New-York tribune., 1902-05-09
SHAW MAKES REFORMS
PERSONAL BAGGAGE INSPECTION REar
LATIONS MODIFIED

washington May s-Seeretary Shaw TO-DAY,
s1u dIhehueo regulations governing the inspec.,o
oi baggage OF incoming passengers at the no-t. .
tue Chited states The Secretary also has -
pared circular which will be distributes s,.' pss
passengers on all outgoing steamers riv,,v .oas
duon as specific as possible as to the ra+s .
duty on goods usually purchased abroad b,, - -
ISIS. what articles may be brought in free OF sr.
etc. Another Circular issued to-day TO be distr,n
uted at sea among incoming passengers ron,,t--
forms Of declarations and other info-,,,,,.-
which travellers usually are in more or Is,.
norance Another circular is addressed "a -,
lectors and otEer customs officers. giving ,Ss-
particular instructions as to the examination :.
baggage. and the courteous treatment Of pass.,
gers.
Among the more important modification, ar. -.
following: '
The free admission Of any article that wa. tab
aoroad as 6aggage provided it is brought back !,
The 500 exemption may now be Claimed On v.,-
ing apparel articles OF personal adornment toiI.,
purchased by American tourists ana are FOR phs ,
OF tne person bringing them, and not for Others 3,
The statute allows non-residents 10 bring all
sctIsI apparel and other personal effects in
Journey. without regard to value. Heretofore ~
years or longer abroad and had had naed p1ss. tso
OF apode 1or one year OF more were considered nor
The recent instructions include under fb law law
resident classification those who have been abroas
other specific objects, and who have had sxss y
foreign abode for one year OF more. 7'
sbdH6 t oInclals or employees Will be discharged
circumstances. while dischargfne their duties aNS
Women desiring TO have their baggage examined
privately will receive the privilege whenever tie
steamship company has provided a suitable plsrs
Several OF them have promised 10 make this nro.
vision. ~ p'o'
Following is the circular to customs officers:
The department has received complaints from
persons who have returned 70 the United States
from abroad of alleged discourteous treatment bv
customs officers engaged in the inspection and az
animation Of personal baggage, and OF needles,
ana un1usttnable injury done TO the contents -
trunks etc. by rough and careless handling dur
ing examination.
Customs oficer- Who may be assigned TO dutv a,
passenger landings should exercise great patience
and courtesy while engaged in the work Of sx-
amining baggage They will examine the varior,
thereto and any unnecessary exposure OF the con
tents Passengers are not always familiar win
uence on their part may be expected. but no in
spector or ofcer will be excused for discourteous
conduct in return.
Inspectors OF personal baggage when on duty
should clean white cotton gloves so as n,
avoid soihng articles they may be compelled 10
handle and after inspection and appraisernent ths-
will carefully repack the trunks and packages
Passengers should be relieved of anxiety as tar
possible
The chief officer of the port will detail SON.
efficient person. who. in appropriate insignia of
Office. viii he In charge. and TO whom may be "a
ferred all questions OF administration and all COM
While all customs duties properly collecttble IN
der the law must be secured and intentional vo-
lations of the law detected and punished. care
must be taken 10 avoid petty and exIO-tionats
eXaCtiOnS under narrow Interpretation OF the law
and a misrepresentation Of the purposes Of the in
spection.
No customs officer or employe will be allowed to
accept gratulttes or ms or any kind or under
will be suspended az once. and II the charges are
sustained, viii he dismissed.