New-York tribune., 1900-12-21
coNsTocK AND THE AyTI-PoLIcY BILL
THERON c. STRONG SAYS THE AGENT SEEMED
INsINcERE IN HIS SUPPORT OF
THE MEASURE
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir My attention has been directed TO state
ments OF Anthony Comstock respecting mis- course
concerning the ti-Policy bill introduced in the
Legislature last winter at the instance Of Captain
F. Norton Goddard l co-operated with Captain
Goddard in urging the passage of the Anti-Policy
bill, not, however. for compensation as a lawyer.
but because I believed that the public interests
would be promoted. I wish TO add my testimony
in corroboration of that of Captain Goddard
sp citing Mr.. Comstock's connection with the
matter.
had never met Mr.. Comstock until last winter
in a conference with Captain Goddard to the
kind Of law TO be introduced IN the Legislature.
After a great deal of consideration Captain God
dard and were of the opinion that law to be
effective in suppressng policy gambling must be
very stringent in reaching and imposing penalties
upon those having any connection with the game
Few how difficult it is to detect this
form of gambling and secure conviction under the
laws against gaming. Our object was, therefore,
not only TO reach and punish the players, but also
those who were known as the hackers" runners
and other promoters of the game, and those who
own are in charge of premises in which it is car
ried In this way alone could hope 10 sup
press the evil.
well remember the difficulties we encountered in
our first interview with Mr.. Comstock. His course
with respect to the form and substance of the pro-
posed law was such that I was obliged to say to
him in as forciole terms I could command. that
in my opinion his actions and recommendations
were such as 10 lend aid and comfort to those in
terested in promoting the game of policy and that
If some of those individuals were present at our
interview and could hear his suggestions they
would urhesitatngly say that they had more
powerful ally than Anthony Comstock.
This led to Mr.. Comstock modifying his views,
and finally I prepared a bill with which he ex-
pressed himself satisfied delivered it to him per-
soEay at his Office and he promised TO support 1t
faithfully.
The next interview respecting the matter between
CAPTAIN Goddard, Mr.. Comstock and myself. was on
the train for Albany, where we were 10 appear be-
fore the Legislative Committee Mr.. Comstock
REQUIRED 10 his former suggestions and recon-
mendations and by his criticisms of the bill II was
easy to see that 1t did not have his hearty support
He again urged decided and radical changes, which
would have deprived the bill OF most of its force
il until he was reminded of his abso-
lutte promise 10 support the bill and of the aid and
comfort ne giving 10 those interested IN pro-
noting the game of policy, and statement by
obliged bring 10 the attention OF the committee
MS course in the matter, that he again expressed
himself as tisfied with the bill and renewed his
promise TO support ii heartily.
have no hesitation in saying that before the
legislative Committee Mr.. Comstock failed 10 carry
out his promises with respect 10 giving the bill
MS hearty support and his apparent advocacy of
upon my mind at least, that he did not really
I regret to be obliged to present Mr.. Comstock
In an unfaVora BILE light, but under the circum-
stances and in the interests Of truth and fairness
| deem il my duty TO state the facts as remem-
THERON G. STRONG.