The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-06-29
FIRE PROTECTION
Value of the NC. State Fire.
mems Association,
Even The Greed Of lust Ought 10 be Salts.
fed With That Profit Instead Of
Asking an Increase.

To the Editor: Your editorial in your
in insurance rates by the Southeastern
Tariff Association was timely, compre-
hensive and to the point, and L wish
that every business man in the State
would both read and carefully consider
the same. 1t is matter of so much real
importance that it's subject matter could
well be reproduced. While, however,
you truly state the facts and figures,
showing the great improvement in the
fire record of the State in the last few
years and give credit to some who are
entitled to it. 1 trust you will pardon
me for reminding you that you failed To
note that the most important factor in
bringing about this most desirable con-
dition of things is due to the annually
increasing efficiency of the fire depart
ments of our several towns and cities,
whose wonderful Improvement in tura is
chiefly due to their memberships in the
North Carolina State F!remans Asso-
citation, due to the interest they take
in our annual conventions and tourna-
ments, where everything new, up-to-
date, and pertaining to fire protection
and fire fighting is discussed. practiced
and utilized. In addition the State aid
given us, guaranteeing our volunteer
memberships from loss of time when in
jured in the fire service and the rivalry
in our tournaments, both combine to
keep up an enthusiasm and interest that
otherwise could not be maintained There
hrt ,uha haN n
best laws on our statute books to protect
the insurance companies of any State in
the Union. and there is also no question
tour record shows iD but what we have
as efficient fire departments as any
where else and there is no fair, just or
equitable reason why our property
should not receive the benefit of the cf-
forts of our own people. With the in
surance companies now making $50 per
cent on North Carolina business. i. e.,
only paying in losses forty cents for
every dollar collected in premiums, it
does look like oven the greed of a trust
ought to be satisfied with that profit
instead of asking an increase. The
writer is not, never was and never eX-
poets to be of that class that fights cor
porations or associated interests simply
because they are corporations but like
every good citizen, | am always ready
to condemn greed and oppression, either
personal, political or corporate and vice
versa. When the laws passed at the last
session of the Legislature requiring
every small incorporated town to pro-
vide fire protection and as far as pos
sible fire prevention are fully under
stood and put in force, then you will
see a much further reduction in our fire
losses in the State, which under the re-
cognized natural laws of business ought
to and virtually will, result in a decrease
of rates of insurance. This is a great
big subject Mr. Editor, and l wish the
press with its powerful influence would
take it up and make plain to the people
the importance of maintaining efficient
fire departments so that property own
ers could carry less insurance at lower
rates. Yours truly,
JAS. D. M'NEILL,
Pres. n. c. S. Firemen Asso.