New-York tribune., 1880-04-05
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE
ANTHONY COMsroCKs WORK.

THE REV. DIR. WALSH. PASTOR or THE SOUTH BAP-
TIsr CnUEca, REFERS TO HIS FIRST LETTER
THAT RAISED A BREEZE AMONG MS FELLOW
CLERGYMEN
TO the Editor Of The Trtoune.
DIR: Some time since there appeared in
your paper an article signed "a NewYOrk Pastor" 1t
was intended to make the de plume $50 general and
i"uenhle as to point TO no particular person and vet
ndcae the profession OF the writer am advised that
an odious Interpretation has been put part Of that
artcle In some quarters that Its authorship has been
atpued 10 different individuals, and further that 1t
mas Deeh construed to give aid and comfort to certain
OHenuers VINO ought not to be permitted TO claim for
Gay that they have an unknown religious teacher as
their champion
communication by somewhat Mixed sweeping couclu
sions, does injustice impiedy to very worthy per-
sons sec no course lett to but to say frankly
am responsible for that letter. having procured its pub
lication.
Ihad supposed that at this time the Society for the
Prevention Of Vice was managed by single individual.
Dut learn hat is backed and controlled by many very
worthy men whose character is warrant tor upright
doing regret It II my article has injured them In any
way OI MI COmstock claim To know nothing. except
as concerns his public acts. I never saw him except
once and that was years ago. have personal issue
Win HIM. have no reason TO suppose that he does
act according to law and his oath OF Office Judge that
My intention chiefly TO critcise those laws under
"h'ch no acts do not believe special officer 4"
should be permitted by law to exercise judicial func
IONS ana at VIII seize suspected letters trausit
through the mails This should be done rarely and only
for high causes on the particular order competent
Court. l oppose the seizing of money in o lottery
Office to feed the poor II 1t cannot be returned tho
SENDER let 1t Alone The law authorizes sezing IT, but
do believe Christian ethics do do not believe that
tie Church can consistently cOuuteDancc the acting
telling an intrlth to catch even Wiling lawDrraher
do not believe Mr. CONS stocks society ought to expect
the Church to approve the paying Of bad tor his
wares, thus inducing him 10 commit crime III order
secure his conviction.
see profit nor propriety in displaying obscene
trophies TO anyone III order to stimulate public opinion
against wee. This latter Is largely question OF taste
Oh which good men differ beg TO waive the discus.
OF other point merely saying that fairness VIII
force unattended construction words meant to
Elarn against q namcleSS crmo fearfuly increasing
among the balf-craZcd and Ovcr-Durdened.
or the rest OF my letter would say II had no appll-
to he society mentioned its agents. except as
TO part of the conclusion. Aud that too sweep
ing believe the ABOVE society has accom- pshed much
good As the father OF growing family am Interested
deeply every for protection. ana must DE
heartily in accord with every proper effort to suppress
wee.
Finally, in order that this commune ,tOn may have
its full force desire to say that no asked. advised
procured II. No QUO except the Editor OF The THID
UNE bad any 81 70 means or determining the writer 0r
the article. Neither did tho writer lay himself
liable possible pressure other than his sense OF
iuslce. Regardless OF consequences, admit cpefully
OF my former hasty sentences, at the same time main
tanning The opinions reairiDod unpopular though they
be. bow to the castigatOn i'll stone for him that gets
into print his signature on cOnr0verted SUBJ
jccts and leave plea to the tudement OF my friends
and all IA l-innued men. a. STEWART WALSH.
Ne,c- York. APRIL 3. 1880.