ITALY*. MILAN. 
79 
MILAN. 
'From United States Vice and Deputy Consul Smith, Milan, Italy.) 
. The warehouses in Milan which receive merchandise in transit or 
111 bond, and from which goods may be withdrawn for shipment else 
where without paying the custom dues, are known as the “ Maggazini 
generali della Lombardia.” I inclose a copy of the articles of asso- 
9%tion a of the society to which these warehouses belong, as it contains 
'^formation not covered by the special interrogatories contained in 
the circular of the Department. I also inclose the official tariff, c 
Mich contains the regulations in vogue and other important infor 
mation. 
.The original cost of the warehouses was 450.000 liras ($80,850), but 
Mh subsequent additions it is estimated that the cost has- been 
^creased to 000,000 liras ($115,800). The total area is about 13,000 
Miare meters (15,548 square yards). The magazines are owned by 
a 'united liability company and are conducted by an administrative 
c °uncil which delegates one of its members to act as manager. 
Ihe service is particularly useful to those who import goods on 
speculation, or who desire to stock for their own consumption, but are 
Ji°t willing to pay the custom dues until the goods are sold or ready 
•° be disposed of in the ordinary way of business. Goods introduced 
the warehouses remain there as foreign merchandise, and can be 
^exported from Italy if they should not be sold or otherwise disposed 
°y The scale of charges for storage is according to tariff sent liere- 
Mli,° in consulting which it should be noted that for goods in bulk. 
° r for goods stored for long periods of time, the manager may accord 
JJftain discounts, as also he may make a special agreement in which 
penses and payments are included. 
The goods stored consist chiefly of cereals, other agricultural pro- 
and wines. Liquors, alcohols, and other inflammable goods are 
'Emitted only in a determinable proportion to the total quantity of 
^°°ds in deposit. This restriction has to be observed to satisfy the 
jmditions of fire insurance. So long as the expenses incurred for 
forage, etc., do not amount to more than the presumed value of the 
Mpds in deposit the management does not fix a time limit beyond 
Mçh the goods are not allowed to remain. In practice, the length 
, time goods remain in bond varies from a month or so to four 
0t «ve years. 
M far Americans have never made use of these warehouses. The 
'»iatment of goods by the administrators is equal in all respects and 
0 distinction is made, whatever be the nationality. 
fbe printed tariff shows the facilities for and the cost of the 
‘'’Lovai of the goods from boat to warehouse, and vice versa, but 
jPMal arrangements can be made for different goods according to 
n e Quantity and to length of time they are to remain in deposit, and 
® whole cost can be provided for in the agreement. 
^Masmuch as the customs officials have to exercise supervision in the 
ar <‘bouses, which are in a way private, they carry it out with the ut- 
rigor; and, the administration, on its own part, in order to 
■'Pond to the confidence which the Government reposes in it, pays 
M file in the Bureau of Statistics, Department of Commerce and Labor.