The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-11-28
MERCHANTS STIRRED
MAKE STAND FOR REDUCTION
OF INSURANCE RATES
URGE FIRE ENGINE.

Madison, foregathered at the %associa-
ton rooms last night, was without a
dissenting voice, in favor Of better
fire protection. This sentiment was
evinced both in a sentiment for a
better fire extinguishing equipment
and a greater measure of precaution
against the risk of fire originating.
A committee of three, F. c. Smith.
]. A. Johnson and Marcus Aus, was
appointed by President e. j. Sutton
to wait upon the city commission to
arrive at an understanding and to
try to obtain equipment. A combi-
nation power chemical and hose
truck met with much favor by the
men present.
Following q recently announced
sharp raise in insurance rates in the
city, as estimated by the fire under
writer's, citizens were reused to a re-
alization that there must be some
cause for the higher rates. 1t was a
short step of reason to determine
that rates for insurance could rise
only through one cause-greater
risk. Greater risk might be for lack
of fighting equipment, or from laxity
of conditions lending themselves to
the origination of fires. And the
people began casting about for a
remedy.
The Merchants association, which
has done much in the past two years
for the public improvement of the
city, finally took cognizance of the
situation as a body. The inception
of the white way for the city was
with this body. The paving was
projected with them, and they have
urged other minor reforms and
changes. They are merchants of the
town, with a broad enough view to
see that what is good for the town is
also contributory to their own better
ment and welfare. 1t required very
little discernment on their part to
see that If the rates for insurance are
high, they are the ones to suffer, anG
1T would be cheaper to pay more in
taxes than in insurance, and these
men, as merchants, make up the or
g%anization, as Merchants association
Phil Sheridan, as being acquainted
with the mysteries of how rates are
arrived at, was called in and ques.
toned as to the effect on rates by g
more adequate equipment for fire
fighting. He gave 1t as his opinion
that perhaps the better equipment
would have little or no effect, bur
that better engine with improved fire
conditions of rear building and alley
conditions would undoubtedly worl
to a reduction of the rate of risk
He said the general rate was raised
about 10 per cent. Upon the shor
explanation given, he, with +. G.
Ball, were to be requested to collabo
rate In making a list of the greater
risks in The business parts of town
with a view to the city using direc
influence toward their abatement.
AS a fire vehicle of rapid mobiliza
ton a Ford truck or chassis was men
toned, carrying either chemical o,
hose equipment. or both. Some o
the members we're wholly in favor o
this kind of wagon. Others suggest
ed that a light vehicle which woult
reach outlying homes quickly wa
the thing desired, the main street an,
closer parts of town being well pro
tected by the water system. Thi
feature took nc account of the fac
that the most disastrous fires occu.
during periods of intense cold. whel
a water system alone is difficult I,
manage, and not as efficient as
good chemical outfit. Just what tn
committee appointed to meet thu
council will propose is not known.
Mayor Jas. Robertson put in an APP
pearance after much of the discus
sion was done, but was asked to ex
press his views of the subject of bet
ter equipment and protection. III,
appeared to be wholly in favor of tn,
Improvement. He says that the cit,
has plenty of hose, but the difficult,
lies in getting the company GU
quickly, due to their being workin,
people, and getting to the fire early
due to having to drag the fighting
equipment behind them. He com
plimented the volunteer department
highly on its willingness, but recog
nized the weaknesses in the volun
teer system. He agreed that the cit.
needs better equipment, less outsid'
exposure risk, more cleaning up, ant
a man constantly on duty at tn,
firehouse.
The association undertook thei
routine work, allowed bills and reat
Financial statement. There is a small
balance left over from the paving
celebration, which was voted into tn,
general fund of the association. TIL,
Santa Claus Day" of the Imperia
theater was given attention, and Il
was recognized that the directors hat
authorized an appropriation for thi.
occasion, which is set for Deem
Der Is.