The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-23
CUSTOM HOUSE AFFAIRS.

Great Activity in ImportatfOns-The
Receipts This Month Greater Than in
March, Is72-Thc Civil Service Code
The Vacancy on Account OF Mr.. James
Promotion ms PoStmaster.
Considering that the stormy weather has greatly
retarded the arrival of vessels from Europe and
landing goods at our piers with any degree OF regu-
larity the business at the Custom House for the
present month, thus far, has been greater in COM
parison than it during the same period of last
year. 1t is not saying too much that the average
daily receipts since the 1st inst have exceeded five
hundred thousand dollars. 1t must be considered,
also that hundreds OF articles passing through the
Custom House now pay ten per cent less duty than
they did year ago, while Others in greater guam
tlty, are entirely exempt from any tariff. mas
much as the amount Of duties now paid is greater
and the importations heavier, it becomes settled
fact that the foreign commerce OF this city Is daily
becoming more extensive.
The labor of collection, even on a reduced tariff
has not been any less; on the contrary, the en-,
harder since the 1st of last August when the new
act went into effect than at any time before. Since
then the REIMBURSEMENT OF entries has occupied the
sole attention Of the various divisions OF the COL
lectors, and naval offices to which this part OF the
THE CIVIL SERVICE CODE
Collector Arthur. Since the Inauguration OF CON-
petitive examinations for promotion the vacan-
cles which have thus been filled secured to
the service efficient and trained clerks, who
were experts in their respective POSITIONS but un
der the ancient regime could not dream even
of advancement, because OF not possessing the
adequate political backing Whatever defects
there may exist in the Civil Service BILL and the
mode OF procedure under its provisions, as lar as
regards the higher branches, IL Is certain that Gen.
eral Arthur has strictly carried the requirements
OF this enactment into good effect through his
board Of examiners, consisting OF Deputy Collector
Thomas L. James, Special Deputy Collector John r.
Lydecker and Special Deputy surveyor James L..
Benedict. The same may be said OF Mr.. Naval
Officer I.aGin's board, composed oil Messrs. Burt,
Greene and Etherdge.
SEVERAL EXISTING VACANCIES
OF clerkships will have to be filled soon, and the
proper examinations would nave been held TINS
week but for the promotion OF Mr.. James 10 ihe
honorable but arduous responsibility or Postmaster
OF this city. Collector Arthur stated 70 our re-
porter that che could lily afford TO lose Mr. James
rom the Third division Of the Custom House, when
important branches Of his ofice.' II will be ex.
ceedngy difficult 10 ind gentleman who can nj
the existing vacancy with so much ability and efn
cheney as the present incumbent. There arc q
number OF aspirants for the position, but the Col
lector has not yet settled upon any successor mol
the mode OF choosing the same. 1t is however
certain that "Civil service VIII in great measure
determine General Arthur's actions in this deicat,
matter.
THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS
by Mr.. Sias Il. butcher, in the basement OF thu
Custom House, for the first quarter of 1873 still
continues since The 4th instant. During this tim,
he has paid about seven thousand five hundred an
picants, averaging about thirty dollars each, thu
making total payment OF nearly quarter OF
million Of dollars, with good many more to come
Another week, however, will close the regular pay
ments. A large number OF Revolutionary and ISL
pensioners received warrants from Mr. Dutchc
during the present disbursemept,