New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-12-09
lsetveucAmens In tho Gus, omhsuse.

The presence of several prominent Repub'
Iican politicians yesterday afternoon in the
collectors Office at the custOmhOuse gave
tise to the rumnr that an important con-
sultatiOn of Republican magnates was being
held in regard to changes and removals in
Che custOmhouse. The numerous dependents
were greatly exercised, and watched the
arrivals with much interest. The leaders
began to come at about $3.50 p. NJ, and by
four O'Clock Senator Carpenter, of WiscOn-
sin; Senator Conkling, of this State; ex Col
lector Murphy, Collector Arthur, Surveyor
Sharpe, District Attorney Bliss, Isaac II.
Bailey, Special Agents Howe and kinsella,
and others had arrived. Some of these
gentlemen were closely clOseted and re-
manned in consultation until halfpast five
o'clock 1t was impossible to Obtain the
result of the conference. as the messenger
received strict instructions to admit no
reporters but it is believed the contemplated.
changes among federal officers was the chief
subject under discussion.
For some months past Special Agents
Hale and Tingle have been making, under
the direction of the commissioner, thor
Ough examination of the cnstomhouses at
Boston and Philadelphia. Two weeks ago
they made their report on the Boston GUS
tOmhouse, recommending many changes,
but only about sixty reductions, which were
chiefly among temporary employees OF the
surveyors department They are still en-
gagged in their examination at Philadelphia.
1t was generally supposed IN Philadelphia
that at the close of their work they would
be ASST gned to New York. but it now ap-
pears that the commissioner has sent to
this port Special Agent Kinsella, who has
been on duty at New Orleans, and who is
considered one of the most thorough and
efficient officers in the service. 1t is be.
lieved that Mr.. kinsella has already begun
his work, as he has been in the city several
stays. though the custOmhOuso authorities
deny that an investigation is in progress.
The Tribune reporter called on Mr.. Kin.
celia last evening at the Grand central
Hotel, and eOnversed with him az to the
cumors in reference to the conference OF
the Republican party managers with SEN
atOrs COnkling and Carpenter. and partlcu-
iarly as to the statements that the books
and affairs of the custOmhOuse were under
examlna ton by the government Mr. Nih'
sella said that it was true that he was on
here to examine the affairs and business OF
the customhouse, but not on account OF any
charge of wrong doing or corrupt practices:
The fact was, he eaid. that the business had
fallen off all over the country, and the
Treasury Department wished to retreneh.
He had handed in his credentials to Col
aector Arthur, and the examination would
be proceeded with Immediately He had
not been present at any meeting OF the party
leaders, and did not know that any snch
meeting of conference had been held. His
business was merely to investigate the con-
dition of the business and the customhouse
affairs generally, with a view to reduction
of the force if possible. The department
felt that with the decrease in the business
there should be q reduction in the current
expenses, if it could be brought about with
safety to the public interests.-NeW FORK
Tribune, December 3.