New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-10
FIERY DUEL Of WORDS
OVER ARSON AS A TRADE
Companies Do Not Inspect
Properties Before InSuring,
Says Johnson.
EXPERT ANSWERS ATTACK
Asserts Laws for Prevention
Are Not Enforced-Accuses
the Commissioner of
Negligence.

The New York Fire Department holds
the insurance people responsible for in-
ccndisry fires" Commissioner Johnson de-
clared yesterday at the Arson Exhibit
at No Is Chambers street. why do We
say that, Because In every country
where a proper condition rules the prop
crty of every applicant for insurance Is
examined. Every fact concerning dis
business is obtained. and 1t Is learned
whether or not he had ever had fire on
his premises"
This attack on the insurance companies
was answered vigorously. F. VI. Robb,
an insurance expert, was present to dis
cuss tho question of fire responsibility
with the Commissioner. He accused inc
bureau head Of negligence in investicat-
inP complaints. asserted that the District
Attorney would not prosecute arson cases.
and gave reasons. which he said proved
the insurance people were not TO blame
after all At times the argument became
heated, and visitors who thronged the cX-
hbit looked for a real fare up. Both men
talked under high pressure and often
seemed very much put out, but the threat
ened explosion did not occur
In this city" Commissioner Johnson
said. any one who makes An application
can get insurance. Lieutenant Howe.
here. a nice looking chap. went after a
81, 1, hnc "a
looked all right. Every firebug in the city
iid what Lieutenant Howe did. lie asked
for insurance and because his personal
appearance was pleasing he got II.
THE insurance companies say that 1t
costs 80 80 for an inspection. when, as "A
matter or fact. ! have been assured that 1t
can be done for - cents. The companies
spected. although the cost would be
dovbly returned in savings"
Mr. Robb arose Aith flushed face at
the end OF Mr.. Johnson's attack and de-
clared the Commissioners words were
nothing but grand stand play
II think this whole exhibition is bun
combc" he asserted. and has not been
done in the right way. think # is a dis
grace not only to the public. but to the
Commissioner"
lie also said the District Attorney would
not prosecute arson cases. even when
brought 20 his attention. and that the
Fire Department he'd done nothing when
he had reported places where fires were
likely TO occur at any moment.
~ man came 10 our Office and asked
FOR Insurance" he said 1T was Leuten-
ant Howe. learn. lie said he was mar
ried. working and wanted insurance. We
gave 81 TO him. You say We were wrong.
but II We have done anything wrong I'm
that way We will do IL again"
The crowd applauded the statement
heartily and from time 10 time showed
further evidence OF pleasure az Mr. Robb
told how his company spent $500 annu-
ally on personal Inspections and how, 7
they resorted to them for every policy -
sued. The expense would average s. 80 for
each single case.
&c! agree with Commissioner johnson
that % per cent OF the fires in New York
are due to arson. but that cannot be done
away with. Human nature will not
chang. even II the places are inspected
There IS nothing We can do 10 prevent
man from setting his place ahre. During
the last four months | have sent four
hundred letters 10 the Commissioner cali
ing his attention 10 places where the law
is being violated. why does the Fire De
partment not do something? There are
laws for fire prevention. and It IS up to
the insured and the City OF New YORK TO
see that the laws are enforced
Robb closed amid cheers. and Commits
sioner Johnson read from report, which
showed that At a number Of the places
mentioned by Mr.. Rcbb there had been
no violation OF the Law. In the case or
the recent prosecution of Horowitz, fol-
lowing the fire IN Fulton street, he said,
II 300 had been spent for inspection the
fire would not have occurred and the cost
Of $1,000 for the prosecution would have
been saved.
Robb had the last word. and said New
York could not be insured In the same
way small places were. Personally. he
declared. he was friend OF Commissioner
Johnson. but he did not like the depart
ment's tactics