100 CORPORATIONS. [ART. 23

be sued for and recovered in the name of the State of Maryland
by the State's attorney of the county or city in which such agent
or agents may reside or in which the offense is committed, one-
half of said penalty, when recovered, shall be paid into the
treasury of the State, the other half to the informer of such vio-
lation.

Insurance Department.

1892, ch. 612. 1894, ch. 256.

121 A. The Insurance Commissioner is authorized to employ
a counsel for the insurance department, at an annual compensa-
tion not exceeding one thousand dollars, which shall be paid out
of the fees of said insurance department.

1894, ch. 272.

122—Eighth. Once, at least, during his term of office, and
oftener if he should deem it expedient to do so, the Insurance
Commissioner shall appoint some competent person or persons,
who shall visit the principal office of every insurance company
organized under the laws of this State, for the purpose of
examining its affairs; and the person or persons so appointed
shall have free access to the books and papers of every company
thus visited, and shall thoroughly inspect and examine its affairs
to such extent and make such inquiries as may be necessary to
ascertain its condition and ability to fulfill its engagements, and
whether it has complied with all the provisions of law applicable
to its transactions. And whenever the Insurance Commissioner
may have reason to doubt the solvency or the correctness of the
statement of any company not organized under the laws of this
State, which may have been licensed to do business in this State,
or which may be applying for said license, he shall communicate
such doubts and the reasons for them to the Insurance Commis-
sioner or other officer charged with the supervision of insurance
corporations of the State in which said company is located, and
if he is not satisfied from the information obtained from such
Insurance Commissioner or other officer, or from the officers of
the company, that the condition of the company is such as to
warrant him in permitting it to transact business in this State
under the provisions of this article, he shall notify such company
that it will be necessary for him to have its affairs examined by