 [ E ] very person or persons so building , fitting out , equipping , loading , or otherwise preparing , or sending away , or causing any of the acts aforesaid to be done , with intent to employ such ship or vessel in such trade or business , after the passing of this act , contrary to the true intent and meaning thereof or who shall , in any wise , be aiding or abetting therein , shall , severally , on conviction thereof , by due course of law , forfeit and pay a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars , nor less than one thousand dollars , one moiety to the use of the United States , and the other to the use of the person or persons who shall sue for such forfeiture and prosecute the same to effect , and shall moreover be imprisoned for a term not exceeding seven years , nor less than three years . 
