The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-10-11

V0I 2xJ0 Q8AxVHS WIZ tbdA Psbs&kHV WAss>Sss
since the resurvey OF tho city was made
By Surveyor Mckenzie that the low rates
In prospect would be applied from the
date Of tho policies. and that when these
were announced q rebate would be al
lowed for the period covered by the poll
cies. This proposition WAS combated by
several agents present Tho object OF the
meeting. wh1ch WAS TO effect IN under
standing and consequent uniformity of ac-
tiou. failed OF accomplishment and after =
rather stormy session the agents adjourn
"a.
Behind the story OF the conference of the
insurance agents. which Was Z secret one.
u the story Of the manipulations Of the
Pacific coast insurance trust, with head.
quarters In San Francisco. to secure bust
ness from Seattle policyholders 1t rates
which are universally pronounced extor-
tomato. The Post-IntsiliEercer has al
ready shown that the rates charged by
tho underwriters in Seattle are In excess
IN other cities Of the country. and that
the Insurance trust has been engaged In
systematically saueesinx tbs policyhosd-
efs Of the city IN order To recompense
themselves for the losses sustained during
the great are Of tsse
Apparently the object Of the meeting yes
tsrday. which was called by Surveyor Nc
Konsie. m employee OF the insurance trust.
was to secure a vote In favor OF establish.
Ing the date when the new rates shall be
effective At October l, whereas the prop
erty owners OF the city have been prom
Used that the reduction would become op-
crative at 4 much earlier date.
The Insurance men Of the city to the
number of about thirty-fiye assembled In
the rooms of the association In tho Pho
ncer block yesterday nt II O'Clock Presi-
dent Frank Hanford. OF the Washington
Insurance Association, presided. and d.
w. Baker acted as secretary. Mr.. Nc
Kenaie. ~ whose request the meeting was
called. stated its object. namely. the Sc
curing OF an expression OF opinion relative
% the time when the new ratings should
become effective. Mr.. Mckenzie said that
the nav schedules would he IN the hands
Of the agents within the next two weeks,
although az a matter of fact they were
promised to the agents several weeks ago
He said, however. that there had been
some delay Ia the printing OF the new
cards.
Object Of the Meeting.
Touching the object Of the meeting. Mr.
mckenzie satd that he understood there
&as Z difference OF opinion among the
agents relative to the time when the new
rates should become effective and that he
desired an expression Of opinion on that
subject.
According 10 the statements OF several
agents promises OF rebate ON policies
written since May / had been made by a
number Of agents who wished TO carry out
their agreements and desired action on
that lire by the association
Opposition TO any rebates on existing
policies was manifested by several mem
bets of the association participating Ia the
meeting. One agent declared thai he
would never consent 20 relating anything
OF the premiums collected by himself. An
other agent eatd that he had practically
given hts word that his clients would hene-
ht by the resersey OF the city and the
consequent bower rates and that be pro-
posed TO carry out his contracts.
Agents do Not Agre~.
II was net long heforc II became appa~-
eat 10 every ore present that the members
entertained widely different views The
advocates Of rebate 20 date tran, the
beginning II the y@swryey creased their
opinions in energetic language ant they
were as vigorously opposed by Others VIII,
asserted thai the rates should Re mace e,.
fective ocsaher ard that no rebate should
Be ms6s re,sctes written prior e, sna,
time
After hx3nS In session aAous an hour a
uaetsoS To adjourn Was made and carried
without any resolution having been pass.