The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-02-15
Virginia Delegation Opposed to CensoIlda-
tlon Of Ports Of Entry.
REPRESENTATIVE YOUNG up IN ARMS
Tells tho yirGininn what no Thinks
About lt-Swanson and EDcs
Strongly support IIIm-EIguYes Oh
tho Extent OF tho Commerce Of
Norfolk ana Portsmouth.
Especial Cor. Of The Virginian.)
NXn shin ON IEf,ln Ii 1Qno


Washington, Feb. II, 1895
The burning question shat throws ali
| others Into the background among Vir-
ginians here is the attempt on the part
OF the administration to humliate the
great seaport city of the South Atlantic;
relegate her to a support of entry; put
her under the jurisdiction of another
Port; cause her very name to be UNI
known In foreign ports and countries;
and all this to save a few pennies UNI
der the false plea of economy. This is
the official reference 20 the subject
made to Congress by Secretary Gage:
THE customs business at Newport
News and Norfolk can be conducted
with greater economy and security to.
the revenue by one collector and the
consolidation of these districts is there
fore suggested"
The bill (which accompanies this re-
port, OF which the above is an extract
then provides that the three ports
Newport News, Norfolk Portsmouth,
and Charles City or Cherrystone, shall
be one collection district, with New
port News as the seat of the collector,
and the other two supports, with
deputy collector in charge. This bill
was framed upon report made by SUI
pervising Special Agent Chance, who
gave the salaries of the collectors at
the several ports as follogs:
NEorfolksPortsmouth.. . 81 OoO
newport News. ...... ............ S3O42
Nheii SStone.. ........ ...........$ 751
In lieu of these salaries one collector
With q salary Of $1,000 a year Is pro-
Nlded Or course, 1T is expected that
the force Of men employed will be re-
duced in like or greater ratio.
This bill will be pushed by the Treas
ury.
Assistant Secretary Howell said no
| ana not care which place became the
port and which the sub port-whether
Norfolk and Portsmouth or Newport
| NeWs-he only wanted to consolidate
| districts to save expense. This is the
cold hard official feeling, but tits moi
shared by the Virginia Senators or
congressman. They have pride in their
State, and in Norfolk, and will be heard
| from.
Congressman Young has naturally
taken an interest in Secretary Cages
proposition to consolidate Ncwnort
news and Norfolk and Portsmouth into
one customs district, with the former
| rs 1he seat of the collector and with
only a deputy stationed at the halter
port. He has had several interviews
with Assistant Secretary Howell of The
treasury and entered vigorous pro-
test against the measure as unjust ana
| unwise. "'''
Speaking to The Virginian, he said
Secretary Cages proposition will meet
| Win strong opposition in the Senate
| ana Rouse, as 1t contemplatcs abolish
| ing 4 large number of positions aud
WAL thereby throw out of employment a
large number OF people. If the Govern
ment can do business at n profit il
should increase offices instead of abol-
lshing them The Norfolk and Ports
mouth office now only costs 43 per cent
| Oh It's receipts to run, leaving q hand
some revenue from the Office. With
the vast business now being done and
on the increase it does not strike one
as logical that the port of entry n;
! Norfolk and Portsmouth should he
abolished. will strenuously opposa
rhis consolidation, and, with the aid OF
senators Martin and Daniel, and the
| virginia members. don't believe tho
| N'orfolk and Portsmouth port will be
abolished
1 think 1t is necessary for the business
| interests Of this section of she country
that there should he n port of entry
at Norfolk and Portsmouth, Before
Secretary Cages proposition will be-
come law il will have stormy road
TO travel as 1t affects the commercial
interests and welfare of SO many sec.
lions Of the country.
why. look at its business. Here are
the Official figures. They show that at
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