Silver certificates. SEC. 3. That any holder of the coin authorized by this act may deposit the same with the Treasurer or any assistant treasurer of the United States, in sums not less than ten dollars, and receive therefor certificates of not less than ten dollars each, corresponding with the deuominations of the United States notes. The coin deposited for or representing the certificates shall be retained in the Treasury for the payFor what receiv- ment of the same on demaud. Said certificates shall be receivable for able. customs, taxes, and all public dues, and, when so received, may be reissued. March 4, 1878. SEC. 4. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. SAM. J. RANDALL Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U. S. The President of the United States having returned to the House of Representatives, in which it originated the bill, entitled "An act to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar, and to restore its legal-tender character," with his objections thereto; the House of Representatives proceeded in pursuance of the Constitution to reconsider the same; and Resolved, That the said bill pass, two thirds of the House of Representatives agreeing to pass the same. Attest: The Senate having proceeded, in pursuance of the Constitution, to reconsider the bill entitled "An act to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar, and to restore its legal-tender character," returned to the House of Representatives by the President of the United States, with his objections, and sent by the House of Representatives to the Senate with the message of the President returning the bill; Resolved, That the bill do pass, two-thirds of the Senate agreeing to pass the same. Attest: GEO C GORHAM CHAP. 22.-An act to change the name of the steam-tug C. M, Whittaker to Caroline. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Steam-tug C. M. States of America in Congress assembled, That the name of the steam-tug C. M. Whittaker, of Baltimore, be, and is hereby, changed to Caroline, by which name said steam-tug shall be hereafter licensed and known. Approved, March 4, 1878. Whittaker. March 8, 1878. 936. CHAP. 25.-An act to amend section four thousand seven hundred and seventyeight of the Revised Statutes R. S. 4778, p. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Pension agents. States of America in Congress assembled, That whenever during a session Filling tempo. of the Senate a vacancy shall occur in the office of Pension Agent, by reason of resignation, death, removal or expiration of the term of office, or where any such agent lawfully appointed shall have failed to qualify rary vacancies. and assume the duties of such office, the President may when the public exigency requires it, designate any officer of the United States to perform the duties of such office, but such designation shall not be for a longer time than twenty days, and such officer so designated shall give bonds if required by the President for the faithful discharge of the said duties, and the Secretary of the Iuterior shall allow in the settlement of the accounts of such officer, the necessary expenses incurred by him in the discharge of his duties under this act. The foregoing provisions shall apply to any vacancy now existing. Approved, March 8, 1878. CHAP. 26.-An act to amend an act entitled "An act to provide for the preparation and publication of a new edition of the Revised Statutes of the United States", approved March second, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven. March 9, 1878. Revised Stat 1877, ch. 82, 19 Stat., 268. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That an act entitled “An act to provide for the preparation and publication of a new edition of the utes; new edition Revised Statutes of the United States", approved March second, eighteen deuce. prima facie evihundred and seventy-seven, be, and the same is hereby, amended as follows, to wit: By striking out from the ninth and tenth lines of section four as published in the nineteenth volume of the Statutes at Large, the words "and conclusive”; and, in the tenth line, the words "and treaties"; and, by inserting after the word "Territories" at the end of the eleventh line, the following words, to wit: "but shall not preclude reference to, nor control, in case of any discrepancy, the effect of any original act as passed by Congress since the first day of December, eighteen hundred and seventy-three". Approved, March 9, 1878. CHAP. 27.—An act changing the times of holding terms of the district court for the district of West Virginia. March 9, 1878. West Virginia; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That hereafter the district court of the United States for the district of West Virginia shall be held at terms of district the times and places following; but when any of said dates shall fall on court for district Sunday the term shall commence the following Monday, to wit: At the of. city of Wheeling, on the first day of March and the first day of September; at Clarksburg, on the first day of April and the first day of October; at Charleston, on the first day of May and the first day of November. And all pending process, rules, and proceedings shall be conducted in the same manner and with the same effect as to time as if this act had not passed. Approved, March 9, 1878. CHAP. 28.