Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-10-10
COMMERCIAL.
AMERICAN NAVIGATION ACT.

mcnceS the operation OF the important
act passed during the last session of Com.
gress, concerning the Navigation of the
United States. As the provisions of this
law may have escaped the recollection of
some ct our readers, we re-publish it to
refresh their memories.
1t appears from the Eastern papers, that
considerable difference of opinion pre-
walls among the merchants in that quar-
ter, as to the construction of the frs; sec
ton of the act We have been favored
with copy of the Circular issued OH this
subject from the Treasury Department.
which is subioined for the satisfaction of
those concerned.
An Act concerning tie Navigation Of the u
nited States.
Be it enacted ty The Senate and House of Repre-
sentatires of the United States of A,nerca in CON
gress assembled, That, after the thirteth day of
september next, no goods, wares, or merchan-
dize, shall be imported into the u. s. from any
foreignp port or place, except ia vessels ofthe u.
- or IN such foreign vessels as truly and wholly
belong to the citizens or subjects of that coun-
try of which the goods are the growth, produc-
ton, or manufacture or from which snch
goods, wares, or merchandise. can only he, or
most usually are, first shipped for transporta-
ton: Provided, nevertheless, That this REGULATE
on shall not extend to Inc vessels of any foreign
nation which has not adopted, and winch shall
not adopt, similar regulation.
Sec. 2. And be IL further enacted That all
GOODS, wares, or merchandise, imported into
the United States contrary TO the true intent
and meaning OF this act, and the ship or vessel
wherein the same shall be imported, together
with the cargo, tackle, apparel, and furniture,
shall be forfeited to the United States and
such goods, wares, or merchandise. ship, or
vessel, and cargo, shall be liable to be seized
prosecuted, and condemned, in like manner
and under the same regulations, restrictions,
and provisions, as have been heretofore esta-
blished for the recovery, collection, DISTRIBUTE
on, and remission, of forfeitures 10 the United
States by the several revenue laws.
Sec. g.. And be it further enacted, That, after
the thirtieth day OF September next, the boun-
ties and allowances now granted by law to the
owners OF boats or vessels engaged in the fish
cries, shall be paid only on boats or vessels,
the officers and at least three-fourths of the
crews of which shall be proved, TO the satisfac-
ton of the collector of the district, where such
boat or vessels shall belong, to be citizens of
the United States, or persons not the subjects
OF any foreign prince or state.
Sec. 4. dnd be il further enacted, That no
goods, wares, or merchandise, shall be import
ell, under penalty OF forfeiture thereof, from
one port of the United States to another port
or the United States, in vessel belonging
wholly or in part to d subject of any foreign
power; but this clause shall not be construed
TO prohibit the sailing of any foreign vessel
from one TO another port of the United States 4:
Pror'ded, no goods, wares, or merchandise, o.
Their than those imported in such vessel from
some foreign port, aud which shall not have
been uniaden, shall be carried from one port
or place to any other in the United States.
Sec. 5. lind be IL further enacted, That after
the tblrtietl day of September next there shall
be paid duty of fifty cents per ton upon every
ship or vessel of the United States, which shall
be entered IN distrctin one state from dis
trict in aHother state, except it be an adjoining
state OH the sea-coast, or on a navira bile river
or lake, and except also it be a coasting yesse,
going from Long Island, in the state of New
York to the state of Rhode Island or from, tbs
state of Rhode Island to the said Long Island
having on board goods, wares, and merchan-
diZe, taken in one state to be delivered in an
other stale: Provided, That it shall not be
PAID on any ship or vessel having license to
trade between the different districts of the u
nited States, or to carry on the bank or whale
fisheries, mere than once year: And prouia.
ed also, That it the owner of any such vessel
OF his agent, shall prove, to the satisfaction OF
the collector, that thrce-fo at least of the
crew thereof are American citizens, or persons
not the subjects of any foreign prince or state
the duty to be paid in such case shall be only
at the rate of six cents per ton but nothing in
th's section shall be construed TO repeal or e.-
feet any exemption from tonnage duty given
by the eighth section of the act, entitIed.' An
act to provide for the Enlistment Of certain
districts" and therein to amend an act, emit.
Tied " An act to regulate the Collection of du.
ties on imports aud tonnage, and tor other pur.
poses"
Sec. 6. Ind be il further enacted, That. af
ter the thirteth day of September next, there
shall he paid upon every ship or vessel of the
United States, which shall be entered i'm the
United States, from any foreign port or place
unless the officers, and at least two. thirds OF
the crew thereof, shall be proved citizens OF
tile United Staes, or persons not the subjects
OF any foreign prince or state, to the satisfac.
ton of the collector, fifty cents per ton: AnO
prorided also, That this section shall not ex
tend TO ships or vessels of the United State,
which are now on foreign voyages, or which
may depart from the United States prior TO the
first day OF May next, until after their return
to some port of the United States
Sec. z. dnd be IL further enacted, That the
several bounties and remiSsiODs, or abate
meI'ts of duty, allowed by this act in the cass
OF vessels having a certain proportion of sea
| men WHO are American citizens, or persons no
the subjects of any foreign power, shall be al
| lowed only in the case of vessels having sucf
| proportion of American seamen during theii
Whole voyage, unless in case of sickness, death
| or desertion, or where the whole or part of the
crew shall have been taken prisoners in tie
voyage.
| II. CLAY,
Speaker Of the House Of Representatives
JOHN GAILLARD,
President of the Senate pro tempore
March 1, I5l7.-Approyed,
JAMES MADISON,
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