New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-09-25
NATIONAL CAPITAL TOPICS.
THE BRIBING OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS.


Mr.. MANNING DETERMINED THAT 1T SHALL CEAsA
"A LETTER TO Nh. DoRsHEIMER
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24-The Secretary Of
the Treasury to-day sent letter to DistricAttOrney
Dorshemer, at NewYork, in regard to the examination
OF passengers baggage. He says in part
In March last and Immediately taking charge Of
the Department directed the attention Of the Collector
at the Port OF NewYOrk to what had reason 10 think
very defective and very scandalous condition Of
affairs respecting the examination ofthe baggage of
irving passengers and the criminal payment OF money
TO inspectors Of customs by such passengers have
to feel that the deplorable condition
then and for long time existing has not yet been
thoroughly reformed. although there has been. hope
somewhat of Improvement. wish the utmost energy
and vigilance used prevent the scandal OF money pay
ments by passengers to customs inspectors. am told
that inspectors demand such pay in way to make
the demand not much less than baekma, and that the
paid ranged high, In sOmes Instances, 500 or
more dollars, while the payment OF So or $40 is com.
and general fact am you will agree wiCh me-
that scandal and such violation Of law should
stopped it cannot be arrested in any other way the
department will considerable necessity OF tsendng the
luggage OF passengers to the appraisers stores be
amiDed like merchandise regularly imported and en-.
tered. These gifts OF money cannot be
without the guilty cooperation of those
who are not cu0tOms officers, who are among
most lawrespectng citizens and who really
tempters No merchant corporation would permit It's
passenger be permitted pay money to "A GUS
toms officer who examines his luggage any than
can a regular importer be permitted 10 up an APP
praser The transaction T. suspicious its face aud
quite indetensibe and into!erable in every point Of
have alluded to this condition of affairs in New.
York order TO ask your aid and cooperation as the
chief Federal law officer at that port In putting end
IT, believe that the existing Federal criminal law Is
adequate to bring about the arrest and imprisonment OF
the guilty, whether passengers customs officials II the
law sha bs fonnd Sy Won to he 1adeanate snail be
lad In rppp an ear
meanwhile, desire and hope that Will so far
II may be within your sphere OF official influence and
control take efficient steps the and pun
tshmen crimnaly OF any and every passenger without
regard TO social or political Influence Who pays or oers
tO pay. OF any customs official who receives, any
money thing OF value in connection with the customs
examination under the statute OF arriving luggage"
TREASURER JOR DAMS COIN TRANSPORTS
WASHNGToN, Sept. 23.-Secretary Manning
and Treasurer Jordan have Informed the Adams Express
Company that hereafter the transportation of gold and
silver coin will be done by that company in accordance
with the entered into By Secretary sherman II
would that the Treasury Departments attempt 70
utilize the vessels OF the Navy coin transports has not
proved THAI 1t Is more economical than the method de-
vised by former Administrations; hence the great
trumpet blast OF few weeks that another measure
OF reform instituted by the Democratic Admin"
lstration." simply put OF wind II was novel
freak OF economy" saysa Government Official, which
induced Treasurer Jordan TO the Swataa and the
Yanlic 10 brins Sl500J.000 IN sill, er coin from New
Orleans Washington, auI it will prove expensive
the public will probably DC made aware Of For
years IL been the cry OF the Democratic newspapers
and Democratic National. SateanI County Conventions
that the Navy composed OF lot OF worthless and
rotten vessels that IN fact there not vessel In ths
entire service that could be considered seawOrthy And
yet OF the tlil rate vessels Of this rotten navy
nave detailed for this important and hazardous
duty with the prOspect,n addition. OF suit for damaged
being brought against the Government by the Adams
Express company for violation of contract
1T is "a problem difficult OF solution To determine
where the saving by the Government is to come
in ny this novel procedure to nothing OF the great
risk Involved To transport its silver coin has been
tpe custom heretofore, would bavc cost 81 10 81 600
or 500 900 for the total SIS 900. and the express
company would have assumed the responsibility OF its
safe and prompt delivery, thus relieving tie Government
from any possiOleioss."