1892. ] OF THE SENATE. 335

Which were read the second time, and ordered to
be engrossed for a third reading.

Senate bill entitled an Act in relation to the adop-
tion of minor children.

With the following proposed amendments:
AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.

Strike out all after the word a bill, " and insert in
lieu thereof, the following;

"Entitled" to amend Article 16, of the Code of Public
General Laws, title "Chancery, " sub-title "Infants, "
by adding six additional sections thereto, to come in
after section 62, and to be numbered respectively 62 A,
62 B, 62 G, 62 D 62 E and 62 F.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly
of Maryland, That six additional sections be added to
Article 16, of the Code of Public General Laws, title
"Chancery, " sub-title "Infants, " to come in after
section 62, to read as follows:

62 A. The several Chancery Courts of this State,
upon the application of any person residing in this
city or county where such application is made, shall
nave power to pass a decree declaring any minor
child, the adopted child of the petitioner, upon such
reasonable notice to the parent or parents, guardian
or guardians of such child, if any there be, by summons,
order of publication or otherwise, as the court may
order to be given; provided, that the court passing
the decree shall become satisfied upon careful investi-
gation, that the best interests and welfare of such
child will be thereby promoted; and provided further,
that the child, if of sufficient intelligence and capacity
to give an understanding assent shall so desire.

62 B. The husband and wife may file a petition
jointly, praying the court to decree the adoption by
them jointly of any child, tut no decree of adoption
shall pass where the petitioner is a married person,
unless it be shown that the husband or wife of the
petitioner consents to the adoption, or is hopelessly
insane, or that the parties are living apart under such
circumstances as would entitle the petitioner to a
divorce.

62 C. The effect of such decree of adoption shall be
to entitle the child so adopted to the same rights of in-