Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1911-08-31
FAREWELL GIFT
TO Mr.. CARSON
Retiring Collector of the
Port Presented With Hand
some Chair by Employees.
FRANCIS is INTRODUCED
Best Wishes Expressed on
All Sides and Compliment
ary Speeches Are Made.

There were many sad words of
parting at the custom house this
morning when Collector Robert Car
son, Of New Brunswick, bid farewell
to his associates and stepped aside
for his successor, Collector c. Asa
Francis, of Long Branch, recently
appointed by William H. Taft for a
term of four years. Mr.. Carson left
with many wishes of good health and
long prosperity, extended by his for
mer associates and also received a
handsome leather "easy chair as a
remembrance of many happy hours
spent in the office in Perth Amboy.
Mr.. Carson was overwhelmed with
surprise and pleasure when he pre-
ceived the beautiful token in the Of
fee of Deputy Collector George w.
Eggert this morning. The presenta-
tion speech, made by Mr.. Eggert, fol-
lowed a general hand shaking in
which all the employees took part
Mr.. Francis was introduced to his
| associates by the retiring collector,
and was also presented to the repre-
sentatives of the American Smelling
and Refining Company and the
EVENING NEWS. He is very affa-
BILE and full of humor, equal
ling his predecessor in jolly good
fellowship.
Mr.. Carson Praises Men.
Mr. Carson spoke of the pleasure
! 1t had been to be associated with
such sterling men as are now en-
ployed as subordinates at the custom
house. He had a good word for all,
collectively and individually, and as
sured Collector Francis that his days
in his new position will be full of
pleasure and fond recollections. Mr..
Francis replied that he was easy to
| get along with, never enjoyed a quar-
rel, and honestly believes the depu-
ties will find in him a collector
ready to work and ready to play
when it is play time.
! John H. Ling replied to Mr.. Car
sons kind words to his fellow-asso-
ciates and assured Mr.. Francis that
the boys" will do their best to make
his new life attractive and full of
| interest.
Collector Carson then passed
around the monthly checks and said,
with regret, that they are the last
he probably will ever present to the
men assembled. His pay stops to-
day, as well, and tomorrow Mr..
Francis will officially begin his du-
ties as collector Of the port of Perth
Amboy.
Handsome New Chair.
Mr.. Carson's new chair is very
massive and attractive. He laugh
ingly replied that 1t is big enough to
hold two like him. He assured the
employees that it will be preserved
yet enjoyed-as remembrance
of the hours spent in this city,
Mr.. Francis said today that he will
commute, as did Mr.. Carson, for the
present at least. He has extensive
property holdings In Long Branch
and owns a handsome residence
there. He stated he does not care
to move here at the present time.
Although Long Branch is more dis
tant than New Brunswick, Collector
Francis can reach this city by train
in thirty-six minutes. 1t took Mr..
Carson over an hour to come down
by trolley.
Take Up Personal Work.
Mr.. Carson declined to say what
his line Of work will be in the future.
He added, however, that for the
present he will devote his time to
personal undertakings He did not
reply to the question whether he
would take vacation at this time,
or not.
Associated with Mr.. Francis will
be the following, who are under Civil
Service and can not be removed
without charges are preferred and
sustained: George w. Eggert, w.
w. Oliver, John H. Ling, s. NJ.
Coutts, T. w. Peck and Edward F.
Conway. The janitors of the fed
eral building, also under the collec-
tor, are: Benjamin F. Riedy and j.
M. Coutts.
Collector Francis has not yet
been appointed immigrant inspector
of this port, although the same was
advised by Mr.. Carson. The Office
pays one dollar a year and was held
by Mr.. Carson until the new collec-
tor was appointed, whereupon he i'm
mediately resigned. 1t is very prob
able the officials at Ellis Island will
name Mr.. Francis.
Carson Named In 1893.
Mr.. Carson was appointed collector
on February 4, 1898, to succeed
Benjamin Price, also of New Bruns-
wick. Mr.. Carson did not assume
charge of the port until April Is,
same year, owing to a short illness.
He was re-appointed twice and has
served for over thirteen years. His
last term expired ON January 20,
1910. but was not reappointed ow-
ing to differences in the Republican
party in Middlesex county. 'Dory'
Strong was opposed to Mr.. Carson's
re-appointment and succeeded In
stalling the same. Senator Briggs
finally recommended Mr.. Francis on
July 4 and the same was immedi-
ately approved by President Taft and
Congress.