Mr. SHERMAN. I am directed by the ComFinance to move to strike out the 9th seetionpf the bill, and as this is an important provision, I hope Senators will pay sufficient attention to know what it is. ‘hc 9th section proposes to add to the dutiablo value of imported merchandise the cost of transp'brtation, shipment, and transhipment, with all the expenses included, froui the place of groivth, manufacture, or production, to the vessel in which shipment is made to the U.S., and also the value of the sack, box, or covering in which the goods are contained, and commission at the usual rates, but not in any case less than 2 and a half%, the The effect of this section is in a great variety of cases, and especially in the case of heavy goods, to add to the duties on them by adding to the value of the merchandise, an consequently, a% age on that increased value raises the duties. It was found that in certain heavy articles, especially very coarse wool this section would operate very severely. It was 1st proposed to make an exception of the article of wool, and perhaps other articles; but on the whole, as this is a temporary provision. only designed to be enforced until the new tariffact will take effect, which Wlil probably be next winter or next spring, we think it better to strike out the whole section. The principal ObJCOlXOHtOthe section.18 that it won d introduce into the computation of value to be assessed at the customhouse ele ments of uncertainty. It would bevery difficult to ascertain the cost of a package, very difficult to ascertain the cost.of transportation from the place of production to the ilace of shipment and then to the ship. All t cse are elements of computation which are new and difficult of ascertainment, giving rise to fraud and, perhaps, inequality. Bulky articles of least value would have the largest addition made to them, when probably they ought to have the least. On the whole, as this is a temporary provision, and it would introduce uncertainty, the coni mittec think it better to strike it out. At the next session, in framin the tariffbill, of course the rates of duties can eadjusted to meet this difficulty.