Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, August 28, 1881, Page 16

*. for over a year bad a happy.harvest. ‘The . THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: . SUNDAY, .AUGUST 28, 1881—EIGHTEEN PAGES.. - * “INSURANCE. - Improving Condition of the Business "How. the Different Sec- “ tions Compare. Cotton Losses in the South— Making Money in New _ York City. The City of London and Alliance Gos- ’. "sip—How the “Personal” Part Is Managed. Cod Appreciating the West—An Embryo Half-Breed Company Squelehed —Yarious Items. Correspondence of The Chicago Tribune. N fork, Aug. 26.—The fire-insurance situation at this period shows sizns of im- provement ii increased receip! and dimin- ished Josses. ‘The returns of the first six months have been before the public for some time, and the comparisons are. rather mixed, because it requires a pretty clear head anda knowledge of the business to analyze the tis ‘uresso as to show the actual results. ‘The column of losses and expenses against the total income is somewhat deceptive, and, while many companies appear to have gained nandsomely in their net surplus, the ‘same returns show that their expendi- tures have largely exceeded their income. inasmuch as the net sur the suns held over and and whereas in Janu- ary many offices bad heavy liabilities, in July they had only smail liabilities. ‘The amounts required todiminish the latter, how- ever, had to be paid, from receipts, and thus tho expenditures were “increased but liubilities re- ‘duced. The reduction in outstanding losses is ** especially noticeable in the returns of E companies, whose disbursements have outrun their receipts. But it a company in 1881 pays | OM. the losses of 1380, it follows that its protits in 188 are thereby enhanced, or cise its losses in 3881 should be diminished by the sum chargeable 10 1880. THE RELATIVE PROFITS. The large agency companies regularly di- vide their business into four sections, accord- fg to the territory jin whieh they operate. The comparative: profits and losses in these departments afford the basis for rates in ‘hese localities and determine companies as to whether it is desirabie to continue the strug- » gle when the odds are apparently against them. Having recently been permitted to see the exhibit to the Directors of a promi- _ Bent agency company doing a general busi- ness throughout the country, it may interest your readers to learn thé relative experience .in each. The figures given represent the percentage of protit to net receipts, allowing 30 percent for reinsurance,as required by he New England, protit 4}¢ per cent; New York and Middle States, profit 17 per cent; Western States, protit 13 per cent; Southern States, loss of 27 per cent; Pacific Coast, proit 81 percent. Probably this isa fur example of the exerience of a mujority of the compunics of this- country, as some may vary from this Statement one ‘way and some another. The striking feature in it is the small protit made in New Englandj and the large loss in the South. The Yankees ure unfortunate as other people In the matter of fires, and do not pay anything lke adequate rates’ for their insurance. their risks were rated as they are in the West 3 the profits would mount up to30 per cent, even with present losses. Buta frame range will be taken by all the companies in country towns in New England ut 1}, and 2 per cent each which In. Iilinois -would be charged 5 to 7 per cent. That's what's the matter with the smail: protits Jn New England. The fault in the South is « THE COTTON 10s: These are so numerous and so exasperat- ing that itis becoming a question whether the companies will longer insure cotton, ex- cepting in compress warehouses divided into compartments after the manner of New Or- Jeans and Galveston. At such ports as Savannah and Charleston the losses on cot- ton in the last few years have discouraged the companies from hoping for profit. The difficulties are numerous. The cotton is col- lectéd in bags or loosely baled on plantations, sent to railroad stations and loaded on open cars until they mount so high as to resemble haystacks on wheels; sparks quickly ignite the cotton, and_ the result is a conflagration, Af Joaded into box-cars and: safely delivered ata seaport, then there is careless handling again. The warehousemen treat cotton as if it were no more liable to take fire than pig-iron. Then there is a_tempta tion to cover up a possible fraud by dacendiarism, inasmuch as tho wurehouseman issues his own certificates, and deposits them in bank as collateral security for advances. He may issue fraudulent receipts without fear of detection, provided he can produce an insurance : pokey for un amount sufficient to” cover the joan. Tho bank relies on the insurance in case Of fire, and if thore is no fire the warehouseman takes up one receipt by issuing unother. Tho - Home Insurance Company, of New York, hus doubled its rates on cotton. Some of the Hart- ford companies heve prohibited their Southern agents from accepting cotton risks at all. The ‘business is now largely in the bands of the British Companies outside of New Orleans, where tho Jocais have a controlling interest in:it through the fuctors.’ The cotton losses handicap the profits arising from ull other kinds of tire-i surance in the Southern States, and the experi- ence Is so universally disastrous as to make companies shy of tho risks. THE WESTERN. UNDERWRITERS’ UNION. This Association is composed’ of the Gen- eral Western Agents of companies whose headquarters are in Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, including State agents west: of . Pennsylvania and the few large agency lo- eals of the Western and Northwestern States, The operations of the Union are supposed to be secret, but.every agent who hhas two ounces of sense and cares to learn the why and wherefore of certain acts can discover the secrets very easily, and most of . them,do it. {n fact, the secrets of the Union are the laughing-stock of the great mass of agents who live in cities and towns lurge enough to make their calling their sole sup- port. “The Association is wodeled after the secret society of companies commonly known as the ** Alliance,” in New York, composed. of all the English, most of the Hartford and Philadelphia, and- the largest of the New York city offices. The Westerners are not more numerous in companics actually repre- seuted, but, owing to the various representatives 4n differeut States being called into tne service, the *Union™ has more members than the “Alliance” Ench member is addressed by a number, and are known only by suck a number. Thus Mr. Bissell, of. tho Hurtford, is not. Known as the Hartford's Western Manazer, but as No. =. The object of the Union is to advance rates, and by 2 concert of action compel. agents in every city under the jurisdiction of the Union toconform to the established rates. If they cheat, then the Union proposes tc punish them; and, if the agents persist in cheating, then tho Tnion tries to take away the offender's compa- nies. Thus far they have gencrally succeeded’ 3n advancing rates very materially, and holding agents to a rigid accountability for every devia- ton. The effect is een in the improved receipts from the West, and hence it is now regarded as altogether the most hopeful field of underwrit- ing in this country. NEW YORE CITY BUSINESS hhasontne whole been the most profitable for the past year done by a large majority of the companies. The rates nave been slowly advancing, and so slow as to be imper-, ceptible, while upon. dwellings and other buildings the bottom prices are still fabul- ously low. Dwelling rates have become a byword and reproach to the companies, and yet they_continue to accept them with an ap- parent relish. Think of 8 cents net per $100 for one year, 15 for three years, and 22 - for five years on Fifth avenue dwellings! In spite of these drawbacks the companies have made money, and the publishea returns of the companies which contine their bi wholiy to the city present some remarkably results. Several compacies show losses of only 20 per cent of their premiums, and the highest percentage of losson this business is not over w0 percent. The secret is in tho reduction of losses generally throughout the city. The im- Provements in water supply and the Fire De- ‘partment have reduced the chances of a fire largcly, and the inultiplicd appliances for the early detection of fires through mercurial alurms and otherdevices have saved many & eontigra- tion. Greater pains are taken by the companies toinspect risks und insist upon their improve- ment when detects are discovered than former- jy, ond taken with the improved moral hazard of business, the results are satisfactory. The enormous sums paid in premiums every year ‘atiord room for profit, and the companies aa tot ess losses which havé occurred in the city proper since Jun. 1 would hardly make one respectable contlagration. AN EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS. ‘The fire patrol returns are just out and em- brace the business of the companies in the patrol district below Madison Square. The Liverpool, London & Globe heads. the ‘list ' with $146,000, followed by the German Amer- ivan, $91,000; the Royal, $83,000; the Green- wich, $75,000; and the Commercial Union, $71,000. ‘These companies are the leaders in the city business of New York. A. majority of the best companies, local and agency, in- cluding most of the English oflices, are be- Tow $50,000, and out of 140 companies only twelve exceed that figure. Among thetwelve, however, is one whose six months’ patro! re- turns always excites wonder, and this time more wonder than ever. ‘Ihe Comoany is the Manufacturers’ of Boston, and the re- turn is over $51,000. How. this -is_ ac- complished while the Etna of Hartford, Instirance Company of North America, the Phoenix, of New York, North British & Mercan- tile lag behind is a mystery to some, but it is plain as a pikestuf to the initinted. The Manufacturers’ basa dozen branch olliees down- town and up-town, all under ita chief agent on Broadway. At the main agency oilice brokers reecive almost any commission they demund,— in many instances over 3) per cent,—and at all the brinch offices 25 per cent commission 1s paid. ‘The Manutacturers’ is therefore a favorit with the brokers, and they pile in the business right and left ton extent that ensily accounts for $51,000 in six months. It is a company ot undoubted reputation and solvency; but its enormous commissions to brokers in New York and low rates accepted here have become so notorious that tu quote it in any other office is only to excite ridicufe und contempt. The Com- pany is rushing things in its New York wrenc and ut the present rate will soon pass tho 1 erpool, London & Globe. THE “CITY OF LONDON” AGENCY. ‘The gossips have been hard at work trying to settle the vexed question of who is to have the agency of the new English .company,— the “City of London,”—whose Manager and Chairman (Messrs. Phillips and Knight) are now in this country to makeanappointment. It has been published mest positively that the company has been tendered to Mr. John C. Paige, of Boston, the present manager of the Metropole and the General Reassurance Company of Paris: It is stated that the de- posit isto be made in New York, but the head oftice for this country will be in Boston. But just as the gossips have begun to relate the most astonishing stories of how this ap- pointment. was madé through the influence of E. Cozens Smith, of the Impe and = his _ American manager, Alliger, Esq, up pops Mr. _ ige like 2 jack-in-the-box; and says it is all/a lie,—a_d——elusion in fi that he basn’t been appointed at all. ps are trying their hand sgnin, and have tinully settied down into