The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-02-06
City and Insurance Companies Get Togeth-
er 10 Secure Lower Rates.
WEST END ENGINE HOUSE NECESSARY
Councils VIII He Asked TO Construct
1t Immcdiat Has Has Been
Told I'm the rirgininn, Its Compile.
tiOn VIII Mean nm Imm euiate re,
rating oftnc City.

The Firginian'S exclusive information
gwen in several articles already pub
a;shed, have appraised the public OF
what is being done in the way OF secur-
ing lower insurance rates for the city
The matter is now ready DIR the Coun-
cfls attention, and 1t is not improbable
that within q month or little more.
there Will be an engine house es taIblish-
ed In the West End OF the city to fur
nlSh adequate protection to that resi-
dence section, and also to Atlantic City
Ward, and the extensive business inter
ests thera.
The Southeastern Tariff Association
or insurance companies has pledged it
self TO re-rate the entire city on a first
class basis If this Is done. An their other
requirements for ra-rating Norfolk have
been complied with. The alarm sys-
tenn is now In four circuits. instead of
one; the Fourth Ward engine house
equipped and the reserve hose supply
mas been purchased. Their only remain
ing demand is for an engine house in
the West End
The establishment OF this house will
probably be brought before the next
meeting OF the CITY Councils, and in
view Of certain concessions which At
iahtic CITY Ward stands ready to make.
there is small doubt but that the new
house will be authorized.
MT. =. Brooks Johnston, president of
the Atlantic City Local Board of I'm
proVement, speaking as n private citl-
zen, and not in his official capacjty has
addressed a letter to the Councils Fire
committee, In which he advances a pro-
positlon to which, in his own opinion
the Local Board will subscribe. II is
mat the engine house be established
near the corner OF York and Rotetourt
streets; that one-half of the interest on
nhe cost or land and building; one half
the cost or equipment, and Dne-third of
the cost OF maintenance be paid nv
Atlantic City Ward This is n liberal
concession on the part Of THE ward. but
ne points out that the quick service to
DE mad by the location Of the engine
mousse IN the West End. and the in
| creased protection to the cotton Inter
ests or the ward proper, and to th.
residence section in Client, together
with the consideration OF lower rates of
insurance, and consequent increased
values, make 1t forItha ward to do this
Inc insurance rates of the city are
'on a. basis Of 70 cents, which the ASSOC
| clation agrees to reduce to So cents. 80
cents being the first class rate. with s
cents added to cover the License tax
when the city declines to remove from
| lndlV:dtal insurance companies The
first class rate will apply all over the
CITY. and the saving to the insured in
| th's cNy Will amount to some $50 900
annually. The insurance companies
| however. VIII lose nothing by reducing
the rate. People who are now carving
their own insurance will take out poli-
cies at what they consider reasona bic
| rate. while thos: who are under-insured
| Will insure their property for ITS true
value under the first class rate.
| THE Atlantic (Situ ,o,o1 J,o,r1
IT cannot act l2r does ndt feel like taking
| the initiative before the Councils take
action, Is anxious to get adequate fire
protection for that ward and It Is be-
lieved that they will second Mr.. John
sons proposition.
The Southeastern Tariff Association
has definitely promised to re-rate the
CITY on a first class basis within two
weeks after the engine house shall be
established.
Chief Ryan, of the fire department.
Is enthusiastic on the subject. H., says
| an expenditure OF not to exceed. saw,
$1,000 VIII accomplish all shat the in
surance men require to put this CITY to
the first class rate. The cry has an
engine suitable for this new house,
hence the chief suggests thai: It would
NE necessary only to get a combination
chemical apparatus and hose wagon,
with hose and appurtenanc;s as n cost
of 1880, In addition to what the de-
partment has now. Thus, adding III
cost OF the apparatus and the interest
onthe property investment uf per cent