The New York Herald Newspaper, March 22, 1876, Page 4

£ NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1876.—r'RIPLE SHEET, WILLIAM A. DARLING. The Model Appraiser at the Port of New York. how the Customs Revenue Is Assessed. CORRUPTION, FRAUD AND INCOMPETENCY. The Hero of the Third Avenue Savings Bank Asked to Step Down and Out. A report to the effect that William A. Darling had re- Mgned the position of Appraiser at the port of New York was widely circulated yesterday, and was as widely credited by those who know good deal about | she secret workings of the Treasury Department and the Custom House at this port. Mr, Darling denied the report yesterday; but from reliable information obtained by a Hekatp reporter last evening vhere ig no question that the Ap- praiser will be compelled to resign in les than a week. A special agent of the Treasury has been several weel engaged im investi- Kating Darling’s disgraceful connection with the Third Avenue Savings Bank, and last Saturday for- warded his report to Washington. Immediately on its receipt by the Secretary of the Treasury Mr. Darling's resignation was requested, Darling went to Washing- ton and saw Mr. Bristow, but those best informed in regard to the matter say that the Secretary was inex- orable, and insisted upon the Appraiser’s vacating his office. While the Third Avenue Savings Bank affair was floubtless the immediate cause of the Secretary's ac- tion, the same result would unquestionably have been reached had that case never been heard of, for it is a well known fact that Mr, Bristow has for along time been much dissatisfied with the present management of the Appraiser’s Department. TUM APPRAISERS DEPARTMENT. Of course no one supposes for a moment that the stupendous frauds and the disgracetul system of bribery and corruption of all kinds now being unearthed at Washington are confined to Cabinet officials or the various departments at the capital, That they extend to the Appraiser’s Department at this port will be shown, This department is one of the most im- portant, if indeed not the most important, of the four subdivisions of the machinery for the collection pt the government imposts at this port. It is a fact more or less notorious among merchants that this branch of the Custom House is rotten throughout, | Abuses of every kind have crept into the department little by little, month after month, until at last the place has become a disgrace even to the present admin- | istration. Of eourse it 1s impossible to conduct so vast a concern as is the Appraiser’s Department in such a manner that fraud, peculation and other abuses can be entirely pre- | vented, but the office can and has been so administered in the past that merchants were not continually swin- dled and robbed by the employ és of the government; that bribe taking was not countenanced on every hand; shat personal friends and relations of the Appraiser were not thrust into evory position of importance in the department; that efficient and competent clerks, | txaminers, experts and other officials were not kicked gut of office on tramped-up charges to make room for relatives and favorites who knew nothing of the needs or workings of the service; that thieves and bribe takers were not appointed to positions and retained in them, Some ten or twelve days ago, Special Agent Jaynes, of the Treasury Department, and General Butler came on to New York with instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury to investigate certain alleged irregu- larities, if nothing worse, in the Appraiser’s Depart- | ment. A hurried investigation was made andthe re- sult reported to Mr. Bristow, who, but (or tne inquiry At the time going on ta relation to Mr. Darling’s con- nection with the Third Avenue Savings Bank, would, it is said, have taken immediate action in the mattor, {t 1s now understood that Mr. Bristow is fully aware of she rotten condition of the Appraiser’s Department and will send on three or four spectal agents to thor- ougly overhaul the whole concern, WILLIAM A, DARLING, General George W. Palmer was removed from the head of the Appraisers’ Department in 1871 and Will- jam A. Darling was appointed as his successor by Pres- {dent Grant and confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Darling has been belore the public im various positions for sev. eral years, He was twice m Congress, and he has been President of the Third Avenue Railroad Company, President of the Murray Hill Bank, Secretary of the Third Avenue Savings Bank, and finally Appraiser at the Port of New York, He has been described as an irritable, fussy, Intriguing politician, having an average quantity of brains, but no particular ability. He evideutly eater- tains a fondness for his relatives, near or distant, and always tries to make the government or tho insti- lution with which he has a ‘‘pull” provide them with alivelihood, His leading characteristic, however, has deen to hold public office, He usually monopohzes four or five positions, but at present he holds but three. {n regard to his position as Appraiser at this port con- Mant complaints are being made by merchants who have to do business with him, As one gentleman pressed it yesterday, Mr. Darling spends so much time in savings banks and primary meetings that it is with the utmost difficulty that merchants can see him at all, Since his connection with the Third Avenue Bank busi- ness the entire force of the department has lost that degree of respect it should entertain for a chief; | therefore demoralization is the result, WHO STOLR THE HAM? Isaac 0. Hunt was one of the Board of Appraisers Some time ago. Isaac was known to have a marked partiality for hams, and, as a numberof real nice sugar cured Westphalia hams were then constantly passing through the Appraisers’ Department, the temptation was too great for, Isaac, and he was detected in carrying one of the hams away. In those days It was customary to frown upon dishonesty ; so Mr. Hunt was frowned upon, and thrown out of a situation. But ho resolved to lead an honest lite and, therefore, went into politics. Ina short timo he be- came a power in the Assembly district where he lived, and, as his residence and that of the present Appraiser are in close contiguity his services were indisponsabie these circumstances Isaac had to have a place in tho Custom House, from which he had once been igno- minjously expelled, and he got it and gtill holds it Nowadays {t appears that in the Appraisers’ Depart- ment dishonesty 1s not always considered good grounds for removal. For a time it was customary for Mr. Darting, when he wished to make room fora son, a brother-in-law, a nephew, a cousin, a father-in-law or any other fayorite, to send some gentleman in the de- partment a perfumed note stating that, owing to the juet that the United States District Attorney bad pro- ferred charges against him, his position would at ouce be considered vacany For a time this system of ma- nipulating the guillotine worked admirably; for, as a rule, all were conscious of being so far corrupt that they knew charges by the District Attorney were not only possible but were probable; therefore they quietly submitted, Mr. Darling was constantiy looking avout for vacancies to create, until — the whole tamily of Darhng held office and there were no further reasons for removals. At the present moment this remarkable family is seid to draw bo less m than $42,000 per annum. Is it any wonder, , that Mr. Darling dia not bave to go outside his ing family to procure bail in the Third Wings Bank