Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-29
WORK OWN SALVATION.

Within the last week Head Consul
A. R. Talbot of Lincoln, Neb and
Head Clerk G. w. Halves of Rock Is
land, officers of the Modern Woodmen
OF America, and John D. Denison of
Dubuque, democratic candidate for
lieutenant governor and former men,
Der of the board Of auditors Of the
same society, have all been before the
insurance commission of Iowa answer
ing questions and giving their reasons
why the legislature should not take
action compelling fraternal insurance
companies to raise their rates.
The testimony of Major Halves and
Mr.. Denison was similar, but was at a
variance to some extent with that of
the head consul. The Modern Wood
mon probably has more members in
the state Of Iowa than any other fra
ternal insurance organization, as this
state Is second only to Illinois, the
home of the society, and the officers
are naturally very greatly interested.
1t is fact, also, that these men are
for higher rates. Major Halves was a
leader in fight in the society that
nearly split it in two, and did have the
effect of lapse Of many certificates,
In an effort to raise rates, which was
successful. He admitted before the
commission that they are not high
enough yet. Since the Woodmen went
through the storm others have follow
ed, and there has been quite a general
raising of rates.
However, notwithstanding the fact
that these officials agree with the com.
mission that there are many societies
that are not operating under high
enough schedules to secure their fu-
ture. they are not in harmony with the
idea of the commission which has been
inclined to the belief that the legisla-
ture should take action compelling all
to put their tables on basis that Is
adequate.
Major Halves has suggested that ma
tional legislation on the question
would be preferable, for that would
cover all societies and all states while
the action of one state would compli-
cate matters considerable. This point
Is one that may well be considered al
though the state may take the posi-
ton that because the congress does
not see it's way clear to act Is no rea-
son why the state should permit its
citizens to be sold insurance that is
not stable for ordinary life time.
Mr. Denison suggested to the COM
mission that the matter is not one
concerning which the legislature
should take action that is adverse or
discouraging with IMMUNITY. He says
that legislation at this time would be
harmful, not simply because Of the
provisions with reference to the revi.
sion of rates, but because of the state
Of the public mind with reference to
insurance. He raises the point that it
is the fraternal organization that fur.
nishes the insurance to the poor peo
pie and that any action taken strikes
that class.
All of these officers urge that the so.
ciet1es be permitted to work out their
own salvation as they have been doing
for several years past. They had a
struggle to get the rates where they
are and Major Halves thinks that with.
In reasonable length of time there
can be another readjustment within
their organization.
The fact, however, that all admit
that the rates are too low is sufficient
warrant for further investigation on
the subject 1t may be that the con.
clusion OF the committee will be the
same as that of the fraternal insurance
men. But the commission has deduc-
ed enough evidence to show that the
premise upon which it started to work
was a correct one, that the fraternal
insurance rates arc foo Joxu