New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-09-03
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
1HE cusroM HOUSE ORGANIzATIoM

THE CUSTOM HOUSE ORGANIZATION.
NR. WOODS INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE MEETS
THE METHODS OF DOING PUBLIC BUSINESS TO
BE LEARNED.
In a quiet part of the Custom House,
IN the Naval ONCE, subcommittee OF the Com
mittee Ways and Means Of the House OF
Representatives began, yesterday an inquiry Oh
which the object is the simphcauon OF the methoo OF
Collecting customs lessen the expense to tue
Government. Three of the members Of the committee
only were present-FernandO Wood, General n. r.
Banks and General Randall L. Gibson, OF LOUISIANA
The absent members were General j. A GarIeio Oh
Ohio II. R. Harris, Of Georgia Judge J. Phelps OF
Connecticut, and ]. r. Tucker, OF Virginia Mr. Wood
stated that General Garfield would be present at the
Committee meetings some time next week, and Judge
Phelps would probably come to-day. He then asked
his fellow members whether they desired the meetings
OF the committee to be held with open doors OF con-
eealed rOm the public General Banks said he thought
that least the niatory proceedings should De heu
with open doors, and General Gibson said he believed
there was great prOpriety in adopting that policy IL
was then unanimously agreed that public sessions
should held until the committee saw reason TO hold
meetings in secret The committee then adjourned 10
meet again to-day at IL a. m.
II is expected that the committee will make very
thorough examination Of all the offices in the Custom
House. aud OF methods Of doing business in It, The
resolution appointing the committee was very broad
one It is authorized to examine into customs colee-
measures for the correction OF errors If any be diseov
cred and such other recommendations In the ma
cnnery Of collecting the may occur to then
Mr. Woods views TO the work before the committee
we're stated considerable length in yesterdays IRIB
me In letter TO Collector Merritt made public yes
terday he gives them ia condensed FORM as fol-
lows The scope Of the proposed inquiry will cover
all such matters che resolution viii authorize The
precise points OF investigation will relate TO the praeu
cal entry Of merchandise, the method of payment Of
duties, the examination of invoices and of the
valuation Of apprasements the system adopted for re-
funds, the bonding system the practcdblltY OF cOnsO
dating departments divisions and placing the whole
machinery under one head 10 secure more efi-
shall be glad receive any suggestions or Information
on these points which may be within your power TO
afford"
Mr.. Wood also wrote to Secretary Sherman, Of the
Treasury Department in relation to the inquiry ana re-
ceyed a reply in which, after acknowledging the re-
cept OF Mr. Woods letter, he says: 81 take great
pleasure In complying with your request TO direct the
Customs officers at NeWYOrk TO furnish the sub-com-
mttee all necessary facilities for the performance OF its
duties beg TO add that regard the inquiry as
so important public service that hope to Oe able
personally attend time during the meeting OF
the subcommittee with view to promote IN every pos
will be glad to furnish the committee any information in
the possession OF this department il aid OF its object
Mr.. Wood stated TO his fellow members OF the commit
yesterday, that members Of the Chamber OF COM
desired to appear before the committee ana give
their testimony concerning It's management.