The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-03
AFFAIRSOF THE DISTRICT
The Security Fire and Marine As
suranee Case.
Statement Submitted by the Dis
standing Of the Corporation - An
Amendment Suggested to Aqueduct
Bridge Bill - Permits for Stands.

ance Company. He says that with the ap-
plication of the company last December
certificates or deposit in Indiana and
elsewhere were presented. aggregating
100000 Upon the reference of this ques-
ton to the Attorney for the District, as
to whether all the requirements of law
had been complied with Mr.. Darneille
reminds the Commissioners that he rem
dered, on December IS, an opinion which
may be summed up in the last paragraph.
Whether these certificates of deposit
are satisfactory, and whether the cash
capital represented by them. should be
deposited with a national bank, or should
be deposited in this Jurisdiction and kept
intact. are all matters of administration
committed by law for determination by
the Commissioners OF said District, or a
majority of them
Continuing Mr. Darneille says; In the
first section of the act of January rs. 1887,
defining the liability, of any insurance
company hereafter organized, the alb
sence of a comma after the word or
gained is unfortunate, and thus
the law seems to apply to District
of Columbia companies only. 1t is diff
cult to conceive, however. that Congress
intended, what would be practically class
legisla ton. The contention that this act
does not apply to foreign corporations.
and that the Commissioners have no dis
erection, IL sustained, will practically in
validate the law.
The Attorney for the District has pre-
scented his views, and l would suggest
that the petitioners in the event of an ad-
verse decision have their remedy in the
courts through mandamus proceedings
Such a course would determine the ques-
ton finally as to the discretionary pow
er vested with the Commissioners. In the
event, however that they are satisfied
with the exhibit of assets as presented.
there would seeem to be nothing to do but
grant the permit.
1.-The authority sought not only in this,
but all cases. is an evidence that the
Commissionerssare satisfied as to ques-
tion of Responsibility presented. This
company claims to have done no business
pending your decision. Yet many letters
from different parts of the country have
been received, wherein, it is alleged. busl-
ness has been solicited and policies Of
fered through agents.
| 1T is upon this assumption that there
| is no reinsurance reserve. If this fund
can only be created by the surplus earn
ings of company after 1t begins bust
company desires to write fire and marine
risks in this District and elsewhere.
These policies are liable to become a
claim at any time, and In case of a suit
1t would seem to be difficult to fix respon-
sibility. The president or secretary are
executive Officers only, the stockholders
seem to be rion-residents, and the ca pital
is far beyond this Jurisdiction. am re-
| luctantly compelled to report that this
-, nsz
dence that it has complied with all the
requirements of law, viz: That it has
| 100000. actually and in good faith paid
up in full, in cash. capital. and a
guaranty for the protection of policy
holders ="
The attention OF the Commissioners was
called a few days ago to the omission in
House resolution 1897, ITO provide for
rebuilding the superstructure Of the Aque-
duct Bridge" etc, of any provision that
the railroad company, for which the i'm
provemcnt is to be made, shall bear the
expense of the rebuilding of the super
structure. Through the clerk OF the COM
mittee OF the House on the District Of
Columbia, the Commissioners were asked
to prepare such a provision In the form
OF an amendment, to be added to the bill.
The Commissioners yesterday answered
as prepared by the Commissioners already
provides in section that the Great Falls
and Old Dominion Railroad Company, and
other companies which may use the track
to be laid on the bridge. shall pay the cost
of keeping In repair the bridge floor be-
tween the rails OF said track and for a
distance of two feet on each side thereof
This requirement Is the usual provision
made il cases where railroad companies
occupy highways. The Commissioners fur
Their say that II the committee desires to
add provision requiring the companies
to bear proportion OF the cost of any re-
pairs to the bridge incurred in the future
the Commissioners would suggest the fol-
lowing proyiso. TO be added at the end of
section 6 of the substitute bill prepared by
I them:
THAT before the said Great Falls and
Old Dominion Railroad Company. or any
other railroad companies desiring 10 use
said track. shall be permitted to operate
cars thereon. they shall file with the Com
missicners Of the District of Columbia a
bond in penalty of 5000. with two sureties.
or d surety company. to be approved by
said Commissioners. which bond shall
guarantee the payment by said company
or companies of the cost OF repairing any
damage 10 the superstructure of said Aque-
duct Bridge which may be caused by the
operation of the ears OF said company
across said bridge"
By order OF the Commissioners the In
spoctOr of Buildings was yesterday au-
thoriZed TO issue permits to the Inaugural
Committee to construct stands. conform
ing TO the regulations, at the following
locations:
Louisiana Avenue. at the south side OF
Pennsylvania Avenue.
Portion OF Thirteen-an d-a-half and z
Streets. on south side of Pennsylvania
Avenue: Provided That a portion CT Il
Street Is kept open for travel
Fourteenth Street. south side of Penn
sylvnnia Avenue sufficient space to be left
to prevent interference with the street
cars
Executive Avenue. west side of Fifteenth
Streer. south OF the Treasury building
Fifteenth Street, south side of Pennsyl-
vania avenue. sufficient space to be pro-
vided Sor the passage OF vehicles
Entrance to Executive Avenue. we=t of
the north end OF the Treasury building
South end OF Madison Place
South end of Jackson Place
Seventeenth Street south side of Penn
| syIyaaia Avenue, sufficient space to be left
| for vehicles.
So much of. the reservation belonging to
! the District OF Columbia north OF the Cen
| tire Market. between Seventh and Ninth
| Streets. as may be desired.
Permits will be issued on condition that
| each stand where the street is entirely
| closed must have a passageway not less
| than four feet wide for pedestrians, and
| that in each case where the street is closed
| in vehicles a passageway of not less than
| fen feet wide shall be left open until mid
| night of February 2S. and be again opened
| by 6 O'Clock a. m, March 8.