the belief that str. Paige ‘may deny as much us he pleases, but if he wants the “City of Loadon” be can ‘have it; and the only rei son why there is any uncertaioty about it is that he is trying to hold on to the Metropole pany, and take the “City of Lon- don,” too. The idea is, that be is trying to getall hands’ consent to allow: him to ‘ran all three offices, which would undoubtedly be a soft thing for tho gentle Jonn, ‘and pring much ducats to bis money-box. Whilggall this gossip is going on, Munager Philli jeeping shady and says nothing. The “City of Loudon” ‘muy some day be a-great English company; at present it is an experiment,with only $500,000) paid-up cap- ital and very little home business. Its fortunv is to be made or lost evidently in the United States. THE “ALLIANCE OF LONDON” is another English company of a very differ- ent grade from the one last mentioned. It is notonly the peer of any British office now here, but of any in England. Itis one of the wealthiest and most prosperous and highly respectable oflicesin the world. It has*bcen considered as having a Hebrew cast in its composition, but such namesas Baron Roths- child and Sir Moses Montifiore, who were for many years in its Board of Directors, have a world-wide fame which no slur of their Hebrew origin can lessen. ‘The extension of the business of this Company to the United States has caused a.seven-days’ wonder to the profession, because it has been for many years understood that the question had been forever settled in the negative through a former visit and inspection of this field by its manager and_ two Directors immediately aij after the “Chicago fire, The report of this was _ unfavorable, and the universal belief both here and in London was thut the Company would never come to this country. But ofher coun- sels have prevailed, and Mr. Robert Lewis, the manager, is vow en route to New York to select a manager and begin operations. He left Liv- erpool on tho 20th per Scythia, and will prabably arrive about the 30th inst, There are a hbalt- dozen competent and experienced gentlemen who are eligible and who would like to be the manager-of the Company, but whether they would like to be known as “applicants” or “candidates” or not is another question. Prob- ably any one’ of them who should ‘press bis own claims on the manuger would ruin his chances, us it is believed here that the office should seek the man and not the man the ollice. Mr. Lewis is stated to be aman of slow. action, who will not hastily decide the question of'who is the best man, and it may be many mouths cre the representation of the Alliance is se;ticd. THE GAMES THE MANAGERS PLAY, The most innocent and unsophisticated gentlemen in this city, when approached on the subject of who will be chosen to repre- sent the Alliance or the City of London, are the resident English managers now here. Bless their amiable souls if, they ever heard. a word on the subject; may they be blessed if they ever tried to influence a manager in his selection, and may they be consigned:to perdition if they care one rap who is the inan chosen. <All these honorable managers care for is to be let alone, so they can manage their own businessin their own way, and they aon’t wantto be asked any questions about the chosen ones of other companies. That's the way they talk in public: But half of them have candidates -in_ their minds for every company which has thus far landed on these shores. It is the understanding that the Liverpool & London intluence decided the Phenix ap- pointment, the Joyal influence which gov- erned the London & Lancashire selecnon, aud the sume company is credited (or its principal American manager is) with steering the Lion & Scottish Union into Hartford hands. Fire-Insurance Association was a sort of in- dependent affair, guided by a reinsurance con- trict. In the same way the City of London munnger is charged with being under Imperial & Northern intiuences. When an English manaxer was here ast year he informed 4 city President that when it was known in England that his company thought of coming to America nearly every British ollice represented here had 2 cundidute for the place proposed. Now itis a source of anxiety to learn which office will have the largest intluence with the: Alliance of London, and it is creditable to the coming manacer that the general answer to this query is, “Don't know.” . THE “AMERICAN-BRITISIE COLONIAL” SODE. This is the high-sounding name of.a pro- ed company Whose prospectus was exten- advertised in England: under the auspices of a very respectable Board of Di- rectors, with whom were associated also three respectable New York names. Some evil, genius, however, persuaded the writer of the prospectus to incorporate in it a re- markable statement to the effect that an ar- rangenient had already been made with one $. Romney Anderson, of New York, to in- troduce a large American business to the Company, ete., ete. This was the fatal word which Killed the Company. Anderson is nian of no substantial reputation in this city aud the mere mention of his name was sufli- gient to bring down upon the head of the ‘concern the concentrated wrath of a halt dozen insurance editors. ‘Lhe redhot shot which did) the work was _ fired by Mr. Stephen English, the honored editor of the Insurance Times, who penned a letter ex- posing the absurdity of the American prom- ises in the prospectus, and sent it over his own signature to the London Times for publication. He also sent slips to all the insurunce oflices and journals in the United Kingdom. Tho managers of the affair were frightened and cave up the struggle before they had obtained one- hulf of the required subscriptions. The scheme was, in fact, abandoned, and the verdict here is, led by Stephen English.” Tho idea at the bottom of the scheme was to have one-third of the capital subscribed in this country and