Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-02-25
GRANGE Flae INSURANCE.

A year ago we called the attention OF
our readers to the Importance OF keep
ing their buildings insured. We deem
the matter OF SO much importance that
We again bring Ii up for consideration.
While there have not been so many
losses Of buildings on farms by fire dur
ing the past year In our state as In some
former years, vet all know that fires are
liable TO occur at any time. With the
small property holders on the farm,
when the destruction comes IL falls with
a force especially hard to bear. lu-
surance Is recognized as a necessary &C
compartment TO all business involving
the investment OF capital. No less IL II
important to the owner OF farm that
he protect his property In the same way.
No farmer should, then, allow his build
ipgs to 20 a single day without being
covered by policy.
The refusal OF the stock companies to
write risks In the country towns has
been serious drawback In this matter.
But such has been the feeling OF unessi-
ness aroused in consequence OF this class
of risks being shut out, that mutual
companies have now been organized 10
most OF the states, 10 take care OF the
property otherwise left out. Our own
state is no exception to this, and several
companies are now seeking farm risks.
The Grange has come nobly forward
In many Of the states To the protection
OF its members 10 this direction. Com
panies have been formed on the strictly
mutual plan, which are conducting the
business In most satisfactory manner,
aud making an immense saving 10 the
farmers so Insured. The reason for this
great saving of cost 10 the policy hold
ers Is found in the fact that only actual
expenses Of conducting the business and
meeting losses is called for. And, this
business being done by farmers, only
reasonable compensation for the service
rendered is expected or paid. There are
no high salaried officers or fat dividends
on stock TO come out OF the insured.
There are two Grange companies do
ing business with the members OF the
order in this state, the Oxford and the
Androscoggin. The last named com
psny has Just made up its annual state
ment ot standing, the favorable showing
If whose figures prompts us In bringing
forward this mutual method Of Insurance
20 notice NJ this time.
The Androscoggin Company had
Jan. /, 1896:
Risk. In force, ....-..----...-...-s o., ks a.
Risks written during year. -..-.---. snos"
salaries and fees OF officers, iDclad'
Ing cnployc-, .--..-... ----.-.---- t>s..S
The average annual assessment on
each sleo for the las, Ave years
ha. le.n. -.-.-.--...........'.... 80
No assessment was necessary during
the past year.
The cash premium paid down when
policy is written, 81 so on each thousand
dollsrs insurance. This has paid all the
expenses and fire losses during the year,
md there Is money left in the treasury
We have not the figures OF the bu-t-
urss of the oxford company for the pat
wear. but their losses aud expenses, pro-
portionate Ia business, will not vary
widely from those of the Androscoggin
MANY of the town mutual compsnir-
In our state make even a better showing
in their annual returns to the Stale ln-
surance Commissioner than do these
Grtnge companies. Ii was shown Ia
the legislature year ago that the Hsr-
rison town company had not had loss
tor thirty years.
The New Hampshire State Grange In
uranc. Company has about three mil
lion dollars In risks, sud n cash premium
~ one-hNlt of one per cent, running for
three wears, has met all expenses aud
losses, and left money In the treasury
Maine Farmer