The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-01-04
Tricks Of Smugglers.

"We do not examine many innocent
people, although occasionally mistake Is
made" said New York custom-housG
officer to World reporter. ] have had
seven women examined this week, and
every one of them had struggled goods
concealed on their person. A woman who
was caught week or so ago had $4,000
worth of stuff about her. How did we
come to suspect herr Why, you see, her
movements were suspicious to say the
least. She stepped on the gang-plank
with large bundle in her hand and
heavy cloak over her arm. Half way
down she was met by woman to whom
she handed the things All this might,
perhaps, have been done without attract
ing the attention of the officers had it not
been for certain nervousness displayed.
She was requested to step into room, and
Mrs F., the inspectress, was called in
and asked to examine her
eyes" remarked that talented lady,
"and you have no idea of the amount OF
goods took from her. In the first place
! found the lining Of the cloak had been
removed and between it and the outside
were sewed row after row of the most ex-
quisite lace. 1t was marked 1870 francs
per yard. Next found concealed in her
ample bosom lace shawl, several yards of
lace and some fancy trimming. She had
basted on an undcrgarment more lace, but
you should have seen her petticoat. It was
marvellous construction. Pieces of rich
silk were folded into twice the proper
length and passed over heavy cord which
encircled her waist. There were several
pieces of silk put on in this fashion, the
edges being tackled together, and more lace
was sewed on this. She made great fuss
about being examined; said it was outra-
geous that her person should be so violated.
Pretty smugglers always DO this it they
have anything on them.
"This making the goods into skirt
is favorite way of disposing of them.
Diamonds and different articles of jew
elry are easier to conceal. A woman
and her nurse and child were sent in to
me once. 1t was thought that their fig
ures were too well rounded-and, indeed,
the bodices of their dresses fell in some
what looser folds after l had taken sew.
eral watches, with chains, pins and brace.
lets, from each of them"
'Did you hear of that very funny case
we had" asked another of the officers
'where the man had lot of diamond.
so cunningly hidden9 l have forgotten
| Just how it was we came to suspect
him, but 1 imagine it was because The
gentleman was so remarkable straight
At all events, we had him searched an6
on his back, right next to his skin, and
held on by porous plaster, we foun6
the stones. Another ingenious gentle
man had diamonds sewn into his live
pad"
''Do you find women more clever a
smuggling than men9" asked the reporter
''Well, yes, believe they are; bu
some of the men are pretty sharp. TIL,
favorite dodge with the women is to sew
lace on their soiled linen or to roll it VI
in it. The Innings of their cloaks is an
other hiding place. We found woman
the other day who had on no less thai
four wraps with the edges so neatly sewet
together that the imposition was by nj
means easy to detect. The French womei
are the smartest, believe, Many of then
make their living by getting goods through
the custom-house. They seem to know
exactly what to do, and | am convinced
they are instructed before leaving home.