Observance of the neutrality laws.
Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary,
Washington, D. C.
,
June 21, 1879.
[1879. Department No. 101. Secretary’s office.]
To collectors of customs and whom it
may concern:
This department has received information that the Government of Bolivia
has decreed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers
to seize Chilian property in neutral vessels, and that agents of Bolivia
have departed for the United States.
Collectors of customs, in whose ports attempts may be made to fit out
warlike expeditions in aid of either of the belligerent powers, will
take care to see that section 5290 of the Revised Satutes be vigilantly
enforced against all vessels that appear to be destined to violate the
neutrality laws of the United States. The section is here
reproduced:
“Sec. 5290. The several collectors of the
customs shall detain any vessel manifestly built for warlike purposes,
and about to depart the United States, the cargo of which principally
consists of arms and munitions of war, when the number of men shipped on
board, or other circumstances, render it probable that such vessel is
intended to be employed by the owners to cruise or commit hostilities
upon the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state,
or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States are at
peace, until the decision of the President is had thereon, or until the
owner gives such bond and security as is required of the owners of armed
vessels by the preceding section.”
