The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-07-05
He IS RELENTINC.
Rumor That Topeka Will Have
Lower Insurance Rates.
Mr.. EIdridge Shows a DISPOSE
tiOn to Make Reductions.

| 1t is regarded as probable by Topeka
insurance men who are well posted in
such matters that there will be par
tiaI cancellation of the 20 per cent in
crease in rates recently ordered by the
Eldridge rating bureau. It is intimated
that the Eldridge bureau is contemplate
ing the issuance of a new rate book
for Topeka which will advise the in
surance companies to write insurance
at an increase of 10 per cent over the
old rates, instead of 20 per cent.
Charles E. Eldridge, the manager of
the bureau, is not inclined to say much
about his plans. He has been attentive
spectator at the fire engine tests made
Monday and again today. When asked
this morning if he was contemplating
the issuance of new supplement to
the Topeka report. he said:
I'VE want to issue a supplement as
soon as we cam"
Have you decided to get out a new
book for Topeka?"
I'VE will get out new book as soon
as the old book becomes so loaded with
supplements that it is inconvenient."
do you expect to recommend a de-
crease in rates ?"
II don't know what L will do. These
tests which have been given so far are
not supposed to be for the benefit of the
fire insurance nIen-they are not sup
posed to influence the rate situation,
are they? They are tests made just to
find out what these new engines can
do, and whether they are satisfactory
to the city. The fire marshal invited
me to come out and see the tests, but
do not understand that they are in
tended as official tests, for the purpose
of showing Topeka's ability to meet the
demands for the situation"
This afternoon Fire Marshal VIII
marth is giving a test which is more
of the nature wanted by the insurance
FrVr- - ri n
use the two steam fire engines, and
then put on about four or five direct
pressure hydrant streams besides
What Topeka must do to show that
it is entitled to reduction in rates,
said fire insurance man this morn
ing, lis to be able to throw about eight
streams to the top Of the tallest build
ing in town.
ANY city of this size should come
UP to this test. If the fire department
had been able to put ten good streams
on top of the Parkhurst-Davis build
ing, do you think that fire would nave
done such terrible damage?"
Mr.. E1dridge proposed to Chief VIII
marth this morning that he make such
test as has been suggested.
Chief" he said, would you object
about four or five lines of hose in ad-
dition, all from the hydrants and con-
Meeting your engines and hose just as
you would to fight a big fire.?
am W1llHS 10 10 WidlCNCl
ordered to- said the chief Il could
not get water enough from the main at
Seventh and Quincy for such test, nor
would 1 attempt to do so in case OF
fire."
This afternoon, the test is being made
with fire pressure on all the mains, and
the two fire engines both working at
once It is also probable that Mr.. Ed
ridges additional direct pressure test
with four or five streams will be made
This will constitute drain on the
mains which ought to be satisfactory
test.
This morning Fire Marshal Wilmarth
tested the two new fire steamers at the
cistern on Seventh street, between
Jackson and Kansas avenue. The tests
made were similar to those made Mon
day, but were not quite so spectacular
on account of the winH, which broke
the streams somewhat. The water was
thrown higher today then it was yes
terday, however, because it was posi-
BILE to get all the water the engines
could use for the big streams. Some OF
the streams went about $50 feet into
the air, as nearly as could be estimated
by the firemen who are familiar with
such things.