-An act amending the laws granting pensions to the soldiers and sailors of the war of eighteen hundred and twelve, and their widows, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the In. terior be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to place on the pension rolls the names of the surviving officers and enlisted and drafted men, without regard to color, including militia and volunteers, of the military and naval service of the United States, who served for fourteen days in the war with Great Britain of eighteen hundred and twelve, or who were in any engagement, and were honorably discharged, and the surviving widows of such officers and enlisted and drafted men. March 9, 1878. War of 1812; soldiers and sailers of, to be placed on pension-roils. What persons entitled. SEC. 2. That this act shall not apply to any person who is receiving a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month or more, nor to any person receiving a pension of less than eight dollars per month except for the difference between the pension now received (if less than eight Rate and term of dollars per month) and eight dollars per month. Pensions under this pension. act shall be at the rate of eight dollars per month, except as herein provided, and shall be paid to the persons entitled thereto, from and after the passage of this act, for and during their natural lives: Provided, That the pensions to widows provided for in this act shall cease when they shall marry again. Widowo. Proof. False oath. rolls. SEC. 3. That before the name of any person shall be placed upon the pension-rolls under this act, proof shall be made, under such rules and regulations as the Commissioner of Pensions, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, shall prescribe, that the applicant is entitled to a pension under this act; and any person who shall falsely take any oath required to be taken under the provisions of this act shall be guilty Striking from of perjury; and the Secretary of the Interior shall cause to be stricken from the rolls the name of any person, when it shall appear, by proof satisfactory to him, that such name was put on said rolls by or through false or fraudulent representations, or by mistake as to the right of such Loss of certifi- person to a pension under this act. The loss or lack of a certificate of cate; want of rec- discharge shall not deprive the applicant of the benefit of this act, but other proof of the service performed and of an honorable discharge, if satisfactory, shall be deemed sufficient; and when there is no record evidence of such service and such discharge, the applicant may establish Land-warrant the same by other satisfactory testimony: Provided, That when any prima facie evi- person has been granted a land-warrant under any act of Congress for ord. dence. Act applied. Restoration of pensioners engaged in rebellion. 1862, ch. 18, 12 Stat., 337. 1867, Res. 46, 14-Stat., 571. R. S., 3480, p. 693, R. S., 4716, p. 926, not to apply. Proviso. from rolls. and on account of service in the said war of eighteen hundred and twelve, such grant shall be prima facie evidence of his service and houorable discharge, so as to entitle him, if living, or his widow, if he be dead, to a pension under this act; but such evidence shall not be conclusive, and may be rebutted by evidence that such land-warrant was improperly granted. SEC. 4. That all applications for pensions of the classes provided for in this act heretofore or which may hereafter be made shall be considered and decided as though made under this act; and all laws now in force in regard to the manner of paying pensions, and in reference to the punishment of frauds, shall be applicable to all claims under the provisions of this act. SEC. 5. That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to restore to the pension-rolls the names of all persons now surviving heretofore pensioned on account of service in the war of eighteen hundred and twelve against Great Britain, or for service in any of the Indian wars, and whose names were stricken from the rolls in pursuance of the act entitled "An act authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to strike from the pension-rolls the names of such persons as have taken up arms against the government, or who have in any manner encouraged the rebels,” approved February fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two; and that the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution probibiting payment by any officer of the government to any person not known to have been opposed to the rebellion and in favor of its suppression," approved March second, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, and section four thousand seven hundred and sixteen of the Revised Statutes of the United States, shall not apply to the persons provided for by this act: Provided, That no money shall be paid to any one on account of pensions for the time during which his name remained stricken from the rolls. Widows of penSEC. 6. That the surviving widow of any pensioner of the war of eightsioners stricken een hundred and twelve where the name of said pensioner was stricken from the pension-rolls in pursuance of the act entitled "An act authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to strike from the pension-rolls the names of such persons as have taken up arms against the government, 1862, ch. 18, 12 Stat., 337. Proviso. or who have in any manner encouraged the rebels," approved February fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and where, under the existing provisions of law, said pensioner died without his name being restored to the rolls, shall be entitled to make claim for a pension as such widow after the passage of this act: Provided, That no such arrearages sball be paid for any period prior to the time of the removal of the disability of the pensioner, as provided in section five: And provided further, That under this act any widow of a Revolutionary soldier who served fourteen days or was in any engagement shall be placed upon the pension-rolls olutionary soldiers. of the United States, and receive a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month. Widows of Rev. SEC. 7. That all laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this act be, Repeals. and they are hereby, repealed. Approved, March 9, 1878. CHAP. 32.