The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-08-16
TRIED TO SMBGGLE.
A GIsrIeal-Leoking PsTsOn ON the Steam
or Fusrst bismarck Had Many Gems
Hidden la Ills Clothing,

CieFicat-booAtHRA ffAoh oh iho nANA'h
or Fuerat bismarck Had Many Gems
Hidden la Ills Clothing.
NEW YORK, Aug. l5,-A case OF
smuggling was detected yesterday when
the Fuerst Bismarck arrived against a
man who looked anything but snug
gler, and the discovery astohlshed even
the customs officials, used as they are
to attempts OF this kind by persons in
all walks OF life.
One of the passengers was clad in
regulation clerical garb, including a
white necktie, hlgh-cut frociE coat, silk
hat, and black gloves. He carried an
overcoat on his arm. Detective Donohue
OF the customs department, was making
his regular tour OF inspection and acci-
dentally brushed up against the person.
lie felt something hard hulging from
one of the latters pockets and became
suspicious.
He called the clerical looking indlvid-
ual to one side and asked him what he
had In his pockets. "Oh, nothing" was
the reply. This answer did not satisfy
the detective and he invited the sus-
pected person into the private customs
office to be searched, Protests were in
vain, and realizing this,the man follow
ed meekly. once inside, Donohue be-
gan diving into the clerical pockets. OF
which there were several, and soon
brought 10 light an assortment OF jewell
ry, which made him stare In WONDER
ment. There were watches, rings, SOU
venlr spoons, diamonds, and precious
stones of every description, some loose,
others in cases and bags.
II then occurred TO Donohue that
gloves are not usually worn at this
time OF the year. and he carelessly lift
ed one OF the encased hands. Again he
was astonIshed, for there in each palm
was n pretty little watch The clerical
looking individual had not said word,
bur looked ruefully at the things OF
which he was deprived.
The detective went through the pas
senger's external clothing with the usu-
al thoruughness, and then asked him II
he had anything more. He held up his
hand and made oath to the fact that he
had nothing. Coming from a clerical
looking person, Detective Donohue sup
posed this was the truth, and was about
them into the office, when II occurred TO
him to carry the search further He Of
dered the clerical-looklng person TO re-
move his external clothing. There were
more protests, but the detective was OBJ
durate. The man disrobed, and the
third and last surprise was afforded the
detective. The underclothlng had
pockets, and those contained jewelry,
and that jewelry was dutiable, but not
declared, Notwithstanding certain oath
taken moment before.
At this point the clerical looking per-
son broke down. He began TO sob and
wiring his hands. Customs inspectors
and appraisers were called In, and they
estimated the value of the JewelrY at
considerably over $1,000. "All presents"
moaned he Of the clerical glFb. ''FIddle-
sticks!" replied the appraiser. Pres
ents are dutiable." More weeping and
walllng. The clerical-looling person
begged for mercy. please don't arrest
me-" he pleaded ~ am minister Of
the gospel, and n this ever leaks out
shall be ruined. know / did wrong, but
| am willing to pay the duty. nave
never done this before. and never viii
again. Just think, what will my congre-
Cation say?" And great tears rolled
down his cheeks.
A hasty consultation was held and II
was decided to let the man go II he
would pay the duty. Declaration papers
were made out and the matter was
supposed to be hushcd up. The man OF
the black garment was concerned lest
the press should get hold Of the matter
For Gods sakel" ne said: don't let
the reporters know OF this"
one reporter did learn about It. how.
ever. To him Detective Donohue said
last night: 81 gave that man my word
OF honor that would not disclose his
name. He IL n western man, and has nl-
ready left town. The story as you have
II is true. but must say nothing more,
as promised / would not. ! shall not
dlyuIgc the mans name under any con-
and he hastily excused
himself