New-York tribune., 1905-07-07
TARBELL WANTS OFFICE.
At WORK WITH AGENTS.
Many Declare Presidency of Equi-
table Is His dim.

Behind the calling together of a large body Of
the local agents of the Equitable Life Assurance
Society at the Office of Archibald c. Haynes, at
No. 25 Broad-st, yesterday lay plan to make
the agents dissatisfied with the reorganization
plans TO be put into effect by Paul Morton
chairman of the board of directors it was as
serted by some OF the agents. Following this
there would be strong pressure brought to bear
on the agents TO make them advocate for presi
dent Gage E. TarhelI, now second vice. president
of the. society," whose resignation is In Mr.. Nor
tons hands. awaiting consideration. and for his
successor Mr.. Haynes himself, the agents said
Mr.. TarbeIl at present is the sole head of the
agents in this country and Canada. His ability
as an insurance man. it is admitted, has been
shown in the great increase of the Equita ble's
business under his management. This increase
however, has been produced by methods which
made the cost to the Equitable much more than
the business warranted, more than other COM
panies were paying for similar business. his ad-
versaries said. ,.- .--
His ambition, it is said. always has been to
become president of the Equitable. 1t was this
which led him into the fight for naturalization
which resulted in the deposition of President
Alexander and James Hazen Hyde, and has left
his place hanging in the balance In his
fight he used the agents all over the country,
them are not so devoted now. but he has still
large following among the general agents. more
especially in this city.
POSSIBILITY CONSIDERED SMALL
That Mr.. Tarben ever will become president
is considered extremely unlikely by most of the
people in close touch with the situation. He is
known to be a bright insurance man, some
saying he is the best all around man in the
hot lie
with the original trouble was so prominent that
the society would be discredited as long he
was associated with the management No de-
csion has been announced by Paul Morton yet
as to whether Mr.. TarbeI will be retained. but
it is believed that he will have 10 go. George
It. Wilson. third vice-president. may be re-
tanned. according to the general opinion. in
which case he might be promoted to Mr.. Tar
bells place
Mr. Morton, in his reorganization of the So
ciety, has determined. it is declared to take
away from Mr.. TarbeH his supreme authority
the agents. if he is retained as second vice
president. The country would be divided into
several districts. according to his plan, over
each of which would be placed a superintendent
responsible to the chairman of the board The
agents themselves instead of holding general
contracts. which should make them practically
independent of everybody save Mr.. Tarbell
would be placed on a salary and commission
basis
These contemplated changes did not suit Mr.
Tarbell, it was said. so he conceived the plan of
stirring up a demand among his friends, the
agents that he be put at the head of the society,
without head except Mr. Morton AS his
promotion would leave his present place vacant.
he would use his influence TO have Mr.. Haynes.
his chief lieutenant. appointed second vice-presi-
dent says the story told by some of the agents
Mr.. Haynes was preparing for this promotion. 1T
was said by closing up his business wherever
possible. Recently he has closed two offices in
this city and one branch in New-Rochele
ONE HUNDRED AGENTS AT MEETING.
The meeting yesterday was attended by about
enc hundred agents, all subordinates of Mr.
Haynes Mr.. Haynes himself presided at the
meeting. and made the opening speech, a long
one. of much fervor. in which he exhorted the
American public might regain it's confidence in
the Equitable and the Equitable itself remain In
existence.
Whatever else has been said in all this fight"
he said in effect, nothing has been said by any,
body questioning the stability of the Equitable
The society can pay it's obligations 10 every pol
icyholder dollar for dollar The Frick commit
tee made this plain. and Superintendent Hen
Continued second page.