Chapter 172. To prevent the carrying of obscene literature and articles designed for indecent and immoral use from one State or Territory into another State or Territory
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CHAP. 172.— An Act To prevent the carrying of obscene literature and articles designed for indecent and immoral use from one State or Territory into another State or Territory. February 8, 1897. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, That it shall be unlawful for Obscene literature, etc. Sending by express companies, etc., unlawful.any person to deposit with any express company or other common carrier for carriage from one State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia to any other State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia any obscene, lewd, or lascivious book, pamphlet, picture, paper, letter, writing, print, or other matter of indecent character, or any article or thing designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring of abortion, or any written or printed card, letter, circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or notice of any kind giving information, directly or indirectly, where, how, or of whom, or by what means any of the hereinbefore mentioned articles, Punishment to sender.matters, or things may be obtained or made; and any person who shall knowingly deposit, or cause to be deposited, with any express company or other common carrier for carriage from one State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia to any other State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or who shall take from such express company or other common carrier with intent to sell, distribute, or circulate any matter or thing herein forbidden to be deposited for carriage, shall for each offense, upon conviction thereof be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned at hard labor not more than five years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Approved, February 8, 1897.