The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-06


These goods were also smuggled.
An examination was held yesterday
afternoon before Collector Magone, Dep
uty Collector Charles p McClelland and
Special Treasury Agent Simmons. Roulez,
the New York agent of Alard 4 Sons, was
present, as well as Blossaire, the inform
ant. Roulez made full confession and
said that he was cogniZant OF the dishon-
est transactions and the smuggling OF the
firm. He admitted that BlOssaire was
present, as we'll as young Fern and Allard,
a member of the firm who was in this
country at the time when the Vanderbilt
picture was unpacked and framed in Feb
ruary last. lie also acknowledged send
ing Blossaire to deliver the same to Mr..
Vanderbilt. He made further admis-
sion that the goods brought over by his
wife as household effects in 1887, were not
his property, and that all the articles al
legged In the complaint 70 have been
smuggled, were smuggled, Both his dec
laration and that OF the informant Bios
saire, were then sworn TO by them.
The ofIenscs enumerated in this story,
besides many others on the complaint, ex-
tend back only TO the year 1885. but the
custom authorities are gathering now evil
denee every day TO show that the firm has
been engaged in smuggling ever since
they established their house here, seven
years ago.
Tho custom authorities DO not hold any
OF the persons who have smuggled goods
in their possession culpable, although they
will probably have TO pay the duties or
have the goods seized.
So far as is known the Government has
been swindled out OF more than $3.50 900
by the firm, rs the unpaid duties range
! from so per cent 10 30 per cent. ad valo-
rem. What the total SUN will be when
the investigation Is complete remains TO be
seen. The fact that Allard 4 Sons number
among their patrons some OF the most Sc
lect and wealthy families in the United
States will probably increase the sum up TO
81 100000. No arrests have been made in
the case, because all Of the Allards are out
Of reach, being in France. Whether they
can be extradited aud punished is ques-
ton on which the Government officials
will express no opinion. Their representa-
| tive in this city, Paul Roulez, can be pun
ished, however. and II is only by the Glenn
ency of the Treasury Department that he
is not behind the bars. Tho fact that he
has practically turned states evidence, II
is supposed, will save him from States
prison.
More interesting disclosures in the mat
ter are expected today.
The smuggling operations OF Allard d
Sons, OF Paris and New York, was the
main topic OF conversation today at the
Office OF the Special Treasury Agent in the
custom-house. The hitherto high stand
ing OF this house and the prominent social
and financial standing Of its customers
added interest in the case. The Office Of
the firm was open rs usual today for the
transaction of business, and Paul Roulez,
the agent Of the firm, who was before Col
lecior Magonc yesterday, was in charge.
Special Treasury Agent Simmons, who
unearthed the swindle, " OF the opinion
that the evidence that the firm smuggled
| hundreds Of Thousands OF dollars worth
OF dutable goods into this country, in the
seats OF antique chairs and quaint mirrors.
| is conclusive.
II is not expected that snything further
will be done in the matter until Secretary
Window Is heard from. The facts in the
case were embodied in a report sent 10
Washington last night No arrests have
yet been made.
A reporter called ut the warcrooms Of
| Allard & sons this morning and w. III.
Secor counsel for the Allarls, and Mr..
| Roulez, the agent, said: "Ihis whole af-
| fair IL an outrage ON most respectable
| firm, and the result will show that the
| Allard's are innocent Of any attempt 10 do
| fraud the Government. II IL the work Of
discharged employo, who has taken adj
vantage oi the fact that nll the members Of
the firm are absent in Paris preparing for
the coming exhibition "They were
aware that Il was coming" continued Mr..
Secor, ''and two weeks ago called Mr.
Roulez 30 consult with me In rgard 10 H.
They were put ON their guard by letter
received from Blossairc, the discharged
agent, tho instgator OF the present pro-
ceeding and this letter will form an i'm.
portan. part Of the defense offered by my
clients My clients arc prepared 10 furnish
bonds 10 any amount 20 secure the Goy-
ernment for the alleged duties Of which Il
is said 10 have been deimudod."
Collector Magone, when asked by a
reporter II there was any new develop.
ments today, said; III baye not yet heard
Of any. What We want now Is the money
OF which the Government ia dcinudcd." "
"ls IL true that Rouer, the present rep.
rcsentaiiyo OF Allard n Sons, had admitted
tlc smuggling"
"lle has admitted tha, there was SNUG.
Cling. In fact, he stated that he had
stuffed some OF the imported chairs with
costly goods. on which no duty WIS paid. "
"Did hc admit this ~ Siaics-cyidcnce,
30 that lac could no, be puniahodg'
Ono, sir. IIc simply stated what hC
know about the smuggling"
MiIiiners Interested "a Customs Cases
CucAGo, April 5.-Tho millnen al
over the United States are deeply inter
ested In a number Of customs caseI now on
trial In the United States District Court In
this city. They are what arc known IA the
chat trimmings" cases. The point at issue
is this The tariff schedule provides thai
imported hat trimmings shall pay duty
Of 20 per cent Millinery. houses import
large quantities OF silks, Yelyets and othcl
goods which may be- used for hat trim
mings, and they claim that under the tar
IN schedule they should only bo taxed
20 per cent. on them. on the other hand
these same goods, when imported In the
ordinary way by dry goods men, are mad,
30 bear duty OF from ~ 10 30 per cent
under other provisions o. the tariff schc
dulc. Collectors Of customs all over the
country have refused 10 hcccdc to tho dc
mands OF the milliners, and th,
result Is that suits have been brought
against them In various parts o
, the country, claiming rebates 10 th'
amount Of hundreds OF thousands OF dol
lars. The cases now on Trial are IN th'
! nature Of test cases and VII determine, u
good extent, the nr'iOn in all Oi th'
others. A millincrs' con. .gnaiion has beef