New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-01-12
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
THE CrrsroN. -HoUEs INVESTIGATION.


VIEWS OF THE ME-, CHANTS" THE EXAMINA-
TON MUS" GO on"
THE TRIBUNEs recent exposure of the Gen.
eral Order system since stroi ely supported by the
evidence produced before the Retre hment and Inves
ugation Committee. has received hearty approval
rom the mercantile community. The examination at
the Astor House to strengthen tho hope, in the
hearts OF the merchants that investigation may be
continued as long any system clique having even
the appearance Of corruption connved supported
by the Cusomhouse. The merchants simply desire that
er business shall not be interfered with by OF
scoundrels. empowered to extort illegal and exorbant
charges from them under OF duties and warehouse
ices. They do not camor against Civil Service merely
because the EewYork Customhouse abuses lite prerog
aves EFFORTS compromises robs this the profits
OF his trade and grants TO another the opportunity
undersen his neighbors, but they glad to give
preston to their satisfaction at the which the
Senate has TAKEN and only ask that the Investigate
may proceed
Such was the general tone Of the conversation which
TRIBUNE reporter had with merchants yester
day. prominent importer remarked 80 far the
investigation has proceeded, 1t is in the main sats
factory but other witnesses coud be called who would
be willing to give the Committee evidence Of greater
frauds than have yet been unearthed. Yet have
generally understood that every Of shall be af-
forded an opportunity to testify need not be anxious.
am particularly in hopes that the heads OF trust
worthy houses, such that Of Phelps Dodge Co.. will
be called before the Committee"
Another said: "The line Of defense indicated by
the friends Of the CustomhOuse ocers-I partic-
uary to the special agontsappears TO be that In former
years the seizures have been fewer and the conpro
misses greater in number Even II this be true
IN 1t no ground Of defense. There has grown up sys
TEN by which certain class of importers have con-
rved through disclosing the rascaties OF others and
reapng the rewards to offer their imports at from Is TO
20 per cent below tho prices which honest merchants
who pay full duties, can afford This has become a
of great annoyance and detment the very class
of business men which the Government should protect
This spy system, although proper enough II conducted
by honest officials, becomes when encouraged on the
part Of rival merchants means Of bearing down the
markets to prices which are ruinous to honest men,
while II builds up and sustans trade among most
INSCRIPTIONS clique OF merchants. This Ia the more
moving because in the great majority OF the Gus
tomhOuso officials satisfied that the inf0rmers are
TO be watched than those whose roguery they
| expose"
There are many why small importers desire
remain silent" said importer and see tit rather
suffer the Ourages OF the General Order system than
| to complain before this Committee 1t only last
that a small cargo of goods sent TO General
Order much against will, and before could have
them removed. This investigation has already opened
up an amount Of corruption which rivals DIR. Carno
chans most brilliant specuations but there is 80 much
more be brought OUT that sincerely hope the Com
| mittee will con nue its sitting for several weeks