476

LAWS OF MARYLAND.

Chapter 293.

AN ACT to prevent fraudulent transactions on
the part of commission merchants and other
consignees of goods.

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assem-
bly of Maryland, That if any factor, commis-
sion merchant or consignee, or any person sell-
ing goods on commission, or the agent, clerk or
servant of such a person who shall convert to
his own use any provisions, fruits, flour, meat,

Penalty for
violation.

butter, cheese or any other property, or the pro-
ceeds of the same, shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon indictment and convic-
tion in any court of this state having criminal
jurisdiction shall be fined not more than one
thousand dollars or be imprisoned not exceeding
six months, or both, in the discretion of the
court ; and the failure to pay over the avails or
proceeds received by any factor, commission
merchant, consignee or person selling goods or
produce on commission, less his proper charges,
within five days after receiving the money or its
equivalent from the purchaser or purchasers of
said goods or produce and demand made there-
for by the person entitled to receive the same, or
his or her duly authorized agent, shall be prima
facie evidence in any court of law in this state
to establish the conversion of said goods or
produce.

Effective.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That this act shall
take effect from the date of its passage.

Approved March 31, 1888.