The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-06-01
AN OPEN LETTER.
showing What Is Expected of the Gus.
tenn EIOisse Commission,

showing What Is Expected of the Gus
tem-HOnse Commission.
The following is copy OF the letter addreese,
by Collector King to the members Of the Gus
tom-House Investigating Commission:
Custom HOUSE, New Orleans, La, !
Collectors Office, Msy st, 1877.
Gen. L. A. Sheldon and Col p. B. Hatch
genAe,nen-I hare been instructed BY the Gee
rotary of the Treasury to have thorough exam.
| nation made into the method OF business and
the efficiency and the character of the force en-
ployed in the Office OF Collector OF Customs al
| New Orleans To accomplish this object have
been authorized to appoint two persons TO act in
conjunction with Gen. b. M. Barney, the special
agent OF the treasury, now on duty in this de-
| partment.
In the exercise OF the a,thority Thus vested in
me have sought for representative men Of con-
ceded capacity and integrity, Of irrsproachahie
antecedents, OF enlarged and liberal views, who
are familiar with the practical operation Of tn Q
revenue laws, and who would inspire the conf.
dence Of the commercial public. Added to this
thiuk that the two political parties ahoald be re-
presented in the proposed examination, and am
confident that this view will accord with the poll
oy and wishes of the national administration.
The position of one Of you (Ceh. Bheldpn) ss
an active and distinguished mensber OF the Com
mittee of Commerce. when in Congress, gave you
an opportunity to familiarize yourself with
the business necessities OF the Missssipp
Valley, and OF the requirements OF New Orleans.
The former connection OF the other OF you (Cel
Hatch) with this department as Collector of
Customs, your intelligent, faithful and efficient
administration OF lite affairs, and your acknowl-
edged character for integrity, emnently fit you
TO subseIye the interests OF the country and the
wishes Ut the Presldent, as member OF the pro-
posed commission. have, therefore, selected
you as the two members who, with Gen. Barney,
are to compose the examining committee
1t will be your duty to make thorough exam
nation OF this Office in its various departm erts.
to suggest any improvements that you may deem
necessary in the manner OF conducting its bust |
ness; to ascertain where there are any existing
abuses or Irregularities and. if any exist to ind-
cate the manner in which they IN ay be corrected |
TO look into the practcability of diminishing the
force now employed, aud of reducing the pay n |
any cases where it may appear to be excessive: |
and, generally, to make any suggestions tending |
to the improvement of the ciyA SERVICE in acc ord
ance with the policy OF the Administration at |
Washington. |
In the prosecution OF our investigation, think |
1t will not be unwise to seek for information out
side 81 the officers and employees of the Custom
House, and to consult the business men Of this |
,ity, and more especially the merchants, whose /
intelligence and ssgacity have enabled them to |
study advantageously the practical relations Of |
his Office to the commerce of the country.
To aid you in the discharge of your responsible /
1uty. you will be supplied with the written de- |
allied instructions from the Treasury Department,
Ind with such information rs may be derived |
rom the officers and employees under my control. |
confer with you freely and frequently during the |
,rogress OF the thorough examination you are
lxpected TO make.
Hoping that you will find it convenient to 40
ept the responsible trust to which have felt it |
ny duty TO repose in you, remain, very respect
ully, your obedent servant,
JOHN e. KING,
Collsctor of Customs