CHAPTER CXLIII.

An Act to authorize the erection of a Toll Bridge across Big Cypress.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas, That Allen Urquhart be, and he is hereby authorized to erect, construct, make, keep up and continue for the term of twenty years from the passage of this act. a Toll Bridge across the Big Cypress, at the town of Jefferson, between the counties of Cass and Harrison.

Sec. 2. That the said Urquhart shall within two years from the passage of this act, have the said bridge completed and in good condition for the public use, according to the opinion of the county court of Cass county, who are authorized and required to determine the same; and further, to fix the rates of toll which the said Urquhart shall be entitled to demand and receive from all persons, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and for all vehicles of every description crossing said bridge, which rates of toll the said Urquhart shall be entitled to collect and receive accordingly.

Sec. 3. That the said bridge shall at all times be kept in good and safe traveling order and condition by the said Urquhart, his executors, administrators or assigns, and that he and they shall be liable for any damages accruing from any neglect or failure in the premises.

Sec. 4. That the corporation of the town of Jefferson, may at any time within the said twenty years, erect a free bridge across the said Big Cypress, at the-foot of any of their public streets, or any other piece of land, which they may purchase for that purpose within the corporation, and the right so to do is hereby expressly reserved to the said corporation.

Sec. 5. That if the said bridge be not completed to the satisfaction of the said county court, within the time hereby prescribed, and if the same be not kept in good and safe repair and condition at all times, convincing to the opinion of said court, who are hereby fully authorized to act in the premises, it shall be competent for the said court, upon reasonable notice to the said Urquhart, his executors, administrators or assigns, as the case may be, and after satisfactory proof and impartial hearing, to pronounce this charter forfeited, and the same shall thereupon become forfeited and null.

Sec. 6. That any person crossing the said bridge, and willfully refusing to pay the tolls, which the said Urquhart is entitled to demand, shall be subject to a fine of not exceeding five dollars, and all costs of suit in addition to said toll, collectable in any court having jurisdiction of the case.

Approved, February 13, 1852.