The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-31
WOULD HAVE STATE ABOLISH THE BAN ON MUTUAL COMP PAN|ES
w. G. Bellenger of Gadsden Thinks This Only Way to Obtain Relief Arbitrary
 Underwriters

That the Southeastern Underwriters association is arbitrary in regard to in- creasing insurance rates, that rates are and have been steadily on the increase, and that Alabama should remove the ban from mutual insurance companies were observations yesterday of w. G. Bellen- ger, former mayor and recently nomi- mated mayor of Gadsden
 Tt is safe to say added MT. Bellenger, that Gadsden will join Birmingham in its fight against arbitrary tactics of the Southeastern Underwriters association. Some years ago Gadsden initiated a con- test against this association, and was joined by Sheffield, Talladega and Deca- tur. We went to Atlanta and were given a hearing. We were successful in that rates were not then increased. However, the association very soon renewed it's at tack, and it's postponed action was again put in motion. Birmingham at that time was evidently enjoying reasonable rates for this city declined to aid Us in our struggle. However, you may depend on Gadsden to do what it can in gaining re- lief for Birmingham.
 The remedy for the situation is for the legislature to remove the ban from the
 
 ance companies. At the present time we are dependent on the Underwriters as- sociation. We are at the mercy of that association, and have very little recourse against anything which it might think expedient to do. When the ban was raised against mutual companies, the cot ton mills were excepted. An example of the good results to the cotton mills is of fered in Gadsden. The mills have rate of from 80 to 40 cents. The dwelling rates in Gadsden range from 60 cents to S1. 10. As an example of the tactics of the un- dewriters in gradually increasing rates, l might recite an experience of my own. Some years ago l paid $2.75 for protection for a garage. Since then l have builded a concrete floor and taken other precau- tions against fire. However, my present rate is $40.
 There is one thing that l am going to assist the Chamber of Commerce to ac- complish, and that is the operation of the Queen and Crescent fast trains through Gadsden. 1 have been informed that the officials of the Queen and Crescent will listen to our complaints in that re- spect, and I believe the time is appro- priate to start after that concession for our city.
 At this time all of tie fast trains pass through Attalla. They issue trans fer to the street railway line but that is far inferior to the operation of the fast trains through Gadsden. l am firmly convinced that our city Is en- titled to this consideration from the Queen and Crescent railway Our city is growing. The freight traffic volume is getting more important every year and the time is not for off when Gads- den will be one of the vital spots in this state so far as traffic is concerned.
 T believe the Queen and Crescent will give us that accommodation which will go with the operation of the fast trains through Gadsden. We have not inaugurated a very vigorous campaign for the trains lately, but that is going to be taken up with vim and l hope 1t can be accomplished.
 By constructing very short amount of track the trains can be operated into Gadsden instead of Attalla as they are operated now. We have no objections to the continuation of the operations to Attalla, but we do want the Queen and Crescent officials to give our city some slight considera tion at least. I am firmly convinced that with our ac- tive Chamber of Commerce., our frineds in Birmingham, and with fhe persuasion that we can use on the officials of the Alabam Great Southern that this mat ter can be accomplished"
 Mir Bellenger is one of the best known men of the state. He served as Mayor of Gadsden some years ago. and voluntarily retired. He was induced to enter the race which has just been con- cluded. and won handsomely. His op- ponent was James Tolson, a prominent and strong man. He received 559 votes to Mir. Tolsons 413. The nominee with Mrs Bellenger and guests dined at the Birmingham Newspaper club yesterday.