New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-15
ACCUSING APPRAISER McMULLEN.

Appraiser McMullen Will uuu tude paw Va O"'
Washington correspondence this morning
which is dev oted to the report Of Special Agent
w. H. Osborn well worth an attentive reading
Colonel Osborn, as Mr.. McMullen is doubtless
aware, is man of high character and OF much
technical knowledge in the cutlery trade. lie
has been engaged for more than year In one
of those careful Investigations, set on foot by
Secretary Manning s:predecessors and adopted
as a part of the present policy, into alleged
frauds upon the revenue His work was con-
fined to the cutlery trade. He spent several
months abroad, studying the methods by which
importers here succeeded in having their pur-
chases undervalued and wrOngfully CLASSIFIED.
He sent number of reports to the Department
lodging information against importing houses.
Then he returned to America and continued his
inquiry here.
Asa result of about eighteen months of care
full work, Colonel Osborn submits final report
in which he presents serious charges against
Appraiser McMul,en. He declares that MIR.
McMullen has done everything in his power to
impede and embarrass the inquiry that he has
appointed grossly incompetent aud unfit exam
liners and assistant appraisers that he has ig-
nored and refused to consider specific charges
of fraudulent invoices made against certain
houses; that he, himself, while examiner passed
goods wrongfully classified; that he has recon-
mended as merchant appraisers persons con-
nected with firms which were charged with rev.
enue irregularities. and that the only firms
which are to-day successful in the preparation
of such acts are those that are y the close and
intimate friends of the Appraiser"
This Is a startling presentment 1t is not
common gossip 1t is not the allegation of angry
merchants. 1t is the statement of q Govern
ment official made deliberately after long
and arduous investigation. 1t is backed up by
specifications and exhibits which give it an
ugly look, and 80 much Importance is lent to
the information lodged by Colonel Osborn that
several of the cases he presents now in the
hands of the District Attorney. 1t relates to
but one part of all the great tide of trade which
pours through this port. In his supplemental
report published yesterday, Secretary Manning
shows that out of total revenue from customs
exceeding 100000, 900 last year. more than
$3.50, 100000 was collected here. Colonel o.
born figures up that as result of his report
not less than 100000 was collected last year
IN the cutlery trade that otherwise would have
been lost This estimate is materially support
ed by the official figures Of the Bureau of Sta
tistjcs, which show that whereas the impOrta
tions of cutlery were less in quantity by over
% 900 dozens in the year ending June 80.
1886. than in the previous year, yet their total
value was $241 1923 in excess of the total value
of the previous years importatiOns.
What is Secretary Manning going to do about
this business What has Appraiser McMullen
to say about it 2 Certainly. if half Of what this
special agent alleges against him is true, he
cannot remain at the head of the important
Office which he now controls. Coming from
such source, these charges cannot be over
| looked. Losses to the revenues not the
most serious results OF these evils, by any
means. Within the last six months three Amer
lean cutlery manufactures have shut down,
driven out of business by the competition which
differentiation permits. The great purpose
CT our protective laws Is nulhfed. The investi-
cations set OH foot by Mr. Manning's predeces-
sors, of which Colonel Osborn's is part, have
shown plainly that legislation of radical kind
is necessary before the evils of the present
method of appraisement and re-appraisement
are remedied. The Investigation Of Special
Agent A. K Tinee increased the revenues from
silk impOrtatioDs $6OOO a year, while that
of Colonel Tichnor must have increased them
at least million more.
Secretary Manning has offered some sugges-
tons on this point, but he does not go far
enough. His recommendation that the whole
system of merchant appraisers be abolished is
wise, but he will not cure the frauds by IL erely
changing the method of -appraisement. The
worst evils occur when invoices are first exam
;ned and passed. The heart of the cancer is
there, and it must be cut out Senator Aldrich
has shown that he fully appreciates the stua
ton. The disclosures of Colonel Osborn fortify
| his hands. His bill merits an early considera-
ton from the Senate and cannot too soon be-
| come law.