Chapter 202.
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CHAP. 202.— An act to prevent the introduction of infectious or contagious diseases into the United States, and to establish a National Board of Health. March 3, 1879. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, National Board of Health. That there shall lie established a National Board of Health to consist of seven members, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, not more than one of whom shall be appointed from any one State, whose compensation, during the time when actually engaged in the performanceCompensation of civilian members. of their duties under this act, shall be ten dollars per diem each and reasonable expenses, and of one medical officer of the Army, one medical officer of the Navy, one medical officer of the Marine Hospital Service, and one officer from the Department of Justice, to be detailed by the Secretaries of the several Departments and the Attorney General, respectively, and the officer’s so detailed shall receive no compensation.
Meetings.Said board shall meet in Washington within thirty days after the passage of this act and in Washington or elsewhere from time to time upon notice from the president of the board, who is to be chosen by the members thereof, or upon its own adjournments, and shall frame all rules and regulations authorized or required by this act, and shall make or cause to be made such special examinations and investigations at any place or places within the United States, or at foreign ports, as they may deem best, to aid in the execution of this act and the promotion of its objects.
Sec. 2. Duties. The duties of the National Board of Health shall be to obtain information upon all matters affecting the public health, to advise the several departments of the government, the executives of the several States, and the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, on all questions submitted by them, or whenever in the opinion of the board such advice may tend to the preservation and improvement of the public health. Sec. 3. Report. That the Board of Health with the assistance of the Academy of Science, which is hereby requested and directed to cooperate with FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Ch. 202. 1879. 485 them for that purpose, shall report to Congress at its next session a fullReport, cont’d. statement of its transactions, together with a plan for a national public health organization, which plan shall be prepared after consultation with the principal sanitary organizations and the sanitarians of the several States of the United States, special attention being given to the subject of quarantine, both maritime and inland, and especially as to regulations which should be established between State or local systems of quarantine and a national quarantine system.
Sec. 4. The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as mayAppropriation. be necessary, is hereby appropriated to pay the salaries and expenses of said board and to carry out the purposes of this act. Approved, March 3, 1879. RESOLUTIONS. No. 1: providing for the distribution of the Revised Statutes of the United States to the Post Office Department. Resolution 1 1878-12-21 20 Stat. 487 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 1.] Joint resolution providing for the distribution of the Revised Statutes of the United States to the Post Office Department. Dec. 21, 1878. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That out of the fifteen thousandRevised Statutes. copies of the new edition of the first volume of the Revised Statutes of the United States required by the fourth section of the “Act to provide1877, ch. 82,[19 Stat., 268](/us/stat/19/268). for the preparation and publication of a new edition of the Revised Statutes of the United States”, approved March second, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, to be printed and bound, the Secretary of State shall furnish to the Post Office Department, upon the requisition of theFor Post Office Department.
Postmaster-General, not exceeding two hundred and fifty copies for the use of the officers and special agents of the department and of postmasters at offices of free delivery ; no provision having been made for the Post Office Department in the “Joint resolution providing for the distribution1878, res. 22,*Ante*, 251. and sale of the new edition of the Revised Statutes of the United States”, approved May twenty-second, eighteen hundred and seventy-eight. Approved, December 21, 1878.
No. 2: making an appropriation for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses incurred in investigating the origin and causes of Epidemic Diseases in the United States. Resolution 2 1878-12-21 20 Stat. 487 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 2.] Joint resolution making an appropriation for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses incurred in investigating the origin and causes of Epidemic Diseases in the United States.
Dec. 21, 1878. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the sum of fifty thousand dollars be appropriated out of any money now in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses that may be incurred in investigating the origin and causes of epidemic diseases, especially yellow fever and cholera, and the best method of preventing their introduction and spread in the United States ; as provided for by resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives ; the same or so much thereof as may be necessary, to be expended, one half by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, and one half by the Sergeant- at-Arms of the House of Representatives, under the direction of the Senate, and House committees on Epidemic Diseases, acting concurrently.
Approved, December 21, 1878. No. 3: extending time for Joint Committee on transfer of Indian Bureau to report. Resolution 3 1878-12-21 20 Stat. 487 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 3.] Joint resolution extending time for Joint Committee on transfer of Indian Bureau to report.
Dec. 21, 1878. *Be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the time, in which the Joint Committee appointed by the Senate and House of Representatives to consider the transfer of the management of Indian Affairs from the Interior to the War Department, may report, be and the same is hereby extended to the first day of February, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine. Approved, December 21, 1878. No. 5: for the relief of Bushrod B.