two- thirds abroad. which was a zood idea and per- feetly feasible, provided the game had not been given away at the start by connecting the name of an unknown with it. Perhaps out of this failure a differently organized effort muy later on pluck success. : A TEMPORARY SENSATION 3 was created in this city by the’ publication of astatement that’ the Legislature had re- enacted the old law of 1879 requiring foreign companies coming ‘to New York to have their capitals all paid up tin cash. [If this had been true neither the. Alliance, or the City of London could have entered the State. It was not true, as the point was raised that an amendment tu the law of 1879 superseded. EPI- X the bill of 1880 which let in foreign companies, rovided thoy:held £100.000 patd up capitals. There ure-afew local compunics.in this city whose hope of success depends apparently upon their.ability to erect x Chinese wall of exclusion against forciga companies, but buppily the majority of the suecessfu) companies ire us in- different to anti-foreign legislation us to tho . condition of zn extinct volcano. ‘The Attorncy- General of the Stute promptly decided that the point was not well taken. ‘i 1 MORE WESTERN DEPARTM 2 It is a fitting tribute that the insurance capital of the Company is paying to the grow- ing Western empire that they erected’ West- ern departments with headquarters in Chi- cago for the supervision and management of their rapidly extending Western business. It is a movement which sooner or hiter all prominent companies must make, ‘The Im- peri’ & Northern and National, of Hartford, are the latest, but others are’ bound to follow until your city becomes in fact as In promise the greatest insurauce centre in this country. The capital will be held in the East, but the profits will probubly be found in the West. These departnents in Chicago are tov important to be ignored in any future xrrangements about tre- insurance, and they Will in time control more premiums than the head ollices in the East. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. There is a greatrush for elevator insur- ance here vow, and rates have advanced from 2 to 3}4 per cent. At is now believed that there will not be any further increase of capital among the older companies at present. ‘Ihe oflicers of some of these companies are opposed to an inerease, as they believe it will be easier to pay dividends in the future on the sinaller than on the larger capitals. It is somewhat strange that companies with double their former capitals do not take larger lines than before, and the question is often asked, OL what use is the increase ? 2 The announcement that _a New Zealand Company, the South British & National, going to make its début in the East via Chi- cago is tantalizing to sundry gentlemen who hoped to have the management in this city. ‘the fire-insurance clerks of this city mutual beneilt sucicty on the pass-uround-the- ha --u-dollnr-asscssiment plin when it mem- sber dies. & Staffordshire, an English company which did a half wild-cat kind of busi- from Washington, D.C., to avoid tiling 2 ment or making a deposit, hus ecased busi- inthis country. The Company is probably solvent in its affairs, but its American methods were simply suicidat. Itumors bave been thickening that tho Man- ebester Fire had arranged with Messrs. Weed Kennedy to begin business in this city at once, but, although of English origin, they are untrue. The Company will comesome day, but not yet awhile. . ‘The returns of American companies engaged in marine business for the frst balf of this year revert n most disastrous excess of losses over marine premiums. A published interview with: the President of the Phenix, of Brooklyn, develops the fact that the careerof the President's son us Western Marine Manager was cut short by recommenda- uon of his futhor, for *reuson3 well known to. very insurance mun,” which will probably bo easily understood in Chicazo. ‘Tho proposal to enact the Standard Policy law on the Massachusetts plin fuiled in the Legista- ture of this State, altbough mostot the com- punies favored it. Lut it is bound to come, sooner or later. Mr. McLaren, tho Gencral Manager of tho Royal, of Liverpool, who stunds at the head of insuranee manuers in England, is now in New York upon a tour of investigation into the busi- ness of the Company in this country. Insurance on the new Rockaway Hotel is now effected até per cent, but-there isn’t one-half en on the property to gover it, In tho teeth of 5 per cent paid, there ure efforts beins made tocover it at 3. ‘The lines are being drawn very tightly in re- stricting the privileges for night work in manu- facturing gstablishments to 9 o'clock, in default of an extra rate, and several extensive cont have.lutely been called upon to pay 50 per cen! advance in their premiums tocover the all-night work privileges asked for. One of the standing jokes in the small non- axeney offices of this city is when a straver is introduced to ask him if he bails from Chicago, in the belief that he bas come to curry off the gency in his pocket or kill the President. The surprise that so runny of the old fogy companies have been induced to enter Chicago is explained py the joke that the companies consented to get rid of the army-of Chicago applicants. ‘Che tirc-alurm telezraph wires in this city are to be laid. under ground, which will prevent in- terference from ice, as notjced jast winter. Lt is a good suggestion. [ IS GHICAGO A SWAMP? A Now Orleans View of Et—Chicaco Dirtand What Will She Do With Itt New Orleans Times, uy. 24. She is Chica; and It Is dirt = Chicago is positively the dirtiest city extant in any civilized or Christian country. A clean Jeyel lies behind her, without a rise, to the foot of the Rocky Mountains, A broud, vlean joland sea liey in front of her,or her people would have died with pestilence ten times over. She used to be