Eugene Meyer responded with a free-form poem. To him 291 represented:

”An oasis of real freedom

A sturdy Islet of enduring independence in the besetting seas of Commercialism and Convention

A rest – when wearied

A stimulant – when dulled

A Relief

A Negation of Preconceptions

A Forum for Wisdom and for Folly

A Safety valve for repressed ideas

An Eye Opener

A Test—

A Solvent

A Victim and an Avenger"