Mr. Richter. I am quoting from the newspaper reports. I did not hear the direct testimony, but I question one particular statement made by Henry E. Selultz, supposedly counsel to the Comic Magazine Publishers, wherein he stated yesterday, I believe, that there were no so-called tie-in sales to the newsdealers.
That I dispute and contradict and state that there are definitely tie-in sales to the newsdealers of this city. By tie-in sales I mean that the newsdealer has no choice. These magazines are foisted and thrust upon him. They come in a package with standard magazines, the so- called everyday reputable type of magazines.
They come in 1 package, in 1 bundie, tied together either with wire or rope, so securely that the newsdealer cannot in any manner or in any form inspect these magazines,
The Chairman. You mean, sir, with such publications as Collier's, Saturday Evening Post?
Mr. Richter. Yes, sir; Life, Vogue, House and Garden. They come inone package. They are thrown at him and in turn heis thrown a bill,
When I suy thrown, I say literally thrown. He is given a bill, and incidentally, these magazines have not heen previously ordered. These are the choices of the distributors.
The newsdealer cannot sit down as any ordinary merchant and pick his merchandise. There is no list presented to him of magazines which he may choose and which he may reject. Tle takes what is given Lo him.
As I say, it all comes on a take-it-or-leave-it basis,
The Chairman. Does this situation which you describe apply to all newsdealers?
Mr. Richter. Yes, sir; throughout greater New York, both the licensed newsdealers and the storekeepers. I say the licensed news- dealers number about 2,000, licensed by the city of New York. That is the type of dealer on the street corner, at subway stations, and so forth.
The Chairman. That condition must exist in other large cities, then?
Mr. Richter. I understand it is so. We do have contacts in other cities throughout the country. I understand it is prevalent through- out the country. The newsdealer does not select the magazines, and I speak for a great majority,
T think if the newsdealers had a choice they would reject these so-called horror magazines.
Senator Hennings. Why do you think they would?
Mr. Richter. I say I am quoting people that are out in the field. There is Mr. Ben Friedman in the hearing room with me today. He is a chairman of the board of the News Dealers Association. He hiin- self is a newsdealer, He is at Times Square, the cross-roads of the world,
If you don't hear it in Times Square you won't hear it anywhere in the country.
I also have Mr. Jay Kay, the secretary and treasurer. He is at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge.
They have gone through the field. By the field I mean going through and visiting these newsdealers as part of their job as officers of the association.
