The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-01
THE REPUBLIC.
Health Assurance.

we have viewed that subject in the remarks we
have heretofore offered upon il, is usually in
tended for the benefit of the surviving relatives
and friends of the parties assured. Health AS
surance, on the other hand, is for the advantage
of the assurer himself, inasmuch as it is in
tended to enable him to provide against casual
ties to which he is exposed during his life. The
topic is of paramount importance to all depend
ent upon their personal exertions for subsistence;
ing happiness in society, apart from the improve
ment Of the industrial classes, it is the interest
Of all that correct views be dffused in reference
to plan which proposes to make provision in
the period Of health for support when overtaken
by casual sickness, or by the prolonged inability
To labor which ordinarily attends the decline of
life. True it is that every well ordered State
guarantees to all the bare ability to live; but
however wise enactments of this kind may abb
stractedly be-however much preferable to that
voluntary manifestation of charity which is es-
sentially spasmodic and uncertain-still we are
warranted in concluding that the best, most
salutary, most beneficial way in which we can
help those around us, is to enable them to ac-
quire the means of assisting themselves before
they become enfeebled through age and infirm-
ity 1.-The true philanthropist," says SOUTH
WOOD SMITH, sis he who labors to give the
people, not food, but the knowledge which will
enable them to secure it in abundance for them
selves and for their children; and no one saves,
prolongs, or blesses human life like him who
instructs the people in their own interests"
Wesannot too highly appreciate the efforts
and sacrifices which working man must make
in order TO secure an adequate provision for
himself or family against the troubles which
death or sickness may bring upon them. Elk
cept in very favorable circumstances, he has
but a small surplus, after supplying the requi-
site necessaries and ordinary comforts of life.
To continue Systematically and for length
ened period to set aside out of his daily earn
ings what is essential for providing against
such emergencies, he must deprive himself of
many qualifications, press closely upon the
comforts, and at times abridge even the neces-
saries of existence. Such a line of conduct,
pursued steadily for years, in the midst Of
hard work, trials, and temptations, deserves
the highest commentator and respect. The
funds raised in such manner, and for such
ends, should be held sacred, guarded most
scrupulousy from waste or loss, and faithfully
preserved for the purpose for which they were
intended.
What is it that man desires to achieve by
Health Assurance? He proposes to set aside out
of his present means of enjoyment sufficiency
for the support of himself and family at future
day; he is making present sacrifices to save
himself and those who are dear to him from
want, misery, and degradation. He endeavors
to ensure, when his own health shall fail, the
comfortable support and respectable rearing of
his family--to save them from the gulf of des-
titution and crime, into which thousands are
plunged by the want of such provision. He
strains and stnts himself to preserve his own in
dependence, to maintain the truly proud posi-
ton of a man earning his support by his own
exertons, providing by these exertions home
and subsistence for his family, enriching the
community, and making an ample return to So
ciety for the advantages it confers upon him.
These are noble aims and efforts. 1t is indeed
sad that they have so often been made in vain
that fabrics reared at such a cost of virtuous
exertion crumble at the moment when their
shelter is most needed, and bury in their ruins
the hopes of thousands.
There are two prominent and tlamentable
facts in the past history and present condition of
Benefit or Health Assurance Societies; first,
that the greater number of those which have
started within the last twenty years have
ceased to exist, having been broken up by ina
bility to meet their engagements; second, that
several of the most extensive Of existing organ-
cations are on an unsound footing, cannot real
lze to their members the benefits they are pay
ing for, and must inevitably sink like their
unless speedily remodelled. A new
society may appear to be furnishing for consid-
cradle period and yet have the seeds of dissolution
in its frame. Such society is usually set on foot
by men in the prime of life and health For
the first few years the society is chiefly occu-
pied in receiving; there are but few demands |
upon it; the funds accumulate, and every thing
looks prosperous. But, as the members advance |
IN years, the amount of sickness rapidly in |
,reases, the stock is thereby lessened, and she
society no longer presents the same favorable |
aspect. The process continues; the funds sink |
over and lower, the younger members with
lraw, few new ones enter, and those whose
ong continued payments and good health have
formed the strength of the society are left to |
restitution in their time of need
Why is it that while life assurance, conducted |
BY and for the mercantile and moneyed classes, is
almost uniformly successful, Health Assurance, |
conducted by and for the industrial classes nearly
rs uniformly ends in failure? Because, in one |
,ase. all the elements of calculation are care |
fully obtained, and the conduct of the business |
IS entrusted to thoroughly competent men; while
n the other the data necessary to estimate the |
rate of sickness have not been generally acces-
,ible; the management has been based on alb
'urd principles, and in its working has been
ruinously expensive.