QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY
OF
The South-Eastern Tariff Association.
1882-1907
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION
ATLANTA. OA.: Bm> PBmni* COMFIXT.
1907.
9753
A
At a meeting of the South-Eastern Tariff Association, held in May, 1906, the retiring President, Geo. J. Dexter, Esq., in his Annual Address, felicitated the Association upon the arrival of the twenty-fifth year of its existence, and in the following language suggested appropriate action:
" The Association having become a necessary feature of the business, not only to its members, but as well to their local representatives) it is therefore fitting that special note be made of the completion oE the first quarter-century of its history."
Later in the proceedings, the incoming President was authorized and instructed to appoint a special committee to prepare a history of the Association to be published at this meeting, its twenty-fifth anniversary. The following gen tlemen were appointed to serve on that committee, viz:
S. Y. TUPPER, ESQ., Chairman, CHAS. C. FLEMING, ESQ. F. C. CALKINS, ESQ.
By my special invitation, Thomas Peters, Esq., who was the first Secre tary of the Association, consented to act as historian. With his able assistance, the Committee has prepared this History, which I have the pleasure of presenting to you. I am sure that the entire membership join with me in expressing admiration for the work, and grateful thanks to the gentlemen who have prepared it.
MILTON DARGAN. President
Atlanta, February 20, 1907.
INTRODUCTION
T HE formulated record of this Associations Organization and general History seems now most timely, not only on account of the anniversary period attained, but also in view of the fact that we are able to have the work performed and reviewed by actual participants in the initial proceedings, at the New Holland Springs meeting, and immediately subsequent thereto.
Captain Gay, who presided at the first meeting, and who later took active part in the Asheville meeting; Sir. Warren, who is on record as urging for Georgia a movement similar to that accom plished for the several States by the organization of the SouthEastern Tariff Association, and who was prominent in the formu lation and enactment of its first constitution and by-laws; Mr. Egleston and Mr. Deane, who were intensely interested, efficient and active in the work of reformation of Cotton Warehouse con struction; Mr. Stockdell and Mr. Pattillo, both of whom aided in perfecting the early organization these all have been advocates and supporters of the Association through its entire history.
It also gives us opportunity to secure as historian, Major Thomas Peters, who began with the New Holland meeting as first Secre tary of the Association, and upon whom it afterward devolved to systematize the entire work, and to promulgate the enactments of the Association, at a time when the path was not blazed and
Seven
QUARTER-CENTENMAI. HISTORY OF THE
when there were hostiles on every hand throughout the territory, ready to doubt, discredit, and if not restrained to cripple or to kill the work being undertaken.
The story might be made up by taking the personal experience of these men, independently, but it has been decided to make a progressive recital of facts as derived from the well preserved archives of the Association, and it is believed that this will best accomplish the desired end. The Committee feels fully justified in the course it has adopted in preferring to quote from those who from time to time have held the office of President of the Associa tion, and whose annual addresses contain the very meat and mar row of the entire course of the Associations eventful history. We will thus give the facts as nearly as practicable in the man ner and language of those who presented them to the Association at the time service was rendered. It is well to note that there seems throughout these addresses the very spirit of prophecy, for an abounding and complete confidence in the perpetuity of the Association runs through the entire record; and while at times, in deed, we find that clouds passed athwart the almost perpetual shining of the sun, yet these shadows were momentary and served but to emphasize the returning brilliancy.
While we will thus record the trials and difficulties that beset these men, we will also review the career of uninterrupted success which crowned then- united and faithful efforts in organizing, developing and perpetuating a business organization, which has
Eight
SODTH-EASTER1T TARIFF ASSOCIATION
done so much for the upbuilding of the South, as it has in main taining the high professional standard of fire underwriting in the States over which it has exercised jurisdiction.
S. Y. TOPPER, CHAS. C. FLEMDTO, F. C. CALKIXS,
Committee.
Sine
Li
CLARENCE KXOWLES, First President of the South-Eastern Tariff Association.
Died April 14. 1900.
1
*
I
A SPECIAL interest always clusters around the inception of enterprises, and when it is found in after years that the undertaking has fulfilled the intent and purpose of its founders, such interest is correspondingly intensified, as in the present case we are about to discuss and review.
Twenty-five years have passed, and it becomes peculiarly interesting to recount the circ*mstances which attended the for mation of the South-Eastern Tariff Association, just as the early history of our country proved of educational advantage to all who love the Republic and glory in its deeds of war, and its more glo rious deeds of peace.
With matters of recent occurrence all members of the Associa tion are more or less familiar, and it is generally understood as for the past, that the Association was organized in 1882, at Xew Holland Springs, in Georgia, but beyond this there is but limited knowledge as to the conditions that brought about the Organization, and of the men who did the work, and of the details of that work.
Taking as our theme that trite expression so often quoted, "thejnan and the hour have met," we propose that this sentiment shall run as a thread through our narration of the events making up the history of this Association; therefore, we paraphrase the expression to read the men and the occasion have met.
The pages of history abound in illustrations of this meeting
Thirteen
QUARTER-CENTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
of the man and the hour, and while these are notable and striking, the general principle is the same in our case, and we adopt it accord ingly as of peculiar adaptability to present purpose.
Pointedly expressed, the Association was the result of this meeting of the man and the hour; or as we may say, the occasion arose and the men were found to acceptably discharge the duty of the hour; not only so, but from time to time, as we will see, the men have been found for every occasion, and in recording the facts of this eventful history it is our purpose also to do honor to the men by whose counsels and deeds the achievements of the Association were so largely affected.
That the work of the South-Eastern Tariff Association has been the most effective and efficient ever accomplished in fire insurance rating methods, has been so generally and continuously conceded, that we feel entirely safe in appropriating such success as contra distinguished to the failure of similar efforts in other parts of the country, prior to its inauguration. We, therefore, take peculiar pleasure in recording its autobiography, that well-merited honor may be done its pioneers and many faithful co-workers, and that whatever of good has been accomplished may be succinctly presented as a matter of record and of information for those who have seen and admired the organization, and yet have little or no knowledge of the manner in which results have been secured.
The fire insurance companies of the entire country, with full conviction of the absolute necessity for co-operation in rates and
Fottrt een
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
practices as means to the end, to-wit: the life and perpetuity of their corporations, had formed the National Board, with its head offices in New York City, and had instituted the most general and complete association of company officers that had ever been known to the business. Under its auspices an elaborate system had been devised by the combined wisdom of the executive officers of the most ably managed companies in America. Every depart ment of fire hazard had received skLUful consideration, and ratings were promulgated on the basis of this technical and wise review, in general and in particular.
For present purposes it is only necessary that we emphasize the cardinal fact and feature that, through the National Board, control and direction for the entire country North, South, East and West were centered in the City of New York.
On account of losses and consequent demoralization in the busi ness, the pendulum had by 1880 swung from this specific and absolute control to the other extreme of relegating the rate-making power to the local agents for their respective localities, and it may well be understood that by 1882 it had been clearly demonstrated that this policy and practice were unwise, and the field was ripe for another change. Are we, therefore, to assume that it had been thereby pro ven that the principles of organization and control were unwise, and associated action impracticable? By no manner of means, for as we look back we may at least assume that experience had shown that it was the immensity and the unwieldiness of the National Board, rather
Fifteen
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
than any lack of wisdom hi its management, which brought about its failure to handle the rate question, and the consequent conditions.
Many have been the theories and reasons assigned for the move ment which eventuated in the organization of the South-Eastern Tariff Association, and underlying all such explanations runs one principal and deep-seated conviction that unsatisfactory results, leading to utter demoralization and all concomitant conditions, were uppermost in the minds of all who had to do with Southern business.
This is well enough so far as it goes, but we must look deeper and endeavor to find the cause of causes, for conditions are not cause, except in so far as they in turn produce other conditions.
What then shall we in our present work assign as the great and all-pervading sentiment and impelling cause which brought about the movement we are now discussing? In its final analysis we would call it the desire for local self-government. Not that there was any rebel lious frame of mind entertained by the Southern servants of the com panies having their domicil in other sections of the country, but it was the same frame of mind that led our ancestors to determine that the local conditions of America required that their affairs should be handled by men " to the manner born." And this in no sense political, nor with insane desire to rule, but as matter of fact it was clear that the business and practice of fire insurance demanded local adaptation to the special features of the several sections of country where it was conducted; certainly for the South was this true.
We find that whatever had been done in the way of formation
Sixteen
SOUTH-EASTER!! TARIFF ASSOCIATION
of a fixed basis for the business had been the outgrowth of the East the oldest and most populous section of the country. The West had been handled on Eastern plans and with Eastern ideas, until it had become evident that what was excellent for cotton milling districts and dense population was not adaptable to frame ranges and sparse settlements of an agricultural territory. This leads to our present theory that neither the basis and conditions of the East, nor yet of the West, were suited to the conditions of the land of cotton and sugar and rice and phosphates.
We grant that what we are setting forth never came to the sur face, nor was declared in so many words, but underneath was the sub-consciousness that circ*mstances were not smoothly arranged; that mercantile schedules for "Class A Buildings" cut no figure in a country where wood was the principal building material, and where there was a general financial inability to attain standard conditions: not to speak of the glaring fact that Eastern systems had no place for cotton hazards. It was true that cotton tm\\ schedules were set forth, but they were directed to conditions of perfection on that line, and were in no wise suitable to a country struggling to erect any kind of a mill to meet the absolute demands of local conditions.
In a word, we will call it Incompatibility not of sentiment, but of conditions; and by the same token were we to express the success ful results of the ultimate reversal of those conditions, we would say hom*ogeniety in no sense sectional or political, but simply the recognition of adaptation to local conditions. The full force of our
Seventeen
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE
proposition may be made apparent by taking the converse of the proposition. Suppose that the South-Eastern Tariff Association were transferred bodily, with all of its accompaniments, to Boston, Chicago or San Francisco. Where would be the vaunted success, and of what use the schedules that have given so great depth and val uable basis to the business in the great staples for which they were invented?
Far be it from our purpose to assert or insinuate that Northern men were lacking in ability to accomplish this splendid organization, of which all sections of the country are so justly proud, for the pages of the Association are ablaze with the skillful co-operation of the officers and representatives of Northern companies, who have during these many years forsaken the demands of their desks to participate in the development of this Associations wonderful success. No, it may be summed up in a word, Eastern men are specially skilled in mills and factories, because New England is the home of factories. Western men must be looked to for superior knowledge of agricul tural hazards, in its broadest sense, for that section is pre-eminently agricultural. Therefore, it follows that the National Board could not work out the Western problem; they failed in like degree on the Southern problem, not for any lack of mental ability, but because of higher laws which demanded recognition.
And here we cannot do better than to quote from an admirable article from the pen of the lamented Col. John D. Young, for many years the able and trusted Special Agent of the "Franklin" of Phil-
Eighteen
SODTH-EASTER1T TARIFF ASSOCIATION
adelphia, and in later years of the Royal." In an article for the In
surance Herald, 1899, he says:
"A rather general impression had prevailed that cotton was in the most profitable class of Southern risks, and policies had been written in years gone by at 1%, with the sole location of the risk given as in the port of . But with lueifer-matches, iron ties, compresses, railroads, telegraph and the dealing in futures there came a change. In the absence of any rule for rating cotton, or any dis crimination between good and bad risks of the class, or indeed any requirements by underwriters in regard to it, it proved for some years so disastrously unprofitable that many companies refused to insure it. There was a total absence of method and reason in making rates, and a general lack of confidence and co-operation between companies; and in the unbridled competition of Agents in cutting rates * * * bad was rapidly going to worse, until it was apparent that something must be done, especially in the South, to improve the situation."
Specifically it appears that during 1882, the officers and managers of fire insurance companies doing Southern business were casting
about for the proper method of securing co-operation as to rates on
Cotton in particular. la this direction a communication appeared in a private bulletin, which read as follows:
"COTTON. We shall ask the patience of the companies, to refer again to cotton in Augusta, Columbus and Atlanta.
Answers to former communications show a disposition on the part of members to take the question up if there seemed a reasonable prospect of its being carried out. The Agents are striving manfully to keep up their price, 2% for specific and 2J^% floating, and write me that merchants are willing to pay the price provided that other
nineteen
Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1882.
DIAX Sue At the instance of several leading Companies, a meeting is hereby called- to be
Held at Gainesville, Georgia, on Wednesday. 16th of August, proximo, for the following purposes:
1st To adopt a minimum tariff for the States of North Carolina. South Carolina. Georgia and Alabama, outside of such\qties as have efficient Fire Departments and water supply, and Local Boards, in which proper rules and rates are maintained.
nd. To adopt a uniform tariff of rates and rules for injuring cotton. 3rd. . To devise plans for trie prompt organization of Local Boards., where none exist, and putting the Uriff adopted in affective operation/ 4th. To secure the.agreement of-all the Companies uniting in tliis movement to enforce the tariff which may be adopted, for country business, and risks located whereno Local Board exists. 5th. The.consideration of. other matters germane to the subject of Boards and Rates.
The results o.f the past year demonstrate the necessity for prompt action in these /natters; and.at success depends Jargcly upon the respoa-* of the Copipaniei to this call, we earnestly request that you .be present; in person, or bya representative, authorized to act for your Company.
Please -advisti us if you. will be represented at .the meeting1. .1C. not.may we expect
your co-operation? Permitus to ask your prompt reply, addressed to dward S. Gay. Manager,
Atlanta, Georgia.
Very Respectfully,
J. E. JOHXSTOS * CO," Oiniui. Anm, Horn* IUini OMMnr. oC Xw York.
w. P. Ji W. r. FATTILIA OHA^ Asirr I
CL trillTXtn A CU, OBIUKA*. Aoucny
>AAC . nOTDL Inoiv JKOT, I. And SUndHd TM la* Ok
CDWAKD . OAT. JM fn. at
H. &-CalinnUl Owr|ta, wblchItRiUxmonnuloiud ! JmmxIUU dpjr Knr IbllnJ ffpriim oil 1 Iwtiio rwm, tolooMd on till AtUnuA CbwMU AIMJntn.il. ItktlMiBorAaeaMlblt potMntf troptwnMor Uw I halnj rd bate] morhinodtfloiu. to Mltowd M UM nwH drjfnbta polnl fcrft mwUnl. * tu MMort.
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Georgia merchants were put in the same position. Atlanta is gen erally the headquarters of the responsible Field men representing the Alliance. I ask of our members to write to their Field men to hold a conference on the subject of these three towns especially, and suggest that Mr. Gay, General Agent of the Insurance Company of North America, may call the meeting to be responded to under instructions from us all on or about August 10th. This will give plenty of time to members to correspond with their cc-adjutors wherever the organ ization is divided into districts.
There is no trouble to be apprehended, if members will take a little interest in this matter. The Agents in the Cotton States know how dangerous cotton is, and so do the merchants, and they are pre pared to pay the price, but not unless they are asked for it."
About the time this movement was made in the North, several
resident managers of Atlanta were conferring in regard to the same
matter of cotton rates, but their deliberations were taking wider
scope, and, when Capt. Gay presented to his associates the item first
quoted, it had the effect of so greatly encouraging them that they
formulated and sent out a circular, of which we insert a photo copy,
as it is the historic document inviting the companies to that assembly
which resulted in the organization, as we shall presently see.
It is quite interesting to observe, how well defined is the career
of the Association into progressive and distinct periods of character
istic features. First of Organization and Establishment, under Knowles during
his first four years, while, as he so aptly records, the Association "ceased to be an experiment" and was "accorded that respect which success commands," and was " unthreatened by a single cloud."
.
Twenty-One
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
Then under Knowles remaining years of service, the Association entered upon a period of Accord and Satisfaction, not in the legal sense of the phrase, but rather of harmony and confidence in the new order of things.
This naturally gravitated into the era of Peace and Serenity, not to say Complacency, under Minis during his entire seven years years bright in their record of continued success, but withal years of no special waves to agitate the voyages.
But when Egleston came to the Chair, the period of Assault and Retreat resulted in loss of territory, and, as the scientist would say, in a "struggle for existence," although the Association was well beyond the protoplasmic period. These conditions were projected into the administrations of Tupper, and of Gay, and of Stockdell, for there was restrictive legislation all along the lines, forcing the Asso ciation to relinquish the rate-making feature in certain States, and to confine operations within circ*mscribed limits. Then too, during this period, there was internal friction with members who held too lightly their obligations.
All this eventuated, through wise and skillful direction of affairs during these trying times, in demonstrating to the law-making bodies of several States, which had enacted adverse laws causing withdrawal of Association jurisdiction, that the work of the Association was not only legal but was really beneficent and for the best interests of the people. Later urged by citizens to the repeal of these self-same laws, the Association was practically invited to return to these States.
Twenty-Two
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Therefore, under Chapin and Dexter, there came a period of Recovery resulting in an Emphasis that had not previously been practicable, and this was manifested mainly within the Association lines, for the companies heretofore "co-operating" were required either to become "full" members, or to class themselves otherwise: so that this important matter, which had caused so deep concern in past years, was pleasantly settled by the hearty support of all the companies. This condition of freedom from assault also gave oppor tunity for perfecting the collateral departments, which had been undertaken, on the lines of electrical work, and inspections and sprinklers.
As we have so emphatically claimed success for the Association, let us see the real deep meaning of this term, as so applied.
Prima facie, it will be supposed by many to mean that rates were largely advanced and that consequently "the Public" was saddled with a " Trust," as they delight in calling any combination in trade, and yet, while this may be in a measure true, we have in this Associ ation a paradox of a " Trust," for it is organized to bring about mini mum rates rather than maximum, by placing it in the power of each insurer to make his own rate, and the organization, conducted at the expense of the companies, will enforce the rate so determined.
As explaining, from the standpoint of "the People," that such organizations as the South-Eastern Tariff Association are not "Trusts" in the ordinary acceptation, it gives us pleasure to direct attention to a recent and timely article, in connection with the fire
Tioenty-Thrce
QUARTER-CEHTEHH1AL HISTORY OF THE
insurance conditions at San Francisco, as brought about by the catas trophe and conflagration of last April. The Chamber of Commerce of that city caused an exhaustive investigation into the entire matter in all its bearings, under the supervision of a specially appointed committee, which delegated the work to Prof. A. W. Whitney, who is stated to be an "able investigator with technical experience in insurance matters." Mr. Whitneys report has recently been pub lished and, after dealing with the circ*mstances of the insurance loss in all its details, including settlements by the several companies involved, he takes occasion to report on policy contracts and the companies in general and in particular; he then comments on the matter of insurance legislation, and deprecates unwise enactments, as they are shifted to the shoulders of the insured. He then uses the following pertinent and forcible language:
"The best thing that could possibly be done for the insured is to remove all unnecessary restrictions from the companies, and to encourage the formation of organizations for properly adjusting rates and preserving stable conditions. Such organizations seem to have the character of trusts, but in reality their nature is far different. Of course any organization may be used in such a way as to prevent competition, and doubtless boards may be and have been used for such purpose, but there is nothing in the fundamental nature of a board as rate-maker that tends to restrict competition, quite the opposite, for this information regarding rates must of necessity become largely public property, and to that extent is generally avail able for whoever will use it. There will always be non-board com panies and rates will always be kept down by competition."
Twenty-Four
SOtJTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
This has often been so stated by the representatives of insurance companies, but never before, in our knowledge, has it been so force fully expressed from the stand-point of the people.
The situation as the Association found it in 1882 was that which the Scripture tells of, wherein "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," and it requires no dissertation to set forth what that means. As applied to insurance rates it means that conditions had nothing to do with the rate charged for a policy, and that "by the rule of thumb" and without any definite basis, policies were hawked and bartered at whatever price could be had, and the worst of it was that a bad risk was insured as cheaply as a good one, and the man with excellent physical features to his hazard had no advantage of the man utterly regardless of such conditions.
Let it not be imagined that we are endeavoring to establish that the Association was devised as a beneficial society in the interest of the public alone; by no manner of means, for this would not be sensi ble, but it was a tangible and formulated declaration of a principle that had been preached but had never before been put into shape and substance before Southern people, viz: that the companies preferred the lower rate if the people would give the physical conditions to justify such rate.
This Association has prepared schedules for every class of hazard, which set forth the standards as established from the companies experience, with minimum basis rates and charges for deficiencies or
Twenty-Five
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY
\
variations, and the Association stands ready to hew to the line, and gives the rate according as the man makes it for himself.
The people lose sight of the fact that the prevention of fires is as much in the interest of the companies as is the matter of rates paid. "Am I my brothers keeper" is in large degree a condition in fire insurance that had not been realized until the Association, in the rate-making, instituted and]enforced the practice of strictly and impar tially charging for exposures and deficiencies. In passing it must be appreciated that this course of action tended to guard the interests of the people, who were otherwise unable to assist or protect them selves, and to this extent the Association became a moral factor. From our present standpoint it is easy enough to appreciate these propositions, but it requires an effort to comprehend the difficult problem and the resultant conditions, when the Association, twentyfive years ago, set out to declare this new Gospel. Then again it is fully appreciated on our part that this work is prepared for the com panies and not for the public; consequently any disquisition as to the purpose and practical effect of the Associations workings is entirely unnecessary, but at the same time we deem it best to place these views on record as a part of the underlying history of the movement. Later in the work, in treating of the Staples and Special Hazards, we will be called upon to touch more definitely on the specific manner in which this beneficial work of the Association is exerted in the interest of the people.
Twenty-Six
ORGANIZATION AND
ESTABLISHMENT
FIRST MEETING HEW HOLLABD SPWHGS, GEORGIA,
AUGUST IB, 1882.
P URSUANT to the call sent out by Capt. Gay and other Atlanta managers and general agents of companies engaged in Southern fire insurance business, a goodly
number met at Gainesville, Ga., the appointed place, and
on August 18th, 1882, the appointed time.
The resources of the hotel at this little town were already taxed
to the extent of its ability, by the presence of a political assembly,
so an adjournment was had by the insurance people to a nearby
resort, known as New Holland Springs, hitherto to fame unknown,
but soon to become famous, as will presently appear.
The meeting was called to order in a cottage room, Capt. Gay
taking the chair to announce the purpose and to inaugurate the pre
liminary steps for such occasion. Mr. Isaac S. Boyd was made tem
porary Secretary. Upon a formal enumeration of those present, it
was found that the companies were represented to a degree that
showed, from the outset, that a chord responsive had been touched,
and yet there were many companies that were conspicuous by their
absence, though many of these were later found to be heartily in line.
Col. Young, of the Insurance Herald, previously quoted, says
of this meeting:
.
Twenty-Nine
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE
"There was considerable discussion as to what would be done if certain companies did not unite with those taking part, and serious apprehensions were expressed that without co-operation it would be impracticable to accomplish much good, but the temper of the lead ing spirits of that meeting did not permit discouragement nor defeat. It was boldly announced that the purpose of the organization was to make things very much better or very much worse in a very short
time, and in giving notice that those who did not choose to join could stay behind, it was unanimously resolved to organize an Association of Underwriters for the purpose, offensive and defensive.
"Of course, Major Mima was there taking a deep interest in all that was being done, but was in painful state of suspense and discom fort for fear that the honors and responsibility of the Presidency would be thrust upon him. Under this dread he had concluded to offer his less ambitious friend, Capt. Gay, as the first sacrifice to the office and honors, until he could see how the thing worked."
The original record of proceedings shows the number of compa
nies actually present and participating, and the record as to those
also endorsing the movement but expressing inability to attend the
conference.
Companies actually represented...................28
" co-operating by letter.................. 13
"
" conditionally by letter...... 4
Total Companies endorsing the movement.............. 45 Not represented nor replying
Southern Companies................................. 13 American and Foreign ............................... 10
23 Total of Companies invited to attend ................... 68
Thirty
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
It la but fair to the "23" class, to mention in the min they were companies with but a purely local business, and as a matter of fact the endorsem*nt was remarkably unanimous as to those which were expected to take part.
Lettera pledging co-operation were received from the following: Aetna (for Ala.), F. C. Bennett, Gen. Agt., Cincinnati. Howard, New York. Home Protection of North Alabama. Imperial & Northern (then combined). London & Lancashire. National of Hartford. New Orleans Insurance Association. New Orleans Insurance Co. Norwich-Union of England. Phenix (for Ala.), N. Y., T. R. Burch, Gen. Agt., Chicago. Springfield Fire & Marine. Virginia Home. Those co-operating by letter, with conditions, were: Hartford, if uniform 15% commissions were agreed upon for all classes of business. Phoenix, Hartford, "on cotton." Lion and Scottish-Union & National, M. Bennett, Mgr., Hartford, if unanimity of companies and success of the plans were assured. For the gratification derived from review of this matter, the names of the companies originally signing the Constitution and
Thirty-One
QtJARTER-CENTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
By-laws, and of their representatives on the occasion are here given: British America, John C. Whitner, Gen. Agent. City of London, J. B. Wilson, Special Agent. Columbus (Miss.) Ins. & Banking Co., Israel Putnam, Manager. Continental, S. W. Williams, Gen. Agent. Crescent, New Orleans, Chas. E. Rice, Secretary. Commercial Union, London, P. F. Pescud, Jr., Special Agent. Fire Association, Phila., H. C. Stockdell, Special Agent. J. H. M. Morris, Manager, Louisville, Ky. Fire Association, London, H. T. Botts, Special Agent. German American, Jas. A. Thomas, Special Agent. Guardian, London, H. T. Botts, Special Agent. Hamburg-Bremen, W. F. Pattillo, Gen. Agent. Home, N. Y., lavingston Mims, Manager. Insurance Co. North America, E. S. Gay, Manager. Lancashire, W. G. De Saussure, Jr., Special Agent. Hutson Lee, Manager, Charleston, S. C. Liverpool & London & Globe, J. deW. Churchill, Special Agent. London Assurance, I. S. Boyd, Special Agent. Merchants of Newark, N. J., John C. Whitner, Gen. Agent. Niagara, Henry W. Brown, Manager, Phila. North British & Mercantile, J. W. Covington, Special Agent. New York Underwriters Agency, Clarence Knowles, Special Agt. Phoenix Assurance, London, L. R. Warren, Special Agent. Providence-Washington, W. G. DeSaussure, Jr., Special Agent.
Thirty-Two
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Queen, H. C. Stockdell, Special Agent. J. H. M. Morris, Manager, Louisville, Ky.
Standard, London, Isaac S. Boyd, Special Agent. Star, N. Y., E. S. Gay, Manager. Virginia Fire & Marine, W. L. Cowardin, President. Watertown, N. Y., T. C. Brent, Special Agent. Western, Canada, L. M. Tucker, Genl. Agent, Columbus, Miss. Having recited the companies in detail, it seems but proper that passing record should be given those present, for, the Occasion having been shown, the Men of the Occasion these History Makers as they may well be termed should also be given place and honorable men tion. Assembled in response to a tocsin call, declaring the intention of inaugurating reforms in a business that was apparently defying the individual efforts of each and all, the Northern manager, the Southern presidents and the Southern managers and specials, moved by the same noble purpose of getting together on honorable lines for the common good on the basis of a plighted faith, are found so engaged.
WM. L. COWAHDIN, President of the Virginia Fire & Marine Ins. Co., of Richmond.
Of all present at this meeting, to none is greater credit due than to this President, who left his executive chair and journeyed to lend his presence to a movement from which he foresaw much good, not only to the Gulf States and its cotton business, but to the business
Thirty-Three
QUARTER-CENTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
of Virginia and the improvement of underwriting in general. The records give abundant evidence of his wise counsels and bis faithful support under trying circ*mstances.
L. R. WARREN, Special Agent Phoenix of London. It was indeed fortunate that one was found, so well qualified by
legal attainments and habitual care, for such an occasion, and to him is largely due the absence of necessity for immediate revisions, for no action was hastily concluded, while he was present to guard the language and foresee the practical workings of intended steps.
J. DEW. CHURCHILL, Special Agent Liverpool & London & Globe. Here was another of the calm, sober and earnest men, whose
judgment was discreetly exercised to prevent rash or hasty action. A man representing large interests, deservedly in the full confidence of his principals, and ready to render valuable assistance in practical matters affecting the initial work of the Association.
HENRY W. BROWN, Manager Niagara of New York, at Phila. That near-by men should attend was to be expected, but for a
manager to leave his desk in Philadelphia, to come South in August, manifests deep concern, but in so doing he made a warm place in the Southern hearts, for great deference was given his comprehen sive judgment, and to him was assigned one of the most difficult and important problems, and most skillfully was the duty discharged.
JAS. A. THOMAS, Special Agent German-American of New York.
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SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Here was a splendid fellow, who came to the meeting to see what devilment the "Atlanta Gang" would attempt, but who was so fully imbued with the spirit of good faith and earnest resolve pervading the meeting, that he became most enthusiastic, and placed the impress of bis experience and skill on much that was done.
L. M. TCCKEB, Manager Western of Canada, Columbus, Miss. Since the middle 60s, Capt. Tucker had been a power in insur
ance circles in the South, but especially in Mississippi, so it was to be expected that his strong character would lead to noble deeds in any work of reform. Genial and pointed in his presentation of his con victions, he was at this time a doughty knight and performed valiant service, receiving the well-merited commendation of his compeers.
JOHN C. WHTTNEE, General Agent British America of Toronto, and Merchants of N. J.
A veteran in the business at the time of the organization of the Association, he brought to its councils an experience derived from similar efforts in the South. His clear judgment and the forcible presentation of his views commanded the respect and attention of the meeting, and his honorable record was to it a pledge of his good faith.
LIVTNGSTON Mms, Manager Home of New York. Major Mims is too well known to the Underwriters of the land
to need at our hands the assurance that, when this South-Eastern Tariff Association movement was inaugurated, none was more active
Thirty-Five
QUAKTER-CEHTEBHIAL HISTORY OF THE
and ready in will and deed than he on the floor in debate, or that during the interim of meetings he exercised an influence that was productive of most excellent results.
W. F. PATTTLLO, Associate General Agent Hamburg-Bremen Ins. Co.
In his modest and unassuming way, none rendered more efficient service than did he, and to him is largely due the excellence of the preliminary work in forming a Tariff to submit to the Association, and it came rightly that he was the very first one to apply it.
H. C. STOCKDEIX, Special Agent for J. H. M. Morris, Manager Fire Association of Philadelphia, and Queen, of England.
Stockdell was " one of the boys" at the time of the New Holland meeting, but there was no one who made a deeper impression on the proceedings. A born politician, he was ready to wield a "shillaleh" and to crack a skull, and yet as actively to render his valuable aid in devising the uplifting of the business, as brought before the meeting.
J. W. COVINGTON, Special Agent North British & Mercantile. In the determination of plans to avoid difficulties, which bade fair
to arise in the prosecution of the work which was resolved on, great respect was had to the advice of this veteran underwriter, and well it was so heeded. As Chairman of the committee which prepared the Cotton Mills schedule, his services were valuable and important, and he was elected to the first Executive Committee.
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SOUTH-EAS1ERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
ISRAEL PDTNAM, General Agent Columbus Insurance <fe Bkg. Co. With a limited field for a small Southern company, his zeal and
enthusiastic service were exerted in important lines during the pre liminary work, and he was elected to the first Executive Committee.
ISAAC S. BOTD, Special Agent London Assurance Corporation, and Standard Fire Office of London.
Clothed with authority from his companies, he worked intelli gently and earnestly in the initiative, and was the temporary Secretary of the first meeting and elected to the first Executive Committee.
H. T. BOTTS, Special Agent Guardian, of London. Had been deputized to represent their practical endorsem*nt of
the movement.
T. C. BBENT, Special Agent Watertown Fire of New York, and J. B. WILSON, Special Agent City of London Fire.
Were Richmond men not well known in the Gulf States field, but their presence as indicating the full endorsem*nt of their companies of this important enterprise was appreciated.
CHAS. E. RICE, Secretary, Crescent of New Orleans. As representing the only Southern company at this Convention,
his attendance was indicative of the deep interest felt by President Lyman and himself.
W. G. DESAUSSCHE, Jr., Special Agent Lancashire. Was present as representing Major Hutson Lee, the Manager of
Tkirty-Seve it
QUARTER-CEHTEiraiAL HISTORY OF THE
the company at Charleston, who thus evidenced his hearty concur rence while unable personally to attend. EDWARD S. GAY, Manager Insurance Company of North America.
We have kept to the last the mention of Capt. Gay, because every time the Association has been mentioned, Gay comes to the mind, for the Association at that time was Gay, and Gay was the Association. It was he himself who first proposed it, and he himself who wrote its impress on every step until it was committed to the hands of its first officers, and, while he was the logical first Pres ident, he himself urged Knowles for the position, and it was he who nominated him. By remarkable concurrency of action, Capt. Gay was called on simultaneously by friends, North and South, to cham pion the movement, and right nobly did he fill the bill.
It is interesting to note with what immediacy and unanimity the meeting proceeded to take up the work for which it had assembled, for the official records which, by the way, are preserved in good shape with the exception of one single book of the early proceedings show that as soon as the preliminary steps had been taken as to credentials and organization, a committee was formed to report a "Tariff of Rates, and another was charged with the introduction of a resolution to accomplish " Uniform Commission of 15 per cent, to Agents," and that a plank to this effect be submitted, for this was to be the grand rallying point immediately, and by the same token it has been so during the entire history of the Association.
Naturally the first work was the adoption of a Constitution and
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SODTH-EASTERB TARIFF ASSOCIATION
By-Laws, and for this need a rough draft had been prepared. This was referred to a special committee and, after detailed discussion and consideration, was finally shaped for unanimous acceptance and accordingly adopted. Commenting upon this stage of the proceed ings, Col. Young says:
"A rough draft of Constitution and By-Laws was presented, and in connection therewith a Tariff of Rates, which had been form ulated in Atlanta, pending the meeting. The next business was the selection of a name, and, when the South-Eastern Tariff Associa tion was suggested, some gave expression to the opinion that the term Tariff Association, might provoke, as it doubtless has provoked, political ire. Maj. Whitner, always full of good humor, wit and wisdom, suggested that it be called "The Underwriters Mutual Benevolent Aid Society, and that the purpose of the organ ization be declared to be, as it has since proven itself, for the benefit of the public in general and the companies in particular."
The committees report was presented by Mr. Warren and each clause specifically discussed, until conclusions were attained that were fully endorsed. It is quite remarkable to find that this work was so well performed by the committee and by the meeting, that it has proven well considered and sufficient, after the test of years. It is interesting in this connection to compare the original with that in force this 25th year of the Associations career. In no uncertain language did the Constitution set forth its purpose: to "organize," yes and to "maintain" local boards; "to establish," yes and to "enforce adequate rates." How charming must this have sounded in those days of demoralization, and yet how many there were who
T h i r t y - -V i n c
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
doubted the ability of this group of men to accomplish such reforms, and, when on those all important points they piled " Ossa upon Pelion " by adding "uniform commission to agents," the skeptics were not slow to declare that it came like a " far away cry " and like an Utopian dream; and especially was this the case with those who were not in actual touch with the determination and the enthusiasm and heartto-heart evidence of the good faith and brotherly devotion that characterized every actor in this important drama. Having thus made specific declarations on these important features of the work, the ultimate purpose was rounded off with a sweeping generalization " to inculcate sound principles of underwriting."
