Section 31

Section 31. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That all actions or prosecutions to be commenced against any master, captain, owner or consignee of any ship or vessel or other person, by virtue of this act, shall be brought within twelve months next after the commission of the offence wherewith he is charged; and if any action or suit shall be commenced against any person or persons for any matter or thing committed in violation of this act, the defendant or defendants, may plead the general issue, and give this act and the special matter in evidence at any trial to be had thereupon. And for the payment and satisfaction of all forfeitures and penalties which are imposed, and all sums of money directed by this act to be paid by the masters, captains, owners or consignees, as well the ships or vessels respectively, as the captains, masters, owners or consignees thereof, shall be and are hereby declared liable.