The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-04-28

George w. True, Esq, one of the committee
sent to Washington by the Board of Trade 10
represent the grievances of merchants at TINS
port and elsewhere doing business over INC
Grand Trunk, at the recent Treasury reguia-
tions requiring the entry of all goods passing
through the United States from Canada 1or
shipment to another country, returneu yeS.ei-
day, having been in Washington three weeks
AS has been stated he represents tna6 the
decision is unfavorable to business interests
Goods intended for consumption IN this couh-
try or for warehouse may be entered here, but
all merchandise in transitu must be entered at
Island Pond.
Mr.. True SAYS that everything has been done
which it is possible to do to have the recent
regulations annulled. but in vain. Senator
Morrill,, who was in Washington, made himself
acquainted with all the details of the subject,
and was interchangeable in his efforts to have the
old order of things restored. Mr.. Blaine
visited the Department three times and be-
sought the officials not to revive the old regula-
tions relative to sealed cars.
We understand that those representing our
business interests found the subordinates in the
Department fully convinced that the old sealed
car system was fraud upon the revenues,
although specific cases in connection with the
Grand Trunk could not be cited. One of the
leading opponents is Assistant Secretary Hart
ley, formerly of Saco-an excellent example of
what life long civil service system will afford
us, as he has been in the Department since the
days of ex-President Pierce. Unquestionably
the venerable fossil thinks he is right, as do all
of the officers who have been led to see that
side of the question since the continuous repre-
sensations of fraud through the sealed car
system, which were begun early last fall.
Doubtless the report of the not very savory
Bingham, the well known Special Treasury
Agent has had its influence to bring about the
change, though he now protests that he is
friendly to Portland.
About ten days since Senator Morrill, thought
he had secured the desired change. Special
Agent Martin, who was the only disinterested
official who knew anything about the case. re-
ported strongly in favor of the old system, and
it was agreed that papers should be made out
in accordance with his suggestions. But after
day or two, through the representations OF
the subordinates upon whom he is obliged to
rely, Secretary Bristow came to the conclusion
that under the law the entry must be made at
the first port or custom-house after entering
the country. Senator Morrill, did not have
another opportunity to see the Secretary after
that time, as he was called to New York on
business, and did not return until Mr.. Morrill,
was obliged to leave Washington.
All of 1.-THE frontier collectors were there,
either in person or by active attorneys. In
fact, they have been urging this matter for
years. and for the past six months with great
persistence 1t is a matter of fees with them;
for by an old law the frontier collectors are
allowed ten cents blank for all papers used in
making entries, and as three of these papers
are required to be made in triplicate for every
car entered at such frontier port, it will be
seen that their revenue from this source is very
large in the aggregate.
Mr. True expresses the opinion that the pres
ent regulations cannot stand long, as it will be
an impossibility to carry them into effect-a
fact which the Treasury officials who are not
acquainted with the lay of the land do not
appreciate. At any rate, the end is not yet