The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 324, Ed. 1 Friday, February 2, 1906 Page: 1 of 16
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All me News
While
It Is News.
SIXTEEN PAGES TODAY
THE HOUSTON POST.
VOL. XXI—NO. 324.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1906.
PRICE 5 CENTS.
The Largest
Daily Newspaper
Printed in Texas
WITHDREW THE SUGGESTION
American Delegates' Idea Caused Spirited Debate
in the Moroccan Conference.
SPAIN OBJECTED
To Modification of Taxation
Project.
WAS OPEN TO CRITICISM
Americans Feared Sultan May Have
Sovereignty Impaired.
MOORS WERE DISSATISFIED
Question of Retention by Powers
of Part of the Taxes Re-
ferred to the Sultan.
(Associatid Press Report.)
ADOEZIRAS, February 1.—The Moroc-
can conference at Its session today adopt-
ed, wlt.iout modification, the draft of
th» taxation project. The Moorish dele-
Rates rnlsed a number of objections and
will refer the proposals to the sultan at
Fea. The question of reforming the cus-
toms duties was not considered.
The American delegates took an active
part In the discussion before the confer-
ence today by raising a point against any
Indirect Infringement of the sultan's
•over»>lgnt.y. This win the first appear-
ance or the Americans In the formal de-
bates and the point raised by t.iem
brought on the most earnest and Inter-
esting discussion the conference has thus
rar had.
The committee on taxation reported a
lengthy plan, one feature of which gave
the foreign consuls the right to retain a
certain percentage of taxes on foreigners
to cover the expenses of collection.
When tuls feature was reported Am baa-
sudor White, head of the American dele-
iratlon, rose and suld there appeared to
bo some Inconsistency In foreign officials
In collecting money for the sultan ana
then retaining a portion of what they
collected. He made the point also that
such retention of a portion of revenues
designed for the sultan might be con-
strued as Infringement ,on his sov-
ereignty.
The ambassador therefore suggested a
modification, so that the retention of a
portion of the t«x by the consul; wtoauM
not be a permanent feature of the sys-
tem.
M. Revolt, for France, and Count Cas-
Sinl, for Russia, promptly supported the
Amerlcun view, and the approval became
general with the exception of Spain. The
Spanish delegates manifested strong dis-
sent. The duke of Almodovar, the Span-
ish foreign minister and cnlef of the dele-
gation Of Spain, being In the chair, did
participate in the debate, but left the
expression of Spain's objection to the
second Spaniuli delegate, Benor Pere2l
Cabellero.
The latter spoko long and earnestly
ngalnst the American suggestion, empha-
sising that Spain would suffer the chief
part of the loss if the consuls did not
retain a portion of the tax, as Spain
iiad the largest number of foreigners
under taxation.
A running debate, often earnest, but
always good natured, went on for an
hour, Spain continuing to oppose the
proposition, while the other powers
dropped In line to support It.
Sir Arthur Nicholson, the head of the
British mission, finally suggested that,
since Spain objected. It might be de-
sirable not to press the proposed modifi-
cations.
Mr. White Immediately asseuted. saying
that he considered unanimity essential
and therefore he withdrew the proposed
modification.
The conference thereupon adopted the
plan for the control of the tax under the
control of the diplomatic body at Tangier,
and adjourned until Saturday.
The precipitation of the American dele-
gates into today's debate was useful in
the strengthening of the friendly ties be-
tween them and the other delegates. The
French envoys particularly approved Am-
bassador White's course. The duke of
Almodovar, Spanish minister of foreign
affairs, has also taken occasion to thank
Mr. White for considerately yielding to
Spain's objections to his proposed modifi-
cation of the system.
i
DEMOCRATS UNEASY.
Caucus Called on the San Do-
mingo Treaty.
(dissociated Press Report.)
WASHINGTON, February 1— \ call for
a ■uncus of democratic senators to be
held Saturday morning was Issued today.
The chief subject proposed for party con-
sideration Is the San Domingo treaty.
Several minority leaders said today that
at the Iswt session all but two of their
number were pledged to oppose the trea-
ty, and these wcro not In Washington
"t the time the pledges were obtained.
