New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-05-11
COSTLY COSTUMES SEIZED.
DO THEY BELONG TO THE BALLET DANCERS
THEY WERE MADE IN LONDON FOR THE MADI.
son SQUARE THEATRE COMPANY, AND
THE CUSTOMS OFFICIALS ASSERT THAT
THEY WE'RE SMIrGGLED
THEY WE'RE sMUGGLED.

THEY WE'RE SMUtNrlSED
Charles s. Wilbur, chief of the special agents OF
the Treasury Department at the Custom House. made
a clever capture yesterday OF ballet costumes,
which he alleges were smugged into this port. The
costumes were imported here a week ago on the
steamer Lain the personal effects Of thirty or forty
ballet dancers who here to dance at the Madl-
son square Garden The way in which the alleged
smuggling was contrived is an interesting story, be-
cause 1t throws light methods Of some theatrical
agents on whom Mr.. Wilbur has had his watchful eye
for some time. several weeks ago Mr.. Wilbur re-
ceived word from Europe that these ballet girls had
been booked to sail from southampton with large
number Of valuable costumes which did not belong
to them. The garments, it appears, we're
made In London at the order Of an
agent Of the Madison square Garden Com
pany The costumes made of costly material
and of elaborate, striking and original design. They
cost go and the added duty 50 per cent, brought
their entire value to $1,000.
Now it is alleged that the author Of the smuggling
scheme asked each girl in the ballet to take trunk
containing costumes and at this port that
the articles in the trunk wicker basket that came
In her name were her personal effects. TO each girl
the agent gave key TO her trunk. The programme
was carried out, and the costumes were landed hero
and carried to No. i5D West Twenty .lirstst.
Yesterday Mr. Wilbur sent Inspectors Cummings,
Hussey Finley and kerrIgan to this place, where they
found the gay articles OF apparel in one roon There
Was also woman there engaged in fitting the costume,
for the girls who had that they owned the fancy
dresses. The goods seized and carried to the
Custom House. Mr.. Wilbur will send report in the
case to secretary Window, who will decide whether
the costumes shall be conlscated, released on
payment Of fine equal TO the duty or I'M
pose fine and other punishment on
those responsible for the alleged attempt to evade
customs duties.
Mr.. Wilbur said that he did not feel willing TO dis
close the name Of the man whom he accused Of snug
Cling the costumes. But he would say that he had
made his seizure after most complete investigation,
backed by adavlts from responsible and trustworthy
people. alt is well understood however, said he,
that the Madison square Garden Company alb
sOlutcy Ignorant Of this affair. and would not sanction
such proceeding for moment. They know the
punish him. | will say too, that mplants have been
made about this kind Of smuggling and that
taking steps 10 stop II. American manufacturers Of
ballet costumes have told me that their business has
been injured By these fellows. much that they
would have to 20 Of business engage trained
corps Of ballet girls 10 spirit contraband goods into
the country. We intend 10 stop It, This seizure is
"A notice to that effect
+. Henry French. manager Of the Madison square
Theatre Company. could not be found last evening.
one II his associates, however. said that Mr.. French
surprised az the seizure Of the costumes by the
Custom House officers but ne felt certain that they
would be returned 10 the owners after the had
been thoroughly investigated. There is doubt
he continued, about their ownership. The
tune, made in London for the dancers and they
expect TO use them in the performances in this city,