Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-18
ADVISE DIVISIONAL
WAR RISK OFFICES
Hughes Committee Suggests
Systematic Decentralization of
Insurance Bureau.
SAYITWOUL LDFACILlTATE TASK
Claim Vast Undertaking Cannot
Be Carried Out Merely Through
Mails to Washington.
SAYIT OULDFACILlTATE TASK


decentralization of the Bureau of War
Risk Insurance by the establishment
at suitable points throughout the coun-
try of local offices for the more cffec-
tive transaction Of business was recon- :
mended today by the advisory commit
tee of thirteen, headed by Charles
Evans Hughes. which had been in con-
terence for three days with Director
Cholmelcy-Jones and his associates
Work undertaken by the bureau was
declared to be "stupendous." in which
the greatest difficulty AT present was
the fact that a about 30 per cent Of tho
addresses of discharged service mnu
are incorrect. so that the bureau is un-
abIe 70 communicate with them regard
ing tho continuance of their payments
and conversion of the term policies to
permanent insurance.
In this connection 1t was disclosed
,hai approximately ,hree-fourths Of the
noaaers Of EXISTING 3ass policies. which ag-
tinned their payments. Policies were
written for about 100000 m.n
Called vnst Undertaking..
ms vast undertaking" the Hughes
report said cannot be carried out
central office in Washington. 10 at
tempt to do SO would inevitably cause
ne.ays and misunderstandings and
an enterprise which. to be successful.
must command high degree of con-
iidence.
- We are informed tina, a considerable
number of applications for permanent
insurance have been received. 1t is 10
be hoped that there will be general
reinstatement of policies and an ac-
ceptahce by all of the exceptional op-
pCrtGnity for insurance at low cost
-" men the government has offered To
,acco.np!ish this II will be necessary TO
De IN constant touch with the insured
during the period Of insurance"
Recommendations offered.
The recon mendations OF the COM
mittee were set forth as follows:
FIRST. We recommend that a quail.
instructed to proceed Immediately to
the capital of each state to confer with
the Goverro. OF the State FOR the pur-
pose Of securing the aid of the State
and the officers OF cities and counties
IN obtaining correct addresses OF SOL
dieTs, sailors. and marines and their
Gependents residing within the State.
We recommend further, that in order
to correct the address list, immediate te
erort be made to elicit the co-opera :
,ton OF all voluntary agencies avail.
American Red Cross, the American
Federation OF Labor and the other as
scciations which have so helpfu!ly con-
tr!buted their aid in connection with
var activities.
Urge Locni Representatives..
Second. We recommend that the
bureau imme ediateiy proceed to es-
tablsh local representatives in each
seem advisable TO divide the country
for this purpose. 10 the end that there
may be constant provision for per-
sonal contact with tho insured SOL
dependents. for the procuring BY them
CT information with respect to their
privileges and obligations. for the
local payment of premiums and fur
Of
local business may he conveniently
transacted within the district
Voluntary agencies desired 10 meet the
immediate eXigencies Of the bureau
should be secured 10 the fullest extent
possible TO the end that their aid may
always be available for the purpose
Of reaching the insured.
Ask Publicity Movement.
Fourth. That in addition to the
means already suggested and the CO.
operation OF these agencies there
should be started a publicity campaign
through adequate advertising for the
purpose OF giving information TO SOL
dicrs. sailors and marines and the de-
pendents. with respect TO allotments.
allowances and compensation and for
the purpose OF directing attention to
the Importance OF the reinstatement of
policies and the continuance of their
insurance by the soldiers. sailors and
marines.
Fifth 1t is apparent that the un-
dertakinE of the government to provide
permanent insurance for the soldiers,
sailors and marines is business un-
dcrtakine which cannot successfully
be continued except upon business
principles. We deem it of vital impor-
tance that Immediate steps should be
taken, and appropriate legislation
should he secured. for the purpose of
adequately organizing the bureau upon
a permanent business basis, with such
provision for compensation to the head
kA 49,
must he employed, that men of the
highest executive ability. which the
magnitude of the undertaking demands.
may always be availa BILE"
Mr.. Hughes and his associates. en-
phasiZing that their conferences were
purely advisory and in no sense an in
vestigation, expressed appreciation OF
the "earnastncSS and sincerity of Mr..
Cholmelcy-Jone and his assistants
and their evident desire to perfect ad-
ministrative methods.