And now came that severe test of the judgment and discretion of the meeting, to select men who should take charge of the craft now launched, freighted with their devoted hopes and ardent yearn ings for a successful experience on the billows of demoralization, and these billows had wrecked many other similar efforts.
It is now an open secret that many came to the meeting simply because they did not wish to have it said that they had not given a presence to an effort that few imagined would yield greater success than had befallen such schemes in the past. They had great misgivings as to the outcome of the conference, and even the high standard of this attempt was not calculated to give them confidence that it would prove more than a "ninedays wonder." The night was so dark and the lack of good faith so general, that many, yes even the most faithful, and perhaps this class more
Forty
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
than others were skeptical as to results and gave but a qualified participation in the proceedings, willing that their presence should betoken support and yet leave them untrammeled in case they decided to take a contrary course in other words, to "hit it if it was a deer and miss it if it was a calf." But when the proceedings had demonstrated that this movement differed from all that had previously been made, and that their companies and themselves were asked to stand shoulder to shoulder with men whom they knew inti mately, and by whom they themselves were well known, they entered unreservedly into the movement and became most enthusiastic co-workers.
That the Presidency would logically go to Captain Gay as the recognized leader of the movement, was generally supposed, but a question was injected into the situation, as to whether the respon sible and dominant element should be the managers or the specials. The point was gracefully settled by Manager Gay placing in nomina tion Clarence Knowles, Special Agent of the New York Underwriters Agency, and he was enthusiastically elected to the Presidency.
Knowles was of that class, of whom it might almost be said "they came to scoff and remained to pray," and that the meeting should select such an one to guide the craft, so fortuitously launched, discloses the spirit, wisdom and judgment that characterized the meeting. He was young and ambitious for good, energetic and wise in his business methods, genial and diplomatic in his manner, mod erate and conservative in his judgment, and it may therefore be well
forty-One
QUARTER-CENTEHH1AL HISTORY OF THE
understood how these qualities proved of inestimable value when,
after the hurrah of the crowd, came the quiet dealing with individ-
uals, for he proceeded to win one company after another to the move
ment, encouraging the doubters, calming the restless, gently admon
ishing the recalcitrant, and in all things displaying a courage, a
wisdom and a moderation that adjusted all elements, however
inharmonious, and gave to all a sense of security and confidence
that it has been the "Crown Jewel" of successive administrations
to preserve as the " Magna Charta" of the Associations work.
For Vice President, Mr. P. F. Pescud, Jr., was chosen, not only
on account of the high esteem in which he was held by his Associates,
but also because bis company was the logical subject of special
honor, in view of the timely action of its Executive in suggesting
the conference, and thus the Commercial Union became the cause
of causes resulting in the occasion.
The Executive Committee was selected with special reference
to the work already done, preliminary to the meeting, as supple
mented by distinguishing work on the floor, and the following named
were elected:
J. W. Covington,
W. F. Pattillo,
Isaac S. Boyd,
S. W. Williams,
Israel Putnam.
For Secretary, the present Historian was elected, largely because
he was not associated with any company, but was at the time engaged
as a general adjuster. Entering the business in March, 1866, he
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SOUTH-EASTER* TARIFF ASSOCIATION
had of recent years become conversant with the territory as Special Agent for the Liverpool & London & Globe in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida.
Thus on the first day, at the several sessions, much had been accomplished, in that organization had been perfected; and on the second day the Association began to legislate further under the officers who had been selected, and had duly entered on their duties respectively.
As may be supposed, the Tariff was the central thought and subject, and, while it had been informally discussed between sessions, and had been carefully prepared for submission and approval of the meeting, the second day was entirely consumed in the discussion of this important matter.
On the third day the discussion and work before the meeting were in regard to the best manner of putting the Tariff into operation, and it is recorded that the points of difference on the floor were (1) as to how much of this duty should rightly be assumed by the Asso ciation without trenching on the wishes and rights of companies, and (2) fear was expressed lest, by accident or design, delays might occur in the instructions to agents, contravening that concurrency of action which was so essential; and (3) as to the course to be pur sued in event of failure of local agents or boards to take proper action.
The record shows that President Cowardin of the Virginia Fire and Marine read an interesting paper upon the subject of commissions
Forty-Three
QUARTER-CEltTEiraiAI, HISTORY OF THE
to local agents, setting forth his views as based on the practice in Virginia, but he nevertheless gave accord to the action of the Asso ciation in its limiting to 15 per cent.
And now having the machinery in order, there naturally came a desire to put it into practical operation. A committee, of which Mr. W. F. Pattillo was Chairman, was appointed to visit the near by town of Gainesville, to apply the Tariff as the first work on the line, immediately on the adjournment of the first meeting at New Hol land Springs, and prior to the opening of the Atlanta office.
Demoralization at Rome and Augusta, specifically, was reported for the attention of the Association, and committees were appointed to visit these cities forthwith, to assist in bringing about the desired reformation of practices, and to form local organizations to establish those sound conditions so eminently desired by all.
Similar course was taken for the city of Savannah, where the condition of the cotton business demanded reforms in general and in particular, and the President volunteered to accompany thia com mittee, so that he might share the task and assist in the work about to be undertaken.
It now only remained for this noble band to segregate and go out into the field, to carry the tidings of the great work which had been inaugurated and to render every service and assistance to the correct understanding and appreciation of the results so ardently purposed. The Secretary gathered the voluminous papers, which were the outgrowth of the meeting, and hied him away to his little
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SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
8 x 10 office in Atlanta, to provide a temporary domicile for the infant Association until it could be more suitably housed.
That these plans were well devised, and that they accomplished the desired results, is part of the well known record of the Associa tion, and it is therefore unnecessary to enter further into particulars or detail.
As the printed proceedings contain full report of the Associa tions work, it is not necessary that too much of the detail be inserted here, but, as this volume may become of interest to many to whom those proceedings are not accessible, mention in brief is made that it was decided that the Tariff should be forthwith printed, as amended by the meeting, and should be effective Sept. 10th (less than 30 days), and that, having secured from the several company members lists of their agents in the several States, each agent should be fur nished with a copy of the Tariff from the Association office.
Certain towns were designated as "Excepted," and to these the Tariff was not to be applied. Such designation was made on basis of approved fire department and water supply, and resulted in select ing three in North Carolina, two in South Carolina, ten in Georgia and six in Alabama, only twenty-one for the four States.
Forms of local-board agreements were to be furnished to the agents in towns not designated as " Excepted," and a form of circu lar was prescribed for the companies to send out to their agents urging the formation of local boards and enjoining conformity with
Party-Five
QUARTER-CENTEHWIAL BISTORT OF THE
the Tariff rates and other requirements as might be communicated by the Secretary.
The special order having been taken up being the resolution regarding "Uniform Commissions to Local Agents" the discussion was engaged in by Whitner, Boyd, Brown, Knowles, Churchill, Cowardin, Putnam, Thomas, DeSaussure and others. Mr. Stockdell, speaking of the matter before the Association, introduced the following resolution, and it is worthy of special note that, so well considered was this action, it remains to this day as originally pre sented and adopted:
RESOLVED: That no member of this Association or their representatives shall allow a greater commission than 15 per cent, on any class of business, to any solicitor or local agent, in the States embraced in the jurisdiction of this Association, and that no other compensation shall be allowed to any solicitor or local agent, directly or indirectly.
ATLANTA OFFICE.
With an interim of but one day after adjournment, the Execu tive Committee met, with four of its five members on hand, to inau gurate the "proof of the pudding" and the "chewing of the string."
S. W. Williams, Manager of the Continental, tendered his resig nation as a member of the Executive Committee, and H. C. Stockdell was elected to fill the vacancy thus created. Later Mr. Stockdell was elected Chairman, to act in the absence of the President and Vice President.
forty-Six
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
That was the day of small things, and that it was in no wise appreciated how great and immediate would be the success of the movement, it is worthy of record that, in order to provide a "Treas ury, " each company had been called on to pay but five dollars, on signing the Constitution, and this created a fund of $125.00.
In further illustration of the " day of small things" a view of the Association Office in 1884 is inserted. The work of correspondence is being done without the aid of a stenographer, and the Secretary has at hand the telephone, and by the way, this is the first such instrument ever used in America or elsewhere; (unfortunately the Secretary did not patent it). Special Agent Kreth is in charge of the Map and Rating Department, and Printer Owen, of appreciated memory as the organizer of that Department, is also shown. No more striking commentary as to the growth of the Organization can be presented to the eye.
Immediate directions were given to secure an office, but furni ture was not deemed necessary, as the Secretary had a desk, and a table and chairs, which answered for the present needs.
The Secretarys compensation was placed at fifty dollars per month, with the right to continue his other work of general adjust ing.
A small printing outfit owned by the Secretary was pressed into service for the preparation of the first promulgations of the Associ ation the Secretary "sticking the type," as he happened to have some amateur knowledge on that line. The style of this first work
Forty-Seven
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT
on slips and town ratings and cotton warehouse ratings has not been materially changed to the present day.
But these conditions were short-lived, for so soon as the absentee companies heard of the proceedings, they were unanimous in their assurances of support, necessitating an increase in the detail work, and a large correspondence, to which was added the publishing of the Tariff and its issuance to the companies and agents; and it was therefore not long until the Association office was a very hive.
With all this came a corresponding increase in expenditures, necesitating a call on the companies, which was put at one-twen tieth of one per cent, on the basis of premium receipts of the several States for the year ending June 30th, 1882. The gross sum so placed in the Treasury is not of available record.
The Association Office became the rendezvous for every special on visiting Atlanta, and by these interviews the office was informed of conditions, and was the better enabled to take proper action as business arose for the consideration of the Executive Committee.
It will even now be readily appreciated in how great degree the entire field became at once clamorous for the application of the new rates, inasmuch as the new schedules became BO immediately effect ive. The companies assisted very liberally, by allowing their specials to render this service on occasion, but it was recognized in the outset that the work could best be done by the Associations special representatives, and thus relieve the company special from the friction which inherently pertained to the service.
Forty-Eight
KJHST OFFICE OF THE SUUTH-KASTKBN TARIFF ASSOCIATION, COUNEU BROAD AND MARIETTA STREETS, ATI*\NTA, OA.
SOUTH-EASTERIT TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Pre-eminently among those who showed knowledge and zeal in applying the new order of things, mention is due to W. D. Deane, then Special Agent of the Insurance Company of North America, whose services were most liberally yielded to the work by his com panys Manager. Thomas Egleston, now General Agent of the Hart ford, was also of untiring energy and marked judgment in this early work, and his company had given immediate and active support, although not represented at the first meeting.
There came about an emulation among the specials as to which could make the best record for the application of the rates and the organization of local boards, and thus it appears that so great had been the service of the specials in this particular, that Circular No. 5, issued September 18th, reads:
"One month ago the Association committed its affairs to the management of its Executive Officers and adjourned * * * Over 450 local agents have been supplied with the Tariff which went into effect September 15th, and others will be supplied as we receive from the companies their lists of agents.
"There are forty-nine companies now doing business in the ter ritory covered by the Association, and to-day our membership embraces forty-two of the forty-nine. (Members at first meeting, twenty-five.)"
Apropos to mention of sending out the Tariff is the pleasantry perpetrated by Special Agent Ewens, of the "Northern," who wrote the Association he would like to know the meaning of "S-E-T-A,"
Fifty-One
QUARTER-CEHTE5HIAL HISTORY OF THE
displayed on the Tariff books, but for himself he had decided that it meant "Some Extremely Tough Arithmetic."
Considerable friction was experienced, growing out of the increased premium demands caused by the new rates, and the efforts of the public to secure insurance at points which were not governed by the Tariff. New York brokers, then as now, gave the most trouble on this line, and it was found that risks were placed, at the home office counters, with some of the companies bound to the Association, and that care was not taken to secure the same rate that was being demanded by their local agent. This led to an inter change of ratings with all the centers where risks were likely to be placed, and eventually these bad practices were forestalled by having the proper rate available to all who desired to get it, and most com panies were so inclined and gave their moral and actual support, to the great advantage of the Association work and to the satisfaction of the local agents.
Although it was to be supposed that the Association had its hands full, to perform the work already assigned to it in the original States, the jurisdiction of the Association was by the action of the Executive Committee, October 16th, extended to embrace the State of Florida; not even waiting for a meeting of the Association, nor to extend to the companies an opportunity to express their wishes. Truth is, it was already so patent that great good would result, that the Executive Committee felt fully warranted in doing anything that
Fifty.Two
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
promised improvement in conditions; and the President was directed to take the necessary steps. These were immediately taken to effect supervision of the State, and the companies were asked to send out the circular which the Executive Committee prepared, to preserve uniformity. The excepted cities, Jacksonville and Pensacola, were designated, and the first day of November, only fourteen days off, was named for the good work to begin and it was so accomplished.
At this same meeting of the Executive Committee, it seemed probable that some companies had not adjusted commissions to 15 per cent, with every agent, so it was decided that the companies be asked to declare their action, and to state whether all had been placed on 15 per cent, basis and, if not, to designate those not so arranged and to give reasons for such hesitation. This is noted merely to show that the Association "kept tab" carefully; and it stands to reason that satisfactory replies were received, or that fur ther steps were taken to carry out this important matter in case of delinquency.
As marking an era, so to speak, and also serving to point to the action which was scon to be taken, of having the rates made in the main by the Association special representative, employed specific ally for that purpose, it is almost amusing at this date to note in the October proceedings of the Executive Committee, that " The Secre tary asked to be relieved from making rates on risks under the Tariff." We can well read between the lines, that feeling was engen dered and made personal to him, if he did not please the party apply-
Fifty-Thret
I
QUARTER-CEHTEHBIAL BISTORT OF THE
ing for the rate. We can imagine that he felt that it was so much better to have the rate nmlring done by a committee of special agents, by which means the responsibility was divided and the blame could not be visited on any one personally. The record says: "But contrary action was taken," and those familiar with the experiences of those days can even now recall with what carefulness the Secretary proceeded to hew to the line, and utterly disregarded the falling of the chips.
An entry about this time shows that so steadily had the work of applying the Tariff to the towns of the territory been done by the specials of the companies in their visits, that record appears of fortyseven towns for which the printed rates had been sent out, viz: North Carolina, five, South Carolina, twenty-six, Georgia, twentytwo. January 10th, 1883, appears record as of that date, sixty-eight town tariffs had been sent out, four of them to Florida. At the time of the second annual meeting (Asheville) July, 1883, one hun dred and sixty-two towns had been rated.
More important perhaps than any other feature, introduced into the business, has been the successful inauguration of the matter of "Uniform 15 per cent Commission to Local Agents." It needs no extended argument to show that, without this limitation upon the expense, the advance of rate, or the fact of the rate, was of less value to the company in reckoning the consideration received for its protection by the issuance of policies. It also goes without say ing that, as corrollary to the proposition is the splendid record of
Fifty-Four
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
good faith on the part of the company members, in standing to their 15 per cent, obligation.
It must also be appreciated that the inauguration of such radical changes in the workings of the local boards, and of the individual agents, not to mention the companies themselves, made the work very difficult. Many of the companies were not slow to resent the slightest semblance of dictation beyond that which was clearly writ ten and prescribed, and but for the wonderful harmony and consid eration evinced by most of the members, the labor could not have been successfully performed. The field men rendered their untiring support, regarding the movement as theirs from the outset, and they manfully strove to advance and sustain every expression of the Associations will and decisions.
This prompt response to the expressed will of the companies and the evident determination to undertake whatever was necessary to improve the conditions, secured for the Association the confidence and co-operation of the home offices of the companies, and brought about that mutual concurrency of action, which showed the agents that the movement was in earnest and had the unqualified support of all companies. And yet we find that, when the point was directly presented, the Executive Committee, by formal vote, placed it on record that in no wise did it feel authorized to change, or minimize, any action taken at the meeting of the Association, and consequently many important matters were deferred for specific action at the next annual meeting.
Fifty-Five
PRESIDENT KNOWLES.
SECOND ANNUAL MEETING, ASHEVILLE, N. C., June 18-21, 1883.
THE meeting at New Holland was a memorable one, but now was to occur one scarcely less important, although differing widely in the scope and detail of its work. New Holland was Resolve, and now Asheville was to be Fruition. With what eagerness did all attend. The President went con fidently to report that, by the co-operation of his Executive Com mittee, he had been able to inaugurate the work with eclat and success, and that the prospects were of the brightest. The compa nies were eager to assemble and to give their active endorsem*nt in the movement which had been so successfully launched; the specials gathered for mutual congratulations, that their work was in better shape; locals too sent representative men, or they came of their own accord, to testify to the good which was being accomplished. As a matter of fact, the actual number of companies was not much larger than at New Holland, for there were sixteen foreign, sixteen American (five Southern) companies, thirty-two in all, of which twenty-one had been at New Holland, ten appearing for their first time at this meeting.
It appears that only one representative, Henry W. Brown, of Philadelphia, was in attendance at the New Holland meeting from
Fifty-Seven
QUABTER-CERTEHITIAL HISTORY OF THE
North of the Potomac, where the home offices and chief manage ment of the companies are in the main located; but for the Asheville meeting we had the presence of P. C. Royce, Secretary Hartford Fire Insurance Company, the only representative of the Hartford frater nity; and Mr. Brown again favored the meeting with his presence and valuable counsel.
President Knowles sounded the note of congratulation, and
emphasized the remarkable support rendered by the companies, by using in his address this strong language:
" From this organization much was expected in the advancement of rates and the correction of evil practices, but when I say that it has accomplished results that the most sanguine of those twenty-five representatives, in his most sanguine moment, never anticipated, I state it mildly. To-day the Association numbers among its mem bers, either as active or co-operating, every company transacting business in its jurisdiction, with the exception of three, and is sus tained in its efforts to promote the general good, by a harmonious unanimity unequalled in the history of similar organizations."
The President urged the encouragement of the work among Cotton Warehouse-men for subdividing the properties into compart ments, as it was a matter of special concern that, while cotton storage was general throughout the cotton producing territory, the feature of compartments had not been adopted outside of New Orleans, Mobile or Galveston. President Lyman of the Crescent had dwelt upon this at the Charleston meeting, in very pointed and instructive manner. The President in urging the necessity for this action, cited
Fifty-Eight
SOUTH-EASTER!? TARIFF ASSOCIATION
a case in Charleston, where 20,000 bales were stored in a mass, and the companies by reason of this immense physical hazard were care ful to restrict their lines, whereas by subdividing into compartments the same companies might more safely write $100,000. Of course the general proposition of subdivision of hazards did not need much discussion, but the determination of the details occupied the atten tion of a careful committee, to which had been referred the recom mendation of the Executive Committee, and all this eventuated in those wise results as to legislation and plans which are now so familiar to us, but which were attained only after careful action on the part of the Association.
That the wisdom and far-seeing action of this initial work on Cotton Storage, as promulgated by the Executive Committee, may the more fully appear, a reprint of the circular, which was sent out by the Association at the time this schedule was put into operation, is here given.
By comparison with present schedule on the same class of risks it will be seen that only such changes became necessary as were caused by changes in the methods of business. It is the pioneer of such schedules.
An exceedingly unique feature of this meeting was the black board work, which was performed for the benefit of the members and others interested, by way of demonstrating the new plans set forth for the determination of rates, under the new Tariff of the Associa tion. Manager Gay, of the Insurance Company of North America,
Fifty-Xine
00TT01? WARBHOJJSBS-AND- GOTTON THEREIB.
COTTOI I.MB005E, IITH OKI TABD OB COURT.
CIO6B W4EEHOUSES.
num bkknlhoolkoilluoieiiichnthlct. | B ikon (lull okoipplr udoo.WioiOK>od Uonniut bo
ooo Oorr. wilb Ohio or Mol io<-boildijit eobjirided into I
I I I ote.o.l7oto.ondloHgPlil ob.
I
Ma. IX
throw
W.u-Tr> rl ikon roof ot Wool n* tart, ooj to od, J. o of roof o> loo* Ibno IM. Bck oir>ol
<!>IIM U opoo.
OOTTOM Yuoe. i oo
ROT 8IOEUK memo, t*um
or
i or own Aon, OM OHTO loo* lofty Irot opart.
Add lorpeellecot Uooouliree or BleembMI
FkMM. Of *ertb, eheH, cooMol or other .-Io eddllmo ioHre-pton neMb ol boildiocooot.
teeeletull be totaled ONIAM the emboeeo. erllb. boeo (of ttot leeo Uuo ?| iocneo tliemelorl ottOdeat u> iperh *rery pert of the buildinf. kepi in good order end eonetent reedlneee for Dee.
Sil or more plreoieed ireo bockete, 111*1 rith enter, to bo oaoprnded io boot ot eoeh otuidera comperDBenk mad e proportiooelejy bvajer aafflbor orbiro conpertaioBBi exceed the
lerd. Wilehpeeo,ooeecitlroodot.de7Bdai|Bit. Ho e U be lekooOUo ol eked, or beyopd epnej of roof U
Cpnred orilb, terpeoliee, or loeeoied el Koteerond tth u>peilime .......
. 15 . 1 CO
AVERAGE CLAOSoV
Tt< Ulool| A nap or Goiownoo* Cbao obll bo iMrtod to or IMcbollool otie.oo..OoHoo.tuoplo*> Hub. nan.
bonood Anoonbi iooaiod per boloorogirco:
II i> ooilinlood ud nnod Uul. ia COM of lav ooder tbk policy. tbiooompurihill bo luiblo oolj lor oucb propomo> ot tU bololooioUMftmoantof tbb iiuunuieo bouo to tbo OMD,
voloo of too wbolo property, herobj iutuod. it tfco lino ol
IMfarl
1 Wdkof loatbuUl
(Truonurloroilli.
1 Diriokionlliool hoi tbttt loot Ihmitiraol io4J
botberoodopreoofroiA .......... t -
4 Porbohom*ohorforoochotorjoUMrlboa flnt
&
ft 6bioclo roof . ....:.....%........ ,tt
Ontrlorompooltloiioot ............. ,1V
T Fornnoiiooiwof oompirmeati:
Ovor UOOlMlotood aotioOBdio( 1800tiolo .10
Orortnobiliooilooto>9din(lia>bolM . . .2D
Over tfao telraud not ciaecdiiic 4000 brio* ^ . JO
10 rorooeb lOOOtoloi oddiliooil ......... .
11 ToriotlootfooiiloodudoiloDoon. ...... J0>to 1
........ .10
U No ioeide bo^lxeod boot ................. .U
II BoceMO-None,. . . 10. . . or pertle]eopptr
.
IS Weicbeieo .opt eonetuUr oo doty, de* eod ojfhl .
It Conoo pilrdin coort. or berood eproo ot roof, or left
toopn^vd et oicM ..^.^. ........
IT donee ot lio or*le, or ooo of ey pordoo Iml fcr eletiliei porpoeeo .......
6oileblc cberiee lor Ezpgenree. Add lor Oecepillcr of other etoriee. I
cberpo tor oioiler rieee io Storro end Dw.IUnji.
-Wbere o Coapnee IB canoecMo* -ill fonfolof
den) >enboeor. Boiler end Hecbioery moo! be erpented >>y brery Belb. All openino in eeve oaoet bere firc-doore oo
cub eide. raede ot iroo. or ol *ocd ebathed on beta eidee
ith oirtel. Tliree door, tooet be clpeed et ell Uwo whoo
prne io opt el -ork. Aoplr eopply ot otter to bo prarlded
Ior8*porpoeeeinboilerejdprejroom.
_
Add to beeio nie lor eocb compreee
Aod. il not proprrly cot otT, edj elo>.
jftlanta. July 3til. 1883.
Tintangoing IMS adopted at Ito Annual Muting held atAilitcillt, Jf.C.. July I8-21. to tatecfftct Augiul lit. and it now promulgated that Companies and Agents may ffooern tttemutces accordingly.
ft is contemplated thatttxry Warehouse *n Me Territory mill te specifically rated ty Oa local Agents, or with asiitfanceof sisiting Special. Agent, andon receipt ofutch information, at tnis office, and appncal by guattiet Committee. Hit rate will te promulgated.
ttisobaiouslt/tothe interest ofall. that t!ufaction oe tahn at speedily as possible.
By order of He Etecalta Committee. THUS. PETERS. Secretary.
SOUTH-EASTERH TAMFF ASSOC1ATIOH
and Clarence F. Low, Assistant Secretary of the Liverpool & London & Globe, were the demonstrators of the examples propounded from the class of interested managers and specials there gathered, and clearly demonstrated the excellence of the per-centage charge for exposures from other hazards, in contradistinction to the usual value of a fixed charge regardless of the character of the exposure. This principle was new and original with the Association and has proven entirely practical after these many years invariable use. This first Tariff Book contains lithographed diagrams illustrating from demon strations, and in response to a decided wish on the part of many of this day that these diagrams be republished, they are made a feature of this volume and will be found in the appendix. A careful study of these illustrations will prove interesting and instructive.
The review of the Asheville meeting would be incomplete with out a fitting reference to the part taken by the "Local Board of Ashe ville," consisting of "Judge" E. J. Aston, who was the only agent of the place. By resolution of the Association he was thanked for cour tesies. This venerable and greatly esteemed man has gone to hisreward, but he lives in the pleasant remembrance of all who knew him. He had made a happy hit, in sending to the Association his picture, underneath which he had written "The Local Board of Asheville figuring out an advance in rates." The picture is inserted as unique and interesting to the many who knew the "Judge."
Sixty-One
"Jl"DGE" E. J. -\STOX,
"The Local Board of Asheville."
PRESIDENT KHOWLES.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING,
CHAR1ESTOH, S. O, Feb. 19-21, 1B84.
PRESIDENT KNOWLES in his address set forth the occa sion for the meeting to be the necessity for more definite legislation in regard to the Cotton business, and he sententiously declared that without specific determination " the TnJTnTniiTn rate became a maximum."
Effort had been made to secure the action of the companies in a conference with the Executive Committee, on the 5th of February in Atlanta, but the point was raised at that meeting, that there was no power independently of the assembled Association to make new regulations, nor to annul any existing enactment. Therefore, the call was issued by the Executive Committee for this special meeting, to consider measures proposed by the Executive Com mittee, which were supposed to be well-devised and eminently proper and timely. It was with unconcealed chagrin that the Presi dent recited the failure of the Atlanta conference and submitted the propriety of more fully defining the powers of the Executive Com mittee in the interim of Association meetings.
Mr. S. M. Inman, known to the entire country as a representative citizen and as an extensive dealer in cotton, had by invitation attended the Atlanta meeting, and had expressed the opinion that
Sixty-Five
QUARTER-CEffTEinnAL HISTORY OF THE
the Association plan of bringing about improvements in the physical hazard, for the common good of all concerned, was in the highest degree just and proper, and that he would delight in facilitating such efforts by the Association.
The Presidents address was referred to a special committee, which reported in sections on the several matters, suggested and treated in the admirable paper submitted them. Considerable sen sation was produced by the first item of the report reading as follows:
" Resolved, that while Section III of the By-Laws may be regarded as bestowing wide latitude of authority upon the Executive Committee, it is the sense of this Association that under said By-Lawa their powers were really intended to be purely executive."
The resolution was concurred in. This decision and intimation by the assembled Association came with serious depression on the minds of the officers, who had in good faith supposed that the Association would not attempt to draw the line harshly upon men, who were giving their time and best efforts, without compensation, to advance the best interest of the Associa tion, in the manner in which they viewed the situation from their standpoint of intimate contact.
The resolution may be recognized as the first outcroppings of that feeling against what was termed the "Atlanta Gang," which from time to tune gave more or less concern to those who, by virtue of their Atlanta residence, were called upon to specially devote much time and attention to the affairs of the Association, as members of
Sixty-Six
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
the Executive Committee and otherwise. The untoward effect upon the field at large, and upon the agents in particular, was immediately seen when it became known that the ipse dixit of the Executive Com mittee was to be measured by this yard-stick of "purely executive."
Aa a salve to his expressed chagrin the Committee took occasion to compliment the President in emphatic terms and to advise the adoption of the recommendations he had made for changes in Cotton schedules, and in other matters as from the Executive Committees conclusions in such particulars.
Thereupon the Association took a recess to visit the several Cotton Compresses and Warehouses in Charleston, that the practical effect of the legislation might be observed.
Emphatic prominence must be given to a feature, which was purely original, and promised important results as regards the treat ment of a condition found to exist on the Charleston wharves, for the reason that brick walls could not be built because of insubstantial foundation. To Henry W. Brown of Philadelphia, Manager of the Niagara, must be given the credit of suggesting a wall, which became known as the " Brown Wall," and is thus described in the report of the Committee, as adopted by the Association:
"In the discretion of the Executive Committee in warehouses now in use and where the building of brick walls is impracticable, plank walls of four inches in thickness, made by spiking together timber of four inches in width covered with tin put on with swedged joints on both sides and top and bottom, and painted white, may be substituted for brick walls; and a rebate of 75 per cent, of such
Sixty-Seven
QUAKTER-CEHTEiraiAL HISTORY OF TEE
sum as would have been made for brick walls of like character, may be made from the schedule rate."
Several of these walls were accordingly erected, and are there to this day, monuments to ingenuity and skill in providing means to assist the people to reduce rates by improving the physical hazard.
The Executive Committee had sent out to all agents a circular from the Atlanta office, asking replies to be sent to Charleston, inti mating what improvements were contemplated in cotton ware houses throughout the territory, and many responses had been received on this important line. These were read for the informa tion of the meeting, and verbal reports were then made by commit tees from the Local Boards of Charleston, Savannah and Columbus.
That the final conclusions of the Association were wise and well founded, it is recorded that the improved conditions were largely dependent on the action by this eventful Charleston meeting, which made so decided impress on the subsequent conduct of the Cotton business.
Sixty-Eiy lit
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT ZHOWLES. THIRD ANNUAL MEETING, OLD POIHT COMPORT, VA-, July 1-3,1884.
IT has been found a safe guide to conditions to note the key struck by the Presidents address to the Association, and, in this light, it is especially interesting to quote President Knowles cheery strain, while he now gives a retrospective glance at the excellent record made by the Association in the two short years of its exist ence. He dwells upon the economy and small expense at which these results have been accomplished, and emphasizes that it is due to the splendid support given by the field men to their Association.
Well does he caution the Association, "work still remains to be done in spite of the prevailing opinion that it is finished." Then comes that epigram, which should be engraved on brass for the Asso ciation council halls: "the strength of the South-Eastem Tariff Association is due more to the honesty and impartiality which char acterizes its work than to the wisdom of its purposes."
Thereupon he reads another homily: "Convince a company that a Tariff Association is impartially conducted and honestly supported by its associated members, and you have secured the active co-operation of that company; but destroy that confidence, and its support naturally becomes uncertain and suspicious. The companies and managers that were regarded as most unreliable, when it comes to a question of practice or rate
Sizty-Xinc
QUARTER-CENTEHHIAI HISTORY OF THE
during the era of demoralization that preceded this Association, are to-day the most loyal and staunch supporters it has."
He scarcely felt that his words would be, as now, quoted in after times to show that the one grand sentiment and cohesive power of the Association will ever remain the same as when he spoke those memorable words, to which this special import and enduring tenor are thus given.
The President next pays attention to "the bug-a-boo of the business, the once proud king now dethroned,"and the Cotton bus iness then received a skilful report at his masterly hands, in order that the Association be informed of exact conditions and the better enabled to legislate.
Recalling the chagrin with which he had last year told the Charleston meeting that the officers had been "shorn of their locks in their very sanctum," must be noted the quiet and self-control, without exultation, with which he reports the defiance which had been hurled against the Associations trusted Executive Committee, on the basis of the clipping of their wings, as made at the Charleston meeting, which declared their powers "purely executive." Newberry had revolted and challenged the executive officers to show any right to impose the course that had been ordered. In a dignified and calm statement, the President suggested that the Association recognize the blunder, and consider the propriety of changing the language. And it did.
The more this admirable paper is reviewed, and the more it is
Seventy
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
recalled that Knowlea was always happy in his spoken words and in his written thought, the more will be impressed, that perhaps he never surpassed this address with words of wisdom, and with that heartto-heart assurance that was the charm which held together the incon gruous membership as could have been done by no other individual. Hear hi while he puts forth the declaration that" the South-Eastern Tariff Association has no right to enforce any rule, or rate either, for that matter. Its organization and continuance are only by mutual agreement and by common consent it has no right to demand ful fillment of its members pledges if they choose to violate them, no penalty is incurred for infraction of any of its rules by a member. The foundation of its government is the consent of the governed." When Knowles said this, every man in the sound of his voice, and all to whom those presents might come greeting, knew of a surety that the President of the Association was a man who could be trusted to stand between the contracting parties and "do right though the heavens fall." What an inspiration was thus imparted to the legis lation which he was to present, and therefore this meeting was even more signally conducted with that wisdom, harmony and courtesy which distinguished the meetings of the South-Eastern Tariff Asso ciation.
Immediately after the Presidents address, President Cowardin, of the Virginia Fire & Marine Insurance Company, introduced Pat rick H. Gibson, Secretary of the "Virginia State Board of Underwriters,
Seventy-One
QUARTER-CENTENHIAL mSTORY OF THE
who made an address of welcome to the Association, on its first meet ing on Virginia soil.
The Presidents address was referred to the usual committee, which in due course reported on the several features and topics of the address, and the matters were disposed of after necessary discus sion. There was nothing of very decided importance, unless perhaps the matter of the District Agency System in North Carolina, which had been touched upon by the President. It was shown that but few companies were practicing this arrangement, under which excess commissions were paid on business that was usually considered unde sirable, and the Committee reported that in all probability the prac tice would be discontinued upon request of the Association to the members involved.
The handsome and complete manner in which the Committee treated the matter of the powers of the Executive Committee, is shown by their report, and it was so adopted for incorporation in the By-Laws,* * * " that Section HI of the By-Laws be construed as charging the Executive Committee with the responsibility of doing for the general good whatsoever they may determine, providing their acts shall not be inconsistent with the legislation of the Association. The resolution adopted on this subject by the Charleston meeting is hereby repealed."
A feature of this meeting giving emphasis to the claim that the work of the Association is as truly in the interest of the people as of the^ companies, their interests being inseparably united, is found in
Seventy-Two
SOUTH-EASTER! TARIFF ASSOCIATION
the record that the Association then proceeded to the discussion of the Cotton question, and the courtesies of the floor were extended to several visiting gentlemen, for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to their cotton interests at sundry points in the territory. The published proceedings give, in extenso, the remarks of these gentlemen to the exclusion of the debate or discussion, in general by the members of the Association.
