  We present new, quasi-simultaneous hard X-ray and near-IR spectra of the
ultraluminous infrared galaxy IRAS 05189-2524, and discuss them together with
archival and literature data. The 1.9 Seyfert nucleus is Compton-thin. The
near-IR broad lines are seen in transmission, similarly to the X rays, and the
medium along the line of sight has an Av/Nh ratio definitely lower than
Galactic. The increase in obscuration observed at the latter epoch has (Delta
Av)/(Delta Nh) also less than Galactic, supporting a correlation between the
properties of the obscuring matter and its proximity to the center. The
measured Av is compatible with the broad component of Halpha being seen in
transmission, as opposed to scattering, so that most of the observed
polarization must be due to dichroism. The bolometric luminosity of the AGN,
deduced from the X-ray and line luminosities, falls definitely short of
accounting for the IR luminosity of the galaxy, consistent with its coolish
infrared color.
