1st Session. MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE. RESOLVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS, CONCERNING The duty on salt, and the bounty to fishing vessels. MAY 18, 1840. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Resolved, That the repeal of the duty on salt, and the bounty to fishing vessels, and the men employed in them, would injuriously affect the best interests of the American people, distress a large portion of our most valuable and deserving citizens, impair our national strength, and weaken us in a part most vital to our honor and influence among the nations of the earth. Resolved, That the passage of the bill now before the Senate of the United States must destroy our salt manufactories, paralyze our cod-fisheries, and show that the best interests of the nation will be sacrificed, only to retard our prosperity, and to check the progress of northern industry. Resolved, That his excellency the Governor be requested to transmit copies of these resolves to the Senators and Representatives of this Commonwealth in Congress. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, March 21, 1840. Passed. IN SENATE, March 21, 1840. A true copy. Attest: Blair and Rives, printers. ROBERT C. WINTHROP, Speaker. DANIEL P. KING, President. 1st Session. MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE. RESOLUTIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS, In relation to steamboats. MAY 18, 1840. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Resolved, That the recent losses of steamboats, with many valuable lives, on several of the most frequented routes of the United States, clearly indicate that suitable provision has not been made for the security of passengers against the perils of fire and of the sea, and prove that the existing laws of the United States are insufficient, and not properly enforced. Resolved, That suitable provision should be made by law, that whenever any life shall be lost by the neglect or misconduct of the proprietors of any steamboat, or by the neglect or misconduct of any person in their employ, such proprietors shall forfeit, for every life thus lost, a suitable sum, to be recovered by indictment, for the benefit of the widow and heirs. Resolved, That other effective measures should be adopted by the General Government for preserving the lives of passengers on board steamboats; and that his excellency the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolves to the President of the United States, and to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, March 10, 1840. Passed. ROBERT C. WINTHROP, Speaker. 1st Session. BOUNTY TO FISHING VESSELS. RESOLUTIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF MAINE, RELATIVE TO The repeal of the act giving a bounty to vessels engaged in the fisheries, MARCH 19, 1840. Resolves relative to the repeal of the act giving a bounty to vessels engaged in the fisheries. Resolved, That the repeal of the act giving a bounty to vessels engaged in the fisheries would affect the general prosperity of this State, by injuring the interest engaged in navigation, in ship-building, and in the fisheries. Resolved, That national policy requires a continuance of the fishing bounty to foster and sustain the commerce of the country in peace, and to afford a competent supply of able seamen for the naval service in war. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and Representatives be requested, to use their exertions to prevent a repeal or modification of the law entitled "An act laying a duty on imported salt, granting a bounty on pickled fish exported, and allowances to certain vessels employed in the fisheries," or of any acts or parts of acts relating to the bounty to vessels or individuals engaged in the fisheries. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to forward a certified copy of these resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress. |