The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-14
THE CUSTOM HOUSE COMMITTEE.
Wasted Day-0ne Custom House Official on
the Stand All Day Something More About
the Seizures by Treasury Agents-The
Other Sid, Of the Payson Case

The Custom House Committee met again yester-
day morning at the Aston House; but, though they
sat for six hnurs, the testimony taken was devoid
of public interest. Only one witness was placed on
the stand-Mr. Clark, the same Deputy Collector
who was examined Tor two hours yesterday after
noon 1t really seemed yesterday as though some
OF the Senators were desirous to indefinitely pro-
long the examination. There certainly was great
deal OF truth in the remark made by Senator
Casserly that at this rate the investigation would
take ut least SIX weeks.
The examination OF Mr.. 8. G. Clark having been
resumed he was put through very exhaustive
ordeal OF interrogation, Without however, any great
results being attained IN the way Of direct and de.
finite answers. The great topic touched was the
seizures OF the special agents OF the Treasury.
The witness admitted that most OF these gentle
men, before they got their appointments, were
ignorant OF mercantile business or at any rate
OF the special value OF different articles but he did
not think that this interfered with their cOmpe-
tcncy No seizures were ever MADE except In the
presence OF sworn officer Of the government.
In the ONCE CT the Secretary Of the Treasury and
OF the Collector there perfect record of every
case OF seizure and condemnation, the amounts
paid to the officers selling. to the government, to
the informers and In Short all Information OF that
kind.
q. Do you know Of any offers ever being made by
officers OF the government out Of court to effect
compromise, the Oners being at first large and then
growing less and lessY A. nave no knowledge OF
such cases; in small cases l have heard that the
officers OF the government have shown willing
ness to compromises; in many larger cases, how
ever, have been asked what the government would
accept, and have always replied that II would not
become the government to name sum; | do not
believe that any responsible oiicer OF the govern
ment ever made such an Oller.
Senator Bayard, having obtained resolution
FRI
furnish the list OF seizures, with the amounts paid
10 informers, &c. Senator Howe, after consultation
quested that the resolution be modified, since TO
publish the names Of the inlormers would he pre-
Senator BAYARD said that this list called for
had been stated by the witness to DC part or the
records OF the Custom House. and therefore public
paid on the part OF The United states government
without the name OF the party 10 whom It was paid
being accessible TO senatorial committee But
sllll as The matter was pushed, he would
give way at TINS stage OF the
tempt Tor miserable race OF infOrmers which had
been called into being by recent Legislation that he
was by no means inclined to spare them from pub
licity.
Q. Did you ever hear of any complaints Of busi-
ness secrets, acquired by special agents OF the
being given up TO other persons in the same busi-
ness? A. No. sir; have not heard OF sucn cases.
opened after a seizure OF books and papers has
been NADER A. Sometimes the parties are very
anxious have the case settled at once; Ill Otner
cases the talk about compromise does not begin
until after suit has been brought and The parties
have seen the strength OF the governments
case; in almost every case the prop
OstIon comes through the District Attorney;
no compromise can be legally effected without the
consent OF the secretary OF the Treasury and the
Solicitor; the law not say that the consent OF
The District Attorney is necessary but the report in
favor of 1t must come through him; the in
formers receive quarter OF The proceeds
OF the seizure. The witness then entered
at length into q defence or the action or
the Treasury agents in selzing the books
and papers of Messrs. Human PaysOn. The
great point made was that the long detention OF the
books occurred through the refusal OF Payson's
counsel, Mr.. Barrow to consent to give up the books
again az the trial. MIR. Clark also contended that
there was abundant pTtrnG fdcte evidence OF fraud
anu that the proceedings were IN every way regular
amt according to law.
The committee tEen adjourned.