The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-12-15
SONS OF VETERANS.
News from the Various Divisions.
Elections of Officers, etc.
THE INSURANCE FEATUR e.
A Kansas Brother Talks Interestingly About

Kansas Brother Talks Interestingly About
1t.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: A careful study of
the Quartermaser- Generals report for the past
three years reveals the fact that there has been
great activity in the work of recruiting in the
several Divisions. Thousands of sons Of those
brave boys of the of '6I-65 have been mustered
into the Order There seems to be a warm bond
of fraternal friendship engendered thereby, de-
voted charity love for the memories Of our
fathers. both living and dead. and unquestioned
loyalty to country and her free institutions. But
Notwithstanding this great activity, this devotion
to country and the memories of the heroes and the
thousands who have been mustered into the ranks
each year, there has been actual loss of member
ship in good standing for the past two years.
The questions naturally arise What is the cause
of this loss? What remedy can be applied where
by our membership may be retained?
To the first question answer will be attempted
in this article. Suffice to say, there
reasons, all perhaps more less speculative, but
which. one operative in one Camp or Division and
in another, all coDspire TO bring about this de-
plorable condition of affairs.
To the second question we thirk there has been
suggested n potent and practical remedy. namely,
the insurance plan. This will accomplish the de-
sired object in a great measure at least, and be
successful as an insurance investment for three
practical and valuable, In pecunary sense, to a
mere sentiment the only foundation Order
has; second, insurance is cardinal business prin-
cipe of our age; third. it be shown that it will
be the cheapest insurance extant and will, after
all, be putting into practical operation the grand
principle of our Order, namely. that the help we
endeavoring to render to father and mother
down the hill of life may not be completely torn
asunder in the event of an untimely death, or our
wife and little ones be thrown them to for.
1t cannot be questioned that the payment of
assessments and dues necessary to carry this in
surance will keep large numbers In good standing.
who after the enthusiasm and patriotism incident
to the "muster-in " has worn off, coming to
Camp and paying dues through carelessness and
Indifference. Nor again can IL be questioned that
many will join the Order for the principal purpose
OF taking the insurance, as have nothing to
offer save the priceless heritage of being Union
soldiers son, which each may feel he has already
without joining our Order.
This, then, will be the practical way in which
our membership will be held and increased, and
in manner will it detract from the original
intents and purposes upon which the Order WAS
founded
The individual cost for carrying insurance will
depend, of course, Oh the plan system adopted
by the Order. and amount OF insurance carried.
However that may be, must conclude by
careful study of the mortality of the Order, and
several other important reasons that the cost will
be very small compared with the average insurance
company or society.
Let US consider, for one moment. our low average
age. 1t was reported at the last National Encamp-
ment at Helena, Mont, that the average age of all
members Of the Order is 81 years. Now, contend
that a very low age be maintained for long
series of years. which Is possible and altogether
probable from the very nature Of our Order, which
allows that members be recruited only from Sons
OF Veterans and Sons of Veterans sons.
AS the success of all insurance companies de-
ponds entirely Oh the average age OF its members,
it is apparent at once that we have decided adj
vantage all other societies. And again.
membership Is almost entirely in the North. max
ing US peculiarly exempt from epidemics of yellow
fever, pernicious malarial fever, which are the
exclusive property of the Sunny South"
Now apply the scrutiny of rigid physical ex-
animation to its members, and the already low
mortality will he very greatly reduced,
shown by analysis of the deaths in the Division
of Kansas by me while Surgeon last year.
Briefly stated these are some of the reasons why
and how the insurance plan will be a success if
adopted It will be the means of giving new inn
petus to its growth, and then retain mem bers after
they are in And then, too. what of satisfae-
ton and security it will be to those of who
our daily bread by daily toll, to know that our
dear ones will be cared for when gone And
how blessed it is 10 give" indeed. when we know
the assessment we pay goes to the father widow
of one of our brothers to Tighten their burden and
brighten their homes.-S. j. Crumbine, NJ. D.,
Chairman Insurance Committee Dodge CITY Kan,