New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-28
FIRE RISKS IN CHIC4GO.
THE UNDERWRITERS SUSTAINED.

THE UNDERWRITERS SUSTAINED.
THE COURSE OF THE NATIONAL BOARD APPROVED
BY ENGLISH CoMPANIEs-A NEW CHIEF FOR THE
FIRE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. VIEWS
Further information received on Saturday at
the Office of the National Board OF Fire Underwriters in
this city shows that the companies which have decided
TO withdraw intend to maintain the position which they
have taken large majority OF the members Of the
National Board have already rendered such decision.
Most OF those that have heretofore either not decided
what they would do withheld the expression OF any
opinion, more inclined to follow the lead OF the
majority, as indicating that the general sentiment Of the
insurance capitalists OF the country is in favor Of
caution. The attitude Of the English companies hav-
ing agencies here is looked upon as fair
criterion of reasonable and conservative view OF
the situation, and they oil commend the course
pursued by the Executive Committee of the National
Board and intend 10 sustain its action. few OF the
American companies that members Of the Board see
necessity for any concerted movement any formal
announcement by the Underwriters, committing them
selves to a cessation Of all further business IN
Chicago until the requirements forth shall have been
carried out; and these companies while discriminating
TO the location and character OF buildings will con-
tinue to take certain risks at high Although there
compulson applied TO any member Of the Board,
each company being free 10 follow its own inclination.
there to be among the members moral sentiment
which points, In this at least, to what might be
called concerted action 1t stated that there only
companies in Boston belonging 10 the Board that
do a agency busness-comparatively new companies
ana 1t Will be for them to consider, when the judgment
Of experience is favor Of withdrawal whether they
could remain in such field Chicago without detri-
ment TO their interests elsewhere. The Philadelphia
members OF the Board not going to do any more
business In Chicago at present. and 1t is believed that
both the Grard and Union Mutual Insurance Com
panies OF Philadelphia, which do not belong to the
Board, have practically come to the same conclusion
Similar reports been received from other Cities
East and West that undoubtedly the circular OF the
Executive Committee expressed the views OF an i'm
mense majority of the Board 1t will be borne in mind,
however that this will not leave Chicago without any
insurance whatever in those companies because they
cannot cancel policies as banks could call In loans'
and therefore existing policies will continue I'M
til maturity. As these expire property holders
vantage that the insurance field affords. Sew
eral persons in this city representing more
requirements of the Underwriters are no more than
should he made consistently with safety the business
as far aud speedily possible The officers OF the
National Board here are in constant communication
with the Citizens Association of Chicago, and the
Underwriters doing all in their power TO assist the
Chicago people IN every effort to secure the REFORMS
FROM the Mayor OF Chicago dated thursday Iast ana
addressed to personal TREND In TINS cry, contains
person for chief engineer OF their re department On
Saturday kilograms were received from the CITIZENS
ASSOCIATION requesting Mr.. Montgomery, the General
Secretary of the National Board of Fire Underwriters to
confer with Gen. Shaer and request him 20 visit Chicago
without delay with view TO the thorough organization
of its fire department..
The German American Insurance Company on Satur-
day informed the National Board OF Underwriters mat
they had concluded to withdraw from business In
Chicago until that city mad complied with the precdu
tionary conditions imposed Several prominent lnsur
officials will visit Chicago early this week, with
view to noting the of events and the measures
which Chicago people taking TO place themselves IN
satisfactory position against fire. IL Is expected That
the matter will be arranged in short time, and that
Chicago will hnd 1t best 10 comply with the require