Edward L. Hedden

Edward L. Hedden was Collector of the Port of New York from 1885–1886.

In his position as Collector, Hedden was the defendant (and winner) in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that determined that "Tomatoes are "vegetables" and not "fruit" within the meaning of the Tariff Act of 1883 based on the common meaning of those words." (instead of the technical botanical meaning).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nix_v._Hedden

Photo makes reference to "False weights and measures in the New York custom-house."

False weights and measures in the New York custom-house. Illustration shows Customs official Edward L. Hedden holding a balance scale labeled "HO Thompson's Pat. Scales" with a man wearing a pin-stripe suit, holding a bottle of "Rum", and with papers extending from his pockets that state "Spoils-man, Ward Politician, Rum-shop Keeper, and Vote of the B'ys" weighing heavily on one side, and a man sitting on the high side of the scale, with papers that state "Reputation, Integrity and Fitness, Navy Officer War Record, and 16 years creditable Service". The center of the balance shows the face of Thompson. A paper that states "List of Removals by Order of HO Thompson" rests on a desk in the lower right. Date 1885 September 23.