishing has written thousands 
of company emloyees and retirees to warn them of an expected 
newspaper article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  The letter, 
dated February 23, 1995, was signed by Dwight Opperman, who is the 
Chairman of the West Board of Directors and also a major stockholder 
in the company, adivises employees that they will be provided with 
point-by-point rebuttals of "false statements in the story," along 
with "helpful tips on how you might respond."  West said the article 
would appear on February 26 or March 5.  The text of the Opperman 
letter follows.

______________________________________________________________

                              DWIGHT D. OPPERMAN
                              Chairman  & Chief Executive Officer


West Publishing Company
610 Opperman Drive  
P.O. Box 64526
St. Paul, MN  55164-0526
612)687-7000



February 23, 1995


Dear West Employee/West Retiree:

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is currently preparing a newspaper
story on West Publishing.  Judging from the questions submitted
to us as part of their preparation process for the story, it is
clear that the article will not be a positive reflection of
West's  many years of providing high quality products and
services to the legal professions.  We believe this extensive
article may appear in the newspaper Sunday, February 26 or on the
following Sunday, March 5.

West is now the focus of what some consider "attack journalism,"
which seems to have become so popular in the media during recent 
years.  It is important to remember our actions as a company have
been entirely legal, moral and appropriate.  The very foundation
of West's existence is based on integrity, accuracy and the
dedication of our employees, and these attributes are reflected
in the high quality of our products and services.

We are prepared to rebut any false statements in the story.  On
the Monday following the story (either 2/27 or 3/6), we will
provide all employees with a point-by-point rebuttal of any false
statements in the story.  You will also be given helpful tips on
how you might respond to the story, whether through the opinion
pages of newspapers, or among your contacts in the community.  We
will also mail this information to retirees on Monday.

We may face other obstacles in the months ahead.  Our competitors
would like to see the demise of West, but by working together to
provide accurate, insightful information, we can correct the
inaccuracies and educate others on the important role West
Publishing holds as the leading American publisher of American
law.

                              Sincerely,


                              Dwight D. Opperman


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