Gibbons v. Ogden · ¶81

If, as our whole course of legislation on this subject shows, the power of Congress has been universally understood in America, to comprehend navigation, it is a very persuasive, if not a conclusive argumént, to prove that the construction is correct; and, if it be correct, no clear distinction is perceived between the power to regulaté vessels employed in transporting men for hire, and property for hire. The subject is transferred to Congress, and no exception to the grant can be adr mitted, which is not proved by the words or the nature of the thing. A coasting vessel employed in the transportation of passengers, té as much a portion of the American marine, as one employed in the transportation of a cargo and no reason is perceived why such vessel should be withdrawn *, ■ ■, froto the regulating power or that government, which has been thought best fitted for the purpose generally.…

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 22, at 1 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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