New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-24
CONFLICT OF APPRAISERS STORES
REPORT OF THE COMMISSION WHICH IN
vEsTIGATED MR.. wAKEMAN's AID
MINISTRATION.


vashineton. MAY 2s-The Commission composed
of three special agents. George W. Whitenouse'
George w Maher and Burton Parker appointed to
investigate charges OF maladministration at the
AnnraIser's Stores in New-York has submitted It's
first report While Treasury officials say tnat the
details Of the report will not be made puohc d.
present II Is understood that certain charges pre-
ferred by Enstein. Wolff Co. Hermann, HUBER
g. Co.. William Myer Co. and Loeb e. Schoenfeid
form the basis of the investigation thus far MADE
The charges referred to are in effect that there have
been discrimination. Inconsistency and delay In the
appraisement of the merchandise OF certain I'M
porters and that methods not contemplated by Ia"
have been resorted to In fixing dutiable values
The Commission finds that Appraiser Wakeman
has administered the affairs Of his Office In an en-
erget,c manner and that he has been governed by
honesty az purpose. The opinion Is expressed that
consigned goods have not paid their full measure
of duties at the Custom House: that invoices OF
that character afford fruitful field for offcers
who are on the alert TO detect and prevent under
valuations and that no mistake made when
the subject OF embroderies from 81. Gall, involving
imports of the value OF 100000 annually, paying
60 per cent ad valorem duty was taken up Tor con-
alteration But the Commission condemns the
methods OF appraisement In vogue In the early
mart Of 1898 as improper Apprasement under
Section II OF the Customs Administrative act. by
taking the selling prices in the United States as
basis for apprasement. is declared to be the direct
cause of the complaints made. The view IS eX-
pressed that the letter OF instructions addressed by
the Department to appraising officers on March g.
1888 the authority cited by Appraiser Wakeman In
justification OF his action is broader In scope than
Section II itself because OF the direction given 10
such officers TO apply the section mentioned 10 all
merchan dise subject to ad vaorem duty. while.
in the opinion of the Commission. the law is APP
plicable only when the dutiable value cannot be
otherwise ascertained. St. Gall goods having a
market value in the country whence exported 10 the
United States an apprasement on any other OASIS
or the taking into consideration OF selling prices IN
this country was without authority OF law. II ap-
pears to be established that. through faulty and
inconsiderate methods of appraisement' ihcohsis'-
encies and Irregularities In valuation nave oc-
CURED, the result OF which seems to JUSTIFY the
belief expressed in the charges alleging unjust dis
elimination.
Specific evidence was obtained In many Instances
TO sustain the charge of unreasonable delay. 1t is
shown that. after hearing both sides TO the con-
troversy entries invoices, etc. were examined
and from them alone were the facts determined.
This silent testimony demonstrates that goods OF
certain importers in instances largely ad-
vanced Oh appraisement while similar goods OF
other importers were passed invoiced. The re-
port says that assistant appraiser mas exposed
invoices OF one importer 10 oibsr VAS
violated the rules of the Department by dlseioslhs
gained knowledge through his official position.
The Commission does not agree with the conten-
,,on that il is a violation of law for Mr. Wakeman
TO hold both the ONCE Of Appraiser and that OF
secretary Of the AMERICAN Protective IsTlI LEAGUE
not engaged in any commercial or mercantile busi-
ness within the meaning of the statute. out MS
Connection with the organization referred to while
holding the office Of Appraiser involves question ion
~ nroprfety which IL is not the province or lne
Commission TO decide. especially as his appoint
ment to the office Of Appraiser was made. II Is as
sumed, with full knowledge Of all the facts A
The manner In which the inquiry has been nam
died by the Commission Is COMMENDED ny se sdth
tary Gage and Assistant Secretary Spaulding Dotn
nf whom are much interested. as they desire me
business Of the Department In all its branches 70 De
conducted in an absolutely impartial manner mere
are other matters under consideration by the C0n-
mission and further reports will from time to time
bc made