New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-10-06
FORK OF THE TARIFF COMMISSIOM

PETER COOPER HEARD-MERCHANTs SPEAK ON
THEIR GRIEVANCES AND ARE ASKED WHY THEY
DID NOT DO so BEFORE
Nearly all of the members of the Tariff Com
mission present at It's session yesterday the pres
dent John L. Hayes and Mr. BOteer. Of West Virginia.
having arrived In the city. The only absent member
was Mr. Kenncr, of Louisiana. Promptly at the hour
appointed to begin the days session Peter Cooper en-
tered parlor occupied by the commission and shook
hands all around He was accompanied by Dr. John A.
Vessel and Dr. +. p Miller and expressed desire TO
have the commission listen to some views or his Dr.
Miller then read paper prepared oy Mr. Cooper oppos-
ing free trade and urging at length the consideration OF
his peculiar views on the currency. When Mr. Cooper
rose to co. he shook hands with the commissioners and
with others present, saying in clear and kindly tone:
"Goodby; perhaps 1 may never meet or see you
again"
The next person who appeared before the commission
was Ex-Governor Redfeld Proctor, Of Rutland w. who
described the condition OF the marble industry OF the
country and urged the retention OF the present duties on
imported marble. He advised, however, that they be
made specific instead Of ad valorem. III. Schwartz,
representing J.. Toplitz Co.. exhibited sample of
foregnmade worsted knit caps, which he said were worn
chiefly by workngmen in this country, and yet paid
duty equivalent to from 100 100 per cent The
duty compound one, and on account Of their
lighter weight the finer goods of this kind paid duty of
only 40 TO so per cent Mr.. Schwartz also showed
admitted free OF duty and Of willow sheet material
that compelled by Treasury rulings to pay 80 per
duty He wished to have the duty knit woollen
caps reduced to 80 per cent and so cents pound add
tional. The commissioners next treated to long
question from George NJ. Weston, "author OF New
York" Two commissioners during the reading were
called from the room, one wrote letter, two Others
read, and the remaining two were silent listeners.
After short recess Thomas G. Sherman, president of
the Brooklyn Revenue Reform Club read paper de-
signed 10 show the inconsistencies and abuses of the
listing tarih, and recommending new tarn based on
sugar. m0asses, tea, c0ee, Spirits vines beer fruits
and nuts, Spices tobacco and cocoa, and advising the
continued taxation OF whskey made NJ nome lie con
demned all systems OF indirect taxation as enhancing
the cost OF living to al persons but more IN proportion
representing James McCreerY Co., Lord q taylor,
Aiken, son & Co. and j. & @. Johnston and including
Dennng ana Edward A. MSTrsoa, next 3 were neard
measures with respect to the tariff and Custom House
Substitute specie mainly specific duties in place of
Place the Government and the importer on on equal
footing before the law.
Establish court OF five Judges to determine all mat
tiers arising between the Government and the lmpOrer
Allow entries 70 be made before notary public
Allow longer time than ten days Tor protests against
Custom House valuations.
Allow goods to be cassed under the tariff accord
ing TO tho purpose for which they are employed
certained by certain value OF cotton
Facilitate the passing OF goods through the port by in
creasng the working force at the public stores.
Mr. McCreery said that the import business had fallen
from the hands OF American merchants into the hands
facurers could underyaue their goods TO the extent Of
10 per cent without mourning penalty, and take the
chances OF having their valuations raised only few per
cent Silks vevets pushes etc. by the piece he said,
should be taxed at much per pound, with specific
duty and small additional al yalOrem duty or, say 10
or 10 per cent Edward A: Morrison said that In one
instance fans that he had imported instead Of being
taxed 80 per cent, casse1 toys under 90 per
cent duty, simply because he dealt In fancy goods He
OF the delegation given above when suddenly Commits
sioner Oliver asked hilni How many importers are
there In NewYOrB Cityi"
Morrison
4" Well, there several hundred Of them" con-
tinued Mr.. Oliver What want to get at Is why you
have presented your grievances TO us before this
circular the appearance before us OF all persons inter-
esed In the tariff and yet You do not come forward un
I'll the time have at our disposal Tor open meetings
almost exhausted DO you consider that Right y
Well" replied Mr.. Morrison, after moments hesta-
ton, will say frankly that have had no confidence
in you. When we talked about coming here before YOU
business said 10 Why. II Will De waste or
time to 20 there. 10 will do you good That Is the
encouragement got from our business associates"
Ar MOrri5cns words turned the eyes OF some CT the
commissioners TO the floor and the OF others to the
ceiling Mr. Oliver pressed his lips hard together and
then said you preferred to neglect your own and
the publcs business rather than 10 give US an oppor
unity prove tuat wero competent TO investigate
subject of the tariff Was that right Had we no
record that you refused To assist us when we have given
every working day since our appointment TO the hearing
OF complaint and recommendations Don't You think
that yOu have neglected your business ~
"Wel, yes, IT does come down 80 that replied Mr..
Morrison
NJ. Oiver-Do you not consider 1t fair and just to
jud &c men by tDcir fruits
Mr. MorusOn-Yes but
Mr. Oliver That IL all. sir
The remainder oftne session was occupied addresses
by Benjamin latham, lendpipe manufacturer and
William Zimmerman, manufacturer OF clay pipes To-
day the commission will meet at III a. Tomorrow Ia
the last days this city, and after october 10
meetings will be held aud further argumen Is
or testimony received.