Chapter 466. to encourage and promote telegraphic communication between America and EuropeAugust 8, 1882. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Right to con struct telegraph lines, etc., between America and Europe granted, etc
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CHAP. 466.— An Act to encourage and promote telegraphic communication between America and EuropeAugust 8, 1882. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Right to con struct telegraph lines, etc., between America and Europe granted, etc. That Samuel L. M, Barlow and Orazio Lugo, of New York, and Albert G. Buzby, W. Mitchell McAllister, and John H. Colton, of Pennsylvania, their associates, successors, and assigns, shall have the right to construct, lay, land, and maintain 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 : *Provided,* That*Provisos.* 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 European or other cable companies, nor shall there bo any fictitious increase or watering of stock; and any violation of the provision of this section shall work a forfeiture of all rights thereunder.
Sec. 2. That any telegraphic line or cable laid shall be subject toConditions, etc. the following conditions, stipulations, and reservations, to wit: First. The Government of the United States shall be entitled to exercise and enjoy the same or similar privileges with regard to the control and use of such line or liqes, or cable or cables, as there may, by law, agreement, or otherwise be exercised and enjoyed by any foreign government whatever; and, in addition, the United States Government shall have the right to the exclusive use of a wire, at such time or times as they may require, not to exceed four hours out of every twenty-four, and at such rates as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State, but not to exceed twenty cents per word, nor less than ten cents per word.
And the rates charged upon said line for messages for individuals shall not exceed twenty cents for each word. 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 any other nation. Thirdly. The transmission of dispatches shall be made in the followingTransmission of dispatches, order of.Rates. 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 publicTransmission of reports, etc.Acceptance, etc., to be filed with Secretary of State. 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 herein-before provided. Fifthly. Before extending and establishing any such line or lines, or 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. 372 FORTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. I. Cn. 466-468. 1882. Sec. 3. That nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the UnitedUnited Slates may grant similar privileges to other companies.Right to alter, amend,repeal, etc., reserved. States in granting to other persons or companies similar privileges to those herein contained Sec. 4. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this act at any time is hereby reserved to Congress, including the right to fix rates by a general law. Approved, August 8, 1882.