1486 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [Ch. Y90]

Montgomery County, until the following provisions shall have
been complied with: (1) The application for such franchise or
right shall be published by the applicant once a week for three
successive weeks in two newspapers published in Montgomery
county and having general circulation setting forth the loca-
tion, character and extent of the franchise sought; (2) Upon
the first publication of said notice it shall be the duty of the
County Commissioners of Montgomery County to make dili-
gent inquiry as to the money value of the franchise or right
asked to be granted, and the adequacy of the compensation pro-
posed to be paid therefor; (3) If any objection is made to the
granting of the franchise asked by any person or persons inter-
ested therein, either as taxpayers or having property rights
involved, and filed in writing with the clerk to the board, before
the expiration of said notice, opportunity shall be granted and
a time set for the hearing of such objections.

Ibid. sec. 177W.

477. . If no valid objection is made to the granting of such
franchise and it appears to the said board that the granting
of the same is expedient and proper, the said board shall have
authority to grant such franchise for such money compensation
as it shall upon inquiry determine proper and as may be pre-
scribed by said board, for a period not longer than twenty-five
years, but such grant may, at the option of the said board, pro-
vide for giving the grantee the right, and fair revaluation,
including in such revaluation the value, if any, derived from
the said franchise or right to renewals not exceeding in the
aggregate twenty-five years. Every grant of any such franchise
or right shall make provisions by way of forfeiture of the
grant, for the purpose of compelling compliance with the terms
thereof and to secure efficiency of public service at reasonable
rates and the maintenance of the property in good condition
throughout the full term of the grant. The grant shall also
specify the mode of determining the valuation and revaluation
which may be provided for therein, and the time limitation in
which there shall be an exercise of the rights given, and in
default thereof for a lapse of the grant.

1910, ch. 484, sec. 177X.

478. When the grant of a franchise or right is made in
compliance with the aforegoing sections, the said County Com-
missioners of Montgomery County shall not part with, but shall
expressly reserve the right and duty at all times to exercise full
municipal control and regulation in respect to all matters con-
nected with said grant not inconsistent with the terms thereof.