New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-16
A REVENUE SUIT FOR A MILLION.

THE GOVERNMENT SIDE OF THE PROCEEDINGS
AGAINST PLATT BOYD-THE CIRCUMSTANCES
OF THE SEIZURE AS RELATED BY FRIEND OF
THE FIRM
As much of the trouble and cOmmotlon at
the Custom-house is attributable to the investigation
conducted by Special Agent Jayne, in relation TO the
affairs OF Platt Boyd glass importers, of No. 81 Muir
ray-st history of the latters relations with the Gov
emment may not prove uninteresting. Some weeks
since 1t was rumored the Cusomhouse that legal pro-
ceedings were about TO be begun against proni
nent importing house for alleged frauds upon
The revenue IL stated by Federal officials that the
charges against the firm embraced fraudulent classified
ton differentiation smuggling and bribery Of govern
mental officials. The name of Plat Boyd were con-
nected with the reports, and Wednesday a formal
suit was begun against the firm for $l,OO0OOO for an
alleged differentiation Of goods imported by them.
Separate suits were brought against the individual
bers Of the nrm for $4,000 and $4,000 re-
speeuvey. II alleged that the firm,
who were extensive importers OF plate glass,
invoced their glass being of smaller size than was
the fact by that defrauded the Government
Of half the required duty 1t further asserted
that the firm imported plate glass; which is dutiabe ac-
cordng to SIZE common glass, which pays duty ac-
eordng TO weight II was further charged that the firm
caused household goods for their private residences
be struggled into port by steamship officials 1t was
asserted that in the preparation Of these
alleged frauds the firm had acted in collision
with Custom-house officers whom they must have
bribed The principal official engaged in the prepare
ton Of the evidence Special Agent Jayne who
seized the books aud papers of the firm, and it is al
legged, made the discovery that the firm were in the
habit OF briblng large numbers Of officials.
These substantially the statements that have been
CLEANED from Governmental sources. friend Of the
hrn, however makes the following statement in rela
lion 70 the alleged frauds:
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CASE.
1t was ascertained some time ago that rival house
IN the importation Of glass had five Of the employees OF
Piatt Boyd In its pay One Of these men on his death
oeo stated that he and others had for long time regu
larry made transcripts of all the invoice and other nnsn
cla data OF Plat Boyd and furnished them TO their
rivals whose names at present published After
being discharged by Platt Boyd, these clerks
were taken into the employ Of Mr.. Jayne
VINO was informed by them that Patt & Boyd had been
couI''hs H"uus upon the revenue all their import
auOns W"raut ior the seizure Of the books aud
papers Of Platt Boyd the next thing required In
AsmEeh these iuformers only claimed N have know
edge Of the main fact that Plat Boyd had for wear.
been In the habit Of deraudne the revenue in all Their
imporIatons. BY virtue Of Section o. Act Of Congress-
approved March 1861 Up. 5l, Stat Large) II ia nro
Vided:
That whenever it shall be made appear 70 the salts
faction judge Of the district any
in the United states by complaint and affidavit that any
fraud on the re has been committed by any pef
persons interested or ia any way engaged In tn
importation entry O. merchandise al any port within
such district, said Judge shall forthwith issue his wal
rant directed the maFsha Of the district, requirin
said marshal, by himself deputy, 70 enter any plsc
or premises where any ces books, or papers de
pos1ten relating the handse IN respect TO whic
such fraud is alleged 70 have been committed
and TO take possession OF sucD books U
papers and produce them before the said Judge
and any Invoices books, papers 30 seized shall o
subject 10 the order OF said Judge. VINO shall allow Ia
examination OF the by the Collector OF Customs
the port into which the alleged fraudulent mpoftatO
Aha have made, by any officer duly authorize
by sald Collector anu sne invoices DOCKS or paper
retained by said Judge long Ia his opnio
the retention thereof may be necessary. But no wal
rant for such seizure shall be issued unless the
ylalnaBt shall forth the character OF the fraud
leged. the nature Of the same. skd the mportatons