Chapter 335. to provide for the settlement of the claims of officers and enlisted men of the Army for loss of private property destroyed in the military service of the United States
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CHAP. 335.— An Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of officers and enlisted men of the Army for loss of private property destroyed in the military service of the United States.March 3, 1885. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Accounting officers to settle claims of officers and men in military service for property lost or destroyed. That the proper accounting officers of the Treasury be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed to examine into, ascertain, and determine the value of the private property belonging to officers and enlisted men in the military service of the United States which has been, or may hereafter be, lost or destroyed in the military service, under the following circumstances:
First. When such loss or destruction was without fault or negligenceWhen loss or destruction was without fault or negligence.When shipped by order on unseaworthy vessel. on the part of the claimant. Second. Where the private property so lost or destroyed was shipped on board an unseaworthy vessel by order of any officer authorized to. give such order or direct such shipment. Third. Where it appears that the loss or destruction of the privateWhen lost in saving property of United States. property of the claimant was in consequence of his having given his attention to the saving of the property belonging to the United States which was in danger at the same time and under similar circumstances.
Payment out of the Treasury.And the amount of such loss so ascertained and determined shall be paid out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and *Provisos*.shall be in full for all such loss or damage: *Provided*, That any claim which shall be presented and acted on under authority of this act shall be held as finally determined, and shall never thereafter be reopened or considered: *And provided further*, That this act shall not apply to losses sustained in time of war or hostilities with Indians: *And provided further*, That the liability of the Government under this act shall be limited to such articles of personal property as the Secretary of War, in his discretion shall decide to be reasonable, useful, necessary, and proper for such officer or soldier while in quarters, engaged in the public service, in the line of duty: *And provided further*, That all claims now existing Claims to be presented in two years.shall be presented within two years and not after from the passage of this act; and all such claims hereafter arising be presented within two years from the occurrence of the loss or destruction.
Approved, March 3rd, 1885.