458 ARTICLE 16.

obey the rules of the institution administering the same, and the names
of three taxpayers in the county of his residence, or of Baltimore city, if
he resides therein, stating that they are familiar with the facts set forth
in the petition, and that they are familiar with the financial circumstances
of such drunkard and of the petitioning kin, and think it a proper case for
assistance from the county wherein the said habitual drunkard resides, or
Baltimore city, if he resides therein.

The act of 1894, ch. 247, is not in conflict with the Maryland Constitution, either
on the ground that it imposes a tax upon citizens of Baltimore without their con-
sent, or on the ground that its title is defective. Baltimore v. Keeley Institute, 81
Md. 113; Mealey v. Hagerstown, 92 Md. 746.

An. Code, sec. 53. 1904, sec. 49. 1894, ch. 247, sec. 2.

54. When such petition is filed, any judge of the circuit court referred
to in section 53, if satisfied from examination that the facts set forth in
the petition are true, and that the said drunkard has been a resident of
the county or of Baltimore city for six months next preceding the applica-
tion, and that such drunkard of his own free will desires to take such treat-
ment, shall send such habitual drunkard to some institution for the cure of
drunkenness; provided, said institution is located in the State of Maryland,
and that the managers of such institution will agree to treat such patient
for a sum not to exceed one hundred dollars; but such court shall not be
compelled to send such habitual drunkard to any institution making a
lower bid than the sum herein specified, unless in their judgment the best
interest of such drunkard shall be promoted thereby; and the said judge
of the circuit court shall thereupon make an order that the expense of such
treatment be paid out of the treasury of the county or the city of Baltimore,
as the case may be, in the same manner that other claims against such
county or city of Baltimore for the administration of justice are paid;
provided, that no county or the city of Baltimore shall be required to send
the same habitual drunkard to any institution for the medical treatment
of drunkenness a second time at its expense.
See notes to sec. 53.

An. Code, sec. 54. 1904, sec. 50. 1894, ch. 247, sec. 3.

55. The provisions of sections 53, 54, 56, 57 shall not be at any time
construed as in any way abrogating, limiting or abolishing the powers of
judges of the circuit courts under section 52.
See notes to sec. 53.

An. Code, sec. 55. 1904, sec. 51. 1894, ch. 247, sec. 4.

56. The officers of whatever institutions may be designated for the
treatment of the habitual drunkards, payment for whose cure is provided
by section 54, shall become sworn officers of the court committing said
habitual drunkards to their care, and shall have power to enforce such
reasonable rules as may be necessary for the administration of treatment
to said patient, but they shall receive no fee or compensation from any
county or the city of Baltimore other than the sum provided and limited
by said section 54.

See notes to sec. 53.