The lenders believed the pledges were
still in effect, and n caucus nt the ses-
sion was not needed. They have 1>en
much concerned, however, by the action
of Senator Patterson in supporting the
administration's opposition. His atti-
tude created surprise, and Is responsible
for the Issuance of a caucus crII.
A rule adopted by the minority a few
■'anions ago empowering two-thirds of
their members to bind the whole to united
action is held by party lenders in discus-
sing the democratic attitude on the Do-
mingo treaty to be in effect ut present.
This con ten''on Is denied by several sen-
ators, Iik'hiding some who are opposed to
the San Domingo treaty, but It is agreed
that a majority of th«- democrats could
put the rule Into effect at any time. In
thnt e\rnt. If the two-thirds are found to
oppose the treaty. „* nppoari llkelv from
•n««dhua}e! njmle by t*ose who arc r<>-
sponsllil ,nr tli" call of a caucus, any
rfnssed i.i°inIK|f"r th<? ,rea,y would be
SlSwrit, "membra Urg' nt
SHOW DISCONTENT.
Given Little Recognition in
Moroccan Conference.
(Associated Press Report.)
ADOEZIRAS, February 1.—The
Moorish delegates are showing
signs of discontent. They came ex-
pecting to take n leading part in
the plan for the administration of
their country, but thus far their
Influence has counted for little and
they are only passive listeners to
the plana formulated by the pow-
ers. This was noticeable in the
discussion of the Internal tax sys-
tem, to which they withheld their
assent, while the delegates of the
other powers unanimously assented.
The features of the tax system,
by which the foreign ministers and
consuls retain considerable control.
Is construed as indicating the ten-
dency of the conference toward the
establishment of international au-
thority, which one of the main
Franco-German issues.
FIREMEN KILLED
In Fighting Fire in Transport in
San Francisco Harbor.
number badly injured
But the Brave Fight Put Up
Saved the Vessel from Any
Serious Loss.
(Associated Press Report.)
SAN FRANCISCO, February 1.—Three
men were killed and fifty-eight injured,
mostly by suffocation, in a fire that raged
on the United States transport Meade as
she lay at the Folsom street ilock early
thin morning.
For three hours alter midnight the for-
ward hole of .the big troopship was a
roaring furnace, from which firemen were
borne in an almost continuous stream.
Relays of meu promptly stepped forward
to take tbe places of those who were
carried out unconscious.
Tons of high explosives were loaded in
the afterpart of the vessel and the fire-
men worked with the possibility ever be-
fore them that the flames would reach this
compartment. Had this occurred the
whole city would probably have been
shaken by a terrific explosion and no
man aboard the ship would have escaped.
Owing probably to the fact that an in-
fernal machine was found in the bunkers
of the transport Thomas on her last voy-
age, the rumor was circulated that a
plot had been laid to fire the Meade at
sen. as she was to have departed for
Manila today. Major C. A. Devol, chief
of the transport service, Is Investigating
the matter with great care. He is takinc
the cargo from compartment No. 2, where
the fire started, with a view of discover-
ing the real cause of tho disaster. The
flames did not spread from compartment
No. 2. Dock Captain Dun gave it as his
opinion that some of the officers had
packed matches in their trunks and that
these were ignited In loading.
The surprising fact developed late today
that the property loss amounted to only
J25. This was tho estimate made by Ma-
jor Devol. When the water had been
pumped out of the hold and the debris re-
moved, it was ascertained that the fire
bad been confined to a space about six
feet square. There was very little flame,
the fire being of a smouldering variety
that emitted great volumes of smoke.
It is believed by some of the officials
that the fire was due to spontaneous com-
bustion of gun oil and cotton. Rifles were
In the vicinity of the fire, and it. is thought
that after cleaning the weapons the men
had carelessly put the oil-soaked waste
into a heap. A board of inquiry has been
appointed to make an investigation.
The damage to the vessel Is not vital.
The dead:
CAPTAIN CHARDES DAKIN, San
Francisco; fire engine No. 4; fell uncon-
scious into the water of the hold and
was drowned.
IIOSEMAN THOMAS HENNESSEY of
engine No. 4, suffocated while fighting
fire in hold.
THIRD OFFICER GEORGE WAD-
DA C of the transport Meade, suffoeated.
He was a native of Sydney, N. S. \V.
The injured:
Captain George Wilson of the Meade.
Battalion Chief Fernandez of the fire
department.
lieutenant John Gilbert, fireman.
