Speech #500156820

That the commission shall establish its permanent office at the city of Washington. where it shall be at all times. in the usual course of business ready to hear or receive oral or written testimony upon all the specific subjects mentioned in the preceding sections of this act. and generally upon everything relating directly or indirectly to customs duties and revenue. Se. 4 1. That it shell be the duty of the said commission to examine into and ascertain the average price of commodities imported Into the United States. both at wholesale and retail in the United States. and both in the United States and in the foreign places of production. sale. or shipment. for the period of six months preceding and six months following any chanFe in the rate of customs duties imposed upon such commodities. and this inquiry shall be carried back for a period of twentyfive years. and more. if deemed advisable by such commission. and shall extend to all facts relating to demand and supply. domestic and foreign. which tend to Influence prices of such commodities. foreign and domestic. and to aid in determining the true effect of the Import duty or of the change therein in the several cases. upon domestic and foreign prices and upon productions of the same or of other commodities. upon revenue. upon immigration. upon profits of capital. rates of wages. and the general welfare. Second. To ascertain the amounts in quantity and value of the importation of the principal commodities during each of said periods of six monthspreceding and succeeding any such change in customs duties.