WM. PRESTON LANE, JR., GOVERNOR. 167

books and papers pertinent to the investigation and to ad-
minister oaths to such witnesses.

51. No person in the classified service, or seeking ad-
mission thereto, shall be appointed, reduced or removed
or in any way favored or discriminated against because of
his political opinions or affiliations.

No person in classified service of the City shall, directly
or indirectly, solicit or receive, or be in any manner con-
cerned in soliciting or receiving, any assessment, sub-
scription or contribution, for any political party or politi-
cal purpose whatever.

52. Any violation of any of the provisions of this sub-
title relating to the Civil Service of Hagerstown, or any
wilful use of any corrupt means in connection with any
examination, appointment, promotion, transfer or rein-
statement shall be deemed a misdemeanor and upon convic-
tion in a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be punished
by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500. 00),
or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed twelve
months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

53. The Council may provide a retirement system for
persons in the classified service of the City. Such retire-
ment system, if established by the Council, shall operate on
an actuarial basis, and shall be sustained by a percentage
basis, and shall be sustained by a percentage reduction
from the salaries of municipal classified employees and by
direct contribution by the City; and the contribution of
the City in all cases shall not be less than that of the em-
ployee. The general retirement system, if established by
the Council, shall supersede the special retirement systems
for policemen and firemen; provided, however, that retire-
ment benefits to those employed as policemen and firemen
at the time the general retirement system is established
shall not be less than those accruing under their respective
special retirement systems then in force.

The Council shall have the power and authority to ap-
propriate and cause to be raised by taxation such sums of
money as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of
this section and to pay all contributions to a retirement
system if, and when established.

54. The Mayor is hereby empowered and authorized,
whenever in his discretion, the efficiency of the Police De-
partment of Hagerstown may require it, to retire any regu-
lar Policeman, Chief, Captain or Lieutenant and to direct