Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-12-26
arArE RATE EXPERTS TO HOLD
MEETING ~ DIES MONIES
MI MONDAY.
PREPARE TO RESIST PLEA
or WESTERN RAILROADS
accountants From Several States to
Attend MISUNDERSTANDING Joins
with Other Boards to Rssist-Move
Of .lnsuranes Agents Only Partially
successful.
Special to Times Republican.

Des Moines, Dec. 26.--Actual work in
getting together the facts necessary for
q sproper presentation to the interstate
commission Of the western advance
rate case will be commenced in the
state house next Monday. A meeting
has been called here for consultation
by the accountants employed by the
different states to lay plans for the
work and divide 1t up, so far as pos
sible, that the best results may be
obtained with least expense. There
will be accountants here from num-
Der Of different states. A committee
room has been assigned by the execu-
tive council for their use.
Chairman Thorne Is very much
gratifed over the action Of the execu-
tive council in giving everything asked
in regard to aiding in this work of
preparation Of the case. 1t is case
I in which the rates into Iowa and across
Iowa are directly affected. and of<the
greatest Importance. The aid given by
the council, out of emergency funds.
will be sufficient to start the work
nicely and carry It on until the legis-
lature can act, and there is no doubt
that as soon as members of the legis-
4
squarely at the situation additional
funds will be provided for making the
fight.
ON behalf Of Iowa special account
ant and other special help will be en-
pioyed TO join those Of other states.
The limitation of expense is $4,000.
One more state has Just been added
to the list joining in the fight against
the proposed advance in rates. This
(. Is Louisiana, making sixteen states in
all that are now Joined in the fight.
The attorney general of Louisiana has
communicated the action taken and
that the state desires to be counted in
on the fight. The shippers Of that state
have become active in the matter and
have secured aid.
The work which the commissioners
do in the matter Of investigation OF
the financial condition of all the rail-
roads in western territory will prob
ably be the most thorough accounting
ever made of these railroad companies
and their business. 1t will form the
basis Of the whole case as affecting
western railroads.
It Is evident that the effort on the
part OF the newly organized association
OF insurance agents to line up every
body against the Garst plan for re-
form OF the workmen's compensation
law Is not going to be entirely sue
cessfni 1t was announced here the
q other day that the manufacturers of
Iowa, those who are large employers
OF labor, would use their influence to
sustain the present law and continue
the present method of securing COM
pensation insurance from the big east
ern' companies Commissioner Garst
has received q letter which indicates
that the large employers of labor will
not be united on this proposal. 1t is
from Nathaniel French, of Davenport,
4 and in this he comes out squarely for
the Ohio plan Of state supervision and
control Of the entire compensation
business. In this he discusses the
present plan and favors o change to
the more modern system.
Commissioner Garst has also re-
ceived a copy Of a strong letter on the
subject by Miles ]. Dawson, world
famous actuary, in which he tells of
the Massachusetts, experience In terms
flattering to the plan Of state control
Mr.. Garst returned the other day
from the east where he attended the
national meeting of insurance COM
missioners. He says that he found
everywhere great interest in the plan
Of state control Of the funds and gem
eral approval Of his suggestions. In
other states they have gone much
further in discussion Of the subject
than in Iowa
State of1lcials who have had to deal
with county affairs are strongly in
favor of step that will place all
members Of boards Of supervisors on
salary and require all their time. 1t is
certain bills to that effect will be urged
upon the legislature this winter.
It 10 pointed out that these boards
OF supervisors have Of handling Of
millions Of dollars Of business and dis
burse large proportion of the taxes
paid; yet their business is sort Of
side line and this IL responsible for the
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