Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
Episode 5: The Moral Crusade
Release Date: September 30, 2024

Introduction: The Birth of a Moral Crusade

In Episode 5 of Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, host Chenjerai Kumanyika delves into the fervent moral crusade led by Anthony Comstock in late 19th-century New York City. This episode, titled "The Moral Crusade," explores how Comstock's religious zeal and personal vendettas shaped the early dynamics of policing, particularly in combating obscenity, vice, and later, abortion services.

Anthony Comstock: The Relentless Vice Fighter

The episode introduces Anthony Comstock, a man driven by profound religious convictions and personal shame. Raised in a strict Puritan town in Connecticut, Comstock's upbringing instilled in him a sense that any deviation from Christian morals warranted eternal damnation. As Kumanyika explains, “He believed that God is constantly watching you. If a person reads even one illicit book or sees one pornographic image, they would carry the sin of that with them forever” (08:00).

Comstock's mission to cleanse society of immorality led him to New York City, a booming metropolis teeming with vice. Determined to eradicate what he saw as moral decay, Comstock sought allies within powerful evangelical groups like the YMCA. His dedication and persuasive efforts culminated in the formation of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, a pivotal organization in his crusade.

Madame Restell: Pioneer Abortion Provider

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Madame Restell, a formidable abortion provider on Greenwich Street. Restell's business thrived in a time when abortion was considered a folk practice, often performed with crude and dangerous methods. Kumanyika describes her operations: “Madame Restell keeps her office...with people going in and out, often carrying bottles of pills and chemicals, always keeping an eye out for the police” (28:05).

Restell's success and flamboyant lifestyle made her a target for Comstock and his allies. Her mansion, a symbol of her prosperity, became the epicenter of conflict when Comstock orchestrated a scheme to entrap her by posing as a client. This ultimately led to her arrest and mysterious death, which many, including host Kumanyika, suggest may have been a murder disguised as suicide (32:49).

Confrontation with the NYPD: Clubber Williams

The episode introduces Alexander S. Williams, notoriously known as "Clubber," a police officer whose brutal enforcement tactics epitomized the corrupt elements within the NYPD. Williams’ reputation for violence and extortion provided a stark contrast to Comstock's moralistic pursuits. As Kumanyika narrates, Williams “could dominate people with his will because he was a cop and he kind of figured, well, I'm a cop, so who's gonna mess with me?" (15:18).

Comstock's battle was not just against vice but also against corrupt law enforcement. His efforts to involve the police in his moral crusade often met resistance or outright hostility from officers like Williams, who were more interested in profiting from the very vice under scrutiny.

The Comstock Act: Legalizing Moral Policing

A pivotal moment in the episode is the passage of the Comstock Act in 1873, which marked the first major federal anti-obscenity law in American history. Kumanyika explains, “The Comstock Act defines obscenity so broadly that it can be used to go after not just people making pornography, but but sex workers, brothel owners, activists, journalists and writers” (20:07). This legislation empowered Comstock as a federal inspector, granting him authority to seize and destroy obscene materials nationwide.

The Act not only facilitated the suppression of immoral content but also established an economic incentive for organizations like the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, which received a portion of fines collected from obscenity cases. As Amy Werbel notes, “It's a racket. You know, the more porn he finds, the more money they have to find porn” (21:56).

Madame Restell's Downfall and the Rise of Comstock

Comstock's relentless pursuit culminated in his confrontation with Madame Restell. By entrapping her, he hoped to make a powerful statement against abortion providers. Despite her initial compliance, Restell's subsequent death under suspicious circumstances left many questions unanswered. Kumanyika posits, “What if it was murder?... Women do not cut their throats when they commit suicide, and they certainly never commit suicide naked” (30:04), suggesting foul play orchestrated by Comstock or his allies.

Following Restell’s demise, Comstock intensified his efforts, expanding his focus to include abortion providers and other perceived moral threats. However, his aggressive tactics inadvertently contributed to a cultural shift that paradoxically made vice more fashionable and underground activities more lucrative for corrupt officers like Williams.

Corruption and Consequences: Who Did They Protect?

The episode concludes by reflecting on the true impact of Comstock’s crusade and the NYPD’s involvement. Rather than protecting society, Kumanyika argues that both Comstock and the corrupt police exploited their positions for personal gain. Kumanyika states, “Sex workers, sex educators, people who provide abortions, and the women who need them all wind up in the crosshairs” (37:07), highlighting the collateral damage inflicted on vulnerable populations.

Moreover, the episode draws parallels to modern times, noting the enduring legacy of the Comstock Act and its resurgence in contemporary debates over reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Kumanyika emphasizes the ongoing struggle between personal freedoms and authoritative policing, underscoring the lasting influence of historical figures like Comstock on today's societal norms and legal frameworks.

Conclusion: Legacy of a Moral Crusade

In The Moral Crusade, Empire City paints a complex picture of how moralistic zeal intertwined with institutional corruption shaped the early NYPD. Through the stories of Anthony Comstock, Madame Restell, and Clubber Williams, the episode illustrates the profound and often troubling origins of modern policing practices. As society continues to grapple with the role of law enforcement and the balance between morality and justice, the historical insights provided in this episode offer a poignant reminder of the enduring challenges in defining and upholding societal values.

Notable Quotes:

• Chenjerai Kumanyika: “He believed that God is constantly watching you. If a person reads even one illicit book or sees one pornographic image, they would carry the sin of that with them forever.” (08:00)

• Amy Werbel: “It's a racket. You know, the more porn he finds, the more money they have to find porn.” (21:56)

• Bill Williams: “He could dominate people with his will because he was a cop and he kind of figured, well, I'm a cop, so who's gonna mess with me?” (15:18)

• Jennifer Wright: “Women were still having abortions, but they couldn't go to anyone for help. They couldn't even read about how you could effectively perform an abortion on yourself.” (37:07)

Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD continues to uncover the hidden histories that have shaped one of the world's largest police forces. For those interested in the intricate interplay between morality, law enforcement, and societal change, this episode provides a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.