Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-05
MANY MORE ; ARRESTS
Expected ia Connection With
the Smuggling Cases.
ISLAND OF PORTO RICO
CONSERVATION AIKEN TO PANIC
IN HIGH SOCIAL CIRCLES.
Caused by Information That United
States Treasury Department De-
clines to Accept Compromise.


SAN JUAN. P. R.. February /, 1903
There Is CONSERVATION akin to panic in the
high social circles of San Juan over the re-
ceipt of news from Washington that the
United States Treasury Department has de-
clined to accept any proposition of compro-
mise from the persons charged with Snug
Cling goods into Porto Rico from st Thomas,
and that the Secretary of the Treasury has
announced. after conference with the Presi-
dent and other members Of the cabinet,
that he desires that all persons whose
names were brought out in the preliminary
hearings before the federal court as being
connected in any way with the illicit trade
be prosecuted.
At the naval station and at the army bar
frequently cursed because he did not try to
effect a compromise before publicity was
permitted The threat is freely made that
sufficient influence will be brought to bear
at Washington to secure his dismissal for
over-zealous conduct. The business men Of
San Juan, however. and many other sub
stantial citizens applaud Collector Cruzsn
and the decision Of the Treasury Depart
ment.
The collector shows not the slightest In
dication Of swerving from the line of duty,
and says that he will follow strictly fur
scandal is already the worst since the
American occupation of Porto Rico, and
there is no telling what a thorough prob
ing will bring to light. The tug Uncas, the
light house tender LAUREL the Mayhower
and other vessels are involved.
Moral Influenced Would Be Bad.
Disinterested Americans are unanimous
in declaring that the moral effect Of show
ing undue leniency where guilt is proved
would be very bad, no mercy having been
extended to native smugglers The native
liquor merchants Of San Juan who have
suffered heavy loss Of trade by imports Of
eontrabahd goods are also clamorous for q
strict administering Of justice. The local
press. the native and American, unites in
urging that no distinctions be made and
calls upon Collector oruzen. Commissioner
Anderson and District Attorney Pettingill
to do their full duty.
There is well-founded rumor that the
government recently SECURED some very
strong evidence by sendfhg to st. Thomas
a customs official, dressed On naval uni
bills of purchases made by a score Of army
and navy officers.
1t Is expected that not less than thirty ar
arrests all Of well-known persons, will be
made. The names involved in the cases
against Supervisor Butler. Capt. MONTE,
Robert Giles and Steward Brennan Of the
Country Club were: Capt Dunlap, COM
OIL Inc SdH Juan naval SldLlOn.
'the canteen" at the. Infantry barracks
MORO Castle; Capt. Crabbs, commandant
at San Geronimo; Capt Lowndes, Lieut..
Smith and Lieut.. Parks Of the marine corps
at the naval station here and the Country
Club. the swell social organization of San
Juan, which has a pretty. club house on the
ocean front at Santurco, fashionable sub
urb.
Buffers Resignation.
Benjamin F. Butler. formerly Of Boston,
and Capt George w. Montz. who Is in
charge Of the lighthouse service Of San
Juan. are out on their own recognizance,
Commissioner Anderson having waived
bondsmen. Mr. Butler, after he was held
for trial. offered Gov. Hunt his resignation
as supervisor Of elections and as one Of the
police commissioners Of Porto Rico. They
were promptly accepted, but in doing so
Gov. Hunt expressed confidence in Mr.. But
ler's Integrity, and intimated that he would
be reappointed after the trouble had blown
over. Mr.. Butler says he resigned to pre-
vent the governor from being embarrassed,
they being warm. personal friends.
1t would not be right says Mr.. Butler,
Ito sit In judgment on police officers while
am under criminal charges. The governor
would have been perfectly justified in ask
Ing for my resignation, and simply saved
him the trouble"
1t was generally believed that but for the