The sun., 1919-07-18
100000 MEN STOP
US. WAR INSURANCE
Hughes Committee Reports
Only One-fourth Of Troops
Keep Up Payments.
BRANCH OFFICES URGED
Decentralization, Hiring of
Experts and Publicity
Recommended.

WARRINGTON, July 17.-Systematic
decentralization Of the Bureau OF War
Risk Insurance by the establishment at
suitable points throughout the country Of
local offices for the more effective transac-
ton Of business was recommended to-
day by the advisory committee of thir-
teen. head by Charles e. Hughes. The
committee had been in conference for
three days with Director Cholmeley-
Jones and his assistants. Work under
taken by the bureau was declared to be
''stupendous," in which the greatest diff
ficulty at present was the fact that about
80 per cent. OF the addresses OF dis
charged service men were incorrect. so
that the bureau Is unable to commune
cate with them regarding the contin-
uance Of their payments and conversion
Of the term policies to permanent insur-
ance.
In this connection II was disclosed that
approximately three-fourths Of the hold
ers of existing policies, which aggregate
$4,000. 900, have not continued their
payments. Policies were written for
about 100000 men.
This vast undertaking" the Hughes
report said, cannot be carried out mere
ly through correspondence, with a CEN
trail Office in Washington. To attempt
to do so would inevitably cause delays
and misundersta ndings and create q
widespread dissatisfaction with an en-
terprise. which to be successful. must
command a high degree OF confidence.
I'VE are informed that a considerable
number Of applications for permanent
insurance have been received. 1t ia
to be hoped that there will be general
reinstatement Of policies and an &C.
ceptance by all of the exceptional OPP
portunity for insurance at low cost
which the Government has offered. To
accomplish this It will be necessary to
be in constant touch with the insured
during the period Of insurance"
Recommendations of Committee.
The recommendations Of the commit.
tee were set forth as follows:
First. We recommend that a quail
fed representative Of tho bureau be In
structed to proceed Immediately to the
capital OF each State to confer with the
Governor OF the State for the purpose
of securing the aid Of the State and Of
ficers Of cities and counties in obtaining
correct addresses Of soldiers. sailors and
marines and their dependents residing
within the State. We recommend, fur
Their. that in order to correct the address
list immediate effort be made to elicit
the cooperation of all voluntary agencies
available for the purpose, such as the
American Red Cross. the American Fed.
Grafton OF Labor and the other associa-
lions which have so helpfully contributed
their aid in connection with war activi.
ties.
':.Second-We recommend that the bu.
reau Immediately proceed to establish
local representatives in each State or ir
such districts as II may seem advisable
to divide the country for this purpose. &c
the end that there may be constant pro.
vision for personal contact with the In
sured soldiers. sailors and marines and
their dependents: for the procuring b,
them OF information with respect to theiI
privileges and obligations for the loca
payment OF premiums and furnishing Of
proof, and for whatever local bushes,
may be conveniently transacted within
the district,
"Third-Thst the cooperation OF vol