seourged with cholera regulariy in the ola days, and her frightened citizens fled by thousands to Milwaukee and thé towns down the lake./ It hoped that by sewering the pines and getting lake water to drink it might ye mude healtby if not clean. But the enor- mous death-rate of tho lust halt-year—double to treble that of New Orleans—is causing doubt upon this subject. . ‘There is a well-built and comparatively clean centre in Chicago, but the city sweeps off, on all sides but the front, to a swamp. They call it a rairie there. In Louisixna they call it swamp. the outskirts of the city are built up with shanties, squatted in this swamp, or stuck upon posts to: keep+ them out of it. Coning in on neasly ail the railrouds, notably the Michigan Southé?n or the Northwestern, tho traveler passes through miles of -these shauties, scarcely superior to the cabins on a rack-rented estate in Ireland, where naked babies and pigs tumble promiscuously. Chicago's face is faer enough, but, ke Milton's monster, she ends “foul in many a scaly fold.” She is the draggle- tall of cities. ‘The centre nucleus and the parts where the rich dwell are sewered. There ure foul, slimy ditches for the draining of the rest. ‘The sewer- age is emptied into the river. The river bis 00 current. It is a stagnant ditch. it is not 2 Jarge ditch either, and divides as it crawis its foul way through ‘the city into two. branches, which are very small ditches indeed. These ditches are tho open main sewers of the strong- smelling city. Into them are dumped the horrid abuminutions of several hundred thousand peo- ple. Shine years ano thesdditehes oould tie smelted; when the wind was favorable, teu miles, it is suid. ‘They were simply sewers, and nothing else. Schooners, pfopellers, canalboats, all the eraft of the harbor, lay lubber-like in this foul hell-broth, and the busy tugs, durting back and forth throu;h the slab aborminations, stirred uy; ‘unspeakubte stenches for the noses of mankind. And here comes in our question, which is the question of our dirty sister ot the loud-scented itches. It was sought to help the city to a little whiff of decent air by turning the so-cailed river end for end, aid making it think its tail was its head! It was a daring undertaking, but the Chicngoese are _a daring people. So thoy dug out tho Ulinois Canal (which connects Chicago with the: Ilinois Itiver), and thought the: Chicago ditches would empty into that, sinee they wouldn't empty into the lak Some of the horrid stuff did drain off in tho canal, and occasionally some elean lake water would run into the main river for a short dis- tance, but the proportion of the sewage drain- ing out was small compured to what remained. and the city is scaree the better. Meanwhile the towns along the canal and the Illinois River are having their air and water polluted by the ter- rifle dejections of Chicago. Jolict isu pretty ttle town of several thou- sand people just out from Chicasro on the canal, the first place of any size. The people object to be made to eat, drink, and smell Chicago di They are kicking up a big row about those fo1 eign and unaccustomed stenches. The Chic: soese don’t see what they have to complain of. ‘hey are so swathed in these odors,—born and brought up in them,—they have so long breath- cd, ate, drank, and slept in them, that it js, they think, atfectation and silly fastidiousness for the Jolictians or any .other people to admire them less than “the virs of Arnby the Bicst.” Sostunds the war at present. Joliet vows it won't be the untrapped siuk-hole of Chicago. Chicago, in ber large and zenerous fashion, in- sists on sharing ber dirt with all Northwestern Illinois. Is she not drinking with relish, as it fonts out to the crib in high water und is re- turned, somewhat diluted of course, through the water-pipes, this objectionabie sewage? If a man in Chicago rathor likes it, reminding him as it does of his citizenship in the great olecomorgarine metropolis, cannot an Ulinois | man anywhere smell it and find it delicious? If, however, the vision of a great city smothered in its own dirt awakes our pity and Sttrts retiections on the way the things we call cities ure built, let us not waste too much of it on Chicago. She isabundantiy able to take care of herself. She will tind out u way to lift ber dragsle-tail out of the sewers, and, thouzh she be uw biowsy slattern, will, at least, not stench to death one entire sovercign State of this great and glorious Union. g New Orleans, though cleaner than Chicago, and, like a high-bred jady, rather dainty about her person, aud given to scents of the delicate sort—the oransse-blossom, tho sweet’ olive, the rose, and such like,—can ili utford to glorify her- self. She tov has a fuir outside over dust-bins aud sink-holes. And she has not Chicago’s ex- cuse. There is no ditch, but a mile-wide, rusb- ing river at ber door to carry. all,her drippings to the sca, and pollute no neighbor's premises. She will begin her cleaning house next winter, and no odor more.offensive than the magnolia and the jasmine willin the near future assuil the nostrils of her children. * ‘The writer of the above evidently came into Chicago over the Chicago & Alton Railroad aftera heavy rain, along the line of which he was greeted with a hasty view of ‘the outly- ing shanties, lumber-piles, coal. and stone yards, _planing-mills, . Glevators, jbork-pack-, -ntiles square of change of position {n that corporitidn and the ‘erles, rendering and buteher shops, and other coarse and important manufacturing indus- tries. Then he debarked at me old, shabby, woody . Pittsburg & Fort Wayne «depot (before the magnificent new ‘stone and iron one was erected), and then stopped at some central hotel for 2 day or so, and. Jooked over a few score blocks of tall stone- fronts in the business portion of the city; and, finally, went off into Wisconsin from the Canal