Chapter CXXVI. *to authorize the Construction of eight Steam Vessels of War, and for other Purposes*
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CHAP. CXXVI.— An Act *to authorize the Construction of eight Steam Vessels of War, and for other Purposes*. Feb. 10, 1873. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, Eight steam vessels of war to be constructed and in what manner. That the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to construct eight steam vessels of war with auxiliary sail-power, and of such class or classes as, in his judgment will best subserve the demands of the service, each carrying six or more guns of large caliber; the hulls to be built of iron or wood, as the Secretary may determine: *Provided*, That the aggregate tonnage of the whole numberTonnage and cost. shall not exceed eight thousand tons, and that the cost of building the same shall not exceed three million two hundred thousand dollars: *And provided*, That four of said vessels shall be built in whole or in part, inFour vessels to be built in private yards, and by contract, &c. private yards, upon contract with the lowest responsible bidder therefor, upon public competition and proposals, due notice thereof being given by advertisement, upon models, specifications, and drawings furnished by the Navy Department and under its direction and supervision, if, upon full examination and consideration, the same shall be deemed practicable, by the Secretary of the Navy; or the hulls of any portion of said vesselsHulls. may be built upon private contract in the government yards upon like proposals, models, specifications, drawings, and supervision, and upon like examination and consideration, the government in either case furnishing such materials as may be deemed practicable by the Secretary of the Navy.
Sec. 2. That neither of said vessels shall be commenced until full andVessels not to be commenced until, &c.Models, &c., not to be changed except, &c.; complete models, specifications, and drawings shall be made for its construction in all its parts. And after such models and drawings are approved by the proper authority, they shall not be changed in any respect when the cost will exceed one hundred dollars, except upon the recommendation of a board of survey composed of not less than five officers of the navy, and approved by the Secretary of the Navy; and if changes are thusif changes are made. made, the actual cost of, and damage caused by, such change shall be estimated by such board of survey; and the terms of the contract shall provide that the contractors shall be bound by the estimate of said board as to the amount of increased or diminished compensation they are to receive, if any, in consequence of any such changes.
Approved, February 10, 1873.