Mr. Wheless, of Augusta, dwelt upon the feature of cotton in court. He seemed to be laboring under a misapprehension, in sup posing that the schedule precluded the " handling" of cotton in court, whereas it simply relates to storage in courts.
He was followed by Mr. Gordon, of Savannah, who seconded Mr. Wheless plea for greater freedom in the use of the courts of cotton warehouses, but his greatest appeal was for the uniform application of the rates to all ports and places, with special reference to Norfolk, which was beyond the jurisdiction of the Association. He spoke of this course as analogous to the treatment of rulers to their subjects, and he quoted the advice given to Cyrus, Bong of Persia, " If you wish to influence or control people with whom you come in contact, you must thoroughly impress them with the fact that you know more about the subject under discussion than they do." Then speaking for his home city of Savannah, he said, " The nearer we have come in contact with the Association the more we have been pleased, and we think it is due to the fact that you gentlemen understand thoroughly
Seventy-Three
QDARTER-CENTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
your own business, and your methods are characterized with intelli gence and the spirit of fairness."
A member then remarked: "I have been very much interested in the remarks of the gentleman. We have for years tried to have people understand that we are interested in commerce and manufac turing interests of every kind and that their interest is our interest. There cannot be anything that is good for them that is not good for us, and this has never been more clearly put before us than by these gentlemen."
Mr. B. F. McCabe, of Charleston, next spoke. He dwelt upon the fact that he had at first looked with suspicion on the movement on which this Association had entered, but that he now took pleasure in stating that, as for the Union Press at Charleston, $25,000 had been spent in complying with the requirements of the Association, because they found that the suggestions were well founded, but he urged that the Association keep close to their requirements, which had been complied with by many. He himself felt the apparent hardship growing out of the restriction in use of the courts for storage, and he had "come here to ask special grant in connection with two certain warehouses, but if it is going to open the door to any change in your standard I waive it."
Mr. Hanckel, of Savannah, one of the visiting cotton men, said: " While at first we were inclined to obstruct, after looking into your requirements, we find them wise."
Mr. McCabe: " I wish to call attention to the fact that the Union
Seventy-Four
SOUTH-EASTER!? TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Press of Charleston, which formerly rated at 6.90, now rates at 1.50. Does this not show that it is possible to comply with your require ments?"
Action was taken on the matter reported by the Executive Com mittee, as it had been presented by the Savannah Local Board, regarding an agent of an Association company which had not united with the Board. The matter was reported to the Association by the Committee on business, and after discussion, the Constitution, Article IV, was amended to cover the point, as follows:
At close of paragraph add, "and every member of this Associa tion shall require Agents to unite with Local Board and to co-operate actively therewith."
While the Association has always been ready and prompt to adopt any improvement in the business, it has itself originated many features, and perhaps none is more important than its rulings as to the storage of fireworks. As far back as 1883 we find the following rule in the Tariff of that date:
"TO APPLT TO ALL PLACES.
FIREWORKS.
That is to say Rockets, Roman Candles, Torpedoes, Fire Crackers (in packages or in boxes), Colored Fires and every description of these explosives.
50 cents per $100.00 for one month or less. This charge to apply to all stocks in the same building, also to the building containing such stock."
Sei-enly-FtKe
QUABTER-CEHTEHH1A1, BISTORT OF THE
This was largely in advance of the National Board rule, which was the only one then in existence, and we were gratified to have the New England Exchange, in its circular 134, issued in 1884, adopt our practice.
j|
Seventy-Six
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
PRESTOEHT SNOWIES. FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING. OLD ponrr COMFORT, VA, jnne at-as, isas.
PRELIMINARY to the regular order of business, immediately after the calling of the roll the President introduced to the meeting a delegation from the Underwriters Association of Baltimore Gen. Jaa. M. Anderson, President "Firemans" of Baltimore; Andrew Reese, President "Howard" of Baltimore; John S. Saunders, Agent "North British & Mercantile."
In speaking of the committee Gen. Anderson said: "We are here simply as lookers on, but we feel a lively interest in everything that affects the insurance work throughout the length and breadth of the land, and we of the Association of Underwriters of the City of Baltimore would state that whatever you do, any rate you may fix or any regulation you may establish will be faithfully observed by the City of Baltimore." As usual the Presidents address presented the condition of affairs as affecting the Association and its members at this time. From his remarks it may easily be gathered that the business had been unprofitable "in the face of 25 per cent, advance of rates," and he pointedly remarked that " the evil is beyond a matter of income from rates, and is rather one of regard to the outgo for expenses." "Rate" says he, "has no terror for the rogue, but it drives away the honest man and his desirable business."
S eventy-Seven
OUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
He recounts the fact of adverse legislation that had sprung up in some of the States, caused, as he declared so aptly, by a failure to appreciate and understand the fact that the Association "rates and restrictive clauses are founded on absolute justice to the insured and the insurer and the best interest of the public policy." His entire language on this point reads like a very prophecy of that which has since been well recognized, and it cannot now be better stated, sub sequent to the experiences, than did President Knowles declare in the admirable paper under our present consideration. He concludes by intimating that should occasion offer, he would invite the Legis lative Committee of any State to inspect the office and to examine into the inside workings of the Association, in full confidence that it would appear to their satisfaction, that the Association was entitled to the support of all intelligent citizens.
The President dwells upon the value of the Map Department, which had been instituted by the Secretary, and its importance was conceded. Under the workings of this department, O. H. King had visited many special hazards and secured photographs that showed, as no kind of survey or drawing could present, the exact conditions as to physical hazard, and with special reference to the condition of chimneys, and accumulation of refuse around the property in fine, it showed things as they actually were. Then too the Association, by its course of mapping the smaller towns, was enabled to secure from Sanborn a full set of maps for the territory, and in turn the Association allowed Sanborn to copy its maps. The entire work was
Seventy-Eight
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
self supporting, in fact turned in a small balance into the Association Treasury. Later, Mr. King was employed by the Barlow Surveys and for them rendered highly acceptable service for years, until called to the work of Special Agent for the Aetna. Again, the Man and the Occasion.
An important action at the opening of this meeting was the amendment of the Constitution to preclude representation of any company member by proxy.
On this line of Constitutional amendments it must be also noted, that the clause in Article III of the Constitution, bearing on the duties of the Secretary, was amended so as to place that officer under the direction and control of the Executive Committee, and removable by that body at its pleasure. This was really unnecessary from one point of view, for the Executive Committee had unquestionably the full charge and direction of affairs of the Association, but it was done to emphasize the situation, for there was no denying the fact that considerable friction had developed in regard to the Secretary, as might well be expected under such circ*mstances as those through which the inauguration of the work had passed not to be more per sonal in this connection.
A bit of humor was projected into the proceedings by the state ment in the Presidents address, that "in the exuberance of our new born confidence and enthusiasm, the Association had at its original meeting looked around for something to tackle, just to try our hand and we found it in Augusta, and it has been with us ever since." Of
Seventy- .Yin*
QUARTER-CEJUEflHlAL HISTORY OF THE
course this was written and stated without the knowledge that the Augusta agents were present with a memorial, based on the action of the Executive Committee, and appealing therefrom, but so it was; and a " sop was thrown to Cerberus," by which a re-rating of the city was ordered but, by the same special report, the action of the Local Board in forcing the resignation of Phinizy & Co. was not approved quite the contrary.
Mr. F. C. Moore, President of the Continental, addressed the Association on contingent commissions, and his address was given respectful attention and ordered printed with the Proceedings. All the same, the Association did not legitimatize the form of compensation as a substitute for the 15 per cent, rule, although it regretted that this prevented the full membership of the Continental.
Mr. Low, of the Liverpool & London & Globe read an interesting paper on the subject of an "Inspection Bureau," and later in the proceedings he read another paper on "Schedule Rating," with spe cial reference to prescribing standards for building. These papers were full of wise recommendations but the Association did not deem the time favorable for the propositions presented and urged by the speaker.
The Committee appointed to consider the recent Insurance Law of North Carolina, made detailed report:
"That inasmuch as the Insurance Law passed by the recent Leg islature of North Carolina,.seems to debar the companies from the rights they formerly possessed in the use of the co-insurance, the
Eighty
SOTJTH-EASTEWI TARIFF ASSOCIATI05
average and the loss clauses, while the same law recognizes and approves the right to use and enforce the % value clause, your Com mittee recommends:"
Then follows the detailed recommendations as to disuse of co-insurance clause on Cotton, Naval Stores and Tobacco; (2) the discontinuance of the loss clause; (3) no prohibition of Floaters, provided the companies are willing to trust to favorable construction of the law in such cases, or else to write only specific insurance on Cotton, which seems the only absolutely safe course: (4) the use of the J^ value clause in the general business, save in certain excep tional cases named.
The companies generally adopted the safe course advised and restricted their writing on Cotton to "marks and numbers."
Eighty-Ont
PRESIDENT KNOWLES. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING.
HEW YORK CITY, ICov. 34-38,1886.
^T^HAT there was a necessity for this meeting goes without sayI ing, and as the President did not record the object of the J[ conference in express terms, it is sufficient for present pur poses to state that it was called to settle differences that
had arisen with certain companies, about a certain prominent University risk in North Carolina.
That President Knowles deemed the situation critical is easily seen from expressions in his address, for he says: "It was only with painful reluctance, and only after every effort had been exhausted that the Executive Committee decided to call this meeting, for the purpose indicated in the call; * * * and the Executive Committee, while it claims none of the attributes of infallibility, respectfully maintains, without sentiment or passion but as a mere business proposition, that as the constituted authority of this Association its rulings must be sustained, else a fatal blow is given to its useful ness."
In order to bring about an amicable adjustment, a committee was appointed to confer with the companies named in the call.
Major Mims in the Chair, appointed the following named: H. H. Hall, of the Northern.
Eighty-Three
QUARTER-CEHTEHTflAL HISTORY OF THE
Thos. F. Goodrich, of the Niagara. Saml. P. Blagden, of the North British & Mercantile. E. A. Walton, of the Citizens. Henry W. Eaton, of the Liverpool & London & Globe. On the 25th, the committee made its report, and it was learned that only three, of the five appointed, had acted, and their conclu sions, while apparently inconclusive, were inferentially definite, for their language is as follows: " In our judgment the question of violation of the Tariff by the writing of such policies, should be taken up as a new question, without regard to the correspondence already had upon the subject." This pointedly side-tracked the main issue as to compliance with the duly promulgated rate of the Association, and with the urgent requirement of the President and Executive Committee for conformity with such rate. The report then provided for the whole matter to be taken up by an Arbitration Committee, which they named: H. E. Bowers, of the Guardian, F. C. Moore, of the Continental, E. F. Beddall, of the Royal; and that the basis for their action should be as follows: 1. That the properly authorized promulgation of rates by the Executive Committee must be respected. 2. That the Executive Committee have no right to make rates retroactive, otherwise than to confirm a previous rating. And thus the main issue and object of the meeting were disposed of and the President resumed the Chair.
Eighty-Four
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
A committee was appointed to report to the next annual meet ing as to the desirability of extending the Compact System:
Messrs. Low, Gay and Rees. Committee was appointed to consider the advisability of per manently establishing a Map and Special Hazard Survey Bureau, as an amplification of the Secretarys voluntary work in this direction: Messrs. Gay, Egleston and Thomas. Executive Committee was requested to compile the State, County and Municipal taxes for the Southeastern Tariff Association territory and to issue the same for the information of members.. Committee was appointed to revise Constitution and By-Laws, and to report to next annual meeting: Messrs. Cunninghame, Low and Royce. Committee was appointed to consider and report what change, if any, is necessary in the forms for cotton policies as now prescribed by the Association: Messrs. Daniel, Gay and Frioleau. Furthermore was appointed, to consider the Compact now in force as to Cotton Insurance and Floaters in North Carolina, the following committee: Chairman, W. S. Primrose, of the North Carolina Home. W. H. Daniel, of the Commercial Union. J. S. Middleton, of the Norwich Union. E. A. Swain, of the N. Y. Underwriters Agency. W. F. Prioleau, of the Queen.
Eighty-five
QUARTER-CEHTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
This Committee subsequently made its report, and in the light of experiences inhibiting the co-insurance clause in North Carolina since the meeting in June, reported a form of policy for Cotton by marks and numbers, as all other plans had proven entirely unsatis factory and liable to produce conflict with the law. This entailed great trouble and labor for the cotton men of North Carolina, but the companies were powerless to act differently until the law should be repealed. (This transpired in 1887.)
The conclusion of the matter which occasioned the Special Meet ing appears from the report of the Arbitration Committee as made under date Jan. 1st, 1885, three members acting. The report is in sections, and to avoid specific references we simply quote:
Section I and II approved by Members Bowers and Beddall. Member Moore non-concurring.
Section IV approved by all three. Section V approved by Members Moore and Beddall.
Member Bowers non-concurring. Section VI is as follows: "That as the rates on all but two of the items were advisory and could have been written by the companies involved at any rate satis factory to them, the securing of a premium on all the property more than sufficient to cover the risks to which the Tariff applied could not be held to be a violation of the letter of the Tariff." Signed by Members Moore and Beddall, Member Bowers nonconcurring. Section VII is as follows:
Eighty-Six
SODTH-EASTEKH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
"From all the evidence before us, we find that the action of the Executive Committee relative to the construction of the Tariff was irregular, especially as to the reduction of rate, and that therefore the whole question involved rests upon the construction of the printed Tariff of the S. E. T. A.
H. E. BOWERS, F. C. MOORE, E. F. BEDDALL. Respectfully submitted, New York, December 23rd, 1885."
Eighty-Seven
PRESIDENT KNOWLES.
FIFTH AH5DAL MEETIHG.
ATLAHTA, GA, Ibj 18-31, IBS*.
DURING the roll-call Special Agent Henry Home in answer ing, said: " For the Westchester, which has never entirely affiliated with this Association, we come here to promise you our hearty co-operation in all you may do, and we pledge you furthermore, we are no longer twenty or twenty-five, but straight full fledged fifteen per-centers."
In his address, President Knowles made very interesting com ment on what some are pleased to call the profession or science of
underwriting. He said:
" Insurance is neither a science nor a profession it is simply a very respectable business, in which we are engaged, not for the pur pose of solving any scientific problem of average, or the philanthropic alleviation of the wants of mankind, but for the purpose of making a living for ourselves, and a dividend for our stock-holders. It is a business which demands of those who bear its diplomas of success,. an unusual degree of common sense, sound judgment and unwearied devotion. It has called to its ranks the best talent in the land, and substantially rewards its successful followers, but as inevitably exposes the failures. The refuge of professions gravity and silence will not suffice to establish or maintain insurance reputation."
Further than to call for the reports of the several committees that had been appointed at the New York Special Meeting, the Pres-
QUARTER-CEKTERHUL HISTORY OF TEDS
ident did not suggest any special legislation, evidencing apparently a satisfactory condition of the general affairs of the Association.
The Secretary reported the publication of "Is it Rated?", a monthly enumeration of the various ratings and other issues, sent out in order that company files might be kept in complete shape. The President referred to this as " the Secretarys Conundrum Book." This publication was continued for several years, but finally the work became so voluminous that it was discontinued.
An important matter was disposed of at this meeting in the change made in the Secretaryship of the Association.
President Knowles in his address to the New York Meeting, had referred to the Secretary as a "friction-point" in the Association work, but declared that "his integrity and impartiality had yet to be impugned." He furthermore declared that "his duty is accom plished at the expense of his popularity," and that "few appreciate the duties and trials of the office." Proceeding to an election, Mr. Chas. C. Fleming received the highest vote in the balloting and, by the motion of Secretary Peters, the vote was made unanimous.
The Association placed on record a testimonial to the efficiency of the retiring Secretary, and the fact that he had matured a system as thoroughly and perfectly organized as could be. Accompanying these resolutions was an honorarium of one thousand dollars. The retiring Secretary consented to discharge the duties pending the arrival of his successor.
It is a significant fact that although thirty-eight companies were
Ninety
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
represented for the election, only eighteen responded at the meeting held after the election, at which time discussion took place as to the violations of the North Carolina Compact, and a circular to the com panies was ordered.
Hinety-One
ACCORD AND
SATISFACTION
PRESIDENT ZNOWLES. SIXTH ABUTTAL MEETING.
OLD POINT COMFORT, VA, June 8-10, 1887.
^T^HE Presidents address sounds the note of the experiences of I the past year, and he dwells on the necessity for the continJJ uance of the Association " in its present degree of efficiency," insisting, in the light of the failure of similar organizations
in other parts of the country, " that District Organizations, managed by field men, are better qualified for efficient work than a central organization directed by the companies officers, who usually meas ure the value of an Association by the immediate effect on their own business."
He congratulates the Association upon the success of the plan of having five resident Atlanta members of the Executive Committee, as conducing to the more prompt attendance of the Committee.
One very important recommendation made by the President, was for a clause to be introduced in the policies, which were issued to the Cotton Mills by companies which had complied with the State laws. Under this clause it was proposed to force the placing of the insurance with companies that had so complied, and were having the burdens of taxation and other requirements to bear. These companies were obviously entitled to the business; especially so, since it was the work of the Association, which had made these
Xinely-Five
QUARTER-CEHTKflfllAL HISTORY OF THE
mills ready for lower rates, by educating the mill owners as to the elimination of the physical hazard and the introduction of fire pro tection. The recommendation was approved and enacted by the Association.
Commenting upon the earthquake disaster at Charleston, the President reports that, while the work of general inspection of all buildings was advisable, it had been considered beyond the ordinary province of the Association work, and therefore an independent committee had been appointed to confer with companies and to conduct the work accordingly. He adds that the completed abstract, in the hands of subscribing companies, attests the thoroughness with which the committee discharged its duty.
The following extract from the Presidents address is inserted as showing the trouble which was caused to the citizens of North Carolina under the law enacted by their Legislature abrogating the use of the average clause, and thereby forcing the insurance of cotton by marks and numbers only:
"The North Carolina Cotton Compact was entered into by the companies, through the medium of the Association, but it embraced among its signers many companies not members of this body, and it was not directly a part of this work. When the North Carolina Legislature, more than two years ago, undertook to say that the companies should not use the average clause, the companies very properly said through this Compact: We will confine our policies to specific amounts, places and items until you restore to us the priv-
Ninety-8ix
SOOTH-EASTEM TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
ilege, which we enjoy in other States, of making a safe and equitable contract with our patrons. The result was the temporary loss of the cotton business to the signers, but it prevented the adoption of similar laws in other States, and finally, with the earnest efforts of President Primrose of the North Carolina Home Insurance Company, secured its repeal and the substitution of a just and satisfactory law."
The President records the effort that had been made to conciliate the local agents, and to gain their hearty support and allegiance, without which success could not be attained.
He compliments Secretary Fleming upon having conducted the affairs of the Association with a minimum of friction and dis satisfaction on the part of members and agents, which happy result he attributes to the zealous and courteous discharge of duties.
Ninety-Seven
PRESIDENT K5OWLES. SEVENTH AlUfUAL MEETING. OLD ponrr COMFORT, VA, jm 27-39, USB.
I F by the reader at this day it is supposed that present conditions have been secured without passing through times that tried mens souls, listen to the President as he, in his usually terse and forceful language, declares: "The twelve months which have elapsed since we last assembled have been fraught with peril to the Association, which has again been subjected to the strain of internal dissension, and the menace of hostile legislation." His ref erence is primarily to the circ*mstances attending the action of the Executive Committee in enforcing, or endeavoring to enforce, the application of the "Additional Insurance Clause" prescribed for Cotton Mill policies on his recommendation to the Association at its last meeting. With the perspicacity, diplomacy and tact for which he was so highly held in honor, he recounts the points and emphasizes the conclusion, when he says: "The clause in question was designed to meet the competition of the mutuals and companies not author ized to transact business in this field, and it had the endorsem*nt and approval of the insurance departments, the public press and the best legal minds, but as it was discovered that it could not be enforced without serious friction with our own members, the Execu tive Committee, after consultation with the companies, repealed it."
QUARTER-CEirTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
In this address occurs a personal tribute that is worthy of place in the history of this Association, in that it gives commendation to a State officer, who, as President Knowlea puts it, "as the head of the Georgia Department of Insurance, has conducted its affairs with courteous and intelligent regard for the interests of the companies, while firmly insisting on rigid compliance with existing laws." The reference is to Col. W. A. Wright, in whom the Association has always found one to give intelligent heed to the opinion of the committees from the Association, who had counter views to express in regard to proposed laws. Not always did he agree with their view of the case, but he gave considerate attention to whatever the Association had to say in regard to proposed measures in Georgia, and by reason of his high standing with the Legislatures, which are so assured of his integrity and skill, he has done much to bring about a more correct judgment as to the Association work before the people.
It was at this meeting that the Compact work in Georgia received a very careful consideration, and a change was reported as having been made in the workings, by which the Commission was retired of its own volition, and the work undertaken by the Executive Com mittee direct. Macon and Columbus were dropped as Compact points, and Birmingham, Ala., was substituted.
The "Shore risk on Cotton, under the policies of Marine Com panies" was discussed in extenso by the President in his address, and special attention was given the matter in the discussion which resulted during the regular proceedings, but as usual there was no distinct progress made in checking the evil.
One Hundred
SOCTH-EASTEftH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Thus early in the work it was clearly seen that at least one of the members, Clarence F. Low, of the Liverpool & London & Globe, foresaw that sooner or later the Association must undertake the work of systematic inspection, and an admirable paper on this sub ject was presented. But after considerable discussion it was deter mined that the fullness of time had not arrived for the movement, and it was indefinitely postponed.
Mr. Dudley, of the Aetna, as Chairman, of the Committee on the " Fifteen Per Cent Rule," made interesting report. Thereupon, an "experience meeting" was held to develop the status of each company present. The results were satisfactory, while showing nevertheless that perfect compliance had not been secured.
Significant of the readiness always shown by the Association to co-operate with the business interests of the South, the following let ter is introduced and will be of interest to Underwriters of to-day as it was to those joined in the early history of the Organization in bringing about a more perfect understanding between the insured and his insurers:
"Office of Savannah Cotton Press Association.
Savannah, Ga., Feb. 9th, 1888. Clarence Enowles, President,
South-Eastern Tariff Association, Atlanta.
Dear Sir: At a hearing of the Board of Directors of the Savannah Cotton
Press Association the following was adopted:
One Hundred, One
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Board in its name address a communication to the President of the South-Eastern Tariff Associ ation, expressive of this Boards appreciation of the merit of equity animating the South-Eastern Tariff Association in its consideration of and action upon the just business representations of the Savannah Cotton Association; also for the courteous attention of the SouthEastern Tariff Association in its reception of the General Superintend ent of the Savannah Cotton Press Association, Mr. Win. Wade, and for the practical weight given the statements of that officer by the South-Eastern Tariff Association.
In complying with the instructions of the Board I feel that I
had best conform to their wishes by the foregoing transcript of its
resolution.
Very respectfully, Jno. F. Tatnall, Sect. & Treas.
Savannah Cotton Press Assn."
Mr. Low moved the appointment of a committee, to be com
posed of Messrs. Gay, Mims and Whitner, to place on record and to convey the high appreciation, gratitude and thanks of this Associa tion, upon the retirement of the President from his further incum
bency. The Committee subsequently reported as follows: "Resolved, That with unfeigned pleasure we bear testimony to
that zeal, energy and mastery of details of our complicated business, which have characterized the administration of President Knowles, and through his always timely suggestions and advice, so eloquently and gracefully conveyed in his annual addresses, has rescued our business from the evils of unrestrained competition, and placed it
One Hundred, Two
SOUTH-EASTEWl TARIFF ASSOCIATION
on the basis of experience, and fair and uniform rates, intelligently applied;
Resolved, That we as a body, and individually, desire to record our thanks for the fidelity with which the delicate duties of his office have been discharged, and our admiration for his high character, perspicacity, and those genial qualities of heart, which have contrib uted so greatly to secure that harmony, good will and faith, which have characterized the South-Eastem Tariff Association, and rendered effective its legislation, during the six successive terms he has served it as President."
One Hundred, Tkrte
PLACE AND
SERENITY
.M.u. UVIXCSTO.V MJMS, Second President of the Sonth-Eastern Tariff Association.
Died March 5. 1906.
PRESIDES! MIMS.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETIHG.
BALTIMORE, KD, Oct. 84-28, 1888.
MAJOR Livingston Mims had been elected President at the meeting held at the close of June, and, although every thing at that time was reported in good shape on the 15 per cent, commission question, the new management was compelled to assemble the Association on account of failures, in this essential particular, on part of certain companies, as for the State of North Carolina. Strangely enough, as the President spicily put it, "Those very companies that are so very wild and sinful in North Carolina, are virtuous and law-abiding in other States." The con tingent commission rule was also involved in the disturbances which occasioned this meeting.
The entire matter was placed in the hands of a committee on the Presidents address, of which committee Mr. Swain of the New York Underwriters Agency was Chairman. This committee reported, advising consideration in committee of the whole, and this was done, with Ex-President Knowles in the chair.
The Committee of the Whole reported practical settlement of the 15 per cent, matter in North Carolina, although the companies did not give immediate pledge, but indicated they would take proper action. As a matter of fact, it later became necessary to drop these
One Hundred, Seven
QUARTER-CENTEinnAL HISTORY OF THE
companies from the roll for non-compliance. Incidentally, this and other similar experiences in the history of the Association are valuable commentaries for the attention of outside critics, as going to prove that the Association had the "same dagger for itself" when it should please the members to demand its use. In other words, the Association has been as insistent for internal discipline on car dinal and underlying principles, as it has been for matter of rates in its dealings with the people in fine, it is nothing if not consistent. This principle is very sentimentally expressed by the President, who quoted Tennysons lines:
"Itis the little rift within the lute That by and by will make the music mute, And ever widening slowly silence all."
It is thus made apparent that these shaking-ups were productive of eventful good and served to emphasize and weld the bond of per fect union.
Repeatedly had the importance of having the Executive Com-* mittee clothed with power to meet emergencies been before the Association, and an unfortunate resolution declaring the Executive Committee "purely executive", adopted at the Charleston meeting, had involved the Association in troubles. Now it was shown that the present case required legislation on this line, and two very impor tant resolutions were passed; one giving power to protect the business of members in emergency, and the other giving power to cancel memberships upon flagrant occasions of violation of obligations, should such conditions ever transpire.
One Hundred, Eight
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATIOR
The contingent commission matter was settled by a vote on a resolution submitted by F. C. Moore, President of the Continental, which, failing of passage, left the situation as recited in previous action of the Association, refusing to permit it.
J. M. DeCamp, General Agent of the Liverpool & London & Globe, at Cincinnati, appeared before the Association in behalf of the Western Union of Fire Underwriters, to confer as to the forms for cotton policies with special reference to conditions and practices at Memphis, in which the Association was incidentally interested. After stating very clearly the business proposition, making the inser tion of the marine clause optional in covering the legal liability of raikoads as common carriers of cotton or merchandise, he thus made complimentary allusions to the success of the Association:
" Not more firmly do the cotton ties bind the bale in their iron grasp than do the mutual interests, the fraternal regard and the common love for our own profession unite us in the North to you in the South with the iron band of friendship and the steel cord of love which can never be broken."
After Mr. DeCamps address, there was a discussion of the matter he had presented to the Association and, while declining immediate action, the subject was referred to the Executive Committee to confer further with the Western Union, and to act according to the con clusions attained.
One Hundred, Hinc
PRESIDENT MMS.
EIGHTH AKNTJAL MEETING.
KICHKOirp, VA, April M-M, 1880.
^" "^HE President in a very interesting disquisition upon the AssoI ciation in general, cites the analogy as between it and the ^ formation of the Federal Union, in which the several States were to be unqualifiedly equal before the law and alike
entitled to the protection of the organization, so that no one member should enjoy privileges to which others were not equally entitled, and in those particulars, protected by the officers of the Association. This was suggested by the inflexible enforcement of the 15 per cent, rule, even though it resulted, as had recently taken place, in the can cellation of membership of certain companies under the alternative conferred on the Executive Committee. The inestimable value of the Association to its members leads him to quote from "Old Hickory, that the "Union must and shall be preserved," and prompts him to remark further, "Let me adjure you now to maintain your organiza tion against the fallacious suggestion that it is your too-faithful co-operation, and your fidelity to each other, and your pledges, that portends your dissolution."
A troublesome matter was the case of the Mutual Fire of New York, championed as it was by the ever loyal Ex-President Knowles, recently appointed its Southern Manager, and yet under the ban of
One Hundred, Eleven
QDARTER-CEHTEiraiAL BISTORT OF THE
the dividend-paying feature. During the discussion, Mr. Knowles arose to a question of privilege, and expressed surprise that the sub ject had been presented, as it had been withdrawn when objection was urged by the Executive Committee, but since the matter was before the Association, he recited in detail his contention that the company was entitled to membership, and that he appealed to the Association to so decide.
This discussion led to the introduction of a resolution by Mr. Stockdell, amending the Constitution to deny membership to com panies issuing participating policies or in any other manner making or promising to make dividends. The effect of this proposed resolu tion was to intensify discussion, and eventually a substitute was offered by Mr. Warren as a declaration of principles rather than an amendment or organic law. His resolution was as follows:
" That this is a violation of the fundamental idea of this Associ ation to-wit, the perfect equality of its members for any member to pay back to the assured, by either scrip, cash or otherwise, by whatever name it be called, any part of the premiums."
As germane to this action was a resolution offered by Mr. Affeld, Resident Manager of the Hamburg-Bremen Insurance Company, that "The Executive Committee be authorized to devise means by which the Association may act in harmony with any companies not members of this Association, if practicable." Under the impression that this was inconsistent with the Warren resolution there was at first opposition, but upon a better understanding of the intent and purpose, the resolution was adopted viva voce. The President had
One Hundred, Twelvt
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
raised the question as to furnishing the Association rates and other publications to companies not members. The result of the discus sion was the adoption of the following resolution offered by Special Agent Spencer, of the Georgia Home:
"That the Executive Committee be instructed to construe as co-operating companies only those which observe the Tariff, requir ing the prescribed forms for policies, and paying not exceeding the mjMrimiim rate of commission as fixed by this Association expense within the discretion of the Executive Committee."
Mr. William Wade, Supt. of the Savannah Cotton Association, made a statement as to the handling of cotton, and gave other infor mation of interest in connection with the necessity for the Association to conform to changes in business usage, as these changes occur. As suggested by Mr. Wades remarks, it was resolved that our methods must be progressive as those of the interests we protect * * * there fore, that the Executive Committee be accordingly empowered to amend cotton policy wordings as may be found necessary to meet such cases. This is another of the frequently recurring instances going to show that the Association was recognized by the people, and that it was always prompt to meet any situation presented.
One Hundred, Thirteen
PRESIDENT MIMS.
HIHTH AHITUAL MEETIHG. WASHCTGTOH, IX C, April 9-10, 1890.
SEATTLE and Spokane Lynn and Boston and our own beautiful Savannah by the aea prompted President Muns to wax eloquent on the fire waste in general, and then he weaves his way into recounting the incep tion of the Association, and places on record that the original idea is due to a suggestion from L. R. Warren. He says: "The able and accomplished General Agent of the Phoenix of London called on me, and expressed his disgust at the general demoralization of rates, as well as commissions, and urged as a remedy the formation of this very Association, and being heartily seconded by all the leading companies, the result was the formation of the South-Eastern Tariff Association at New Holland Springs.
The President deplores the continued absence of the companies which had eliminated themselves from membership after the Balti more meeting, and then takes occasion to compliment Manager Knowles, of the Mutual Fire of New York, for faithful adherence to the rules and rates and practices of the Association, as may so well have been expected of him. This matter had been pointedly under discussion at the last meeting.
This year seems to have inaugurated the first new work which
On Hundred, Fifteen
QDARTER-CEHTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
had been engrafted since the State of Florida was admitted in the second year of the Association, for Mississippi had been received in July, 1890. In addition to this the President reports that, by way of meeting urgent conditions, the Executive Committee had of its own motion undertaken the employment of an electrician to give special attention to the introduction of electric power, or lighting, into the premises covered by policies of Association companies. This action of the Executive Committee was ratified and made permanent.
The first action looking to the admission of the State of Vir ginia now appears in a motion by Special Agent Ewens of the Northern, which was amended by Special Agent Peyton of the Scottish Union & National: "That Virginia be received into the Association when all the companies doing business in that State unanimously request its admission." This resolution was practi cally a dead letter from its very passage, for it was clearly to be understood that it was impracticable to secure "all companies" and the "unanimous" request contemplated by the resolution, but it served its purpose in preparing the way for subsequent action, which will be found in its place (Royce resolution llth Annual Meeting 1892).
Significantly too, the war measures, that had been conferred on the Executive Committee at the Baltimore meeting for special reasons, were rescinded and the "lex scripta" recurred to the
One Hundred, Sixteen
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
original provisions of the Constitution, and there was no further need of extraordinary powers for the Executive Committee.
The Compact System was continued as for Georgia and Alabama, with the sole proviso that the local managers be fully competent for rating and inspecting their towns.
Important historical interest attaches to the fact that the President at considerable length reports the efforts of the Execu tive Committee to provide means, within their scope of authority, to rate the Sprinklered Cotton Mills in such manner as to enable members to secure the lines. This foreshadows the more definite action eventually taken (See 25th Annual Meeting). To pro vide such ways and means, the Association adopted the recom mendation of the Committee on the Address, by a resolution empowering the Executive Committee to authorize on a mill with approved sprinkler system and under mutual insurance any rate that may be acceptable to company members, which can secure the line. While the records do not show that this liberal provision enabled the companies to secure such lines, it shows that the Association has not been unmindful of the situa tion, and from time to time has legislated to meet the circum stances presented on this line, and eventually the plans have been perfected, by which the Association authorizes, in certain approved cases, a lower rate than for any other class of property, dwellings not excepted.
One Hundred, Seventeen
PRESIDENT MIMS.
TEHTH ANNUAL MEETING. WASHDIGTOH, IX O, 28-37,1*91.
DWELLING on the lapse of time and what had transpired, President Mima recounts the many who had passed away from the councils of the Association; the Pres idents of the Home and Continental, and of the Aetna,
together with J. B. Bennett, "the renowned;" and Walcott of
the Hanover; and Kellogg of the Phoenix of Hartford. He then dwells feelingly on the death of General Joseph E. John-
ston, C. S. A., with whom he had been for many years associated as Managers of the Southern Department of the Home of New
York. It is due to the speaker, himself now among our immortal dead, and to the subject of his tribute, that we quote his language:
"But yesterday I stood by the bier of one dear to me in life as my commander and my chief in war, and none the less dear to me as my partner in close business relations in many of the suc ceeding years of peace. He bore a conspicuous part in the busi ness in which he was engaged, and in association with yourselves, acting well his part, and ably performing his duty and always maintaining your reverence and respect.
