Public Law 46–72

That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, authorized to establish a temporary station at some point north of the eighty-first degree of north latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay, for purposes of scientific observation and exploration, and to develop or discover new whaling-grounds; to detail such officers or other persons of the public service to take part in the same as may be necessary, and who are willing to enlist for such purpose, not exceeding fifty in number, and to use any public vessel or vessels that may be suitable for the purpose of transporting the members of said station and their necessary supplies, and for such other duty in connection with said station as may be required from time to time: Provided, That the President of the United States is authorized to accept

Proviso.

Acceptance from H. W. Howgate, of steamship Gulnare.

Proviso.

from H. W. Howgate, and fit out for the purposes of this expedition, the steamship Gulnare, which vessel shall be returned to its owner when the objects of the expedition shall have been accomplished, or when, in the opinion of the President, its services are no longer required: Provided further, That the United States shall not be liable to any claim for compensation in case of loss, damage, or deterioration of said vessel from any cause, or in any manner whatever, nor be liable to any demand for the use or risk of said vessel.