Directory_and_Chronicle_1871 — Page 584

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AMERICAN PASSENGERS' ACT.

United States: and that all penalties and forfeitures provided for in said Act shal! apply to vessels and masters last aforesaid.

SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States shal! be, and he is hereby authorized and empowered, in such way and at such time as he shall judge proper, to the end that the provisions of this Act may be enforced according to the true intent and meaning thereof, to direct and order the vessels of the United States, and the masters and commanders thereof, to examine all vessels navigated or owned in whole or in part by citizens of the United States, wherever they may be, whenever, in the judg ment of such master or commanding officer thereof, reasonable cause shallexist to believe that such vessel has on board, in violation of the provisions of this Act, any subjects of China, known as “coolies," for the purpose of transportation; and upon sufficient proof that such vessel is employed in violation of the provisions of this Act, to cause such vessel to be carried, with officers and crew, into any port or district within the United States, and delivered to the marshal of such district, to be held and disposed of accord- ing to the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7.--And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect from and after six months from the day of its passage.

Approved, February 19th, 1862.

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