reliable business-houses in the country, may be referred to, as striking examples of the iniquity that is practiced in this direction by those who, in society and commercial circles, are deemed " all honorable men."
Yet .the explosion occurs, the Government learns of the existence of these gross wrongs, the ^^ eminently respectable" firms make reparation by refunding large sums in gold, and the huge defrauders are permitted to go on again, unpunished, otherwise than through their pockets, while the big offenders, by this foul example, leave to lesser kindred knaves the advice, virtually, ^^ go thou and do likewise; make money thus, and thus escape, as we have done, and may do again! "
The two instances of attempted smuggling quoted in the early part of this chapter, occurred a few years since, prior to the accession of Col. Whitley to office. They are cited simply to show what kind of men the U. S. Division has to deal with, from time to time. Every conceivable scheme is resorted to, to dodge the payment of duties upon articles of value readily portable upon the person, and these are but examples of the cunning ways the rogues resort to, to accomplish their purposes.
A sharp eye is who kept upon these shrewd fellows, and they are being " caught in the act "by the U. S. Detectives, every week. Thus the Treasury Department is not being so heavily fleeced nowadays, through many of the "dark and devious ways" adopted by these smugglers, as has heretofore been the case. And the hope is entertained that the active exertions of the Secret Service force, backed by the dutiful efforts of honest importers, may eventually have the effect to right this grievous wrong, and effectually check the evil practices complained of.
