ART. 65.] MILITIA—ARMS AND EQUIPMENTS. 999

1870, ch. 182, sec. 12.

12. The commander-in-chief shall prescribe such rules, orders
and regulations for the distribution of arms, accoutrements and
ammunition as he may deem proper, as also for the safe keeping
and return of all such property; which rules and regulations
shall have the force of law.

Ibid. sec. 13.

13. The commander-in-chief, within the limit of the appro-
priations by act of the general assembly, shall authorize the
adjutant general to furnish with the necessary arms and equip-
ments, such companies of cavairy, artillery and infantry, when
duly organized under this article, as he may deem necessary for
the proper enforcement of the laws; and the commanding officer
of each company shall give a good and sufficient bond to the
State of Maryland, to be approved by the adjutant general, for
the safe keeping and return of such arms and equipments, which
shall remain and continue to be the property of the State, to be
used for military purposes only, and which shall be returned to
the State when called for by the commander-in-chief; provided,
however, that all arms, ammunition, equipments or other supplies
directed to be furnished by the governor under the provisions of
this article, shall be so furnished by contracts made with the
lowest responsible bidder, upon public notice; and the officer
making such contracts shall certify the account with explicit
vouchers, and transmit the same, countersigned and approved by
the governor, to the comptroller, for final settlement, in the mode
and manner prescribed in the constitution for the audit and pay-
ment of claims against the State.

Ibid. sec. 14

14. Any officer receiving arms and equipments, or other pub-
lic property for military use, shall be accountable for the same,
and shall not be discharged from his obligation therefor, until he
has properly accounted for said aims and equipments or other
property, either by receipt from his successor in command, or
some other officer authorized to receive the same, for the articles
received by him in good order and condition, reasonable use and
wear excepted, or by satisfactory proof to the adjutant general