New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-27
THE GEMS UNDERVALUED.
MRS. DODGE'S JEWELRY APPRAISED AT
MORE THAN 100000.
NECKLACE FOUND FOR WHICH CUSTOMS
INSPECTORS WERE LOOKING-AN
EXAMINATION TO-DAY.


The Jewels and costumes belonging to Mrs.
Phyllis f.. Dodge. OF No. 10i West Eightieth-
st. which were seized by the Customs officials
when she arrived at this port on the st. Paul
on Saturday. were sent yesterday afternoon to
the Appraisers Stores to have their valuation
fixed by experts This step is necessary before
further proceedings can be taken The investi-
CATION made by the experts disclosed the fact
that the valuation made of the gems at the time
OF the seizure was very low indeed. and that
the jewels are really worth about 100000. The
pearl and diamond necklace. regarding which
Mrs Dodge is all eyed to have boosted while
abroad that she would bring II back with her
to America without the Customs officials know
ing of 1t. discovered among the gems by
Deputy Surveyor Daniel E. bowling.
The necklace which is made Of larse pearls
and has a gold pendant with pigeon-blood
ruby of great value In the centre Is sur
rounded by large diamonds. and is estimated
20 be worth $4,000 A black and white pearl
ring comes next In value. being appraised by
Mr.. Minded. the jewelry appraiser. at $4,000.
What is technically known in the jewery trade
as dog collar" which Mrs. Dodge carried In
her handbag when It taken from her on
the pier is valued at $1,000
Some smaller pieces apparently made
in this country. and at the examination, to he
held this afternoon at . o'clock at the APP
praisers' Stores will doubtless he restored TO
Mrs. Dodge. who has engaged the firm Of Hoad-
ly Lauterbach Johnson to look after her
legal rights In the seized property.
At this hearing a special Treasury Agent
named Theobold will most likely be called upon
to tell what he learned about Mrs Dodge and
her purchases I'm the jewelry stores Of Paris
where he met her recently Government de-
tectives yesterday questioned the bedroom
steward on the St Paul in the hope If finding
the champagne basket which thrown over
board the steamship slip and which is said
to contain the original paper boxes in which
Mrs Dodge bought the jewelry The steward
declined to give the desired information. Two
Of the box covers found in the stateroom vaca-
ted by Mrs. Dodge can he produced. however
No examination has as yet been made of the
contents Of Mrs. Dodge's trunks II is possible
that the value If the dresses and laces In the
trunks when appraised. will exceed the $4,000
valuation placed on them last Saturday
Surveyor Croft said yesterday that no action
would be taken in the case until the report from
the Appraisers Stores ives received. AS TO
what will be done then Dudley Phelps, the
head Of the Law Department. said that. if con-
fisCatiOn decided on, the case would have
to go to the United States District Court.
jury would then he impanelled 70 decide on the
evidence whether the goods should be released
or confiscated
Whether there to be criminal proceed
ings." Mr.. Phelps added, will depend entirely
on the suficiency Of evidence in our possession.
The has not come to me yet. therefore |
cannot say II there grounds for a criminal
prosecution"
1t is not thought however, that enough evil
dence will be adduced to warrant prosecuting
Mrs. Dodge But in Of her falling to pay
duties amounting. 1t is estimated, TO about
10000 her property Will undoubtedly be con-
fiscated.
In talk yesterday Mrs. Dodge declared that
the whole affair mistake. and inspired by
malice on the part of whose motive she
would explain at the proper time.
II am awaiting a summons" she said, ITO
appear at the Custom House, and once there 1t
will be easily proven by different modistes. and
through jewelry boxes. bearing names of New
York houses. that all were purchased by me in
this city prior to my departure for Europe in
the spring. A drygoods firm Of Sixth-ave. and a
tailor OF Thirty-first st. will testify that the
goods seized, though bearing names Of Paris
firms were bought in this city from them"
II was not definitely determined yesterday
who was the man calling himself WOrmser who
met Mrs Dodge at the pier Saturday.
Tribune reporter who called several times yes
terday at the Wormser banking office. No. IL
Broad-st., was unable to see any member Of the
firm.