New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-25
FIRE RISKS IN CHICAGO.
A WITHDRAWAL OF INSURANCE BUSINESS
IMMINENT.

IMMINENT.
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF
uypERwRrrERs NOT COMPLIED wrTH-EARNEsr
EFFORTS NOT MADE TO REFORM THE FIRE DE-
pARTMENT-BUsINEss TO Blk WITHDRAWN THE
FIRST OF NEXT MONTH.
Soon after the last great fire in chicago the
Insurance companies represented in the Nanonai DVau
Of Fire Underwriters became seriously aiarmeu ~ INC
recurrence OF couhagraons and consequent losses IN
that o,tv resulns in the ruin or great impairment OF
even the best companies After mature dehoeratioh
was resolved that the people OF Chicago should be called
upon TO take measures required for the prevention Oh
CONGREGATIONS and in the event OF failure 10 40 ts
the responsiblel companies threatened 70 WITHDRAW
from business In that city Oct. 1. The action OF
the Underwriters was based upon the report OF their
snecal Committee appointed to investigate the Chicago
Fire Department. This report published in The
TRIBUNE OF July o. II declares that the Department is
under political management 1t Is nominally con-
trolled by Board OF four persons, who devote
about onesxh OF their time TO its duties Prominent
candidates for official positions In the Department ap-
pear have INDUCED in the appropriation OF boots and
shoes and clothing fires but this seems to have been
no detriment TO their department The discipline they
think is very bad Horses and engines are good. but
the efficiency Of the force is questioned. The men are
represented dressing blue shirts and pantaoons
without coats and the officers being without any dis
tnotve badge There is neither respect for superors
readiness to obey their orders NO system Oh sreet
patrol exists The not pledged to account for
their time aud there drills Of any sort The only
person duty the enginehouse at night is watch
man. who 10 stationed In the top OF a watchtower so
feet high. Through the inhammable lumber dlstriot
locomotives at all hours OF the night. In
the same district gas Is manufactured from
petroleum. In the opinion OF the committee
fire starting In the district would De
beyond the DO wer Of effort to extingush. There
is no Investigation Of fires OF ncendarY origin. The
city is liable to large confagratOn at any time; ~
from the nammabe material Of the buildings, and the
reckless manner which they put up and t from
its natural situation fiat ground and without pro-
lection from the prairie and lake gales
The City OF Chicago having failed 10 comply with the
condition OF the National Board of Fire Underwriters,
the circular sent to all the companies
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rooms,
NBw-YoRK. Sept 23. 1874. }
GENTLEMEN: beg to advise you that az meeting OF
the Executive Committee held this day. the following
action was unanimously had In conformity Win tne
resolution passed at their meeting OF July "a last
Reor That the authorities Of Cgo having failed to comply
with by the National Board Of Fire Under
writers Jo = this C9m.'ee no. recommend that an
after Oct l. 1874 and that the General Agent be Instructed 70 com
Rrd That The General Agent be notify the Chi
Committee that the bos Companies will carry out the above
recOmnen Ia ion " III greAI unsnimy
Asking your adVces your action on the above,
am very respectfully THOS. III. MONTGOMERY.
General Agent National Board
1t is expected that there will be very general com
pliance with the recommendation for withdrawal. The
insurance officials generally express themselves sorry
that necessity for withdrawal should exist, but
believe that until the Chicago people manifest prac-
ca disposition to protect themselves the Underwriters
must take care OF their own interests.