Gibbons v. Ogden · ¶85

In the progress of things,, this seems to have grown into a particular employment, and to have attracted the particular attention of government. Congress was no longer satisfied with comprehending vessels engaged specially in this business, within those provisions which were intended for vessels generally; and, on the 2d of March, 1819, passed “ an act regulating passenger ships and ‘ vessels.” This wise and humane- law provides for the safety and comfort of passengers, and for. the communication of every thing concerning them which may interest the government, to the Department of State, but makes ho provision concerning the entry of the vessel, or her conduct in the waters of the United States. This, we think, shows conclusively the sense of Congress, (if, indeed, any evidence to that point could be re-, quired,) that the pre-existing regulations comprehended passenger ships among…

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