The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-25
0Vercharged Immigrants and
Lost His Money Changing Job
At TIMES GOT FANCY PRICES
Had The Contract for Thlrb.ihrss Years,
and Nov He Is Rich and
Satisfied

New York. June 25.-Francis j. Scully,
who for 80 years has had the privilege OF
exchanging the money of the immigrants
on Ellis Island. was dismissed yesterday
BY Secretary of the Treasury l.. NJ. Shaw
At the request of immigration Commits
sioner William williams.
In letter to Secretary Shaw, dated
June is, Commissioner Williams accuses
Scully Of having made practice OF
charging immigrants exorbitant rates for
exchanging their money into American
currency. He declared that a man who
would use a government contract In that
way deserved only contempt.
Commissioner Williams said yesterday
that he would have requested Scullys
removal some time ago. had there been
any one to take his place. scully's con-
tract expires on the last day OF this
month. Post & Flagg. who received the
contract few days ago, will take charge
Of the exchange counter at once.
Commissioner Williams I'm his letter 10
the secretary OF the treasury said:
1T will be noted that Mr.. Scully agreed
TO exchange foreign money at the rates
current in reputable houses in New York
city. except that he may charge I'm the
cases OF gold sovereigns and marks one
half per cent in excess OF the rate, and
In the case OF paper money one per cent.
Furthermore he Is required to post the
current rates from day TO day, and also
TO give to each immigrant who exchanges
money a written statement of the trans
aStion.
CALLED FOR INVESTIGATION.
v
Irregularities In the conduct OF this privi-
lege. but was unable TO institute an In
vestigation until June IA last. On that
day summoned Mr.. Scully TO my office
and an interview took place of which I
inclose you n stenographic copy taken in
the presence OF other officials"
In the interview referred TO Scully ad-
mitted that he had given immigrants only
lSlA cents per lire when houses In New
York were paying 19 cents.
Are you willing TO show the average
profit or all the money you have sold
from this island during the last week7"
he was asked.
''If am in position TO get a fancy
price for some Of the money, that is
my business" he answered
DO you consider IL a fancy price II
anybody I'm New York is willing 10 give
you for any amount OF Italian lire that
can be produced 10 cents per lire7'
NOT unQer those circumstances.
lie admitted that ne seldom changed his
rate of exchange and neglected to fur
nish the commissioners with n copy OF his
transactions each day. as is provided
In the contract.
HOW AN IMMIGRANT LOST.
mot long ago." says the curious re-
port. "a German immigrant returned TO
Ellis Island and showed me sH in coin,
rb ha rad ha hah al
Mr.. Sculy In exchange for 200 marks.
He should have received $40. I summoned
Mr.. Scully and my counsel, Mr.. Van En-
gen, and we questioned the immigrant.
1t was the opinion of Mr. Van Ingen and
myself that he was telling the truth, and
Mr.. Scully promptly paid him the differ
ence. The most favorable aspect of the
transaction shows almost criminal care
lessness In Mr.. Sculy's method of trans
acting business.
THE above facts constitute a pitiful
exhibition Of Mr.. Scully's conception as
to how a government contract should be
performed. One can only have contempt
for n man who will unJustly enrich him
self at the expense OF the ignorant and
helpless immigrants who come here"
sCULLY is RICH AND SATISFIED.
Mr. scully was seen at Ellis Island
Just after he had received the letter OF
Secretary shaw He said:
We'll / am satisfied. / shall not starve
for I have made money enough to live
on have been at this place for 33 years,
and never before has my honesty and
method OF transacting business been dis
credited. nave always tried TO conduct
the office I'm an honorable way
- For q years scully and an uncle had
the money exchange contract for Ellis
Island. Six years ago II was awarded
10 Sculiy. and he has had 1t ever since
Tie Is rich.