McAllister v. United States

147 F. 773, 1896 U.S. App. LEXIS 3077

Opinion

TOWNSEND, District Judge

(orally). The articles in controversy are bunches of roots, lily of the valley having-several sprouts or crowns thereon. The importer testifies that they are thus imported for forcing, and that he has never known of their being imported with foliage. The collector classified them for duty under Tariff Act Aug. 27, 1894, c. 349, § :l, Schedule G, par. 334j/2, 28 Stat. 525. The provisions of said paragraph are "orchids, lilies of the valley, azaleas, palms, and other plants used for forcing under glass for cut flowers, * * *

ten per centum ad valorem.” The importer protested, claiming that the articles were free under paragraph 558 (section 2, Free List, 28 Stat. 542), as “moss, seaweeds, and vegetable substances,” or under paragraph 611 (28 Stat. 544), as “roots not specially provided for.” The Board of General Appraisers overruled the protest and sustained the action of the collector, and the importer appeals.

These articles are not vegetable substances in the class of moss and seaweeds under said paragraph 558. It seems clear that, while they are not botanically and technically plants, yet they are plants in the broadest sense, with the operation resultant from planting already started. They would be popularly considered as plants and are imported to be planted. I think it is manifest that Congress, in view of these circumstances, and in view of the fact that they are imported in this way only, intended to use the word in its broadest sense, and to assess them denominative^ for duty under paragraph 234% as lily of the valley plants used for forcing under glass for cut flowers, etc.

The decision of the Board of General Appraisers, affirming the classification of the collector, is therefore affirmed.