ART. 68] PROTESTS. 1541

appointed, with the same power and effect in all respects as if the same
were exercised in the county or city for which he may be appointed.

1904, art. 68, sec. 9. 1888, art. 68, sec. 9. 1862, ch. 108.

9. It shall not be lawful for any notary public to sign and issue any
protest not previously stamped with the stamp of the comptroller, and
any notary public who shall violate this provision shall, for every such
offense, be liable to a fine of five hundred dollars, to be recovered by
indictment in the circuit court for the county or in the criminal court
of Baltimore, as the case may be, one-half for the use of the State and
one-half for the informer, but in no action or other proceedings in law
or equity shall any protests be rejected as evidence, if otherwise admis-
sible, on account of the absence of the stamp of the comptroller there-
from.

Ibid. sec. 10. 1902, ch. 112, sec. 12. 1904, ch. 15. 1906, ch. 98.

10. Fifteen women, in all other respects qualified, and no more,
shall be eligible as notaries public in the city of Baltimore, and five
women, in other respects qualified, and no more, shall be eligible as a
notary public in each of the counties of the State; provided, that the
provisions of this section shall not apply to Washington county.

Ibid. sec. 11. 1902. ch. 96.

11. All official acts heretofore done by women notaries public are
hereby declared valid if any such act should have been done or per-
formed by a man notary public appointed under the laws of this State.