The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-21
Higgins Clears tho Way for
y an Inquiry by th
Legislature.
ARMSTRONG At The HEAD.
Governor Still Says Po|icyholdsrs.
Will Not Benefit.

Sends q Special Message and Senate and
Assembly Join in . Resolution -
Appoint . Committee Of Eight 90
Mako an Inquiry Into LKe Insur.
ance Methods and Draft New Legisia.
uon--Msgins Declares That He Has
Not Changed His Views. but Minority
Leader Palmer Makes Some sharp
Remarks on Ex.Gov. Odelrs Power.
ALBANY. July 2O.-A joint legisla tive
committee is to investigate the opera lions
Of life insurance companies in this State.
especially the Equitable. This committees
will consist Of three Senators and five As
semblymen. The Senators are William w.
Armstrong Rep., Roohester), William j.
Tully (Rep.. Corning) and Daniel j. Riordan.
Uam.). The Assembly members OF tho
Joint committee will be announced from
Speaker Nixon's home in Westfleld, Chau-
tauqua county, on Monday.
This joint committee Is to be appointed
in pursuance Of a resolution passed unani-
mously in both houses Of the Legislature
to-day, after Gov. Higgins had sent In Q
special message permitting the Legislature
to appoint committee to prepare and
recommend 1suoh legislation as may be
adequate and proper to restore public con-
fidence and to compel life insurance COM
panies to conduct a safe, honest and open
business for the benefit of their policy
holders" This resolution was introduced
by Senator Armstrong, who is to be the
chairman Of the joint committee.
THE GOVERNORS CHANGE OF FRONT.
The Governor had insisted that Superin-
tendent of Insurance Francis Hendricks
was competent to deal with the Equitable
situation and that he had ample power.
1t is known, however, that the Republican
legislative leaders have been talking the
matter over with Gov. Higgins since Tues
day night and that he was finally persuaded
to permit the Legislature to take up the
insurance question.
Senator Armstrong did not know he
was to introduce the resolution until long
after the Senate had met to-day, when It
was handed to him by Cuthbert W. Pound,
Gov. Higgins's legal adviser. The most
remarkable thing about the special mes
sage is that last night when the Governor
was asked by the newspaper men II there
was anything new about the insurance
situation, he replied:
mo, the insurance situation IL calmer.
It is quieting down, and think will soon
be more quiet
BRACKETT AND MARKS DISAPPOINTED.
Senators Bracket and Marks were active
Ill L. l. 49, - Lola
lative investigation Of the Equitable and
the whole insurance field, and they were
surprised to-day at the change In the situa-
ton. Their surprise turned into astonish-
ment when they learned that they were not
to have an active part in the investigation.
Senator Armstrong is a lawyer and Ia
now serving his fourth term IN the Senate.
He is an important member Of the Legis-
lature, man Of considerable ability and
one who has always been accustomed &c
exercise his own judgment. This is Sem
ator Tullys first year In the Legislature.
He also is lawyer. Senator Riordan II
serving his second term in the Senate and
is q member Of the Insurance Committee.
He is engaged in the insurance and real
estate business and was one Of those Sen. .
ators who on the last day Of the legislative
session helped to defeat the New York
city sO-oent gas bill. For this he was
severely criticized by Tammany's chief
tain, Charles F. Murphy, who said that he
would be turned dow for a denomination.
Senator Armstrong said tonight that
the COMMITTEES would meet Immediately
after Speaker Nixon announced the As
sembly members and that tho work OF
the committee would he pushed with vigor.
When Gov. Higgins had sent his special
message to the Legislature he gave out
this typewriter interview:
WANTS NO INVESTIGATION.
Il have not recommended, nor do now
recommend, a legislative investigation. Of
life insurance companies. I have recon-
mended to the Legislature that 1t take the
subject under consideration. so that it may
dispose OF it as its wisdom may dictate.
My own position in the matter remains un-
changed. have never said that would
prevent legislative investigation by re-
fusing to permit the Legislature 10 consider
the matter, as have the power to do at an
extraordinary session; nor has 1t been my
intention at any time to assume such a
responsibility. If legislative investige-
ton is to be had it is better that it should
begin at once and not be delayed until the
regular session six months hence.
THE extraordinary session was called
to consider the charges against Justice
Hooker. thought best to await the final
disposition of his case before recon-
mending other matters for consideration.
have at no time closed my eyes to the
gravity OF the life insurance scandal, nor
have for one moment turned my back on
the poiicyholders ard their beneficiaries.
III considered haste, prov oked by angry
and impatient clamor. would serve no useful
end. As have often said, shall in my own
way labor increasingly to secure the COR
rection Of abuses and the punishment Of
wrongdoers, without the slightest regard
for the social, financial or political standing
or influence of any man.
Gov. Higgins tonight declared that he
had not changed his position with regard
COOLER THAN THE COAST OF MAINE.
Average temperature July II, - and 10 at Block