Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 1.djvu/826



the duties on the importation of goods, wares and merchandise into the United States.

. And be it further enacted, That in cases where the forms of official documents, as prescribed by this act, shall be substantially complied with and observed, according to the true spirit, meaning and intent thereof, no penalty or forfeiture shall be incurred by a deviation therefrom; and the officers of the department of the treasury, according to their respective powers and duties, shall and may from time to time prescribe additions to the said forms, for the purpose of adapting the same to any alterations which may be made to the rates of duties on the importation of goods, wares and merchandise, and on the tonnage of ships and vessels, and for the better collection and payment of the said duties:—Provided however, that it shall not be competent for the said officers to prescribe any form or regulations incompatible with or contravening the special provisions of this act.

. And be it further enacted, That from and after the thirtieth day of June next ensuing, the act of Congress passed on the fourth day of August in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety, entituled “,” and also all other acts or parts of acts, coming within the purview of this act, shall be repealed and thenceforth cease to operate, except as to the continuance of the officers appointed in pursuance of the said act or parts of acts; except also as to the recovery and receipt of such duties on goods, wares and merchandise, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels, as shall have accrued; and as to the payment of drawbacks, bounties and allowances upon the exportation of goods, wares and merchandise, and as to the recovery and distribution of fines, penalties and forfeitures, which shall have been incurred before and on the said day; subject nevertheless, in respect to the collection of duties, to the alterations contained and expressed in the present act.

, March 2, 1799.

. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That