Captain D. R. Sewell, fireman.
Dleutcnant A. Mattlock. fireman.
First Officer Dasack of tho Meade.
H. Dale of the United States transport
service.
Douis Cook, fireman.
Gabriel Cuneo, fireman.
Alexander Daek of the Meade crew.
Morris Frieman of the transport serv-
ice.
H. J. McCloskey, engine No. 4.
Deed;* of tnrilling heroism marked the
fire. Captain George Wilson of the
Meade fell down a hatchway and lay
-crippled and unconscious with an injured
shoulder. Chief Disack and others threw
themselves down into the hold and man-
aged to struggle back out of the pit of
dfath. carrying Wilson between them.
Dasack himself was rescued from death
by Joseph Cook of truck No. 1 and an
unknown man, both of whom took their
lives In their hand?.
J. If. Dale of the United States trans-
port service was overcome and injured
while trying to save Officer Wallace from
the fato that overtook him. Wallace
comes from Sydney, Australia.
Eighty thousand dollars in gold being
carried as military treasure to Manila
was rescued from the ship and guarded
by the soldiers. Dines of soldiers also
guarded the entrance to the dock.
Captain Dakin lost his life because of
his unflinching resolution and dauntless
courage In fighting the fire. The body
was found at the foot of a ladder. Other
firemen stated that Dakln had come out
of the hold alive after entering It, and
It Is believed that, enfeebled as he was
by his first attempt, he still manfully
rushed back to th« place of danger.
DANCE
SHORT-HORN
DANCE
h
m
NOW FOR SOME SPORT!
—Denver News.
RETAINS COMPOSURE
SWIFT TAKES HIS TIME TO
MAKE REPLIES.
Little Information Was Secured
from Witness in Pack-
er Trial.
(Associated Press Report.)
CHICAGO, February 1.—The cross-ex-
arni nation of Edward F. Swift occupied
almost the entire day in the packers' trial.
District Attorney Morrison delivered hie
questions with the speed of a rapid-fire
gun, but did not succeed at any time in
embarrassing the witness, who consid-
ered his replies before making them.
The witness declared positively that
Commissioner Garfield was given all the
Information he asked for, but several
times admitted that he could not tell
whether certain specific information had
been given to the government agents or
not. Mr. Swift testified that he did not
know whether or not he was a stockhold-
er of tho Kenwood company, one of the
concerns which the government declares
was formed by the packers to enable them
to control the output of by-products. His
attorneys asserted that the Kenwood com-
pany was not in business at tho time
mentioned by District AttorneV Morrison,
and the district attorney declared, with
much energy, that he would show dur-
ing the trial that the Kenwood company
was in operation at the time the indict-,
ment against the packers was returned.
The first question asked Mr. Swift by
the district attorney was:
"Why are you opposed to this investi-
gation'.'"
"Dike any large or small business house,
we did not caro to be obliged to give up
our processes.".
"There were no processes given out,
were there?"
"Yes. They could learn how tallow and
fat are converted into oleo oil."
"Was it not in your presence that a
refusal was made to furnish information
regarding hogs and sheep?"
"I don't know of that."
"Does the Garfield report show any-
thing about the slaughtering of hogs or
sheep?"
"I don't know what the report shows."
"Did you not refuse to give information
regarding hogs and sheep because it was
not called for in the Martin resolution?"
"I don't think I did."
"Did you not refuse to disclose the
names of the members of your family
holding stock in your company?"
"I a.m not sure of .that."
"Did your company ever furnish any
information concerning private cars
owned by the National Packing com-
pany?"
"Yes; I told Mr. Durand the number of
our cars." .
"Did you refer him to your counsel on
questions regarding the stock you owned
in other companies?"
"I believe so.*'
"At a meeting on April 30 there was a
general disenssion, was there not, on the
papers submitted by Durand?"
"Yes."
"As a result of that meeting it was
practically agreed, was it not, what vou
would give out?"
"No, sir."
Mr. Swift's examination proceeded at
considerable length, but not much fur-
ther information was elicited. Numerous
objections to questions were made. Mr.
Swift admitted that he was a stockholder
in the National Packing company.
