The New York herald., 1922-02-07
FIGHTS PIER GRAFT
IN NEW YORK PORT
Merchants Association i'm New
Drive Opposes Tips i'm APP
praisers' Stores.
VESSEL LINES TO HELP
Brokers Also Urged to Aid in
Ending ExtOrtiOn That
Adds to Trade Costs.
VESSEL LINES TO HELP

The Merchants Association has
launched an attack on gratuties and
graft in connection with the Importation
of merchandise through the port Of New
YORK. following the receipt of numerous
complaints from members of the associ-
alton. According to importers. the abuse
is rife not only on steamship piers but
in the Appraisers Stores. Steamship
companies and +. J. H. Kracke, APP
pralser OF the Port already have signi-
fled a desire to cooperate in the reform,
the association announced last night
III was reported that tipping has be-
come so thoroughly established that the
payment of fees Is necessary in order to
receive attention from employees. These
fees, 1t is asserted, are billed to inland
consignees by customs brokers as pant
OF their regular charge. Complaint also
is made that INSCRIPTIONS brokers have
peen making exactions in turn from
their consignees, charging sometimes as
much as $50 case under the heading of
"gratuitles" for merchandise moved
through the port
THE Merchants Association has rea-
son to believe that grating in connec-
ton with imports of merchandise is not
confined to the appraisers stores" the
statement of the association said. Upon
the basis of complaints from its mem-
bers 1t has asked every steamship COM
pany in the city to investigate state
ments that on many piers tips are regu-
larly given to delivery clerks and other
employees of the steamship companies
in order TO secure prompt access to inn
ports
Ship Lines Asked TO Aid.
The association has written to steam
ship companies urging them to renew
instructions to their employees forbid
ding acceptance of gratuties. and also
has mailed between 1000 nnd 5000 let
ters to customs brokers and importers
In the city urging their cooperation. 5.
c. Mead. secretary of the association,
has written in part as follows:
'For a considerable time the Mer-
chants Association of New York has re-
ccived reports that In order to avoid de-
lays in obtaining their goods importers
nave been giving gratuities TO various
employees having to do with the move
nrcnt of their merchandise. It is alleged
that this practice has become wide
spread and is a constantly added factor
in the cost of doing business.
-Four groups of employees have to do
with the prompt movement OF imports: /:
(a) Employees of steamship companies;
OBJ leaders; (c) employees of the pub
lie service: (d) Government employ ees
at the Appraisers Stores.
New Appraiser to Act.
"The Merchants Association is taking
up with the steamship companies the
matter of furnishing prompt and proper
service by all their employees without
the payment of tips. In this connection
we may state that we have already been
promised the prompt, full hearted and
effective cooperation Of the largest
steamship comranies in New York and
that on reporting certain facts to them
action already has taken place on their
piers.
"The new Appraiser at the Port Of
New York, Mr.. Kracke. states that II
this practice does exist at the Appraisers
Stores he will do everything possible to
eliminate IT.
"If customs brokers will agree am onc
themselves not TO pay and will refuse
to pay reporting instances OF undue
delay, discrimina ton. or any intimatior
that n tip is desired to the Merchants
Association or to Mr.. Kracke, the APP
praiser gives positive assurance that al
legged discriminatory delays at the hands
OF the employees of the Appraisers
stores If they exist. will promptly Ills
onpcar. The fun situation doubtless Is
known TO customs brokers generally
throughout the city"