The evening times., 1898-11-18
SUSPECTED OF
SMUGGLING LACES
Arrest of the Purser of a
French Liner.
VALUABLE GOODS SEIZED
Paul PHILIPPE, of The Champagne,
Under Arrest.
Customs Officers Relieve That Many
try Duty Free on Dig Boats.

New York, Nov. lS.-In the arrest of
Paul PHILIPPE pursur of the steamship
Champagne, of the French Line, customs
house officials believe they made d cap
ture of Importance. For many months it
has been suspected that a band of SNUG
glers was working Systematically through
the leading transatlantic lines, and land
ing large quantities of valuable laces and
dress goods without paying duty. The
discovery last summer of the smuggling
of laces by officers of the Britannia, of
the White Star Line, followed, a few
days later, by descent of Government
agents upon the crew of the Majestic, OF
the same line, aroused suspicion as to
employees of other lines. Since then quiet.
but thorough, watch has been kept upon
the big liners.
The Champagne arrived from Havre on
Tuesday, and on Wednesday night Pur-
ser PHILIPPE was arrested by Deputy
Marshals Blake and McAviney, on war
rant issued by Commissioner Shields and
sworn TO by Special inspectors William
Hussey and 4. j Sullivan. The deputy
marshals took their prisoner before Cir
cult Judge Wallace, who was found at
the Metropolitan Club. Fifth Avenue and
Sixtieth Street, and Mr.. PHILIPPE was ad-
mitted to bail in $500 for appearance
next morning. Eugene Bocande and
Raphael r. Gown agent and counsel,
respectively. for the French Line. signed
his bond The bondsmen appeared with
Mr. PHILIPPE before Commissioner Shields
yesterday morning and Mr.. PhiIlipe's bail
was continued until December 10, when
his examination will be held.
What Special inspectors Hussey and
Sullivan discovered that led 10 the arrest
of Purser PHILIPPE was a package that
was not on the ships manifest. This
package was being placed in transfer
French line pier. The package was seiz-
ed, and found to contain cloak. two
child's dresses, and six pairs of stockings.
1t had been given by the pursur TO the
superintendent Of the French company's
pier, and the latter had turned it over 10
the baggage master. II was addressed to
Mr.. Lucchetti, No. I27 East Forty-sixth
Street"
From the manner of the Government
officials it is inferred that other arrests
were contemplated, although no warrants
were issued yesterday.
we may have suspicious" said Assist
ant District Attorney Bail, in reply TO my
question to whether it was suspected
that the offense alleged to have been com
mltttd Dy fuIssF fHfiIlpe was only one OF
a series, and if there had been systematic
collusion among steamship officers. IF
we have suspicious it will come out in
time" he added.
Mr.. Lucchetti, who Is the French consul
at st. Thomas, d. W. l.. and also the
agent of the French line there expressed
surprise when informed that Mr.. PHILIPPE
had been arrested charged with SNUG
CLING a package addressed 10 him.
II have known him as a pursur for sew
eral years" he said. But l have not
been expected any package
| Mr.. PHILIPPE has been in the employ OF
the French line for ten years. He says
| he is not guilty of smuggling. and pro-
! fesses as much ignorance regarding the
seized package as does Consul Lucchetti.