"I need not recall to you, gentlemen, when at your kind invita tion he was here in his distinguished presence, and in that choice English so characteristically his own, scarce a twelve months since, to express to you the high appreciation of your compliment.
One Hundred, Nineteen
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL BISTORT OF THE
How changed the scene as I stood beside his bier! Mute the lips that spoke to you then! Forever hushed the voice that had thrilled great armies and incited to heroic deeds. Lusterless the eye that beamed kindness to his friends and flashed defiance to his foes. Forever stilled the hand that gave a kindly grasp of welcome. From every quarter of this great and mighty nation, where good men, and patriotic and brave men prevail, come forth expressions of the sorrow they feel that a great man has fallen! While oer all his loved and loving Southland are seen the habiliments of sorrow and of mourning. Her strong men, her old men, and her young men bow their heads, and her matrons and her maidens mourn for their dead chieftain. Adown the corridors of Time the painter, on glowing canvas, shall forever perpetuate the mighty deeds of that great and distinguished man, while the deft hand of the sculptor shall chisel in imperishable marble the form and the features of the battle-scarred soldier. The poet in loftiest numbers, shall sing of his valor, and history on her brightest pages tell to generations yet unborn the fame and the name of Joseph E. Johnston. One of the few the immortal names that were not born to die."
The President then makes a very clear presentation of the
plans of the Association, with special reference to extending infor
mation to the people and to the members of the Legislatures,
that better understanding may be had as to the purposes of the
Association.
-i The adoption of the requirement that no member shall remain
in an agency, where the agent refuses to sign an obligation not
to represent a company that pays him exceeding 15 per cent,
commission or 10 per cent, and 15 per cent, contingent on profits,
One Hundred, Twenty
SOBTH-EASTEWI TARIFF ASSOCIAT10M
was a very important action of this meeting. Effort was made to strike out the contingent feature, but it was adopted as it came from the special committee, authorized to devise means to act in harmony with companies that are not members of the Associa tion, if practicable.
The invariable rule of the Association has been that as an organization it had nothing to do with state legislation, but in event that bills were introduced which seemed prejudicial to the interests of the individual companies, they were free to take such steps as their interests appeared to demand, and to inform the Leg islative committees as to the bearing of the proposed measure. Not until this meeting, however, was the formal declaration of this principle placed on the records, and thus:
"Resolved, That matters of state legislation are not within the province of this Association."
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Presidents Address, the Constitution was amended thus:
"Article VIII, That it shall not be allowable to accept any note in payment of any premium; nor shall any agreement be made for extension by deferred payment. This resolution to take effect on 10th April, 1891."
Concurrently, the Executive Committee was empowered to take proper action in case any non-association company should violate this principle in practice.
On motion of Mr. Clark, of the Phoenix of London, a com-
One Hundred, Twenty-One
QUARTER-CEHTBHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
mittee was appointed, Fleming, Whitner and Tucker, to codify the "Mandatory Rules" of the Association.
Then too, there was another important action, in that Sec retary Fleming declined re-election, that he might enter the field in the service of the German-American; thereupon, S. Y. Tupper was unanimously elected Secretary, and he accordingly terminated his engagement with the Phenix of Brooklyn, which he had so conspicuously and acceptably served for several years.
One Hundred, Twenty-Two
SODTH-EASTERir TARIFF ASSOCUTI01T
PRESIDENT HIHS.
ELEVENTH AHHUAI. MEETIHG.
WASBTHGTOH, D. CL, Kvcb 1S-1S,1892.
IT is absolutely refreshing to note that the President has no real troubles to present, nor special legislation to suggest, so he gives one of his interesting dissertations on the features of the business in general, as suggested by the work of the Asso ciation, touching the relation of the rate of commission to the premium income; the necessity for inspection and classifications; and makes other valuable contributions to the literature of the business. But as we now view it, the address is valuable as showing the absence of friction and trouble, which are naturally the lot of such an organization, and upon review it is found endors ing our classification of this present year of the Associations his tory as peaceful and serene.
On motion of Secretary Royce, of the Hartford Fire, the fol lowing resolution was adopted:
"That whenever 90% of the companies lawfully doing bus iness in the State of Virginia shall ask this Association to include that State hi the territory controlled by it, the Executive Committee shall be authorized to grant such request, and shall at once proceed to put in force in that State the rates and rules of this Association."
Although action on this resolution by the Executive Com-
One Hundred, Twenty-Three
QUARTER-CENTERHIAL HISTORY OF THE
mittee was immediate and conclusive, the recital pertains to the
proceedings of the next annual meeting.
At this meeting the petition of the New Orleans Underwriters
was presented, asking that the State of Louisiana be taken under
the work of the Association. The application was granted and
the admission of the State declared to be "in accordance with the
present rules of the Association." A misapprehension appears to
exist in regard to the inception of this step, and some seem to
think that the Association laid violent hands on this important
field. The contrary is weU settled by the following copy of the peti
tion and of the signatures thereto:
-;
" New Orleans, March, 1892.
To the President and Members of the
Southeastern Tariff Association.
Gentlemen The undersigned companies doing business in
the State of Louisiana respectfully beg to submit herewith their
petition to your honorable body to become members of your Asso
ciation.
At the recent convention of Underwriters doing business in
the State of Louisiana, held in New Orleans on the 25th, 26th,
27th days of February, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the Constitution and By-Laws submitted
be adopted as the basis of an organization for the State of Louisiana,
and it is strongly recommended that this organization apply to
the South-Eastern Tariff Association to be made a part of that
institution; and further, that a committee be appointed to be
present at the Annual Meeting of the South-Eastern Tariff Associ
ation which convenes in Washington, D. C., on the 16th of March
proximo.
One Hundred, Twenty-Four
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
In order to put ourselves in line with the action of the Con vention we submit the foregoing petition, and we trust that it will receive the favorable consideration of your honorable Association.
Very Respectfully, W. H. BYRXES, Prest. Hibemia Ins. Co.
Teutonia Ins. Co., Albert P. Noll, Secty. Germania Ins. Co., Emil Weber, Secty. Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. of N. 0., Paul Capdevielle, Prest. Farragut Fire Ins. Co. of N. Y., Ferd Marks, Genl. Agt. Interstate Fire Association, Breedlove Smith, Prest. State Investment & Ins. Co., Syndicate Insurance Co., Wm. M. Railey, G. A. Manufacturers & Builders Fire Ins. Co. of N. Y.,
Ed. A. Palfrey, Genl. Agt. Commercial Union Assurance Co. Ltd. London, The Greenwich Ins. Co. N. Y., London Assurance Corporation, L. Monrose, Genl. Agt St. Paul German Insce. Co., Milwaukee Mech. Ins. Co., G. L. Crandall, Genl: Agt. Firemens Ins. Co., B. W. Seawell, Jr., Secty. Home Ins. Co., Thos. Sefton, Prest. Pelican Ins. Co., Geo. W. Young, Prest."
Although the following resolution was not adopted, it is worthy of record that it was considered, for the matter is evidently of serious moment in the transaction of business through agencies
in the Association territory:
By Mr. Stoddart: "That no member of this Association shall hereafter write in the territory of the Association and within the jurisdiction of any of its agents, unless the policy be written through said local agent, or his written assent obtained to the writing of the riskelsewhere, and in all cases full tariff shall be obtained."
One Hundred, Twenty-Five
PRESIDES! 1OHS.
TWELFTH AHHUAL KEETDI6. WASHEIGTON, D. C, May 24-26, 1899.
PRESIDENT Mima gives cordial welcome to the accession of two States Louisiana, the land of bayous and sugarcane, and to Virginia, the "mother of states and states men." These had been previously admitted, but the welcome was presented as a special greeting to company repre sentatives and others from those States.
But in the midst of this happy strain the first suggestions of assault from the States as directed against the Association are heard, for every State had taken inimical action in one or other shape. North and South Carolina had contented themselves with an increase of taxation, as also did Florida and Alabama, not appreciating that this simply involved an increase in rates, in order that the onus should fall on the people, after the wrongful act of their representatives. Georgia and Mississippi had passed valued policy bills, and the result of such laws in other States had been to increase fire losses by the temptation offered policy holders to realize on their "valued" policies. To meet such ill-conceived legislation the companies are compelled as a business proposition to increase their income by advancing rates, as every departure from normal conditions decreases the ability of the companies to
One Hundred, Twenty-Seven
QUARTER-CEKTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
meet their obligations, unless income is correspondingly increased. The Iron Safe Clause had been adopted by previous legisla
tion and was found to be valuable in the highest degree. It originated in Texas, and is based on justice and reason so patent that it well deserves the general approval given it, and the legal endorsem*nt it has also received. From time to time efforts have been made to improve the verbiage, but it stands, in the main, as originally adopted.
A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Egleston, who had carried to successful conclusion a test case with the Alabama tax law.
Under date of May 18th, 1892, the Executive Committee issued a circular stating that the prescribed conditions had been attained, and that the State of Virginia would be under the juris diction of the Association, as from that date. The necessary steps were forthwith taken, but as matter of detail it was found expedient to secure the services of representative field men especially familiar with the Associations affairs and of Virginia business in particular. This feature was recognized by the appointment of a special com mittee, consisting of Thos. Egleston of the Hartford, Col. Jno. D. Young of the Royal, and A. G. Mcllwaine, Jr., of the London & Lancashire, charged with the duty of establishing the Association in the State, and in general of handling all Virginia matters assigned to them. This Committee visited Richmond and other points in the State, and was careful and considerate in arranging matters in such wise as to harmonize differences among agents, and where-
One Hundred, Twenty-EigXt
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
ever possible to avoid friction in introducing the new order of things. Their efforts were favorably sustained by the most prom inent local companies and the resident agents throughout the State. For the more emphatic consummation of such purposes, a local Virginia Committee was created, to which was referred all matters pertaining to the work in that State. The personnel of this Committee was Warren, Hewes, Churchill, Ewens, McCarthy, Andrews and Dewey, being specially selected with reference to a knowledge of existing Virginia conditions and needs, and suc cessors have been appointed, from year to year, as a standing committee of the Association.
One Hundred, Twenty-Sine
PRESIDENT MIMS.
THIRTEENTH AfflUJAL MEETIHG.
WASHHIGTOIT, D. O, Jane 6-7,189*.
AT this meeting a star which had been absent from the galaxy reappeared to the great delight of the Associa tion and another company, the Portsmouth, also took a place as full member, instead of co-operating. President Mima proceeded to tell of the good work that had been done in the past year, including the re-rating of many impor tant towns and cities, and of about one hundred sugar houses in the Louisiana field.
He gives one of his characteristic dissertations on the condi tions, with special reference to the fire waste, and to the financial question that was agitating the country at the time.
Incidentally he also presents a pointed accounting of the use fulness of the Association, and says in effect, it is due to its inde pendent not to say sovereign character, in that it is not subor dinate to any other organization, but has its powers direct from the companies which constitute its membership, and thus in convention assembled direct its action. The Association deals directly with all important matters affecting the interests of the companies; and influenced, as the companies very properly are, by their field men, who are usually their representatives at the
One Hundred, Tkirty-One
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE
Association meetings, they understand the peculiar requirements of the territory over which we have control, and better promote their interests in such organization than would be the case were this Association in any sense subordinate to any other, having power over it, even though more centrally located. Its greatest value will be lost should such subordination ever occur.
In the course of this address President Mims referred to the plans for standard cotton warehouse that had been presented by Mr. Jas. E. Beasley, of Memphis, to the German-American Ins. Co., and upon which he had been awarded the prize offered by the company. The President suggested that possibly this Associa tion might adopt the plans as its Standard. The matter was referred to the Executive Committee, but no definite action was ever taken on this line.
The President again presented his recommendation that the companies use the Association as the means of tabulating a "Classification" of their experiences on the several classes of haz ard, so that there would result combined experience statistics that would be a valuable guide to each and all. No decided action, however, was taken.
Upon the conclusion of the address, President Adams of the New England Exchange was presented, and having been invited to a seat by the Chair, he acknowledged the compliment, and expressed his appreciation of the address.
As he had served for several years, the Association finally
One Hundred, Thirty-Two
SOTJTH-EASTERlf TARIFF ASSOCIATION
concluded to release the President from the duties of his position, and, after placing on record in glowing terms their appreciation of Major Mims, as the honored President and the cultured gentleman, an election was held, and Mr. Thomas Egleston was declared his successor in the Presidency of the Association.
Apropos to the retirement of Major Mims from the Presidency at this meeting, when Capt. Mitchell in the absence of the Pres ident and the Vice President called the meeting to order that he might make his most happy and timely commendation of the retiring President it seems a proper place for a similar reference to Capt. Mitchells own services to the Association. Among those, who have exerted most important influence upon the proceedings of the Association during its entire course, is this same Captain Mitchell of the Phoenix of Hartford, to whom "length of years has added wisdom," who made his impress through the timely spoken word and judicious counsel. His rugged honesty of speech and of purpose made him a welcome and honored representative on the many occasions when he gave the meetings his valuable presence.
As Mr. Tupper, the Secretary of the Association, had declined re-election, there were two nominations for the position: Mr. Charles C. Fleming, the former Secretary, and Mr. L. R. Warren, the long time Southern Special of the Phoenix of London, who was willing to retire from field duty. Twenty-nine votes were cast for Mr. Fleming and twenty-six for Mr. Warren, so Mr. Fleming
One Hundred, Thirty-Three
QUARTER-CEHTEiraiAL HISTORY
renewed the discharge of the duties he had so acceptably performed under former engagements, and it may be stated that he has con tinuously held the position with satisfaction to all concerned
One Hundred, Thirty-Four
ASSAULT AND
RETREAT
PRESIDENT EGLESTON.
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jane 6-6,1895.
PRELIMINARY to the annual address, the President reported that he had pleasure to welcome five compa nies to membership: Glens Falls, New York. Capital City of Montgomery, Alabama. Chalmette of New Orleans. Carolina Mutual of Charlotte. Florida Fire of Tampa. This had transpired as result of an invitation extended to all co-operating companies to attend this meeting and to give their full membership to the Association.
Two troubles in particular were brought to the attention of the meeting by the President; one was the situation in Mississippi, as caused by the Valued Policy Law, and the application of the "25 cents pink slip," ordered for that reason: and the other was the serious competition which had been waged by so-called mutuals.
Adverse legislation had been averted in all the States, through the intelligent presentation of the real conditions by prominent members before the respective committees of the Legislatures, and thanks were extended them for such service.
One Hundred, Thirty-Seven
QUARTER-CEHTENHIAL fflSTORY OF THE
Cotton mfll warehouses had been written by some companies without the mills, and the Association approved the Presidents declaration that it is manifestly unjust for the most hazardous portion to be carried at the low mill rates by companies not writing the mill.
Birmingham, as usual, was a subject of care and trouble, owing to friction as to whether the % value or 75 per cent, co-insurance clause should be used, and the Association sustained the action of the Executive Committee in requiring the value clause.
Reporting that a demand had become evident for revision of the Tariff, the President stated that the Executive Committee had found it necessary to appoint a special committee for this purpose, and that an "Advisory" edition had been accordingly prepared, but that the work should be at once pushed to completion, by direc tion of the Association. Incidentally he advised that, when so published, the work should be copyrighted, and carefully num bered, that record might be kept as to the disposition of the books, as it had been found that previous editions had fallen into improper hands, and had been abused. Action on this line was approved.
Although the Association had emphatically ruled on practi cally the same state of affairs in North Carolina some years ago, it was now found that some companies were conducting what were termed "Surveying Agencies", to secure applications to forward to home office managers, for policy issuance, and 15 per cent, allowed. It was held that this is violative of the commission
One Hundred, Thirty-JEigk t
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
rules, and that these parties come under the rules for solicitors at 10 per cent, commission.
The President urged that so far from agreeing with his prede cessor, who had so eloquently preached an advance in rates, he advised reduction on some items, and that in general a halt was in order on this line.
He concluded with a glowing reference to the Association, which was "the pride of every insurance man in the Southern States, as well as of our co-laborers in the East. Its growth and influence are in exemplification of the possibilities of the union of intelligence, confidence and respect. Equality, absolute good faith, and a surrender of individual interests have ever been its watch-words."
One Hundred, Thirty-Hint
PRESIDENT EGLESTON.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETIHG. WASHHIGTOH, D. C., Hay 6-7,1896.
RECURRING to one of the troubles that had disturbed the first year of his administration, the President in this years address refers especially to the membership of the Mutual Fire of New York, and in ttna connection he remarks: "It is pleasant to recall that this companys Southern Manager is Mr. Thomas Peters, who was the first Secre tary of this Association, and as he so happily expressed it four of the best years of my life were spent in weaving the woof and warp of the South-Eastern Tariff Association. " The American of New York was also admitted at this meeting.
The President urged legislation to prevent what are known as "Incorporated Company Agencies." He showed the evil of the situation, and what it might lead to, and suggested that agen cies be restricted to individuals devoting their entire time to the business. Unfortunately, the matter was passed over without action by the Association.
The new General Tariff Book had been completed, as of date Sept. 15th, 1895, and was declared to embrace all the basis rates and deficiency charges, according to the most recent action of the Association, and would be found comprehensive and complete.
One Hundred, Forty-One
QUARTER-CEHTENHIAL HISTORY OF THE
South Carolina had enacted a valued policy law and Georgia had passed the "Dodson" bill, prohibiting clauses essentially nec essary to equitable insurance contract. Mississippi had amended its valued policy law to a degree which the President refers to as vicious. This law was enacted in the face of protests from the most prominent merchants, cotton men and other property owners of the State. Some had suggested that the enactment was pro voked by the "pink slips," but the President urges that it had but little if any bearing on this legislation, and that it had been passed regardless of the reduction of rates and of assurances that the Legislature would repeal the law entirely.
An instance of unusual proceeding now occurs, in that the Committee of Fifteen embraced in their report, contrary to former custom, a tender of thanks to the retiring President; so their action is worthy of similar emphasis in this work. Chairman Castleman, reporting for the Committee of Fifteen, said:
"Mr. President, we come now to the most pleasant part of the task the committee had under its consideration, and that is the matter relating to the retiring President. The Committee of Fifteen, to which was referred the address of our retiring President, would not consider its duty fulfilled without calling the particular atten tion of the Association to his indefatigable services as a long time member of the Executive Committee and to his later and arduous duties as President, in which he has not only acted as a disseminator of sound insurance principles, but for his strict impartiality in all matters that his office has brought to his attention, which have upon many occasions been of a very perplexing character. We
One Hundred, Forty-Two
SOUTH-EASTEKU TARIFF ASSOCIATION
therefore unanimously recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved: That the thanks of the South-Eastern Tariff Asso ciation be and are hereby extended to the retiring President, Mr. Thomas Egleston, for faithful and valued service, and for the very able address delivered by him at the opening of this session, and that we extend to him our wannest thanks for the services rendered and wish him a long life of health and prosperity.
This resolution was put to the house by General Castleman and was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.
One Hundred, Forty-Three
PRESIDENT TDPPER.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
OLD POIHT COMFORT, VA, Hay 19-21, iM7.
PRESIDENT TUPPER declares that it had been a prosperous year for the companies, but he wisely admonishes that the time will never come when we may with safety aban don the compass of good faith, nor cast away the anchor of correct practices. (His nautical allusions being naturally attrib utable to life-time home in Charleston).
The address is complete with aphorisms based on the Associ ations experiences and, deprecating the sentiment that "it is not the province of the strong to so direct and reform conditions as to foster and protect the weak;" then he commends those who have "through conservative action and good judgment always com manded the confidence of friends and forced the respect of enemies;" and forcibly does he remark "as the savage believes that the strength of his fallen adversary passes into himself, so do we absorb the strength of the temptation to overlook the binding influence of pledges to ignore obligations that we resist." The year had been full of trials, but the Executive Committee in facing these difficulties had labored most faithfully and had suggested legisla tion to meet the conditions.
Louisiana matters had given much trouble, especially in con-
One Hundred, Forty-Five
QUARTER-CENTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
nection with excess commissions connected with general agency (so-called) practice in New Orleans. This led the Association to incorporate an amendment to the Constitution more specifically defining the meaning of the term "general agency" in the Asso ciation sense of that relation to the business and, while not naming New Orleans in particular, it was clear that the action was taken to meet conditions there.
In Mississippi there had been adverse legislation directed against the Association and, in addition to this serious condition of affairs, there had been instituted legal proceedings against the companies separately, more specifically known as the "quo warranto" proceedings, and the President simply states that the cases had been appealed to the Supreme Court.
It is worthy of mention that the only suggestion that has ever transpired of a necessity, or the desirability, of a change of the Association name was made at this time, from a special meeting of the Executive Committee held at Old Point, and recommending "Southern Insurance Association" or some other appropriate name. It will be recalled that, at the time of the naming of the organization at New Holland, it was suggested that the time might come when the word "tariff" would cause trouble, and possibly this was the occasion of the present suggestion from the Executive Committee, but the result shows that so great a history had clus tered around the name, there was found no disposition to change it.
The matter of incorporated agencies had been presented by
One Hundred, Forty-Six
SOUTH-EASTERM TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
President Egleston without securing action of the Association. It is now presented by President Tupper, as having been so directed by the Executive Committee, inasmuch aa it appeared that these agencies adopt the corporate feature simply to control the business of large insurers through an indirect rebate. It does not appear that any action was taken by the Association.
Commission conditions at New Orleans hinged on the defini tion of the |term "general agent", and so strained had become the situation growing out of alleged violations of the 15% rule, that the whole matter was submitted to a committee of five, with President Chase, of the Hartford, as Chairman. Having fully considered the matter in all its bearings, the Committee presented as a remedy an amendment to the Constitution, Article IV, which was adopted. It defined general agents to be those having juris diction over, and supervision of, entire business in one or more States, the daily reports and cash accounts being reported to such general agent. The report also provided that violations should be presented to the Arbitration Committee.
As a matter of special interest in those days, when there was considerable friction growing out of alleged violation of Association rates by the Southern Stock-Mutual Ins. Co., of Greensboro, N. C., we quote here their letter of May 1st, 1897, addressed to the Annual Convention of the South-Eastern Tariff Association, and presented through Mr. Milton Dargan:
One Hundred, Forty-Seven
QUABTER-CENTEmnAL HISTORY OF THE
"Greensboro, N. C., May 1st, 1897. To the Annual Convention of the South-Eastern Tariff Association:
Gentlemen The purpose of this communication is to answer semi-official complaints which have been recently made of viola tions of rates by certain agents of the Southern Stock-Mutual Insur ance Company, and we address ourselves to you because the com plaint was made by one of your representatives to one of our directors, your representative stating at the time that he made the complaint to him as a director and officer of the Southern Stock-Mutual Insurance Company.
We answer the complaint because it has no foundation in fact, and not because we are accountable to any organization. The same complaint has recently come from another source, and we have made the most careful investigation without finding any ground for it whatever. The agents who have been charged with the violations have made emphatic denial. We have asked that the charges be made specific and have given assurances that any and all violations would be corrected, and the local Association agents at whose instance the complaints were made have been unable to specify a single case of violation of rates.
The Southern Stock-Mutual Insurance Company has always maintained the established rates so far as it was possible to do it. Our agents have had from the beginning positive instructions to make no guarantee of dividends and to offer no concessions as to rates, and we believe that they have followed these instructions faithfully, notwithstanding the difficulty they have had in ascer taining what the rates are.
It will be remembered that the Southern Stock-Mutual Insur ance Company at one time made a proposition to the South-Eastern Tariff Association, looking to the maintenance of rates, which pro vided that rates were to be furnished us and to be paid for by us, and that this proposition was accepted, but afterward declined.
One Hundred, Forty-Eight
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCUTIOH
We desire to renew that proposition now and to add that we are ready to put up as a guarantee of our good faith any reasonable forfeiture upon reasonable terms for failure to maintain the estab lished rates.
This proposition has no reference to the question of our repre sentation in your agencies. That is another matter, but it will place the responsibility where it belongs for any misunderstand ings that may arise between your agents and ours in the matter of rates.
Respectfully, SOUTHERN STOCK-MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
By A. W. McAlister, Secy and Treas."
One Hundred, P arty-Nine
PRESIDENT TDPPER.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
OLD ponrr COMFORT, VJL, MI? 4-6, IBM.
FR his second year, President Tupper seems to have had troublous tunes, for he refers to difficulties and obstacles so great that often the situation was critical, but demor alization was avoided by patience and conservative action of the Executive Committee, in dealing with the companies which the President refers to as "recalcitrant."
By the advice of the President, the Association abolished the New Orleans Compact Commission, and the direction and control was placed with the Executive Committee, assisted by a local committee of advisors. This was done because of friction oper ating against the system of control by parties engaged in local business, and it was agreed that results could best be accomplished through non-resident administration of affairs. In taking this action the Association placed on record very specific details for the change, and extended the powers of the Executive Committee to enable it to deal with any emergency or situation likely to arise.
In order to provide for greatest possible promptitude in deal ing with executive matters, an Advisory Committee was authorized, to be appointed by and from the Executive Committee. The proposition was presented by Manager Peters, of the Mutual of
One Hundred, Fifty-One
QUARTER-CENTEinflAL HISTORY OF TEE
New York, and was adopted without dissent. The plan is still in operation, evidencing its advantages. We give an epitome of the resolutions:
That the Executive Committee be authorized and requested to constitute from its membership, in conjunction with the Pres ident and Secretary, an Advisory Committee of three, to serve in rotation, one retiring each month, being concurrently replaced by another member. They shall consider all matters referred to them by the President and Secretary, meeting only at his call; transac tions to have same weight and authority as of the full Executive Committee, but shall be reported to next meeting of the Executive Committee, for review and confirmation or reversal.
Resolutions offered by Mr. Burger voicing the esteem in which the retiring President, Mr. Tupper, was held by his associates and paying tribute to the excellent administration of affairs at his hands during the preceding two years, were passed by a rising vote-
One Hundred, Fifty-Two
SOUTH-EASTKRH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
PRESroEFT GAT.
EIGHTEEHTH AH5UAL MEETIHG. OLD PODTT COMFORT, VA, lUy 24-26, 1699.
THE administrations of President Gay belong to the turbu lent period, and on this line he declares in this address, that "few years in the history of the Association have been more eventful than that which has passed since our last meeting." He then proceeds to recount the action of the Executive Committee, in carrying out the directions of the Asso ciation with respect to New Orleans, at which place the Committee found a condition bordering on "chaos." An almost general dis regard of existing orders of the Compact and unrestrained compe tition had engendered personal animosities among all parties interested. Few seemed sanguine enough to hope that efforta to improve the situation and avert the alternative of an open rate war would be successful. Surely this was a deplorable and dis heartening condition of affairs, but the result of the seven days of conference at New Orleans was in the highest degree successful, for it is reported that all general agencies, known to be in violation of the Association rules, were changed or discontinued, and the 15 per cent, rule was re-established in its entirety. The Compact was restored to usefulness, and placed under direction and juris diction of the Executive Committee, as had been resolved by the
One Hundred, Fifty-Three
QCARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
Association. Thereupon a local board was organized, in order that it might adopt rules for the regulation of the business, provided only that nothing should be done in contravention of the Associa tion rules. These results surely evidence that all parties must have displayed remarkable forbearance, discretion and judgment, together with faithful desire to bring about healthy conditions in their business relations with each other.
Let it be noted that the Committee reports, that all violations on the part of known general agencies had been corrected, but concurrently they report that they are unable to determine as to the attitude of one company, and the matter was referred to the Association; in turn it referred the case to the Arbitration Com mittee. Subsequently, this committee made report that the company in question was hi violation, and, immediately upon the declaration of their report, its representative at the meeting gave personal assurance that proper changes would be made.
Another point of acute friction was at New Iberia, La., growing out of a mixed agency, and a violation of the rule as to making spe cial agents of the same parties who are also local agents. The matter had been wrestled with by the Executive Committee, but settlement had not been accomplished. Being brought before the Association and considered by a special committee, the matter was smoothed out in a manner satisfactory to all concerned, and the risk on which violations had taken place were cancelled, as had been required by the Executive Committee.
One Hundred, Fifty-Four
\
SOUTH-EASTEWl TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
Upon the passage of a valued policy law in Mississippi, the Association had made an extra charge and ordered a "slip" attached to the policy. To this the State retaliated by arranging the law so as to collect 2 per cent, on premiums in lieu of the $1500.00 license and all other demands, provided the company would state under oath that they did not charge extra on account of valued policy law, and were not in any way connected or influenced by any tariff association, combine or trust or other corporation, com pany or person. Several companies entered the State on these terms, but at the same time were represented by agents, who were required to observe rates and rules for all companies in their agency. The situation was unique to say the least.
One Hundred, Fifty-five
PRESIDENT GAT. SPECIAL CALLED MEETIHG. WAsmHGTOir, D. c. Oct. 11-13, ISM.
I N the closing hours of the last annual meeting it became evident that radical changes must needs be made in the rules govern ing compensation to agents, not effecting the 15 per cent. agreement except as more specifically defining the general agency rule, with special reference to the States of Virginia and Louisiana, not to say of New Orleans alone in that State.
The last annual meeting had directed the Executive Com mittee to make inquiry as to^the 15 per cent, pledge from New Orleans agents, and the inquiry developed that quite a number of companies had failed to obtain this material and important pledge. These failures became openly known, and produced dis affection among loyal agents and members. Thereupon this meet ing was called to consider the situation and, after it had been fully presented, the whole question was referred to a committee of five, consisting of
Geo. L. Chase, President of the Hartford Fire Ins. Co. Henry W. Eaton, Res. Mgr., Liverpool & London & Globe. E. C. Irvin, President Fire Association of Philadelphia. A. G. Mcllwaine, Jr., Manager London & Lancashire. S. Y. Tupper, Manager Queen Ins. Co.
One Hundred, Fifty-Seven
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
The situation in the territory of the Association at this time
was evidently serious, and it required careful handling. For this reason the resolution of Mr. Janvier, providing for the aforesaid
committee as, follows, was opportune: "Whereas, Certain companies referred to in the Presidents
address as fatting or refusing to comply with the judgment of the Association claim there was additional evidence not considered by the Association at the last annual meeting; and
Whereas, It is the desire of this Association not to deal unjustly with any of its members; it is therefore
Resolved, That said charges be referred to a committee of five to review the cases on their respective merits, and report to this meeting such action as they may deem proper in the premises; provided, that said companies agree to be bound by the action taken by the Association."
This Committee deliberated for the better part of two days,
and then submitted the following report, which was adopted: "1. From a careful investigation of the Association records
we find the loyal and prompt co-operation and observance of our rules by many members is worthy of the highest emulation, while with others there is a lack of promptness in replying to violation notices and communications from the Secretary, which multiplies correspondence and seriously obstructs the dispatch of business, impairs the confidence of agents and tends to demoralization, even though after much delay correction may follow. There are a few members, whose lack of promptness and sometimes flat refusal to observe the rules amount to a breach of their obligations.
2. Your committee feels that the perfect equality of mem bers demands a clear and frank answer from every member charged with violation without regard to the position which some other
One Hundred, Fifty-Eight
SOB1H-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOC1ATIOH
member should take, a course we find too frequently adopted. We respectfully recommend that upon the call of the roll the represent ative of each company will rise from his seat and renew the pledge of his good faith to observe the rates and rules of the Association.
3. We recommend that, in order to expedite the prompt cor rection of violations, other than commissions, it shall be the duty of the Executive Committee, upon being satisfied of their inability promptly to dispose of such matters coming before them, to nomi nate a special committee of three, who shall be members of this Association, to be known as a "Deviation Committee," to pass upon the questions at issue, and the findings of such Deviation Committee to be final in all cases. It is not suggested that the Deviation Committee shall be permanent, but may be appointed from tune to time as the exigencies of the Associations business require.
4. Your committee is informed and believes that it is a prac tice of certain special agents of companies to disparage the work and worth of the Association with their local agents. Such action can but lead to demoralization, in which all of the companies must sooner or later share, and it is respectfully recommended that this Association give the Executive Committee the authority to have such instances investigated, when brought to their attention, to the end that such practices shall be discontinued.
5. The failure of many companies to secure the signing of the 15 per cent, commission agreement your committee believes was not at first intentional, but since the attention of companies has been called to it by the Executive Committee, there does not appear to be any justification or excuse for failure to act.
Your committee, in order to correct this evil, recommends that Article XII of the Constitution be amended to read as follows:
No member of this Association shall remain in an agency with any company which pays the local agent exceeding 15 per cent.
One Hundred, Fifty-Sine
QUARTER-CEKTEmHAL BISTORT OF THE
commission, directly or indirectly, and each member shall require of its agents their signatures to a pledge that they will not represent any company compensating them in any manner in excess of the rule of the Association regarding commissions.
"Further, each member shall sign and execute a pledge through one of its executive officers, managers or general agents for the faithful observance and enforcement of this rule. Whenever a manager or general agent cannot sign the pledge for the entire ter ritory of the Association, in addition to his pledge a pledge shall also be taken from one of the executive officers of the company. "
In line with this report, the Constitution was amended to require the pledges, and it was made a condition of agency repre sentation of members.
Another trouble was with "Non-Boarders" in North Carolina, but the Association found that the Executive Committee had shown itself abundantly able to protect the companies in the past, and that they would do so for the future without further legislation.
Mixed agencies at certain places in North Carolina had resulted in demoralization of rates and violations on the part of certain Association members, and the matter was presented to the Asso ciation to support the Executive Committee in its firm adherence to the execution of the rules for such cases enacted. The contro versy between the Executive Committee and the companies charged with violation had become so acute that the matter was referred to a committee of five, and upon a report from them through Chairman Geo. L. Chase, President of the Hartford, in general, rather than specific terms, sustaining the Executive Com-
One Hundred, Sixty
SOUTH-EASTERB TARIFF ASSOCIATION
mittee, there arose a condition of affaire that was tided over by the apparently extreme, yet judicious action of the Association, repeal ing the rule under which the companies were held to be in violation.
The National Board of Fire Underwriters had extended invi tations to the Association to send a committee of conference in regard to matters of inspection, and fire appliances and collateral matters. Subsequently, Messrs. Chapin and Rees, of the Committee, reported, having had a conference with the National Board Com mittee at Niagara Falls, and it was decided that it was desir able for each rating association to relegate to the National Board all questions except as to rates, commissions, legislation and policy forms, and that each Association should deputize one to represent it at subsequent conferences on these lines, and that the technical experts be also expected to respond to calls for meetings for such conference. Mr. A. G. McHwaine, Jr., was appointed for this Asso ciation, and Mr. A. M. Schoen, the Associations Electrician, as the technical representative.
One Hundred, Sixty-One
PRESEDEFT GAT.
HIRETEEKTH AHHUAL MEETING. WASHINGTON, D. C, April 18-19, 1900.
IT is pleasant to note that the turmoil of his first year was followed by a delightful condition, which caused President Gay to remark: "At no time in the history of this Association has there been a more general observance of rules and rates." In addition to the Committee of Arbitration there had been devised a further Committee on Deviations, but no case had arisen which called for the service of either committee, and the latter committee was never appointed.
