The Commission has also been authorized to make joint investiga-
tions, hold joint hearings, and issue joint or concurrent orders in con-
junction or concurrence with any official board or commission of any
State or of the United States, under agreements or compacts between
States or under the concurrent power of States to regulate interstate
commerce, or as an agency of the Federal Government, or otherwise.

The Commission is required by law to test all electric meters and
gas meters before installation, and to test meters upon request of the
consumer.

The Commission maintains a laboratory in which daily tests are
made of the gas furnished in the City of Baltimore, and its inspectors
also make regular and frequent testa of the gas and electricity furnished
in other parts of the State.

The proceedings before the Commission frequently require hearings,
and all such hearings are public and are reported by a stenographer,
and a permanent record thereof is kept.

in the case of ex parte applications of utilities for permission to
exercise franchises, to issue securities or otherwise invoking the juris-
diction of the Commission, the applicant is required to advertise, at its
own expense, giving notice of the hearing to be had, so that the public
interested may be advised thereof and given the opportunity to be heard
with respect thereto.

One of the most important amendments to the original Act is that
providing for representation by counsel of the interests of the public
in all proceedings before the Commission. The Act now provides for
the appointment by the Governor of an experienced and qualified lawyer
as People's Counsel, and it is the duty of this official to represent the
interests of complainants and of the public generally in proceedings
before the Commission.

Chapter 201 of the Acts of 1927 provides for the re establishment
of the office of General Counsel to the Commission, the appointment to
be made by the Governor for a term of six years.

THE STATE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT
COMMISSION

Equitable Building, Baltimore.

Name. Term Expires Postoffice
Commission:

Name. Term Expires. Postoffice.
Robert H. Carr, Chairman . ... 1929 Baltimore
Omar D. Crothers . . . 1933 ... . Elkton
George Louis Eppier . ... .. .1931 Cumberland
Secretary, A. E. Brown, Baltimore.

Governor appoints three, not more than two of whom shall be of the
same political faith, one for 6 years, one for 4 years, and one for 2
years, and as these terms expire the successor is appointed for 6 years.
The Governor designates the chairman. (Ch. 800, 1914.)

The State Industrial Accident Commission is charged with the duty
of administering the Workmen's Compensation Law. The law provides,