—An act to authorize the construction of a bridge across the Missouri Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That any corporation existing, or which may be organized, under the laws of the State of Missouri, be, and is hereby, authorized to construct and maintain a bridge, and ap proaches thereto, over the Missouri River, at or near Glasgow, in the county of Howard, in said State. Said bridge shall be constructed to provide for the passage of railway-trains, and, at the option of the corporation by which it may be built, may be used for the passage of wagons and vehicles of all kinds, for the transit of animals, and for footpassengers. March 13, 1878. Railroad and wagon bridge may gow, Mo. be built at Glas States. SEC. 2. That any bridge built under this act, and subject to its limita- Post-route; rate tions, shall be a lawful structure, and shall be recognized and known as payable by United a post-route, upon which also no higher charge shall be made for the transmission over the same of the mails, the troops, and the munitions of war of the United States than the rate per mile paid for the transpor tation over the railroad or public highways leading to the said bridge; and it shall enjoy the rights and privileges of other post-roads in the United States. How to be con SEC. 3. That if said bridge shall be made with unbroken and continu. ous spans, the spans thereof shall not be less than three hundred feet structed. in length in the clear, and the main span shall be over the main channel of the river. The lowest part of the superstructure of said bridge shall be at least fifty feet above extreme high-water mark as understood at the point of location, and the bridge shall be at right angles to, and its piers parallel with, the current of the river: Provided, That if the same shall be constructed as a draw-bridge, the draw or pivot shall be over the main channel of the river at an accessible navigable point, and the spans shall not be less than one hundred and sixty feet in length in the clear, and the piers of said bridge shall be parallel with, and the bridge itself at right angles to, the current of the river, and the spans shall not be less than ten feet above extreme high-water mark, as understood at the point of location, to the lowest part of the superstructure of said bridge: Provided also, That said draw shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for the passing of boats; and said company or draw; signals. corporation shall maintain at its own expense, from sunset till sunrise, such lights or other signals on said bridge as the Light-House Board shall prescribe. No bridge shall be erected or maintained under the authority of this act which shall at any time substantially or materially navigation. obstruct the free navigation of said river; and if any bridge erected under such authority shall, in the opinion of the Secretary of War, obstruct such navigation, he is hereby authorized to cause such change or alteration of said bridge to be made as will effectually obviate such obstruction; and all such alterations shall be made and all such obstruc Opening of Obstruction of Alterations. tions be removed at the expense of the owner or owners of said bridge. Jurisdiction of And in case of any litigation arising from any obstruction or alleged courts. Existing laws. Use of bridge. Regulations by Secretary of War. obstruction to the free navigation of said river, caused or alleged to be caused by said bridge, the case may be brought in the district court of the United States of the State of Missouri, in which any portion of said obstruction or bridge may be located: Provided further, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to repeal or modify any of the provisions of law now existing in reference to the protection of the navigation of rivers, or to exempt this bridge from the operation of the same. SEC. 4. That all railroad companies desiring the use of said bridge shall have and be entitled to equal rights and privileges relative to the passage of railway-trains over the same, and over the approaches thereto, upon payment of a reasonable compensation for such use; and in case the owner or owners of said bridge and the several railroad companies, or any one of them, desiring such use, shall fail to agree upon the sum or sums to be paid, and upon rules and conditions to which each shall conform in using said bridge, all matters at issue between them shall be decided by the Secretary of War, upon a hearing of the allegations and proofs of the parties. SEC. 5. That any bridge authorized to be constructed under this act shall be built and located under and subject to such regulations for the security of navigation of said river as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and, to secure that object, the said company or corporation shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a Map and draw design and drawings of the bridge, and a map of the location, giving, ings. for the space of one mile above and one mile below the proposed location, the topography of the banks of the river, the shore-lines at high and low water, the direction and strength of the currents at all stages, and the soundings, accurately showing the bed of the stream, the location of any other bridge or bridges, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject; and until the said plan and location of the bridge are approved by the Secretary of War, the bridge shall not be built; and should any change be made in the plan of said bridge during the progress of construction, such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War. SEC. 6. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this act is hereby expressly reserved. Approval. Amendment and repeal. Approved, March 13, 1878. March 15, 1878. R. S., 5574, p. 1086, suspended. CHAP. 34.-An act further to suspend the operations of section five thousand five hundred and seventy-four of the Revised Statutes of the United States, title seventytwo, in relation to guano islands. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That section five thousand five hundred and seventy-four, title seventy-two, of the Revised Statutes of the United States, be, and the same is hereby, further suspended, as therein set forth, for the period of five years next from and after the passage of this act. Approved, March 15, 1878. March 16, 1878. Accused persons may testify. CHAP. 37.-An act to make persons charged with crimes and offences competent witnesses in the United States and Territorial Courts. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That in the trial of all indictments, informations, complaints, and other proceedings against persons charged with the commission of crimes, offences, and misdemeanors, in the United States courts, Territorial courts, and courts-martial, and courts of inquiry, in any State or Territory, including the District of |