The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-19
MAY BE CUT DOWN.
Insurance Men Ask to Have Topeka
Rates Restored.

Steps have been taken by the local
insurance agents to bring about a re-
duction in fire insurance rates to the
scale in effect prior to the 20 per cent
advance.
All of the insurance agents have uni
ted in a signed communication to their
companies, asking that rates be reduc-
ed. and it is believed likely that the
companies will act favorably upon the
suggestions of the agents This COM
munication sets forth fully the improV-
ed conditions in Topeka since the 20
per cent advance was announced by
the Eldridge rating bureau.
The preliminary meeting of the To-
peka agents was held o11. Wednesday,
April 49, a committee was appointed to
investigate the improved condition of
our water service and to obtain all
other facts which would be embodied
4 a Communication addressed to ev-
cry fire insurance company doing
business in Topeka.
In Mr.. EIdridge's recommendation
for the advance of 20 per cent on all
advisory rate estimates for the city
of Topeka, of date February 23rd,
1904 it was stated 1.-The city has an
exceptionally efficient fire depart
ment, as records will demonstrate, yet
any organization of fire fighters is
practically poWerleSS with inadequate
water pressure, dependent upon a di-
rect pressure SYSTEM, and also
when some satisfactory results are
obtained for maintenance of standard
fire pressure and the possibility of
accident, practically eliminating all
pressure, reduced to the minimum, a
prompt recall of these advices will be
given
The committee reports as follows:
First, that an inspection of the fire
pressure, as shown at recent fires, re-
inforced by the statements of the fire
chief and the superintendent of the
water works. shows that the pressure
is now better than before the flood
The fire chief further states that we
are in a better condition for fighting
fires than we have been for fifteen
years
Second. that the boilers at the main
pumping station west of town, have
been thoroughly replaced, and a test
following, shows that they are capable
of producing fifty hourse power in
addition to their rated capacity.
Third-That the Harrison street pump
ing station is now in commission and all
arrangements completed between the
W hich immediate service can be had upon
call This station is equipped with two
has four pumps with capacity of one mil
lion i've hundred tbousaud gallons Two
night engineers, one day engineer, are on
duty at all times, and two boilers con-
stantly in service and the third held IN
reserve. This pumping station furnished
the only supply for Topeka until the new
plant was constructed fourteen years
ago. We consider It important to mention
that this plant is located within two
blocks of the business district and that
the supply pipe l69uS directly through IL
Fourth-In addition the city has recent
ly purchased a No. Metropolitan steam
fire engine and has returned the old one
to be rebuilt which will be furnished
with a new Fox boiler (the same as used
in the new engine), and put in No. con-
dftion. Pending their arrival the manu-
facturer has furnished the city an en-
gine for temporary use, and it is now in
service
In view of the above facts, and the
still more important one, that the har-
monious relations between the assured
and the companies may be continued, we
earnestly request that the 20 per cent ad-
vance be recalled
Charles S. Elliott. W. w. Webb. A. A.
Rodgers, J. NJ Brier. Geo. NJ. Noble &
Co. GroIl & McKitrick, W S. Bergundthal,
Jas. F. Griffin. Bailey Bros & 60, W g.
Forbes. w. H. Eastman, C. G. Blalxely.
H. c. Bowman, H. F. Wentworth, Gilett