Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-04-15
SHAW MAKES A HIT
His Position on Tariff Question
Approved in Washington.
BE BELIEVES REFORM POSSIBLE
Thinks Government Need Not Yield
Any Rights, However-Jas. G.Blythe
in MISUNDERSTANDING on Sugar
Tariff-IoWans for Institute.
Washington. April IL.

Washington, April IL.
Secretary of the Treasury Shaw has
scored a notable hit by the prompt
and energetic manner in which he has
given attention to the abuses eXistant
in New York in the handling of bag
gage subject to inspection, arriving
from foreign ports.
1t appears that some weeks ago a
petition containing the names of more
than one thousand women urging re-
form in the handling of baggage at the
port of New York, was received byI
Secretary Shaw Now, it may be said
in passing, that Secretary Shaw takes
the view that where there Is serious
complaint in connection with any de-
partment under the direction of the
government, that there is no lowering
of dignity in making thorough inves-
tigation of the charges. Secretary
Shaw conceived the notion that the
way to investigate was to investi-
gate; to personally look into the mat
ter and find out with his own eyes
what was and what was not being
done. With that end in view he slip
ped away from Washington and land
I'd in New York without previous her
Gid. He made his way to the head
quarters of the custom house officers
and stood about while the process of
examination was in progress. All this
without the knowledge of his identity,
as the 'head-boss" becoming known
to the officers and men. In this way
he was enabled to get an exact line
on at least a portion of the work and
to determine from practical observa-
ton just how much ground there had
been for the complaint made.
Secretary Shaw found there was
basis for the allegations made. He
saw some things that ought not to
exist and his quick mind saw the
method by which the difficulties might
be overcome. He has announced that
at the earliest practicable moment the
question will be gone over in detail
and possibly new scheme adopted in
connection with some phases of in
spection.
Secretary Shaw addressed tn,
thousand women who signed the petit
ton, and requested them to furnish
him specific details and replies to GER
tain questions. Only 1856 answers
were received. Grievances were sub
mitted as follows: Trunks are open
ed up in public way and the contents
scattered out upon the wharf; receipt
ed bills are not accepted as proof OF
the value of dutiable goods; duties
are often imposed upon old clothing;
impertinent remarks are made and
questions asked and remarks made of
humiliating nature.
1t is probably we'll known that pas
sengers to the United States are per-
mitted under the law to bring with
them articles purchased abroad to the
value of 500. For all goods in excess
of this amount the regular Dingley
tariff rates are eXacted. 1t is obvious
that passengers having trunks must
expect that an examination of the con,
tents will be required. 1t is true that
just prior to leaving the ship each
passenger is required to fill in and
swear to a blank setting forth in de.
tail precisely what they are bringing
to the United States, save the cloth
ing upon their persons. Every detail
must be given, each article mentioned
cost price, etc. Upon arrival these
blanks are turned over to the custom
house officers. AS each piece of bag
gage is reached the contents are com
pared with the bill of particulars fill
ed in by the owner prior to leaving
the ship. In case discrepancies are
found it goes hard with the passenger
especially where it appears that a will
full attempt to smuggle has been
made.
The complaint of the women, ant
passengers, generally, is not in con
nection with the 500 limit, or the
rate of duty, but with the method O.
examination. 1t is asserted that al
the port of Boston little complaint is
heard. 1t is said that the reas
on for this lies in the fact that the
custom house officers at Boston are
gentlemen while those at New Yorl
are not.
Secretary Shaw is of the opinion
that it will be possible to introduc,
reforms relieving the department O
criticism, at the same time yieldin.
none of the rights of the government
in the premises. The fact that he ha
actually made an investigation, rathe
than making a stereotyped reply t.
the women saying the matter woul
be looked into then forwarding tn
letter to the custom house officers a
New York, is causing much favorabl
comment.
Washington papers print photo
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