The San Francisco call., 1906-09-16
Will Do Bidding
Of Grand Jury.

Insurance Commissioner E. Myron
Wolf takes exception to the action of
of the welching companies to make
good their losses. Wolf says he has
done all in his power to force the in
surance corporations to pay the claims
against them, and adds that he will
thankfully receive and act upon any
suggestions the Grand Jury sels fit to
make. Following is a copy of VOLTS
letter to Foreman Brannan of the
Grand Jury:
John E. Brannan. Esq, Foreman of
Grand Jury. City and County of
San Francisco.
Dear Sir--I notice in the morning
newspapers that at a meeting of the
Grand Jury yesterday, at which there
was not quorum present, resolution
was introduced by Juror Farnsworth
to the effect that Governor Pardee be
asked to direct me to do my full duty
in reference to the 'welching" insur-
ance companies. ] have not seen a
copy of the resolution; but, presuming
the newspaper reports as to the facts
to be correct, / wish to state that while
as Tar as / know at present 4 have done
everything that possibly could be done
by me to secure the best possible re-
suits for the people affected in the re-
cent disaster in this city, If any mem
Der of the Grand Jury or any other
person can point out anything further
any suggestion along these lines shall
welcome and greatly appreciate such
action.
1 understand-and the public ought
to understand = that Grand Juror
Farnsworth is an insurance adjuster.
1t may be that he has some plan that
not been called to my attention. If so,
hope it Is plan for the benefit of
The law provides that the office of
the Insurance Commissioners shall be
in San Francisco, and notice has been
given through the press that the Office
of the Insurance Commissioner is in the
Union Trust building. | have received
sonal calls and by telephone from many
people and shall be pleased to receive
such as may be offered by any member
of the Grand jury.
You are, of course, aware of the fact
that this department is charged with
the duty of enforcing the insurance
laws; the enactment of them rests
with the Legislature. 1t is my opinion
statute books of this State have been
fully enforced. In fact, many of the
insurance companies and the insurance
press generally are complaining vigor-
ously that have gone beyond the Inn
It's of the law in attempting to secure
for the people who suffered loss in the
late disaster, their just rights.
l took the ground that as the busi-
ness OF insurance was intricate and
technical and people generally are un-
familiar with 1T, it was proper for me.
San Franciscan, to take every step
that would enable the people to
secure the fullest indemnity possible.
In line with this policy. through the
medium OF the press, Immediately after
the confagration l advised the people
as to the necessity of giving motive in
writing and of fling proofs of loss:
took active means to secure blank
a mi
FUSED to issue same; presented the legal
phases OF thes question of dynamiting;
gave notice to all OF the companies
and their State agents of the area con-
sumed by the fire, assuming to act as
the agent of all of the people who suf-
Tered any loss in the fire; prepared the
law compelling. companies TO furnish
the list of policies upon the suggestion
OF the committee of forty; secured from
nearly all of the companies a waiver
or notice of loss and an extension of
tabllshed system for discovering in
what companies people were insured
VINO had lost their policies and did not
know the names of the underwriting
companies; took up with the companies
hundreds of complaints that We're made
to me as to their actions with the poll
cy-holders, and have taken many other
steps along the lines of protecting the
interests OF the people. but | cannot
prevent people from making such set
Elements as they see fit to make with
the companies.
When it was felt that everything
that could be done to protect the rights
OF the people had been done by this
department., the question of the finan-
clai standing OF the companies author
lied to do business in this State was
taken up with the home departments
or the various. companies, and this In
vestigation is now under way
This department has jurisdiction
over not only fire insurance but also
marine, life, accident, fidelity and sure
ty, health, employers liability, title.
burglary, plate glass, steam boifer and
credit indemnity insurance; but, realiz-
ing from the fire of last April. it has
been my policy to give precedence the
matters arising from that situation,
and l repeat that l shall greatly an,
preciate any suggestions from the
Grand jury. Farnsworth or any other
memper OF your body, or any other
person. Very truly yours,
z. MYRON WOLF
Insurance Commissioner