The New York herald., 1874-09-26
TIE BANK OF ENGLAND FORGERIES.
George Macdonnld's Diamonds-Their
Ownership To BE Adjadicated in tho
Courts.

George Macdonald's Diamonds-Thefr
Ownership To BE Adjadic ted in tho
Courts.
On the Goth day or March, 1878, the renowned
George Macdonald, the notorious iorger on the
Bank Of England, landed on these shores. via
steamship Thuringia, and had In his possession,
besides the bvoute,se adorning his person. a pack
age OF diamonds, unset, ana two iady's gold
watches. Mr.. story, a Custom House inspector.
seized this property after the detectives had
rested ana searched Macdonald Il Is now In pos
session OF Deputy Collector Dudley p. Phelps. OF
the Seizure Bureau OF the Custom House. The
seizure was not made for any attempt at smug-
gng, but the jewels were held simply to await
the payment OF duties by the right owner. They
were assigned by Macdonald to mis- counsel,
Messrs. Garvin, Fellows and Brooke, in payment
their services, aud application for the diamonds
was accordingly made on behalf of TINS hrm. On
the other hand, the counsel for the Bank OF Eng
land, Messrs. Biatchiord, Seward, Grswold and
Da Costa claimed the Jewels as the property OF tho
bank, on the ground that they were part Of the
proceeds OF Macdonald's forgerles.
Collector Arthur referred the subject TO the Sec
retary OF the Treasury, upon which, however, con-
siderable correspondence occurred. Finally, a few
days ago General Arthur received the following
case out Of his hands and transfers it to the
United states Court The following Ia General
Bristow's communication -
sIRApplics,ion has been made 20 this BY
parties esmins adversely to each Other ownership Of
interest certain diamonds taken rom George MAC
donald. and now ~ your custody.
AS the time during which custody must necessar
lily continue in the absence OF payment OF INC dut'es on
these diamonds, has now fully elapsed IL has become
necessary 70 proceed 70 such collection FOR TINS pnr,
IN the opinion of the department, TWO courses are
OPEN one being TO order sale of the same as
goods reserving proceeds Of suen sae beyond du
ties and charges, TO be paid 10 any dy povea owner
claimant The second course Is 70 Apply 70 the Onied
states District Court tor determipaton OF ownership
through The courts order that the United states
holder become liable by reason OF
delivery not able TO prove ownership.
In we OF necessity disclosed the present
tor tho exercise In the steps taken TO collect
the duties and deliver the diamonds or their proceeds
the claimant are directed 70 confer with the
nited states District Attorney AS TO precedens SUIT
TO be made by against all the claimants, permitting
/ ,hem 10 ntcrpiead, the Court decide who Ia
respon the duties, such claimant to pay duties
! and charges and receive the goods
IL viii be observed that the goods are in TACT not
claimed in the fu that would authorize the
United States to proceed to sale tor duties without
OF claims 20 ownership on the one hand, and
the other that no claimant Is In position 10 take the
| owners oath
You viii repor, carly a. may be the result Of your
conference with the District Attorney, and before TAX.
Ing any other steps than herein directed will report
other facts or events bearing on the case Very
respectfully. u. n BRlSfOW, secretary.
@ A ARrHun ESQ.,, Collector. Ao.
The case has already been transferred TO Colone,
George Bliss, United states Attorney for tho
southern district Of New York, who viii at once
enter suits for the conflscation Of these goods.