New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-05-14
WASHINGTON.
CUSTOM-HOUSE DISCOVERIES.
sIyFcUEEs AND GULARTTGEs-STATEMENTs by
MR.. ARTHUR AND MR. SHARPE WHICH DIFFERED.

sISFcCEEs AND Observation-Disclosures BY
Mr.. ARTHUR AND MR. SHARPE WHICH DIFFERED.
[uT TELEGRAPH TO rHs rRBrsE.l
WAsHINGTON. Nay 13.-Oficers in the Treasury
Department have lately received private reports in
regard TO the Custom-house investigation in New
York. When it opened Collector Arthur appeared
at the secret session aud presented long and care
fully prepared statement giving an exceedingly
rose-colorcd view Of everything connected with his
Office. As members of the commission attcrward
learned there was an apparent expectation among
the more prominent officials in the Custom-housc
that this clear and concise showing Of the healthy
condition of affairs wouldi virtually end the Whole
inquiry. When the commission made known its
purpose to summon subordinate officers and
poy6s of every grade there was much surprise and
anxiety.
The customs officers were also very strongly in
favor of having the inquiry continued with closed
doors and the CONSERVATION when they were or
dered to be opened was lily concealed. The first
result of the public session was a most serious en-
barrasgment to Collector Arthur and Surveyor
Sharpe. The latter had not heard the statement of
the former and it happened that Mr.. Sharpe's
public testimony fatty contIddicted many important
assertions made by Nh Arthur in the secret session
and the opinions Of tho two several subjects OF
considerable moment were exactly opposite At this
script of his testimony for correction and Mr. Sharpe
made the same request. Each is reported 10 have
been spending good deal of tine IN tins business of
correction without reaching wholly satisfactory re-
suits.
Immediately upon the beginning Of the public OK
aminatious Collector Arthur is reported to have at
tended in person, and his bearing toward the en-
ploy6s giving testimony at once began to excite the
suspicious Of the commissioners. subsequently 1t
became so apparent that the effect Of his presence
was to deter witnesses from telling all they knew,
that he was formally requested by the commissioners
TO absent himself Several eases have been discoy-
cred where threats have been made 10y certain in
tcre.ted persons to prevent witnesses summoned
from teetifyug to what they knew and other cases
have been found where Efforts were made to compel
men who had gwen damaging testimony to appear
and rctract
The abuses connected with Tequiri.G steamship
companies to pay inspectors large Sums for prompt
attendance TO their ordinary duties were brought to
tie attention Of the Collector but ne declared to
tie commission that he had never heard o. these
thing. before In spite Of this assertion it has been
discovered that these very abuses had been formally
reported to him by officers Of the customs service
One line had been accustomed 10 pay inspectors 800
and ease OF brandy each time cargo was unioadtd.
The wegheIs department and laborers' rolls have
been found rotten beyond any reports which have
reached the public. The names Of men who
carry on business in the upper part Of Ncw-lork
City and are not even known to the officials IN
charg. of Affairs M the Cus,om-house are ON these
rolls at - 800 year. Anoted political ward striker
and keeper Of a disrcputable house receives the
same annual sum for DONG nothing. 4 certain
lawyer holds prominent position and has also ono
OF his law clerks on the roll at $1,000 year. The
cour sion has come to place much confidence in
several Of the deputy collectors aud other suhord-
nate officers and these viii probably be named in its
recommendations for retention
1t is also already virtually decided to report sew
cral Of the principal officials either publicly or pr-
yatclv. for removal. The Collector has been very
anxious to be allowed TO Superintend and control
tbc reductions himself but it has been decided TO
pn tii, matter entirely in the hands of certain sub
aItcrn officers in whom the commission les great
confidence. As the investigation has proceeded the
commission has malc q memorandum OF every ease
in which Il has thought it best to recommend man
for removal either because OF his neciency, or be-
cause he holds sinccure position, or whore his ser
vices are not needed. The names of all these VIII
be- included in the formal report Of the commission.
The commission has received great number o, &C.
cu,ations. accompanied with proof, which have not
vet been made public, and much information rciat-
inc to important abuses has been obtained