CARROLL COUNTY. 693

the Consolidated Public Utilities Company of Westminster,
its successors or assigns, then the matter of such increase of
rates shall be submitted to three arbitrators to decide (first)
if any proposed increase in rate should be made, and, if said
arbitrators decide an increase in any such rate should be made,
(second) to determine what would be a fair and reasonable
increased rate; and the decision of said arbitrators shall be
binding and effective on the Mayor and Common Council of
Westminster and the said Consolidated Public Utilities Com-
pany of Westminster, its successors and assigns, and may be
enforced by any proceeding at law or in equity or by ordinance
of the Mayor and Common Council.

SEC. 228. And the said three arbitrators shall be residents
and qualified voters of the city of Westminster, at least thirty
years of age, and owners of assessed property within the cor-
poration limits of Westminster to the amount of at least
$1,000; and the said Mayor and Common Council of Westmin-
ster shall name one of said arbitrators and the said The Con-
solidated Public Utilities Company of Westminster, its suc-
cessors or assigns, shall name the second arbitrator, and the
two arbitrators thus appointed shall name the third arbi-
trator on their appointment and before any hearing is begun.
If any arbitrator appointed as aforesaid shall die, refuse to
act, or be disqualified, the vacancy so occasioned shall be filled
by the appointment of an arbitrator in the same manner as the
one so dying, refusing to act or disqualified was appointed.

SEC. 229. Every arbitrator so appointed shall, before he
enters upon the duties of such office, take and subscribe to the
following oath or affirmation before the Clerk of the Circuit
Court for Carroll County: "That I will, to the best of my judg-
ment and skill, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or
prejudice, execute the office of arbitrator and perform its du-
ties imposed by my appointment; and that I will not, directly
or indirectly, receive any reward or compensation for the dis-
charge of said duties except as may be agreed upon by the
Mayor and Common Council of Westminster and the Consoli-
dated Public Utilities Company of Westminster;" and every
arbitrator shall qualify by taking this oath or affirmation as
herein provided within ten days from the date of his appoint-
ment ; and his failure to so qualify shall disqualify him within
the meaning of the last preceding section.

STREETS OPENING.

SEC. 230. They shall have power to provide for laying out.
opening and extending, or widening or closing, straightening,
in whole or in part, any street, alley or square in the city, and