The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-11-21

n
their allies, who
enacted It into law. It will ruin the
nation, assert In public the Conser.
vatiyes, who opposed its enactment.
In private all parties appear commit
ted to acceptance of the general prin'
ciples Of the National Insurance Act,
as 1t Is popularity called, though as to
some Of its practical workings there
Is fierce contention. It does not ap-
pear probable that the act will be re-
pealed, though 1t will doubtless-to
quote Bonar Law, the Conservative
leader-be "drastically amended" II
his party, turning out the Liberals.
is placed In power at the next general
election.
The Insurance act became q Law De
cember 16, 1911. It was government
measure presented and supported by
the Liberal government. Such q
scheme" said Worthington Evans. NJ.
p, one Of its most vigorous critics,
could never, have been brought in ex-
cept by one with the pluck OF Mr..
Lloyd,George. and with the help OF
those connected with Insurance" In
many respects the original measure
was crudely drawn. showing the marks
of haste in its preparation Some OF
the scrudities have been corrected by
supplementary Legislation.
Compulsory Insurance Against Sick
nest
What is the purpose OF the 4insur-
ance act and what are its practical
workings since 1t has been British
law? While the act was passed in,
December, 1911, the insurance features
became effective only In July, 1912.
Under the act, every employed person,
from sixteen to seventy years of ages
whose income does not exceed $500 q!
year, 10 compulsorily insured against
sickness, in whatever manual or other
occupation engaged, with certain
rather unimportant EXCEPTIONS. Those,
earning more than $500 q year by
manual labor alone are also compul'
sorily Insured In Q British population,
OF. AZ, 100000, the act Includes. approx
mately, 100000 in It's provisions
The act also provides that other per
sons, not included in the compulsorily
insured class, may Join under certain
conditions.
"1a Cents Worth for 8 Cents"
The Insurance fund Is derived from
three sources, the worker. the employ
or, the national treasury. Here arises
one OF the strongest criticisms OF the
act, both employer and workman
claiming hie contribution to be too
large. The weekly subscription OF the
workman earning more than $s.76 a
week is IS cents, of which the work
man pays eight cents, the employer
six cents and the national treasury
four cents or its equivalent In addi-
ton, the state pays the cost of central
administration and large grants to-
wards hospitals and medical benefits.
When workman's wages are less
than 3S75 week, he pays a less pro
portion to the insurance fund and the
employer pays more. Insured women
pay onetourth less than insured men.
The workman thus buys 1S cents
worth Of insurance for eight cents.
Those whose wages are less than $1.75
and relief from payment of contribu-
lions. Il is estimated that when the
scheme Is fully at work million
mothers In Great Britain will each
year receive. this benefit at a cost
to the nation, on this account
alone. Of $7,5oe, 900. Under the sana-
forum benefit the state provides for
free treatment and care,in sanatoriums
or at home. OF persons who contract
tuberculosis. The insurance commits
1ioners may schedule other diseases
also for Institutional treatment These
are the minimum benefits Other ben
efits, possible with prudent manage
ment Of the insurance funds, include
larger old age pensions and higher
sick, disablement and maternity pay
and conyalescence allowances.
Administered Through Fraternal socI-
etIes.
The administration Of the act Is
through the government which util-
ICES the friendly societies, trades
unions aud other approved organiza+
tIons-and through the, postal savings
bank for deposit Contributors whom no
friendly society would insure. The
friendly societies correspond, to de-
gree, to mutual insurance companies
in the United States. The insured thus
control the working Of the scheme.
The act makes safe aud solvent the
ifratornal or friendly society and In
gcfeaSes itsi benefit provided upon re-.
lpe6ted ton tho society Or