New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-03-29
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
REFORM AT THE CUsToM-HoUsE

REFORM AT THE CUSTOM-HOUSE.
RESULTS OF RECENT Observation-Disclosures
sIoSs AMONG oFPICI ,Ls-CHANGEs EXPE1TED-
REDUCING FORCE.
Considerable emotion was created at the
Customhouso yesterday by the announcement that the
special agents of the Treasury Department had been n-
yestgatng the methods used i'll the collection Of the
revenue this port and that the result Of their nyest
gltous had caused them make reports adverse to sew
eral officials Entrusted with responsible positions. The
details OF the nvesg atoms have been kept secret but as
nearly as can he learned the facts are rs follows:
About ak weeks ago. Col Frank L. Howe, chief Of the
special agents In this city, was suddenly removed from
Office by Secretary Brstow who withheld the reasons for
his action. At the earnest solicitation Of Howe and his
friends the Secretary relnsiated HIM until March l,
ostenzby to give him opportunity to close up his al
fairs. Col Moses H. Hale, trusted subordinate Of Mr.
BrstOw, detailed 10 the position vacated by Col.
Howe. Since his establishment in office, Col Hale, with
his assistants, has been investigating the several
branches Of the service and has reported un-
favOraby relation TO number OF matters which have
come under his obser, alton. 1t largely on the re-
port Of the condition Of affairs at the APP
praser's office, and the necessity for Improvement
therein that Appraiser Drin.s resignation was called
for accepted The latest phase OF the investigation
alleged takes the form Of report adverse TO
Special Deputy Collector Lydecker Mr. Lydeckcr has
been connected with the service In this city for
many years. having been promoted from the position OF
inspector to the place which lie holds. In the alb
sence Of Collector Arthur Is the Acting Collector The
charges against him unknown, aud, his friends he
lieve cannot be of serious character Ii Ia reported
that OF the information which led TO the nycstga
ton furnished by exTreasuTy Agent Is. q. Jayue.
Secretary summoned Collector Arthur and Sur
veyOr Sharpe Washington several weeks IN order
obtain their testimony to some of the affairs In
voved II is understood that their views OF the case
were favorable TO Mi. Lydecker.
Col. Hale, who applied TO for his statement OF the
facts refused 10 make any. remarking that his report
had made to the Treasury Department. and that he
had no right impart any information. He had been
making investigations since he had taken his posi-
ton and In OF his reports Mr. Lydeckers name had
been mentioned, in what way he refused TO state.
The Appraisers Department has been investigated by
Special Agent Abbott and 1t is not unlikely that there
will be extensive changes among the subordinate officers,
as there charges preferred against several The Gus
omhouse officials state that they have knowledge OF
result OF the Investigations IL apprehended how
ever that there will be number Of changes IN the Gus
tOm-house This apprehension strengthened by the
receipt of peremptOry order from the Treasury Depart
yesterday discharge employees on the first day
of next month. The employees named all In the Sur
veyOrs office. Ten VI them inspectors and 90 night
watchmen.