The New York herald., 1879-11-17
ALDERMAN AND LOTTERY DEALER.

THE SENSATION CREATED IN HoBoKEN BY THE
ARREST OF SAMUEL WEBB A METHODIST AND
A TEMPERANCE MAN.
Hoooken enjoys city government which is fitful
at all times, aud occasionally sensational Yester-
day. such time as her inhabitants could spare from
their religious duties largely engrossed by n
discussion or the arrest Of Alderman Samuel Webb.
for alleged policy dealing MIR. Webb is serving his
second term OF two years in the Board and been
more or less publicly known across the river for
twenty years. He is also known as
member OF the First Methodist Episcopal
Church and as an advocate OF temperance princ-
pies. His real occupation understood only by
few OF the mon about town and the great Hoboken
public received the news Of his arrest for lottery
swlndling with anazement 'Sam" Webb has been
recognized for years in New York rs a lottery man
who used to DO business up town. but recently had
his headquarters on Broadway. Last week he
was led before United States Commissioner
Shields by Anthony Comstock, who charged him
with violating the lottery law His bail was furnished
by Luthy L. Co.. who reputed to be his backers
and Webb signed the bond as William s. Wilson, When
Mr.. Comstock pronounced that false Webb insisted
that his ma name was samuel Wilson. After Webb
THAT man is samuel Webb; he is an Alderman of
Hoboken or Jersey CITY,
lottery arrests in one OF the New York papers and
he wrote letter denying his identity with the
rested dealer. This Induced two HObOkeu reporters
to call upon him in New York aud to procure the
sistance Of Mr.. Comstock to identify him.
Webb told the reporters that he had nothing to do
with the lottery business. when he was confronted
by Mr.. Comstock. who said. pointing his finger at
him:-'You. sir. are William S. Wilson, alias Samuel
Wilson. whom arrested for policy dealing and lot
terry swindlng IN this very building . few days
ago..
you have not convicted me yet. have youY
ssNo SIR" Comstock rejoined, 'but intend doing
SO, and there's doubt whatever about the result.
NO MISTAKEN IDENTITY.
A reporter of the HERALD received ample proof OF
Webb's identity as both lottery man and Alderman
in Hoboken yesterday. His arrest did not astonish
those who knew him best, but they expressed their
surprise at his giving tho name of Wilson. The
prospect of his expulsion from the Board of Alder
men was spoken of AZ q probable event. Some two
years ago member of the Board named Ellis who
had some personal controversy with Webb, attacked
him i'll the Board u lottery swindler and banco
steerer Mr.. Ellis framed little set OF resolutions
out OF respect to the memory OF MI. Webb. which
were. however, rejected by the Board. They as
Whereas. member Of this Council is policy dealer.
Whereas gentlemsn don't consider
Resovsd That no business be- by this
ell until such dsreputabe be removed by the
Sergeant alarms from minsde the railing.
After that Webb sued Ellis for libel. The latter
plead poH and was sentenced to imprisonment.
He was expelled from the Board, and the prospect
Of doing as much for his prosecutor now is an ex-
traordinary state Of affairs to the mind Of q
Hoboken politician.
Last night the First Methodist Episcopal Church,
on Washington street. to which Mr. Webb belongs
was full. but there one vacant pew. The HERALD
reporter saw Mr.. Webb at his residence No. 70
Bloomfield street. who said that there sickness
answering any questions. my mind is so weighed
down." said he ''that scarcely think at all
Some other time I'll talk with YOU.
''Can / say that you acknowledged being the
lottery dealer whom Anthony Comstock arrested?"
the reporter asked.
He answered. languidly. ''You sey what You