Private Law 26–XXXII

That from and after the passage of this act, all those persons who are, or shall hereafter become, members of “the

Incorporation.

Washington City Benevolent Society,” of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, be, and they are hereby, made a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of “the Washington City Benevolent Society,” and shall so continue until the third day of March, one thousand

Term of incorporation.

eight hundred and sixty, and by that name shall have perpetual succession, and by that name may sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, in courts of record and in any other place whatsoever; and by that name may

The usual rights, Ac. of a body corporate, grouted.

make, have, and use, a common seal, and the same may break, alter, and renew at pleasure; and shall have power to ordain, establish, and put in execution such by-laws, ordinances, and regulations, as shall seem necessary and convenient for the government of said corporation, not being contrary to the laws and Constitution of the United States; and generally to do and execute all acts necessary or proper for the objects of said corporation, subject to the limitations and provisions of this act.

Sec. 2.

And be it further enacted, That the monthly contributions, and all other moneys received on account of the society, may, from time to time, be invested in the public stocks of the United States, in loans to individuals, or in stocks of any incorporated banking institution or corporation; and the moneys so invested, or that may be deposited, shall be drawn out of the bank or place of deposit only on the order of the Treasurer, countersigned by the Secretary, and approved by the

Proviso.

President: Provided, nevertheless, That the said society or body politic shall not, at any one time, hold or possess property, real, personal, or mixed, exceeding in total value the sum of twenty thousand dollars.

Sec. 3.

And be it further enacted, That it shall not be lawful for the said corporation to deal or trade in the manner of a bank, nor issue any note in the nature of a bank note, nor transact any other kind of business, or deal in any other manner or thing than is expressly authorized

Penalty.

by the second section of this act; and any officer or officers who shall have assented to any such dealing or trade, shall, on conviction thereof, in the proper court, forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred dollars, one half to the use of the poor of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, and the other half to the use of the person who may

Proviso.

prosecute for the same: Provided, always, That congress may, at any time, amend, alter, or annul this act.