664

LAWS OF MARYLAND.

notice, at least, in writing, to each property owner so interested,
of the time set for final action on the return of said examiners,
and said County Commissioners shall act on said return within
twenty days after the expiration of said notice, and may issue
a new commission, as in their judgment may seem proper ; and
before proceeding to actually open, widen, extend, straighten
or close any such road, drain, water course or landing, the
County Commissioners shall pay or tender to the person, his
agent, guardian or representative, the amount of damages so
awarded ; and if anyone shall feel aggrieved by the decision of
the County Commissioners, in any matter affected by their

Appeal.

decision, he may appeal to the Circuit Court for Wicomico
County, by giving written notice within twenty days from said
decision, tiled with the clerk of the County Commissioners,
of his desire to appeal ; and on the filing of the said
notice, it shall be the duty of the said clerk to deliver the
papers connected therewith to the clerk of the said court; and
the same proceedings shall be had on the appeal as in cases of
appeal from judgment of justices of the peace ; provided,
nevertheless, that the County Commissioners may decline to
open, lay out, extend, widen, grade or straighten any road,
drain, waterway or landing, notwithstanding the decision of
the said court ; but in case of refusal to do so, they shall, be
liable for all costs incurred and shall pay the same. All bene-
fits assessed by virtue of the above provisions shall be prior
liens on the respective lots or parcels of ground on which they
are assessed from the time of the final ratification of the afore-
said returns, and shall be collected as taxes are now collected,
or may be collected by action at law. On appeal the court or
jury may alter the award so returned, whether of damages or
benefits, and costs be awarded in the discretion of the court.
After final notification the plat shall be filed and recorded in
the clerk's office of Wicomico county at the expense of the
County Commissioners.

Repeal

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That all Acts and parts of Acts
inconsistent with this Act be and the same are hereby repealed.

Effective

SEC. 3. And be it enacted, That this Act shall take effect
from the date of its passage.
Approved April 2, 1898.

CHAPTER 182.
AN ACT to repeal Sections 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 118 and
119 of the Code of Public Local Laws, title " Calvert