JOHN WALTER SMITH, ESQ., GOVERNOR.

525

of the commission, keep accurate accounts of the financial
transactions, have charge of its work in organizing libraries
and improving those established, and in general perform such
duties as may from time to time be assigned to the said secre-
tary by the said commission. Said free library commission
shall make a biennial report to the Governor. Nothing in this
Act shall refer to or apply to Frederick, Queen Anne's,
Garrett, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Charles, Somerset,
Wicomico, Kent, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Worcester or
Baltimore counties.
SEC. 17. And be it further enacted. That this Act shall take
effect from the date of its passage.
Approved April 8, 1902.

CHAPTER 368.
AN ACT to legalize and regulate the granting of franchises
for public purposes by the County Commissioners of
Baltimore County.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of

CHAP. 868.

Maryland, That no franchise or right in relation to any
highway, avenue, street, lane or alley, either on, above or
below the surface of the same, shall be granted by the County
Commissioners of Baltimore county, until the following pro-
visions shall be complied with :

Granting of
franchises.

(1) The application for such franchise or right shall be
published by the applicant once a week for three successive
weeks in two newspapers published in Baltimore county and
having general circulation, setting forth the location, character
and extent of the franchise sought.

Advertised in
newspaper.

(2) Upon the first publication of said notice it shall be the
duty of the said board of County Commissioners to make
diligent inquiry as to the money value of the franchise or
right asked to be granted, and the adequacy of the compensa-
tion proposed to be paid therefor.

Inquiry to be
made.

(3) If any objection is made to the granting of the fran-
chise asked by any person or persons interested therein,
either as taxpayers or having property-rights involved and
filed in writing with the clerk of the board, before the expira-
tion of said notice, opportunity shall be granted and a time
set for the hearing of such objections.

Hearing
granted.

SEC. 2. Be it enacted, If no valid objection is made to
the granting of such franchise, and it appear to the said
board that the granting of the same is expedient and proper,
the said board shall have authority to grant such franchise

Franchise
granted.