The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-27
FIRE RATE.
Kansas Employers Association
Thinks Insurance High.
Plan to Employ an Auditor to
Cut Expenses.
SETTLE DISPUTES AT HOME"
Al Williams Is Against Outsid-
er, i'm Labor Troubles.
Equitable WOrkmen's COmpen-
SatiOn Act Is Needed.

Lowering the fire insurance rates
in Kansas is a paramount object of
the Kansas Employers association in
it's second annual convention in pro-
gress today at the Chamber of Com
merce.
The alleged inequality of Kansas in
surance rates compared to those in
effect in Nebraska was brought home
to the employers today by Frank 1.
Ringer OF Lincoln. Neb., secretary of
the Nebraska Manufacturers associa-
ton. Ringer told Roy H. Hope, sec
rotary of the Kansas association, that
he had made a survey of insurance
rates in the two states and found that
in certain counties in northern Kansas
the rate was 81 and s2.25 while right
across the line in Nebraska the rate
on buildings representing the same
risks was 81 and $1.25.
Nebraska manufacturers employ an
insurance auditing bureau and this
bureau goes out of the state and buys
insurance. Iowa does the same thing
and Ringer claims the same method
may be employed in Kansas to cut
down insurance rates, an Insurance
auditor employed who will go to Kan
Sas City and purchase insurance much
cheaper than it can be purchased in
Kansas. The plan will be thoroly dis
cussed and some action taken before
the employers go home.
Ira Clemens Speech.
Ira Clemens. OF Pittsburg, president
of the association, urged the members
to affiliate their association with the
United States Chamber of Commerce
as soon as the finances of the organi-
zation would permit them to take
such step. The United States Cham
Der of Commerce is to the employers
what the American Federation of La
Dor is to the employees
Mr.. Clemens congratulated the leg
ISlat1Ve committee on its excellent
work at the last session of the legis-
lature. He Endorsed the plan under
which the labor lobby and employers
lobby threshed out various bills and
decided upon the provisions CT the bill
before presenting them to representa-
tlVes and senators for enactment into
law.
THE best feature in this plan" said
President Clemens, lis that employers
and employees working to agree on
legislation affecting their interest,
make an easy place for senators
and representatives to stand on. When
either side presents a favorable bill
the senator or representative imme-
diately asks what does the other side
think about it And If not, you are
something that will be agreeable to
both sides. This takes a nasty fight
away from him and all the representa-
tive must do IS to introduce the bill
and work for Its passage as agreed to
by employers and employees. 1t leaves
the senator, or representative, in good
grace with his constituent.
There is one thing, in particular
that ] wish to impress upon your
minds, il you expect to get along with
Ia TCfl IT,,
with the laboring men at all times,
treat them as you would be treated,
make them feel you are one of them.
For as you all know, we are work
ing to the same end The golden rule
should be applied, DO Unto Others
as Ye Would Have Others Do Unto
You. -
Labor Problems Here.
AL F. Williams of Columbus, a lob
byist at the state legislature for years
who has dealt with bills concerning
employees and employers all during
Problems" this afternoon. Williams
declared that there are three vital
problems constantly confronting man
ufacturers' and employees:
The securing and outstanding of raw
material necessary for the conduct OF
the particular business
The employment of suitable labor
for Transforming raw material into
the completed article
The sale and distribution of the fin
iShed product.
Tt is my firm conviction" said Will
1iams, that labor can be more read
lily taken care of if the outsider, the
third person. could be eliminated and
disputes and adjustments settled by
and between employer and employe.
There are instances where this can
not be done, of course, but generally
speaking it can and if business can
be SO conducted that a fair measure
of confidence will exist between the
man who works and the man who
pays, a better understanding will be
the ultimate result.
Wages, working conditions. hours
of employment, installation of mod
ern labor saving devices and safe
guards are matters of interest to all
and by working out these really big
problems together the employees are
going to be placed IN position before
the public that will be favorable and
will command respect.
"One of the most important and
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