case? the official decapitation was in progress Mr. ¢ happened to dismiss some three or four honest , who knew that the District Attorney could not make charges against them. After their removal thoy wrote a letver to Mr. Bliss asking What were & charges preferred against them. As they had antici- pated, Mr. Bliss replied that he never liad made nor fecerved any charg and asserted that Mr. Darling could no longer use him a¢ a cat's-paw in that way, GLOVES OX THE “CLYDE.” About a year ago an invoice of gloves and gauntlets Was received at the app wre. The goods wore put on the floor tor e mo, While the eases Were open an examiner from the Damage Boreau through the room, snd, seeing the gloves, took a to one of the packages. While nobody was looking that way, as he supposed, the examiner delib- wrately carried of the coveted package, Une of tho employ és about the premises saw the theft and reported the jact to his soperior, who in turn reported the matter to Mr. Dering. A man was sent to the ailewed thief, and soon returped with the missing fact ef the theft to the Appraiser was removed, but the | person who stole the gloves still holds oifice and re- joices 1m an increase of his yearly salary. THE RKIGN OF INCOMPETENCY, No sooner had Mr, Darling established himself well in office than he began his search tor places for his rel- atives. One of his first appointments was that of & brother-in-law named Lee, a brother of the man put into the Third Avenue Bank and who developed into & defaulter to the amount of from $75,000 to $50,000 in less than three mouths, Mr, Lee was appoiled ap examiner in the tenth division, through which passes all works of art, such as statuary, paintings, chromos and steel engravings, Before Mr. Lee entered the | office the business of examining, ap | ing — these les devolved CG.” Sturges, gentleman who has upon been department many years, growing up with the business in and making his duty a life study, Mr, Sturges is uni- Versally recognized to be the only expert in this branch of the service now in the Custom House. Lee’s only qualification for the position was that he had kept @ sinall stat.onery store ou Third avenue. He did no! deuce of his utter incompetency it is only necessary to cite one case out of hundreds which recently occurred, A large invoice of old Spanish paintings, engravings ‘and chromos arrived here and were sent to the Ap- | praisers’ Departinent for examination and appraise- | ment. Lee had the packages opened, took up some of the paintings, viewed them im various iwhts and positions, looked exceedingly wise and ap- | praised the whole lot at $3 a piece. The’ articles were | removed to an auction room, where they were rapidly and readily sold at prices ranging trom $10 to $200, | Lee's figures were more than 700 per cent less than | their real value, Constant complaints were made to Mr. Darling for a long time in regard to Lee’s incompetency and insub- ordination in the division to which he had been as- signed; but Mr. Darling continued bis brother-in-law in office, although it has always been considered that a | complaint by an assistant appraiser im regard to any man under him was equivalent to that man's instant removal, At the head of the silk divison Mr, Darling fias placed his son’s father-in-law, F, W. Gibson. Of course, the necessity of placing in | through which there yearly passes many millions of | dollars’ worth of goods a man who is an expert and in ever intelligent manner is recognized. enjoys the reputation of being an honest man, and one who intends to do as well as he can, but he 13 not and never wax an expert on silk fabrics. The only expert on these articles now in the Appraiser’s office 18 a gen- Ueman uamed Day, who has charge of the fourth divi- sion—a section of much less importance than the | orsilk division. It is only another illustration of how not to doit, Mr, Day was for ten years an examiner in the silk division, has been Vice Consul at Lyons, speaks French fluently, and would reflect credit upon the service. s ‘As for the Appraiser himself, what with the Murray Hill Bank and the Third Avenue Bauk and his various law suits, he never reaches the Appraiser’s stores be- fore twelve o'clock, and rarely betore one, and never stay# later than hali-past two or three. He drives down to the corner of West Broadway and Canal street, where he leaves his carriage, and then proceeds on foot to the office, lest his carriage should get scratched or jammed in the lower streets. His busi- ness at the Appraiser's stores 18 usually delegated to his “Man Friday,” person known as Larry Harney. Mr. Harney has long been tho bosom companion ot Mr. Darling, Whose fondness tor him seems a little strange to the uninitiated, department with him, although some say the allair was reversed and Harney took Darling in. At all events, Harney was Pha with @ position commen- surate with his pecMiar abilities and intelligence; he was nade a Messenger, Haruey’s sense of honor revolted at the thought of being called a “messenger.”” To relieve his wounded pride Mr, Darling changed the official title oi Harney’s | position to that of “chief clerk in charge of the sta- tionery,”” After atime the various attachds of the depariment became in doubt as to who was the Ap- priser aud who Was the chief clerk in charge of the stationery; but the matter was finally settled in favor of Harney, for he had but towywk ornod and Mr. Darling responded, If Mr. Harnoy says remove such | or such a man that man will lose his official head be- fore two suns have set, or, if Mr. Harney says appoint such or such @ man the man suddenly finds himself installed in office, Of course Harney would not attempt to persuade Mr. Darling to remove any of his relatives. Whenever the subordinates are to be assessed for electioneering or other pur, “8 Harney calls them together, each class by themselves, and announces the amount of the tax, Forthwith the money 18 produced and handed over to Harney, who hands it over to Darling. None dare re- | fuse, for Harney never forgets a delinquent, MONKSTY MERTS ITS REWAKD, No man has ever been three hours about the Ap- praisers’ Department without having heard of the “Personal Effect Bureau, or the Seat of Corruption,” Until recently it was’ presided over by Chuuncey Murry. Mr. Murry is not there now; he likes Boston better. A great many comparatively small but valuable packages reach this port by steamer without having any invoice and are entered at the Custom House, and an appraisement order taken out for them. Across this order the broker writes Now, Mr. Gibson fraud and deceit, It is alleged, and not without some color of authority, that many thousands of dollars’ worth of dutiable merchandise tinds its way through this bureau without the government over getting a cent’s worth of duty. The broker cau ‘gee’? the examiner, and the examiner can make his revurn on | the appraisement order ‘Personal effects in use,’? | “Wearing apparel,” “Professional books” or “Imple- } mevis of trade,” all of which are not dutiable. A partial check was recently put upon the abuse known to have existed inthis branch of the service by the | unearthing of the “watch case,’’ and at the same time honesty met its reward at the hands of those in authority. Some or twelve months agoa house in William street imported a lot of very valuable gold watches. These articles should always pass, together with all kinds of precious stones, through the second division; but the wateues in question did not. ‘The examiner of the second division, an old, experienced hand, who has been fifteen years in the service and is everywhere recognized as am expert, met one day in Wall street the gentleman who imported the watches, “How did you ike those watches!’ asked the im- rter. “What watches have you reference to?’ replied the examiner, “Why, those you passed a day or two ago.” “I did’ not pags any.” “Thavs singular. Igotalotof fine gold watches through Davis, Tarner & Co., the Kuropean Express people, and they were passed at the Custom House. I have them at my store now, department, didn’t they t"” “No, sir, they did not go through my department. I will look into this affair.” And he did. Returning to the Appraisers’ Department the ex- aminer made inquiry for some time, but without meet- img with any satisfactory result, At last ho went to the Personal Effects Bureau and asked two or three parties about the matter and finally struck upon the right m: His name is Frederick Clark. When taxed with the matter Clark uowledged he had passea the wckage, 1t was tinally arranged that he should go to Davis, Turner & Co. and get them to pay the duties. He did so and the duties were paid, and the examiver who had ferreted out the id was requested to sign | the necessary papers, that they might be filed. This he refused to do, stating that he had not seen the goods and had no record of the package ever having come under his supervision. Strenuous efforts were | made to hush the thing up, but it tnaily leaked out and the examiner was subsequently dismissed the ser- | vice, and the man who passed the watches was ad- vanced {n position and salary, and still holds office, It may be Well to mention that immediately after this ransaction a great many appral: ent orders of Davis, Turner & Co, passed through the second division, whilo | previous to it they were seidom seen there. Mr, Starry, who Was at this time head of the Personal Effects Bu- | Teau, resigned shortly after this watch case was exposed, “SHi0NG’? EXAMINERS, Among the multiplicity of abuses existing in the Ap- praisers’ Department none are more flagrant and, at the same time, more transparent thau the one of “seeing”? or ‘xing some of the examiners. A broker of a merbant wishes to get an invoice of goods examined aad passed at once, and he intimates to the examiner through whose hands they must go that itis worth something to him if he can bave the matier fixed without delay, Lf be knows bis men—and brokers usually do—he will have his wishes promptly attended to, and then the examiner and the man whom he hus obliged dine together and drink the best brands of wines and smoke the best cigars, The basiness be- gins in this way, bat after the lapse of a few months a closer intimacy springs up between the man who ‘sees’’ and the 0 is “seen,” and then dinners and wine parties are supplemented by the “ending”? on the part of the broker of anywhere from $50 to $500 to the examiner, This matter of “borrowing’’ money ot the brokers has become one of common notoriety, but no man ever yet heard of a case whero the sums so obtained were retunded. In one sense this matter has drifted ito a species of blackmail, the broker knowing full well that a refusal on his part to ' lend the desired sum may subject him to all manner of ce and inconvenience, since it is in the power xaminer to detain goods on some technicality whom the brok ready sale of the mere! hel claimed that all the examiners in the Appraisers’ De- | praiser in robbing the government? know a Murillo from a Chinese tea sign. AS anevie | harge of a department | yas.) Nittous of | @relative by marriage, and a distant one at that—I 7. way competent 10 supervise the business in an | third | Mr, Darling took Harney into the | “Personal.effects,” aud if charity covers a multitude | of sins these two words cover an equal amount of | They came through your | | gloves. A few months later the man who reported the | | gress sends a committee here to overhaul the concern @nd show up its rottenness, or until he is peremptorily removed, THE MODEL BANKER, To tae Eviror ov rus HxRatp:— Having read of the trial of William a. Darling in your valuable paper 1 think Congress should appoint a committee to examine the affairs of the Appraisers’ Department, If Mr. Darling 1s guilty of robbing the poor people that have deposited their hard earnings in the Third Avenue Savings Bank, which he does not deny, what will he do in the position he holds as Ap- There is one man thut he has appointed there by the name of 1. C. Hupt, who was removed from the same position for stealing hams, of which he is acquainted. This same Hunt has control of the Ninetecnth Assembiy district in the interest of Darling, which 18 in the Congressional dis- trict of which he is a candidate for Congress. 1 be- eve this man Darling is presidentof some bank on Third avenue. 1 think the depositors should be warned of this dangerous man, and have the accounts of the bank examined at once. A READER OF THE HERALD, To tua Eoirorn ov THE HeRaty:— How much one hears about William A. Darling, and yet how little! Weare amused with the accounts in the papers of his perjury, his deceptive savings | bank accounts and his defrauding of their little all the | hard-working laborers, male and female, extending to their families and children, All dreadful enough indeed; but why is it so sedulously concealed that this William A. Darling is a confidential friend of President Grant, and through and by his patronage represents the nation itself in the responsible position of United States Appraiser at the port of New York, for the duties of which he contesses himself about a8 meompetent as Orville’s opinion of himself does tor Jodian trader ? He delegates the duties of appraiser of all,the silk goods and laces to a superannuated and otherwise incompetent appomtee, for the sole reason that he 1s can only explain it thus—‘his son’s father-in-law,” The results of their olllcial decisions, which are never based upon their own knowledge or experience, affect | our national character itself, for they are reported throughout the civilized commercial world, and, of course, are universally condemned. But he tinds snug positions as well for all his relatives at the expense of the dear public. His son is the custodian of all un- claimed merchandise remaining in the Custom House stores; another 18 examiner in the damage depart- ment, and there is another relative here and another there throughout the Custom House and public stores of this port. Some of your correspondents who may be better posted will, no doubt, give you fuller details. MERCHANT. APPORTIONMENT. BOARD OF BRIDGES OVER THE HARLEM RIVER. The Board of Estimate and Apportionment met in the Mayor’s office at quarter past two o'clock yester- day afternoon, Mayor Wickham in the chair. Several small transfers in the appropriations for the Department of Public Works were authorized. A transfer of $200 from the appropriation for the Depart- ment of Taxes for 1875 to the same appropriation for this year was made, ‘Tho Mayor said the question of issuing bonds to build? bridges over the Harlem River had been before the Board for some time, and he desired that some final action should be taken on the question. He called up the resolution to issue $100,000 of bonds to build the proposed bridge over the Harlem River, between Fourth and Fifth avenues. Mr, John J. Crane, President of the Bank of the Re- public, spoke strongly in favor of better facilities for getting across the Harlem River, avd that the bridge near Fifth avenue should be built at once, Park Commissioner