Resolvedby the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

THAT the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby authorized, if in his opinion it will be advantageous to the public interest, to make contracts for any term not exceeding five years for the purchase of American water rotted Hemp for the use of the United States Navy, provided the same can be had of equal quality with the best foreign Hemp, and at a price not exceeding the average price of such Hemp for the last five years– the inspection and delivery to be at the place of purchase.