New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-01-25
Then O. n baldwin. vice president and chairman OF
the Department. read hts report follows
REPORT OF DEATH CLAIM de-
PARTMENT.

The transactions OF the Death Claim Department gave
further proof Of the OF the Association. Mr..
o. D. Baldwin. its chairman read the following report:
z. B. Harper. Esg., Pt5idfnt Mutual RrtryJr Fnrd
Life AsJoeiaHOn:
January %. 1894.
Dear srI beg to report the transactions OF the Death
Claim Department OF the Mutual Reserve Fund Life As
ISOLATION for the year 1893 follows
Between January and December 81. lsos. there have
presented to the Association regularly audited
proved paid sos death claims amounting IN s295i.
$50 to benefciares numbering coo persons. al
the entire number being the widows AMI children
Of deceased members or for their benefit TO tho
order OF executors ard administrators very smni pro-
portion being creditors who held policies TO secure in
debtedness
The increase IN the number OF claims over those paid
in the year 1892 is 122 claims amounting TO $2'o5lsio
The in the amount Of death claims o. the
Association from 10 year when fairy snayzed. Is
another proof Of the success Of the Asso-
citation.
1t has truly said thai II did not die. or did
not die at times there would be insurance
companies occasion for them It follows axiom
that n very small number Of death claims upon an in
company means very small association. while
a very large association must necessarily have large
number OF cIans II matter Of satisfaction -
report the claims not disprcporoned to the
OF insurance in force.
deem II proper report that the terrible depression
in business the hard times consequent thereon have
been without doubt the Of considerable increase
death claims. and have in large measure filled the
place which made by the decrease in morta,
occasoned by ia grippe the proofs OF death presented
in very many giving the remote Of death
business trouble anxiety and worry. "depresson Of
spirits caused by financial difcues. and other ex-
press;ons conveying the same idea.
This has also led TO an abnormal number OF
ing from suicide which with prosperous times viii
doubtless disappear La Grippe" has by no means dis
appeared but s,il important factor in Increasing
the mortality among our members
AS heretofore all claims presented by benenciaes have
carefully examined under tho regular rules laid down
by Directors and Council o: Oficers for this
department.. also by the s'anding Committee ami ap-
proved by our Board Of Directors Executive Commit
and It Is believed that this careful supervision has
pr,~:1ted payment Of unjust claim while It has
delayed hndcred the payment OF claims fairly due
and owiny by the Association.
II IL a Of regre. that because OF attempted
frauds the Association has been compelled to resist several
claims. notably that Of John C. Austin. whom we firmly
dead William I.ange. whose wife Only
few months ago presented n claim against the Associa
ton, and whom know IL not dead. bu. IL now Ia
prison Sing Sing fraud These matters are es-
peciay in charge Of the Legal Department. ana are re-
ccving the very best attention
Claims amounting si1G. 100 have been regularly mp
proved be paid from the proceeds Of mor'uary call
No ~. unless previously paid Liabilities for death
claims 81 1893. stated at $50 30 10. OF
which amount $4,000 is now paid.
The Medical Directors and Inspectors Department
we'll as the Legal Department entitled to thanks
from department for their aid and assistance and
all other departments working in harmony with this
all tending the endthe advancement VI the
interests OF the members Of this Association
Most truly yours.
o. d. BALDWIN
Vice-Fresicnt.