Stebbins said no matter what amount of money the Board might appropriate to-day it could only be used to make examinations and pre- liminaries toward the croction of the proposed three bridges over the Harlem River, and he was in tavor of an appropriation to enable the Park Comiissioners to doing much to improve navigation in this locality and the officials of the general government should be con- sulted belore bridges were piaced over tho river, Mr. Lewis G. Morris said he was fully aware of tho | importance and necessity of better facilities for comi- munication across the Harlem River, but he was op- posed to placing low bridges over the river, which would interfere with river commerce, especially in view of the improvements now being made and in con- templation by the genegal government. He was in favor, however, of some temporary structure across the river. The Comptroller said the question was one of great magnitude, and tbat it should be fully, carefully and deliberately considered. What they wanted to do here was the inception of what might cost tho city | $10,000,000 or $20,000,000. Ho thought they should know what to be done betore starting out to | do it, Betore any money was appropriated or action | taken in this matter surveys and soundings should be | partinent indulge ip this business, but that several of | them have done it and still do it 18 susceptible of proof at apy time, It not infrequently happens that invoices arrivi here are found to be undervalued, and in this case not only the provilege of the examiner, but it is duty, 10 aavance the entire invoice Ww the prop Ogures. been known to notily the broker having cbarge of the goods that they proposed to advance the invoico from ten to fitteen per cent, at the same time stating that they are a little short for the time being and would ike to borrow $50 or $100, This is said with a knowing wink, and the result {8 that the invoice passes as it was originally entered, Transactions of this kind are | susceptible of proot. THE PRELING IN THR CITY. Prominent republicans in thi Mr. Darting to resign for tho inst met with Bo success, the ¢) that Darling is atraid to ro xX months, but have impression being face of the Third 1 Avenue Savings Bank exposé, The party lead- ers feel that the Appraiser has me & serious burden and 0} that they cannot much jopger carry, It is claimed that be has lost pretty mach all the influence he ever bad, even in his own distr In other words, he politically dewd. His inattention to the duties of oftice—an otic sof the customs revenue of bitve feared through which foar-fi the United States are assessed—the leaders all along would resuitin the tormation of ehques in the department, ico ment would be heavily d traudea, and or later, will be ex r. Darling was deaf to aif eckreation rty’s prospects. jen, raven, one seems determined to bold on untti Con- In cases of, tbis kind certain examiners have | ity bave been urging | | and State governments would do. | spending any money on the building of the proposed | made and plans decided on, which have not been dgne, Commercially speaking, the Harlem River, winch ¢on- neets the North and rivers, was of Vast impor- tance, which people have but lately commence: understand; and anything in connection with this stream—improving its navigation or building bridges over it—was not only @ city question but a State and | even national one ‘he commerce of the North River reached away back to and affected # oducts of the Western States; and the Eastern States are ane 4 interested in it as being the link between the Nort! River and the Sound, by which twenty-five miles of very tedious and difficult navigation can be saved. If ‘bridges are to be built across it—and he was in favor of land communication across it as ap abso- lute and growing necessity, let them be such as will not interfere with the vast amount of river commerce which is certain at no very distant time to occupy that stream, The magnitude and importance of this ques- tion demanded the most careful and thorough consid- eration, and before anygbridge was built across this | river by the eity it shoulfl be known what the national He was opposed to bridges at present. . ‘The amount named in the resolution was reduced from $100,000 to $10,000, which sum 1s for the Park | | Department to have soundings, surveys, &c, | ‘Tho resolution to issue bonds to'the amount of $10,000 made. was adopted, the Comptroller alone voting in the nega- tive, ‘The Board then appropriated the following amounts to enaritable institutions :— Bt. John’s Guild... eieglied «$3,800 ‘Twenty-third ward Relief Association. see 500 Young Women’s Aid Association... Yorkville Homopathic Dispensary Bt J. °s Home for the Aged Female Christian Home. Breaa and Beef House.. +. Children’s Educational Relief Association Gilbert Library and Prisoners’ Aid Fand. Free Training School..... ‘West Side Retief Association. SEESSSREs Total..crcessecsccceseesee scncee ce sees es $8,425 These appropriations come out of the excise moneys, The Bourd then adjourned. THE COMMISSIONERS OF EMIGRA- TION. A DECISION OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT WHICH VIRTUALLY, ABOLISHES THE BOARD, Some time since the North German Lloyd Steamship Company paid under protest a large amount of “head | money,’’ as it is called, on a number of passengers brought to these shores by their ships, and subse- make these proliminaries. The general government is | to | | which th \ quently the question of the constitutionality of the | law investing the Commissioners of Emigration with the power to coliect “bead money’’ was brought before | the Supreme Court of the United States. ‘Head mouey,” it may be well to explain, isa per capita tax levied on the steamship companies for every passenger they bring from Earope, in order to indemnify the State for any expense it may suifer from the sickness OF pauperism of such emigrants. steamship companies jor the support or return to Europe of such persons as they had brought here who Were Unable to support themselves and became a burden upon the peopie. Through the mt channel of legislation, the matter wag Albany 80 as to limit ‘the liability of the teamship owners, and have them pay a per capita on ali emigrants, and out of the fund so collected have the State support the indigent and helpless, This ead money’ grew littic by littie, Statutes, until it reached the round sum of $250 This, of course, made discriminations un.avorable to New York, fo1 passenger: where than to a port at which they had to pay an overous tax. The Heraty bas long and earnestly protested that the law authorizing t tion of “head money”! was unconstitutional, and that it Was a matier of commerce and navigation whieh it ‘waa the province of Cou; ws to regulate. The HenaLo also udvocated the passage of a law by Congress which | would make the tax equal at all ports, and thus doaway ‘with the unfair discrimination in tavor of other ports, The decision of the Supreme Court on Monday last in the cases of Henderson and the North German Lioyd against the Commissioners of Emigration, de livered by Mr. Justice Miller, virtually does away with the Emigration Commission and leaves New York & prey to the erying abuses which obtained before the commission Was orgauized. If the advice of the HERALD'S Suggestion had been taken the matter would have been settled and the present ansatiatac- tory state of afairs would not have been, The decision is alke wnsatistactory to the steamship interests and to the commission. The latter is deprived of itsmeans } of support, and the former is im @ yery | wncomiortable quandary, owing to the Speen | that the old bond system wit be revived, @ con: | tion had with of the firm of Ovirichs & Co. fy of the North German’ Lioyd, yesterday, | KRALD reporter learned that the company would | mach prefer to pay the head mon ry | ey ility end with that than be required to give hich Oped many possibilities which are Row a Mf the aecimon, which has not yet been seen in N York im its integr.ty, does not declare the right the State bas assumed to : In the early steam- | ship days it Was customary to exact a bond from the | | cision as to whet the bond system against the importation from Europe of puupers, vagrants, criminals and diseased persons, that system will be revived. An interesting question has been of er the landing bureau at Garden will be abolished, and, in such ay event, would the ships be ailowed to land passengers at their several docks. The old system of ‘baggage smashing” will ain be revived, and all sorts of extortions will be practised on unsopbisticated emigrants. Commissioner Maujer, of the Board of Emigratiot who was questioned yesterday by w reporter of Hxxaxp in regard to the effect of this decision, that the Board was substantially abolished, as the pres- ent sysiem was entirely dependent upon the head money for its support, The Commissioner said that this decision had been expected by the Commissioners, and that they had in- tormally discussed the steps to be taken if it was ren- dered. A communication will be sent by the Board to the Governor, probably this week, giving a statement of the facts i the case and asking for instructions A meeting of the Board will be called to-day or to- morrow, ned by this de Castle POLICE DISCIPLINE. The Board of Police met yesterday, all present but Commissioner Wheeler. The complaint against Captain Hedden, of tho Thirty-third preeict, charging him with failing to use all legal efforts to solve the mystery of the Ryan tragedy in Broome street in 1873, was dismissed, all voting yea, Patrolman Healy, of the Fifteenth precinct, was dis- missed from the department, The complaint against Captain MeDonnell, of tho Eighth precinct, charging him with failure to break up & gumbling house at No, 82 Thompson street, was taken up, General Smith moving that the complaint be dismissed, Commissioner Erhardt favored the motion, but Commissioner Voorhis thought that the Captain should be fined, as he regarded the complaint as analogous to those pou which Captains Ulman and Van Dusen were each fined thirty days’ pay. The case Was finally laid over for tuture action, ‘The following naines were ordered to be placed on the list of honorable mention for meritorious services in capturing burglar: Roundsman Charles Hughes and Patrulmen Watsen and Sullivan, Eighth precinct, and Patrolman Wood- ruil, Fifth precinet. Officer Lamb, of the Fourth preeinet, was permitred to receive $3 and a silver medal from the Life Saving Benevolent, Association of New York for saving a man from drowning at the foot of Dover street, East River. Detectives Holly, Lyon and King, of the Central Office, were permitted to receive $50 each from C, Waring tor the recovery of stolen property. A pension of $250 per annum was granted to Annie Nicholson, widow ot Sergeant Joseph Nicholson, late of the Thirty-second preci A communication was recvived from the Board of Aldermen calling the attention of the Commissioners w the ordinance relative to the fring of firearms, Re- ferred to the Superintendent tor enforcement, A SUGGESTION FROM THE MAYOR. The special committee consisting of eight members of the Board of Aldermen, who were appointed under Alderman Gross’ resolution “to establish a friendly cartel with Philadelphia during theCentennial,’’ wa:ted on Mayor Wickham late yesterday afternoon to ask his co-operation with the committee in the premises, The Mayor asked the committee what they :tended to do, and none of,them seemed to have any definite idea on the subject. The Mayor then asked them had they not better wait until Philadelphia bad invited u do something and not thrust themselves in where probably they were not wanted, Thi dermen felt snubbed and left, FUNERAL OF MR. ARNOLD. ‘The funeral of the late Aaron Arnold, senior partner of the firm of Arnold, Constable & Co., took place yes- -terday morning from Trinity chapel, West Twenty~ fifth stroet, where the service tor the dead was performed in the presence of a large number of ladies and gentiomen, friends and relatives of the deceased, Among this congregation were noticed many of our most prominent citizens, all friends of the deceased, either in business relations or in socity, The remains were brought from the Arnold resi- dene in West 'wenty-third street, to the chapel, and as soon as the elegant rose- wood casket was placed at the head of the centre aisle it was at once surrounded with beautilul flowers, autumn leaves and heads of grain, in tasieful design, and festooned with wreaths of ivy. The solemn and impressive service of the Episcopal Chyreb ‘was conuucted by the Rev. Dr. Swope, assisted by the Rey. C. F. Oimstead. The pallbearers at the funeral were al] gentlemen for many years connected with the business of the firm of which the deceased merchant was the honored founder, viz,:—Robert Jobnston, Hugh Johnston, William Moftatt, 8, T. Peters, William Irwin, F.C. Smith, Theodore Lyons and Androw Campbell. No iuneral sermon or cul was delivered, in deference to the well known wish of Mr, Arnold. Atter the conclusion of the funeral service in the churen the remains were conveyed to Greenwood Cemetery, where they were deposited in the family vault, FUNERAL OF MR. PORTER. A funeral service was held yesterday afternoon in Calvary Baptist church, West Twenty-third street, over the remains of Samuel M. Porter, of the firm of Porter Brothers, who died at his residence in West ; Twenty-third street on Sunday last. The church was well filled, most of those present being the relatives and friends of the deceased. At half-past three o’clock the coffin, which was covered with flowers, was borne up the side aisle, preceded by the Rev, Mr. MacArthur, the pastor of the church, who intoned the psalm, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and was followed by the pallbearers, Messrs, E. KE. Abbott, of this city; M. Bailey, of Jersey City; D. D. Ives, of Brooklyn; W. Irving Adams, of Montclar, N. J.; Thomas, Ruasell, of Mont- clair, N. J., and Samuel Inslee of this ok After these came the clerks and other employés of Porter Brovh- ers to the number of about forty. The widow, child, brother and other immediate relatives of the deceased were ent. While the procession Was moving u| the aisle the organ ber gs a requiem, which was fol- lowed by the hymn, “Go bury thy sorrow,” as a quar- tet, which was very impressively rendered. ‘The Rey. Mr. MacArthur then read from the Scriptures, after ur, “I know that my Redeemer liveth,’’ pl romarks on the life of the deceased. Mr. MacArthur spoke most teelingly of the late Mr. Porter's blameless life and the religious sentiments which had guided him trom bis earliest years in all his dealings with society, Deceased during his nfe, up to the ume he was seized with his iiness, had never know what it was to be sick. But | death comes to all of us. Earthly feel- ing camnot satisfy the longings of the soul which recoils from the tdea of annihilation, Death | reigned from the days of Adam, but with Christ camo | the fulfilment of the dream of the prophets, Christ | was life; He triumphed over death and the grave. He entered the realm of death and struck the sceptre from | the ha f the tyrant. To him who belongs brist the grave 18 robbed of its gloom, aud such a one was | the deceased. Mr. Porter, said the speaker, took a | deep intorest in the revival now going ou at the Hippo- | drome, and, even on his deathbed, requested bis wife not to allow her devotion to bim to interfere with her attendance at those religious meot- ings, and Mr, MacArthur spoke — eulogistic- ally of the Christian character of the de- ceased, and in his closing prayer recommended the ‘widow and her two children to the fatherly protection of Christ Then wassung the beautiful hyma, **Waten- ing and Waiting;” after which the benediction was | given and the triends were invited to take a farewell | Jook at the remains. ‘The casket containing the re- | mains was of rosewood, with silver bar handles, and | ‘on the iid was the inscription | OPE LOOE IDLE TELE TELE LOLEDOLPLE PPL OOTEE DD SAMURL M. PORTER. 