Other witnesses were Douis F. Swift,
president of Swift & Company, and Jesso
P. Lyman of Boston, former president of
the packing company. The testimonv of
both was unimportant. Mr. Dyman 'was
on the stand when court adjourned for
the day.
FIGURES READY. ;
Census Director Will Report Un-
ginned Cotton Today.
(Associated Press Report.)
WASHINGTON, February 1.—Director
of the Census North today was notified
of the passage by the house of the reso-
lution of Representative Sims of Tennes-
see, calling for the statistics of the cen-
sus bureau on the amount of cotton re-
maining unginned on January 10. In an-
ticipation of such action he had begun
preparing the figures, and will complete
them in time for submission to the house
tomorrow morning at U o'clock, at which
hour the house will meet.
NEWS SUMMARY OPPOSE SHAW PLAN
THE WEATHER:
East Texas—Showers; light to
fresh northeast winds.
TEXAS.
Dogs are trailing the men who robbed
the postoffice at Rogers Prairie.
The half fare law has been put Into ef-
fect on San Antonio street cars.
The supreme court holds the gambling
injunction law to be constitutional.
Two Japs have lejisr-n a Warehouse
Beaumont and will establish a silk farm.
C. C. Goodrich is Investigating tho
Brazos river with a view to putting in a
steamboat line.
The New York Dife Insurance company
has not been debarred from doing busi-
ness in the State.
The attorney general has filed his brief
in the case against the oil companies un-
der the Kennedy law.
Dallas county leads iu the payment of
poll taxes and the city of Dallas Is also
at the top of the towns.
Many charges of forgery and burglar-
have been made against Robert Pierce,
under arrest at Sherman.
It is alleged that wine and liquor were
smuggled into port of Galveston from
the German training ship.
A demented man with a razor is held
at Galveston on suspicion of being "Jack,
the Cutter," wanted at St. Douis.
There has been an agreed judgment in
the case of Goodman vs. American Bond-
ing company, pending at Dallas.
RAILTROADS.
At the Waco session the general man-
agers discussed the congestion of freight.
Mr. Batturs lias been made general
agent for the Southern Pacific Steamship
company.
Tli<i changes In the Southern Pacific
passenger department are announced in
official circulars.
TERMED A HAZARDOUS
EXPERIMENT.
New York Board of Trade De-
clared for Repeal of Restric-
tions on Banks.
SPORT.
The professional golfers have arrived
at Houston.
The suit of Walter Morris to recover
$240 from the San Antonio baseball club
is on trial.
The schedule for the South Texas
league has been prepared, but is not
ready for publication.
FOREIGN.
The victims of the mutiny at Vladi-
vostok were buried with military honors.
French authorities load to fight their |
way into many of the Catholic churches '
to take the inventories of property re-
quired by the law separating caurch
from the state.
The American suggestion that the re-
tention of part of the Moroccan revenues
be considered an infringement on the sul-
tan's rights caused a heated debate in
the Moroccan conference.
(Associated Press Report.)
NEW YORK, February T.—Secretary
Shaw's plan for the relief of the local
stringency of money was disapproved by
a committee of the chamber of commerce,
which made its report today.
The subject was referred to this com-
mittee several weeks ago as a result of a
sensational speech made by Jacob II.
Schiff before tho chamber. The commit-
tee ill its report expressed the opinion
that Mr. Shaw's plan would prove a
hazardous experiment and recommended
the repeal of the law restricting the re-
demption of National bank notes to $:!,000,-
000 a month. It is further recommended
that the secretary of the treasury be em-
powered to deposit customs duties as well
as internal revenue receipts against such
security as the law may'autborize in the
National banks. To this might be added
a provision for a low rate of interest not
less than 2 per cent upon such deposits.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••a
formulate a bill limiting Federal control
to yellow fever outbreaks only.
The investigation of tho Southern Pa-
cific merger is very problematic.
Reccnt developments show that Colonel
Dyon is in full control in Texas.
In view of Senator Patterson's attitude
on the Domingo treaty the minority called
Jacob Riis now says that President
Roosevelt wants to be mayor of New
York.
It is said that Senator Reed Smoot has
been told that his seat is safe if he votes
right.
Among the bills passed by the senate
was one authorizing a delegate to con-
gress from Alaska.
Congressman Sibley attacked the rate
regulation bill in the house as a social-
istic measure. The census bureau figures
on unginned cotton was ordered pub-
lished.
