ART. 23.] CORPORATIONS—INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. 323

may own jointly or in severalty, in the same manner as if she
were a feme sole ; and any guardian may, with the assent of the
orphans' court by which he shall have been appointed, insure in
any company formed under this article, any property which the
ward or wards of such guardian may own, either jointly or in
severalty, and such insurance shall have the same effect in all
respects as if the minor whose property is thus insured were of
full age, and had made such insurance himself.

Insurance Department.

P. G. L., (1860,) art. 56, sec 27. 1858, ch. 432, sec. 1. 1872, ch. 388.
1874, ch. 400. 1876, ch 248. 1878, ch. 106.

121. There shall be a distinct department, to be known as the
insurance department, the office for which shall be in the city of
Annapolis, which shall be charged with the execution of the
Jaws of this State in relation to insurance, the chief officer of
which shall be appointed by the governor, treasurer and comp-
troller, for the terra of four years, and shall be known as the
insurance commissioner, and shall receive an annual salary of
twenty-five hundred dollars, payable only out of the fees of said
department, authorized by this article, and shall hold his office
during the term for which he is appointed, or until his successor
is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the gov-
ernor, treasurer and comptroller; and the said insurance commis-
sioner shall give bond to the State of Maryland in the sum of
twenty thousand dollars, for the faithful discharge of his duties;
and no person who is a director, officer, or agent of or directly or
indirectly interested in any insurance company, except as insured,
shall be appointed as such insurance commissioner. And the
said insurance commissioner is authorized to appoint an actuary
for his said insurance department, and also to employ such
clerical assistance as he may deem necessary to the proper dis-
charge of the duties and efficiency of his department; provided,
however, that the salary and pay of such actuary and clerks
shall be paid ont of the fees of said insurance department; and
provided further, that he shall not exceed the sum of five
thousand dollars for the pay of such clerical assistance.