New-York tribune., 1874-04-30
4 CUSTOMHOUSE CASE.
THE ALLEGED SMUGGLING OF SILK - CHARGES !
AGAINST CUSTOMS OFFICERS

THE ALLEGED SMUGGLING OF SILK - CHARGES
AGAINST CUSTOMS OFFICERS.
The ten trunks filed with silks and other
articles seized from among the baggage Of the Cunard
steamship Russia by Special Agent c. n. Bracket
shortly after her arrival upon the nth inst still remain
ia the seizure-room at the Custom house, presumably
awaiting the investigation which 1t is well known
has been held in regard 10 them AS before stated
these trunks contained goods TO the value OF slooN
the duties upon which would have amounted 10 ABOUT
$1,000 The fact of the seizure was given the day ioOW
ing in TIE TRIBUNE, and TRIBUNE reporter detaled
10 gain further information in the matter met with little
success Tie trunks in question checked and
passed the wharf without being opened by the ln-
spector on duty and brought TO this SIDE and as they
were being landed from the ieTyboat were seized by
Special Agent Bracket and Inspector Fdeau for viola
ton the regarding the landing OF goods without
permit and not the manifest Of the vessel. Capt
Bracket Was aware that an attempt at SNUG
Cling was 10 be made from the Russia by
connivance with the CustOm-house officials, and
during the transfer had full knowledge Of everything
that happened The Inspector has stated 10 numerous
persons since tie seizure made that he puposely
checked and passed the trunks acting under direct
orders from Deputy Surveyor Braiuard Howell
THE TRIBUNE reporter called upon Mr., Howell, stated
10 him such facts as had been learned, and asked
If it was true that he could be implicated in the
matter WijnOut seeming to answer the question, he
said the reporters were often msled III THESE matters
and gave credit 10 the wrong persons ana rtee veTSd
lie said suy event he not the person 10 question
IN this mattcr that II was then III the hahds OF Depu9
Collector Dudley Phelps OF the Ninth DlvisiOn WhO was
the proper one TO look TO for Information , ,>.,,
Deputy COLLECTOR Dudley Phelps OF the Ninth DIVISION
stil seizure without giving the names OF
either the Inspector or claimant he SAID he understood
the latter would contest the seizure upon the ground
that irand intended, that IN tie hurry IN leaV-
Liverpool there was no opportunity to make tAe
proper clearance, and that had been his intention 10
report this oversight imme iately upon Jhe landing
here II the special agents story could be proved there
was ample ground FOR the SEIZURE. AT any rate sdd
pl.Ira . yva. 1ls nj a
is evidence of fraud"
Mr. Phelps seemed 10 discover at this moment that be
had gwen more information III the matter tban he
should have done, for the interview Was suddenly ter
minated with the remark, must respectfully decline
to answer any further questions TIE whole matter has
been thoroughly investigated by Collector Arthur ana
mus refer you 70 hlIu lie u very redsab person.
perfect gentleman and perhaps he VIII tell y0u the
whole story but" he added IN an undertone, turning
away, " don't think ho will"
Mr.. Phelps right. Mr. Arthur would not tell, ana
SAID he mad not held any inyestgatOp tie DENIED that
any investigation had been helu in the matter or even
fully cOgnziut OF the facts relating 10 this seizure
and also that the conduct OF inspector was ques-
toned, but until these matters were brought 10 hs no
tce 10y the authorizes at Washington ne coud mol ne eA
pected take official notice OF mere TumOr. In these
matters, he said there vast amount Of red tape.
The special agent of the Treasury here Col Frank T..
Howe. would make formal investigation and report all
the circumstances TO the Treasury Department and
should any misdemeanOr or neglect OF duty on the part
CustamhOuse officers be mentioned IN this report
II would Ia turn be reported 20 him as Collector OF tins
pOrt, and then Investigation would he held. There
was often chance for mistakes IN matters OF this KIND
arising from the Jealousy among the ohct!s 'n TINS
branch OF the service.
At the Special Agents office No. A. Broadway, Moses
Hale, who has been IN charge, refused all information
touching THIS seizure further than That he was stll
holding al investigation III the matter and until that
concluded and the report submitted 70 the seere-
tary OF the Treasury, they must positively decline 10
submit for publication any facts bearing upon THIS
seizure.