Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-07

posed a decrease OF $279 In the amount
imposed for similar prosecutions in 1907.
Conditions relative to the sale of coal,
ice and oil are reported as being more sat
isfactory. especially as to coal. Prosecu-
ton follows what appears to be any in
tent to defraud. The method in vogue OF
selling coal by the measure Is practiced
generally in the localities inhabited by the
poorer classes, who need all the protec-
ton they can get as regards full weight
and measure. This class of dealers. COM
monty known as coal hucksters, need the
constant vigilance Of the sealer and his
assistants.
Source Of Many Complaints.
The capacity Of crates or boxes used in
the sale Of produce shipped or brought
into the District for sale is reported a
source of many complaints. Recommen-
dalton for the passage Of the bill regulat-
ing the size Of these boxes or crates.
which was approved and presented to Con-
gress at its last session. Is renewed. Its
passage and enforcement would result
beneficially to the dealer as well as to the
purchasing public
The District markets are reported in a
prosperous condition. The addition to the
Eastern Market is nearly completed. and
when ready for occupancy will be a source
of satisfaction. Four thousand dollars
was included in the sealer's estimates for
the next fiscal year for the purpose of re-
placing the stands in the old part Of the
Eastern Market. With the addition the
Eastern Market will be over 800 feet long
and so feet wide. with ia stands. The
Western Market has been occupied prac-
tically to Its capacity during the year.
and. on account Of the adjustment in the
rental of stands which made them all the
same price, the receipts have increased
Several new stands have been installed.
The painting of the interior of the mar
kets, white in color. although not fully
completed. adds very much to their ap-
pearance. The sanitary condition is also
much improved and special attention Is
rent of stands in the District of Columbia
markets amounted to So 479.17.
The farmers street markets, the whole
sale producers market and those adjacent
to the Eastern. Western and Georgetown
markets have been source OF satisfac-
ton. The receipts amounted to 81, $50. 40
an increase of $1217.1O over the receipts
for the preceding year. An item of 49,
600 was included in the sealer's estimate
for 1910 for the erection of steel portable
doing business at the wholesale producers
market
The number of square feet Of lumber
inspected and passed as merchandise
was 6,951. SIT; condemned, 349.205 fees
collected. $2,2S9.55; expenses $77S.35: net
fees retained for services, $1.5162O.
There were measured and inspected "A, :
| $685. cords Of wood; fees amounted to
81, 1872 expenses, 1915; net fees re-
tanned for services, $1.S21.72a
The flour inspector reported the inspec-
ton Of 26, 837 barrels OF flour and fees
amounting to $26S.37. The sealer is of
the opinion that the inspection Of flour
as to quality should come under the I'M
| mediate supervision of the health de-
partment, and recommends the passage
80 kIo - 40 no
last session, which will enable the sealer
to proceed in more satisfactory manner
with the inspection as to weight.
Supervision Of Insurance Business.
The insurance department Of the Dis
trict government, through the superin-
tendent Of insurance, reports that the ar
rears with which it's work began in jan
uary. 1902, because Of the requirements
Of the statutes. have been greatly re-
duced as additions have been made to the
staff. which at the first consisted of, be-
sides the superintendent. only one clerk.
The work imposed upon the department
by statute is as great as that of state in
surance departments and the force sup
piled to do the work is far below the
average of state departments. If the ad-
ditions which are requested and which
the commissioners nave TeCON1ncuO0O
shall be provided the superintendent
states that the work can be brought up
to date at an early day. Notwithstanding
the lack of sufficient assistants the su-
perintendent has accomplished large re-
suits in driving out bad insurance con-
Germs and preventing others from coming
here. He has not been able to ind time
for preparing complete code Of insurance
law for the District of Columbia, al
though he is engaged upon the task. but
he has drafted bills for the regulation
Of assessment life insurance. q business
now without adequate regulation and
greatly needing it. and it is earnestly
hoped that 1T may be enacted at the COM
ing session Of Congress.
1t Is the intention Of the superintend-
ent to publish. for the public convenience.
in the near future directory of all COM
panies. agents. brokers and solicitors H.
censed to transact business in the Dis
trict.
In harmony with several Of the state
insurance departments. reduction in the
rate OF tax on the premium receipts OF
insurance companies Of all kinds is re-
specially recommended.
During the last calendar year detailed
examinations were made Of the books
and affairs Of eleven District Of Columbia
insurance companies and associations.
The amount of revenue collected from
the companies for taxes on their premium
receipts was $63 1898 81, and there was re-
ceived for licenses from companies
agents, brokers and solicitors. including
assignments of licenses. $14.37S.S3. making
total of $78,377.44 The total expenses of
conducting the department amounted to
$40, 361.45.
The total amount paid for premiums
for insurance of all kinds to companies
licensed to transact business here was
81, 757, 1852. The total amount paid by
companies for losses was $2,O16 900. Sc.
The aggregate amount of assets OF the
companies and associations reporting to
the department on December 81 1907
was s., 373 4OS, 3O1 90: liabilities, e 800 O24-
S67.45: surplus, including capital. $751;
393, 434.54. While there was an increase
in the assets of the companies, as COM
pared with the preceding year, the sur
plus Of the companies was decreased
$50, $50, 1928, due principally to the money
panic during the last few months Of the
year.
Increased Police Force Necessary.
The police department of the District
of Columbia has maintained that high
standard Of faithful and efficient conduct
which has established it in the confidence
of the community and won for 1t a high
reputation in other cities: and in this
connection the Commissioners are not I'M
mindful of the honor conferred upon the
superintendent of the department, Maj.
, Sylvester and the government which he
represents, in his selection for the tenth
successive term as president of the Inter-
oiofi