street depot over the Northwestern Raitread, taking’ his last look at the distil- leries, breweries, tanneries, rolling-mills, dumber and coal yards, audconglomerate sur- youndings of the North Branch and Goose Island. From this partial and cursory in- spection he made up aludicrously distorted conception of Chicago’s condition, colored somewhat by a Southern inclination to find fault with a great, radical, pushing Northern cify. The exaggeration and misrepresenta- tion of the article will furnish considerable amusenient to Chivagoansand all people who know this city, and there is just enough basis of fact to attract the attention of Mayor Tlarrison and the city authorities, and incite added energy in pushing the. new pumping- works to completion and in keeping the streets elean. Itis excessively funny thata resident of New Orleans shouia eriticise Chicago or any other city on account of its low lands, lack of sewerage, or the deficiency of its water supply. New Orleans is built upon ground which is several feet below the low-water level of the Mississippi River. It has 20 sewers. The waste water and part of the refuse matter is carried off in surface gutters along the street, runs into a great, open, horribly filthy diteh, and thence is pumped over a wall into Lake Ponehartrain, which lies back of. the grance of the mnagnoliz and jasmine, Orleans writer refers to so pocti présses the stranger in that city the same way, when mixed with the atmos- Phere of the open sewers, asa strong whiff from one of Bridg-port’s fertilizing estab- lishments would strike a Chicagoan of a hot | stunmer night. ‘he people of New Orleans would hold a public celebration if they saw any prospect of everhaving even such sew- erage, air, and water as Chicago now enjoys, while the Chicago people look forward to constant improvement in these particulars. ‘Topographically, Chicago could not well be better loeated, Rising back from theriver and its branches in all directions—south, north, and west—are low ridges of ground, which render drainage and sewerage easy, and enable the construction of basements and sub-cellars without filling. Itis only in the districts lying along the several branches of the river where it has been mecessary to raise the grade, and this was done years ago. Heavy manufacture and commerce naturally seek the river-banks. ‘I'he city has a per- manent protection against the spread of dis- ease in the Jake and prairie winds which sweep over it in all seasons of the year; and, as a consequence, the rate of mortality in Chicago i: the lowest averaze of large cities, and it wou:d be still less if it were not for the constant and enormous influx of European imuigrants, who ignorantly refuse to adapt themselves to approved sanitary conditions,—such as vaccination, ventilation, personal cleanliness, ef ‘There is in the West Division of Chicago alone a much larger population than the entire City of New Orleanscontains, ‘This New Orleans vriter only saw the portion of the West Di- * nun immediately along the South and North Branches, and never penctrated the eH built, well drained parts of the West Division which possess all the appliances of metropolitan life to an which the most favored section of 3 Orleans wouldenvy if familiar with its actual condition. : Except in some instance of grotesque ex- aggeration, such as this New Orleans editor has furnished, Chicago is never so severely criticised as by its own people. This comes from the universal ambition of Chicagoans to have their“city the most complete and beautiful specimen of modern metropolitun- ism. Sueh a spirit has itsadvantages, but it too. commonly ignores the marvelous achievements a have _ been ace complished within a brief period. The extent of Chicago’s progress is the wonder and admiration of the outside world, It is really not much more than a single gen- eration since Chicago started life as a city. Within that period a good-sized, “smart” town has grown into 2# metrovolis, including its connected and immediate suburbs, of 600,000 people, possessing $600,000,000 of wealth, Streets by the scores of miles shave been paved, and worn out, and relaid.” The major portion of the city has been burned down once, involving a loss of $200,000,000, and been rebuilt. Sewers and water-tunnels. have been constructed at a rate never before known, have been inadequate for the rapidly increasing demand almost as soun as they have been breught into use, and have been enlarged, renewed, and duplicated. The most extensive system of parks in the world has been laid out. More water is supplied and consumed every day than in the Citiesof New York, Philadelphia, or Brooklyn with their greater populations,and as much asin the t City of London. ‘The quality of this water is superior to that of the water supplied to any of the cities named, and such as the people of New Orléans; with their limited supply of ram-water gathered in. tanks on the tops of the houses, cannot conceive of in abundance and purity. Of course Chicago is just in the midst of its improvements. ‘The work must go on with 2 view to taking care of a million people within a few years from now. But the marvel is, not that we are deficient in proper appliances now, but that so much progress has been made during a period when people have been pouring into this city su-rapidly that it would seem im- possible to provide them with simple shelter, and in spite of destruction of property by fire which exceeded all previous experiences of that kind and would have permanently crip- pled any other city in the world. .‘The aver- age New Orleans man cannot understand a city like CI 0.