ART. 18.] COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS. 229

the oaths of office before him, or whose oath of office is recorded
in his office.

1874, ch. 483, sec. 139.

66. The clerks of the several circuit courts and of the superior
court of Baltimore city, shall not administer the oath of office to
any officer until he pays the tax on his commissions prescribed by
law; and the said clerks shall quarterly, on the first Monday of
March, June, September and December, pay to the treasurer all
.sums of money they shall have received for taxes on commissions.

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 countries. 8 Oath of such commissioners. 9 Payment to State for commission.

P. G L., (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 com-
missioners 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 hereditaments lying in this State, or any con-

tract, letter of attorney, or any other writing, under seal, to be
used and recorded in this State.

Ibid. sec. 2. 1852, ch. 106, sec. 1.

2. The said commissioners shall hold their office as other civil

officers of this State similarly appointed.

Ibid. 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