In response to cordial endorsem*nts of the Local Agents Asso ciation movement, as made by President Gay last year, President Woodworth, of the National Association of Local Agents, accepted an invitation and attended this meeting. He acknowledged the courtesy in pleasant terms, and assured the companies of the full resolve of the agents to support all measures for their common interest.
It was suggested from the floor that all, who had been present participating in the session at the New Holland 1882 meeting for organization of this Association, should rise in order that the num ber of survivors might be noted, and it was found that only seven were left. These were Egleston, Gay, Pattillo, Stockdell, Peters,
One Hundred, Sixty-Three
QUARTER-CEHTEllinAL HISTORY OF THE
Whitner and Warren, to which might then be added Covington, since passed away in Texas.
Mr. Geo. L. Chase, President of the Hartford Fire, as Chairman of the Committee of Five on State of the Association, made report at considerable length, suggesting changes in the Constitution and By-Laws, which would have a tendency to stop aggressive legis lation. Their report as finally amended was adopted.
That this volume has but little to record in a minor key is due in large degree to the able and diplomatic manner in which all of the Associations troubles were handled by its Committee on the State of the Association, of which President Chase, of the Hartford, was always the Chairman. Several times in its experience, situa tions have arisen that seemed to be very crises, but when these matters were entrusted to this committee of most able men, the results have served to bring into greater focus the strength of the cohesion which has welded these company members into the invin cible unit for the general good.
Virginia had passed a law forbidding agreement between com panies as to agents commissions.
On June 28th, 1898, the "Wharton" anti-compact law went into effect in Virginia, whereupon the Association issued circulars discontinuing all control over the matter of nmlring rates in that State. The constitutionality of the law was questioned, but the Association decided to conform sincerely to the law, without any
One Hundred,Sixty-Four
SOUTH-EASTER!! TARIFF ASSOCUTIOH
attempt at evasion, and that they would therefore refrain from even authoritative inspection of property in this State.
In North Carolina, an insurance department was created under an admirable bill framed by Hon. M. S. Willard, an expe rienced underwriter and agent, of Wilmington, in that State. It was largely a well considered compilation from the laws of Massa chusetts, New York and other States. Mr. Jas. R. Young, who had been a long time agent for leading companies, was selected as insur ance commissioner, giving reasons to believe that the laws would be intelligently and faithfully administered by him.
The Executive Committee had observed with satisfaction that there had been such abatement of fires in the State of North Car olina, and such improved conditions in other respects, that a reduc tion was authorized as for that State on farm dwellings and barns, and on churches, schools and public buildings and their contents. Thus they recognized in this emphatic manner their appreciation of these improved conditions as tending to increase the chances of legitimate profit to intelligent underwriting, as brought about by these wisely considered laws, and the hope is expressed that other States may take like action in order to secure similar reduc tions in rates, in addition to the benefits to their people by conformity to well devised requirements for the physical hazard of buildings.
Concurrently the "Craig" bill was passed, requiring the corn-
One Hundred, Sixty-Five
QUARTER-CEltTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
panics to file a certified copy of charter and thereby to become, for specific purposes, domestic companies.
In South Carolina, a valued policy law had been enacted, and in addition thereto they copied the "Wharton" anti-compact law from Virginia, so the Association withdrew entirely from ratemaking, or even authorizing reductions that were sell-evidently due. Consequently great hardships resulted to the people, who had been accustomed to the equitable principles of rate-making as applied by the Association in adjusting rates to the hazard. This had also practically annulled the arbitration clause of policy forms.
Mississippi had reduced its tax to $1,000.00 and wiped out the discrimination in favor of non-association companies. Another Mississippi bill had been enacted forbidding re-insurance in com panies not authorized to do business in that State. In addition to all this "quo warranto" proceedings had been instituted against the companies for alleged violation of anti-trust laws.
Florida required that policies state the value of the property insured, and the Executive Committee framed a policy form to meet the situation, and this was approved by the Association.
Apropos to legislation, the Association passed the following resolution: "That we offer the principle of reducing rates in any State where legislation is enacted having a direct tendency to reduce expenses on fire losses in such State."
Mr. Janvier presented a resolution testifying to the esteem,
One Hundred, Sixty-Six
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
affection, and lasting obligation of the Association to the gentle man, Capt. Gay, who had just surrendered the office of President to his successor. The motion was unanimously carried, it is almost needless to record.
All in all, Capt. Gays two years of service was the most stren uous and trying period of the Associations life, unless it be that the first year or two of its existence imposed greater demands upon those in charge of its affairs.
One Hundred, Sixty-Seven
L
PKESIDEHT STOCKDELL.
TWENTIETH AHNUAL MEETIHG.
OLD ponrr COMFORT, VA^ April 34-35, im.
CIRc*msTANCES had limited the scope of the Associa tions operations to four States North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida for inimical legislation had forced retirement from Louisiana and Mississippi in 1900, Vir ginia and South Carolina having been previously abandoned for like cause. Before the termination of this administration, however, the "Wharton" law had been repealed as a result of opposition from the people, rather than from any effort on the part of compa nies, so that the way was clear for resumption of business for the Association under the incoming President Chapin.
Early in the year the Executive Committee had made a notable ruling which is now approved by the Association, providing that, when a member is forced to leave an agency on account of the pres ence of a company paying excess commissions, in contravention of the Association rules, the retiring company, upon producing evidence of the facts, will be allowed to protect its business against any agent or company seeking to prevent the retention of their business. The wisdom of this act of the Executive Committee was approved by the Association.
The President refers to the resolution introduced, at the last
One Hundred, Sixty-Sine
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAI, BISTORT OF THE
annual meeting, by Manager Peters, of the Greenwich, providing for inspection bureau for non-compact States; and he reports that, while no action has been taken on that line specifically, yet the agitation of the subject has resulted in the formation of an inspec tion bureau, and this will perform such service for compact and non-compact States alike. The Association ratified what had been done on this line and amplified the work, but prescribed spe cifically that it should not be undertaken in Mississippi until allowed by the officers of the law. It seemed very unfortunate that the people should be denied the benefits resulting from expert inspection of property for the prevention of fires, but it was unavoidable under existing conditions in that State.
Varying conditions in the territory were found to necessitate special forms for Phosphate and Fertilizer Risks, and accordingly a special committee investigated the matter and reported to the Executive Committee, forms being promulgated, applicable to all fertilizer companies rather than to specially designated ones. Existing laws had required this action, and the President reports that after months of trial the forms were found to be exactly what was needed, and he urged the companies to rigidly require the use of these prescribed forms for such risks.
Acting upon the direction of the last meeting, General John B. Castleman had been appointed to confer with state associations of local agents, and he reported accordingly to the Association. The President, commenting upon these associations in general,
One Hundred, Seventy
SOUTH-EASTERH TAMFF ASSOCIATION referred to the beneficial results from such organizations, and the great influence exerted when matters of adverse legislation came up. He urged that the utmost encouragement be given the local agents on these lines, in which they were co-workers for the better ment of the business and the maintenance of correct practices.
The loss of the State of Louisiana from the Associations field was not entirely without a sense of relief, in that the general agency commission troubles were part of the baggage, but there was one loss that has no compensating feature, and that was the loss of Charles Janvier from the councils of the Association. Genial, astute and ready for any emergency of debate or legislation, there was none perhaps who more acceptably and diplomatically presided as Chairman of the formal committee of twenty-five, to which the business of the Association is committed for sifting. That his strong characteristics and ability have found similar scope in the Louisiana Association is proudly recognized by the companies en masse, when they review the Southern field.
One Hundred,Sevcnty-0ne
PRESmEHT STOCKDELL. TWEHTY-FIRST AHHUAL MEETING.
OLD POCTT COMFORT, VJL, Hay 31-23, 1902.
I N welcoming the Association, the President reviews very briefly but pointedly the history of the oganization and its effect upon the business, and congratulates it upon a better understanding on the part of Legislatures in dealing with the its position. One item of special consideration was the Associations remarkably prompt action in placing in effect, in this field, the 25 per cent, advance which had originated in New York City, as for the entire country, resulting from a conference of companies in that city. Within three days from the action in New York, this Association had promulgated the advance as in immediate operation throughout its territory, and cordial appreciation of their prompt action was expressed officially from New York with the intimation that no other Association had given like support to this important movement.
In North Carolina a particularly embarrassing condition resulted in this connection, as the Association companies found themselves in agencies with non-association companies that declined to call for the advance rate. This may be noted as an aftermath of the action taken in October, 1899, when the Associa tion, for reasons then appearing, rescinded the rule precluding such
OneBund red,Seventy-Three
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
mixed agencies. Upon consideration of this North Carolina situa tion the Association called for the enforcement of the rule that agents of the Association companies shall conform to the rules for all companies in their agencies, and that the only alternative for Association companies was again declared to be separation. On the other hand, as a good effect of the 25 per cent, advance, several companies had applied for admission as co-operating companies, under the action of the Executive Committee in tendering the Asso ciation rates and rules to all such companies, this action being taken in line with a resolution of the Association as presented by Manager Affeld of the Hamburg-Bremen at a previous annual meeting.
The Executive Committee had originated a fire protection warranty clause, which, being attached to a policy, obliged the insured to keep in good order the fire protection, for the presence of which a reduced rate had been granted. The Association in ratifying this action of the Executive Committee decided that the same be made a general and approved rule of the Association for use in all such cases.
A conference committee for the General Tariff, to co-operate with similar organizations in securing as far as practicable a uni formity of schedule rules and requirements, was composed of Specials Middleton, Reynolds and Calkins.
An amended form of iron safe clause was presented through the Presidents address, but did not meet with favor by the Asso-
Onc Hundred, Sevent.y-Four
SOUTH-EASTER!! TARIFF ASSOCIATION
elation, and was not adopted. This is mentioned as an occasion of emphasizing that the inestimable value of this clause has been fully demonstated, but the companies are apparently willing to retain the old wording that has stood the tests of the courts, and has seen the companies through many difficult losses where the circ*mstances caused misgivings as to general conditions.
The appeal of the Mississippi Compress Association for relief from the conditions that the companies were forced in their indi vidual capacity to introduce, on account of laws enacted by the State, presented a sad commentary on the unfortunate conditions thereby imposed on the people, for cotton could legally be insured only by "marks and numbers." The Association could only express its sympathy and its willingness to act otherwise, whenever the laws and the courts of their State would permit.
Another matter now disposed of was the repeal and dismissal of the "quo warranto" proceedings, that had been instituted in Mississippi as against all companies doing business there. These proceedings were really groundless, but they gave great annoyance and expense, and promised even greater trouble, and were stimu lated, if not suggested, by the adverse sentiment of the legislative enactments.
At the close of this meeting Mr. Egleston said: "The Association has under his (Mr. Stockdells) administra tion secured results which will last for years to come. I look upon it as one of the most successful the Association has enjoyed. He
On-f Hundred, Seventy-Fivt
QUABTER-CEHTEinHAL HISTORY
has accomplished so much that we do not really appreciate what he has done."
Mr. Eglestons remarks were offered as a motion and unani mously carried.
One Hundred,Seventy-Six
RECOVERY AND
EMPHASIS
PRESIDENT CHAPIN. TWEHTY-SECOHD AHHUAL KEETIIC6.
OLD POIHT COMFORT, VA, lUy 20-21, IMS.
D TIRING this year there was no demand for any special leg islation, but an important step was taken in the completion of the revision and the publishing of the Tariff under a committee specially selected and deputized for the pur pose; Specials Middleton, Abrams, Andrews, Calkins and Harris.
In this connection must be mentioned the improved plan, devised by Mr. Calkins and introduced into this revised tariff, by which the deficiency charges for boiler houses and metal stacks are definitely established, and the discretion that was necessary under former methods thereby obviated.
Experiencing considerable difficulty in enforcing the Mixed Agency rule in North Carolina, which had for many years been a fruitful cause of trouble, the Executive Committee was greatly assisted by the special agents of companies, who formed them selves into organized State committees to visit places where friction was most apparent, and thus they aided materially in making the work of the Executive Committee effective. Incidentally this experience and service illustrates in how great degree the Associa tion is at every point dependent on the support the emphatic, cordial support of the special agents of the companies.
One Hundrtd, Svtnty-JUne
QDARTER-CEHTEHBIAL HISTORY OF THE
In the matter of legislation by the States there was a pronounced absence of usual experiences as to the enactment of adverse laws.
In South Carolina there was a commendable effort on part of the Local Agents Association to effect a repeal of the "Mauldin" anti-compact law, the author of the bill himself introducing the measure for the repeal. The citizens of the State were tired of the confusion and irregularities of rates, and were ready to welcome the return of the Association to authoritatively reward superior construction and the betterment of risks by reasonable reduction in rates. The bill, for such repeal and to create an Insurance Bureau were defeated in the Senate. But the following year the Legislature passed a bill under which it was not unlawful for the Association to resume rate-making and general charge over affairs in the State, which was accordingly done.
President Chapin comments on the good results attending the business in North Carolina, attributing these conditions to the equitable laws and then- admirable administration by Commissioner Young. He pointedly advises a continuance of the reduced rates this State enjoys over all others in the jurisdiction, as granted in consideration of the excellence of its insurance laws. Subsequently the Association, on recommendation of the Committee of TwentyFive, continued the application of these reduced rates, in view of the favorable laws enjoyed by companies doing business in North Carolina.
Action was also taken upon the matter of waiver of subroga-
One Hundred, Eighty
SOUTH-EASTER]! TARIFF ASSOCIATION
tion clause as required by the transportation companies, in cases where the clause would be of benefit to the insurance companies, and constituting an equitable feature of the insurance contract.
The Executive Committee was directed to prescribe a charge for all cases of this waiver of the subrogation clause in policies.
The standards of the National Fire Protection Association had been adopted by the National Board as covering all questions of fire apparatus, and motion was made that this standard be also adopted by this Association. The matter was referred to the incoming Executive Committee, and later it appears that affirm ative action was taken.
Out Hundred, Eighty-One
PRESIDENT CHAPIN.
TWEHTY-THIRD AHWUAL MEETING.
HOT SPJUBGS, VA, lUy 1S-JO, 1904.
THE Southern Inspection Bureau had been purchased and amalgamated with the Association work on the same lines, and it was correspondingly amplified and organized as a separate Department, in charge of a chief and under the direction of the Executive Committee. Mr. F. J. McFadden was placed in charge, with the title of Assistant Secretary, and to him were assigned six inspectors, who were allotted where they sever ally resided, and they were given special jurisdiction in such fields of service.
In connection with this election of Mr. McFadden as Assistant Secretary, it is of record that Mr. Sol Bloodworth was also elected Second Assistant Secretary, with special duties pertaining to the department of executive work. After many years faithful and acceptable service, Mr. Bloodworth severed his connection with the Association to become the secretary of the Louisiana Fire Prevention Bureau, organized at New Orleans, after the law pre cluded further operations in the State by this Association.
An important conference was held with the Factory Insurance Association, owing to the accumulation of charges of alleged viola tions of Association rates. The committee was composed of Man-
One Hundred, Eighty-TKrer
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE
agers Tupper, Dexter and Wilson. The outcome of the conference was to arrange for competition for sprinklered business under stated regulations, this competition becoming necessary in view of the fact that all "S-E-T-A" companies are not "F-I-A" companies.
The re-insurance of marine companies, and other important topics connected with the insurance of cotton, were embraced in the report of the permanent cotton committee, through Milton Dargan, Chairman. This subject of marine companies acceptance of the shore risk has been a troublesome matter during many years, and although the present report is careful and exhaustive, the end seems unattained under present conditions.
As we look at the matter in the light of present conditions, it seems strange that the Association should have for so many years declined to enter upon certain classes of insurance, as for the mem bers in general, under the jurisdiction and rules and rates of the Association, which classes had recently been found practicable and desirable.
Several of the members have for many years conducted the business of insuring Cotton Gins, as what may be termed a "side line" to their regular mercantile agencies, and by these companies the rates were made and other requirements determined upon, largely according to their individual judgment, and each com pany had features of its own, as derived from its own experiences and skill in the prosecution of this branch of the business. Large volume was thus added to their premium income, not always at a
One Hundred, Eighty-Four
SOTTTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
profit, but the receipts were of decided advantage in other respects. Of recent years, however, a better understanding had prevailed between the companies. At this meeting Mr. Egleston, speaking for the gin-writing companies, asked that the subject be taken under the jurisdiction of the Association, and upon favorable con sideration, through the Committee of Twenty-Five, the Association appointed a special committee to report to the Executive Com mittee. Later the incoming President Dexter appointed a com mittee composed of Egleston, Hawkins, Hanco*ck, Yancey and Stockdell. This Committee reported to the Executive Com mittee, and under the date of June 25th, soon after this annual meeting at which the movement was introduced, publication was made of a standard schedule rating and policy form, and the bus iness was incorporated into the general work of the Association.
Under the influence of the usual course of business coming under the Association rules and methods, several improvements have been introduced into the standards of construction and general reduction of physical hazard, until this class of business is now regarded with favor by many, if not most, of the members, whereas it was formerly left to the few who were engaged in it.
But the most important and far-reaching feature of the work of President Chapin was his forcible and clear presentation of con ditions with respect to "Co-operating Companies", resulting in the adoption of resolutions providing the plan for elimination of this
One Hundred, Eighty-Fivt
QUAKTER-CEKTEinnAL HISTORY OF THE
class of companies, to the end of securing full membership under the administration of the incoming President.
While it devolved upon his successor to put into practical effect the work he had so elaborately presented, and which was so completely and specifically ratified and adopted by the Association, the special honor and credit for the inception of the movement is clearly recognized.
The National Board, desiring report on the fuel oil business in Texas, paid a graceful compliment to the Association expert, A. M. Schoen, by requesting that he be assigned to the duty, and he accordingly made visit to the oil fields. His full report was in due course published by the National Board, as a most valuable and exhaustive document for the use and information of all the companies and others interested.
At the time that President Chapin was turning over the Pres idency to his successor, Mr. Tupper offered the following resolution, which was unanimously carried:
"The Association desires to place on record its high apprecia tion of the invaluable services rendered by Mr. W. E. Chapin during the past two years, in his administration of its affairs. Character ized by wisdom and moderation, it stands out conspicuous for its settlement of vexed issues and the introduction of most beneficial reforms."
One Hundred, Eighty-Six
SOOTH-EASTERIf TAMFF AS9OCIATIOH
PRBSTOEHT DEXTER
TWENTY-FOURTH AHKTTAL KEETING. HOT SPRIHGS, VA, JUj St-M, 1906.
IT devolved on this administration to take up the matter of "Co-operating Companies" under the resolutions of the last meeting, and it is gratifying to note the complete success attending such efforts in all States except North Carolina, where the law obstructed and precluded enforcement. The work was accomplished by the assistance of a very efficient committee, known as the Mixed Agency Committee, composed in the main of ex-presidents of the Association. Thereupon, on the Presidents recommendation, it was resolved that the official roll should con sist of one class only, that of full membership. This condition had never been previously attained, although earnestly desired and much effort made in such direction.
The establishment of the Virginia Department Office at Rich mond, in charge of an executive special agent, was undertaken as the specific result of personal inquiry and examination into conditions which seemed to necessitate the step, in order to secure greater promptitude than was otherwise practicable under the existing circ*mstances. A special committee, Chapin, Tupper and Andrews, visited Virginia, and action taken was in line with their recommendations.
One Hundred, EigRty-Stve*
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAI BISTORT OF THE
Standing committee on Cotton Gins had reported schedules and policy forms to the Executive Committee, and these had been duly promulgated, so that the continuance of the committee was not necessary.
An exceedingly significant and far reaching action at this meet ing was the appointment of a special committee for the purpose of inquiring into the growth of Sprinklered Business in the South, and with special reference to the competition for such business, in order that recommendations be made as to measures necessary to secure and hold this business for the Association companies.
President Dexter accordingly appointed a committee of seven: R. M. Bissell, of the Hartford. S. Y. Tupper, of the Queen. A. G. Mcllwaine, Jr., of the London & Lancashire. W. E. Chapin, of the Fire Association and the Pennsylvania. C. H. Coffin, of the German America". E. G. Richards, of the North British A Mercantile. Clarence F. Low, of the Liverpool & London & Globe. This committee instituted a vigorous research into the entire subject of Sprinklered Risks in the South, and as a result a special committee, composed of nine companies, known as the " Sprinklered Risk Committee of Nine", now has exclusive jurisdiction over this class of risks. Scarcely has a more extended discussion taken place over any matter than was precipitated by the reference of the President to
One Hundred, Eighty-Eight
SODTH-EASTERW TABIFF ASSOCIATION
the fact that instances had occurred in which the "non-cancellation clause" had been employed. Several members rallied to the defense of the standard policy form, which they considered had been thus attacked or its provisions eliminated, and it was regarded as it were an attack of the very palladium of the business. After much dis cussion in the Committee of Twenty-live and on the floor of the Association meeting, several substitutes and other motions being voted down, the matter was finally settled by the adoption of the following resolution introduced by M. Lewin Hewes, of the Scottish Union and National:
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this committee that the can cellation clause of the standard policy of the State of New York be not changed or interfered with in any way, and that it be a vio lation of the rules of the Association to change or alter the same in any respect."
One Hundred Eighty-.Vine
i.
PRESIDENT DEXTER. TWEHTY-FIFTH AK5TJAL MEETING.
HOT SPBIHGS, VA, My 16-17, IKM.
r President Dezters suggestion the great work of record ing the history of the first twenty-five years of this Asso ciation is due, and this is more specifically stated on the first page of the volume over the signature of President, Dargan, upon whom devolves the execution of the resolution passed by the Association, directing the preparation of this present task. Tfie~twenty-fifth year inaugurated the term of President Dargan, and the present year of his administration will complete the quarter century.
The Committee on Sprinklered Risks, as appointed at the last annual meeting, made specific and extended printed report, and submitted a restricted sprinkler rating schedule, whereupon, after mature discussion of the matter in all its bearings, the Com mittee of Nine, company members, previously referred to, was resolved upon to have entire charge of all matters relating to sprinklered risks of a certain grade.
The President subsequently appointed as this committee the following named companies:
Hartford Fire Ins. Co., Chairman. (Mr. Egleston being the Chairman for Atlanta meetings).
One Hundred, Ninety-One
QUARTER-CEHTEinnAL fflSTORY OF THE
German-American Insurance Co. Queen Insurance Co. North British & Mercantile Insurance Co. Western Assurance Co. Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Co. Phenix Insurance Co., of Brooklyn, N. Y. London & Lancashire Insurance Co. Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co. The references of Presidents Chapin and Dexter to the effect upon the Association of the course, pursued by special agents of companies in the field, show varying conditions. President Chapin had support in North Carolina, particularly from special agents, whereas President Dexter finds it necessary to recall a circular of the Association in 1904 as to the custom, prevailing largely among companies and special agents, of placing the onus upon the Asso ciation of certain requirements made of the local agents. That "human nature is the same in all ages of the world" is shown by quoting in this connection the remarks of President Knowles on the same line in the early history of the Associatioa, for at the 1884 meeting he happily reviews the situation in language that will always be timely. "While Association membership" he said, "ia not individual but by companies, yet, gentlemen of the field, it is your Association; you claim and are justly entitled to the credit of originating and perfecting it, but on you, as well as on your com panies, devolves the responsibility of maintaining it in its present
One Hundred, Ninety-Two
SODTH-EASTESH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
effective condition. Your influence with the agents is more direct than your companys and it is within your power to secure their hearty co-operation, without which no Tariff Association can be assured of permanent success. The agent is apt to take his cue from the visiting special, and lukewarm support or captious crit icism from you works incalculable harm to the interests you are pledged to protect. The spirit, which should actuate Associations of this kind which are designed for the greatest good to the greatest number must of necessity be one of mutual concession. Individual views and preferences should be subservient to the gen eral sentiment, for while independence of thought and action is usually commendable, if carried to the extreme it is apt to prove fatal to the attainment of perfection. The relinquishment of indi vidual convictions ia never so easily obtained as when faith in the integrity of associates is assured, for it must be an obstinate and unreasonable man who will not yield a few cherished opinions in deference to the accomplishment of a desired end. Special agents should bury their personal and individual grievances, if they have any, and unite in giving the Association their vigorous and unqual ified support."
By the presentation of a communication from the Virginia Committee a very unique situation was placed before the Associ ation, as bearing on its treatment of local conditions. It had always been recognized that Virginia, on account of its nearness to territory not under the jurisdiction of the Association, was
One Hundrtd, tfinety-Thret
QUARTER-CEHTEimiAL BISTORT OF THE
specially subjected to raids from non-board competition. Fur thermore, its staples were not the same as in the Cotton States, and these conditions required wise and judicious administration by men specially expert hi these particular lines. Then again, its remoteness from the Association office added to the peculiarities of the situation. The communication from the Virginia Com mittee contemplated complete dependence on the Association for essential direction of affairs, but urged the establishment of a more individual and separate management of Virginia affairs, under the direction of an able man specially qualified for the Virginia posi tion, or as they state it, "the best talent obtainable" at the hand some compensation named by them. Then placing the active duties of the Virginia Committee on this man so selected, the Chairman was expected simply to preside at meetings of the com mittee. Correspondence from the Virginia field was to be addressed to the Virginia office, and there handled direct, without reference to Atlanta office, except as should be found peculiarly necessary, in view of the limitations as to general direction of affairs by the Executive Committee. Stamping clerks and the other prescribed arrangements for the work in line with Association requirements were to remain unchanged. The Association, approved the gen eral proposition, simply emphasizing that schedules and policy forms should conform to the requirements of the Association, in that they should be approved by the Executive Committee before promulgation by the Virginia Committee.
One Hundred, Ninety-Four
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
A very important matter was presented by President Dexter in connection with a situation which it was supposed had been defi nitely settled at the 1897 meeting, in regard to Application, District or Surveying Agencies. The trouble proceeded from the violation of the established rule as to compensation of agents, and a less rate for solicitors. In obedience to the Association ruling at the 1897 meeting several companies had sacrificed a valuable business, little dreaming that other members would step in and establish the system in the face of the emphatic action of the Asso ciation on the principle involved. Nevertheless, the special com mittee, to which the matter was referred, reported that such condi tions existed and upon their recommendation it was resolved that members may write business only through recording agencies located near to the vicinity of the risk, policies to be issued only through such medium, and that any existing arrangements in contravention of this ruling must be at once discontinued.
The Executive Committee found occasion to take an excep tional action in the State of North Carolina, and it is to be hoped will find similar opportunity in future instances of legislative enact ment in other States.
The Legislature of North Carolina had enacted a law, which it entitled the "Fire Waste" bill, providing a standard for the con struction of buildings and for an intelligent and efficient inspection. This was appreciated to be so thoroughly in line with the under lying principles of the Association work, that specific reduction
One Hundred, Hinety-Piy*
QUARTER-CEHTEinnAL HISTORY OF THE
of rates was prescribed for application to all risks which conformed to this admirable State law. In taking this action the Association placed itself on record as being ready at all times to meet such wise legislation with hearty encouragement and to evidence their appro bation by tangible reduction of rates.
This action of the Association seems to have worked so smoothly that no remark is made as to the operation of the reduced tariff to meet these splendid conditions in North Carolina, but President Dexter makes mention that a number of towns have putthe law into execution and have received the corresponding reduction of rates.
The printed proceedings of the 25th Annual Meeting disclose a striking feature that constitutes a marked and noteworthy analogy to the first meeting, hi that it was in very large degree made up of Southern representatives of the companies. We search the proceedings hi vain for the names so familiar at other meetings as guiding and directing legislation. And yet the regular order of business was adhered to, and taken up as seriously and consider ately as hi the palmiest days of the attendance of the Northern managers and officers of companies.
Six of the company officers and representatives from the home offices, out of the eight present, were placed on the Com mittee of Fifteen, but in all other particulars it seems that the pro ceedings devolved on the Southern contingent, and the work has evidences of having been performed as thoroughly and expeditiously
One Hundred, Ninety-Six
SOUTH-EASTER* TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
as in other years when the attendance of company officers was more general. This unusual state of affairs shows how intensely were the executive officers engaged in financing the situation brought about by the calamity at San Francisco, and in deciding on the peculiar phases of that situation in the light of their con tracts, so while their hearts were with the meeting at this time as fully as heretofore, their attention must needs be given to the paramount issue nearer home.
In sympathetic appreciation of the deplorable condition of affairs in San Francisco, Mr. Tupper offered a resolution embodying the following, to be sent as a telegram to President Button, of the Firemans Fund Insurance Company, of San Francisco, as from President Dexter, of this Association:
"The South-Eastern Tariff Association, in annual meeting assem bled, desire to express to you personally, and through you to their brother underwriters of the Pacific Coast, their heartfelt sympathy in the great disaster which has come to your fair and beautiful city. As American citizens, we rejoice in the courage and spirit of your people, and extend to you across the continent the right hand of friendship, wishing you God speed in the work of rebuilding and restoring that which has been destroyed. We regret that you are not with us to-day to represent the great company whose affairs you have so ably administered."
Several Southern special agents had been assigned to duty in San Francisco, by their respective companies, and as evidencing that their hearts also were with the Association meeting, the fol lowing telegram was received by the Secretary:
One Hundred, Ninety-Seven
OUARTER-CEltrEHHIAI, HISTORY OF THE
"Oakland, CaL, May 16, 1906. Mr. Chas. C. Fleming, Secretary South-Eaatem Tariff Association,
Hot Springs, Va. Please extend our congratulations to retiring President on his successful administration and to the incoming President on his election. Cheer up. The worst is yet to come.
Andrews, Coffin, Kelly, Harris, Hawkins & Co."
A committee from the Georgia Local Agents Association was present with a written communication, asking for consideration by the Association of a change in commission rule so as to allow contingent commission. The matter having been formally pre sented was referred to a special committee, which conferred with the Georgia Committee, Messrs. Hatcher, Train and Lumpkin. The Committee subsequently made report expressing full accord with the general purposes of this and of other similar Associations, but declaring its inability to comply with the request that had been made. It was hoped that the Georgia agents would appreciate that the Association cannot depart from its inflexible rule of 15% maximum commission, as this is an underlying principle of the Association work during its entire history from the very day of organization, and its undeviating adherence to this rule has suc cessfully carried the Association through difficulties that threat ened its very life.
Col. Walker Taylor and Mr. A. B. Dangerfield appeared as a committee from the North Carolina Agents Association, to express to the meeting their full and hearty disposition to co-operate with
One Hundred, Ninety-Eight
SOUTH-EASTER* TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
the companies in the matter of commission regulation which had been restrained by the recent law. They recognized the incon sistency of having companies paying larger commission in an agency, and that it must inevitably lead to separation as between the excess commission paving companies and those holding to the 15% rule, and they showed that the agents were voluntarily meet ing the situation by mating written agreement not to accept more than 15%, realizing that their own interests required such action.
The President suggested that the Constitution be amended so as not to include the States of Mississippi and Louisiana; and later hi the meeting, being called upon to place the suggestion in form as required by the Constitution, that it might be considered, he complied. The matter being put to vote was not adopted, and for the reasons that while the law of Mississippi at present precludes the Association from operating within its borders, there is no desire to permanently exclude that State from such jurisdiction, in event that the law should be amended to permit return to the State. It was not deemed necessary to eliminate the State of Louisiana, although the State laws do not permit this Association to operate there, but circ*mstances might arise in the future which would render it desirable that this State be retained in the Constitution.
At the Executive Committee meeting in June, 1905, Mr. Jos. S. Raine, Jr., was elected to the office of Second Assistant Secre tary. Subsequently he became Assistant Secretary, succeeding
One Hundrtd, Ninety-Wins
QUARTER-CEfllKJMlAL BISTORT OF THE
Mr. F. J. McFadden, who resigned his position as Assistant Secre tary and Engineer, in September following, at which time the office of Second Assistant Secretary was abolished. Mr. Ralnes record is that of a faithful and efficient officer.
At the time of Mr. Dextera retirement from the Presidency, Mr. Low made the following remarks:
" While Mr. Dexters services as an executive officer have been recognized and applauded in a great many ways, there is one char acteristic of his that has been taken for granted so thoroughly that no one has mentioned it, one that is very conspicuous in my mind, and one I am glad to say that has been a conspicuous feature of the life of the South-Eastern Tariff Association. I do not believe we have ever had an officer who has commanded more respect and confidence than has Mr. Dexter. Of sterling character, of stalwart honesty, his straight-forward course has made him a rock to us. There never has been a suggestion coming from the Presidents office that has not been received by every individual with a feeling that it came from the hand of an honest man."
Note; Inasmuch aa the Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting recount* the proceedings of the twenty-fourth year of the Aaiociationa life, it becomes neceaaary to incorporate BO much of the current years work aa may be practicable to include in the preaent volume, and thua complete twenty-five full yean in the history.
Two Hundred
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT DARGAN. TRANSACTIONS FROK HAT 17, 1906.
(See Ifote on Preceding Page).
WHILE the previous record takes in the Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting, it requires this year to make up the complete twenty-five years, and therefore the record is given in advance of the Presidents Annual Address. At the last annual meeting, the Association, as further evi dencing its disposition and intention of. enlarging the scope of its operations, by taking under its jurisdiction every class of business that any of its members found desirable to engage in, had adopted a resolution, introduced by Mr. Rees of the Aetna, providing for promulgation of rates and policy forms for the Tornado Business, and that the rates and forms at present in use by companies writing this class of business be adopted tentatively. Accordingly the Executive Committee was immediate in complying with these instructions, and the rates and policy forms were sent out, on the basis of conclusions reached on the prescribed lines, and pending such future revision or amendment as might be ordered. The work takes the same course as other business, and is subject to the same commission as the general business. The era of Emphasis and Recovery is thus again pointedly marked, and the continuation of the work of Internal Improvement set forth.
Two Hundred, One
QUARTES-CEHTBHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
Upon recommendation of President Dexter at the last annual
meeting, the Association directed the- incoming Executive Com
mittee to proceed with the work of Tariff revision, including all
rates, rules and policy forms. A committee was accordingly appointed by President Dargan, viz.: Harris, Calkins, PaschaU,
Caldwell and Fleming.
The following named companies were admitted to member ship during the year:
Eagle Fire Co., New York. Florida Home Insurance Co., Marianna, Fla. Girard Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Philadelphia. Home Fire Insurance Corporation of Virginia, Hampton, Va. Interstate Fire Insurance Co., Suffolk, Va. Jefferson Fire Insurance Co., Philadelphia. National Union Fire Insurance Co., Pittsburg, Pa. New Brunswick Fire Insurance Co., New Brunswick, N. J. Norfolk Fire Insurance Corporation, Norfolk, Va.
