The sun., 1902-03-02
THE BAoGAoE INSPECTION.
Gard From the Committee UrEins
Reform.

To THE Epiron OF The SrS-Sir: The
ladies who are trying to ameliorate the lot
OF the returning United States citizen as he
passes through our custom houses. muoh
appreciate the kind way In which the press
generally has commented upon their efforts
But In a few Instances there has been mis-
conception OF their Idea Statements have
been made that the persons most annoyed
by the present condition OF things are society
women Of large wealth who do much OF their
shopping abroad. on the contrary. IL can
not be too clearly understood that this Is a
matter which concerns each and every olti-
zen OF the United States who travels without
the limits OF his own country. for purposes
OF business, health or pleasure
The high tax upon personal wearing ap-
parel falls heaviest not upon the rich. VINO
can AFFORD to pay the duty. but upon persons
of moderate means. Thousands OF people
go abroad every year with whom the trip Is
an event In their lives. During their stay
OF perhaps six months or a year. the replen-
ishing Of their wardrobe becomes as necessary
as 1t would in their own country. change
OF seasons, OF eli stes or other circumstances,
requires chan &c In clothing often unforeseen.
and yet before them stands ever the night
mare Of the custom house at home with Its
heavy tax upon their simple purchases
Has the Government profted by this severe
law and its rigid enforcement We think
above the amount collected In 1900 on per-
sonal ba ggage. about one-sirth OF per cent
OF the whole amount obtained by customs
during the year. The extra expense involved
In the administration Of the law In what has
been cleverly called. This school for the
education OF free trade, did away with all
profit In fact II has been stated the expense
far exceeded the amount collected. But the
rights OF each citizen Of the United States
TO the wearing apparel that circumstances
may require him to purchase while travelling
sosTa Msrohahts I psy duties upon Wholesale rates
but American citizens who come In with only
their own necessary wearing apparel. enter,
TO pay duty on retail prices. and not only ID
this uni Just. but the very garments upon
which they are expected 70 pay duty az the
are second-handS generally worn, and often
not OF the value that even the duty amounts TO.
1t Is just that the law should hold dutiable
ali other articles save those OF necessary
wearing apparel. but clothing Is something
no one can do without either abroad or at
home, and IL Is in the interest OF, and for the
protection OF. the rights OF the United states
citizens. that this movement has been In
WASHINGTON COMMITTEE FOR BAdoAoE In
sPECTIoN REFORM
WASHINGTON. ID. C.. Feb. "a.
To all friends OF the movement TO
procure a modification Of the present
regulations Of Custom House inspection
the tone Of the above communication
will be satisfactory. the aforesaid ef-
fort having been weighted hitherto with
an inordinate amount Of frantic
abuse Of the Custom House, manifestly
inspired by a spirit of opposition TO the pro-
tective tariff Even so late as day before
yesterday there was sent out from
this committee letter 10 the
Secretary Of the Treasury which might
well have justified Mr.. SHAW In saying:
Ladies' / regret that consideration Of
this subject must be postponed until 1t
can be presented with becoming respect for
the Office i have the honor to occupy
We have no doubt that II on the strength
Of the information submitted to him the
Secretary of the Treasury concludes that
the regulations have been more drastic
than the law demands he will duly modify
them. {.