Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/104

 duties, or serve on or under any political committee or as manager of any political campaign for any candidate or party."

At the present time there is a committee of the legislature investigating the question of fire insurance. The contracts and conditions of fire insurance need examination, and it is not improbable that legislation will be recommended by this committee along the same general lines as prevail through the whole regulative plan. The private board of fire insurance companies fixes a certain rate for fire insurance. If one thinks that rate extortionate, or therefore wrong, what appeal has he? It is simply a question of contract, and he can accept the insurance or not, as he chooses. This seems to be the argument of the legislature. It is quite probable that fire insurance will also be recognized by legislation as a business affected with a public interest to a greater extent than it has been formerly.

The tax commission was the earliest of the great commissions to be formulated in Wisconsin, being created by chapter 206, laws of 1899. It consists of three appointive members and has a joint arrangement with the railroad commission for the use of experts in the rating of property. Gradually all the great corporations have been placed upon an ad valorem basis, so that here, too, physical valuation, with all of its advantages, is basic.