corporations sufficiently able, under the rule established by 
decree, number 6,368, Feb. 14, 1907 or others which may not 
be more onerous and may permit the assurance of the opening 
of navigation more rapidly on the sections of the rivers to be 
improved. 
Art. 59. In none of the contracts shall a longer term than 
Y years be granted the contracting party, to count from the date 
of its signing, so that safe and free passage is given steamers 
drawing 3 feet in the entire distance of the contract. 
Art. 60. The improvements in the Rio Branco, shall com- 
mence with the destruction and regulating of the Cujubim 
rapid, so that from now on navigation is assured during the 
Winter to Villa Boa Vista. 
Art. 61. The studies, plans, constructions, inspection and 
direct conservation of these works are under the supervision of 
the Minister of Transportation; but before the respective con- 
tract is signed, copies of the plans and descriptive memorandum 
referring to the project shall be furnished the Minister of Agri- 
culture, so that he may be heard upon the opportunity and the 
order in which these works shall be executed, in the interest of 
the economic development of the region, and that they may be 
conveniently attended by those casually interested in the coloni- 
zation and development of the industries along the banks of the 
rivers, or in commerce in general. 
In case it is found that the destruction and regulation of the 
Culubim rapid cannot be done during one season of low water 
in the river, the Minister of Agriculture, by agreement with the 
State of Amazonas, can order to be constructed a Decauville 
line of the type described in articles 45, second part and 51, 
in the belt line constructed by that State along waterfalls, so 
that the leasing and colonization of the national plantations of 
Rio Branco is no longer delayed. 
CHAPTER III 
Complementary measures 
Art. 62. All vessels of every kind intended for the fluvial 
navigation in the valley of the Amazon are free of all import 
duties, including the fees. This exemption shall be given by the 
custom houses of Belem (Para) and Manaos, through a requi- 
sition to the Minister of Agriculture, which the importer shall 
have asked for, declaring in his request the number, class and 
tonnage, the draft and the cost and the purpose of each vessel. 
Art. 63. The vessel imported under this favor, if sold out- 
side the valley of the Amazon, or even within it, to a foreign 
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