9 Stat. at Large of Pa. 347-8, ch. 836 (1903)

9 Stat. at Large of Pa. 347-8, ch. 836 (1903)

Abstract

Prohibited firearm possession for people "disaffected to the liberty and independence" of the state, empowered officers to disarm any person who did not take an oath."

Summary

The law authorized Pennsylvania militia officers to disarm people who had not sworn allegiance and were credibly suspected of opposing the state’s independence, seizing their firearms and other weapons. Officers had to inventory the seized arms and file the list with the county clerk of the peace, while justices of the peace were empowered to administer the required loyalty oaths.

Law Text

(Section IV, P. L.) And whereas it is very improper and dangerous that persons disaffected to the liberty and independence of this state should possess or have in their own keeping or elsewhere any fire arms, or other weapons used in war, or any gun powder: [Section II.] (Section V, P. L.) Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, That from and after the passing of this act, the lieutenant or any sub-lieutenant of the militia of any county or place within this state shall be and is hereby empowered to disarm any person or persons who shall not have taken any oath or affirmation of allegiance to this or any other state, and against whom information on oath shall be given before any justice of the peace, that such person is suspected to be disaffected to the independence of this state; and shall take from every such person any cannon, mortar, or other piece of ordinance, or any blunderbuss, wall piece, musket, fusee, carbine or pistols or other fire arms, or any hand gun; and any sword, cutlass, bayonet, pike or other warlike weapon, out of any building, house, or place belonging to such person. [Section III.] (Section VI, P. L.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That a complete list of all arms which have been or shall be taken from any person or persons by any lieutenant, sub-lieutenant, or by any other person or persons acting under his or their authority shall be made out and lodged by such lieutenant or sub-lieutenant or other person in the office of the clerk of the peace of the proper county, and the persons names from whom the same were taken which shall be open to the inspection of any person requesting the same, paying two shillings and six-pence therefor and such lieutenant or sub-lieutenant shall and is hereby declared to be accountable to this state for the said arms. [Section IV.] (Section VII, P. L.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the justices of the peace within this commonwealth, and each and every of them, shall and they are hereby authorized and empowered to administer all and every of the oaths and affirmations required to be taken by the act entitled "A further supplement to the act, entitled 'An act for the further security of government,'" 1 and to proceed in all things therein as the commissioners appointed to administer the said oaths and affirmations are by the said supplement required in the premises.