(Formerly Republic Fire Ins. Co.) Republic Fire Insurance Co., Norfolk, Va. Security Insurance Company, New Haven, Conn. Perhaps in no particular has so great advance been made by the Association in its Emphasis and Internal Improvement as was instituted when A. B. Andrews, Southern Special Agent of the Sun of London, was invited to accept the newly created position of Man ager of the Association, and accordingly entered on his duties on January 1st, retiring from the former position which he had held for many years. The work of the Association had so largely increased that Secretary Fleming hailed with gratification a relief
Two Hundred, Two
60DTH-EA6TB8H TARIFF AaSOOATKMI
from the engrossing duties he had ao acceptably discharged for these many years, and bis services were retained as Secretary to the Executive Committee, leaving to Manager Andrews the general direction and administration of the details pertaining to the Asso ciation work. For these duties Manager Andrews is peculiarly fitted by bis sound judgment of men and matters, and by .his wide experience in the Southern field during the past twenty years. His services on the Executive Committee had been almost contin uous during this entire period, and bis executive ability will unques tionably bring about those excellent results that are absolutely essential to the prosecution of the work of so extensive an organ ization as the Association has now become.
The worn-out "rats and matches" hazard received special consideration and corresponding action at the hands of the Exe cutive Committee, in that they prescribed that, whenever matches are kept in wholesale grocery stocks all broken packages shall be kept in metal, or metal-lined, air-tight chests. It was also decided to grant reduction of rate for specially constructed rooms or vaults to be used for the storage of matches in unbroken pack ages. This is the first legislation along this line that has thus far been made by a similar Association.
At the last annual meeting, the Virginia Committee recom mended a plan for the more efficient transaction of Association business in that State, and their recommendations were referred to the Executive Committee, which finally decided to give over all
T-UJO Hundred, Thrte
QUARTER-CENTEinnAL BISTORT OF THE
detail work to that Committee, including the making and printing of tariffs, the Executive Committee to control rating schedules and expenses. Mr. Bickford became Chairman of the Committee, and organized the office with Mr. A. H. Harris as Secretary. After a complete organization had been effected, Mr. Bickford resigned and was succeeded by Mr. Jas. M. Waller. It is proper to record that the plans were well matured, as is shown by the fact that more prompt attention has been given to the affairs of that State through the machinery thus provided. Advantage is also found in the relief to the Atlanta office from considering matters of detail other than those that must be referred to the Executive Committee for action, as prescribed at the time of the adoption of the plan.
The State and National Associations of Local Agents have always received commendation and encouragement from this Association; first under President Gay in 1899, at which time invi tation was extended to annual meeting; then at the 1900 meeting President Woodworth, of the National Association, attended and was fittingly welcomed, making a reply of appreciation and pleasant assurances. Other meetings of this Association have recorded their continued approval of the movement, and Mr. Low, of the Liverpool & London & Globe, called attention to resolutions which had been recently passed by the Alabama Local Agents Association, and they are here inserted as evidencing a reciprocity and mutuality of regard that promise well for the business:
"Whereas, the South-Eastern Tariff Association has, by its
Two Hundred, Four
SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
operations in the Southern States, tended to elevate the science of underwriting by bringing about correct practices, with benefits not only to the companies, but also the insuring public; therefore be it
Resolved, That the members of the Alabama Fire Underwriters Association, in convention assembled, most earnestly request all companies in our territory, not now members of said Association, to join the said Association and thereby give active support to the organization, which has for its purpose the betterment of our bus iness as well as that of the country at large."
The Georgia Association was reported as having passed similar commendatory resolutions, but the language has not been obtainable.
On motion of Mr. Low, the President of the Association was requested to indicate to these Associations appreciation of their action in endorsing this Association, as subserving their interests and those of the public, with which the agents come more imme diately in touch; and that their request for all companies to unite with this Association was a most valuable endorsem*nt from a quarter where the situation was perfectly understood.
7ico Hundred, Five
STAPLES AND THEIR PROCESSES AND
OTHER SUBJECTS
COTTOH. COTTOW STORAGE AHD BAKDLHIG.
ALTHOUGH it seems at this time like a twice-told tale, we cannot forbear placing on record, in concrete shape, that there is perhaps no particular in which the great work of the Association has been more conspicuously shown than in the matter of the improvement of the physical risk attend ing the handling of the Souths greatest staple, Cotton. It will be recalled, that it was this point in particular that moved the Northern underwriters to call on their Southern brethren for assistance, and naturally it was in this direction that the first active efforts of the Association were made. Special committees were arranged from the most expert of the Southern field men, and they visited the most important cities, Mobile, Charleston and Savannah, to co-op erate with the willing minds of the cotton warehouse men for the improvement of the physical hazard of their compresses and ware houses. Subdivision into compartments, segregating the values subject to one fire, was in general the first great step, and with so intelligent support were the committees met that it soon became practicable to carry larger lines with less hazard, and the better ments were so mutually advantageous that the cotton men became welcome visitors at the annual meetings, and their co-operation was of the most cordial and effective character. Among other
Two Hundred,
QUARTER-CEHTEHWIAL BISTORT
devices or plans for the improvement of the risk by subdivision of the storage spaces, was one that we feel should long ago have been of record, but unfortunately we are now compelled to rely on gen eral report and tradition rather than documentary evidence. We refer to what was known as the chimney doors, or by some called the "vestibuled doors." It is somewhat difficult to describe intelligently, but the plan was to take an opening, already protected by a fire door, and to build to it, three walls passing through the roof, and enclosing necessary space to constitute in effect a " chimney," with open space at the top, the wall opposite the orig inal door having a similar opening, with like protection of a fire door. The theory was that, in event the fire broke through either door, the flames would be diverted to the upper air rather than against the opposite door, which gave entrance to another com partment or subdivision. Several of these doors and chimneys were planned in Charleston, Savannah, Anniston and Atlanta, and they were found in practical emergency to fill the purpose for which they were devised. It is to be expected that we should state the origin of this device, but, in the absence of definite record, we can only state that Mr. Daniel and Mr. Deane were intimately asso ciated in this laudable work of cotton warehouse improvement, and to them jointly must the credit be given. Incidentally it is equally worth mention that their services were in the highest degree intelligent and conspicuous, and resulted in valuable improvements, which stand to-day as monuments to their efficient service.
Two Hundred, Ten
QDARTER-CEHTERHIAL HISTORY OF THE
We should have earlier stated that the work on cotton ware houses was done in line with the schedules for deficiencies, which had been elaborately prepared by the Association assembled, and concurrently the Association also caused to be prepared policy forms which should give proper consideration to the rights of owners and insurers respectively. It goes without saying that the Association has kept pace with all the changes and improve ments that have taken place in the handling of this staple, and of late years it has been found wise to commit all such matters to the Permanent Cotton Committee, and through their judicious action the insuring of cotton has been carefully systematized. The com panies confidently committed their interests to the supervising care of this committee, as from time to time reviewed by the Association assembled, but, as the committee has been formed from the most experienced managers and specials, the work of ratification was in the main a formality.
For many years the vexatious problems connected with the reinsurance of marine companies for their shore risk and the com plications growing out of common carriers liability, have in no little degree disturbed the annual meetings, until of late years a bureau has been organized independent of this Association, through which "Cotton Insurance Association" all such matters are handled under direction of the companies, and in no wise is the ordinary storage business of the field at large diverted from its
Two Hundred, Twelve
SOTJTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
local channels. The reasons which made this Association essen tially desirable and necessary are set forth thus:
"The agents of the South, the cotton producing section, and the companies operating therein, have realized for some years past that heavy inroads were being made on cotton insurance from out side sources, viz., through brokers of the larger centers and through companies not domiciled in the cotton producing States. These inroads, gradual at first, have gone on in an ever-increasing ratio, until the matter was forced to the serious attention of the various companies operating in the territory, and it was realised that some decided action must be taken in order to protect the agents and themselves from further inroads, and to regain the business here tofore lost. These are the conditions that made necessary the formation of the Cotton Insurance Association."
COTTON HILLS.
The Associations course having been productive of most important results in the departments of cotton warehousing, what must be said as to the very revolution brought about in regard to the erection of cotton mills on standard plans, not to mention the reconstruction of the old mills which were in existence when the Association began its educational work, in showing the people that the companies preferred an improved risk at a lower rate of prem ium? Whereupon we find that protests came in from many sources: companies objecting to some feature of the schedule; agents "kick ing" at the change which would be made in rates, and with the fear of losing the business; mills showing desire to make improve ments, or else seeking to "bull-doze" as to a proposed advance;
Two Hundred, Thirteen
QUARTER-CEHTEIOHAI HISTORY OF THE
but the Executive Committee felt safe in their determination to bring about the improvements by the rigid observance of the course prescribed, and it is gratifying to note that eventually great good was accomplished. Right here came about a state of affairs that shows most forcibly the practical effect of the Association action on the line of bringing about improvements of risks and of the cor responding advantage to the assured by the reduction of rate for improvements of hazard. The ruling rate for cotton mills of the best class was from 1.50 to 2.50, and large lines were on the books of companies at this rate, but the results had not been altogether profitable, although some companies were satisfied with condi tions. By the new schedule of the Association, the basis rate was made 75 cents, and by the elimination of the deficiency charges it was entirely practicable to so improve the physical hazard as to reduce the rate to this minimum basis. The mill men were not slow in taking such action, and thus avail themselves of the advan tage extended them by the schedule, so that it came to pass within a short time that mills had been so improved and perfected that a howl arose from the companies against the Association, declaring that it was organized to increase rates and not to lower them, and thus the Association was placed between two fires, one from the public in front and another from the disgruntled companies in the rear. No greater commentary on the high moral and practical ground of the Association work in the common interest of the people and the companies for the betterment of conditions can be
Two Hundred, Fourteen-
SODXH-BASTESIT IAXOFT ASSOCUTHNT
found than is shown in the history of this cotton mill business, for the Association so effectively persisted in this work of education that finally the entire business was re-arranged.
A syndicate of companies, known as the "Factory Insurance Association," was formed to handle this class of business, and has demonstrated its ability to do so, at rates lower than those pre vailing on any other class dwellings not excepted. The success of this organization in the South, in co-operating with the SouthEastern Tariff Association, has been marked, and fully demonstrates the fact that good construction and intelligent and well laid out plans of fire protection justify the statement oft-repeated, that more profit is to be derived from low-rated risks than those written hap-hazard at the highest tariffs. Whatever friction may have arisen at times between the Factory Insurance Association and the South-Eastern Tariff Association, has always been in the end removed by the diplomatic intervention of those who were charged with the responsibility of restoring friendly relations and a better understanding for the future.
COTTON-SEED OIL HILLS. As another instance of the wisdom of the Association in keep ing pace with the growth of new features in the field of insurance, must be mentioned this great industry, which has been developed to proportions at first but little dreamed of. Let it be remembered that, when the Association was organized, there was no intelligent
Two Hundred, Fifteen
QUARTER-CEHTENinAL HISTORY OF THE
standard for either the erection of plants or for the insurance of such properties, and to the Association is due the formation of schedules of basis rates and deficiency charges, thereby affording a safe guide for the proper handling of these features of the busi ness. Now it has come to pass that the fire hazard is reduced to such limitation that standard buildings are found in all directions, and a fixity given to conditions previously indefinite in the extreme. When we reflect that this industry has become of importance, closely approximating that of the mam staple itself, and has been of vast importance in the up-building of the waste places of the South by the utilization of cotton-seed, which had been regarded waste product, we must appreciate its contributions to the increase of wealth and the prosperity of our people, and to the wise action of the Association in giving intelligent basis for the promoters of the business must corresponding testimony be given here. The original Tariff Book issued in 1882 gives a schedule covering this class, which by comparison with the schedule in use to-day appears crude and incomplete, as must needs be the case when the improve ments in the business are considered.
The present schedule includes a standard applicable also to Refineries, of which there are now a considerable number in this field, refining their own cotton-seed oil. It is a fact not generally known that the flash point of cotton-seed oil is 690 degrees, and by some the cotton-seed oil mill hazard has been erroneously classed
Two Hundred, Sixteen
SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATIO1T
with that of the linseed oil mills or other plants of similar character, wherein volatile oils are manufactured or used.
COTTON 6mS. As we look at the matter in the light of present conditions, it seems strange that the Association should have for so many years declined to enter upon lines of insurance, as for the members in general, under the jurisdiction and rules and rates of the Associa tion, which have recently been found practicable and desirable. Several of the members have for many years conducted the busi ness of insuring gins, as what may be termed a "side-line" to their regular mercantile agencies, and by these companies the rates were made and other requirements determined upon, largely according to their individual judgment, and we had almost said that each company had features of its own, as derived from its own experiences and skill in the prosecution of this branch of the business. Of late years, however, a better understanding had prevailed. It goes without saying that large volume was thus added to their premium income, not always at a profit, but the receipts were of decided advantage in other respects. At the 23d Annual Meeting, Mr. Egleston, speaking for the gin-writing companies, asked that the subject be taken under the jurisdiction of the Association, and upon favorable consideration through the Committee of Twenty-Five, the Association appointed a special committee to report to the Executive Committee.
Two 3undred, Seventeen
QUARTER-CEHTEmnAL mSTORY OF THE
Later the incoming President Dexter, appointed a committee composed of Egleston, Hawkins, Hanco*ck, Yancey and Stockdell. This committee reported to the Executive Committee, and, under date June 25th, soon after the 23d Annual Meeting at which the movement was introduced, publication was made of a standard schedule rating and policy form, and the business was incorporated into the general work of the Association.
Under the influence of the usual course of business coining under the Association rules and methods, several improvements have been introduced into the standards of construction and general reduction of physical hazard, until this class of business is now regarded with favor by many if not most of the members, whereas it was formerly left to the few who conducted it as a side-line.
PHOSPHATE AND FERTILIZER INDUSTRY.
Charleston, S. C., is justly entitled to the distinction of being the birth-place of the phosphate industry of the South. As far back as 1859 a prominent and learned professor of chemistry, Dr. Charles U. Shepard, of that city, in an address before the Medical Association of South Carolina, made this prediction "that he sincerely entertained the opinion that as the supply of guanos from abroad fails, we shall be looked to to fill the vacuum their disappearance shall cause, and it would not be strange if a few years hence Charleston, besides supplying her own State, should ship more casks of phosphate rock to the North than she now receives of
Two Hundred, Eighteen
SOUTH-EASTERK TARIFF ASSOCIATION
ordinary Kme from that region." How abundantly true this pre diction has proven, the present extensive market for phosphate rock, both foreign and domestic, attests. It was not until 1S66, however, that the manufacture of fertilizers in the South was seriously undertaken. This naturally took place at Charleston, near which city lie the richest phosphate beds. In that year a factory was established to crush and pulverize the rock, which was then mixed with sulphuric acid, thus launching the first enterprise looking to the manufacture of commercial fertilizers. Acid cham bers for some time were not installed, the acid in the early history of the industry being brought from the North. Later acid cham bers and sulphur furnaces were built, and from this time on the business grew apace, not only at Charleston, but throughout the South, and these properties now form an important part of the manufacturing industry of the principal States of this section.
The South-Eastern Tariff Association was soon called on to measure the fire hazard of these and kindred risks, and in this work it was ably assisted by intelligent and active committees of the Charleston Local Board. The early type of acid chamber was not viewed with favor by underwriters, but experience and close inspections soon brought about improvements in construction and fire protection, all tending to reduce the danger of fire, finally bring ing about a standard which the manufacturers themselves gladly adopted after repeated conferences.
The discovery of phosphates in Florida, about 1889, and later
Two Hundred, nineteen
QUARTfiR-CEirrEimiAL HISTORY OF THE
in Tennessee, added to the importance of the industry, and the steady growth following now makes these States important factors in the trade. In 1890 the Florida shipments were some 18,363 tons only, which increased with succeeding years until in 1906 it reached 561,040 tons. Mr. D. W. Davis, of Ocala, in writing of the progress of the Florida phosphate industry, says: "The first shipments of rock were made from the crude material as it came from mother earth. Kiln drying soon came into use and is still in use to-day, the moisture running from one to two per cent. The first attempt to handle rock by machinery was made by the Dunnellon Phosphate Company, when they erected a cylinder washer at a mine they operated at Haile Springs. This they soon aban doned, when log washers were introduced." Log washers are still in use to-day, but are much improved over the type of 1891.
The present rating schedules of the South-Eastem Tariff Asso ciation contemplate tariffs for all the different processes, including fertilizer factories, phosphate washers and dryers, mixing plants and their dependencies. Special forms of policies covering the different hazards are full and comprehensive, discriminating in the matter of rates offered, and the form of percentage co-insurance clause, required as a result of the experience gained over a period of nearly forty years. To-day there is no more important subject of insurance in the South than that of the fertilizer and phosphate factories. It is however, impossible in this brief recital to estimate even in a slight measure the influence this development has had
Tuo Hundred, Twenty
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
on the great agricultural interests of the country. Suffice it to say,
that there are richly productive lands to-day which would still be
going to waste, if the intelligence and enterprise of the South had
not utilized the rich deposits which nature laid at her doors.
In a report, prepared by Chief Inspector MacKnight, of the
Inspection Department, and issued Dec. 19, 1904, appears the fol
lowing language, which can be very appropriately quoted in con
nection with this subject:
The discovery made by the great chemist, Liebig, that the phosphoric acid contained in phosphate rock (pebble or other form) could be freed and made readily available as a fertilizer constituent, when subjected to the action of sulphuric acid, conferred not only a lasting boon on mankind, but also made possible the modern com mercial fertilizer industry.
The Souths great staples, cotton, corn and tobacco, can best be produced by the liberal use of fertilizers, the plant foods (nitro gen, potash and phosphoric acid) not all being indigenous to the soil, or contained in their proper proportion. The demand for fertilizer has now reached such proportions that the number of plants distributed and capital involved form one of the chief indus tries of the Southern States.
During the season of 1903 more than 1,700,000 tons of commer cial fertilizers were required by planters in the South. The fertilizer plants in the South consist of: (1) The complete fertilizer works, inclusive of sulphuric acid manufacturing plants. (2) Plants making acid phosphate and complete fertilizers without acid plant, for which all the hazards of the complete plant apply except those peculiar to the sulphuric acid manufacturing plant. (3) Dry mixing fertilizer plants, these latter generally in connection with
Two Hundred, Twenty-One
QUARTER-CENTEiraiAL HISTORY OF THE
cotton-seed oil mills, and so called because the ingredients com posing completed fertilizers are mixed dry. The hazards of the class are comparatively mild, the processes simply consisting of the dry admixture of acid phosphate and potash salts (purchased in bulk) and cotton seed meal or some other source of nitrogen, the only machinery used consisting of a mixing and bagging machine. The hazards pertaining to storage or fertilizer raw stocks apply, but in lesser degree, as but small amounts are usually stored at a time.
In the following article the writer will describe the complete plant.
The complete commercial fertilizer works consists of two departments the acid plant, for the production of sulphuric acid, and the fertilizer plant, for the manipulation and mixing of the completed fertilizers generally separated from each other."
TOBACCO.
This staple, as a subject of insurance, has had careful attention from the outset, and for a long time was a " burning question," so to speak. In fact, the records of the Association will show that many committees have struggled with the matter of tobacco insur ance, and even to-day it is an important issue in treating with the rate question. For a great while the States of Virginia and North
Carolina raised about all the tobacco that the South handled, there fore, the principal field of insurance for this class was to be found
in those States. Later South Carolina came into prominence as a tobacco growing State, though it is confined to a limited section. The early factories and prizeries were all of frame construction, but in recent years brick and stone have replaced these, and to-day
T ico Hundred, Twenty-Two
SODTH-KASTEKH TAJUFF ASSOCIATIOK
the tobacco business of the South has millions invested in buildings and machinery of the finest construction and make. Notably expensive plants are to be found at Richmond, Danville, Peters burg, Durham, and Winston. The superior character of these modern structures has brought about a very low rate, largely due to the intelligent supervision and suggestions of the Tariff Asso ciation, which in this, as in all other cases, has always shown a pains taking disposition to encourage the erection of high class buildings, with complete and adequate fire protection. Virginia and Carolina tobaccos are largely used in the smoking tobacco, cigarette, and plug trade.
In recent years Cuban tobacco has been successfully planted in a limited section of the states of Florida and Georgia. This has resulted in the building up of quite an extensive industry for the cultivation and curing of a particularly fine quality of leaf tobacco, used exclusively for wrappers and fillers in the manufacture of cigars. The territory adjoining and contiguous to Quincy and Tallahassee, Fla., and Bainbridge, Ga., alone seem to possess the particular soil suited to this culture, and so it may be said that, in this small territory, has the only successful planting of Cuban seed been accomplished.
CO-INSURANCE CLAUSE.
Lest there be in the minds of some and we have reason to fear that it really exists an impression that this Association has
Tico Hundred,Twenty-Three
QUARTER-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE
not been aa prompt as some kindred Association or Associations
in the application of the co-insurance clause, we take occasion thus
specifically to recite our record, and it will be seen that so far from
being in the least laggard we have really led in this important matter:
(1) At a meeting of the Association at Charleston, Feb. 19th,
1884, it was ordered that the average co-insurance clause, as follows,
shall be inserted in all policies on cotton, without exception:
"It is understood and agreed that in case of loss under this policy, this company shall be liable only for such proportion of the whole loss as the amount of this insurance bears to the cash value of the whole property insured, at the time of the fire."
(2) At the 4th annual meeting, June, 1885, Capt. Gay intro
duced a clause, devised by himself and designated "Co-Insurance
and Limitation Clause," and it was worded as follows: "In consideration of the reduced rate at which this policy is
written, and the limitation of the liability of this company, as herein provided, it is understood and agreed that in case of loss under this policy, this company shall be liable only for such proportion of the whole loss, as the amount of this insurance bears to the cash value of the whole property hereby insured, at the time of the fire.
Provided, however: That in no event shall the company be a co-insurer for less than the following amounts, to-wit: If at the time of the fire the total value of the property hereby insured shall amount to $50,000 or less, the insured shall be a co-insurer for at least 20 per cent, thereof; if the total value of said property be over $50,000 and does not exceed $100,000, the insured shall be co-insurer for at least 15 per cent, thereof; if the total value of said property shall exceed $100,000, the insurer shall be co-insurer for at least 10 per cent, thereof. Subject to average as aforesaid."
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SOUTH-EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION
The discussion of the clause was general and its practical appli cation carefully considered and illustrated. The mover had sug gested 10 per cent, as the proper reduction in rate, but 15 per cent, was finally adopted. It was also explained that the % value or the loss clauses are not to be inserted in the policies containing this clause. The intention was that this clause should be applied to mercantile risks as well as others.
President Knowles in one his addresses took occasion to state that a better clause than either the % loss or the % value clause, is this co-insurance and limitation clause.
It will be noted that the above co-insurance and limitation clause as devised by the Association, was made "advisory" and that the proposed reduction in rate was expected to bring it into operation, and we do not find that any requirement was made for this or any co-insurance clause up to the time of the llth Annual Meeting in March, 1892, on which occasion President Mims sug gested that possibly the use of the co-insurance clause might be. the cure for the unprofitable conditions then existing, and he advised its general application. Accordingly it was adopted, in November, 1892, and was incorporated in the new edition of the Tariff then issued. Under the caption: "75 per cent. Co-Insurance Clause in Mercantile Risks," we find it with these remarks:
"As our tariff is based upon an insurance as to value of 75 per cent., an extra charge of 25 cents per hundred must be added to the rate, unless the 75 per cent, co-insurance clause is inserted in policies
Two Hundred, Twenty-Five
QUARTER-CEHTEiraiAL BISTORT OF THE
covering mercantile risks; provided this clause shall not apply to towns coming under operation of the % value clause."
It must be borne in mind that, although this Association did not earlier require the co-insurance clause on mercantile risks, the loss and value clauses had been in general use for several years for specific places in the territory, based on the water supply and fire department conditions, and we safely assert that this was not the practice with any similar organization in the country. At the 12th Annual Meeting in 1893, we find that the 75 per cent, co-insur ance clause was declared operative and obligatory, and for other places the % value clause was declared mandatory. Incidentally we would state that the iron safe clause is concurrently declared mandatory for mercantile risks in all places without exception. It remains necessary only to further state that this action of 1893 has not been changed, but has remained the mandatory rule of the Association continuously, and is incorporated in the Tariff now in use in the field.
DELEGATED POWERS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
While it cannot be forgotten that in the early days a resolution was passed at the Charleston meeting declaring the powers of the Executive Committee to be "purely executive," yet it is as well recalled that the next meeting rescinded that action, which had brought forth rebellion and created unfavorable conditions in the minds of local agents. As pointedly recording the fullest confi-
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SODTH-EASTERIT TARIFF ASSOCIATION
denes and bestowing liberal powers to protect the interests of mem bers, was the resolution at the Baltimore meeting in 1888, as follows:
"That the Executive Committee be empowered, whenever in its opinion the emergency exists, to devise and cany out measures for the protection of the business of members of this Association, either by the suppression of local tariffs or by any other means they may deem necessary."
This was reaffirmed at the next annual meeting in 1889, on motion of Mr. Tucker, manager of the Western.
The Baltimore meeting also passed a resolution on this line, differing in one important particular from any ever passed by the Association, in that the power was reposed in the resident mem bers, without requiring the full committee to take action. This was giving authority to declare the membership of companies terminated in event of certain conditions arising, and those condi tions did arise and the action was accordingly taken, but it is with gratification recorded in same connection that the trouble was speedily dissipated. At the New York meeting the Executive Committee appealed for support in its action, but the wise commit tee into whose hands the matter was committed found it best to declare that "the action of the committee was irregular." This occasion and that at Charleston are the only instances in which there has been even an apparent failure to sustain the Executive Committee in the exercise of the full powers habitually entrusted to it.
As the detailed prosecution of the work of the Association in
Two Hundred,T ic enty-S even
QUAKTER-CEHTEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
so large degree rests upon the Executive Committee, it seems proper that this review be placed on record as evidencing the faithfulness with which these important duties have been discharged by the earnest, capable and devoted men who have from time to time con stituted the membership of the Executive Committees
SPECIAL AGENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. While it is well recognized that the special agents of the com panies were active, energetic and assiduous in the early work of extending the new features of the Association, it must not be for gotten that there came a time, very early in the enterprise, when it was very comfortable to have some one else between you and the fire, if we may so express it for the application of the Tariff was not always accepted by the parties interested as a labor of love (for them), and quite often there was what might be called a howl, by the agent and the assured in chorus. To these self sacrificing duties Walter D. Welbourn was the first to tender his services, and about the same time W. F. Prioleau and Henry B. Anderson. The last named was assigned to the task of applying the schedules to the iron furnaces of Alabama: to Mr. Prioleau was committed the rating of North Carolina cotton mills, and to Mr. Welbourn the rating of towns. It goes without saying that their services were rendered in a manner entirely satisfactory to the Association. In July, 1884, Henry E. Rees, now the respected Assistant
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SODTH-EASTEIUI TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Secretary .of the Aetna for the South, visited the Association office on a matter of business, when it was recalled that he had shown marked expertness in the duties of Secretary of the Macon, Ga., Local Board, and he was asked to accept service with the Associa tion. After serving for a time in rating towns, he was by the Exe cutive Committee assigned in January, 1885, to the new work of the Mobile Compact, in which capacity he rated that city and remained as the Manager of the Compact, with the assistance of the respected Board Secretary, Major Terry. Unfortunately for the Association, Mr. Rees was called to the service of the North British, and some time afterward to the Aetna with Mr. Dudley, of respected mem ory as the deceased President of that company.
In August, 1884, the Association was fortunate in securing Kalford Kreth from Raleigh, and he rendered valuable service, assisting the Secretary in multifarious duties, and from time to time going into the field to rate a town or settle a matter to which the Executive Committee assigned him, during his several years service. It will be remembered that he was afterwards called to the service of the Home of New York, as its State Agent for Ala bama and Mississippi, which position he still holds.
Reference has already been made to the early work done by the Association special agents in perfecting the machinery of the Association, and it is due to those that have done similar work in later years that the record should appear as an important item in recounting the progress of the Association.
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QUARTER-CEHTEmUAL BISTORT OF THE
When Louisiana was incorporated into the Association work, it was found that perhaps the most important feature, second only to cotton and surely equal to the large interests in cotton seed oil mills, was the sugar house industry, and forthwith a systematic inspection and schedule rating were instituted, and the work assigned to Fred C. Calkins, by whom the dutywaa performed in the most able and complete manner. Over and above the matter of inspecting and rating, was the preservation of diagrams and other illustrations as to conditions, which entered largely into the risk on other lines. Centralization became a large feature in the work of these estab lishments, and the plantation mills were in general discarded. This operated to increase the power and extent of the central plants and correspondingly the risk was changed. All these features were ably shown by the reports made by Special Agent Calkins, and to this day are of great value to that industry, or to the intelligent comprehension of the hazard.
Another special agent, who is entitled to be placed on record as having largely contributed to the successful and intelligent work of the Association, is Herbert M. Tanner. For several years he was closely identified with the most difficult problems of rating, which arose in the course of business, and in every case he was found equal to the task assigned him.
The above named special agents are mentioned specifically, because they were identified with the Association in its more stren uous periods and because some were so long employed in its service.
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SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
Others there are, who followed them and did equally valuable work in the field. Their number has grown to such an extent, however, that it is impracticable to specify them here, but their names will be found on the roll of honor represented by a complete list of Special Agents which will appear later on in this History.
These again are instances of the Men and the Occasion and correspondingly show the wisdom of the Association in the selec tion of its servants.
Two Hundred, Thirty-Ont
REMINISCENCES
THE SURVIVING SIGNERS OF THE ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION
HEW BOLLARD SPRINGS, GA., August, 1882.
Captain Edward S. Gay, then and now Manager Insurance Company of North America.
H. C. Stockdell, now Manager Phenix Ins. Company of Brook lyn, Southern Department.
Henry W. Brown, then and now Philadelphia Manager for the Niagara Ins. Co., of New York.
L. R. Warren, then Southern Special Agent (now General Agent) for the Phoenix Assurance Company of London.
W. F. Pattillo, then and now General Agent for the Hamburg Bremen Insurance Company.
J. deW. Churchill, then and now Special Agent for the Liver pool & London A Globe Ins. Co.
Peter F. Peacud, Local Agency, New Orleans. James A. Thomas, Adjuster, Nashville, Term.
S. W. Williams, Adjuster, Atlanta, Ga.
Extract from letter of L. R. Warren:
"Dear Sir: Please pardon me for my long delay in responding to your request for a statement from me of my recollections of the conditions which led to the organization of the South-Eastern Tariff Association.
In April 1882 Atlanta became my headquarters as Special Agent of the Phoenix Assurance Company of London for the States
Two Bundrtd, Thirty-five
QUABTER-CEHTEIWIAL HISTORY OF TEE
of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Prior to that time I had no opportunity to learn conditions in Georgia.
Before going to Atlanta for the Phoenix of London, I had been Special Agent of the Va. Fire & Marine Insurance Company, with head-quarters at its Home Office, but with no defined field. In that position I had observed the good work of the State Board of Underwriters of Virginia, in the prevention of demoralization, to say the least although it had not been well supported by the com panies. I believed that its one weak point was that it had indi vidual not company membership. In reflecting on the situation in Georgia, and having this knowledge of the Va. State Board, as we called it for short, I took little tune to decide to suggest to my confreres in the business of fife insurance in Georgia, the necessity of organizing a State Association, with company mem bership I think it was in Augusta that I reached that determina tion.
From that city, on June 14th, 1882, just about two months before the organization of the South-Eastern Tariff Association, I addressed a letter to my company, press-copy of which is now before me. In it I expressed conviction that conditions would not improve except under the direction of the companies and con cluded with these words: As to rates the plan of the United Fire Underwriters will not succeed. I believe the companies must league in regular contract for that. The words underscored in this quotation are shown in the press-copy of my letter to have been underscored in that letter.
What the plan of the United Fire Underwriters, an organiza tion in New York, was I do not remember but I do remember with no need for any letter to refresh my recollection that even in that day I had strong convictions that a State Association with company membership was necessary to meet and to cure the then existing evils. But the letter does recall a fact which I had for-
7 wo Hundrtd, Thirty-Six
SODTH-KASTERK TARIFF ASSOCIATIOIT
gotten, viz.: that I then believed that each company should guar antee fidelity, and that is why I used the word contract, and underscored it. *****
Returning to Atlanta from Augusta where I had written the letter referred to, I began to agitate the question of an organization of fire companies to operate throughout the State. It is no dis paragement of those who took time to consider the question to say that the then Southern Manager of the Home Insurance Company of New York the lamented Mims was the only one to whom I talked on the subject, to give immediate approval. In one of his annual addresses, as President of our Association, which annual address is now a part of our records, he refers to my propo sition.
In August 1882, at Danville, Va., the present General Agent of the Phenis of New York, Mr. H. C. Stockdell, then Special Agent of some other company, and I received mail in which was the cir cular addressed to the companies doing business in Georgia, (In fact it was addressed to companies doing business in N. C., S. C., Ga. and Ala.), requesting them to attend a meeting to be held at Gainesville, on Aug. 16th, 1882 for the purpose of organizing. Stockdell did not hesitate to express opinion that everything was cut and dried by a few persons. I promptly told him that I myself had suggested an organization, that I sup posed the call had grown out of my suggestion, and that if anything was cut and dried, I did not know anything about it. * * *
I trust that the roll of those who were present has been pre served, and will appear in the history of the Association which you are preparing. I trust also that the original draft of Consti tution and By-Laws, with the signatures thereto in the order in which they appear, has been preserved, and that it will be copied in the history of the Association which you are preparing, with
Two Hundred, Thirty-Seven
QUAHTER-CEHTEHlflAL HISTORY OF THE
the signatures not alphabetically arranged, but in the order in which they appear on that paper.
I clearly recall that Mr. Clarence Knowles ,then Special Agent of the New York Underwriters Agency, read or caused to be read, a letter from his company, stating its willingness to be a member of the Association should one be organized, provided it would adopt a rule that none of its members should pay a commission exceeding 15%. I have the impression that other companies also named the same condition. It is well known that such a rule was adopted.
The organization was completed on the 18th day of August, 1882. My impression is that the first work that was done after the organization was completed was, by Mr. W. F. Pattillo, in the rating of Gainesville, Ga. I have also the impression that the next work was the organization of a local board at Augusta. This work was entrusted to a large committee and of its members were Knowles, Gay and Warren: as to the other members I have no recollection. The main difficulty in organizing was that one of the agents at Augusta declined to join except upon condition that there should be a rule requiring the payment of a fine on conviction for viola tion: that I believe was the origin of the fine provision in our local board agreement.
I wish I had more time to give to this matter so that I might be able to write you with less length and more matter: but this must go as it is, or none at all."
President Mima remarks, referred to by Mr. Warren, are as
follows:
From address to Ninth Annual Meeting, Washington, April,
1890.
