A clear, in‑depth look at late‑1800s tariff reform from a key inspector.
This collection presents Col. George C. Tichenor’s own views on revising the tariff and customs laws, drawn from his exhaustive reports and correspondence during the 1880s and 1890s. Readers will see how one official analyzed undervaluation, the strengths and flaws of the ad valorem system, and the case for moving toward specific duties.
This edition frames the stakes of tariff policy in a period of intense political debate. It reveals practical concerns about administration, the role of experts, and how reform ideas aimed to balance revenue with fair trade. The documents show a steady push for more precise classifications, reliable appraisers, and clearer invoicing to protect domestic industries.
- Learn why undervaluation fascinated lawmakers and how it affected government revenue.
- Understand the debate between ad valorem duties and specific duties, and the administrative challenges involved.
- See proposed reforms for appraisers, supervision at ports, and how foreign market value should be defined.
- Get a historical perspective on how tariff policy intersected with politics and national interests in the late 19th century.
Ideal for readers of U.S. economic history, tariff policy, and 19th‑century public administration. It offers concrete arguments, real‑world concerns, and a window into the reform debates that shaped the era.