394 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 123

674.

The Commissioner is in sole and active charge of the Department
and of its several institutions and agencies, subject only to his re-
sponsibility to the Governor.

675.

The Commissioner may summon witnesses before him and admin-
ister orders or affirmations to them if in his judgment that is neces-
sary or wise for an effective administration of his duties. Any
person failing to appear before him as required by a summons, or
refusing to testify, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction
thereof is subject to a fine of not more than fifty dollars; and false
swearing or testimony on the part of any such witness is perjury
and punishable as such.

676.

The Commissioner may adopt and promulgate, and from time to
time alter, amend, or abrogate, reasonable rules and regulations, not
inconsistent with law, for the operations and maintenance of the
several institutions and agencies in the Department, for the dis-
cipline and conduct of prisoners, and for the duties, discipline, and
conduct of officers and employees of the several institutions and
agencies.

677.

The mid Commissioner of Correction

[See page image for strike through]

678.

The Commissioner shall make a report every year, on or before
the

[See page image for strike through]

OCTOBER, to the Governor, showing
the expenses, profits, losses, receipts, disbursements, condition and
progress of the said institutions, together with a statement of the
number of prisoners, their age, sex, color, place of nativity and con-
viction, offense, term of confinement, escapes, pardons, and dis-
charges, accompanied by such remarks and suggestions as may
appear necessary to the advancement of the interests of said insti-
tutions. The Commissioner, at the time of making such annual report
to the Governor, shall transmit therewith a statement similar to that
required to be made to the Comptroller in Section 677; and the state-
ments and reports required to be made in this section and Section
677 of this article shall be duly sworn to by the Commissioner of Cor-
rection, and the Governor shall communicate such statements and
reports to the Legislature with such recommendations as he may
think expedient.

Correctional Director

679.

The office of Correctional Director is created. He shall be ap-
pointed by the Commissioner, for an indefinite term at the pleasure