A reinforced squad of Customs inspectors trooped into Manhattan's Pier 86 one day last week to snare the 1,558 passengers of the liner United States, just in from Europe. Reason: the allowance for duty-free purchases abroad had been changed from $500 to $100a step aimed at stemming the U.S. gold drain. Total purchases over the $100 limit are now subject to taxes.
Many passengers were indignant. Said one irate New Yorker: "How can a woman have a good time in Europe and still limit herself to only $100?" The more knowing grumbled that Congress had taken so long to act...
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