Show m NEW CUSTOM LAW the new customs administrative act goes into effect to dav its provisions are specially adapted it is claimed to lessening of frand in custom departments one of the most radical changes made from the present system is that a trial by jury ig denied in matters of appraisement but instead the liw provide for a board of three general appraiser whose decision is final as regards valuation this feature of the act is criticized quite severely by importers one excellent feature however is that a uniform valuation will be made in all the ports of the republic up to the present time articles have been entered cheaper in one port than in another we are not prepared to say whether or not the new law now in force will lessen fraud in custom of fichs throughout tho country it may to some extent but just as long as our custom officers hold their position for the amount of booty to be gained during tho administration of their respective barty just so long will our custom offices continue to be run crookedly it is a notorious fact that five dollars will huah most BUT of our custom inspectors and a trunk can be entered at the ew york bar bor for this small sum most any day of the week the traveling public soon catch oa to this mode of business and many tip the inspector simply for the convenience afforded while of course many do so to smuggle goods into the country on which there is a high tariff the 1 amount gained in fees by an inspector amounts to no small figure and at tho end of nn administration the office can be left with a fair start in a financial way we do not think a law can hinder this fraud so long as the offices may be filled by each presidential administration la england similar araudi are very uncommon while there ohp custom officers usually hold their position for life |