468 COMMISSIONERS TO TAKE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. [ART. 18

ARTICLE XVIII.

COMMISSIONERS TO TAKE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

1. Biennial appointment of. 2. Tenure. 3. Oath. 4. Authority to administer oath. 5. Acknowledgments before.

6. Certificate of qualification. 7. Commissioners in foreign couutries. 8. Oath of such commissioners. 9. Payment to State for commission.

1904, art. 18, sec. 1. 1888, art. 18, sec 1. 1860, art. 21, sec. 1. 1837, ch. 97, sec. 1.

1852, ch. 106, sec. 1.

1. The governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate,
shall biennially appoint and commission one or more commissioners in
each State, district or territory of the United States, who shall have
authority to take the acknowledgment and proof of the execution of any
deed or other conveyance or lease of any lands, tenements or heredita-
ments lying in this State, or any contract, letter of attorney, or any
other writing, under seal, to be used and recorded in this State.

Ibid. sec. 2. 1888. art. 18, sec. 2. 1860. art. 21. sec. 2. 1852, ch. 106, sec. 1

2. The said commissioners shall hold their office as other civil officer?
of this State similiarly appointed.

Ibid. sec. 3. 1888, art. 18, sec. 3. 1860. art. 21. sec. 3. 1837, ch. 97, sec. 3.
1852, ch. 106, sec. 3. 1884, ch. 210.

3. Every commissioner so appointed shall take and subscribe an
oath before a justice of the peace or notary public in the city or county
in which he shall reside, well and faithfully to execute and perform all
the duties of such commissioner under and by virtue of the laws of this
State, and shall also procure an official seal, a distinct impression of
which, taken upon wax or some other substance capable of receiving and
retaining a clear impression, together with his signature in his own
proper handwriting thereto attached, shall, with the oath of office afore-
said, be transmitted to and filed in the office of the secretary of State.

Ibid. sec. 4. 1888. art. 18, sec. 4. 1860. art. 21, sec. 4. 1837, ch. 97, sec. 2.

4. Every commissioner so appointed and qualified shall have author-
ity to administer an oath to any person desirous to make such oath before
him, and such oath shall be as good and effectual as if made before a
justice of the peace in this State.

Ibid. sec. 5 . 1888. art 18. sec. 5. 1860, art. 21. sec 5. 1837, ch. 97, sec. 1.

5. Any acknowledgment made or proof taken before any such
commissioner in the manner directed by the laws of this State, and