The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-01-07
THE CUSTOMS SERVICE.

Secretary Manning Making a Thorough
Investigation of It-A New Law Prom
ised.
Secretary Manning, in conversation
respecting the proposed examination
by the Senate into the working of the
New York Custom-House, said that as
the executive officer was primarily re-
sponsiblc for the execution of the tariff
law, he should welcome the co-opera-
ton of q committee of the Senate, If
one be created to that end. He said,
however, that during all the present
year an active inquiry into the cOpdi-
ton of the custom-houses had been
going on under the initiation and SUI
pervision of his immediate predecessor
and himself and that the result of that
inquiry is exhibited i'll volume of 800
printed pages, which when examined
by Senators, will disclose all the needed
facts in regard to the custom-houses up
to October last and save the work of
an examining committee. II there has
been defective administration since
then, which had escaped his attention,
he would be glad to know it. A reso-
luton has been introduced in the
House respecting an importation of
glassware by l.. Lehman, which,
he said, would be completely answered
rs soon as adopted, End sent to him.
Any other specific inquiries addressed
to the Department by either House
would receive Immediate and thorough
attention. Mr.. Manning remarked
a. 10 IoI HE animal ,aDOrt RI
Congress, described his own ideal of a
collector of customs at any of the great
ports, and he had distinctly minated
his own conviction that satisfactory
execution of the present tariff law
would severely test the best efforts OF u
staff of the best officers that the coun-
try could supply. The point of attack
now, he said, is the Appraising Depart
ment and, for obvious reasons no
should, he said, firmly and earnestly
uphold the conscientious conduct Of
those officers against all corners. The
collector at New York, he said, was
unnecessarily and naturally assailed by
selfish interests, because in case OF dis
agreement between two reappraiscrs
his decision is final. The Secretary
had no doubt that the Senate and the
country would discriminate between
the existing tariff system, or rather the
existing tariff chaos, created by law,
and the officers who administer that
system of chaos. 1t will he difficult
enough to execute the existing law
with the very best of subordlnates, and
it would be his effort to efficiently use
such instruments as may be placed in
his hands by the President and the
Senate, to whom the law had wisely
cOnfided the selection of the chief GUS
toms officials.
The Civil-Service law has, Mr.. Man.
ming added. practically taken away
from the Treasury Department the Sc
lection of such most important subordi-
mates as examiners, inspectors, weigh.
ers, gaugers and measurers. The gen.
eral appraisers, the appraisers and the
assistant appraisers are nominated by
the President and confirmed by the
Senate.
Mr.. Manning said that he expects
soon after the holidays to send to Con-
CESS a special report on one branch OF
the customs system and the project OF
law, which, if adopted, will work
therein a needed reform. The Secre-
tary concluded by saying that it is vital
to the public welfare that in CUSTOM
house matters there be concert of ac-
ton, good understanding and pleasant
forms between the Senate and the head
of the Treasury Department, and added:
81 shall do my utmost to promote this,
and shall not unduly intrude my party
affiliations and my party prejudices,
which, 1 nevertheless hope Ind believe,
are reasonably strong. st. LOUIS Re
qubLcnn