" I call to mind an incident of that time when the accomplished and able General Agent of the Phoenix of London called on me
Two Hundred, Thirty-Eight
SODTH-BASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
and expressed his disgust at the general demoralization in rates, as well as commissions, and urged as a remedy the formation of this very Association, * * * His sagacity then was worthy of his excellent record since, for being heartily seconded by all the lead ing companies, the result was the formation of the South-Eastern Tariff Association."
Mem: It will be noted that Mr. Warren in his letter quoted from above, does not claim, either that he suggested the Asso ciation for more than the State of Georgia, nor does he claim that it was his suggestion that was taken hold of by the companies, nor do the facts as we read them justify the statement of President Mims, in these particulars.
As to the original copy of the Constitution and By-Laws, we find that it has not been preserved, further than the copy in the original Proceedings Record; we find also that the list of signatures is arranged by the Secretary in making his record, alpha betically. It would seem that possibly Mr. Warren desires to establish that his signature was the first and we are quite ready to admit that possibly it was, for he was chairman of the committee that reported the Constitution for adoption of the meeting, and we feel quite confident that he was largely instrumental in framing it, and naturally he would be prompt to sign.
Extract from letter of W. F. Pattillo:
"In answer to your letter in regard to the meeting for organ ization of the S-E-T-A, and my recollection of the conditions lead ing up to that action, let me state:
During 1882, and perhaps for a twelve month previous, the rates on all classes of property had become demoralized to a shock ing degree. The National Board, which had in years before been the bulwark in restraining reckless underwriting and cut-rates, had relinquished all supervision of rates. In the South, the South-
Two Hundred, Thirty-Hint
QUARTER-CEIfTERIIIAL HISTORY OF THE
ern Underwriters Association which had flourished for a few years, and had for a season exerted a conservative and restraining influ ence had disbanded: consequently local boards, which up to this time had existed in nearly every town and city where there were two or more agents, disbanded also, and it seemed for some months that every man was a law unto himself in the making of rates, or in the matter of reducing rates, for it had become a rare exception when a risk of any class could be renewed at the old rate, and all new business was the subject of frightful competition.
This state of things ran along from bad to worse until cotton anywhere was written at 50 cents per annum. The very excesses to which this craze in rates had run seemed in time to demand a cure from those most responsible for the then ruinous rates. Personal conferences between a few led to the contemplation of looking for a way of escape and the cry went up What shall we do to be saved? The answer was to have a meeting somewhere and invite the man agers, general agents and special agents to confer together seriously as to a plan for improving the situation in the South.
This earnest desire resulted in a meeting held at Gainesville, Ga., which afterward adjourned to New Holland Springs, a few miles distant, and on this occasion the S-E-T-A was organized, and at once became a mighty power and potent influence, for the organization was born out of the travail of sin and desolation wrought in the few months before.
As I remember now, there were only two Managerial Depart ments in the South, East of New Orleans, and these were Major L. Mims, for the Home of New York, and Capt. E. S. Gay, for the Insurance Company of North America. There were two or three General Agencies; Major John C. Whitner, for companies that I do not remember, and ourselves, W. P. & W. F. Pattillo, for the Hamburg Bremen. There were a host of specials and adjusters, who were a mighty influence in the work of restoration of rates,
Ttoo Hundred, Forty
SOOTH-EASTER TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
and in building up the Association to become one of great power and usefulness. I call to mind, Judge W. J. Whaling, the Sage of the old Hartford, and Dean of the Field men of that day. Clar ence Knowles, Major J. B. Ezell, Col. Thayer, Major Hutson Lee, I. 8. Boyd, Israel Putnam and other worthies, who have since passed away. I recall others who still abide in strength and use fulness. Some have settled down to the more honorable estate of local agent, and a few have retired, content with honors won, to more peaceful pursuits. I recall James A. Thomas, now an independent adjuster of Nashville.
The Association prospered and grew in usefulness, but many times in its history we have gone to the annual meetings with fear and trembling, lest the dissatisfaction and threats of a few might result in disbanding, but each time the Old Ship emerged stronger than before, until now it is said to be the greatest and most pow erful organization on the continent, and some have declared it the greatest in the world. It is to-day the most potent influence in underwriting, and will live when the present membership shall have passed from the stage of action. Well may its history be written and its records preserved for the guidance and inspiration of coming generations of underwriters, and well may its founders and builders look back with proud memory to their part in build ing it."
Extract from letter of Jas. A. Thomas:
"I have your letter stating that the South-Eastern Tariff Asso ciation is to have a place in history and asking my recollections of the early days.
I can best reply as to the original causes for organization of the Association by the story of the drummer who was asked how he was getting along? Splendidly he replied, I have an interest in the business now1, and in explanation said that his Boss had
Two Hundred, Forty-One
QUABTER-CEHTEmnAL BISTORT OF THE
written him that if he did not take an interest in the business, he would be discharged, so he concluded to do so.
The situation previous to the existence of the Association was fearful in the South. No boards, no rates, no co-operation and no profits for the companies. It looked as if sundry managers and specials would be out of a job in that section, and a movement for improving matters took shape.
Captain Gay issued the call for a, meeting at Gainesville, Ga., but it was adjourned to New Holland Springs. Captain Gay should have been elected President but a movement to make it an organization to be controlled by field men prevailed and Clarence Knowles was elected President and then he signed the agreement.
Peters was elected Secretary and originated a system used to this day . He was vigilant and loyal and to him as much as to any one is due the success in the incipiency.
No other Tariff organization has continued in existence longer with so great measure of success: none other had members who were more loyal and unselfish, and all who have at any time had connection with it have cause to be proud.
May she live forever."
Among the many devoted and enthusiastic workers, there
was none held in greater honor than Major John C. Whitner. He
has recently passed away, but we are happy in having from his
pen a valued article as to these early days, that are now so fraught
with deepest interest,and we gladly give place to his lucid and. clear reminiscences of these times
Says Major Whitner: "In order to appreciate the remarkable success in constituting, and since in conducting, the South-Eastern Tariff Association, it is necessary to consider the antecedent circ*mstances which rendered
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SOUTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOOATIOH
such an Association necessary. It was not merely a happy acci dent in its institution, nor has it been merely fortutitoua in its management since. Careful planning upon business principles, learned in bitter experience and resting upon individual honor and true manhood in administration, are the elements that constituted its basis from inception, through its workings, up to the present day.
The old Southern Association of Underwriters which included the States from Virginia to Texas, served as a good trainer in many respects. The papers read, the able and often extended discussions upon the ever varying phases of insurance interests, were highly educational, while the social feature, marked by elegance and good cheer never surpassed, banded all together and caused hearts to disclose experiences and extend confidences too long withheld. Thus, as it were, familiar ties were woven unconsciously and the better and higher nature was softly expanded.
Its special feature became its weakness. Business was una voidably cramped, if not neglected. Long discussions and able papers became a bore, while the banqueting hall was impatiently longed for. Without authority to bind, its workings seemed a mere acting, and hence its members chose the more pleasant paths wherein all delighted to walk, each becoming a law unto himself. This happy freedom and happy association constituted the real bond of union, and the only one that would be tolerated. Too much work had been the experience for the year, and, naturally, too much play was the motto for the few days of the meeting. That Association should never have been permitted to die. It should have been kept up as the conservator of the social in business, and the grand arena for dress parades and eloquent discussions, while crisp business, dry detail and iron rules should have been remitted to such other organizations as the South Eastern Tariff Association.
While the Southern Association still existed the United Under-
TIDO Hundred, Forty-Three
QCARTER-CEHTEiraiAL HISTORY
writers of America was started, with chapters or divisions located at Richmond, New Orleans, and other places. The society in Atlanta had Major Mims as President, and Major Whitner as Sec retary. It was too great a leap from the freedom of the Southern, composed of all underwriters, into an organization solely of com panies which first of all would limit agents commissions to 15 per cent, and then enact rates and rules to be inexorably enforced. Thus, before moving into strong life, it encountreed a fight on many sides. Some companies were paying high commissions on outside risks; a large number paid flat 20 per cent, to agents on all business. Thus was started a combination of agents, general agents and com panies against the new Association, which, for want of pliability to secure the education which time would impart, expired verysoon and very fairly.
Still, progress had been made. Ideas had expanded, princi ples effecting mutual interests had been discussed, and wishes that such a movement might get under way may have been expressed all over the country, North as well as South, and doubtless had been felt by every good underwriter."
Two Hundred, Forty-Four
COMPANY-MEMBERS 1882-1907
COMPAHIES WHICH HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH EASTERN TARIFF ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.
Note: Companies marked with an asterisk were members at the time this work went to press. All others in the list have ceased to be members from one cause or other, the year of the companys retirement, when obtainable, being indicated in case of those companies which have gone out of business.
List of original signers of the Constitution and By-Laws is recorded on pages 32 and 33.
"American Central Insurance Co., St. Louis. *Agricultural Insurance Co., Watertown, N. Y. Assurance Co. of America, New York. 1907. "Alliance Insurance Co., Philadelphia. "Aetna Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. American lire Insurance Co., Philadelphia. *American Insurance Co., Newark, N. J. Amazon Insurance Co., Cincinnati. 1891. Anglo-Nevada Assurance Corp., San Francisco. 1890. *AtIas Assurance Co., Limited, London. "Atlanta Home Insurance Co. "British America Assurance Co., Toronto. "British American Insurance Co., New York. Boston Insurance Co., Boston.
Two Hundred, Forty-Seven
QUAKTER-CEirrEHHIAL HISTORY OF THE
Crescent Insurance Co., N. O. 1896. Central City Insurance Co., Selma, Ala. 1892. Continental Insurance Co., New York. Columbus Insurance & Bkg. Co., Columbus, Miss. 1883. "Caledonian Insurance Co., Edinburgh. Carolina Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Charlotte, N. C. *Carolina Insurance Co., Wilmington, N. C. Capital City Insurance Co., Montgomery, Ala. 1899. Columbian Insurance Co., Louisville, Ky. 1894. "Commercial Union Assurance Co., Limited, London. Commercial Fire Insurance Co., Montgomery, Ala. 1896. "Citizens Insurance Co. of Missouri, St. Louis, Mo. City of London Fire Insurance Co. 1892. Chalmette Fire Insurance Co., N. 0. 1895. Connecticut Fire Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. Delaware Insurance Co., Philadelphia. Delta Insurance Co., Greenville, Miss. 1892. *Eagle Fire Co., New York. English-American Underwriters, New York. 1901. Equitable Insurance Co., Meridian, Miss. 1891.. "Equitable Fire Insurance Co., Charleston, S. C. Federal Insurance Co., Newark. 1907. Firemens Insurance Co., Baltimore. 1904. Farragut Insurance Co., New York. 1899. *Firemans Fund Insurance Co., San Francisco.
Two Eundrtd, Forty-Sight
SOOTH-EASTEMI TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
*Fire Association, Philadelphia. Fire Insurance Association of London, England. 188&. ^Florida Home Insurance Co., Marianna, Fla. Florida Fire Insurance Co., Tampa, Fla. 1897. ^Factors & Traders Mutual Insurance Co., Mobile, Ala. Factors & Traders Insurance Co., New Orleans. 1888. *Georgia Home Insurance Co., Columbus, Ga. Gennania Fire Insurance Co., New York. *German American Insurance Co., New York. Gennania Insurance Co., New Orleans. 1901. *German Alliance Insurance Co., New York. *Girard Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Philadelphia. *Glens Falls Insurance Co., Glens Falls, N. Y. Greenwich Insurance Co., New York. 1904. Guardian Assurance Co., London. 1894. ^Hamburg Bremen Fire Insurance Co., of Germany. *Home Insurance Co., New York. Home Insurance Co., New Orleans. 1904. " Hartford Fire Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. Hekla Insurance Co., St. Paul, Minn. 1891. Home Protection of North Alabama, Hunteville, Ala. 1893. Helvetia-Swiss Fire Insurance Co. 1903. *Hanover Fire Insurance Co., New York. Hibernia Insurance Co., New Orleans. *Home Fire Insurance Corporation of Virginia, Hampton, Va.
Two Hundred, forty-Hint
QUARTBR-CEHTElOnAL BISTORT OF THE
""Homestead Fire Insurance Corporation, Franklin, Va. *Indemnity Fire Insurance Co., New York. Insurance Company of North America, Philadelphia. Imperial & Northern Insurance Co., London. Imperial Fire Insurance Co., London. 1902. *^Interstate Fire Insurance Co., Suffolk, Va. *Jefferson Fire Insurance Co., Philadelphia. ^Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Co., England. ^Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Co., New York. Lion Fire Insurance Co. 1901. *London Assurance Corporation, London. ^London & Lancashire Fire Insurance Co., Liverpool. Lancashire Insurance Co. 1901. LaFayette Insurance Co., New York. 1904. Law Union & Crown Insurance Co., London. Macon Fire Insurance Co., Macon, Ga. 1897. Manhattan Ins. Co. (formerly Mutual Fire Ins. Co.), N. Y. 1901. Merchants Insurance Co., Newark. 1902. Mechanics & Traders Insurance Co., New Orleans. Manufacturers & Builders Fire Insurance Co., N. Y. 1892. Magdeburg Fire Insurance Co., Germany. 1901. Mississippi Home Insurance Co., Vickaburg, Miss. Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance Co., Milwaukee, Wis. Manchester Fire Assurance Co., England. 1904. Mutual Fire Insurance Co., New York. 1891.
Two Hundred, Fifty
SODTH-EASTEBH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
Mobile Mutual Insurance Co., Mobile, Ala. 1889. Mercantile Insurance Co., Mobile. 1888. *National Fire Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. National Fire Insurance Co., Baltimore, Md. *National Union Fire Insurance Co., Pittsburg, Pa. *New York Underwriters Agency, New York. *New Brunswick Fire Insurance Co., New Brunswick, N. J. ^Niagara Fire Insurance Co., New York. *New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co., Manchester, N. H. *North British & Mercantile Insurance Co., England. ^Northern Assurance Co., London. *Norfolk Fire Insurance Corporation, Norfolk, Va. (Formerly
Republic Fire Insurance Co.) ^Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, England. *North Carolina Home Insurance Co., Raleigh. N. C. New Orleans Insurance Co., N. O. 1892. Norwalk Fire Insurance Co., Norwalk, Conn. 1900. North Western Mutual Fire Ins. Co., of Wahpeton, Dak. 1888. New Orleans Insurance Association, N. 0. 1899. *Orient Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. *Pamlico Insurance & Banking Co., Tarboro, N. C. Pelican Insurance Co., New Orleans. 1892. ^Palatine Insurance Co., London. *Piedmont Fire Insurance Co., Charlotte, N. C. Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co., Philadelphia.
Two ff*ft4r4, Fifty-On*
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
Petersburg Savings & Insurance Co., Petersburg, Va. *Phenix Insurance Co., of Brooklyn, N. Y. *Phoenix Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn. " Phoenix Assurance Co., London. Planters & Merchants Insurance Co., Mobile, Ala. 1899. Pacific Fire Insurance Co., New York. 1901. *PhiladeIphia Underwriters, Philadelphia. Prussian-National Insurance Co., Stettin, Germany. Prudential Fire Insurance Co., Tazewell, Va. 1906. Portsmouth Insurance Co., Portsmouth, Va. Providence-Washington Insurance Co., Providence, R. I Queen Insurance Co. of London. 1891. *Queen Insurance Co. of America. *Royal Insurance Co., Liverpool. *Rochester German Insurance Co., Rochester, N. Y. *Royal Exchange Assurance, London. Rome Fire Insurance Co., Rome, Ga. 1891. Republic Fire Insurance Co., Norfolk, Va. 1907. Savannah Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Savannah, Ga. 1890. *Sun Insurance Office, London. (Formerly Sun Fire Office). *Sun Insurance Co., New Orleans. Southern Insurance Co., New Orleanst *Scottish Union & National Insurance Co., Edinburgh: *Southern Fire Insurance Co., Lynchburg, Va. *Springfield Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Springfield, Mass.
Two Hvndnd, Fifiy-Tvo
SODTH-BASTERlf TARIFF ASSOCIATION
*Security Insurance Co. of New Haven, Conn. St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co., St. Paul, Minn. St. Paul German Insumace Co., St. Paul, Minn. 1892. Star Fire Insurance Co., New York. 1886. *Seaboard Fire Insurance Co., Norfolk, Va. Standard Fire Office, England. 1883. *Stonewall Insurance Co., Mobile, Ala. State Investment & Insurance Co., California. 1S93. *Teutonia Insurance Co., New Orleans. Transatlantic Fire Insurance Co., New York. *United Firemens Insurance Co., Philadelphia. United States Fire Insurance Co., N. Y. *Union Assurance Society, London. *Virginia Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Richmond, Va. *"Virginia State Insurance Co., Richmond, Va. Watertown Fire Insurance Co., Watertown, N. Y. 1882. *Western Assurance Co., Toronto, Can. *Westchester Fire Insurance Co., New York Washington Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Mobile, Ala. 1888. WilliamsbuTgh City Insurance Co., New York.
Two Hundred, Fiffy-Thre
PERSONNEL
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
SHOWING COMPANY REPRESENTED WHEW SERVICE WAS RENDERED. PRESIDENTS, VICE-PEESIDEirtS, SECRETARIES AKD ETE-UflVK COJOCTTEK. U82-1907.
ABHAMS, B. H.
Special Agent Liverpool & London &
Globe, Executive Committeeman, 1891-2-3-5-6-8 1900-1-2-3-6-7.
ADDINGTON, E. H. _ _ .. Special Agent Liverpool & London &
Globe, Executive Committeeman,
1899.
ANDREWS, A. B. _ _ _ _ Special Agent Sun of London, Executive Committeeman, 1892-3-4-5-6-8 1900 1-2-3. Vice-President 1905. Man ager of Association 1907.
ATKINSON, JNO. WILDER. Executive Committeeman, 1885. BATHE, LLOYD D. _ _ _ . General Agent Sun of New Orleans,
Executive Committeeman, 1906. BICKFOHD, S. E. _ _ _ Special Agent Norwich Union, Executive
Committeeman, 1906. BUSH, HARET R. _ _ _ . Special Agent London Assurance, Exe
cutive Committeeman, 1902. CALKINS, P. C. _ _ _ _ . . Special Agent Northern, Executive Com
mitteeman, 1899 1902-3-6.. (Pre viously Special S-E-T-A 1890-1-2-3
4-5.)
Two Hundred, Fifty-Sevan
QTJAETER-CEHTEHH1AL HISTORY OF THE
CABNES, W. W. .. .. .. General Agent Factors & Traders, N. O., Executive Committeeman, 1885-6-7.
CABPENTEB, Gtrr. CHAPIN, W. E. .. .
.. .. Special Agent Norwich Union, Executive Committeeman, 1903-4.
.. .. Special Agent Fire Association, Philada., Pennsylvania Fire. Executive Committeeman, 1894-5 6-7. Vice-Preeident, 1898. Manager for same Companies. President, 1902-3.
CEISHOUI, E. H. .
.. Special Agent Piedmont, Executive Com mitteeman, 1906.
COAHT, WM. C. .. . .. Secretary Georgia Home, Executive Com mitteeman, 1889-90.
COOKE, WM. C. ..
. .. Special Agent N. Y. Underwriters Agency, Executive Committeeman 1888. Special Agent Imperial, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1891.
DABGAN, MILTON. _ .. .. Manager Lancashire, Executive Com mitteeman, 1896-8-9 1900. Man
ager Royal, President, 1906.
Davis, P. L. .. .. .. .. .. Special Agent American of Philadelphia,
Executive Committeeman, 18971900
Two Hundred, Fifty-Eight
SOOTH-BASTEM TASIFF IMOCIAXIO*
DKANK, W. D. ____.. Special Agent Ins. Co. North America,
Executive Committeeman, 1883-4.
Vice-Preeident, 1895-6-7. Compact
Manager, 1888-9. Special Agent
National of Hartford, Executive
Committeeman, 1893. Special Agent
Queen, Executive Committeeman,
1894. General Agent Magdeburg,
Executive Committeeman, 1901.
Asst. Secretary Atlanta Home, Ex
ecutive Committeeman, 1904-5.
DEWET, ERNEST B. _ General Agent Mechanics & Traders, N.
O., Executive Committeeman, 1894.
Special Agent Caledonian, Executive
Committeeman, 1895.
DEWET, GEO. W. _ , .. Special Agent Niagara, Executive Com
mitteeman, 1886-8-9 1890-1-2-3.
DEXTER, GEO. J. _ .. Manager Western of Canada, British
America, Executive Committee-
man, 1897-8-9 1902-3. President,
1904-5.
DOUGLAS, WM. _ _
Special Agent German American, Exe
cutive Committeeman, 1906.
Dox, CHAS. E. _ _ .. Special Agent Norwich Union, Executive
Committeeman, 1893-4-6-7-8 1900.
Ttco Hundred, Fifty-Sine
QUARTER-CEHTEHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
EGLESTON, THOMAS. _ .. FIT-TEN, J. T. .. .. .. .. _
General Agent Hartford Fire, Executive Committeeman, 1884-5-6-7-9 18912-3. President, 1894-5. Executive Committeeman, 1898 1902.
Special Agent Fire Association, Phila delphia, Pennsylvania Fire,
Executive Committeeman, 1901.
(1896 had been Special Agent S-E-T-A).
FLEMING, CHAS. C. .. .. .. Secretary of Association, 1886-7-8-9-90, again 1894 and continuously since.
Special Agent German American,
Executive Committeeman, 1891-2-3.
FLETCHER, L. C... .. - - Special Agent North British & Mercan
tile, Executive Committeeman,
1900-01.
FRENCH, STEPHEN. .. .. .. Special Agent Caledonian, Executive
Committeeman, 1896. Special Agt.
.Niagara, Executive Committeeman, 1897-8.
GAT, EDWARD S. .. .. .. .. Manager Ins. Co. North America, Chair
man for Organization meeting, 1882. Executive Committeeman, 1893-6.
President, 1898-9.
Two Hundred, Sixty
SOUTH-EASTESH TARIFF ASSOCIATION
GOLDSMITH, JOHN S. _ .. Special Agent Hartford Fire, Executive Committeeman, 1896-7.
HANco*ck, R. A. _ .. .. .. Special Agent Queen, Executive Com mitteeman, 1890. Special Agent London & Lancashire, Executive Committeeman, 1895-6.
HARRIS, A. H. .. .. .. Honorary Chairman Virginia Committee, 1906. Secretary Va. Dept. Office.
HARRIS, DAN B. _ _ _ Special Agent Ins. Co. of North America, Executive Committeeman, 1891-7 1900-1-2-3-5. Asst. Manager same company, Vice-President, 1906.
HAWKINS, F. O. _ _ _ Special Agent Phoenix of London, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1899 19034-5.
HAWKS, WM. N. _ _ _ .. Resident Secretary North British & Mer cantile, Executive Committeeman, 1889.
HAT, THOS. T. _____ General Agent Rochester German, Virginia Fire & Marine, Executive Committeeman, 1883
HETWARD, N. J. _ _ _ _ Special Agent Aetna, Executive Com mitteeman, 1906.
HIGLEY, J. H. _____ Secretary Washington of Mobile, Execu tive Committeeman, 1883.
Two Hundred, Sixty-One
QUABTER-CEHTRHHIAL BISTORT OF THE
HUNTEE, JAS. C. .. .. .. .. Special Agent German American, Ex ecutive Committeeman, 1885-8-90. Special Agent American of N. Y., Executive Committeeman, 1894. (1895 Special Agent S-E-T-A) Special Agent N. Y. Underwriters Agency, Executive Committeeman, 1902-4.
HURT, JOEL. .. .. .. .. .. .. Secretary Atlanta Home, Executive Committeeman, 1888.
JANVTEB, CHARLES. _ _ .. President Sun of N. O., Manager Palatine, Vice-President., 1896-7. Executive Committeeman, 1898-9-1900.
JONES, E. H...__.._ .. Special Agent Hartford Fire, Executive Committeeman,1900-01.
JOSEPH, E. B. .. .. .. .. .. Secretary Capital City of Ala., Executive Committeeman, 1897.
KEELING, E. B. .. .. .. Special Agent Queen, Executive Com mitteeman, 1898.
KOIBELL, J. B... .. _ .. Special Agent Georgia Home, Executive Committeeman, 1895-6.
KNOWLES, CLARENCE. .. Special Agent New York Underwriters, 1882-3. Manager Germania of New York, President 1884-5-6-7.
Two Hndrd, Sixty-Two
SOTJTH-EASTKRH TAKttP ASSOCIATIOH
KRETH, KALFORD _ _ _ State Agent Home of New York., Exe cutive Committeeman, 1893-5-6-8. (Special Agent S-E-T-A 1884-5-6-78-9-90.)
LEE, A. C. ..----.... Secretary Mississippi Home, Executive Committeeman, 1893.
Low, CLAKENCE F. .. _ _ Aaet. Resident Secretary L. & L. & Globe, Executive Committeeman, 1884-56-7 1894.
McCAREOix, F. A. _ _ _ Special Agent Hanover, Executive Com mitteeman, 1903.
MCCARTHY, W. H. .. _ .. Secretary Virginia Fire & Marine, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1892-3.
McCERBEN, E. W. .. .. _ Special Agent Lancashire, Executive Committeeman, 1894.
McGiLVEAT, GEO. C. _ .. Special Agent Hanover, Executive Com mitteeman, 1897.
MclLWAiNE, A. G. ,JR. _ General Agent London <fe Lancashire, Executive Committeeman, 1888-9092. Vice-President, 1899-1900.
MIDDLETON, J. S. _ _ _ _ Special Agent Norwich Union, Executive Committeeman, 1885. (Special Agent S-E-T-A, 1895-6-7). Special Agent Aetna, Executive Commit teeman, 1898-9 1902-3-4.
Two Hundred, Sixty-Thret
QUARTER-CEHTEimUL HISTORY OF THE
MIKELL, R M. .. _ _ .. _ Asst. Manager Royal, Executive Committeeman, 1904-5.
MIMS, LIVINGSTON. .. Manager Home of New York. Presi dent 1888-9 90-1-2-3.
NELSON, F. M. _...._ .. Special Agent Imperial, Executive Committeeman, 1898-9.
NORTON, JNO. H. .. .. .. .. State Agent Providence-Washington, Executive Committeeman, 1883-8-9 90-92.
NULTON, H. S. .. .. .. .. .. Special Agent Niagara, Executive Com mitteeman, 1904-5.
PABCHALL, ED. E. .. .. .. Special Home of N. Y., Executive Com mitteeman, 1902-3-4. General Agt. Glens Falls, Executive Committeeman, 1906.
PATTILLO, W. P. .. .. .. .. General Agent Hamburg-Bremen, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1886-7.
PATTILLO, W. F. .. .. .. .. General Agent Hamburg-Bremen, Ex ecutive Committeeman, 1882-3 19045-6.
PEAHCE, JOHN W. .. .. .. Special Agent Home of N. Y., Executive Committeeman, 1885 90-92-93-94 1901.
PERDUE, JOHN A... .. .. .. General Agent Citizens of St. Louis, Executive Committeeman, 1905.
Two Hundred, Sixty-Four
SOUTH-BASTES!! TAWFP ASSOCIATIOH
PEBCCD, P. F., JH. _ _ _ Special Agent Commercial Union, VicePresident, 1882.
PETEHS, THOMAS. _ _ _ _ Secretary of Association, 1882-3-4-5. PHILLIPS, CHAS. W. _ .. .. Special Agent Royal, Executive Commit-
teeman, 1899 1900-01-02. State Agent Home of N. Y-, Executive Committeeman, 1906. PBEBCOTT, WM. R. _ _ _ Asst. Manager Queen, Executive Com mitteeman, 1899. General Agent Hartford Fire, Executive Committeeman, 1905-6. PEIMHOSE, W. S. _ .. .. .. Secretary North Carolina Home, VicePresident, 1883. Executive Com mitteeman, 1884. RAINE, JOB. S. __..__ Special Agent Standard Fire, Execu tive Committeeman, 1883-9-91. Special Agent Phoenix of Hartford, Executive Committeeman, 1895-8-91900-01-03. REES, HENKT E. _ _ _ Special Agent North British & Mercan tile, Executive Committeeman, 1885-8-9-94-95. (1884 Special Agent S-E-T-A and Manager Mobile Compact.)
Two Hundred, Sixty-Five
QUAKTEB-CBRTEnflAL BISTORT OP THE
REYNOLDS, W. L. _.... Special Agent German-American, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1892-4-5-9. Vice-Preeident, 1902-3. Executive Committeeman, 1904-6.
ROAN, HENHT L. _ _ _ Asst. Secretary Georgia Home, Execu tive Committeeman, 1902.
RUSE, JOHN C. _____ Special Agent Orient, Executive Com mitteeman, 1891-6-7-8-9 1900-01.
SEFTON, THOMAS. _ _ .. President Home of N. O., Executive Committeeman, 1895.
SEIBELS, E. G. .. .. _ .. .. Manager Glens Falls, Executive Commit teeman, 1902-4.
SLATTEBT, E. L... .. .. .. Secretary Mechanics <fc Traders, N. O., Executive Committeeman, 1897.
Surra, BEN J. ___.... Special Agent Home of N. Y., Executive Committeeman, 1905.
STOCKDELL, H. C. .. .. .. Special Agent Queen and the Fire Asso ciation, Executive Committeeman, 1882-4. Manager Phenix of N. Y., 1900-01.
STOCKDELL, J. F. _ .. _ Asst. General Agent Phenix of N. Y., Executive Committeeman, 1905-6.
STREET, H. M. _____ Special Agent Phenix of N. Y., Execu tive Committeeman, 1891-2.
Ttoo Hundred, Sixty-Six
SOUTH-BASTBRH TAJUFF ASSOCIAHOH
THOMAS, JAB. A... .. .. .. General Agent German American, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1834.
THOMAS, JORDAN 9... .. .. State Agent N. Y. Underwriters Agency, Executive Committeeman, 1899190041.
TRAVERS, A. M. .. .. .. .. Special Agent Commercial Union, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1899. Chairman Virginia Committee vice Harris. 1906.
TUCKEB, L. M. _ _ .. .. - Manager Western of Canada, Vice-Preaident, 1890-91. Executive Commit teeman, 1893.
TUPPEB, S. Y. __..-_ Special Agent Phenix of N. Y.? Executive Committeeman, 1887-9-90. Secre tary S-E-T-A, 1891-2-3. Executive Committeeman, 1894-5. President, 1897-8. Manager Queen, Executive Committeeman, 1904.
WABREN, L. R. _ _ .. .. General Agent Phoenix of London, Exe cutive Committeeman, 1888-94-981900-01-02.
WMJAMS, S. W. _ _ _ _ Manager Continental, Executive Com mitteeman, 1882, (resigned), 1883.
Two Hundred, Sixty-Seven
QUAKTER-CERTEHHUL HISTORY 07 THE
WIIJSON, EDGAR S. .. _ .. Secretary Macon Fire, Executive Committeeman, 1891-94-95. Manager FiremenB Fund, Executive Committeeman, 1897-1900. Vice-Fresident, 1901, Executive Committeeman, 1903-5-6.
WITHEBBPOON, W. A. .. .. Special Agent Caledonian, Executive Committeeman, 1899.
YANCEY, HAMILTON - _ Special Agent Commercial Union, Exe cutive Committeeman,1904.
Two Hundred, Sixty-Eig\t
SOUTH-BASTEBH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
SPECIAL AGEHTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. ALFRED, JNO. S. _ _ _ Electrical Inspector. BUSBEE, R. S. _ _ _ _ Previously Stamping Clerk, Charlotte. BUCK, RANDOLPH. CALDWELL, R. T. _ _ _ Cashier Association. Executive Special
Agent Association. Now Special Agent Westcheater. CLARK, E. A. _____ Now Special Agent Citizens. CHURCHILL, JNO. W. _ _ Electrical Inspector. CHURCH, ALONZO. _ .. Inspector Sugar Houses. Now Special Agent Ins. Co. North America.
GOLDTHWAITE, HENRY. _
HARRIS, J. W. _ _ _ _ HARRIS, JACK N. _ _ _ Afterward Special Agent in charge of
Norfolk Office, Compact Manager New Orleans. Now in charge Jack sonville Office. HUNTER, JAS. C. - _ _ _ Now Special Agent, New York Underwriters. JORDAN, H. T. JOHNSON, J. F. _ _ _ _
2*100 Hundred, Sixty-Nine
QOABTER-CEHTEHinAL BISTORT OF TEE
KING, 0. H. ____..
In 1883-4 started the first Map and Inspec tion work for the Association, taking photos of special hazards, and event ually going with the Barlows Sur
veys. Afterward and now Special Agent of Aetna.
KlRKPATHICK, W. W. Now Special Agent Westchester.
MILLS, Geo. W. .. .. . Previously Stamping Clerk Birmingham.
Now Special Agent Aetna.
McDowELL, E. K. .. Now Special Agent Phenix of New York. MARBURG, ARNOLD _ Now living in Mexico.
MCCARTHY, FRANK J. Now Special Agent Home of New York.
McKissiCK, A. F. .. . Electrical Inspector.
ORME, J. P. .. .. ..
PARKER, JAS. R. .. ~
TAYLOR, DAVID B. ..
Previously Stamping Clerk Augusta and Association Special Agent. Now Secretary Mississippi Inspection & Advisory Rating Co.
WILLIAMS, FEED A.* _ _ Stamping Clerk Birmingham, Stamping Clerk Norfolk. Now Stamping Clerk Macon.
WELLBORN, WALTER D. One of first Special Agents Association. Now Local Agent New Orleans.
Two Hundred, Seventy
SODTH-BASTEBjr TAJUF* ASSOC1ATJOH
SiatPOO CLERKS.
BARKER, W. C. _ _ _ Rome. Now at Mobile. BOOGS, A. P. _ _ _ _ Birmingham. COBB, E. B. _____ Wilson, N. C. (Resigned March, 1907). GLOWER, R. P. _ _ _ Richmond, Va. Now Special Agent Royal. CARR, C. P. .. .. .. ~ .. Tampa, Fla., Roanoke, Va. Now with
Mississippi Inspection & Advisory Rating Go. CURD, JOHN C. .. .. _ .. Lynchburg, Va. Now Association Special Agent in Virginia. CAMPBELL, W. S., JB. .. New Iberia, La. CAMPBELL, R. L. .. .. .. Norfolk, Va. Died 1906. CAMPBELL, W. N. .. Rome, Ga., and Shreveport, La. DDNBAB, W. F. .. .. New Iberia, La. Now Secy. Board, Mem phis. FEBGUBON, A. M. .. _ Jacksonville, Fla. FICKLEN, J. D. _ .. _ Danville, Va. Died 1894. FLOWBBS, J. F. _ _ .. Charlotte, N. C. GRIFFIN, D. M. _ _ _ Columbus, Ga. GANABX, H. G. _ _ .. Savannah, Ga. HERSCBBACH, J. A. _ .. Savannah, Ga. HOLLIDAY, H. M. .. .. Jacksonville, Fla., Columbia, S. C., Atlanta. HOLLIDAT, R. S. Rome, Ga. Now Huntsville, Ala. HOWEIX, A. H. _ _ _ Augusta, Ga. HATNES, A. H. . .. .. Atlanta, Ga. Now Local Agent Atlanta.