COMMERCIAL.
The weather bureau reports that Jan-
uary has been generally favorable to the
farmer.
Seed oils were moderately active, but
prices easier under liquidation and iu
sympathy with by-products.
Cotton prices closed unchanged after
irregular and active session, in which
prjees fluctuated in a wide range. " x
A lively foreign demand and predic-
tions of a cold wave sent wheat prices
up a quarter cent. Other grain options
also advanced.
Europe's poor response to the coffea
advance of Wednesday influenced selling
and lower levels. Sugar was very quiet
and unchanged.
Considering the liberal receipts the
prices on cattle at Fort Worth were
fair. Everything held steady. Hogs were
advanced a nickel.
Rapid fluctuations served to unsettle
the speculative sentiment in stockff anil
resulted in a dull movement except lor
speculative favorites.
SPORT.
St. Valentine rescued the favorites from
a shutout at the Crescent City.
Jockey Nicol rode three winners at
City Park, doing a brilliant turn on Merry
Acrobat.
WASHINGTON.
a caucus to sec where it will stand on the
issue.
Three new National banks for Texas
have been chartered.
Mr. Barkley was confirmed as post-
master at Fort Worth.
A large number of fourth class post-
masters have been appointed.
The committee of the caucus of South-
era congressmen ou quarantine laws
UNIFORM INSURANCE LAWS
Various State Officers at Work on a Feasible
Plan to Meet Requirements.
MUTINY NOT OVER.
Vladivostok Sailors Merely
Under a Truce.
(Associated Press Report.)
ST. PETERSBURG, February l.-»
The reason for the obstinate and
mysterious silence in the dispatches
from Vladivostok, with regard to
the supposed termination of the
mutiny intimated in General Dine-
vitch's laconic dispatch of Jan-
uary 28, "The city is quiet; the
mutinous sailors have been dis-
armed," is explained tonight in a,
dispatch to the Associated Press
from Vladivostok, dated January 30,
first dispatch to reveal the actual
conditions in the fortress on the
Pacific. Instead of the mutiny be-
ing crushed, the restoration of or-
der was due to a tacit armed truce,
conditioned on the removal of the
Cossacks from the city. Trouble
Is apt to flare out unless the em-
peror favorably answers the peti-
tion for amnesty to all the muti-
neers if they voluntarily return to
duty.
FRENCH RIOTS
Catholics Objected to Taking of In-
ventories of Church.
FIGHTS IN THE CHURCHES
Priests and Congregations Put
Up Violent Resistance and
Many Were Injured.
ARE DEVISING A BILL
DOMESTIC.
The North Carolina Pino association ad-
vanced lumber from $2 to $5 a thousand
feet.
The New York chamber of commerce
opposed Shaw's plan to relieve tne money-
market as a hazardous experiment.
After adopting a number of resolutions
to guide its commission to congress, the
stockmen's convention finally adjourned.
Harvie Jordan, in explaining his criti-
cism of the census bureau, claimed Di-
rector North's statemeutsi were incon-
sistent.
Three lives were lost and a number of
persons injured in a fight against fire
in the hold of the transport Meade at San
Francisco.
District Attorney Morrison failed to
embarrass Swift by rapid fire questions
in the packer trial. Dittle information
was secured.
The operators offered to arbitrate the
wage scale, the determination of which
resulted in a deadlock in the joint miners'
conference Wednesday.
Charges of conspiracy were made by
Mrs. Yerkes' son in connection with the
reported marriage of his mother. Ho re-
fused to discuss the matter.
With the rejection of the operators'
counter-proposition by the miners at In-
dianapolis, it is announced that a monster
strike can hardly be preventer.
Thirty-two States were represented in
the convention to formulate uniform in-
surance laws, now in session at Chicago.
A committee is at work on the project.
HOUSTON.
The collections of County Collector
Glass for January amounted to more than.
$200,000.
A new training school for nurses was
opened last night at the St. Joseph in-
firmary.
A verdict of "not guilty" was returned
by a jury in the first case against liquor
men on charge of Sunday selling.
The detectives arrested a negro wanted
on many charges. Had sent threats to
them that he would kill them on sight.
Rev. Seth Ward, spoken of in connec-
tion with a bishopric of the Methodist
church, conducted services at the Shearn
' church last night. „
(Associated Press Report.)
