CHARTERED COUNTIES OF MARYLAND. 925

not exceeding in the aggregate with any outstanding bonds seven per
centum upon the assessable basis of such County, and to issue bonds or
other evidences of indebtedness for the same, in such sums and payable at
such times as may be prescribed; provided that any bond issue or borrow-
ing of money in any one year in excess of one-fourth of one per cent, of the
assessable basis shall be submitted to the voters of the county for approval
under regulations to be prescribed.

(R) County Officers.

To provide for the appointment and removal of all County officers ex-
cept those whose appointment or election is provided for by the Constitu-
tion or Public General Law, and to establish a merit system, if deemed
desirable, in connection with the appointment of all County officials and
employees not elected or appointed under the Constitution and the Public
General Laws; to fix the qualifications and term of office of such County
executive authority as may be established, and to fix its compensation.

(S) Protection of County Credit.

To prevent the credit of the County in any manner being given or
loaned to or in aid of any individual, association or corporation.

(T) Amendment of County Charter.

To pass any ordinance facilitating the amendment of the County Char-
ger by vote of the electors of the County and agreeable to Article XIA
of the Constitution.

The foregoing or other enumeration of powers in this Article shall n'ot
be held to limit the power of the County Council, in addition thereto, to
pass all ordinances, resolutions or by-laws, not inconsistent with the pro-
visions of this Article or the laws of the State, as may be proper in execut-
ing and enforcing any of the powers enumerated in this section or else-
where in this Article, as well as such ordinances as may be deemed
expedient in maintaining the peace, good government, health and welfare
of the County.

Provided, that the powers herein granted shall only be exercised to the
extent that the same are not provided for by Public General Law; provided,
however, that no power to legislate shall be given with reference to licensing,
regulating, prohibiting or submitting to local option, the manufacture or
sale of malt or spirituous liquors.

An. Code, sec. 4. 1918, ch. 456, sec. 4.

4. Any judicial declaration of the invalidity or unconstitutionality of
any clause or power herein set forth shall not be construed to declare in-
valid any other part of this Article or of this Article as a whole.