3 Died March 19, 1876, in the forty-first year of Bis age. POOLE LE SOLE LELE SEDO LOLOL ODEDEDEDPLELELOLODELE, ‘The organist at the service was the Rev, G. 8. Piam- ley, the soprano Miss Maria 8. bay formerly of the choir of this chureh, and the tenor Mr. Thatcher, one of Mr. Sankey’s aids at the Hippodrome The re- | mains lay in the Calvary Baptist church all last wight, | under the charge of watchers, and will be this morning | conveyed to Waterbury, Conn, for interment, THE LATE SUPERINTENDENT KEN- NEDY. / Yesterday afternoon a committee of citizens went to the house of Mrs. Jobn A. Kennedy, much to that good lady’s surprise, and presented to her a tribute of | regard for the character and public services of her late | liusband. The committee consisted of ex-Governor Dix, Peter Cooper, William C, Bryant, General Shaler, | Genoral Fremont, Grand Master Thorne, ex-Commis- | stoner Acton, ex-Mayor Hall, Sinciair Tousey, F. J. | Otterson, Captain Brackett, Le Grand B, Cannon, | Police Commissioner Voorhees, Excise Commissioner | Mai , Charities Commissioner Stern, Colonel Bu dy, Geotge Jones, Supe | Speight, the hiipavian Captam Washbura, t Thurlow Weed, George 8. MeWalters (who must have ‘the credit of originating and working out the presenta. _ tion), and some other gentlemen. Governor Dix made the necessary . remarks, recalling the services of Mr, Kennedy, and speaking warmly of his official and personal character, He then presented to Mrs. Kenaedy a handsome album, containing a likeness of Mr. Kennedy, tollowed by 2,000 signatures of officers and men who served under him and the names of the committee of presentation. | Following these were the notices of Mr, Kennedy, im- mediately aiver bis death, that appeared in the Hxnaty and othor journals. Belore the business was over a number of lady frends of Mra. ewig 4 appeared among them, the widow of Mayor Havemeyer, | Mesdames E. Thorne, W. D, Kennedy (the wite ot Joba A's brother), Mra, J. A Jackson (@ Teunessee lady, who stood by the old flag at imminent peril of her lite | of more than one occasion), Mrs. A D. Cooper, Mrs, F. J, Otterson, Madame Rrrenh Mra. Dr. Clarkson, Mrs. B. H. Rogers, Mra. Van and others. Alto- it was a successful surprise party and a oleagant lor those concerned, { A TRUSTEE GONE. Sudden Disappearance of Lawyer William (, Barrett. HE’‘SAILS FOR EUROPE Startling Rumors of His Heavy Defalcations. What Clients and Friends Have to Say. Considerable excitement was created in logal circles in this eity yesterday by a rumor that Mr. William C. Barrett, the well knowti lawyer, had absconded, Tho rumor was also coupled with another to tho effect that he had defaulted to a large amount, As Mr, Barrett was known to be a trustee for several important es- tates the belief seemed to be that he had misappro- priated the funds in his nands. How he went away, when he started, and to what extent he had become a defaulter, , was unknown, and the more investigation was had the more mysterious and remarkable seemed the whole af- fair, Gleaped from a multiplicity of statements, com- bining as much fiction ag fact, the state of this case seems to be about as follows ;— THE FIRST SUSPICIONS, In the first place it must be said that for the past two or three days rumors have been flying around of a heavy defalcation on the part of a prominent member of a well known legal firm who bad been intrusted with large numbers of bonds and other so- curities belonging to his clients, and suddenly ab- sconded, Fresh from reading of the glar- jug frauds in which many of the high officials of the country have been implicated, the rumor spread a general feeling of insecurity, and people be- gan to ask one another when is this kind of thing going to stop, To many political stealing was no new story, and the columns that have recently been printed giv- ing the particulars of the stealings of the administra- tion officiais only confirmed their previous belief; but when they were told that William ©. Barrett, late of the firm of Barrett, Redfleld & Hill, one of the best known Jogal concerns in this city, had fled the country, carrying with him the fands which had been intrusted to his care by his clients, their interest was imme- diately excited, It was a blow that struck directly home; it was not government funds that had been stolen, but the sayings in bonds and coupons of nearly a dozen of the leading /amilies of the city, ~~ ‘CLUBS, The first intimation of tho real state of tho case ap- pears to have reached the clubs on Sunday, and there the story of the misappropriation of the funds belong- ing to prominent New York families received a strong backing ina fresh history, in which Mr. William €, Barrett was credited with defrauding some Montreal clients of a large amount. On Monday the news began to spreaa and the Montreal rumors took a decided ap- pearance of truth when it was positively affirmed that Sir Archibald Galt had come on from Canada about ten days ago in order to make an examination into the business which Mr. Wiliam C. Barrett had charge of for some Montreal. parties. Mr Daniel Torrance, of this city, it was reported, was interested with Sir Archibald Galt in this same case, and together they appear to have made some arrangement with Mr. William C, Barrett that secured theirclaims. By an examt!nation of recent real estate trarisactions it was found that William C, Barrett and wife conveyed by deed on the 14th of March two blocks of real estate of the value of about $30,000, By many of his personal friends these stories were received as a tissue of falsehoods, as he was known by them to be a good Christian and a regular attendant of the First Reformed Episcopal church, He is also said to have been yery charitable, and is credited with hav- ing supported quite a number of old friends that were in distressed circumstances. Yosterday the departure of Mr. Barrett and wife on the Percire for France was the subject of general rsa:ion, and people appeared to have gained siderable confidence, making their statements about the losses of their friends without the slightest hesitation. ‘TRE EXACT AMOUNT | of the loss sustained by his clients did not appear to be known, as although there were plenty of rumors as to the amount, nobody appeared tobe able to furnish any definite information on the subject. The clients appear to have suffered mainly in convertible property, such as bonds, stocks and coupons, and there are no charges thus far bearing upon any fraudaicnt trans. actions in real estate. It was alleged that Mr. William ©. Barrett has been