Page:1954 Juvenile Delinquency Testimony.pdf/214

202 Our previous hearings dealt primarily with the publication of the comic books with which we were concerned, We heard from publish- ers, artists, psychologists, teachers, and publie officials, many of whom have the same concern with these horror and erjme comics that we have.

Today we are going to look into the matter of selling and distribu- tion practices, and jnto certain proposals which have been advanced as helpful in combating the detrimental influence upon youth of cer- tain Lypes of publications.

Before we hear our first witness, T want to state that as a result of our 2-day New York hearing, there are several hopeful signs that the comic book industry as a2 whole has become concerned at the revela- tions brought out thus far. There are signs of movement within the industry in the direction of improving its total prodret. “The respon- sibility resting wpon the industry is very greal. My colleagues and myself will watch with mounting interest. every step in the right direction, which the industry takes, that will demonstrate its cog- nizance of its own responsibility to the parenis and youth of our country.

I wanted to say here that I regret that iny colleagues today are engeged in other matters of great importance in respect to their senatorial duties and they cannot be with me.

Now, it is my great pleasure to introduce to the television audience this morning a very distinguished son of New York, a member of the New York State joint legislative committee, which was designated to study the publication of crime conics.

I don’t know where they got the word comics, Assemblyman, but they certainly wre not comics. It is a pleasure to liave you here, It is a tribute to the subcommittee that we have your distinguished presence,

I will now turn you over to the counsel for the snbcommittee who will demonstrate your knowledge of this subject with his own proven ability.

Mr. . Thank you, sir.

Mr. . Would you be sworn, Assemblyman ?

The. Do you solemnly swear that the evidence you are about to give before this subeomumiltee of the Senate Committce on the Judiciary of the United States Senate, will he the truth, the whole truth. and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mr. . I do.

The. I would like to say before you begin that we have been swearing all witnesses as a matter of tradition with this committee.

Mr. . Will you state your full name, your home address, and occupation.

Mr. . James A. Fitzpatrick, 88 Beekman Street, Platts- burg, N. Y.; member of the New York State Legislature, assembly- man; chairman of the New York State Joint Legislative Committee