MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 3393

of the absence of the Mayor at any meetings the members of the Council
present shall elect one of their own number to preside during his absence,
who shall for the time being be clothed with all the powers and authority
of said Mayor. A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business and the Council shall pass rules and by-
laws for their own government, while in session.

1914, ch. 351, sec. 7.

353. Neglect or non-user shall not work a forfeiture of this Charter,

1914, ch. 351, sec. 8.

354. The Council shall annually appoint a clerk, who shall keep the
minutes of its proceedings in a well bound book, which shall be open to
inspection of all persons interested therein; also a treasurer, who shall
receive and collect the taxes and other moneys due the town, and shall
keep and disburse the same in the manner prescribed by the Council;
also a bailiff and such deputy bailiffs and other officers as may be deemed
necessary to carry out the provisions of this charter, or any ordinance
passed by the Council, and in their discretion may appoint the same per-
son to perform the duties of more than one office. The books of said
officers shall be accessible to the public at all the meetings of the Council
at its place of meeting.

1914, ch. 351, sec. 9.

355. The Council may allow any of the officers of the town such com-
pensation as may be deemed reasonable and may in their discretion, ap-
point any one of their number to superintend, supervise or oversee any
public works or improvements; to protect the public interest in the con-
struction, installation or equipment of any public improvement, and pay
him a reasonable compensation therefor.

1914, ch. 351, sec. 10.

356. The Council and all other officers of the corporation, shall, before
they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, take an oath that
they will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of
Maryland, and that they will diligently and faithfully discharge the duties,
of their offices, without favor, partiality or prejudice.

1914, ch. 351, sec. 11.

357. The Council may require any of its officers to give bond in such
penalty and with such sureties as it may deem necessary, conditioned for
the faithful performance of their duties; said bond shall be deposited in
the hands of the Mayor or some safe depository. When any officer wil-
fully fails to discharge any duty of his office, he may, in addition to the
remedy on his bond, be fined by the Mayor, at his discretion, not exceed-
ing ten ($10.00) dollars for any one offense, and for the payment of such
fine his bond shall be responsible. Any officer may be dismissed by the
Council at its discretion.