406 CITY OF BALTIMORE. [ART. 4.

1888, ch. 259.

373. It shall be the duty of the said board to contract for
and cause to be constructed in the city of Baltimore on the most
advantageous terms, according to their judgment, a first-class
steam vessel, of such model and with such machinery and equip-
ments as they may deem most suitable for the purpose of keep-
ing open and free from ice the harbor of the city of Baltimore,
and access thereto.

Ibid.

374. The said board is further authorized and directed to
appoint a suitable superintendent of the construction and man-
agement of the steam vessel mentioned in the preceding section,
as well as suitable officers and crew for the navigation and em-
ployment for all the purposes for which she can be used, at such
reasonable salaries as the said board may determine, subject to
removal in the discretion of the said board, and also to make and
cause to be obeyed and executed all such rules and regulations as
they may consider necessary and proper for the control and direc-
tion of the said steamer, and of all persons connected with her;
and the said board is further required to cause the said steamer
to be employed, so far as it may deem prudent and proper during
the seasons when the said harbor is unobstructed, in towing
vessels and aiding and promoting the ingress and egress of the
same to and from the said harbor, and in and upon the Chesa-
peake bay and the Patapsco river, and the harbors of Annapolis,
Chestertown, Cambridge, St. Michaels, Oxford and Crisfield, at
such moderate rates as the board may establish, regard being had
to the interests and facilities of commerce, and in any other
service which the board may deem proper for the protection of
property in and about such harbor and the waters giving access
thereto; provided, however, that said vessel shall not be so em-
ployed in towing in anywise when her services as an ice-breaker
shall be needed, except in the cases of vessels in distress, bound
to or from said city, in which service she may be employed by
the board at any time, and her services, if any, shall be paid for
only as in the nature of towage, and not of salvage service;
provided, however, that the said ice-boat shall not be required to
keep the harbors of Annapolis, Chestertown, Cambridge, St.
Michaels, Oxford and Crisfield free of ice as above required