1182 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 482

and alleys thereof; they may erect or purchase any plant for
the supplying of gas, water or electricity to the city and its
inhabitants for public or private uses, and may operate the
same; they shall have the power to construct and maintain or
contract for the construction of sewers or a general system of
sewers for the city.

Provided, however, that before the said Mayor and City
Council shall proceed to erect or purchase any plant for the
supplying of gas, water or electricity to the city or its in-
habitants, and before authorizing the construction of any gen-
eral system or systems of sewers, they shall first submit said
proposition or propositions to the legally qualified voters of
said city at a special or general election to be held after at
least twenty days' previous notice thereof. And if at said
election a majority of said voters shall approve any such propo-
sition or propositions, the said Mayor and City Council shall
thereupon proceed to carry the same into effect. But if a ma-
jority of said voters shall disapprove of any such proposition
or propositions, then said Mayor and City Council shall aban-
don the same. And no such proposition shall again be sub-
mitted to the popular vote until at least six months have
elapsed from the date of the election at which said proposition
was disapproved.

No use shall be made of the streets of said city by any in-
dividual or corporation for the purpose of a railroad, tramway,
telegraph line, telephone line, electric light or power lines, elec-
tric subways or gas or water conduits or pipe lines without
the consent of the Mayor and City Council, and subject to such
franchise tax and regulations as they may by ordinance pre-
scribe.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act is an
emergency Act and necessary for the immediate preservation
of the health and safety of the people of the State of Maryland,
and three-fifths of the members of each House having con-
curred therein, said Act shall take effect from the date of its
passage.

Approved April 9, 1924.