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The problem of how to secure lower insurance rates is one with which many cities have wrestled, and in many cases unsuccessfully. It is not the intention to attempt in this discussion to give some startling solution by which any municipality can, without real effort and expense, enjoy a better insurance classification. The purpose is simply to treat the subject of fire insurance from a standpoint which will show in an unprejudiced way some of the reasons why some cities have not been more successful in securing a better insurance classification.It is fully recognized that the fixing of insurance rates and classifications has been almost entirely in the hands of a private independent organization, which controls the situation and which, to a large degree, has dictated its own terms and policies. This fact, of having within itself almost exclusive authority to dictate its own policies in dealing with the public, has resulted in possibly an unfair advantage having been taken of some cities in some instances by the fire underwriters. A distinct prejudice against the insurance organizations has sprung up in many cities on account of this.The state insurance organizations as well as the National Board of Fire Underwriters have made desperate attempts to stem the tide of public prejudice against them, and in doing so have worked along intelligent, scientific lines. One of the steps taken in this direction is the recent adoption of new fixed standards and rules, which eliminate very largely discrimination in classifying cities. The Standard Schedule fo-r Grading Cities and Towns of the United States with

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