The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-04-06
MARRlAGE INsURANCE.



Suits are about to be instituted by
three young couples residing near
Reamstown, Pa, which will expose the
methods of the marriage insurance COM
panies, in which the compliments are
interested. The plaintiffs were married
just thirteen months ago. Prior to their
marriage they were approached by three
agents, who, 1t is alleged, promised that
the companies would pay each member
$3.50 one year after their marriage. The
young people paid $40 apiece for their
policies or certificates, and 81 annual
dues. Two weeks after their policies
we're received they were married, and
hopefully looked forward to the time
when they would receive their money.
The three couples live near together,
and the numbers of their certificates ran
from 475 to 48O inclusive. Three weeks
ago they sent the companies notice that
their year was up, and that they wanted
their money as promised. They received
word that the companies were paying of
as fast as possible, and that they would
have to wait until their turn came. The
next days mail brought six envelopes,
each of them containing fifteen notices
OF assessment, amounting in each case to
$18.75. The very next week another
batch of notices was received, and they
continued to come so fast that before
month had passed their assessments
called for $50 each. They refused to
oonon1fn1 Of
other company. He told them that they
ments or forfeit their policies. Said he:
And that is not the worst of it, either.
Your policies ars exceedingly high num-
bered. dare say that out of the 475
persons who are ahead of you at least
$50 are married now and waiting for
their money, just as you all are. Be-
fore your turns come to get your money
each of you will have to pay at least $50
assessments of $1.25 each; SO you see
the very best thing you can do is to stop
right where you are and go no further.
The chances are 100 to that by the time
you will have paid your $50 assessments
the policy holders who come after you
will be utterly unable to keep up the
drain on their purses, and you cannot
more. Make up your minds that what
you have already paid out is lost for
ever, and thank your stars it is not
more. The companies you are in are
perfectly willing to carry out their part
of the contract, provided you are. Your
certificate plainly shows that you must
pay up all assessments that the company
calls for in order to satisfy the just
claims of those whose policies are ahead
of yours. If you do not comply you
cease to be member. and your policy
becomes null and void"
The young people declare that they
had no such understanding, and that
they we're insured to get $3.50 one year
after their marriage. A number of law
yers are examining into this matter with
q view Of beginning a war against these
marriage insurance companies il there is
any possible legal way to get at it. They
are aware that hundreds of young per-
sons have been induced to become in
sured prior to their weddings. The
Pennsylvania courts now positively re-
fuse to charter any more Of the compa.
MES on the ground that their business is
corrupt and fraudulent; and the proba-
bilities are that the next important move
will be made against those who have
been chartered, but whose duped men,
bers are waiting in vain for their money.
Very many officers are quietly withdraw
ing, anticipating the impending conflict.
Other companies are quietly consoli-
dating and transferring their busin ess.
Nevertheless, the object Of marriage
endowment or insurance is o splendid
thing for young folks, and we would ad-
wise those wishing such insurance to take
q stock company that has fixed rates, like
the Northwestern, of Oregon.