Ordinances of the Town of Columbia, An Ordinance to Prohibit the Keeping of more gun powder in the town of Columbia than a certain quantity, and for other purposes therein mentioned (1820). Be it ordained by the Intendant and Wardens of the town of Columbia, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That from and after the first day of July next, no merchant, retailer, dealer in powder, or any person or persons whatever, within the said town, shall retain, keep or have in his, her or their possession, at any time, a greater quantity of gunpowder than fifty pounds weight. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That it shall be the duty , and lawful for the fire-masters, or any two of them, as also for the town marshal, on information given to them, or the same coming to their knowledge, by any means whatever, of a greater quantity of gunpowder than fifty pounds weight, being in the possession of, or within the enclosure of any person or persons whatsoever, to enter into the enclosures of any person or persons whatsoever, to enter into the enclosures house or houses, out-houses, stables, and yards f every owner or tenant of the same within the town of Columbia, and enquire, search and examine if any greater quantity than fifty pounds weight are lodged or contained in any such place within the said town; and, if upon such information, examination or search, the said fire-masters or town marshal shall have just grounds to suspect, or be satisfied that a greater quantity of gunpowder than is allowed by this ordinance, is lodged or contained in any such place or places aforesaid, they are hereby required, immediately thereupon, to give information thereof to the intendant and wardens of the said town. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That all and every owner or tenant of such house or houses, places or enclosures, after being duly summoned to appear before the intendant and wardens, and upon a conviction of each and every such offence, as is prohibited by this ordinance, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding twenty dollars. Provided nevertheless, That if any person or persons shall erect or build such a building or buildings within the limits of the said town, in which gunpowder may be lodged or deposited, without endangering the said town, or the property of any of the citizens thereof, and to be approved by the said fire-masters and the intendant and wardens, that then such building or buildings shall exempt the proprietors or owners who have gun-powder deposited therein, form the fines by this ordinance imposed, except as before excepted.