New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-03-31
RUMoRS ABOUT ERHARDT AND COOPER
AN UrHEAvAL IN THE CUSTOM HOUSE AND
APPRAIsER,S OFICE NOT LIKELY.

APPRAISERS OFFICE NOT LIKELY.
Washington. March 80 CSpeciaD.-The Treasury
Department officials disposed to smile to-day at
the extravaganza OF the statements made in New
York newspaper this morning about promised up
heava i'm the New NOrk Custom House and Appraisers
stores as n result Of the investigation now being
carried on by the Hepburn Commission. 1t was CON
fdenty announced that Secretary Foster had decided
to remove both Collector Erhardt and Appraiser
Cooper, and to make a clean sweep In practically inc
whole Of the customs service in NewlOrk. Inc
basis Of this sensational fabric, it said at the
Treasury Department, the simple fact that an
Investigation Of the business methods employed in the
Custom House and the Appraisers Stores has been III
progress for weeks. and that Solicitor Hepburn
who has taken the leading part in the examination,
hopes to present report upon the service In New
York some time before the end Of April. Up TO TINS
date no summary OF the results Of the inquiry has
been made to the Secretary, and, Mr.. Foster said
to-day, he has not determined on anything, because
the subject matter has not yet been brought officially
to his attention. What lie will do can only be de-
cided when lie learns the conclusions reached
by the investigating commission. Mr.. Hepburn's re-
port is not likely to be finished for three weeks. The
solicitor il is understood returned to New DIRK THIS
afternoon TO enter upon the final IabOs of the inquiry
II can be safely said however, that there will DE
revolutionary changes in the Customs service in New
York for time to come There IS little
doubt. however that serious complaints have been
made against some OF the minor officials at tie Ap
praiser's Stores, and here would he greatly
surprised il the Hepburn report cast censare Oh bnS-
ness methods prevailing in that branch OF the service.
II is not improbable also that some OF the 0fhclab
planned OF may be removed. No charges, how
ever have been brought which reflect directly
upon Appraiser Cooper, whose capacity and zeal
are not questioned Mr. Cooper, it is under
stood, has had for some time the desire 10 abandon
his present difficult and Onerous post for the more
cOngenia labOrs OF the diplomatic service and ii IS not
unlikely that lie may be transferred from the Treas
ury department list TO that OF the State Department.
il favorable opportunity is offered But the trans
fer II made Will not be due TO the pending investiga
ton. but to Mr.. COoper'S personal preferences. The
investigation was started for the purpose Of suggest
ing TO the Department here any possible methods Of
improving the Customs service, and secretary Foster
hopes that 1t may result, one way another, In a
more prompt, thorough and efficient execution Oh the
Customs laws.
Collector Erhard declined 10 discuss the matter yes
etday. lie said that he did not to talk for pub
LEGATION about such stories. Appraiser Cooper e.
pressed surprise at the report and said tina, he could
not understand the object If such attack upon him
He was administering the duties of his Office ably
and as honestly as he knew how, but he would not
care to hold his position II he was not wanted there.
IL was the opinion OF ell-pOSted Republicans yeset-
day that the Appraiser might resign his Office In
a more COngenia place should be- offered 10 him. Mr..
Cooper, however, has often said that lie would
abandon his post in the face Of fire.