1104 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 539

SEC. 4. And be it furthur enacted as aforesaid, That this Act
shall be effective on ami after July 1, 1920.
Approved April 9, 1920.

CHAPTER 539.

AN ACT authorizing and directing the Governor to appoint a
Commission to aid citizens of this State in the prosecu-
tion of their valid claims against the Federal Government
growing out of the late war or preparation for said
war; with authority to incur, with the approval of the
Governor, the necessary expenses incident thereto.
WHEREAS, Many citizens of this State have valid claims
against the Federal Government, arising, in one way or
another, out of the prosecution of the late war or the prepara-
tion therefor, in the payment of which they are being hind-
ered and delayed, due to the magnitude of the work instant to
said war, and to the many changes that have been taking
place amongst the officials charged with the investigation
thereof; and,

WHEREAS, It is proper that such citizens should be aided in
their efforts to secure satisfaction of all such valid claims with-
out being forced to the expense and delay in suits in the
Courts, by an investigation and report thereon made by a
commission duly appointed under the authority of the State,
therefore:

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Mary-
land, That the Governor of this State be and he is hereby
authorized and directed to appoint a Commission of three
members, citizens of this State, to serve without pay, to in-
vestigate such claims and to report to the Governor in writing
their findings in reference thereto.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That said Commission
shall sit in Baltimore City and at such other places as they
may deem wise, to hear all those holding claims against the
Federal Government growing out of the late war or prepara-
tion therefor, to take evidence with reference to said claims
and to classify the same.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That before they sit for
said purpose said Commission shall give notice by publication
in such manner as they may deem wise of the date and pur-