The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-15
EnIarging His Powers.

Frank d. Schuyler introduced Attorney
George s. Bush, who addressed the cham
Der on the subject of charging the powers
of the deputy collector of customs at this
port. Mr.. Bush. who was in the customs
service in this district under the admin
istration of the late Charles S. Bradshaw,
has carefully considered the advantages
and the disadvantages Of such an en-
largement of power. and finds that the
latter would simply give more response
bility and more work 10 the incumbent OF
the deputy collectors position In this
city. The matter. he says, is also TO be
taken up by the Chamber of Commerce of
Tacoma in behalf OF its town. and the
Spokane Falls & Northern railroad will
urge the same powers for the deputy col
lector at Northport.
Mr.. Bush says that the secretary OF the
treasury, pursuant TO authority conferred
by section 1883 OF the revised statutes,
should clothe the deputy collector OF Gus
toms at this port with all the powers. per-
tanning TO official acts. OF his principal. the
collector at Port Townsend. AS each OF
the supports of Seattle. Tacoma and
Northport transact far more business with
the public than the head ONCE, these sub
ports should have such home rule. This
would obviate the necessity of the pro-
posed carving up OF the customs district
of Puget sound into four or more separate
districts, which would be a serious vexa-
tion TO shipping, as certain vessels would
be compelled TO enter and clear in pass
ing from Seattle 10 Tacoma or Port
Townsend one office only in this state
is the proper medium for customs corre-
spondence and reports TO the treasury de-
partment. but the business with the pub
lie. such as the appraisement. classical
nf mo- a Il Tn n
entries of imported goods. etc. should be
done at the port where IL originates.
This would give the deputy collector at
this port nearly all OF the powers of the
collector and would practically sever this
city's relations with Port Townsend. II
would increase the duties OF the deputy
without increas sing his compensation. Mr..
Bush believes that the attempt Will be OPP
posed by the collector. as IL will strip him
OF some OF his responsibilities. and there
is little question that the entire popula-
ton OF Port Townsend would also oppose
the measure.
The matter was referred TO the commit
tee on state and national affairs with
instructions 10 report and submit rec
concentrations. A memorial 10 the secre-
tary Of the treasury would. according to
Mr. Bush. be referred back to Special
Agent of the Treasury Leslie Cullom. at
Tacoma, and rs further progress would
depend on bis recommendations.
An Assay Once.
The matter Of the establishment OF a
government assay Office was then taken
TIP and correspondence on the subject was
read n. Schuyler said IL was a project
of great Importance. and recommended
that the committee on state and national
affairs draft resolution for introduction
IN congress The bin would be drawn In
Washington. c. J. Smith seconded Mr..
Schuyler and Endorsed the recommended
tion. advising expedition. After 4 gem
eral discussion the matter was re-
ferred TO q special committee consisting
OF Messrs Schuyler. Graves and Ling. 10
work in conjunction with the committee
On state and national Affairs. with in
strUcti0ns to act At once.
After canvassing means for encourag-
ing visitors TO San Francisco during the
Christian Endeavor meeting 10 visit this
city the chamber adjourned.