, 1857-05-08
LAWS Of TIE UNITED STATES.

BY AUTHORITY.


An oct 10 an,hlze protection 70 be given ., Citizens
OF The United States who may discover dePesiies OF
Gaano.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Repre-
sentatives Of the United States Of America IN Con
gress assembled That when any citzrn or citizens OF
the United states nav have discovered, % shhl mere
Aiter discover, deposit Of guano on any island r9cA
or key not within the lawful jurisdiction OF any other
government and not Occapied by the citizens OF ANY
other government and shall take peaceable possession
thereof, and occupy the same, aid island, rock or
key may At the discretion Of The President of the
Prsident Of the United States. he c0nsideud ap-
pertaining % the United State; Provided however
That notice be given by such dscovcrer discover
ers as soon as practicable to the state Department
Of the United States OF such discovery, occupation,
and possession, verified by afhdavt, describing said
isand rock or key. and the latitude and longitude
thereof, near as may he. and showing that such
possession vas taken In the name c the United
States and that satisfactory evidence lie furnished u
the State department that such Island, rock or key
vas not, Al Che time Of the discovery therof the
taking possession occupation thereof by the claim
ants, In the possession occupation OF any Other
government or Of the citizens Of any other govern
ment.
Sec And be It further enacted That the sail dis.
dscoveTers, his their assigns. icing
citizens Of the United Staies, may be allowed at The
pleasure Of congress the exclusive right % occupying
said island. rock. keys. for the Pupose Of oLtan-
ing said guano. and Of selling and delivering the same
10 citizens Of the United States, for the purpose oi
being used therein and may Dc allowed b charge and
receive Er every toa thereof delivered alongside ye-
sel In proper tabs, within reach OF ships tackle.
sum not exceeding eight dollars per ton for the best
quality or four dollars per ton In its native place OF
deposit Provided however, That guano shall be
taken from sad island, rock, key, except for the
OF the citizens Of the United States 0f persons
resident therein Aforesaid. And provided, also,
That said discoverer OF discOyerers, his or their
assigns, shall ru enter into bonds with such penal
ties OF securities as may be required by the President,
10 deliver the said guano 10 citizens Of the United
States r the purpose of beng used therein, and to
Others and al the price Aforesaid and 10 provide
I'll necessAry facilities tor that purpose within time
70 Be dNed In said bond And any breach Of the pro-
visions thereof shall be taken and deemed forfeiture
Of all rights acerung under and by virtue OF this act
Sec. ). Aud be 1t further enacted. That the intro
dnctioa OF guAnO from such Islands, rocks, or keys
shall be regulated In the coastng trade between
different parts Of the United States, and the same
laws shall govern the vessel. concerned therein.
Sec. I. Aud be Il further enacted, That nothing In
this act contained shall he construed obligatory on the
United States 10 retain possession Of the Islands
rOcks, keys a. afOresad alter the guano shall be
removed from the same.
Sec. S. And be Il further enacted That the Presi
dent Of the United States Is hereby authorized at his
discretion 70 employ the land aud naval forces Of the
United States 70 protect the rights Of the said dis.
coverer or dseoverers or their assigns as aforesaid
Sec. G. And be Il further enacted, That until other.
wise provided by law all acts done and offences or
crimes committed, on every snch island rocks, or
keys, By persons who may land thereon, in the wa
ten adtacsnt thereto shall be held and deemed 20
have been done or committed on the high seas. on
board merchant ship or vessel belonging to the
United States. and be punished according to the laws
Of the United Staes relating TO such ships vessels
and O1snses on the high seas; which laws, for the
purposes Aforesaid, hereby extended TO and over
such Islands, rocks or keys.
Approved, August Is, 1856.