1394 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 680

the complaint to be well founded, may commit such disorderly
person to the almshouse for any time not exceeding three
months, unless he shall find security, at the discretion of the
justice, in any sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars, for his
good behavior for the period of six months.

68. Upon complaint and due proof made by the overseer
to any one commissioner, that any person in said almshouse has
behaved in a disorderly manner, or has neglected to perform
his daily labor and task or to obey any of the rules, ordinances
or by-laws of the institution, he may order and direct such
moderate and proper correction, not exceeding fifteen lashes
for any one offence, to be given such offender, as the nature of
the case may require.

69. Any justice of the peace, or any person authorized and
appointed by him, may apprehend, or cause to be apprehended
and committed to said almshouse, any vagrants, vagabonds,
beggars, and other idle, dissolute and disorderly persons found
loitering or residing in said county, who follow no trade or
occupation, and have no visible means of subsistence, there to
be kept at hard labor for any time not exceeding three months;
and the overseer shall receive the persons so committed.

70. If any person shall sell or dispose of any strong liquor
or other thing to, or purchase anything whatsoever from, any
inmate of said almshouse, he shall for every such offence for-
feit and pay the sum of twenty-five dollars.

71. All sheriffs, constables, and other officers shall aid the
County Commissioners, and all officers appointed by them, in
the performance of their duties.

72. If any person shall be sued or prosecuted for any
matter or thing done by him in pursuance of any of the pre-
ceding sections, he may plead the general issue and give the
special matter in evidence; and if upon trial a verdict shall be
rendered for the defendant, or the plaintiff be nonsuited or
discontinue, the defendant shall recover treble costs; and if
the plaintiff be unable to satisfy the same, they shall be paid
by the attorney who brought or prosecuted the suit, unless the
plaintiff shall give security for the costs, to be approved by the
court.

73. The Circuit Court of Harford County shall annually
on or before the 10th day of March appoint three ladies, at
least two of whom shall be residents of said county, to consti-
tute a board of visitors for the almshouse, who shall serve with-