Evening journal., 1909-05-22
FRAUDS IN
THE CUSTOMS
Governments Investigation
May Result in Astounding
Disclosures
SECRET SERVICE MEN
WORKING ON THE CASE

By United Press Leased snecial Wire.
WASHINGTON, May 22.-The Federal
governments investigation into the New
York customs frauds threatens disclosures
more astounding than those recently un-
oarthed in the false Weighing of sugar, for
the benefit Of the Sugar Trust.
If the fears of Treasury Department
officials are realized, there will be dis
closed the existence Of a conspiracy Of
many years standing, and of such magni-
tude as may involve not only customs in
spectors but several big importers. a
transportation company, and some men
"higher up in the New York customs
service.
The detective force which has been em-
ployed on these cases, has now been sup
plemented by secret service men, and,
working together they have secured a
strong lead on the following abuses:
Under valuation Of imports.
Collusion between transportation line
employees. and inspectors.
Bribery of inspectors by importers.
Frauds in Weighing.
Acceptance by customs officials Of en-
tertainment. and presents from importers
Although Franklin MaceVagh, Secretary
of the Treasury, is not in a position to
commit himself as to the progress Of the
investigation. he makes it perfectly clear
that he is heart and soul with the move.
ment for a complete eradication of the
corruption alleged to exist in the New
York Customs service.
1T is not that am more interested ir
good, honest. administration in New Yorl
than elsewhere" he explained to-day
but because Of the disclosures that have
been made there, and my personal knowl
edge. after a visit that certain changes
in the methods of doing business. sheul'
be given prompt attention"
The secretary says that he did not as
sumo charge of the Treasury Department
with the intention of instituting any par
tcular reforms. but conditions have dem
onstrated the necessity for them, especial
ly in the metropolis.
He stated with emphasis that he intend
10 go to the bottom. Disclose vfha it may
lead where it may, and touch whom
may there is to be no abatement OF tn
Investigation, until every abuse is wipe
out and the guilty punished
The secretary is inclined to believe tha
reports of powerful political influence be
ing exerted in the New York Custor
House to prevent thorough inquiry, hav
been exaggerated
mo one has spoken to me about thi
case" he remarked. But that may b
due TO my having announced that ther
would be no use in the attempt bein
made to interfere with the work which
have ordered and which Collector Ioe
Is executing with marked ability"
A number of arrests have been made q
persons charged with false Weighing. an
evasion Of customs duties, but It is hinte
that action affecting more influential ir
terests may be taken before long.
The acceptance of entertainment. an
presents by inspectors and other Official
from large importers promises sensations
disclosures. The evidence already at han
warrants the belief in some quarters, {
closer relations between the giver and I'll
recipient.
The government cannot understand no
II is possible for the evasions of custom
duties by the use Of Sleeper Trunks" I
be accomplished unless there IS collusio
between responsible employees Of II
steamship lines, and the inspectors It
stated that this branch of the inquiry
receiving particular attention.