New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-01-04
DECENTRALIZATION OF CUTLERY
/, the Hdttor OF rae rr ,Vune.

To the EdltOF Or The r. lOHHe
SIR: While the American cutlery manufac-
turers RETAINED from expressing any opinion for
publication IN regard to the differentiation and
smuggling OF foreign cutlery other than that expressed
in the constitution OF their association they have care
fully noted all OF tho Vows and expressions OF the I'M
porters published in journals throughout the
country.
On November 81 The TRIBUNE contained article
ntimatug that serious frauds the revenue had been
committed In tho importation OF cutlery. The statement
was general In character, without interviews upon
which to base an estimate or calculation. \ few days
later however. THE TRIBUNE published an interview
with Mr.. Wtto reliable importer. who says that he
has lost $4,000 by uuderyaluatons during the past
year also that what THE TRIBUNE had said about ship
ping goods IN excess OF invoices worse than had
been stated That statement was business" and
died for reference, knowing that when taken In
ton With others likely he made 1t would confirm our
impressions In the matter From many articles since
published, selection has been made of the NewYork
letter to the December number OF ne HronmOnger,
lssued IN chicago Tho writer rss refers TO the de-
llghful old TRIBUNE" as printing "surmsc, sensation
and Stiffness" November 81 IN regard to the matter
and then relates number of interviews
With importers, including most OF those whose
invoices OF cutlery have been advanced. The
statements OF the underwriters suggest only modest
difference Of opinion between themselves and the APP
praiser such "a might among friends any time
ON n little matter OF business. one communicative i'm
porter says that the whole importation Of cutlery at
New.York does not exceed 81 900 600 OF which we'll
known English makers, about whom there Is no dispute
Import Ouehaf leaving balance of 100000 for the
rest 10 BRING III. COutulDH myself 10 the importers
figures lot mo prove from them that TIE TRiBuSEs as
sertons prob ably true. Taxing 100000 the
amount upon which it Is possible 10 underYalue and
estimating that Mr. Wtte handles cent OF the
cutlery Imported At New-IOrk which IA fair estimate,
all OF the other importers would have To underyauo
per cent on an average cause Mr.. Vito loss OF
ZOO II 10 per cent Of tho business Is conducted
honestly, the other Oper cent would have TO under
loss or the 10 per cent honest ones II 30 per OF
the correctly conducted the other 70
per must get through an average or IS per
differentiation TO cause an average loss of SSA 900
the 80 per cent straight business
This mas been carried far enough TO give example
OF what may DO figured from the statement OF importers
Those having cutlery stopped claim that their advances
Will not exceed 10 per cent on average II this IL
according TO the basis OF figuring furnished by the
importers either 30 per cent or the importation Is
uuderyaued else some ono or more who undcrYalue
very much more tnan 10 per cent have not yet been
caught
respondent OF The I0nmOnger sums mp their opinions
Mr. Osborn, whom they evidently did not recommend
to the Secretary Of the Treasury competent go
abroad 10 indorse their conduct He says that Osborn
hal been employed by dozen or the best houses In the
hardware district" 1t Is little singular that gentle
man whom the importers had recommended from to
another for several not good enough for tho
Government service. Somo might think that IL would
reflect their training or his knowledge OF tholr bush
Tho reporter further says that "no one would
suppose that the importers would cable that
born coming. and to stop shipments, etc." but still
another paper states uuquestonabe authority that
they did" believe that the Secretary Of tho Treasury
intends ascertain tho bottom facts cutlery under
valuation and to punish the offenders and he Will prob
ably have the hearty cooperation of customs officials In
New-York Yours truly, w. H. ROCKWELL,
President Associated Cutlery Manufacturers OF the
Meriden, Conn, Dec. 10. 1885.