Two Hundred, Seventy-One
QUARTKR-CEHTEiniUI, HISTORY OP THE
JENNINGS, GEO. B. .. .. Danville, Va., Jacksonville, Fla. After
ward Special Agent Greenwich of N.
Y., and later with Royal, until now.
MAGRTOER, GEO. H. .. Rome, Ga.
MURDOCH, A. C. _ _ .. Columbus, Ga.
REYNOLDS, GEO. D. .. Birmingham, Ala. Now Special Agent
Agricultural.
RADER, W. C. _ _ .. _ Augusta, Ga., Alexandria, Va., Binning
ham, Ala.
RUST, R. S., JR. .. .. .. Atlanta. Then Special Agent Association.
Now Special Agent Queen.
REEVES, GEO. B. _ .. Shreveport, La., Binningham, Ala. Now
Special Agent Seibels Companies.
ROBEETSON, J. L. .. _ Augusta, Ga.
SAMPSON, H. A. _ .. Atlanta, Ga. Now Special Agent, St. Paul.
SHARPE, JAS. E. .. Montgomery, Ala. Now Special Agent
Liverpool & London & Globe.
SCHOEN, E. R.
Tampa, Fla.
STEWART, J. W. .. _ .. Binningham, Ala.
TANNER, H. M. .. _ .. Rome, Ga. Now Special Agent Firemans
Fund.
TERRY, JAS. G. ~ .. .. Secretary Mobile Compact. Now retired.
WILSON, EDGAR S., JR. Huntsville, Ala. Now Wilson, N. C,
Two Hundred, Seventy-Two
SODTH-EASTERH TARIFF ASSOCIATIOH
WALLEB, J. M. ... Birmingham, Ala. Previously Shreveport and Roanoke. Special Agent Greenwich. Now Special Agent Firemans Fund.
YOUNG, E. B. _ _ _ .. Montgomery, Ala. YOUNG, JAS. M. _ _ _ Norfolk. Afterward Special Agent Asso
ciation. Now Special Agent Georgia Home. YOUNG, E. A. .. _ _ .. Jacksonville, Fla. Special Agent Associa tion, Stamping Clerk Roanoke, now Stamping Clerk Richmond.
FIRE INSPECTORS
AUSTIN, C. W. .. .. .. Birmingham, Ala. CHAMBERLAIN, T. H. .. Mobile, Ala. SHARP, MACON C. _ _ Atlanta.
ASSISTANT SECRETARIES
McFADDEN, F. J. .. .. Now with Home of New York. BLOODWOBTH, SOL .. _ Now Secretary Louisiana Fire Prevention
Bureau. RAINE, JOB. S., Ja. _ _ Formerly Stamping Clerk Atlanta, and
Special Agent South Eastern Tariff Association.
Two Hundred,Seventy-Three
QDARTBB-CBimniAI. BISTORT OF TBB
CHIEFS OF DEPABTMEXTS
BUBDETTE, A. R., .. _ Sprinklered Ri&kB. Secretary to Commit tee of Nine.
LAWTON, S. F., _ .. .. .. Inspection. Now with Louisiana Fire Prevention Bureau.
McFADDEN, F. J., .. .. Inspection. Now with Home of New York. McKuiGHT, F. E., _ .. Inspection. SCHOEN, A. M.,.. _ .. .. Electrical.
Two Hundred, Seventy-Four
NECROLOGY.
NECROLOGY.
COMPART PBESTOERS.
MARTIN, Home of New York. HEALD, Home of New York.
HOPE, Continental.
GOODNOW, Aetna.
HENBEE, Aetna.
DUDLEY, Aetna.
KELLOGG, Phoenix, Hartford. RANDOLPH, Virginia State.
WALCOTT, Hanover, N. Y.
COWAHDIN, Virginia F. & M.
WEIGHT, Springfield, Mass.
FINLET, Sun of New Orleans.
OELBERUANN, German American. THOMAS, Southern Mutual.
ALLEN, German American.
BUCK, Factors & Traders.
LITTLE, Phenix of Brooklyn. COZE, Home Protection.
COMPART SECRETARIES.
GRIFFIN, United States.
FROST, Mechanics & Traders, N.O.
RICE, Crescent, N. O.
COMPART MARAGBJta
SEWALL, Commercial Union. WENSLEY, Manchester. CLARK, Phoenix of London.
BEAVAN, Royal. HALL, Union of London. GENERAL JOHNSTON, Home of N.Y.
ASSOCIATIOR PRESn>EBTS
CLARENCE KNOWLES.
LIVINGSTON Mms.
Fwo Hundred, Seventy-Seven
QUARTER-CKJ1TKHJI1AL HISTORY OF THE
ASSOCIATION VICE-PRESIDENTS.
J. MONROE OGDEN.
JOHN D. YOUNQ.
WM. H. DANIEL.
ORIGINAL SIGNERS OF CONSTITUTION.
JOHN C. WHITNER. HDTSON LEE.
JAB. W. COVDTGTON. ISRAEL PUTNAM.
ISAAC 8. Bom
H. T. BOTTS.
J. B. WILSON.
W. G. DE SATTSSITRE, JR.
COMPACT MANAGER NEW ORLEANS.
W. C. NELSON.
COMPANY SPECIAL AGENTS AND DISTRICT MANAGERS.
W. J. WHALING, Hartford.
MAJOR D. N. WALKER, Queen.
J. B. HEREFORD, Royal.
J. D. BRADFORD, Pennsylvania
W. A. HARPER, Home of N. Y. JOHN D. ANDERSON, Royal.
W. F. PRIOLEAU, Queen.
J. W. COCHRANE, Phenix, N. Y.
J. G. FINNIE, Royal.
CROSBT DAWKINS, Glens Falla.
J. C. SEYMOUR, North British. J. B. EniBELL, National.
C. T. BAIRD, Royal.
Two Hundred, Seventy-Sight
ANNUAL MEETINGS.
ITEMS.
MMllnn
nto
Attend ance
Pnuldent
Vlet-Im.
RMnurjr -
Territory
I
1882 Aug. Now Holland 25 Know!e
Pescud Peters
N.C.-S,C.-aa.-Ala..Fla. added
II
1883 July Anhovillo
32
Primrose
Special 1884 Pel). Charleston 22
ill
1884 July Old Point
37
Daniel
IV
1886 Juno Old Point 34
Deano
Special 1886 Nov. Now York 34
V
1886 Aug. Atlanta
38
Doane Peters-Fleming
VI
1887 June Old Point 38
Deane Fleming
VII
1888 Juno Old Point
44 Knowles-Mlms Ogdcn
Special 1888 Oct. Baltimore
37 Mima
VIII 1880 April Richmond 42
Eedl
IX
1800 April Washington 46
Tucker Floraing-Tupper Miss, added July
X
1801 March Washington 47
Tucker Tupper
XI
1892 March Washington 60
Young
j Va. added Hay j La. Men.
XII 1893 May Washington 60
Young
XIII 1804 Juno Washington 66 MIms-Egleston Dewey O W Tuppcr-Flemlng
XIV 1806 June Washington 67 Egleston
Randolph Fleming
XV
1806 May Washington 66 Egleston-Tuppcr Janvier
XVI 1807 May Old Point
61 Tupper
Janvier
XVII 1808 May Old Point
63 Tuppor-Oay Chapin
Va. ratings stopped June
XVIII 1809 May Old Point
69 Gay
Mclfwalne
Special 1899 Oct. Washington 8
XIX 1000 April Washington 62 Gay-StocltdcU Mcllwaine
Left La. Sept. S.C.-Mlw. Mob.
XX 1901 April Old Point 61 Stockdcll
Wilton
XXI 1002 May Old Point
62 Stockdcll-Chapin Reynolds
Va. ratings resumed May.
XXII 1903 May Old Point
48 Chapin
Reynolds
XXIII 1904 May Hot Springs 60 Chapin
Dexter
8. C. ratings returned Mch.
XXIV 1005 May Old Point
66 Dexter
Andrews
XXV 1906 May Hot Springs 63 Dexter-Dargan Harris
Va.-S. C.-N.C-Oa.-Ala.-Fla.
INDEX.
A.
ACCORD AND SATISFACTION ........................................ 93 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ............................................. 151 APFELD, F. O, MANAGER .......................................... 112 ANNUAL MEETINGS, TABLE OP ...................................... 281 ANDREWS, A. B-, MANAGED ........................................ 202 ARBITRATION COMMITTEE, REPORT OP. ............................... 134 ASSESSMENT FOR EXPENSES ....................................... 49 ASSAULT AND RETREAT............................................ 135 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES ........................................... 273 ASTON,"JUDGE" E. J.............................................. 61 ASSOCIATION SPECIAL AGENTS...................................... 223 ASSOCIATION PERIODS ............................................ 21 ASHEVILLK, N. C................................................. 57 ATLANTA, OA .................................................... SO AUGUSTA, GA ..................................................44, 70
B.
BALTIMORE SPECIAL MEETING ...................................... 107 BALTIMORE COMMITTEE ........................................... 77 BARLOWS SURVEYS ............................................... 73 BEASLET, J. S.................................................... 132 BEDDALL, E. F. .................................................. 84 BICKFORD, S. E................................................... 204 BIRMINGHAM, ALA ............................................... 138 BISSELL, R. M.................................................... 1SS BLACKBOARD DEMONSTRATION ..................................... 59 BLAGDEN, SAMUEL P.............................................. S4 BLOODWORTH, SOL., SECOND ASST. SECRETARY. ....................... 123 BOILER HOUSES, CHARGES FOR...................................... 179 BOTTS, H. T...................................................... 37 BOWERS, H. E................................................... S4 BOTD, ISAACS..............................................29, 37, 42 BREST, T.C...................................................... 37 BROWN, HENRY W.............................................34, 37 "BROWN" WALLS ................................................ 67
a
CALKINS, F. C................................................179, 230 CANCELLATION CLAUSE ............................................ ISO CASTLXMAN, GENERAL JNO. B...................................143, 170 CHAPIN, W. E............................................161, 186, 183 CHARLESTON, SPECIAL MEETING. .................................... 65 CHARLESTON EARTHQUAKE ........................................ !>6 CHANGE or NAME SUGGESTED....................................... 146 CHASE, GEO. L.......................................147, 157, 160, 164 CHIEFS OF DEPARTMENTS .......................................... 274 CHIMNEY DOORS ................................................. 210 CHURCHILL, J. DEW. ............................................. 34 CLASSIFICATION .................................................. 132
Corns, CHAS. H................................................. 183
CO-lNSUKAJfCE ................................................ .81, 223
CO-INSURANCE AND LIMITATION CLAUSES. ........................... 22t COMMUNITY OP INTEBEST. ........................26, 74, 78, 101, 113, 166 COMPACT SYSTEM .........................................85, 100, 117 COMPANY MEMBERSHIP, LIST OP .................................... 245 CONSTITUTION, ADOPTED ........................................... 37 CONSTITUTION, REVISED. ............................72, 79, 146, 147, 199 CONTINGENT COMMISSIONS ......................................80, 109 CO-OPERATING COMPANIES. .................................113, 185, 187 COTTON ......................................................... 209 COTTON, COMPARTMENTS UHGED.................................... 3S COTTON, FIRST SCHEDULE. ......................................... 80 COTTON MILLS ................................................... 213 COTTON MILLS CLAUSE..........................................95, 99 COTTON MILL WAREHOUSES. ....................................... 138 COTTON GINS ............................................184, 188, 217 COTTON SEED OIL MILLS........................................... 215 COTTON INSURANCE ASSOCIATION. ................................... 212 COVDTGTON, J. "W..............................................38, 42 COWARDDT, W. L............................................33, 43, 71
D.
DANIEL, WM. H.................................................. 210 DARGAN, MILTON .............................................147, 184 DEANE, W. D..................................................51, 210 DECAMP, J. M..................................................... 109 DESAUSSCRE, W. G............................................... 37 DEXTER, GEO. J.................................................. 200 DISTRICT AGENCIES ............................................72, 195 DIVIDENDS ...................................................112, 121 DODSOM BILL, GA................................................ 142
E. EATON, HENRY W..............................................84, 151 EOLMTON, THOMAS. ...................................51, 128, 143, 185 EMPHASIS AND RECOVERY. .....................................117, 201 EWENS, J. F...................................................51, 110 EXCEPTED CITIES ..............................................45, 53 EXCESS COMMISSIONS ............................................. 169 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MEMBERSHIP OF ......................257 to 268 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, POWERS OP. .................66, 72, 108, 116, 226
F.
FERTILIZER RISKS, (SES PHOSPHATE RISKS) ......................... 21S FIFTEEN PER CENT. COMMISSION. ..............40,48, 53, 54, 101,107, 120 FIRE INSPECTORS ................................................. 273 FTRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ...................................... 183 FIHEMANS FUND INSURANCE Co.................................... 197 FIRE PREVENTION ................................................ 26 FIREWORKS .................................................... 75
DTDEZ.
m
, CHAS. C..........................................90, 97, 202 FLORIDA ADMITTED .......................... ................... 52 FUEL OIL ....................................................... 1SB
0. GAT, EDWARD S................................21,23, 30, 38, 39, 41, 167 GAINESVILLE, GA ................................................. 44 GENERAL AGEXT, DEFBCED......................................... 14G GERMAN AMERICAN INSURANCE Co., PRIZE PL&X...................... 132 GXBSON, PATRICK H............ .................................. 71 GOODRICH, THOS. F............................................... 84 GORDON, W. W., OP SAVASXAH, GA. ................................ 73
H. HALL, HENRY H.................................................. S4 HANCKEL, OF SAVANNAH, GA. ..................................... 74 HEWES, M. LEWCJ ................................................ 1S9 HOT SPRINGS, VA.........................................183, 1S7, 191
L INCORPORATED AGENCIES .......................................141, H7 IKVAN, S. M.................... ................................ 65 IKSPECTION BDUEAC .............................................. 80 INSPECTION DEPAHTMENT. ..............................80, 101, 170, 183 INSURANCE HERALD. ........................................19, 30, 39 INTRODUCTION ................................................... 5 IBON SAFE CLAUSE.............................................123, 174 IRVIN, E. C...................................................... 157 "Is IT RATEDI" .................................................. 00
J. JANVIEB, CHAS ...............................................158, 171 JOHNSTON, Qes. J. E............................................. 119
K. KINO, O. H...................................................... 78 KRETH, KALFORD .................................................. 229 KJTOWLES, CLARENCE ...........................................41, 102
I. LOCAL AGENTS ASSOCIATIONS. .....................163, 170, 130, 198, 204 LOCAL BOARDS .................................................45, 75 LOUISIANA ADMITTED ............................................. 127 LOUISIANA PETITION .............................................. 124 LOUISIANA FIBE PREVENTION BUREAU. .............................. 183 Low, CLARENCE P...................................58, 59, 30,188, 204 LYKAN-, W. F.................................................... 53
K. MAN AKD TTTT. HOCB............................................... 13 MANDATORY RCLES ............................................... 122 MAP DEPARTMENT .............................................78, 85 MARINE COMPANIES ...........................................100, 184
iv
DTDEX.
MATCHES ....................................................... 203 MAULDIN BILL, SOUTH CAROLINA. .................................. 180 MEMPHIS, TENN. ................................................. 109 MIMS, LTVINGSTON..........................................30, 35, 83 MISSISSIPPI ADMITTED ............................................ 110 MISSISSIPPI, Quo WAHRANTO PROCEEDINGS. .......................146, 175 MISSISSIPPI, MARES AND NUMBERS. ................................. 173 MISSISSIPPI, COMPRESS ASSOCIATION. ............................... 175 MITCHELL, CAPT. J. H............................................ 133 MIXED AGENCIES .............................................160, 17f MOORE, F. C...................................................80, 84 MUTUAL FIEE INSURANCE COMPANY OP N. ...............,......111, 141 McCABE, B. F.................................................... 74
MCFADDEN, F. J. ................................................. 183
MclLWAiNB, A. G., JR.. ..................................128, 157, 188
H.
NAME or ASSOCIATION............................................ 39 NATIONAL BOABD OF FIRE UNDERWRITERS. .........................15, 161 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION ............................ 181 NECROLOGY ...................................................275, 273 NEW ENGLAND EXCHANGE. ........................................ 76 NEW HOLLAND SPRINGS, GA. .....................13, 29, 57, 115, 146, 163 NEW IBERIA, LA.................................................. 154 NEW ORLEANS COMPACT...................................151, 153, 154 NEW YORK SPECIAL MEETING. ..................................... S3 NON-CANCELLATION CLAUSE ....................................... 189 NORTH CAROLINA, COMPACT . ................. ................91, 96 NORTH CAROLINA, FIRE WASTE LAW............................... 195 NORTH CAROLINA, SPECIAL BATES .............................165, 180 NORTH CAROLINA, MARES AND NUMBERS. .....................81, 86, 96 NORTH CAEOLIKA, CRAIG BILL .................................... 165 NORTH CAROLINA, WILLARD LAW .................................. 165
0.
OFFICIAL HOSTEB ...........................................257 to 268 OLD POINT COMFORT, VA.........69, 77, 95,99, 145,151,153,169,173, 179 ORIGINAL OF CALL................................................ 20 ORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHMENT................................. 27 OVERHEAD WRITING .............................................. 125
P. PATTILLO, W. F.............................................36, 42, 44 PEACE AND SERENITY.............................................. 105 PERIODS or THE ASSOCIATION. ..................................... 21 PERSONNEL ..................................................255, 263 PESCUD, PETER F., JR. ............................................ 42 PETERS, THOMAS. ..................................42, 90, 141, 151, 170 PEYTON, THOS. G................................................. 116 PHOSPHATE RISKS ................................................ 21S PINK SLIPS..............................................137, 142, 155
INDEX.
v
Fawns OP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.......................66,103,116, 226 PREMIUM: HOTES ................................................. 121 PRESIDENTS PRESENTATION ....................................... 3
PRIOLEAU, W. F.................................................. 223
PREVENTION OF FIRES ............................................. 26 PRIMROSE, W. S.................................................. 97
PBOXY .......................................................... 79
PURELY EXECUTIVE ............................................66,103 POTNAJI, ISRAEL ...............................................37, 42
B.
RAINE, Jos. S., JR., SECOND Assr. SECRETARY. ....................... 199 RECOVERY AND EMPHASIS. .....................................177, 201 BEES, HENRY E...........................................161, 201, 223 REDUCED RATES OTTERED .......................................25, 166 REMINISCENCES ................................................... 233 RESIDENT MEMBUM .............................................. 95 RICE, CHAS. E................................................... 37 RICHARDS, E. G.................................................. 133 RICKUOND, VA................................................... Ill
ROYCE, P.O...............................................53,116, 123
S. SAKBORH MAP COMPANY. .......................................... 73 SAN FRANCISCO, CHAMBER OP COXXERCI........................... 21 SAN FRANCISCO, FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE Co.................... 197 SAN FBANOSCO, TELEGRAMS ...................................197, 193 SAVANNAH COMPRESS ASSOCIATION. ................................. 101 SECRETARY CONTROL OP .......................................... 79 SCWAIX^ CHARLES (COMMERCIAL UNION) ............................ 42
SCHOEN, A. M................................................... 136 SCHEDOLE RATINQ ............................................... 80 SHORE RISES OP MARINE COMPANIES ...........................100, 134 SOME EXTREMELY TOUGH ARITHMETIC. ............................. 52 SOUTHERN STOCK MUTUAL INSURANCE Co............................ 147 SOUTH CAROLINA, RETIRED......................................... 166 SOUTH CAROLINA, RETURNED. ...................................... ISO SOUTHERN INSPECTION BUREAU. .................................... 1S3 SPECIAL AGENTS, DUTY or......................................... 192 SPECIAL AGENTS OP ASSOCIATION, LIST OF. ......................269, 270 SPENCER, R. P................................................... 113 SPECIAL MEETINGS CHARLESTON .................................. 65
NEW TOBK ................................... S3 BALTIMORE ................................... 107 WASHINGTON ................................. 157 SPUNELEBXD Rises.......................................117, 1SS, 191
STAMPING CLERKS. .......................................271, 272, 273 STAPLES AND THHR PROCESSES. .................................... 207 STATE LEGISLATION ............................................... 121 STOCEDELL, H. C..............................................36, 175 STODDART, JOHN H............................................... 125
vi
INDEX.
SUBROGATION WAIVER ............................................. 181 SUOAB HOUSES ................................................... 230 SURVEYING AGENCIES .........................................138, 193 SURVIVORS ..................................................163, 235 SWATS, EOWAEO A ............................................... 107
T. TAVNEB, H. M................................................... 230 TARUT REVISION .........................................138, 174, 202 THOMAS, JAS. A.................................................. 34 TOBACCO ........................................................ 222 TORNADO BUSINESS ............................................... 201 TUCKER, L. M.................................................... 35 TUPPEK, S. Y.................................... .122, 133, 152, 157, 18S TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT. ADVANCE. ................................ 173 TRUSTS .......................................................23, 24
U UNION PRESS, CHARLESTON, S. C................................... 74 Usrroait 15 PER CENT COMMISSION. ...................40, 46, 50, 54, 120
V. VALUED POLICY LAW MISSISSIPPI ................................. 155 VALUED POLICY LAW SOUTH CAROLINA ............................ 142 VIRGINIA ....................................................116, 128 VIRGINIA, RETIRED .............................................. 164 VIRGINIA, RETURNED ............................................ 169 VIRGINIA COMMITTEE. .................................128, 129, 193, 203
W. WAKE, Wn...................................................102, 112 WALLER, J. M................................................... 204 WALTON, E. A................................................... 84 WARREN, L. R..................................34,39,112,115,133, 235 WASHINGTON, D. C., SPECIAL MEETING. ............................. 157 WASHINGTON, D. C..............115,119, 123,127,131, 137, 141, 157, 163 WELLBORN, WALTER D............................................ 223 WESTERN UNION ................................................ 109 WHARTON BILL (VIRGINIA) ....................................... 164 WHELESS, OF ACGCSTA, GA. ....................................... 73 WHITNER, JNO. C..............................................35, 242 WILLIAMS, S. W..............................................42, 40 WILSON, J. B.................................................... 37 WOODWORTH, C. H................................................ 163 WEIGHT, W. A., INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, GEORGIA. ................. 100
Y. Yomra, JNO. D..........................................18, 29, 39, 128 YOUNG, 3. K., INSURANCE CoiiMissroNEB, NORTH CAROLINA. ........165, 180
APPENDIX
28
MINIMUM KATES.
Diagram M>-1 Rates obtained, at follows:
No. 1. Basis, B in a block. ............... 1.25
Frame awning on No- I
........ 05
2adjoining ........ 05
"
" 3Dbuilding. ....... 10 1 45
No. 2. Bids ....................... 1 25
Frame awning on No. 2
........ 05
I adjoining ........ 05
"
" SDbuilding. ....... 10
Exposure No. 3,25* of S 00 ........... SO 1 9S
No. 3. Basis, D. .................... -1 00
Frame awning on No. 3 ............. 10
""
land2 .......... 10
Exposure No. 2,20<S ofl 00 ........... 20
"
4, 2054 of 1 00 ........... 20 2 60
No. 4. Basil) ......................125
Skylight .................... 10
EiporaosJlo. 3, 2554 of 2 00........... 50 1 85
Nog. 5 and 6. Basis................... 1 25
Wooden cornice No. 5. ............. 05
Badjoining ......... 05
Small frame attachment in rear No. 3. ...... 05
-
"
6....... 05-1 45
THagram No. 2 Obtained as follows:
No. 1. Basis. ................ Bldg 1 $ v Slk 1 00
Exposure of No. 2,5 feet, 10 1, ol 1 00 .
10
7}# of 1 00..
C7}
Customary deduction In final result/fractions of
5 cents lesa than halt* ........ 1 10 1 00
No. 2. Basis................. Bldg 1 00 Stfl 00
ExposureofNo.l,at5fcet,105S&7}j4ofl 00 10
07}
" " 3,atl5feet, 7j* & 5#of 1 50 11
07}
1 20
1 15
So. 3. Bssis (tor saloon .50).......... Bldg 1 50 Stk 1 50
Exposure of No. 3, at 10 feet, 7}<t &S# of 1 00 07}
05
" 4,at20feet, 5 ftotl 25
OCJ
Fraction,T>eing33iiinnalTnlt,iaconntadas5* 165 150
No, 4. Basis (forPrinting office 25) . ... . . .Bldg 1-25 Stk i 25
Exposure No. 3. at 20 feet, 5 56 of 1 50. -
07} __
i 30 1 23
* This role governs in all similar cases of fractional resnlls. For Diagram S, see.page 30.
DIAGRAM N?l.
1 2-3 * SO DIAGRAM N?2.
20fi
IPS 2
3
DIAGRAMN?3.
Hill
30
MINIMUM KATES.
Diagram No- 3.
No. > Basi*, opculngi In exposed wall . . ...Bldg.l 00 Stic 1 00
Exposnre ol No. 2. at 6 fei-V. 20jt & 15% of 1 25 25
18}
fa Ho
No. Z. Buis, (sotiJ vatlfl ........... Bldg 1 00- Stk I 00
Drag* (retail) ...............
25
25
Exposure ot No. 1, it 5 feet, 15* of 1 00 . . -
15
15
" " -2, at 16 feet 10 JS oil 00.. . .
10
10
ri 1 50
No. 3. Bula ................ Bldg.l 00 Stk 1 00
Exposure of No. 2, at 15 ft, 7?.% & 5% of 1 25 .
09} 08}
" <,t20ft,10it&7Hotl75.
17}
ISJ
Hs 120
No. 4. Basis ................. Bldg 1 00 Stk I 00
Public boll with scenery and lighted by oil. . .
75
75
ExpOBUfeofJJo..3,at20ft,7j#&55toflOO. . .
07}
05
" 5, U5It, both bnUdings hav
ing opgsflji exposed walls, 30% & 20%of 1 75..
52}
35
2 35 2 15
Diagram No. 4.
No. 1. Basis ........ v ........ Bldg 1 00 Stk J 00
Exposure No. 2 (with fire vilJ),25&15 of 100
ia
15
No. 3. JBasis ................. Bldg 1 00 Stk 1 OO
Expwnre ol No. 2 (having oponiigsiB exposing
waU), 50*&404-oflOO. .........
$0
40
1 50 1 4Q
Diagram No. 8.
No. 1. Uasia .................. Bldg 1 00 Stk 1 00
ExposnreofNo.2atlOfl,25 J6&12JSI, of200, .
50
25
" S " 12&& 6}$of200, .
25
I2J
4 " I2JJ6& OJof350v .
43} 21}
210
160
No. 2 and 3. Basia . .............. .Bldg250
Exposure of No. 1 ut 10ft. (solid wall], 20i of 1 00
20
' .' .
35 305
No. 4 Basis, Livery Suble ............ Bldg 3 50
Exposure of No. S at 55ft, 10<t of 2 00 .. -
20
" 2 " 105t of 2 00 . . . . . .
20 3 90
DIAORAM N?4.
DIACRAMN?5.
SSfL
eor,
.to
Z\Q
2
3
31
MINIMUM KATES.
Diagram Ho. 6.
Kale of No. I ................. Bldg 2 80 Stk 2 80
' 2. ................. 230 \ 65
" " 3. ........... ...
2 70
-> 70
No. 1. BUMS ................. Bldg 2 00 Stk 2 00
Kiposureof No. 2 at 10 feet, 40jfc of 100. . .
40
40
3 " 2a 20*of200. . .
<0
No. 2. Basis. ................. Bldg 1 00 Stk 1 TO
Exposure of1--
No. 1 at 10ft, (3 openings), 50# 4 25* of 2 00, 100
No. 3 nt 25ft, (1 opeoine), 15$ & 7i*'of 2 00,
30
13
Mo. 3, Basis. ................. Bldg t 00 Stk 1 00
Exposure of
No. 2 at 25 feet, '(with openings), 30)4 of I 00,
30
30
No. 1 at 25 feet, 20$ of 2 fa ........
40
40
2 70 2 70
Diagram No. 7.
No. 1, Basis ................. Bldg I 00 Stk TOO
Exposure of No. 2, (side window W feet from
roan window), 15% 4 10* of 1 00,
15
10
1 15
1 10
No. 2, BMIS ................. Bldg 1 00 Stk t 00
Exposure of No. 1 (as above), 16* & 10% of 1 00,
15
10
" " 3, (rear window 20 feet from
aide window), 5* ot 2 60 . .
07j
00
Tzb" Ho
No. 3, Basis .......-........, Bldg 1 00 .3 3
Drags, retail . . . ... : ... ...........
2* S S ti
ExpoBUres of Ko. 3 (u above), fiO^ oi 1 00
05 ^ | 5
rib" til
Diagram Ko. 8.
Bate of No. 1 ................... Bldg 1 IS
" " 2 ...................
J 35
No. 1, Basis B building In block, adjoining . .... Bldg 1 25
Exposure of No. 2,'20$ of 1 00 .........
CO
No. 2, Basis, B BniUing In block ..... ... Bldg t 25 Exposure of No. 3. 10* of 1 00 ... .. ...... 10--1 35
DIAGRAM N? 8.
DIACRAMNT6.
J4
MMitUlf KA TES.
Diagram Ho- 9.
No. 1, Basis,............. .........200
Exposure of No.'2 at 23 feet, 20* of 2 50 . ..... SO
"
"3 ." 50 " 15* of 2 M....... 30
"
' 4 ' 108 * 6% Of 2 50....... 12}--2 90
No. 2, Basis, Saloon.. ................. .2 SO ExposureofNo. 1 at29feet,20*of200. . .... 40 ~ 3 " 25 " 20% of 2 00....... 40 - 4 " 83 " 5* ot 2 60 ....... 12J--3 40
No. S, Basis, ............ .........200 Exposure of No. 2 at 20 feet, 20* of 2 50 ....... 50 1 "80 " 15*of200 ....... 30 " 4 "53 " lOftofSoO ....... 25--305
No. 4, Basis, Hotel..................... 2 30 Exposure of No. Sat'58feet, 10* of 200 ...... 20 "2" 83 " Sft of 250 ...... 12J " " 1 ' 108 " of 2 00 ...... 10 --2 90
Diagram Ho. 10.
Xos. 1A 2, Basis, 2 D stores within 20 feet . ...... 3 50 Exposure of Nos. 3, 4 & 5 at 0$ of 2 00, eacb .... 1 20 " " 6 at 55 teeV (spaces ICES than JO leet ignored], 10* of 300 ..... 30 --1 00
Dos. 3,4 i5, Basis, 3D stores within 20 .feel. .... .300 Exposure of NOB. 3&1 alls ieet,20j(, of 200, each .. 80 G at 30 teet, 20.'of SOO '. .... 60--440
a , Bads, BlaclismitbShop. .... ....... .300 Exposure of S, 4 & 3 at 30 feet, 20* of 2 00 each ... 1 20
" 2 &], at 55 feet, 10? cl 2 00 eacb .... 40 i eo
DUgnmlTo. 11.
Bate-of Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4, for eacb ......
.4 83
So. 4, having highest rate in range, is taken for basis... 3 50 Add for No. 1,25ft of 2 SX ............. 624 " " 2,25ft of 2 00. ............. SO - 3,25* of 1 00.............. 23 - I S3
DIAGRAM N9 3.
----\
1 4 SSit
zs
1 Z5
2
<
2X
iX
2X
1
55 30
DIA(KAUairiu
} 1 ,,.
1 S1
5"
s'
3 Zf .1 s *
*3
Z
1
DDUIA\ GRAMlPll
i
2
1
10 X *, X
36
MINIMUM KATES.
Diafiun No. 12.
No. ], Basis, Livery Stable.............. . 3 60
Exposure of No. 2 at 40 feet, 15* of 2 00 ....... SO
" 3 at 70 feet. 6* of 2 SO ....... 12}
"
" 4 at 05 feet, 5* of 1 00....... 05 --3 S5
Diagram No. 13.
No. I. Busts, Blacksmith shop...... ....... 3 00
Kxposureof No. 2, nt 50 feet, 15% of 2 50. ...... 37) 3 and 4, at 70 feet, 5# of 2 00, each . . 23
5. at 85 ft, 5% of 250, no apace over 10 ft 12) 6. at 50 feet, 15% of 125. ...... 1SJ--3 90 No. t. Basis ...................... 2 00
Exposure of So. 1, at 40 feet, 15% of 3 53 ...... 52 3. at 30 feet, 20% of 2 50 ...... 50 4. at 55 feet, 10% of I 00 ...... 10--3 10
No. 3. Basis, Hold ....... ........ . 2 50
Exposure of No. 4, at 45 feet, 16$ of 1 03- ...... 15 2, at 30 feet, lOf, of 2 00 ...... 40 1.at'Ofeet, 5%ofS50. ...... 17J-3 2fl
No. 4. Basis.................... . 1 00 Exposure of No. 3, at 45 feet, 15% of 2 50 ...... 27) 2. at 55 feet, 10ft of 2 00 ...... 20
1, at 95 feet, S%ofS50 ...... 17)-1 75 No. 2. Basin ..................... y 00
Retail drugs .................... 25 Printing office ................... 25
Kiposnreof No. 1, atSOfeet, 15ftof3 00. ..... i 45 S.and4, at 25 feet, 20ft of 2.00, each. 80 5, .it 50 feet, 15# of 2 50 ...... 37} B, at 75 feet, 5ft of 1 25 ....... 07]--< 20
NOB. 3 and 4, Basis, Frame building with two occupants ..2 50 Exposure of No. 2, at 25 feet, 20ft of 2 50 ...... SO 1, at 70 feet,-5% of 3 00 ...... 15 5. at 50 feet, 15% of 2 50 ...... l!7j 6. at 50 feet, 15& of 1. 25 ...... 18J--3 70
No. 5. Basis, Hotel .................. 2 60
Exposure of No. 6,t 30 foet, 20% oil 25 ....... 25 3 and 4, at 25 feet, 20$ of 2 00, each . 80 2, at 50 feet, 15% of 250 ...... 37J 1, at.95 feel, 5% of 3 00 ...... 15 --4 05
No. 6. Basfc, Frame Church ........-- 1 25
Exposure of No. 5, at 30 feet, 20# of 2 50 ...... 60 3 and 4, at 50 feet, 15% of 2 00, each . 60) 2, at 75 feet, 5% of 2 50 ....... 12 1, at 50 feet, 15% of 3 00 ...... 49 --2- 90
I 4-a
3
37
t
x
DIAGRAM N?I3. .
*
zx
3 *
t
X
* 3i
25
1
I ZS
rtu**.