PARIS, February 1.—Everywhere in
France the actual putting into operation
of the clause of the church and state sep-
aration bill, which provides for the mak-
ing of inventories of the property of the
churches, has aroused a storm of pro-
test. In several provincial parishes Cath-
olics have gathered in the churches and
made such strong resistance that the
government commissioners were unable
to enter the edifices.
In Paris today violent scenes took
place in several churches, notably those
of St. Roche and St. Clothilde. An in-
ventory of the properly of the church of
St. Roche has not yet been made, owing'
to the opposition of the congregation.
Scenes of extreme iiolence transpired ; t
the church of St. Clochilde. The church
had been filled since early morning, the
congregation including many prominent
members of the nobility, senators and
deputies. Before tho government com-
missioner appeared a police official who
attempted to induce the clergy to permit
an inventory to be taken received severe
maltreatment, while outside the police-
men and mounted municipal guards were
compelled to adopt the sternest measures
in order to disperse tho turbulent crowds.
Repeated charges occurred, leading to fif-
ty arrests. Among those taken into cus-
tody today were two priests. The crowd
eventually became so violent in their
excitement that many persons, including
policemen, were injured during the fight-
ing. The prefect, of police. M. Depine,
personally superintended the maintenance
of order, but despite the fact that he re-
peatedly counseled calmness, was unable
to restore quiet. Eventually the fire en-
gines were ordered to take up a position
near the church, so as to be able, if nec-
essary, to drench the crowd, which ob-
stinately refused to move, the women
showing the greatest determination, open-
ing umbrellas for their protection, in tho
meanwhile chanting psalms.
M. Depine ordered the municipal guards
and police to enter the church. Under
a shower of broken chairs the officers
broke down the railings in front of tho
entrance, while the crowd rained heavy
blows on them. Then the firemen burst
in the doors, and the police and munici-
pal guards entered the building. One of
th" principal officers was severely hurt.
Inside the church the congregation had
erected barricades, which had to be taken
by assault, while men and women faint-
ed. After the church had been cleared
the commissioner proceeded to take the
inventory, the Catholics outside singing
canticles.
The prefect of the department of the
Seine has issued an order to the clergy
instructing them to give up the keys of
their churches, and adding that, in case
of refusal, the commissioners are in-
structed to call on the armed forces for
assistance.
SENSATIONAL ADVANCE.
Lumber Pushed Up $5 Thous-
and Feet.
(Associated Press Report.)
NORFODIv, Va„ February 1.—The most
sensational advanace ever recorded iu
the price of lumber in the South Atlan-
tic States was ordered at a meeting of
the North Carolina, Pine association held
here today.
The price on all grades of lumber \|as
advanced $2 a thousand feet for some of
the better grades and §5 on some oth-
ers, principally the lower.
This' means an advance in prices of
from about 5 to almost 15 per cent, ac-
cording to grade.
Following closely as it does on the sev-
eral advances in prices ordered by the
North Carolina Pine association last
year, lumber is now far higher than it
ever before has been in the Southern
markets.
REPORTS DENIED.
Lyons Objects to Story Said to
Have Come from Him.
(Associated Press Report.)
1 WASHINGTON, February 1.—Judson
W. Lyons, register of the treasury, in
a formal statement declares that an ar-
ticle published in a weekly newspaper in
New York today, written from Washing-
ton under date of January 2S, which says
he gave out or inspired the statement
published some two weeks ago that the
president would replace all colored men
holding offices in the South by white
men, "is untrue and without one iota o<:
foundation, so far as it makes me tho
author or inspirer of that statement."
He adds: "No such policy as this was
ever made known to me by the president
'or any one authorized to speak for him."
For Control of Legal Reserve
Insurance.
THE DEFERRED DIVIDENDS
Was Topic of General Debate in
Convention.
P4IIENCE THE WATCHWORD
New York Attorney General
Cautioned Delegates Against
Rash Impulsive Action.
(Associated Press Report.')
CHICAGO. February 1.—Four gover-
nors, representatives of thirty-two States,
members of State commissioners on uni-
form legislation and representatives of
the National Underwriters" association
were recognized as duly accredited dele-
gates to the National insurance conven-
tion, called by Insurance Commissioner
Thomas E. Drake, at the instance of
President Roosevelt, which convened in
the banquet hall in tlu Palmer house to-
day.
