The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-17
The Custom House Revenue Frauds

Wherever heavy duties are imposed on
imported goods there is great temptation to
fraud. Many persons regard it as q venial
transgression to cheat the government then
Silks laces, watches and such like goods can
be SO easily handled, so great value can be
packed in so small q compass, and the saving
of fifty or sixty per cent is SO enicing, that
under the most vigilant and efficient system
ever adopted for the collection of customs
duty government can never expect to secure
oil that is justly its due. When we hear of
some fashionable belle or her friends man.
aging or attempting to smuggle through
foreign purchased wardrobe without comply
ing with the revenue laws we are too apt, in
the present lax condition of public morality,
to regard it as q smart and even as COM
mendable piece of enterprise. Indeed, some
people look upon it as sort of oppression
or imposition when they are required to
pay duty on articles they purchase abroad
for their personal use and without any
design of profit or speculation. But common
Justice should teach Us all that when duties
are imposed for the support of the govern
ment, and honest merchants pay them, and
are compelled to put certain price on their
goods in consequence, Wholesale smuggling is
a gross injustice TO the best portion OF the
business community, as well as a robbery of
the people at large.
The story of the Lawrence conspiracy, as
told by the United States District Attorney, is
a startling one; yet, according to The present
statement, We have only been afforded
glimpse of the remarkable case, and we are
assured that more astonishing developments
are in store for us. To be sure, we have as
yet only one side Of the tale, and it is to be
hoped, for the honor of the mercantile COM
munity, that some Gifts harshest features may
be susceptible Of explanation. 1t is certain
that most ingenious and complete system of
fraud has been concocted and has been in
operation for q long period without detection.
When we read of the extensive transactions of
the guilty parties, Of the skill manifested in
their plans, OF their admirably contrived
method of secret correspondence, Of the wide
circle Of the conspiracy, embracing parties in
Europe, the United States and Canada
merchants, agents, manufacturers and gov
eminent oficials-we are struck by the idea
that the same ability and energy directed to
honest pursuits must have commanded sue
cess in legitimate business.
The connection Of some of the Custom
House officers with such frauds has long been
suspected, and their exposure and punishment
viii be great public good. The Collector,
the Surveyor and other heads Of the New
York Custom House are above suspicion, and
their vigilance in the discharge Of their duties
is generally admitted. But no amount of
watchfulness and caro- can wholly prevent dis
honest practices on the part Of unfaithful
subordinates, and the efforts Of the Collector
and his associates to hunt down the offenders
have been increased by their knowledge Of the
advantage to be gained by the detection and
punishment Of the guilty parties. It is 10 be
/ hoped, therefore, that the prosecution will DO
sternly pursued and will be made to embrace
I every person implicated in the conspiracy.
/ The lesson will be a salutary one to the Gus
\ tom House officers. 1t will also be useful, if
read Alright, to all who think to make per-
manent success through fraudulent practices.
Here is vast conspiracy, reaching into mill
ions of dollars in its operations, carried on un-
detected for two years, and ending at last
probably in the State Prison and poverty for
those engaged in it. The prospect OF enormous
profits disappears when it is discovered that
in such business heavy brides have to DO
dealt out to numerous accomplices and
struggled goods have to be sold at twenty
per cent under the market price. All who
touch tho pitch are dcfled and injured
! by it.