The evening times., 1899-04-12
ATTACKED By pusHcARr MEN.
Anthony COmstOck Has Trouble in
Arresting an Image Vender.

Anthony COmstOck Has Trouble in
Arresting an Image vender.
New York. April 12.-Anthony Comstock.
President of the Society for the Suppress
sion OF Vice, was attacked by crowd of
pushcart men in Nassau Street yesterday
while he was trying to arrest one of their
number. Mr.. Comstock held the crowd at
bay with a revolver until the arrival of po-
liceman averted the danger which threat
ened him.
Mr.. Comstock vac strolling along Nassau
Street about noon. when his attention was
attracted by some statuettes displayed on a
push cart He decided that they were not
sufficiently draped. He promptly arrested
the vender. and started with him and his
wares down the street in the direction
OF the Old Slip stationhouse.
This summary action attracted a consid-
cradle crowd. who followed Mr. Comstock
and his prisoner. giving vent to nootings
and derisive remarks. Mr. Comstock was
quickly recognized, and before he had gone
block the crowd had increased to several
hundred. among whom were a large num-
Der of venders.
They assailed him with all manner of
abuse and threats and finally attempted to
hustle him away from the prisoner, with
the intention OF effecting rescue. Soon
sticks and stones began 10 fly. and lust be-
low, Liberty Street the attitude OF the mob
became so threatening that Nj. CONS took
haIted. Seeing no policeman near he,
backed up against the rear door of the
Equitable Building. xnd, keeping firm
hold on his prisoner. prepared to defend
himself until help arrived.
- Ihere the mob surged in front of him
and half dozen men grabbed the prisoner
ana tried to pull him away. while others
struck at his captOr with. their fists and
with. sticks from their pushcar,s.- Mr..
Comstock had been hit half a dozen times
when he reached for his hip pocket, and.
pulling out long revolver. leveled il at
his assailants. shouting: aGi
Keep back, every one OF you. or IN
shoot
AT this the foremost ranks of the crowd
recoiled. leaving a clear space around the
pair, but the hooting continued. and every
now and then stone was thrown by some.
one in the rear. Suddenly the prisoner
broke away and made dash in the direc-
tion of Wall Street. Mr.. Comstock dash
ed after him. but was instantly tripped
and thrown TO the ground.
He recovered himself in second and,
again seizing the prisoner by the collar.
cleared circle around him with the
muzzle Of his revolver and once more be-
gan to back to the nearest wall, holding
fast to his prisoner and threatening to
shoot him If he made another attempt to
get away.
? Policeman Burke OF the Old Slip station,
came running up the street at this criti-
cal moment, and the crowd scattered and
ran in every direction. Escorted by the
policeman Mr.. Comstock resumed his
march with his prisoner and tine pushcart
to the stationhouse. which he reached with
out further molestation.
, He took the captive to the Centre Street
court. where the man gave the name of
Robert Chappell. of No. 49, Allen Street.
Magistrate Simms fined him IS, and as the
prisoner had no money he was locked up
Although he had been struck several times
with various missiles. Mr.. Comstock show
ed no marks Of his rough handling.