The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-02-28
OFFER S1,O25,000
FOR I'M N u NIT Y
Duveen Brothers Also Willing to
Pay Any Fine Court May
Assess.

New York. February 2I.-secret
negotiations arc in progress i, was
learned yesterday. for settlement OF
the difficulties between the United
States government and Duveen Broth
crs. the art importers, who arc ac-
icused of extensive NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.,
which. it has been asserted, may have
approXimated S5.0OQ.o00.
The dickerins, II is said. IS being
carried on directly between the United
states Attorney General. George w
Wickersham. and legal representatives
OF the Duveens, although the United
States District Attorney in New York.
Henry y. Wise, has been consulted at
certain stages of the proceedings.
me Dureens. 1t was asserted last
night by Federal official, have Of
Tered slO25,00o In settlement OF the
governments claims for unpaid duty
This offer is contingent on an agree
ment on the part of the Attorney Cen
eral to accept a fine instead OF sen
tence of imprisonmcnt The Duveens
say they are willing to pay any fine a
Judge or jury may decide on, in addi-
ton to the sl,o25,o00 In back duties.
the Attorney-General. 1t is said is
willing TO compromise. but wants ST.
10000, and at the same time will not
agree to bind the prosecution not to
prison TO boot In addition to whatever
| line tho court may assess.
IA representative OF the government
! asserts District Attorney Wise Is in
favor of acompromise on the basis of
fine without Imprisonment, plus a 8
much back duty as can be got out OF
the Duveens Other men accused or
undervalua lions have made their peace
and have been let off with fines and
refunds. and there apparently is no
reason for making an exception OF the
Duveens, Wise is reported IS having
argued in the negotiation councils
me DuVeens are said to be anxious
TO lift the government bond from their
business, which averages 81 900 600 a
! year In reputed profits. Customers of
the firm also are reported as anxious
| II not openly clamoring. for a settle
ment which Will relieve them OF sus-
! pense The government has asserted its
right to collect back duty on all the
underVaiued articles sold by the
| Duveens In the last three years
IT is question whether the govern
ment can go into the homes OF the
customers-into j. p Morgan's or
| Henry c. Tricks, for instance-and
there seize the art objects. Some in
| sist the United States has no such
right, but must content itself with a
| civil action at law for the recovery OF
| the duty. Whatever may be the pow
| er of the government, the uncertainty.
1T is said. is annoying to the custom
| ers, who say they want the whole con
| troversy settled. If compromise is
reached the customers Will not be
| bothered by Uncle Sans law officers,
! nor is 1t likely. IL Is said, the Duveens
| would ask customers to pay UP" on
| the back duties, II such there be-
/ The Duvecns We're indicted several
| months ago, and two members of the
| firm, Henry j. Duvcen and Benjamin
| Duveen. were arrested. Ball was pro
! vided in $4,000 for Henry j., and in
| $4,000 for Benjamin. BENJAMIN Du-
| veen is younger member of the fam
| ily and has been In the firm only since
! 1907. The other Duveens Indicted were
Joel j., Louis j and Joseph j., OF
! whom joel J. was dead at the time OF
the grand jury's action
In a SANDER action some years ago
In London, in which Jacques Henri
Duveen was the plaintiff and his cou-
sin. Joseph Duvcen, the defendant, 1t
was said in court the Duveen business
was begun originally in Holland by
| Jacques Henri Duvcen's father. a man
named Iandjas, who married a woman
| named Duvcen. When Handias died
| the widow carried on the business as
Handjas- Duveen and when she was
! married to her cousin Joseph NJ. Du-
veen, the firm became -. NJ. Duveen.'
Joseph NJ Duveen was knightcd IN
England for giving the nation a gal
lery Of paintings.
In the SANDER action, jacques Henri
Duveen. or Handjas. complained that
Joseph Duveen had called him IAN
inscriptions scoundrel" One farth-
! ing damages was awarded.
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