ART. 19] BOND. 4:71

before the governor, on or before the second Wednesday of January next
ensuing his election; on which said second Wednesday of January the
term of his office shall commence.

The comptroller is not in office, and his salary does not begin until he
qualities, nor does the latter then relate back to his election. It is compe-
tent for the legislature at any time to alter the oath or bond prescribed by
the act of 1852. Thomas v. Owens. 4 Md. 220.
See art. 70, sec. 2.

1904, art. 19, sec. 2. 1888, art. 19, sec. 2. 1860, art. 22, sec. 2. 1852, ch. 12,

sees. 2, 3.

2. Before entering upon the discharge of his duties, he shall give
bond to the State of Maryland, with security or securities approved by
the governor, in the penalty of fifty thousand dollars, with condition
that he will truly and faithfully discharge, execute and perform all and
singular the duties of him required, and which may be required by
the constitution and laws.

Though a bond is not approved by the official to whom it is originally
presented for approval, if it is afterwards approved by another official
duly authorized, the bond is binding on the sureties. A statutory bond is
not delivered or binding until its approval. State v. Jarrett, 17 Md. 330.

Ibid. sec. 3. 1888, art. 19. sec. 3. 1860, art. 22, sec. 3. 1852, ch. 12, sec. 5.

3. Each security on the bond of the comptroller shall make oath
that he is bona fide worth, over and above his debts, not less than some
specific sum to be stated in said oath, which oath shall be endorsed on
said bond and recorded therewith.

Ibid. sec. 4. 1888, art. 19, sec. 4. 1860, art. 22, sec. 4. 1852, ch. 12, sec. 6.

4. The governor shall not approve any bond of the comptroller,
unless the sums so sworn to and endorsed on said bond shall in the
aggregate at least equal the amount of the penalty thereof, and unless
he shall be satisfied of the availability of such security.

Ibid. sec. 5. 1888, art 19, sec. 5. 1860, art. 22, sec. 5. 1852, ch. 12, sec. 8.

5. The bond of the comptroller, when duly executed and approved,
shall be recorded in the office of the clerk of the court of appeals, and
certified copies, under the seal of said court, may be used in evidence
in any court in this State.

Ibid. sec. 6. 1888, art. 19, sec. 6. 1860. art. 22. sec. 6. 1852, ch. 12, sec. 7.

6. It shall be the duty of the governor at all times, when in his
opinion the security or securities of any comptroller have become or
are likely to become invalid or insufficient, to demand' ar.d require him
forthwith to renew his bond to the State of Maryland, with security or
securities to be approved by the governor, in the penalty and according
to the, form prescribed in this article; and in case of neglect or refusal
by any comptroller to give bond with security or securities as afore-
said, within twenty days after the same shall be demanded and required
by the governor, such neglect or refusal shall be, and it is hereby