in difficulties for some time past, and the recent decline in the value of real estate has brought matters to a climax and placed his business affairs in such a muddle that he found himself unable to clear them up. He is also reported to have lost considerable money by the de- cline of property that he purchased in North Carolina, and others asserted that on the street it was said he had suffered some heavy losses through the decline in the value of Pacific Mail stock, Of course, in the ex- @tement that the news of his departure created there were innumerable rumors flying around, piacing the defalcations at a very large figure, some even going so far as to say that twelve clients would lose nearly $400,000, That, however, appears ‘to be an exaggera- tion of the real condition of affairs, for although the | victims themselves cannot give the exact figures, there appears to be comparatively little doubt that his New York clients will lose over $100,000, Such was the confidence in the integrity and respon- sibility of Mr, William ©. Barrett that many of his clients, although warned by the rumors of the Mon- treal business, paid no serious attention to their own affairs, until they became startled by the intelligence that he had really left the country, They then has- tened to examine into the condition of his affairs, and from what ts asserted found they bad suffered a heavy loss, There has not yet been time, however, to inves- tigate the entire matter, and some developments may arise that will place matters in a more favorable light. ovens A VISIT TO Ti a K reporter of tho Hxxaty on Messrs, Redflold & Hill, at their offices, in No. 20 Nassau street, yester- ‘phe rooms, once famous for their elegant ap pointments, were in a dilapidated condition, present- ing all the appearance of a place from which the occu- pants were moving. The furniture was topsy turvy, | and law books and papers were strewn about the flocrs | of the several apartments. Messrs. Redideld & Hill were in and received the reporter quite cordially. Mr. | Hill, however, who was the spokesman for whe firm, was determined to say nothing in relation to Mr. Bar- rumored disa| ince, as Mr. Barrett left New York?” 1 nave nothing to say about tl replied Mr. Hii. “I have not any m ever of making any statement touching the rumor; so | that you will be merely wasting your time asking ques- | tions, Hereafter occasion may arise to warrant our | making some sort of « statement. Until it shall, how. ever, I will besilent. It is useless to ask any questions.” | | There was that about Mr, Hiil’s manner which showed | beyond doabt that he was in earnest. Therefore the | reporter withdrew, } ‘be tirm with whieh Mr, W, C, Barrett was formerly connected was originally formed ten years ago by his entering into partnership with a Mr. Brinsmade. In time Mr. Brinsmwade retired, and Mr. Rediield took his place, and about the same time Judge Barrett also be- came & partcer. When the latter was elected to his present position he left the firm, | and was suceeeded by Mr. Hill. A few week: ago the aflairs of Wilham ©, Barrett were found be in an insolvent or muddled condition, a result which led to his retiring from the firm. This fact waa, however, not known until yoy mpd when it was an- nounced by Messrs, Redfield & Hill r of these jutiemen had any connection with the extensive jrustee business transacted by Mr, Barrett, an ey conscquentiv know nothing about that branch of his Jaw business, UNSUCCESSFUL SPECULATIONS. Wilhtam C, Barrett was led imto extensive land specu- lations in South Carolina through John McKay, for- merly a tea broker, who failed in this city, Mr. Bar- Fott's speculations’ in South Carolina proved iaulares. He had a large vumber of Canadian clients and is sup- osed to have inves jontreal aud to have was ‘that the stocks proved worthless, The friends of Mr, William 0, Barrett say that about tweive years ago he fell from the City Hall steps, and since then bis mental condition bas oftem boon such as to render him wodit to transact business. His accounts are alleged to be very much muddled. William A. Dar- Ving, appraiser of this port and President of the Avenue Savings Bank, was an intimate of the clients of Mr. Barrett. { SINGULAR KRAL STATE TRANSACTIONS. In connection with the alleged frauds committed by Miurusy' aaa iboishontng serbeties copy et rockit urda: the | ‘copy of r real siaie™ Ufaneactions ie oe, Se the rine!) will be interest, hes seen the ese and third transactions roferred to | of Mortgages, page 903, below, and dated the 14tn and 16tn inst. respectively, refer to the same property—the deed of the property to Daniel Torrance, of Montreal, being executed on the first mentioned date and the mortgage to secure $27,000 to ‘Spencer Campbell ‘Thomson, of Edinburgh, being recorded on the 16th inst, William ©. Barrett and wife to Daniel Torrance.— Deed dated March 14, 1876, consideration expre $1, recorded Libre 1,371 of Conveyanees, 161, March 16, 1876, conveys premises south side of Thirty- ninth street, 235 fees west of Lexin avegue, 20x98.9 feet; also premises north side of Thirty-fourth Street, 150, feet west of Second avenue, 25x98. 9 feet. William C, Barrett to Nevin W. Butler.—Assignment of mortgage executed by Margaret J, Halping, widow of Charies G. Halpine, for $4,399 37, as to secure the payment on demand to said Butler of $2,000; re- corded Libre 1,204 of Mortgages, page 118, Mareh 16, 1876, William C, Barrett and wife to Spencer C it Thomson, of Edinburgh, rng earn gh ted March 16, 1876, to secure $27,000, recorded Libre 1,287 March 11, 1876, conveys prem- ises south si ‘Thirty-ninth it, 235 feet west of Lexington avenue, 20x98.9 feet, and al-o north side of Thirty-tourth street, 10 feet west of Second avenue, 25x98.9 feer, AM ALLEGED Gow! ‘The fact of Mr, Barrett's Qoancial known to his most intimate friends several do: he left for Europe, and he confessed to sev persons that he had misused the funds intrusted to his care. It is believed that he told the entire story to the pastor of the First Reformed Episcopal chu: of which Mr. Barrett was a prominent member, om Sunday prayers were offered during the serviges for both Mr, and Mrs. Barrett. Several members of the con- regation were told of the facts by Mrs, Barrett on ‘riday last, On that day Mrs, Barrett was frst told by her husband that they would have to leave the coun- try. Mr, Barrett himself expected to be aie sa peices over his affairs, and it was only two weeks ago that discovered how seriously he was embarrassed. Be- sides bis real estate speculations he was, it is said, carrying large line of Paciic Mail stock, om which, ‘by the recent decline, be lost a large sum of money. Mr Barrett was exceedingly generous. His church subseriptions alone during the past year are said to have been $10,000, Hi ported a Dumber of persons, and his friends are led to believe that be saved scarcely anything, and that all the money intrusted to him wag Jost in his speculations. WILLIAM ©, BARRETT i ig a native of Ireland, and has been a resident of Now York for fully forty years, Being admitted to the Bar immudiately after his arrival in this country, Mr, Bar- rett soon secured an extensive practice in the elvil nd butit up a valuable connection with the oid ‘bocker families, He attended to the oe ir property, in many instances haying almost exclusive charge of the estates held by them, Always esteemed to be a careful man and a faithful guardian of the interests committed to bis echet was entliely trasted by his chents, wha left in his hands