Chap. 16.—An ACT to modify the effect of answers as evidence in
chancery suits.

Approved January 18, 1884.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
if the complainant in a suit in equity shall, in his bill, waive an
answerunier oath, or shall only require an answer under oath,
With regard to certain specified interrogatories, the answer of
the detendent, though under oath, except such part thereof as
shall he directly responsive to such interrogatories, shall not
Le evidence in his favor, unless the cause be heard upon bill
and answer only; but may, nevertheless, be used as an affi-
davit with the same effect as heretofore upon a motion to
grant or dissolve any injunction, or upon any other inciden-
tal motion in the cause; but this shall not prevent a defendant
from testifying in bis own behalf, where he would otherwise
be a Competent witness,

2. This act shall be in force from its pasxave.