New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-07
salary. I presume. say didn't know of its

salary. l presume. say didn't know OF It's
| existence"
TEXAS CONTRACTS NOT DISCUSSED.
Mr.. Hughes developed nothing more from
Mr.. McCurdy's ignorance on these points he
then questioned the witness regarding the lease
of certain property to the National Safe De-
post Company. which holds the lease of part
OF the basement OF the company's local build
ing, for which it pays $14,500 The contract
of the Mutual with Chamberlain and Gillette
the favored Texas agents, was also presented
but not discussed by Mr.. McCurdy
George r. Dexter, the superintendent of do
nestle agencies the next witness called, went
! into this contract with great explicitness. He
estimated the profits of Chamberlain and Gil
lette In the last six years at 100000 annually.
Mr.. Dexter. who was the first witness to admit
knowledge about Mutual affairs, then testified
that he had never been familiar with the
amount of money made by c. H. Raymond & Co.
Mr.. Dexter was equally without information
regarding the Texas firm. save for voluntary
statement it had submitted He replied to
query to his view of his duty in ascertaining
these profits by declaring that the theory had
been that the profits not excessive, and
that when it had been supposed they We're an
investigation was made In reply to a similar
query regarding c. H Raymond & Co, he testi-
by minor officials through curiosity. and while
he had general supervision of the Mutuars
agencies in the United States and Canada, he
never had anything to do with the fixing of
terms with this firm. Moreover, he added that
his advice had never been asked in the matter
and that the contract was made while he was
out of the city and handed to him for execu-
ton when he returned
do you know anybody except Robert H. Nc
Curdy who has anything to do with the fixing Of
the terms of that contract"
IT do not"
rs that true with other contracts with agents
do you ever fix the terms of any contract|
SIGNED MOST OF OTHER CONTRACTS.
''I think I have signed most of the other con-
tracts and fixed terms with the salaried meE
of the agencies"
This answer indicated how secret were the
proceedings relative TO this agreement with
President McCurdy's son-n-laws firm.
You have never been consulted In regard to
the case of c. H. Raymond & Co. ?"
Il never have"
Mr.. Dexter then testified to the fact brought
out in the foregoing, that the contract was sub
mitted to the agency committee, consisting of
H H. Rogers, Dumont Clarke, Mr.. Truesdale,
the president and other officers of the company.
Now, so far you know, have there been
any general agents of your company who have
made much money c. H Raymond & Co. p
There certainly has not"
mission out Of which they could make 100000
metz"
We'll it was done"
TT was done but now I want to know whether
you have from your experience any justification
fer it?'
Il should say no."
The last point Mr.. Hughes emphasized fol-
lowed the recall of Robert II. McCurdy. He
asked this witness about a movement started
several years ago by a former agent Of the
Mutual named Bowles and negotiations which
led to its discontinuance. Mr.. McCurdy was
unable to recall the particulars of this and Mr..
Dexter took the stand. He testified that Bowies
represented the Mutual in Wisconsin and was
removed for cause and that he took charge of his
office at the time. Mr.. Dexter said that Mr..
BowleS had declared that great financial injurv
had been done him and that he started a quarrel
that was compromised to the payment Of $4,000
to him TO settle a number of claims.
Mr.. Hughes presented circular showing a
long list of letters from policyholders complain
ing of acts Of the Mutual Neither Mr.. Bowless
name that Of a Mr.. Usher, who was named
circular but the evidence showed that many
prominent persons had Joined in the movement
and that much trouble caused to that COM
pany. At stage in the fight the contestants
took an office opposite the Mutual After the
$50 900 was paid the Office was closed and the
contestants disappeared.
Mr.. Hughes dweIt on the fact that prior to the
agitation the claims Of Bowles had not been
by circulars the settlement was made, He was
obviously endeavoring to show that the con-
testants had been bought off to prevent too wide
agitation, but he left this point undeveloped
1t was later reported that a further payment TO
the contestants had been made In Europe.
At the adjournment of the committee it
announced that 1t would meet Tuesday OF
next week. President McCurdy will probably
be placed on the stand early in this session. The
meeting will take place in the Council Chamber.