Section was derived from R.S. § 931, which was originally classified to section 744 of former Title 28. Following the general revision and enactment of Title 28 by act June 25, 1948, R.S. § 931 was reclassified to section 844 of Title 39. R.S. § 931 was repealed by Pub. L. 86–682, § 12(c), Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 708, (section 1 of which revised and enacted Title 39), and reenacted by section 9 thereof as section 2717 of this title.

Section effective Sept. 1, 1960, see section 11 of Pub. L. 86–682, 74 Stat. 708.