Chap. 360.—An ACT to authorize the United States government to
purchase lands on the south branch of the Elizabeth river, adjoin-
ing the Gosport navy-yard.

Approved March 1, 1886.

Whereas it has been represented to the general assembly of
Virginia, that it may be desirable for the United States to ac-
quire, by purchase, certain lands in the county of Norfolk, on
the southern branch of the Elizabeth river, on the south of and
contiguous to the Gosport navy-yard, for the purpose of enlarg-
ing and improving said navy-yard, for the construction of wet
docks and other naval purposes, therefore,

Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
the consent of this commonwealth be and is hereby given to
said purchase, and when the same shall have been made, juris-
diction is hereby ceded to the government of the United States,
so that congress and the authorities of the federal government
shall have all lawful power and control over and in the same,
as is specified in the seventeenth clause of the eighth section of
the first article of the constitution of the United States: pro-
vided, however, that the consent herein given shall not extend
to the purchase or acquisition of more than two hundred acres
of land for the purposes aforesaid: and provided further, that
the state retains jurisdiction over the same in all matters rela- |
ting to the violation of the laws of the state, to the execution '
and service of all processes issued by or from the courts, magis-
trates or other state officers in pursuance of law, and in all other
matters not incompatible with the consent herein given, and
the rightful authority of the United States thereby acquired, or
to be acquired under this act.

2. That the said real estate, and the buildings, structures, |
docks or improvements that may be erected thereon by the '
United States government, are hereby exempted from any tax
to be imposed by this state, or the constituted authorities of
Norfolk county, so long as the same shall he held and used by
the general government for the purpose hereinbefore mentioned,
and no longer.

3. This act shall be in force from its passage. |