When a person applies to the Supreme Court for admission to the bar, he shall be examined by the Court, or by a commission appointed by the Court, under such rules and regulations as the Court may provide, touching his fitness and qualifications; and if, on such examination the Court is satisfied that he is of good moral character, and has a competent knowledge of the law, and sufficient general learning, an oath of office shall be administered to him, and an order shall be made on the journal that the applicant be admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor at law in all courts of record of this state; provided, that said Court may appoint, to serve for one or more years, a commission composed of not less than five (5) persons learned in the law to assist in such examination. The Court Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be ex officio secretary of any commission appointed by the Supreme Court to assist in the examination of applicants. The members of said commission and all other expenses of said examination shall be paid out of funds collected from applicants for admission to the bar, said fees to be fixed by the Supreme Court in a sum of not more than $ ________.

Laws 1939, p. 69, § 3.