New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-02
RULES FOR TOURISTS.
Ho7c the BWgbear of Customs In
spection Can Be AUOsded.

The prospective American tourist looks with long
ing toward Europe. but often hesitates in contem-
plating the worries incident to the Journey Steamer
accommodations for both crossings and the terrible
customs inspection upon returning appear such
obstacles that many quiet mind is torn with anxf-
ETY. and doubt before muster!ng sufficient courage
to plan the trip.
AS 10 the first Of these troubles the steamer ae-
commodations, little advice be given, but the
fear Of customs inspection to the loyal citizen may
be utterly eliminated If few simple rules are OBJ
served.
First-Decide what personal effects are to be
taken abroad, make the quantity as small as pos
sible and list the same. While list is not an
sctual uecesstty II will be found a great con-
venience and a most positive assistance upon re-
turn II possible, articles to be found in each
separate piece of luggage should be specified, and,
once assigned each article should retain its par
tcular place.
If It be desired to take abroad automobile,
expensive gun or camera, other article that
is of foreign manufacture, visit to the Custom
House VIII be necessary in order that certificate
specifically describing the property may be OBJ
tanned so that free entry can be made on return
Second-Do not take clothing jewelry to be
remodeIed or repaired upon the other side II one
does it becomes legally liable to duty estimated
upon the full value Of the article, the same as on
an original importation Of foreign manufacture A
remembrance of this fact and compliance with the
requirement may avoid a great deal OF trouble
annoyance and expense.
Third-If there are TO be in the party
having sealskin garments 1t is to obtain
an official certificate escape duty. One can take
the furs to the Custom House. and at the Law
Division a special officer will examine the garment
and prepare and deliver the certificate The pro-
ducton OF this paper upon return authorizes entry
to be made without duty. But the garment must be
In the same condition when taken out. neither
renovated altered nor repaired. II any change has
been made it becomes dutiab'e at the full value.
Fourth-whiIe abroad let one keep in mind that
the revenue regulations permit free entry by home
ccming citizens of the United States OF wearing
apparel and personal effects of foreign value Of
$780, but only If purchased fo- personal use or for
members of the family dependent on one for sup
port. Such permission does not extend to liquors
cigars.
Fifth-one should obtain original bills for all
purchases made abroad and keep the same togeth-
er. so that they may be easily referred to. 1t is
the best plan put them with the list Of personal
belongings.
sixth-If possible. in packing for the home jour
ney. should put all foreign purchases and all
articles altered repaired abroad in one trunk
top in the same piece of luggage
Seventh--When the steamer has passed Quaran-
tine and the customs officers come aboard. one
should proceed at once TO the main cabin and get
a seat as near possible to of the acting dep
uty collectors who are taking passengers declara-
ITEMS The earlier ,t one is IN line the sooner one
officer just what has been purchased while out Of
the 500 exemption as well as the rest Refer to
bills to be sure that nothing is omitted Do not
give the cost; that Is unnecessary. This officer will
give you ticket that bears number.
Eighth-When the steamer has docked one should
go ashore and keep watch for his luggage. whil h
win off and be sent to the letter OF IS
last name on the wharf As soon as it is all off
take place in line 10 present the slip at the desk
of the Deputy Surveyor. The sooner one is in lins
the less wearsome the wait but II must be reInem-
bered that with from three hundred to six hundred
first and second cabin passengers there is neces-
sary some delay on the wharf.
II a woman is travelling alone without escort.
she will find a separate line for women only, and
progress is thus greatly facilitated When one has
reached the desk the ticket should be presented
an inspector will be sent 10 the baggage once.
In all of this there Is again some delay but IL is
unavoidable and patience should be exercised Give
the inspector the keys and assist him all that lies
in ones power in the inspection One will find the
government officials charged with this service.
prompt panstaking and courteous. They have
q duty to perform. which II les ones power TO
make easy or hard II makes II hard he must
not complain the results of his acts Now
Is the time to give the cost of foreign purchases
The Inspector will call appraiser, who will enter
the same upon the declaration. II the total amount
is less than 500 il will be marked free. If more
than that amount the proper rate of duty will be
Estimated and the due the government set
Down in red ink. One Immediately pay the
same al the cashiers desk the wharf. Should
n be mors than has In ready cash. he will find