ALBERT C. RITCHIE, GOVERNOR. - 525

fact that the same was begun before this Act takes effect, shall
not in any way affect the rights of the parties thereto.

EXCLUSIVE AND CONCURRENT JURISDICTION.

Section 179-H. In all suits or causes under this Act
when the amount claimed or the things in action shall not be
more than $150. 00, said Justices shall have exclusive juris-
diction, subject to appeal; and the concurrent jurisdiction of
said Justices with the Circuit Court shall be in all cases
when the sum claimed or thing in action exceeds $150. 00 and
does not exceed $300. 00

PRACTICE.

Section 179-I. Whenever a civil cause shall be docketed
before said Justices, a summons shall forthwith issue to the
Defendant or Defendants as the case may be, returnable on
a day named therein, not less than six nor more than ten
days from the time of the filing of the suit; and if the de-
fendant or defendants are fully summoned and fail to appear
on the return day named therein, the cause shall be continued
not less than three nor more than five days from the return
day; and if the defendant or defendants as the case may be,
fail to appear on the day to which said cause is continued,
the case shall then be tried ex-parte and the judgment ren-
dered accordingly.

PRACTICE.

Section 179-K. The practice, procedure and rules for
the trial and conduct of all causes before said Justices shall
be such as have been found proper by usage and custom where
the same is found applicable, except that there shall be no
special pleading; the common counts or a like declaration, or
one similar to the Speedy Judgment Act in form, and the form
of pleas may be used; all causes of action shall begin upon the
filing of a brief copy of the claim or the instrument upon which
the suit is brought; when the party plaintiff is a non-resident of
the State of. Maryland, the claim must be accompanied by an
affidavit such as is required by the speedy judgment act applic-
able to Allegany County before a Notary Public or other person
authorized to administer oaths; costs of all causes shall follow
the judgment, and on appeal, the Clerk of the Circuit Court
shall tax said costs when the appeal is finally determined; all
appeals in both Civil and Criminal causes must be taken