Chapter 58.
484 words·~2 min read·
/statutes-at-large/vol-23/chapter-58-135051·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
CHAP. 58.— An act to authorize the construction of a bridge over the Rio Grande River between the cities of Laredo, Texas, and Nueva Laredo, Mexico.May 29, 1884. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Bridge over the Rio Grande River between the cities of Laredo, Tex., and Nueva Laredo, Hex. That the International Bridge and Tramway Company, a corporation organized and created under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Texas, be, and is hereby, authorized and empowered to construct, own, maintain, and operate a street railway bridge over the Rio Grande River between the city of Laredo, Texas, and the city of Nueva Laredo, in the state Tamaulipas, Mexico, at such point as may be most convenient to said corporation, to unite and connect the street railroad to be constructed by them in the said city of Laredo with any street railroad that may be constructed by any person or company in the said city of Nueva Laredo; and to build and lay on and across said bridge ways for the passage of animals, foot-passengers, and vehicles of all kinds, for the transit of which said corporation may charge a reasonable toll, which charge shall be subject to reasonable revision and regulation, from time to time by the Secretary of War.
Sec. 2. Construction. That said bridge shall be built, of good substantial material, and of such strength and dimensions as may be sufficient to render the passage of all such vehicles, animals and persons as are herein mentioned perfectly safe at any and all times. Sec. 3. Free navigation to be maintained. That said bridge shall not interfere with the free navigation of said river; and in case of any litigation arising from an obstruction, or an alleged obstruction, to the free navigation thereof, caused or alleged to be caused by said bridge, the case may be tried before the circuit or district court of the United States of the State of Texas having jurisdiction thereof.
Sec. 4. That Congress reserves the right to withdraw the authority 31 and power conferred by this act in case the free navigation of said river shall at any time be substantially or materially obstructed by said bridge, or for any other reason, and to direct the removal or necessary modifications thereof at the cost and expense of the owners of said bridge; and Congress may at any time alter, repeal, or amend this act. The right is reserved to the United States for the establishment of aRight for postal telegraph reserved. postal telegraph across said bridge.
Sec. 5. That the consent of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas and ofConsent of State of Tamaulipas to be obtained. the proper authorities of the Republic of Mexico shall have been obtained before said bridge shall be built or commenced. Approved, May 29, 1884.