1122 FREDERICK COUNTY. [ART. 11.

court, or before one of his sworn deputies; each commissioner
and every other officer who shall be directed by ordinance to do
so, before he enters upon the duties of his office, shall take and
subscribe the following oath: " I do solemnly swear that I will
faithfully execute the office of —— to the best of my judgment
and ability, without favor, affection or partiality."

F. L. L., (1860,) art. 11, sec. 58.

114. The commissioners may appoint their own clerk, pre-
scribe his duties and allow him such compensation as they may
think proper.

Ibid. sec. 59.

115. The clerk shall enter all ordinances passed by the com-
missioners in a book to be kept by him for that purpose, which
shall be open at all times 'to the inspection of any person inter-
ested ; the burgess shall sign all ordinances, and copies thereof
shall be put up in the most public places in the town.

Ibid. sec. 60.

116. The commissioners shall meet upon the business of the
town at least three times in every year, and four commissioners
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; they may
compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and
under such penalties as they may by ordinance provide.

Ibid. sec. 61.

117. They shall have power to enact and pass, subject to the
approval of the burgess, all laws and ordinances necessary to
preserve the peace.and good order of the town; to preserve the
health thereof; to prevent the introduction of contagious dis-
eases therein, and within one mile of the town; to prevent and
remove nuisances; to prevent and extinguish fires; to regulate fire
companies; to impose and appropriate fines, penalties and for-
feitures for the breach of their by-laws and ordinances; to
regulate party walls and partition fences; to provide for licensing
and regulating the sweeping or burning of chimneys, and fixing
the rates thereof; to restrain and prohibit gaming; to provide for
licensing and regulating or restraining theatrical or other public