Chapter 258. to regulate the use of the Capitol Grounds
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CHAP. 258.— An Act to regulate the use of the Capitol Grounds.July 1, 1882. Whereas the Capitol Grounds have been formed to subserve the quietCapitol Grounds.Preamble. and dignity of the Capitol of the United States, and to prevent the occurrence near it of such disturbances as are incident to the ordinary use of public streets and places: Therefore the following statute for the regulation of the public use of said grounds is hereby enacted: *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*Regulations governing use of Capitol Grounds.Public travel.Obstruction of roads, forbidden., That public travel in and occupancy of the Capitol Grounds shall be restricted to the roads, walks, and places prepared for the purpose by flagging, paving, or otherwise.
Sec. 2. That it is forbidden to occupy the roads in such manner as to obstruct or hinder their proper use, to drive violently upon them, or with animals not under perfect control, or to use them for the conveyance of goods or merchandise, except to or from the Capitol on government service. Sec. 3. That it is forbidden to offer or expose any article for sale; toSale of articles, etc., forbidden. display any sign, placard, or other form of advertisement; to solicit fares, alms, subscriptions, or contributions.
Sec. 4. That it is forbidden to step or climb upon, remove, or in anyInjury to any statue, seat, wall, tree, shrub, etc., forbidden. way injure any statue, seat, wall, or other erection, or any tree, shrub, plant, or turf. 127 Sec. 5. That it is forbidden to discharge any firearm, firework, orFire-works, loud, threatening, or abusive language. explosive, set fire to any combustible, make any harangue or oration, or utter loud, threatening, or abusive language. Sec. 6. That it is forbidden to parade, stand, or move in processionsParades or assemblages, etc. or assemblages, or display any flag, banner, or device designed or adapted to bring into public notice any party, organization, or movement.
Sec. 7. That offenses against this act shall be triable before the policePenalties. court of the District of Columbia, and shall be punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of the judge of said court; the fine not to exceed one hundred dollars, the imprisonment not to exceed sixty days. But in the case of heinous offenses by reason of which public property shall have suffered damage to an amount exceeding one hundred dollars in value, said judge of the police court may commit or hold to bail the offender for trial before the supreme court of the District of Columbia, when the offense shall be punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a period of not less than six months nor more than five years.
Sec. 8. That it shall be the duty of all policemen and watchmen havingDuties of policemen, watchmen, etc. authority to make arrests in the District of Columbia to be watchful for offenses against this act, and to arrest and bring before the proper tribunal those who shall offend against it under their observation, or of whose offenses they shall be advised by witnesses. Sec. 9. That it shall be the duty of all persons employed in the serviceCapitol employés to aid in preserving order, etc. of the government in the Capitol or on its grounds to prevent, as far as may be in their power, offenses against this act, and to aid the police, by information or otherwise, in securing the arrest and conviction of offenders.
Sec. 10. That in order to admit of the due observance within the CapitolNational occasions, celebrations, etc., bow conducted. Grounds of occasions of national interest becoming the cognizance and entertainment of Congress, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, acting concurrently, are hereby authorized to suspend for such-proper occasions so much of the above prohibitions as would prevent the use of the roads and walks of the said grounds by processions or assemblages, and the use upon them of suitable decorations, music, addresses, and ceremonies: *Provided*, That*Proviso*. responsible officers shall have been appointed, and arrangements determined, adequate, in the judgment of said President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the maintenance of suitable order and decorum in the proceedings, and for guarding the Capitol and its grounds from injury.
Sec. 11. That in the absence from Washington of either of the officersCapitol police commission to act in absence of President of Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives. designated in the last section the authority therein given to suspend certain prohibitions of this act shall devolve upon the other, and in the absence from Washington of both it shall devolve upon the Capitol police commission. Approved, July 1, 1882.