—Ep. TRIBUNE. AMOS T, HALL. He Becomes President of the Hopkins Manufacturing Company—What That Corporation Is Doing. Yesterday afternoon a TrmmuNe reporter called upon Amos 'T. Hall, Esq.. the Treasurer of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Road, and bad a conversation relative to bis proposed & reasons lending to that step. Mr. Hail was found ut tho oflice of the Company as usual, and gave the reporter a pleasant greeting. “Mr. Hall,” said the reporter, “it was stated in Iast Sunduy’s Triene that you had resigued the ‘T'reasuryship of tho Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Road, and had accepted the Secretary- ship of that Company. In addition to your de- sire to occupy a position that would make less demand upon your time aud attention, was it not aso true that you_had recently accepted the Presidency of the Hopkins Manufacturing Company ?” ‘ : “Yes, 1 became President of that Company on the Ist of June lust.” “This Company manufactures the Hopkins New Mower, with its works at South Lawn, a few miles south of Pullman, at tho crossing of the Illinois Central and the Grand ‘Trunic Ronds, I bellev “Yes, and they have a fine establishment there, too.” “Have you given the macbine any attention WITH REF ‘CE TO ItS MERITS?” “Yes, Lhaye operated it in tho field, and have conversed with several_parties who have used it. 1 was out atSonth Purk yesterday, where it was in use, and had been used quite extensively, and also at Central. Park, and at both place was giving excellent satisfaction, as you sec by these letters from Messrs. Andrew ‘Lulbot, of Englewood. and .G. W. Stiles, of Central Park, both of whom ure ‘practical mowing-machine men.” dfero tho’ reporter read some very flattering letters from these gentlemen in regurd to the Hopkins Mower. Who are the Directors in this Company, Mr. Hall?” “Joshua P. Young, Harvey L. Hopkins, Ezra McCord, Daniel P, Whitacre, and myself.” * What ts the capital stock of this Company?’ {It was $200,000 until I became connec! with it, when we inerensed it to $1,250,00 “Are you going to make a close corporation of this ‘thing, or will you put the stock on the market?” 3 “No, I ama against close corporations asa rule. We have, decided to sell it without dis- crimination.” < “What induced you, Mr. Hall, to embark in this enterprise?” “Well. 1 buve-noticed that during the hard times, when business interests generally are suffering, that the ayriculturul-iimplement man- ufacturers were in u flourishing condition. You sec, the crops must, be gathered, though they -bring but x small price. Good reliable Furniture, C: Agriculture, unlike certain branches of busi- ness, cannot bo temporarily suspended until better-times, but is bound to go on, whether the crops are good or bad.” i “Do you intend to give this matter much at- tention?” t “Yes, sufficient to keep myself familiar with the general business.’ “Will you give me some of THE NAMES OF YOUR STOCKHOLDERS, MR. HALL? : “I can see no objectuin to doing that. Among them are Messrs, Seth Wadhams, A. J. Willird of the Washington Ice Company, J. A. Atkinson, Monroe Frink, the Directors, of course, and others whose names do not occur to me now.” “Some people hesitate ubout investing in couipanies like this for fear of being *{roze out’ by the larger stockholders, but I suppose they must take their chances. as in other corpora- tions, must they not?” “No, we have provided against this in the stock: subscription itselt, which dectires that. the stockholders shull receive an unoual divi- dend of 10 per’cent befor be created ‘for any purpt gee the: freezing-out pi well in this corporation. a9 suppose thisis your dull manufacturing omer eae es whatever. So you cess can’t work very es, the demand for this season is pra: cally over, but weare now nianufacturing twelve mowers daily, und will berunning full heud eurly in the fall.” . “ Your position as Secretary of the road wilt ve you better opportunity, will it not, of d ting your attention to a business enterpri: like this than does the position you are now oc- y O yes, my Inbors will be and tho responsibility not so i Wishing dtr. Hall success in his new venture, the revorter suuntered over to tho office of the Hopkias Munufacturing Compnoy, 122 Fitth avenue, and had a chat with Harvey L, Hopkins, the patentee of the mower and Superintendent of the Company. Mr. Hopkins was proud of the gonuipition of Mr. Hall to his enterprise and of the business prospects of tho Company. 'RAVAGES OF FIRE! The Daring of Kurglars and Wouse- breakers Eftectually Thwarted for AIL-‘@ime to Come by the Following Corfiorations and Virm Each one of which, Mr. Jno. W. Norris inforni$ us, has purchased of him within the past few days the celebrated Diebold fire and burglar proof safes and vault-doors: Grigsby & Smith, bankers, Egan, D. 'T. W. W, Manspenker, ‘lopeka, Kas. Martins, Bloomington, Il. Gritlin & Adams, Spencer, 1x. Exposition Building, Milwaukee, Wis. handicr, Bustinell, 1 1 Lowa Rullway Co., Marshalltown, Ia. Larseh Bros., Manistee, Mich. * Commercial Bank, Burlington Junction, Mo. First National Bank, Hampton, In, Pullman Patace Car Co., Pullman, I. Besides the above, two teams were em- ployed constantly shipping from twenty to thirty safes each day, which we think is good business for the summer months. - AUCTION SALES. GORE CO, Madbon-sh THE ESPECIAL ATTENTION OF RETAILERS Fine Boots and Shoes, IS CALLED ‘ro AN AUCTION SALE TO BE MADE BY GHO. P. GORE & C0., 214 & 216 Madison-st., MONDAY, Aug, 29, commencing t-9:30 sharp. ‘This sale wii bo what it indicates.a sale of work DESIGNED FOR BEST CITY RETAIL TRADE, REGULAR TRADE SALES BRY GOODS Tuesday, Aug. 30, 9:30-a. m, AND Mypeday & A i Thursday, Sept. 1, 9:30 a. m. Both sales will be vi ree, and will embrace Itnes: of eaods that will be of general interest to the trade. ‘Uno ‘Thousand Lots In exch offering. GEO. P. GORE « CO.. Auctioneers, SHCORD GREAT TRADE SALE Boots, — - Shoes, and Shi 9. Ippers, AT AUCTION; WILL BE MADE WEDNESDAY, Aug. 31, mencing at 9:30 sharp. Full ines of Custom-made Goods for Full Trade, a8 well ns from thoso Fuctories thut are represented only by us in the West, ana whose work fs fully guar- anteed. THURSDAY, Sept. 1, at 9:30a.m., OPENING. FALL SALE Crockery and Glassware We shall sell in lots to sult the Trade, 150 Crates Crockery, including Ameri- can, W. @, C. C., and Hotel Ware, Rock and Yellow Ware, Blue Willow, and Decorated Ware. 500 bris. Assorted Table Glassware. 