The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-23
THE WINE AND SPIRIT TRADERS

Special Meeting Of the Council OF the
socicty-Report or the Legislative Conn
mfttee-Reforms Demanded In the
Tariff and Internal Revenue Laws
Washfngton To BE Visited-specific In
structiOns.
The Council OF the Wine and Spirit Traders So
ciety OF the United States yesterday held special
meeting to receive the 'amended report' OF the
Legislative Committee pertaining to matters Of
reform IN the Tariff ana Internal Revenue laws,
Mr. Charles Bellows President, In the chair.
The reading OF the minutes OF the previous meet
ing being dispensed with. Mr. William N. Fleiss
submitted the report in question, and as Its
Nent points and recommendations were published
in the HERALD OF the l4tn inst. 1t Is unnecessary
to repeat them The report was accepted and
adopted.
Mr.. Fleiss then desired to ascertain the pleasure
OF the Council regarding the manner In which the
recommendations contained in the report should
be brought before The Committee on Ways and
Means at washington. The Legislative Committee
Of the Council was then empowered to proceed to
washington and take with them any person they
deemed OF suficent importance to further the end,
IN view. and that the treasurer OF the society be
authorized to defray all expenses incurred. Mr..
Fleiss stated In general way what the committee
seeks TO accomplish. but this will be better under
stood by the annexed letter. addressed Dy Mr. j.
Lienan to MIR. George w. Cotterriii, attorney ior
the society -
WHAT THE COMMITTEE WANTS
The attention OF the committee to be sent to Washing
directed TO the following tour points and their efforts
must concentrate to effect the desired changes
Firr-Liquidati0n on all import entries, when once
made by Custom House. to be final and transaction closed
likewise be recommended by Committee OF Chamber OF
Commerce gone already to Washington The whole
mercantile community will sustain the same
sesoadGhanse Of duties On all still foreign wines
entirely specific duty of thirtyfve forty
gallon. The government statistical tables showing the
importation and withdra wal for consumption OF foreign
still Wines during the last hve years are in the pos
session Of the committee. Figures stubborn proofs
and cannot be argued away; they show conclusively
that is the interest OF the government adopt the
change The duties on foreign spirits were altered from
has resulted the benefit Of both the Treasury and
trade
TIird-Abosh stamp taxes on whiskcys after the tax
stamped tax paid" The whiskeys should then be con-
sdered absolutely free liable interfered
with by government officials by preence which
ultimately must drive every honest out OF the trade
sble safeguards for Its protection appoint thorough ef
eent men supervising officers there, and collect the
tax at the fountain head. 1t be satisfactorily shown
that an saving can be effected by dischargng
and furnishing books containing the will and
with II considerable expense
Fouyh-mported bitters are not liable to stamp tax.
The committee will endeavor induce a change in the
point
The Council at this juncture recommended, in an
informal manner, that the members join the Cheap
transportation Association and aid, so far rs
practicable. its members in the furtherance OF
their object, and then adjourned.