New-York tribune., 1909-05-05
SMUGGLING ARRESTS
ONE WOMl4N 1ND THREE
MEN NOW ACCUSED.
SAID to Hare Conspired to Secure
Free admission of Goods Talued
at S15, 900 IN 1901.

After an investigation of nearly two years
three arrests for smuggling were made yester-
dav bv United States deputy marshals The
prisoners we're Mr.. ard Mrs. William H kilgan-
non. Of No. 335 West 51st street. and George C.
White a dealer in dressmakers' supplies at 4Jth
street and Fifth avenue. The conspiracy charge
was based on alleged attempt to smuggie
three trunks containing dress goods and trim
mings valued at $1,000 into this port on Sep
tember = 1901 from the French liner La Savole'
with the assistance of Lorne 3. Walker.
Walker who had been out on parole on an IN
dictment found in March, was arraigned with
the KiIgannons and White yesterday
The four persons under arrest were taken be
fore Judge Hough in the morning Walker
pleaded guilty and remanded to the Tombs
Mr. and Mrs KiIgannon and White pleaded not
guilty and bail in each case was fixed at $1,000.
Mr. and Mrs. Kigannon were released on cash
bail but White was taken to the Tombs as he
was unable to obtain bail. The hearing will be
held May l..
White and Kilgannon partners at one
time and engaged i'm the importation of silks
Mrs kilgannOn, whose given name is Elizabeth.
was engaged in business as a modiste under the
name of Nine Loran Walker was a substitute
customs inspector several years ago. when he
learned the methods employed on the piers in in
specting baggage.
1t was said yesterday that the arrests had
nothing to do with the seizure of five trunks
about three weeks ago containing S52,0D
worth of gowns and trimmings and to be sold
this month. No one mas claimed the goods, and
as the time expired yesterday morning Marshal
Henkel will apply to-day for order of sale.
Then five DAYS must eIapse before the goods
are offered at auction.
The federal authorities believe that they have
killed smuggling in this port for the present. 50
far as the dress goods and dressmaking indus
trv are concerned. The beginning of the end
occurred when Austin r Montanye was I'M
prisoned for four months. 1t was not. how
ever until Inspector Burke of the Customs De
partment was suspended that progress began to
be made in the matter.
Burke's labels had Ueen found on trunks that
had not been passed properly, and he was
dropped from the service; but Burke went 70
work at once to prove his innocence of wrong
doing or care!essness He went to Nova Scotia
on his own initiative. found relative "f
Walker and then reported his findings to the
United states Attorney Walkers indictment
followed about two months ago. He was locked
ND hat on March II was paroled. Treasury
agents followed up Burkes Information
walker vas arrested week ago and the
arrests of yesterday followed; and Inspector
Burke had tie satisfaction of being iuIy cIe're'
and renstated in the service.
The indictments tell the story of the alleged
oneratIons of the Kigannons White and Walker
Mr. and Mrs Kilgannon sailed for Paris on la
Lorraine on January 81 1907. and returned on
Kaiser wilhelm II on March g. They sub
scribed to the baggage declaration. but the gov
ernuent charges that three trunks were brought
in in addition not declared and taken away 1t
Is charged that White met them on the pier, and
that walker was there. too. He is said TO have
n,oistened some Of Burlze's labels on declared
trunks and to have affixed them To the three
contraband trunks.
Another Journey To France. it was charged,
was made by White the ST. Paul on August
3 He returned on August 81. and subscribed I"
baggage declaration No 22O. but is said TO have
forgotten to declare two black trunks which
were removed successfully later.
Mr. and Mrs KigannoE sailed for France on
August and returned on La Savoe on Septem-
Der g. They declared baggage. but there was a
hitch somewhere for the next day the KilEan-
mons made affidavit that they had forgotten 20
declare the three trunks. and the matter was
adjusted by the payment of the duties on SlI,-
coo the value Of the contents. about $4,000.
and they got the trunks. There WAS no SINH
Iarity between this settlement and the effort to
settle the duty with penalties on the five trunks
seized three weeks ago
White is still in business. but Kilgannon said
last night that he and his wife were not in bust
ness at present He also said that the whole
matter was a grave mistake He had never seen
Walker he said. and never had any dealings
with him.