Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-01-16
ESPECIAL coRREsPoNDENcE.1


ESPECIAL RRESPONDENCE.1
bes Moines Bureau of the Courier.
Des Moines, Jan. IS.
When it was said few days ago in
this correspondence that the Mols-
berry insurance resolution had Great
ed something Of a sensation, it was
not realized that the sensation would
grow to the proportions which it is
assuming.
The resolution provided for an in
vestigation into the methods and con-
dition of all the companies doing busi-
ness in Iowa. Apparently this was as
much directed toward the companies
which have home offices outside the
state as toward the Iowa companies.
It was not supposed that the interests
affected alike, apparently, by the res
olution of the senator from Louisa,
would fall out in meeting the demand
for the Investigation.
But this is what they appear to have
done and they have begun the circula-
tion Of literature bitterly critical Of
one another. This means, of course,
that the legislature is bound to take
some action in regard to the proposed
investigation. The situation, in some
respects resembles that which obtain
ed in New York before the investiga-
tfoh starto od NlIcx Hyde and A1eyandera
fell out. OF course nothing like the
condition existing there is existent In
the Iowa business, but the quarrel be-
tween two of the principals there was
responsible for the tear up; and here
it may cone out the same way.
Arsume, rs Against Investigation.
First cam the Molsberry resolution
Then came a circular of general dis
tribution purporting to give reasons
why the investigation should not be
carried out. interference with business
and the fact that the assets of the
Iowa companies are on deposit with
the state authorities instead of being
subject to speculation by railroads
and bankers were cited to discourage
the investigation.
Then came along a personal letter
from President Rawson of local COM
pany, in which like reasons were put
forward but the suspicion was en-
phasized that the investigation was
instigated by the outside companies
doing BUSINESS within the state in or
der to get the Iowa companies under
as dark a cloud of suspicion as are the
eastern companies, destroying their
now very effective competition in a
measure.
This, of course, started row. The
outside insurance fellows resented the
Implication anG began to prepare liter
nture. Senator Molsberry got mad at
the inference that he had not offered
the resolution on his own motion, and
went to looking UP the reports of the
Iowa examiners Of Iowa insurance
companies on file with the auditor OF
state to get pointers as to the condi-
ton Of some Of them. He is quoted
generally in insurance circles as crit.
lcal of some of. the companies and pre-.
pared to make showing this week
In support of his resolution which may
be sensational in character
In the meantime third faction has
grown up-Iowa insurance managers
who repudiate the utterances of Mr.
Z Rawson and express regret that he
penned the unfortunate letter.
1t is probable that Senator Mo1sber
ry will support his resolution in the
senate this week. When he does the
fur will begin to fly even If the cross
grained literature that Is being prepar
ed by the fighting concerns doesn't
start it before.
Wnitmer VS.. Youde,
A report from the house commit
tee appointed to try the contest as te
whether Former Representative Geo
r. Whitmer or Representative-elec
Charles Youde. shall be seated In the
house as representative from O'Brier
county Is expected not later thar
Wednesday and the prediction is made
that it will be against Whitmer and il
favor of Youde.
Mr. Whitmer admits having renlov
ed from O'Brien county but claims qhe
law which provides that such remoya
shall create a vacancy in the Office i.
invalid aHd unconstitutional. He ask.
the legislature to adjudge the Law
passed BIZ itself to be invalid. If he
is seated Ehat will be the effect of tht
decision, Vfor thereafter members O
the legisl lature may move anywhere
they pleafe or go to the penitentiary
for that hatter, and still retain thei
members hip, i'm the assembly of Iowa
Leon Brown.