The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-20
"TEEAsURY DEPARTMENT.,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,

WASHINGTON, D. G. }
investigations of the methods of entry and
appraisment Of imported merchandise have
shown that the tariff laws are largely evaded by
undervaluation wherever the duties are levied
ad valorem. A remedy suggested for this evil is
the adoption of specific duties. With view of
obtaining information on the subject which may
be useful to Congress in fiscal legislation, and as
an aid in the improvement of the customs
revenue system, it is deemed proper to ask
the advice of those directly interested in the
rious industrial arts Of the country, which my
be affected by tariff legislation and which suffer
more or less by reason of defective methods OF
administration Youare therefore, requested to
give your views as to the feas blity Of simplify
ing the tariff, and making the duties specific so
far as applicable to imported articles, such as
are made or produced in the United States, in
which you are interested, or with which you are
familiar, with as full information on the subject
as you may be pleased to submit. 1t is desirable
that in addition to a schedule showing the rates
OF specific duty, which in your opinion should be
levied upon the various kinds and qualities of
merchandise embraced therein, the information
furnished may cover the following points:
'First-Commercial or technical designation
Of the article with sample or samples.
'Second-Cost of production of given Unit of
quantity by weight or measure, with the follow
ing details as to each kind or quality of article
viz: l. Cost of materials; character Of same las
for example, if wool the kind of wool) whether
OF foreign or domestic origin If fore gn, what
part of the value represents duties paid thereon
2 Cost of labor in detail, giving each item spe-
clfically, and the rates of wages paid. 3. Oper-
ating expenses and how distributed. 4. Inter
est. .. Other elements of cost not covered by
the above
Third Description of buildings and machin-
cry, and amount of capital invested in each.
'Fourth-lf the foreign article of similar kind
and quality is subject to ad valorem duty state
as nearly as practicable the specific equivalent
per gwen unit of weight or measure
"FHth-Mention any exceptional element of
advantage In manufacturing, such as location Of
the factory with reference to market, or means
of transportation, accessibility of supplies
nature of the power or kind of machinery used
character of labor employed. rates of wages
paid, amount Of taxes, or exemption from tax
alton, etc.
You are also requested to forward such in :
formation as you may be able to submit, show
Ing the relative cost of manufacture OF the same
article in the United States and in Europe, par
tcularly with regard to the cost OF labor, as
affected by the rate of wages paid in the differ
ent countries. State how much the total cost
of given unit of production is increased in the
United States over European countries by rea-
son of the difference in wages paid, and the rate
of interest on capital employed. State, also, to
what extent within your knowledge of the
special trade with which your business is con-
nected, the present laws imposing taxes on the
imported, article have been evaded, and
how the same can be corrected
whether by specific duties, or otherwise
and to what extent the home industry with which
you are connected has suffered from this cause
1T is not intended that your reply shall be con-
fined to the form or scope le inquiries above
suggested, but you invited to give the fullest
expression of your views On the general subject
indicated IN such manner and form as you may
deem best. Publicity will not be given to Names
location or facts relating to the business of ind-
vlduals or corporations. These will be treated
as private if so desired. Please reply at your
earliest convenience. Very Respectfully, :
DANIEL MANNING, Secretary"