Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-08-12

SEC. II. That whenever, for an alleged viola
who shall be charged with having incurred any
tine, penalty, forfeiture, or disability other than
imprisonment, or shall be interested in any
seizure, when the appraised value OF such YES
sci or merchandise Is not less than one thousand
dollars, shall present his petition to the Judge
of the district in which the alleged violation oc-
Cured, or in which the property is situated,
setting forth, truly and particularly, the facts
and circumstances of the case, and praying for
relief, such judge SHALL If the case, his juds-
ment, requires, proceed TO inquire, in sum-
mary manner into the circumstances of the
case, at such reasonable time may be fixed
by him tor that purpose, OF which the district
attorney and the collector shall be notified by
the petitioner, in order that they may attend
and show cause why the petition should be re-
fused.
SIC. Is. That the summary Investigation
hereby provided for may be held before the
judge 70 whom the petition is presented, or, IL
he shall 50 direct, before any United States
commissioner for such district, and the facts
appearing thereon shall be stated and annexed
to the petition, and, together with a certified
copy of the evidence, transmitted to the Score
tary of the Treasury, who shall thereupon have
power to mitigate or remit such fine, penalty,
or forfeiture, or remove sach disability, or any
part thereof, IL, in his opinion, the same sh ali
have been incurred without willful negligence
or any intention of fraud in the person or per-
sons mourning the same, and to direct the pros
ecution, If any shall have been instituted for
the recovery thereof, TO cease and be discontin-
utu upOu euCu Ucfms or cO0QfIl0nS as ne NAV
deem reasonable and Just.
SIC. -. That IL shall not be lawful for any
officer or officers Of the United States to COM
promise or abate any claim of the United States
arising under the customs laws, for any hne,
penalty, or forfeiture incurred by q violation
thereof; and any officer or person who shall so
compounds or abate any such claim, or attempt
to make such compromise or abatement, or In
any manner relieve or attempt 10 relieve from
such nne penalty, or forfeiture, shall be deemed
guilty OF q felony, and, on conviction thereof,
sasl snffar imprisonment not exceeding ten
years. and be fined not exceeding ssn fhansand
dollars: Provided, however, That the Secretary
of the Treasury shall have power TO remit any
fines, penalties, or forfeitures, or to compro-
mise the same, in accordance with existing law.
SEC 20. That whenever any application shall
be made to the Secretary Of the Treasury for
the mitigation or remission Of any fne, penalty
or forfeiture, or the refund OF any duties, In
case the amount involved Is not Les than one
thousand dollars, the applicant shall notify the
district attorney and the collector Of customs
of the district in which the duties, nne, penalty,
or forfeiture accrued; and it shall be the duty
of such collector and district attorney TO fur nsh
to the Secretary Of the Treasury al practicabl e
information necessary TO enable him to protect
the interests Of the United States.
SIC. p. That whenever any goods, wares,
and merchandise shall have been entered and
passed free Of duty, and whenever duties upon
any imported goods, wares, and merchandise
shall have been hauidatsd and paid, and such