the details of rents and other neces- it was betoro as r Gilbert Carter om died as a missionary among ‘ot Barrett studied law in the office ot his uncle, and after atime entered on the practice of the law in his own bebalf. The long years during whieh Mr, William ©. Barrett practised in this city gaye abund. ant reason tor the unqualified trust re in his vegrity by his numerous clients, and widen dis } of their legal adviser seems to be a matter of astonishment to them all, AT THE HOUSE. A visit to Mr. Barrett's house, No, 112 West Thirty. ninth street, was made Jast evening by a Hxnatp ro. porter, who {9 ; said dwelling presenting an unilluininated an appearance from the out- side, The who responded tv the ring of the bell stated that Mr, and Mra. Barrett had gone away ou Friday Jast, but where she did not know, They did not go away at all sudde: having been exe pecting to leave the city for some days past. The ser vant sald that they were only to be gone a short time, and would probably return by the woek afver next, AN OLD FRIEND'S STATEMENT, Knowing that Mr. John Foley was an intimate friend of the gentleman against whose character such grave accusations have been nae 8 HekauD reporter called ‘upon that gentleman to see if he could throw any light matter, manifested the upon th Mr. Fi greatest surprise when ins formed the charges that have been made against Mr. Barrett, and at once hg par himself as disbeliev- | tng that Mr, Barrett could guilty of any such act Mr, Foley gave a short sketch of Mr, Barrett's hfe in this country, toe prpapel points of which are as fol. Jows:—“William ©. Barrett was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country about forty years ago, 1 have known him for twenty years, and during that time he has been a lawyer, with large practice. I have heard that he was executor for sevs eral estates, but do not know their names. He wag | one of the Committee of Severrty, and in and out of it took an active partin city matters and the reform movement. He is an uncie to the present Judge Bare rett, of the Supreme Court, and used his influence toward the election of his nephew in 1872. He is mars ried, but has no children. He hus always lived in an unostentatious manner, and borne a reputation for th¢ strictest integrity, aeons eee pie ae MO mene nae yeeme x's. aL pio wi ite Thased abGut ‘Aitcon years ago, Ho has always beck | very fond of shooting, fishing, &c., and is a member of the "ss, Union League Manhattan clubs, ot considers Lhaye always considered him to be a man able means, and one who did not live expensively, ‘He bas always been happy with wife, fact, ‘with everybody else with whom cume in contact, for he was one of the most whole-souled, genial men that you ever saw. He isa map who has befriended many an unfortunate fellow, and | have known him te be the support of an entire family at a time, Whey Charles G. Halpine ities O’Roilly) died Mr. Barret( took the very small estate which the deceased left, ana by ment increased it to about he turned over tothe widow. He ley were tho means of securing the »ppoiutment General Jones, by Governor Hoifman, to omce ister, to serve out the unexpired ti I the salary received by Jones was donated to Mra pine, according to Barrett's suggestion. “Tn conclusion, Mr. Foley said that Barrett was th¢ Jast man ou earth whom he would suspect of commiw ting a dishonorable action, and if he was proven to bes fraud he (Mr. Foley) would not know who to trust hereafter. Judge G nephew of the bench yesterday in Supreme Court, Circuit, Part 1, where he had been engaged sil day in the trial of a canse, & Hexavp representative briefly interviewed him in regard to the rumors concerning his uncle “at the regard- WHAT JUDGE BARRWTT SAYS. e C. Barrett, of the Supreme Court, is 9 bam C.- Barrett. After the Judge left “Tam greatly 8 ised,” said the Ju recital ‘ofthe Niadee’ you say are in circulat: ing Mr. Barrett.” “| have come to you,” pursued the reponter, “in complianee with my instractions, thinking that you doubtiess would know all about the matter.’ “fam almost the last you should come to for not spoken to one anuther since,” “Bat you must know something about his circum- Lad laste on the reporter, “and whother there is any justidabie basis for the ramors to which F have referted,”” “1 don’t see how it is hoe yt hat there can be any trath i them,’’ responded the Judge. “I know that Mr. Barrott, accompunied by his wife, recently sailed for Europe on the steamer Pereire. Quite a party of friends accompanied them to the steamer, and nu- merous bouquets were ited to Mrs. Barrett in the way of pleasant farewell tokens. ”? “How came he to leave just at this time?” “As I understand it, he went solely on account be his health. Some eight years ago he had a stroke o! apoplexy, and for some time ¢ has been threat- ened with another stroke. Dr. Hallock, finally told him that in order to ward off such he must give up his business and allow no cares or anxieties to worry him. It was on this advice, I am told, he left for Europe.” : “Do you know anything about his trusteeships?”” hi ean give you no positive information on Bubs ject.” “Do you know whether he was embarrassed at all?* “I know that he has been greatly embarrassed finan- cially, the result of losses from shrinkages in values,” 1 can haraly think. that posible, Whatever may. can hard be his demerits I gi credit for integrity.”* INTE Witt A CLIENT. As soon as the story became current that Mr. Wil- . B Hoa and embezzled Henao reporter w: formation he could find upon the ject. There was no definite intelligence to work upon, he sought the public places of resort, such as the hotel Come | and soon learned that there was very little doubt that several tainilies, moving in the circles of 4 would be heavy losers by defaleation. Afver a rather tedious search the writer finally one ot the chents of William ©, Barrett, and the lowing conversation ensued :— Reporter—Can you furnish me with some informa. tion as to the amount your family has lost through Mr, Witham ©, Barrett? Ciiewt—I cannot possibly do that. as we do not know met fole | ourselves, and in fact up to Saturday last had pot the there was anything wrong in Mr, Barrett's aftairs. Rerorter—How were your suspicions first excited? Cumyr—Through the story that was reported that Mr. Barrett had misappropriated some fands that were placed in bis bands by some of his Montreal clients, Rerorrer—Can you give me no information what- ever as to the amount Mr. Barrett is supposed to have embezzled? ‘Ciuexr—None at all, except that in one instance 1 believe a client will lose about $40,000, Thére are ee or tew a loge will Nps sulfor considerably. EPORTER—' at Ind of pr ty wi vhat Barrett made use ot ? sitesi ee ly entirely property of a convertible nature, such as bonds, stocks and coupons I have heard of no instance in which he bas tampered the deeds of real estate imtrasted to his keeping. Auvother geutioman that the reporter met in the Fifth Avenue Hotel stated that he believed Mr. Barrett had made a satisfactory setilement with bis Montreal chents, THE ALCOTYT-CLARK COLLISION. | Yesterday forenoon United States Marshal Harlow and bis deputies proveeded to the Erie basin dry dock, Red Hook Point, where they found the schooner Adelaide J, Alcovt undergoing repairs. The vessel wag jyomediately seized, an otlicer being placed in charge of her iu accordance with @ libel led st her | counsel tor the ouverts ot the ited brig Fra which was ran dowa and sunk on Friday while | Barnegat by the schvoner Libelled, ie ‘ i