Taylor and other naval officers. Resolution 5 1879-02-05 20 Stat. 487 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 5.] Joint resolution for the relief of Bushrod B. Taylor and other naval officers. Feb. 5, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the Secretary of the NavyNaval examining board. is hereby authorized to organize a Board of three officers not below the
(487)488 FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 5, 6, 9, 12. 1879. grade of rear admiral, who shall examine into the case of Commander Bushrod B. Taylor and others.Bushrod B. Taylor and such other officers of the Navy as did not have opportunity from any cause whatever to appear before the Board created 1870, res. 93,[16 Stat., 383](/us/stat/16/383).by virtue of the joint resolution of July first, eighteen hundred and seventy, as may deem themselves unjustly passed over by the promotions1866 ch. 231,[14 Stat., 222](/us/stat/14/222). made in conformity with the act of Congress approved July twenty- fifth, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, and such officers shall have the right to appear in person and present to such Board their cause of grievance. The Board so organized shall report their conclusions to the Secretary of the Navy who shall report the same to Congress. Approved, February 5, 1879. No. 6: making an appropriation for filling up draining and placing in good sanitary condition the grounds south of the Capitol along the line of the old canal and for other purposes. Resolution 6 1879-02-10 20 Stat. 488 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 6.] Joint resolution making an appropriation for filling up draining and placing in good sanitary condition the grounds south of the Capitol along the line of the old canal and for other purposes. Feb. 10, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* Appropriations. That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be and the same hereby is appropriated out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpose of employing the poor of the District in the work of filling up draining and placing in Capitol grounds.good sanitary condition the grounds south of the Capitol, along the line of the old canal. The Commissioners of the District shall determine the plan of said work, shall see that it is properly conducted and shall disburseSick poor of District of Columbia. the money: *Provided,* That a further appropriation be and is hereby made of the sum of five thousand dollars out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpose of providing medical attendance, medicine and food for the sick and infirm poor of the District, and the same shall be disbursed under the direction of the Commissioners of the District. Sec. 2. Relief of poor of District of Columbia. That the Commissioners of the District be and they hereby are authorized to expend fifteen thousand dollars for the relief of the poor, seven thousand five hundred dollars to be derived from the Central Market rents and seven thousand five hundred from the general fund of said District. Approved, February 10, 1879. No. 9: authorizing sale of public property in Cincinnati. Resolution 9 1879-02-27 20 Stat. 488 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 9.] Joint resolution authorizing sale of public property in Cincinnati. Feb. 27, 1879. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, authorized to contract for the sale and conveyance of the real estate and buildings owned by the United States situate on the southwest corner of Fourth and Vine streets, in the city of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, now used as a post-office and customhouse, and for other government purposes ; possession of the same to be given to the purchaser under such contract as soon as the new customhouse and post-office building, now in course of erection, shall be completed and ready for occupancy. Approved, February 27, 1879. No. 12: instructing the Attorney-General of the United States to bring suit in the name of the United States to quiet and settle the titles to lands of the Black Bob band of Shawnee Indians. Resolution 12 1879-03-03 20 Stat. 488 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 12.] Joint resolution instructing the Attorney-General of the United States to bring suit in the name of the United States to quiet and settle the titles to lands of the Black Bob band of Shawnee Indians. March 3, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and. House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* Black Bob Shawnee Indians. That the Attorney-General of the United States shall be, and he is hereby, instructed to cause a suit FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 12, 13, 14. 1879. 489 in equity to be brought in the name of the United States in the circuit court for the district of Kansas, to quiet and finally settle the titles to the lands claimed by or under the Black Bob band of Shawnee Indians in Kansas, or adversely to said titles. All persons having any claim to said lands, or any part thereof, asSuit to quiet title to lands. well as said band of Indians, shall be made parties to said suit, either personally or by representation, as said court may deem convenient, consistently with justice to all the interests involved, and notice of the institution and pendency of said suit and for the appearance of the parties thereto shall be given, either by personal service or by such publication as the court shall order, or both. It shall be the duty of the Attorney-General to cause the rights of said band of Indians, and of the individual members thereof, to be duly presented and protected in said suit, and he shall employ counsel to aid in such protection ; and any other claimants to said lands, or any part thereof, may appear in said cause, personally or by counsel, to defend the same and assert their rights ; and said court shall, upon proof and hearing, proceed to determine, according to the principles of law and equity, all the questions arising in respect to said lands, or any thereof, and decree accordingly, and cause such decree to be carried into execution, and the possession of the lands, or parts thereof, respectively, to be delivered to the person entitled thereto ; and upon a final decision of the said matters, it shall be the duty of the President of the United States to issue patents for said lands in conformity to such decision. No objection shall be allowed in said suit in respect of want or misjoinder of parties other than such as are required in this act, or for multifariousness or want of form. The right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States shall exist as in other cases. Approved, March 3, 1879. No. 13: in relation to committee clerks, pages, and other employees of the Senate and House of Representatives. Resolution 13 1879-03-03 20 Stat. 489 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 13.] Joint resolution in relation to committee clerks, pages, and other employees of the Senate and House of Representatives. March 3, 1879. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the Secretary of the Senate andEmployees of Senate and House. Clerk of the House of Representatives are hereby authorized and directed to pay all committee clerks, pages, messengers, and other employees ofThirty days extra pay. the Senate and House of Representatives who do not receive annual salaries, their present rate of compensation respectively for thirty days from the date of the adjournment of this Congress; and the moneyAppropriation. required to pay the same is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and shall be immediately available : *And further,* The provisions of this resolution shall apply to the persons holding their respective positions at the date of its approval, and they shall receive no other compensation for said time than that herein provided. Approved, March 3, 1879. No. 14: requiring the assembling of a court of inquiry in the case of Major Granville O. Haller, late of the Seventh. Infantry United States Army. Resolution 14 1879-03-03 20 Stat. 489 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 14.] Joint resolution requiring the assembling of a court of inquiry in the case of Major Granville O. Haller, late of the Seventh. Infantry United States Army. March 3, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the Secretary of War isGranville O. Haller. hereby required to order a military court martial or court of inquiry to inquire into the matter of the dismissal of Major Granville O. Haller, late of the Seventh Infantry, United States Army ; said court to be fully empowered to confirm or annul the action of the War Department byCourt martial. which said Haller was summarily dismissed the service on or about the ninth of July, anno Domini, eighteen hundred and sixty three, said court to assemble at such convenient place as may be designated by the 490 FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess . III. Res. 14, 15, 16. 1879. Effect of findings.President ; and the findings to have the effect of restoring said Heller to his rank, with the promotion to which he would be entitled, if it be found that he was wrongfully dismissed, or to confirm his dismissal if it be otherwise found. Said Haller shall notify the ccmmanding officer of said military district of his readiness to appear before said court; and he shall have reasonable notice of the time of the assembling of the same : *Provided,* That said Haller shall receive no pay or allowances of any kind whatsoever for the time he was out of the service. Approved, March 3, 1879. No. 15: releasing the reversionary claim and interest of the United States in and to certain lands in the State of Michigan. Resolution 15 1879-03-03 20 Stat. 490 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 15.] Joint resolution releasing the reversionary claim and interest of the United States in and to certain lands in the State of Michigan. March 3, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* Michigan.Release of lands to.1856, ch. 44,[11 Stat., 21](/us/stat/11/21). That the United States hereby releases to the State of Michigan any and all reversionary interest which may remain in the United States in such of the lands granted to, and acquired by the said State of Michigan by act of Congress of June third, eighteen hundred and fifty-six, and certified to the said State in accordance with the said act, as were granted to aid the construction of the road from Grand Haven to Flint, and thence to Port Haron. This release shall not in any manner affect any legal or equitable rights in said lands, which have been acquired, but all such rights shall be and remain unimpaired. Approved, March 3, 1879. No. 16: authorizing the Secretary of War to send artillery and camp equipage to the soldiers’ reunion at Cambridge, Ohio. Resolution 16 1879-03-03 20 Stat. 490 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-03-05 45 3 public [No. 16.] Joint resolution authorizing the Secretary of War to send artillery and camp equipage to the soldiers’ reunion at Cambridge, Ohio. March 3, 1879. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* Soldiers’ and sailors’ reunion at Cambridge, Ohio.Camp equipage, etc., for. That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized to send, from some convenient, government arsenal, to be used at the national soldiers’ and sailors’ reunion at Cambridge, Ohio, to be held in August, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine, four pieces of artillery, and such tents, muskets, and blank cartridges as can be conveniently spared; said cannon, tents, muskets, and so forth, to be returned, after the holding of the reunion, in as like good condition as when received. Approved, March 3, 1879. 45 1 1877 PRIVATE LAWSof theUNITED STATES OF AMERICA,passed byTHE FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.1881–’79.
(491)PRIVATE ACTS OF THE FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES, *Passed at the first session, which was begun and held at the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, on Monday, the fifteenth day of October*, 1877, *and was adjourned without day on Saturday, the first day of December*, 1877. Rutherford B. Hayes, President. William A. Wheeler, Vice-President and President of the Senate. Samuel J. Randall was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on the fifteenth day of October, 1877, and continued to act as such until the close of the session.
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