New-York tribune., 1896-04-03
CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION.
REPORT TO THE CHAMBER OF CON-
MERGE
OPPOSITION TO CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE
ADMINISTRATIVE ACT-A NEW CABINET


OFFICE FAVORED.
The Chamber OF Commerce. ct Its meeting yester-
day. received a report from the Committee on For
eign Commerce through Its chairman. Francis b.
Thurber. in opposition 10 the proposed amendments
to the Customs Administrative act. The first pro-
posed amendment provides that II the appraised
value OF any article OF imported merchandise sub
ject TO an ad valorem duty or TO duty based upon
or regulated In any manner by the value thereon.
shall exceed the value declared in the entry there
shall be levied. In addition to the duties imposed by
law on such merchandise. an additional duty OF /
per cenum OF the total appraised value thereof for
each per centum that s!ch Appraised value exceeds
the value declared IN the entry.
THE effect Of this amendment" the committees 8
report said. would be 10 punish any importer who
might succeed In buying his goods or per cent
cheaper than his competitors Heretofore the law
has always allowed for an honest difference OF opn-
ion as to value the appraising officers and
the Importer making such difference 10 per cent be-
fore any fine or penalty could accrue. and. In the
opinion Of your committee. rs we'll as OF the I'M
porters, some latitude should be allowed-not less
than 6 per cent: hence your committee recommend
that after the words shall exceed there snail he
added by per cent. so that 1t Will read 'shaii ex
ceed by per cent the value declared in the entry
The committee also opposed the proposed amend
mont making IL necessary for an importer TO amx
a sample OF his goods to tho protest when hled with
tho Collector against the excessive exacuoh Oh
duties The further amendment compelling the I'M
porter 10 pay fee OF s. with each protest the re-
port declared unjust. II is proposed TO amend sec
ton Is OF the act by making the decision OF the
general appraisers final the question OF fact ana
allowing the importer to appeal to the courts only
on questions OF law. whereas now the importer mas
the right to appea. both questions. This proposed
amendment. well as the others. was opposed oy
the committee.
al hv the
ordered 10 b. sent to both branches Of Congress
The following resolution. offered by Louis WIND
muller was adopted and referred TO the Committee
on Harbors and Shipping:
Whereas Rates o. freight by various trunk lines
cheaper 10 other ports than TO New, forK.
Whereas The material interests or thls port Sue'
Resolved That this Chamber hereby protests
against a continuance OF such discrimination that
investigate the question and report TO the Cham-
ber What steps II any. should be taken TO remedy
the evil.
The Chamber on motion OF Mr.. Thuroer ex-
pressed It's approval OF Senator Fryes bill creating
another Cabinet Office. 10 be known as the Depart
mcnt Of Commerce and Manufactures.
On motion Of Mr.. Windmuer the Chamber ex-
ing for State aid for the construction and main
;enance OF good roads. This bill is drafted on the
same lines as have been found effective In Massa-
chu-etts Connecticut and New-Jersey.
The following were unanimously elected TO mem
bership IN the Chamber: Henry J. bartlett rreI
eric c. Wagner. George W. Crossman ana Lo"eH
NJ. Palmer. ,,.,,, =,
Dodge were appointed epecial committee 10 noni
nate officers and standing committees Tor election
al the annual meeting 20 be he'd on April a.