Discussion of tlie deferred dividend sys-
tem of life insurance occupied the atten-
tion of the delegates, aud at the close of
the afternoon session that topic, together
with a number of others to coiue before
the body, was referred to a committee.
No action of a decisive nature was taken.
Thomas E. Drake, insurance commis-
sioner of the District of Columbia, pre-
sided at the opening session and called
the convention to order.
The report of the committee 011 perma-
nent organization was presented by A. I.
Vorys of Ohio, naming Governor John I.
Johnson of Minnesota as chairman and
Frederick IX. Nash of Massachusetts sec-
retary. The report was adopted unani-
mously.
Governor Johnson, in taking the chair,
spoke briefly.
The report of the committee 011 perma-
nent organization recommended that ;i,
committee of fifteen be appointed by the
chair 10 formulate a bill or b.i'ss. with a
view to the establishment 0/ a uniform
system of statutory regulation of legal
reserve life insurance in the several
State*
The committee was instructed to give
particular consideration to the following
mbjects:
Deferred dividends; representative form
of government in mutual companies; pub-
licity of age in life insurance; invest-
ments; limitation of expenses to loading,
and restrictions 011 cost of new business:
limitation of amount of business and as-
sets; method of determining loading; non-
forfeiture provisions, investments in in-
dividual States of a percentage of tho
reserve on the business in such States; re-
ports in annual statements of dividends
paid; credited or provisionally credited
under different forms of policies at tho
several ages of entry and several years
in force.
SEATING OF D ED EG AT ft S.
A motion by Samuel I>. Davis, insur-
ance commissioner of Nevada, that a com-
mittee 011 credentials be appointed by the
chair brought out a demand from C. W .
Scoville of Pittsburg, president of the
National Association of Difo i'nderwrii-
ers, for a voice iu the affairs 01" the con-
vention.
Some trouble had been anticipated on
the question of representation, and a
wave of subdued excitement came over
the convention when it was broached.
Chairman Johnson announced the com-
mittee on credentials, and tiiat bociy went
into executive session at once. A recess
was taken pending the report of the com-
mittee.
At the opening of the afternoon session
the committee 011 credentials submitted
its report, which was adopted. Ihis rec-
ommended tin t each State or Territory
represented by its governor, attorney gen-
eral, insurance commissioner or any offi-
cial serving iu the capacity of one of the
offices named should be entitled to one
vote. It was recommended that the dis-
cussion should be open, not only to the
officials mentioned, but to the represen-
tatives of the conference of commission-
ers on uniform State laws and of the
National Association of Difo Under-
writers, who had been invited to attcud.
C. W. Scoville of Pittsburg, represent-
ing the Dife Underwriters' association,
announced that his organization had vol-
untarily waived the right to vote simply
to obviate any misunderstanding on
the part of the public that might grow
out o£ such representation.
A committee on resolutions was ap-
pointed by Chairman Johnson, consisting
of Governor Cummins of low's, chairman;
R. E. Folk, Tennessee; J. V. Barry,
Michigan: M. Hardtson, Massachusetts;
Z. M. Host, Wisconsin.
Following the adoption of the report
of the committee on credentials. Attorney
General Mayer of New York addressed
th'e convention. Mr. Mayer devoted his
address chiefly to pointing out the ne-
cessity for strict uniformity of State
legislation governing insurance, and coun-
seled patience on the part of legisla-
tures until grounds for such legislation
he agreed upon. Otherwise, he said, the
impetuositv of a few States might undo
all the work planned. During his address
he took a shot at extremists and agita-
tors, saying:
"I may say that I think the managers
of the so-called Policy Holders' associa-
tions had better be the subject of a little
inquiry by the policy holders, for. in
many instances, it is not unlikely that
tfliey are men who live by agitation and
whose occupation and salary will be gone
just as soon as we can arrive at nor-
mal conditions."
SUGGESTION FOR CONSIDERATION,
After reviewing conditions in New York
he concluded by offering the following
suggestions:
D That he believed ,of£ieial action by
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J,
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The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 324, Ed. 1 Friday, February 2, 1906, newspaper, February 2, 1906; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth443237/m1/1/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.