Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-08
Total. s1,o15. 7s2.O11 sl,os2, COZ, COB

lpldl. Sl,Ulo. loZUll 81, W., UD3
1t may also be noted that the exports
of silver again give an increased value
over the exports of 1896. in the face of a
decline in the market price of that metal.
Silver must now be counted among the
most important of the articles of export.
exceeding the value of the total exports
OF iron and steel. and being double the
value of the exports of copper bars and
il lots.
comparing the four months ending Oct
50. 81, with the same months for 1896 the
value of free merchandise imported
showed an increase in value over the
same four months last year of $3.50 AL
and decrease in value of dutiable mer-
chandise amounting to $l2 .552.3S9. Our eX-
ports of domestic merchandise, showed
an increase of $34. 067,1 53
At this time an increase in the appro-
prlatiOn for the expense of collecting the
customs revenue is not asked for, but the
attention of Congress is invited to the
urgent necessity of reOrganizing the GUS
toms districts and regulating and equaiiz-
irg the rates of compensation fixed by
law. The present organization of the
customs districts on the Atlantic coast
was the result of legislation that imme-
diately followed the establishment of our
government. All that has since been
done in this direction is patchwork.
Many customs districts and ports that
were of Importance in the year 1900 are
today without foreign commerce. and
their continued existence is unnecessary.
while the expense unavodably incurred
in their maintenance deprives commerce
of its just share of customs service else
where. In sc customs districts and in
dependent ports the cost of collection in
the last fiscal year exceeded . per cent.
of the amounts collected, and in a num-
Der of them the expenses exceeded the
receipts. In many of these districts sub
stantially the only business is the docu-
nenting of American vessels. This work
could readily be done at very much less
nv ct a
at such points to receive expired docu-
rents of vessels. and to deliver new
documents to be issued from custom
houses at more important points.
The secretary wants that provision of
the old tariff law, which gave him
authority to license custom house brokers
ro-enacted.
The inspection of tea under the present
law he thinks protects the consumer. In
1891 the amount of liquors distilled and
brewed fell off from the previous year.
The secretary in speaking of the de-
pletion of the seal herds says: Renewed
experiments Were made. also, in the
branding of female pup seals. several
thousands being successfully branded in
such manner as to totally destroy this
skins from a commercial standpoint,
while in nowise injuring the health or
vitality Of the animal
The supply of salmon in Alaska is good
AID under proper supervision such as the
present will continue so.
Work has been prosecuted during the
past year on 81 buildings. including cX-
tensions and repairs specially appropri-
ated for. Of which q buildings have been
completed. thus placing under the control
OF the construction branch of this depart
lrcIlt 3S4 buildings.
The total immigration for the first four
months of the present fiscal year was
70, 3i2 as against 81 .50I for the same period
81 the last fiscal year. showing de-
q ease Of HIS. 80.
1t would seem from the difficulties
which are encountered in the enforce
rnent of the Chinese exclusion laws that
further legislation on the subject should
be had.
IN view of our increasing commerce
with the Orient greater precautlon Is
needed against spread of diseases such
as cholera. bubonic plague. etc. 1t is
thought government aid was efectlNe IN
controlling the recent yellow fever cpl
den,ic. The secretary wants lnformation
collected respecting leprosy. 1t is desired
thai national quarantine regulations De
made paramount it,, 4..,,,,,.
Provision is desired for the RETIREMENT
of old and otherwise WORKOUT ofhcefs OF
the revenue cutter service; also pensions
for the wounded and disabled enllsteo
men A revenue cutter for the Yukon Is
asked for.