Chapter CXXIV. to facilitate commercial, postal, and military Communication among the several States
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CHAP. CXXIV.— An Act to facilitate commercial, postal, and military Communication among the several States.June 15, 1866. Whereas the Constitution of the United States confers upon Congress,Preamble. in express terms, the power to regulate commerce among the several States, to establish post roads, and to raise and support armies: Therefore:— *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the UnitedSteam railroads may carry over their road passengers and freight from one State to another and connect with roads of other States to form continuous lines.
States of America in Congress assembled,* That every railroad company in the United States, whose road is operated by steam, its successors and assigns, be, and is hereby, authorized to carry upon and over its road, boats, bridges, and ferries, all passengers, troops, government supplies, mails, freight, and property on their way from any State to another State, and to receive compensation therefor, and to connect with rails of other States so as to form continuous lines for the transportation of the same to the place of destination: *Provided,* That this act shall not affect any stipulation between the government of the United States and any railroad companyExisting contracts and conditions not affected. for transportation or fares without compensation, nor impair or change the conditions imposed by the terms of any act granting lands to any such company to aid in the construction of its road, nor shall it be construed to authorize any railroad company to build any new road or connection withNew roads not authorized without authority from State. any other road without authority from the State in which said railroad or connection may be proposed.
Sec. 2. *And be it further enacted,* That Congress may at any timeThis act may be amended, &c. alter, amend, or repeal this act. Approved, June 15, 1866.