The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-01-18
EiOfiS 10 Reduce The HIgh Premiums
Now P0id Here.
NORFOLK WANTS A FIRST CLASS RATE
All That Is NODDED Now Is tho Estabs
Iishment of an Engine House in
the West End-Woulu save Hetwecn
$4,000 ma S07.5OO per Year I'm
Premiums.

If the efforts Of the business organiza-
tions or this city are seconded by the
Councils the present high insurance
rates here will be reduced by something
like 20 per cent. and that very shortly.
There really remains but one obstacle
in the way OF placing Norfolk on the
basis OF first class" city, so far as
fire risks are concerned. That obstacle
Will be removed in all probability at
the next mccting of the City Councils
by the erection of an additional engine
house in the western part OF the city.
All the other demands OF the South
eastern Tariff association, which reg
ulatcs insurance rates throughout this
section, have been complied with, and
1t only remains for the Councils to give
ADEQUATE fire protection to the Third
and Sixth Wards.
MIR. X. Henry Jones Of the Fire Com
mittec, began about eighteen months
ago to look into hhc vital matter OF in
surance rates, with u view 10 securing
II reduction. and 1t is mainly due to
his unremitting efforts that the city Is
now so near q first class rating
Before placing Norfolk on this basis,
the association made several demands
TOR improvements I'm the fire depart
ment. The old Gamcwcll fire alarm sys-
tenn, which was formerly In one cir
cult, which was broken on an average
Of once a month. they asked, should
he rebuilt In four independent cir
cults. This action was tallcn some time
ngo. the resolution having been intro
dnced by Mr.. Jones, who also secured
compliance with their other demands
Tor the employment Of an electrician 10
Keep the lines In repair and the pp,r-
n
or hose. This leaves but one demand
unsatisiicd-thc establishment OF an en-
g'ne house in the West End This Mr..
Jones hopes to secure at an early tlnte
and he has the written assurance OF
Secretary Blnming, OF the association.
that so soon as this action Is taken
thc insurance people will proceed to rate
the city as first class.
The city of Norfolk, on mn estimated
total insurance Of $40, 100000 paws In
premiums to the iifty-eight companies
represented here $3.50 600 per year Mhila
losses by fire in 1897 were less than
$4,000. The companies have to nav a
license lax OF 5000 per year each. maxi
ing total OF $l1,G0O They demanded
iniit Inns license be reduced to n basis
similar to that granted them in Rich
mond. but this the Council has refused
10 do Now Mr.. Jones proposes to ask
Tor q iirst class rating of so cents. ma
cents, on account OF the license. This
wi'l, on The basis of the present prem
th'nS paid. net the companies $1,000 a
year, as against Sl16O0 paid for license
TAX. The rates now charged here ore
about % cents on The 500 for the district
south of Butte street and north OF that
thoroughfare 30 cents Is charged On
ms basis between 100000 and SGT 500
per year will be saved to holders OF
fire policies in this city by the new rat
ing. -
TIE West End engine house. the con-
struction Of which will make this saw
inE possible, will cost, including land
and equipment, $1,000 and for majn-
tSinence the first year $1,000 additional
The following Is taken from a lette,
to Mr. Jones from Mr.. Charles g.
rlemng, secretary OF the Southea stern
Tariff associations: -
so far as ! have means OF know
ing the association will stand to the
proposition made in April, 1896. that if
the improvements to the fire depart
ment. which you state in your letter are
carried out In accordance with ,tihe re-
qulremcnts of this association. and tho
matter of tax is arranged In accord
ance with the former proposition. Nor.
FOLK viii be re-rated as a first olaa.
city" '' eS's oieS's