Albuquerque evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1911-1914, 1911-12-18

mcnt has 10 contend. and they 90 all
they can 20 drive honest importers out
Of business. They add exceedingly 10
the expense and responsibility OF ad-
mlnistration and are responsible IN
largest measure for whatever demorai-
lzation exists IN the Importing and
customs business. Theoretically al
valorem duties may have an appeal
but IN practice they are a deiusion
and snare"
The principle Of scientific revision"
OF the tarif, Mr.. MacvoAah continues.
should be applied not only 70 tho
question of duties. but also 10 cissai-
ncation of articles and the language
OF ,he law 80 that there may be no
doubt as 20 the intent Of congress.
when the scientific method and spirit
Of legislation on thls subject II re-
duced 10 practice. covering ali fea-
tures OF the tariff law. anectlng its
ready Interpretation. the secretary de-
clares. an expensive element OF ia ad-
mlnIs,ratlon and a large amount of
fltlaaflan will be automatically cllm-
mated Also, he adds. many vexations
of honest importerU and vast mass
% under-vaIuationa and frauds ny dts
honest importers win disappear. ne
adds.
There can be no question" he con-
cinaea on this subject. ''that the need
OF rendering the administration os the
customs business of the country sim
ple. prompt and certain. with n ra-
sIonai saving OF useless expenditure IL
an additional reason cf great weight
for the enlightened method OF tarin
legislation 10 which the hes, Hentl-
mant OF the country has been looking
forward for more than quarter OF a
century"
Mr. Macvengh recommends the ap-
pOlntment of commission, consisting
of representatives of congress and the
executive departments. to evolve
budget system for the government
This n neccasliated he says by the
widely scattered ana diHintesrated re-
aponaibllitics governing estimates. ap-
propriations and revenue.
The abolition of all assay Offices. ex-
cept the ono M New York u urged by
the secretary. They cost the govern
mert sis5.O0 yearly. and the whole
amount h thrown away" he adds
Declaring that the work OF rehabih-
tatlng the customs service has been
vigorously prosecuted, the secretary
says that developments as 10 under
valuations and frauds continue TO be
most impressive and 10 make II evil
dent that the end Of the reform IL not
vet In sight" He hopes TO complete
the reformation within a year.
The customs districts are being re-
oreanired and tho secretary announces
that he win ask congress later toI
abolish considerable number Of use
loss ana expensive customs offices.
other accommodations OF Mr.. Mac
veaeh include: A contrsbuipry sys-
tenn OF civil retirement; transfer toI
the classified civil service OF q num-
her OF customs officials from coilec-l
tor down; the imposition of the nom
inal Ice Of ffoo for protests 20 the
hoard os general appraisers In cus-
toms assessments. extending tho one
hundred dollars exemption from duty
granted returning residents TO Include
ariicler for household usn, souvenirs,
curion or gifts: provision for at least
two vessels a year for the revenue
cutter service: authority for the use
OF certified checks In the payment OF
all dues 10 the government; revision
OF the sinking fund law 10 ~ 20 make
IL aomcthing more than practically nj
dead letter; laws adequately prohibif-
ing tho importation of opium; and NJ
revision of the aloomargarlnc statute.