Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-03-25

or with any fire insurance company
except the Munich. He said he was
for some three years counsel for the
Munich Co.
1t was dramatic moment when Mr..
Dawson appeared on the scene uneX-
pect.dly and was sworn as witness.
Buckley kept his seat at one end OF
the long table, the other end of which
Mr.. Hotchkiss occupied. The superin
tcndent gave up his chair and sat
Dowson down there so he and Buckley
were facing each other.
Dawson, who was a consulting ac-
tuary of the Armstrong committee
which Investigated the life insurance
companies, said that in 1905 he drew
up bill relating to the method OF val
uation of life insurance policies which
afterwards was made law on the
recommendation of the Armstrong
committee although it failed the first
year. The bill had been agreed on by
several actuaries as q desirable one.
He went to Albany and had the bill IN
troduced.
while in the lobby of the Senate, 3"
he continued, Buckley, whom / had
known for some years. came to me. he
told me that the bill wouldn't pass un-
less money was provided for the boys
He said that the boys thought i
would get a liberal fee and thought !
ought to divide with them. told him
I wasn't there to bride anyone. Buck
ley said he didn't like to have me
speak Of it in that way. The bill did
not pass"
Mr.. Hotchkiss turned to Mr.. Buck
ley.
What have you to say to tl1is?"
II never said a word to Mr.. Dawson
of money for the boys he said.
Buckley's opinion of his own ability
to Influence legislation was shown in
several letter. which he wrote to Shell
don.
IN one. dated April s, 1909, he spoke
of the unearned liability bill, which
was a dill intended to repail the law
which exempted Reinsurance reserves
from taxation. In his letter Buckley
said:
Il agreed to allow the bill to be report
ed to the Senate. 1t will probably pass
that house, but give yourself no concern
about il as it will be blocked by the
committee There is no reason whatever
for you to have concern about matters
here in any particular"
Several bills were up at that session
which the insurance companies did not
like. Buckley wrote to Sheldon under
date of April %, 1903.
THE Legislature has adjourned sine die.
With the Legislature died all bills af-
fecting insurance companies. Inclose my
bill for $500 and request your early atten-
ton to the same
Farther testimony showed that Sheldon
forthwith went ont and collected the mon
ey from the fire insurance companies and
sent it on to Buckley and his thanks for
his efficient services" According to
Buckley's letters. even so influential a
senator as Edgar r. Bracket was unable
to stand before him. During the same
1903 session Bracket made repeated eff
forts to get action on a resolution of his
directing the attorney general to investi-
gate fire insurance rates. He also had
one or two other measures which the in
surance companies regarded as highly
undesirable legislation. More letters from
Buckley to Sheldon described the alleged
way In which Bracket was put to rout
When it was all over and Bracket was
beaten, Buckley wrote to Sheldon:
Il don't think We will hear anything
more from that gentleman this year"
Henry Evans. president of the Cont
mental Fire Insurance Co.. was on the
stand today long enough to say that he
contributed $3.50 to a fund Sheldon raised
In that same year-lN3-to defeat legisla-
ton adverse to the companies. Mr.
Hotchkiss tried to find out whether this
was part of a $4,000 fund which Sheldon
collected and whether Buckley got the
money, but Evans could not tell him and
Buckley had no information to give in
answer to his questions.