Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That from and after the passage of this act, the recorder of deeds in the various counties of this Commonwealth may appoint one or more clerks, employed in their respective offices, to administer oaths and affirmations, to all persons, pertaining to the business or conducting of said recorder's office, with the same force and effect as if administered by the said recorder or deputy recorder: Provided, however, That the provisions of this act shall not apply to counties having a population of one million three hundred thousand or more.