The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-03

densome tax upon foreign companies Of
one and half per cent He thought
policy holders would have to pay this in
increased rates Of insurance.
Mr. Babaock said the tax ought 10 be
: per cent instead OF - per cent
Mr. jenkins. said the bill had the en-
dorsement Of every man IN the plstflcl
representing foreign companies. il u put
a hurdensOme tax upon the companies ana
was going TO result in an increase Of IN
surance rates he wanted TO know why the
policy holders had made no complaint
Nr Hepburn. upon being recognized,
charged that the insurance rates Of local
companies in the District are 100 per
cent higher than the rates charged by
large number Of foreign companies. He
said a policy had been written in local
company al so cents on a hundred dollars,
and the same policy had been written in
q Philadelphia company for 30 cents. He
thought with the wide streets OF this city
the character Of the buildings. and the
almost perfect Fire Department that in
surance rates ought 10 be as low here as
elsewhere. Mr.. Hepburn assumed the po-
sition of the poor mans friend. He said
he opposed the bill because it gave 10
insurance companies the advantage Of too
many exceptions for liability. He said the
local companies were seeking, by the pas
sage Of the pending bill TO ovade Just
taxation. He accused Mr.. jenkins Of try
ing TO put through an unjust bill
Mt Russell of Connecticut was the next
speaker. lie said be was not aware that
there was any general opposition TO the
bill but he took strong exception to Sec
ton Of the bill.
High Rates Opposed.
Mr. McRae Of Arkansas opposed the bill
He criticised what he called the "eXorbi-
tant rates charged in the District of Co
lumbia for insurance He offered as an
amendment prohibition against what is
known as the board rate. which Mr.
MeRae said is The rate established by the
insurance trust. He said the purpose OF
the amendment was TO prevent a combina-
tion Of insurance companies TO maintain
eXorbitant rates AIr. BabcoCk reserved
a point Of order on the amendment which
the speaker said had been offered on
yielded time and in addition 10 this de-
feet the bill had not yet been read for
amendment.
Mr. Ridggly OF Kansas opposed the bill
because of the obligations it imposed on
the insured and the exemptions il gave
to the insurance companies
Mr. Babcock said the conditions pro-
vided for in the bill were the conditions
which prevail in q large majority ci the
States which have insurance departments.
Mr. RidEely said these departments we're
under the influence OF the companies. He
thought the best way TO protect the in
terest Of the people was to institute public
/ insurance.
Mr. Denny of Maryland opposed the bill
al fa
surance companies.
M Russell Of Connecticut offered an
amendment reducing the rate Of taxation
on foreign companies from Il to
] per cent. Mr. Ray defended the bill.
Mr.. Babcock said the ten pages OF eX-
emptious so harshy criticised by Mr.
Hepburn was the standard New York pol
icy adopted in nearly every State for the
protection Of policy holders.
Mr. Babcock then moved the previous
question. which was agreed to. The ques-
ton then being on agreeing 10 amend
meuis the committee amendments were
adopted.
Mr. McRae's amendment was then re-
ported and adopted without dissent Mr..
Russelrs amendment was reported and
the question of its adoption was put and
a division demanded, resulting in the re-
lection Of the amendment by a vote OF
q 10 O.
The bill was then passed
other Bills Passed.
Mr.. Babcock then called up House bill
1879. for the relief OF John 4. Narjes,
Of the District Of Columbia.
This is a bill enactipg that "all real es-
tate lying IN the District Of Columbia
heretofore purchased and conveyed 10
John A Naries OF said District. prior to
the passage OF this act be relieved and
exempted from the operation of an act en-
Titled An act 10 restrict The ownership Of
real estate in the Territories % American
citizens. approved March s, 1887, and all
forfeiturcs incurred by force Of said act
are in respect Of such real estate hereby
RENTED
Narjos is IS years OF age; a native
Of Altoona by Hamburg. Germany. He
came TO the United States fifteen years
ago and became a citizen OF the United
States since January 3 1889 Before that
time be bought one piece Of property in
the District OF Columbia. valued at about
81 Geo. 10 wit sublot Nc. 81. square 1868.
He was not aware that an act entitled An
act TO restrict ownership Of real estate iu
the Territories 10 American citizens, ap-
proved March 8, 1887. cut him out Of legal
possession Of the above property, hence
his bin for relief.
This bill was passed.
The Chairman Of the District Com
mittee then asked for the consideration Of
House bill $40 TO confirm title TO LOT J,
square 11l2 in the city OF Washington.
This bin provides.
That the Secretary Of The Interior be, aud he
3, hereby. authorized and directed 90 rglos--
and quit claim 90 johanna G. Block. her heirs.
and assigns forever al the night title, and a-
-gre-t. whether legal uf equitable, OF 10" | nIiea