The age-herald., 1901-10-04
LOWER RATES
 FOR INSURANCE Seem at Last to Be Assured
 Birmingham RECLASSlFYlNG THE RISKS
Agent Caldwell of Southeastern Tariff Association Now In Birmingham and at Work on Reclassificatio
 of Buildings for Insurance.

Agent Caldwell of the Southeastern Tariff Association is here reclassifying property for insurance, and 1t looks as if Birmingham were soon to have the long promised reduction in rates.
 Two years ago the Board of Trade took up the question of getting first-class in- surance rate for this city, and 1t has been hammering on 1t ever since.
 After persistent agitation the Board of Aldermen increased the fire department to meet the requirements of the South eastern Tariff Association. The associa- ton always insisted that Birmingham should adopt certain building laws which would provide, among other things, for a building inspector, in addition to inn proving its fire service. But at one or the Joint conferences of representatives of the Board of Trade, the fire and finance committees of the Board Of AL dermen and a representative or the ln- surance Tariff Association, it was agreed by the latter, 1t is said, that the question of a building inspector would not be pressed as a condition for reclassifying Birmingham provided the fire depart
  gree of efficiency.
 The fire service requirements were com piled with some time ago, but the Tariff Association failed to put the first-class rating into effect.
 The board of aldermen, however, adopt ed the building ordinance last Wednesday night, and no further hitches are likely to occur.
 Mir. Tanner to the Mayor. Mayor Drennen found on his desk yes terday a letter from H. Tanner, the official of the association who took part in the Board of Trade conference last winter. Mr. Tanner enclosed copy of building laws which he asked the Board of Aldermen to pass, and wrote in part:
 "These laws are similar in scope to those now in force in Augusta, Atlanta and Jacksonville and are In accordance with the standard for the different classes of buildings that have been adopt ed by the insurance companies in the United States.
 "The passage of such a set of laws was part of the agreement entered into by you on February 2,, 1901. the fulfillment of which agreement would give Birming- ham the rates of first class city.
 'As soon as these building laws are passed by the city council please forward copy to Secretary Fleming Atlanta, Ga, and he will at once issue the slip notify ing all agents and companies that Bir- mingham Is entitled to first class rates. "I trust that when these laws are en- acted they will be rigidly enforced. and that special permits to repair old frame buildings in the fire limits will not be granted.
 Birmingham is rapidly building up, and it is as much to her interest to have good buildings and ordinances that will result in a better state of affairs from fire standpoint as it is to the insurance com panies that are underwriting the risks"
 The Mayor replied to Mr. Tanners let ter, and informed him that the Board of Aldermen had acted and that the laws referred to had been adopted.
 In the meantime the association had sent MT. Caldwell to Birmingham to begin the work of reclassification.