publishers, not content to fill their pockets with dollars from the sale of depraved magazines, have found a way to make even more money by selling the names and addresses of children to mail-order firms.
This is the way it works. A child answers an advertisement in a comic book for something harmless like, for example, a book of bird pictures or a water pistol. The child's name is taken from the coupon sent in and placed on master lists. These lists are then rented to mail-order firms. And they in turn send the youngster pamphlets and circulars advertising, among other things, dirty pictures and books. One of the witnesses called before the committee last week, when accused of this practice, refused to testify on the grounds that his answers might be self incriminating. Another publisher testified that he rented his lists at one time but stopped doing so because or many complaints from irate parents who found advertisements for sex books in their children's mail.
This is, of course, a little flea on the back of a big flea. And the greater part of the comic book business, let us remember, is harmless. But it becomes more and more evident that the slimy fringe needs cleaning up.
The Chairman. The chairman wishes to announce that today's hearing does not terminate the subcommittee's investigation into the field of crime and horror comic books. We shall continue to collect on this subject matter in this area, and if necessary further hearings will be cheduled at a later date.
All data thus far presented, plus all future facts compiled, will be studied most carefully before the subcommittee draws up its conclusions and recommendations.
The subcommittee will issue a special report upon this subject at an appropriate time, or we may make the report a part of our final report.
I think I speak for the entire subcommittee when I say that any action on the part of the publishers of crime and horror comic books, or upon the part of distributors, wholesalers, or dealers with reference to these materials which will tend to eliminate from production and sale, shall receive the acclaim of my colleagues and myself. A competent job of self—policing within the industry will achieve much.
We will adourn now until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
(Thereupon, at 5 p. m., the Subcommittee recessed, to reconvene at 10 a. m., Saturday, June 5, 1954.)
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