New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-29
COMPROMISE POSSIBLE.
Hearing on Equitable Naturalization
Plan Postponed.
10y TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]


Albany March 2S.-The hearing the appli
cation of the Crimmins committee, made up of
O. number of policyholders OF the Equitable Life
Assurance Society of New-York to State Super
intendent Hendricks to withhold his approval
of the so-called Hyde plan for the mutual
ization OF the affairs of this society was post
poned one week, after brief session to-day
The announcement was made after a conference
between the various attorneys and was gener-
ally accepted as an indication OF a possible
spirit of compromise. This decision was arrived
at with little discussion, save on the part OF
Thomas Spratt of Ogdensburg. who declared
that the interests he represented desired clean
sweep.
The conference was held behind closed doors
in Superintendent Hendricks's private Office and
various attorneys. representing different inter-
ests, went in one by one. Among them were
Frank H. Plat and Edward Lauterbach, repre-
senting the Crimmins committee, although Mr..
Crnmns was also present: cambridge Colby
Judge William N. Cohen and John B. Stanch-
field, also representing the opposition to the mu-
tualization plan under consideration. and Elihu
Root and w. C. Sullivan, who appeared for the
Hyde interests At the close of the conference
Frank H. Platt said
Superintendent Hendricks desires me TO say
that counsel on both sides OF this matter have
held q preliminary discussion before him. and
it has been determined to adjourn the hearing
for one week at the same hour in the hope that
in the mean time the contep6ing parties can
reach an amcahle settlement.
There was something of a grumbe from va
rious attorneys present. and finally Thomas
Spratt, representing the protesting committee
of policyholders from the northern part of the
State. said:
Mr.. Platt, in common with many other policy
holders, 1 have come to this hearing in the hope
Of being heard. The policyholders of this COM
pany whom represent have been convinced
that their interests are not being properly looked
after by the men now In control of the society's
affairs. They demand immediate relief and in
their name demand an immediate hearing.
why don't you tell the Superintendent" in
quired Mr. Plat,
Thereupon Mr.. spratt addressed the same
speech TO Mr.. Hendricks. adding:
There is going to be no fixing UP of this
trouble, far as the poicyholders of this COM
pany are concerned, except by giving the policy-
and the administration of its affairs We are
thoroughly convinced that the stockholders of
this concern have not been representing the in
terests of the policyholders of the associa ton
so much they have been representing their
own personal financial affairs We ask 10 he
granted hearing before 1t is too late TO be
heard.
1.-The hearing has been adjourned one week
and it stands adjourned" said Superintendent
Hendricks. and this closed the proceedings.
Superintendent Hendricks said that conces-
sions by both sides resulting in a compromise
were not impossible. IL time were given
to discussion. Mr.. Root declined TO talk There
seemed 70 be a general belief that no definite
basis OF compromise had been reached as a re-
suit or to-days proceedings. The superintend-
ent can approve the naturalization plan pro-