The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-24
RATES MAY BE RESTORED.
PRESIDENT UPPER CONFERRED
WITH THE FIRE COMMISSIONERS.

Told why the Rates We're Raised
and what VIII Likely secure
Their observation-disclosures Com
pnnfes. He Says, Would Not As
sumo Responsibility of Naming a
Fire Chief-He VIII Report the
Situation Here 10 the Executive
Committee of the Tariff Associn-
ton which Meets April z.
Efforts ar still being made to arrive at
some amicable adjustment OF the fire in
surance rate and with a view 10 discussing
the situation, as wei as to devise means
if possible. by which the matter can be
settled with the Southeastern Tariff As
ISOLATION, an informal conference with the
Fire Commissioners was had yesterday by
Mr. Samuel Y. Upper. president of the
tariff association, who came down from
Atlanta TO review the conditions here.
Mr.. Upper desires to familiarize himself
with existing trouble in Savannah in or
der that he may report at the next meet
ing of the executive committee Of the tar
if association which is in Atlanta, April Z.
This is one of the reasons he came to con-
fer with the commissioners, though there
are possibly others, the good effects of
which may become apparent in an adjust
ment
Mr. Upper was pleased with the con-
sideration shown him by the commission
ers and while he believes. of course, the
fire service in Savannah has not been the
best, he sees no reason why the matters
which led to the present increase In rates
by the tariff lion, cannot be adjust
ed satisfactorily and without unnecessary
delay. He emphasized this fact when
seen a the De Soto last night by Morn
ing News representative. and expressed
the hope that conditions would be so
changed as to allow the companies to con-
sistentiy withdraw the increase and re-
store the old rates at an early day He
said the association has closely watched
conditions in Savannah during the last
three years and on account of the excess
sive fire losses, action was considered nee
essary.
1.-THE action was not hastily taken,
said Mr.. Topper land was not with any
idea of debating to either of the political
factions, said to divide the citizens OF
Savannah And, further 1t was not at
the instance or suggestion of any of the
local agents, but was purely and simply
business move taken by the companies to
recoup themselves for excessive losses sus-
tained. In the belief that good business
methods demand that we shall not sell
indemnity for less than il costs, IL was
deemed a paramount necessity that the
rate of fire insurance in Savannah be in
creased at this time. There was no haste
about the matter and the citizens of Sa-
vannah should not believe there is any po-
ntical or personal animus actuating the
insurance companies al this time. l feel
confident that if the business men will
take this question home to themselves
and study ii as it has been presented by
the companies, they will see that self
preservation, if nothing else, demanded
the increase"
ION what lines do you believe the citl-
zens should move to get the old rates
restored?' Mr.. Topper was asked.
Il believe the citizens should demand
ap investigation of the management of
recent fires which have produced an
abnormally high loss ratio and if they
find the fault lies with the fire depart
ment then petition the proper authorities
to bring about such improvements as will
insure better results in the future. They
should also look into the losses sustained
by the companies during the last ten
years and decide if the present rates ex-
acted by the companies are excessive
am confident if they can show we are
charging more than the situation de-
mands, II will cause an immediate revis-
ion of the present tariff"
viii the removal of Chief Mcguire re-
store the former insurance rates?"
Until 1t is shown that Chief Maguires
management of the fire department caused
the excessive losses, | am not prepared to
say that his removal will settle the ques.
ton so far as the insurance companies
are concerned. In this connection, / would
add that all along we have been caCeful
to avoid that which might be construed
as an attack on the chief We simply
judge him by his record. That this record
is adverse to our interests is shown by
the published figures and which needs no
argument at this time. In this connection
there has been something said about the
insurance companies suggesting a man as
chief. l will say they would not do that
under any circumstances because of the
great responsibility II would carry. II
an incompetent man were secured every
body would justifiably point the finger at
us and say, He is your choice The COM
panies might confer with the commissions
ers on the question, but do not desire to
name the man.
rs there any improvement which the
companies believe should be made in the
fire department." MIR. Upper was asked
Until my arrival here to-day | did hot
know there was anything in the equip
ment of the fire department which called
for the attention of the underwriters 1t
appears. however. that. as Savannah Is
dependent upon its engines 70 secure suf-
ficient water pressure in the event of fire
that more powerful apparatus is needed
] do not claim to be an expert in this par
ticular, except theoretically, yet / believe
this should be taken up and considered
very carefully"
Mr.. Upper said the local agents were
not in favor of the increase in rates. and
many of them sent protests against it,
They were free to admit, however, that
the loss record of Savannah, as compared
with other cities in the South, was very
great.
Mr.. Upper secured all the data he
wished, and will leave for Atlanta today.
He is anxious that differences be adjust
ed here, and states he will exert him
self to accomplish that end, in so far es
consistent for him to do so.
GIVEN $1,000 SALVAGE.