variety of reasons. Some of them felt that they should not be associated with some of the elements tn the industry that they felt were publishing products inferior to theirs and there is also, in passing, a great deal of internecine warfare in this industry, a lot of old difficulties which mitigated a strong, well-knit attempt to organize.
Mr. Beaser. Have you a copy of the code with you?
Mr. Schultz. No, I am sorry. I thought the committee had one.
Mr. Beaser. We have one. I would like to offer this, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. It will be received and marked for the record and incorporated in the record without objection. Let it be exhibit No. 9.
(The document referred to was marked "Exhibit No. 9," and reads as follows:)
Exhibit No. 9
COMICS CODE ADOPTED BY PUBLISHERS
New York, July 1.—The Association of Comics Magazine Publishers today announces the adoption of a code of minimum editorial standards. The association is new conducting an intensive drive to secure the membership of all the conics magazine publishers in the United States and their pledge to abide by the comics code. The code will be sent to legal societies, civic groups, and distributors of magazines.
The association also announces that it is considering appointing a commissioner whose function if will be to survey the entire industry in the light of the comics code, and to suggest changes, if necessary, as well as to impose restrictions on those members of the association whose magazines do not adhere to the particulars of the comics code, Also under consideration is the adoption of a seal to be used on comics magazines, the contents of which meet the requirements of the comics code. The code reads as follows:
THE COMICS CODE
The Association af Camies Magazine Publishers, realizing its responsibility ta the millions of readers of comics magazines and to the public generally, urges its members and others to publish comics magazines containing only good, wholesome entertainment or education, and in no event include in any magazine comics that may in any way lower the moral standards of those who read them, In particular:
(1) Sexy, wanton comics should not be published. No drawing should show a female indecently or unduly exposed, and in no event more nude than in a bathing suit commonly worn in the United States of America.
(2) Crime should not be presented in such a way as to throw sympathy against law and justice or to inspire others with the desire for imitation. No comics shall show the details and methods of a crime committed by a youth. Policemen, judges, Government officials, and respected institutions should not be portrayed as stupid or ineffective, or represented in such a way as to weaken respect for established authority.
(3} No scenes of sadistic torture should be shown.
(4) Vulgar and obscene language should never be used. Slang should be kept to a minimum and used only when essential to the story.
(5) Divorce should not be treated humorously nor represented is glamorous or alluring.
(6) Ridicule of or attack on any religions or racial group is never permissible,
The association anticipates the support of all publishers in its effort to enforce the minimum editorial standards of the comics code. It is pointed out, however, that comics magazines are usually prepared at least 2 months before issues go on sale, so that practical application of the code may not be evident for a number of months.
The comics magazine publishers who have already agreed to abide by the comics code, all of whom are not, however, members of the association, are: Premium Service Co., Inc, Famous Funnies, Inc., Hillman Periodicals, Inc., Parents' Institute, Inc., Lev Gleason Publications, Inc., McCombs Publications,
