694. They are also especially enjoined to observe Caution to be great caution in granting certificates, where applica- observed in granting certion shall be made for the same, for former shipments tificates. which were unaccompanied by said certificates, until they are fully satisfied by the correctness of the invoice presented to them for that purpose, since the very omission of the certificates with the invoices at the time of entry is, in many cases, presumptive evidence that a fraud was intended, if not practised, upon the public revenue. consular certi 695. Applications are frequently made to the Penalty for Treasury Department for permission to enter mer- omission of chandise where the invoices are not accompanied by ficates to be enthe needful consular certificates in the cases where forced. such certificates are by law required. That Depart ment has heretofore acted with great leniency and indulgence in such cases, but experience has shown the necessity for a more rigid course in future; and, in all cases where such consular certificates should accompany the invoices, any penalty which may be incurred for want of them will be regularly enforced. 696. Consular officers, by due attention and vigi- Under-valualance, can do much toward checking and preventing the numerous frauds which are undoubtedly practised upon the revenue, if they will report to the collectors of the customs of the United States all those invoices where, in their opinion, under-valuation has been made, and by otherwise keeping the collectors or this Department generally and fully advised on the subject; and they are earnestly requested to do so, and to consider it one of the most important services which they can render in connection with the faithful collection of the revenue. The attention of all consular officers is specially directed to the im tion. Details of in amined. portant provisions of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth sections of the act of July fourteen, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, in regard to the authentication of invoices.1 697. An erroneous impression exists with many voices to be ex- foreign shippers of goods to the United States, that the consuls before whom the oath to invoices is either taken or verified have no power to examine the details of such invoices, but simply to verify the fact of such oath being taken before them or by an officer in authority known to them as such. This is not the fact; and consular officers are expected before verifying invoices to satisfy themselves of their correctness. 698. For the purpose of carrying out a particular time to be given system of revenue duties, the government of the United States requires that the accuracy of certain invoices should be ascertained and verified; and a reasonable time for consuls to accomplish that object, by an examination of such invoices, cannot be justly denied to them. Reasonable for examina tion of invoices. Attempted 699. Consular officers are not supposed to be pracfrauds on the tically acquainted with the market prices or value of revenue to be all merchandise within their district, or of the precise reported. weights, tares, measures, bounties, etc., included therein; but inquiry and experience will soon enable them to render efficient aid to the revenue officers of the United States by ascertaining errors or frauds and promptly informing the Treasury Department, as well as the collector of the port to which the goods may be destined, of every instance where an exporter persists in refusing to correct his invoice, when apprised of its defects and that it will be subject to revision at the custom-houses of the United States. 1 See also Circular No. 17 of the Department of State, August, 1862. consular offi 700. In the application of an exclusive system of Vigilance to be ad valorem duties to the revenue of the United States, observed by the Treasury Department relies with confidence upon cers. the vigilance of consuls for the detection of any abuses that may be committed, or any unfair practices that may be supposed to exist, in regard not only to the declaration of the original cost or export value of foreign merchandise, but in all the charges, discounts, bounties, etc., incident to the business of preparing goods for the markets of the United States, as well as for their promptness in reporting all the particulars to the Secretary of the Treasury. CHAPTER XXXVI. TARIFF OF FEES OF UNITED STATES CONSULAR OFFICERS. 701. THE following is the rate or tariff of fees prescribed by the President to be charged by all consular officers for the services herein specified, which "shall be regarded as official services," and the fees therefor collected in American or Spanish dollars, or their equivalent. 702. At the expiration of each quarter, the statements of fees must be rendered, pursuant to Forms Nos. 8, 33, 44, and 45, of the printed Instructions, by all consular officers entitled to salaries residing at seaports, and pursuant to Forms Nos. 9 and 33, at inland places, to the Secretary of the Treasury, and the amount thereof held subject to his draft or other directions. If the consular officers are not entitled to salaries, the returns must be made to the Secretary of State. RECEIVING AND DELIVERING SHIP'S PAPERS. 1. For receiving and delivering ship's register and papers, including consular certificates as prescribed in Forms Nos. 38 and 39, half a cent on every ton, registered measurement of the vessel for which the service is performed. DISCHARGING OR SHIPPING SEAMEN OR MARINERS. 2. For every seaman, from one to ten, who may be discharged or shipped, including the certificates therefor attached to crew list and shipping articles, to be paid by the master of the vessel, fifty cents; but no additional charge shall be made. for any number of seamen exceeding ten, who may be discharged from or shipped between the date of the arrival and departure of the vessel. PROTESTS, PASSPORTS, ETC. 3. For noting marine protest 4. For extending marine protest...... And if it exceed two hundred words, for every addi- 5. For issuing warrant of survey on vessels, hatches, ...... 6. For a passport, including seal1........... 7. For visaing a passport.............. $1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 1.00 1.00 8. For preparing agreement of master to give increased wages to seamen, attested under seal......................................... 9. For preparing any other official document or instrument of writing, not herein named or enumerated, if under one hundred words............ ..... If exceeding one hundred words, for every additional FOR THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATES, ETC. 10. Of the deposit of a ship's register and papers, when required by custom-house authorities..... 1.00 .50 .25 ... .50 .25 11. In cases of vessels deviating from the voyage. 12. When ship's register is retained entire in the consulate.. 13. For master to take home destitute American seamen.. no fee. 14. Of conduct of crew on board, in cases of refusal of duty and in cases of imprisonment, etc.......... 15. Given to master at his own request, (for example, see Form No. 48)........................... 16. To a seaman, of his discharge.......... 17. Of appointment of new master, including oath of 19. Of decision and award, in cases of protests against masters, passengers, or crew, (for example, see Form No. 49). ..... 2.00 1 See Act of July 14, 1862. |