The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-22
MIXED THE DRINKS
The Baldwin Wine Cellars
Seized.
OFFICERS ARE IN CHARGE.
However, Collector Quinn Looks Upon
the Case as a Matter of
Carelessness Only.

The Baldwin wine-cellars under the
Baldwin Hotel are in possession of the
United States Internal Revenue officials
while an investigation of charge of illegal
rectifying is in progress.
One week ago Collector Quinn received
word that work was being done under the
Baldwin Hotel which was decidedly con-
trary to law and worthy Of investigation.
Deputy Thompson was put on the case,
and upon his report the entire place was
taken possession of and 140 packages of
brandy seized.
Two months ago c. Mousehardt was put
In charge of the cellars, having come highly
recommended from his former employers as
man who thoroughly understood his bust
ness. M0usehardt proceeded to straighten
opt the cellar by making a mere compact
collection Of the miscellaneous liquors. He
concluded that as long as casks or barrels
had once been stamped it would do no harm
10 empty u two-thirdS used barrel into
another one which contained only quarter
OF barrel Of brandy and thus consolidate
his space.
The internal revenue laws distinctly pro-
hlblt any such action as that, unless the
party doing so works under rectifier's
license. The Baldwin wlne-cellar does not
hold such permit, hence the place became
subject to seizure.
Collector Quinn lOuks upon the matter as
more Of a case of carelessness upon the part
OF the management of the place than an
effort to do wrong. In speaking of the mat
ter last hight, he said Il learned Of the
rumor that Illegal reclifyiDg was being done
In The Baldwin wine-cellar last wsek, and
placed man on the case to look into the
facts. lie found that the German in charge
OF the cellar was dumping the 'heelings' of
one barrel into another, aud frequently
filling cask from two OF three partially
empty ones.
Now, under the law. that is rectifying
or mixing spirits. 1t was just the same as
though they had flied the barrels up with
water, as far as the intent of the law is con-
cerned. They could have done just as they
did had they taken out rectider's license
for 500 year. Thus far we have seized
140 cases of fifty-gallon lots. They have all
been stamped properly, and thus far we
found no evidence OF fraud.
The facts have been forwarded 10 Wash
iDgtoD, hut the investigation is still in pro-
gTess. The place will not be released until
| geG decision from headquarters, and
should we find any evidence of intent to de-
fraud the Government, arrests will follow.
II place the value of the plant at between
$4,000 and $4,000 No, they cannot take
out a reetlfer's license now until after the
department. has rendered Il decision. l am
permitting them to remove some OF IN e
stock in order 10 allow some alterations to
be made IN the basement, but the business
cannot go ahead until after the department
has acted"
Al the Baldwin Hotel every one pro-
fessed ignorance regarding any seizure,
Manager Warield claimed that there had
| been no possession taken, und that the
removal of a portion Of the stock was being
! made TO permit the enlargement of tie
| grOtto under the hotel.'
THE stock OF the wine cellar" be said,
was in such a condition that the presence
| OF an internal revenue officer was necessary
to supervise its removal. Mr.. Baldwin
proposes to spend $4,000 or $4,000 in flt-
| ting itup as gTotto in white marble. II will
be the largest and finest place of Its charac-
ter in the world.
In order 10 carry out these plans it was
| necessary to take a portion of the wine
cellar. The stock is being moved. and that
| is the only reason l know why an internal
revenue officer Is around"
Collector Qainn expects to hear from
Washington within the next few days, but
Intil then the dealing In liquors Will only
be done in the way of moving TO make way
for the marble gr0IlO