Chapter 348. to encourage and promote telegraphic communication between America and Europe
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CHAP. 348.— An Act to encourage and promote telegraphic communication between America and Europe.July 25, 1882. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Telegraphic communication be— That, Robert Garrett, William F. Burns, and William F. Frick., of Maryland, their associates, succes- 174 FORTY SEVENTH CONGRESS. SESS. I. CH. 348, 349. 1882. sors, and assigns, shall have the right to construct, lay, land, and maintaintween America and Europe.Robert Garrett, William F.
Burns, and William F. Frick, orc., authorized to construct, etc., lino of telegraph between America and Europe.*Provisos.*Conditions. a line or lines of telegraph or submarine cables on the Atlantic coast of the United States of America, to connect the American and European coasts by telegraphic lines, wires, or submarine cables : *Pro vided,* That said company shall begin to lay said cable or cables within two years from the passage of this act; *And provided further,* That no amalgamation, combination to establish rates, union or sale of cable interests established under this act shall be made to any existing European or other cable companies.
Sec. 2. That any telegraphic line or cable laid be subject to the following conditions, stipulations, and reservations, to wit: First. The Government of the United States shall be entitled to exercise and enjoy tie same or similar privileges with regard to the control and use of such line or lines, or cable or cables, as there may, by law, agreement, or otherwise be exercised and enjoyed by any foreign government whatever. Secondly. Citizens of the United States shall enjoy the same privileges as to the payment of rates for the transmission of messages as are enjoyed by the citizens of the most favored nations.
Thirdly. The transmission of dispatches shall be made in the following order: First, dispatches of state, under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the governments interested, the rates not to exceed those charged to individuals; secondly, dispatches on telegraphic service; and, thirdly, private dispatches. Fourthly. The lines of any such cables shall be kept open to the public for the daily transmission of market and commercial reports and intelligence, and all messages, dispatches, and communications shall be forwarded in the order in which they are received, except as hereinbefore provided.
Fifthly. Before extending and establishing any such line or lines, orStipulations. cable or cables, in or over any waters, reefs, islands, shores, and lands within the jurisdiction of the United States, a written acceptance of the terms and conditions imposed by this act shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State by the parties above named, or a majority of them, their associates, successors, or assigns, or by the company or corporation which may be organized to construct and operate cables under this act.
Sec. 3. That nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the UnitedReservations. States in granting to other persons or companies similar privileges herein contained. Sec. 4. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this act at any time is hereby reserved to Congress. Approved, July 25, 1882.