102

LAWS OF MARYLAND.

of free negroes, in cases, where they may lawfully
bind the same; the said Courts shall have power to
increase the freedom dues to said apprentices, to such
extent as in their judgment may be right and pro-
per, but in no case shall they exceed double the
amount now provided.

Court may
remunerate.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That the said Courts
in the binding of such apprentices, shall have power
to inquire into the manner and expense of raising
such children, and shall have power to provide for,
and secure to the parents, relation or other person,
who may have raised such child, or proportionally,
where the circumstances require it, such sum or
sums, to be paid by the master or mistress, as the
said Courts may think reasonable and just under
all the circumstances.

Orphans' court
to make inqui-
ry.

SEC. 3. And be it enacted, That justices of the
peace binding such apprentices, shall exercise the
same powers as the justices of the Orphans' Courts,
as hereinbefore provided, and that the Orphans'
Courts before they receive or confirm such indentures
shall inquire into the facts and circumstances of such
freedom dues and compensation for raising such
children, and if they think it expedient, to require
them to conform to the practice and opinion of the
Courts before they shall sanction such Indentures.

In force.

SEC. 4. And be it enacted, That this act shall take
effect from its passage.

CHAPTER 88.

Passed Mar
6, 1856.

AN ACT for the relief of Ann Brown and William
J. Stone.

Preamble.

WHEREAS, Ann Brown and William J. Stone, by
their petition, set forth that they are grievously
injured by the action of certain Commissioners,
appointed by the Commissioners of Kent county,
to assess the damages caused by the new road be-
ginning near the lands of Mr. Thomas and others,
and running to the head waters of Langford's