Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-04-19
[PUBLIo-No. 42.l
AN ACT concerning notaries public for the Dis.
trlct OF Columbia

AN ACT concerning nOtaries public for the Dis
trlct of Columbia
BE Il enacted By the Senate and House Of Repre-
stntanpes Of The United States Of america in Con-
gress assembled, That notEres public for the Dis
triot Of Columbia may be appointed by the
supreme court of said District, whose term of
office shall be five years. and who may be removed
by said court for cause. There shall be 30 new
appointment Of q notary public until the number
in this District is reduced to twenty FIVE; and
when the number is so reduced, as vacancies
thereafter occur, they may be filled by said
court.
Sec 2. And be ii further enacted, That each
notary public hereafter appointed, before enter
ing upon tho duties of his office, shall take an
oath faithfully to discharge the same, and shall
give bond to the United States in the sum Of two
thousand dollars, with security to be approved
by the said supreme court, or judge thereof
for the faithful discharge Of the duties Of his
office. And the said court, shall with reasonable
dispatch, by general order to be published in
one or more newspapers printed 10 the said Dis
trict, require oil persons now holding commits
sion Of a notary public in said District to give
new bond, as hereinbefore provided for, within
q short time to be prescribed therein and all
such persous failing to comply Herewith shall
be stricken from the list Of notaries.
Sec. 8. And be Il further enacted That notaries
public shall have authority TO demand acceptance
and payment of foreign bills OF exchange, aud to
protest the same for non acceptance and non
payment; and to exercise such other powers and
duties as, by the law Of nations, and according
to commercial usages, or for use and effect
beyond the Jurisdiction OF the said District, as,
according to the law Of any State or Territory
of the United States, or any foreign Government
in amity with the United States, may be per-
formed by notaries public.
Sec. 4. Andbe it fIrtker enacted, That uotarie.
public may also demand acceptance of inlant
bills of exchange and payment thereof, and o
promissory notes, and may protest the same fol
non acceptance or non payment, as the case may
require.
Sec. 8. And be t further eaacisd, That each
notary public shall have power to take and to
certify the acknowledgment or proof of powers
Of attorney, mortgages, deeds, end other instru-
ments of writing the acknowledgment of any
conveyance, or other instrument OF writing exc
euted by any married woman, to take iepositions
| and to administer oaths and affirmations in al
matters incident or belonging to the duties O
his office, snd to take affidavits to be used be
fore any court judge, or officer within this Dis
trict.
sec. 6. AAd be Il further eRacted, That eacl
notary public shall keep fair record of all hi
official acts, except such as are mentioned in thu
NTH section of this act; 4; and when required shal
give certified copy Of any record in his oilict
to any person, upon payment Of the fees there
for.
| Sec. T. And be ii further enacted, That eacl
notary public, before he acts rs such, shall pro
vide notariAl seal, with which he shall authen
ticate all his official acts, which seal, together
with his records and official documents, shal
not be Liable TO he seized on by any execution
He shall deposit impression OF his official sea
in the office Of the clerk of the supreme court Of
said district.
Sec. 8. And be 10 further enacted, That on th
death, resignation, or removal from office Of an!
notary public his records, together with all hi
official papers, shall be deposited in the office o
the clerk Of the supreme court Of said District
Sec. o. And be IL further enacted, That th
original protest of q notary public, under hi
hand and official seal, of any bill Of exchange @
promissory note for non-acceptance or non
payment stating the presentment by him Of sue
bill Of exchange ornote for acceptance OF pay
, ment, and the non n'aceeptanos or non-psymeI
thereof and the service Of notice pn aDy oE o