1,000 doz. Lamps, in Glass and Bronze. Lamp Chimness, Burners, Silver Plated Ware, &c. Goods cked for country merchants. packeegho. I. GUIE & CO. Auctioneers. agrent deal less com- By POMEROY & CO. POMEROY & CO., The Old Reliable Auctioncers, 78 & 80 Randolph-st., Hold Regular Sales of all_kigds of HOUSELIOLD GOODS on Tuesday and Friday of each week. Furniture direct from manufacturers at PRIVATE @ AT AUCTION PRICES. 2639 indiana-av. ON MONDAY MORNING, Aug. 29, AT 10 -O°CLOCK, WE SELL THE FURNITURE Of above Kesidence, consisting of M. T. Chamber Set, Parlor Set, Brussels and Wool Carpets, Kitchen and Diningroom Furniture. Sale peremptory. Owner leaving the city. POMENOY, & CO.. Auctioneers, 73 & 60 East Rundolph-st. By ELISON, FLERSHEIM & C0. S4 and 85 Randolph-st. REGULAR SALES FURNITURE, CARPETS, General Household Coods Every Wednesday and Saturday ets, Desks, &c, at a1 Private Sale-AUCTION PRIC! i} AMUSEMENTS. AMUSEMEN HOOLEY’S THEATRE. ; LAKE FRONT. ; R.M. HOOLEY.. Proprictor and Manager. ee ENGAGEMENT FOR ONE WEEK ONLY Of the Brilliant Youny American Tragedieune, HENRIETTA » Supported by the Favorite ‘Actor, Mr. Frank. Roche, And a SUPERIOR COMPANY. under the Manage- 2 ment of Mr. AL W, CANNING. $ PZ BARNUAL ON THE WAY WILT HIS OWN Greatest Show on Earth, GAND THE : Monday Evening, Aw aud Weduesday Matinee, Rev. IL LL Milan's S-Act Trugedy, FAZIO. HENRIETTA VADERS ir. FRANK KOCHE Chester jompson Ibourne SNGER'S OVAL BRITISH MENAGERD Grand International Allied Shows, United for this season only, und now inaucurating an experimental tour of the whole country at the dally expense of 3.50). P,P. BaRsow, J. A, BAILEY, and J.L.Hercnissom Sole Owners. LAKE FRONT, ONE WEEK, COMMENCING Monday Afternoon, Aug. 29, 2 Full Performances Daily—Qaly 2, At2and§p.m, Doors open one hour sooner for the inspection of the Menazerie and Museum. THE SEVEN GIANT. WONDERS, CILANG, the Chinese Giant, the tallest man in th¢ id. ‘the orizinal TOM YHUMB und WIFE, reine troduced by Hon. Barnum for the first tine ig twenty yeurs, and LOW additional sensations. Three Times the Largest Menageric ATF OHGES onthe Globe, with exactly 20 Elephants, and every other depurtment equally extensive. 200 Champion Circus Actors in Three Rings, Leaping, Wrestling, Itfding. and ‘Tumbting Comes for Gold Medils and Diamond Studded Jewels, ‘The Biggest, Most Brilliant, und Longest Streeq Procession ever scen, paling all others to nothings hess with its Gorgeous Glury; to take place at9a. mn, Monday, Aux. 2 100 Chariots, Dens, and Lairs. Glitters ing with Gold and Silver. Now Civic und Military Wardrobe, mado of fine * Broadcloth, gold lace. silver tinsel, and massive bull- jon. (NOTE.—No spunzies or circus geweuws,) New Waterproof Pavilions, the larzest ‘ever crected; 5,000 luxurious chuirs; seats for 15.000 people. see the Brightest. Constellation of Exhibitions ever con= ceived in the brain of even he who is the undisputed Father of Amusement ‘Triamphs, ¥ Admission, only 50 cents, Children under 9 years old, halfprice. Beserved Seats, 25 cents extra, Positively no free tickets given to unybody. Fa7~ Tickets can be purebased the days of exhible tion at Chicazo Music Company's, 1st State-st, at the usual slight advance, Aurora, Wonday, Sept. 5. Ottawa, Tursday, Sept. 6. Joliet, Wednesday, Sept. 7. Bloomington, Thursday, Sept. 8 Springyleld, Friday, Sept. 9. Decatur, Saturday, Sept. 100 Peoria, Monday, Sept, 12. Galesburg, Tuetay, Sept. 13. Burlington, Wednesday, Sept. 14. . Quincy, Thursday, Sept. 15. Jacksuncille, Friday, Sept. 16. Jerseyville, Saturday, Sept. 17. ‘ GRAND OPERA-HOUSE, Clark-st, opposite Court-House. D. isl *, W. Pollack Air. WW. 3. DL Ir. J. Tuesday, Thursday, und Saturday Evenings, first time here of s romantig drama, ina Prolozue and 4 acts, by Sir Charles L. Young, Bart., entitled SHADOWS. Lady 3G a Beatrie HENRIETTA VADERS Wednesday Evening, Aug. 31, and Satarday Matinee, Sheridan Knowles’ cetetirated S-Act Play of "EEE WY TE. Marlana,........06, ENKIETYA VADERS Friday Evening, Sept 2, nnd Sunday Evening, Sept. 4, the ever-popular 5-Act Play of LUE A EE. ‘Leah, the Forsuken.... -HENRIEDtA VADERS Stage Manager, Mr. ¥. P. Kilbourne. MONDAY, SEPT. THOOLEY'S COMEDY COMPANY In Egbert Jamleson’s britiant Faree-Comedy, BIRDS OF A FEATHER. SPRAGUE’S OLYMPIC THEATRE, SPECIAL NOTICE. After a continuous, season of ‘Two Years (which closed Sunday, Aug. 3), the Season of 1881-’82 WILL COMMENCE MONDAY, Aug. 29, WITH Sprague’s Gigantic Nov- cliy Combination. 30 STAR ARTISTS 30 Comprising the Cream of the Profession, who will ap- . peur every evening at §, und Matinces’ Wednesday. Saturday, und Sunday, for ‘ ONE WEEE ONLY. ‘This Combination of Celebrities, SPECLALLY EN- GAGED for the large cities at great expense, and uc~ |. knowledged by all ns the “Acme uf Variety ‘Talent, and the best ever before the public. READ. THE LIST OF STARS, Of world-wide fame, who appear only with this Com- bination: ‘whe Original and Only Gencine Bards of Tara, KELLY & RYAN, ‘The Head and Front of an Army of Comedians, ‘The Burlesque Germans, MORHIS AND FIELDS, ‘The leading exponents of German Comedy and Song. MISS IBESSIE BELL, ‘Yhe charming and accomplished Opera Bouffe Artiste ‘The Bright Ebony Diamonds, THE £ ECCENTHIcS, Perry, McGrew, Curdy, and Huzhes, THE MARTELL FAMILY - 3 ‘The greatest Bicycle Itiders in the World. ‘he Premier Song-and-Dance Lady, MISS LIZZIE MULVEY. America’s grentest Horizontal Bar Performers, CAHRDELLO AND VICTORELLI. ‘The Inimitable Four, THE OLYMPIA QUARTETTE, . Thugh Mack, Wm. Keogh, 3. J. Sullivan, and P. Ran~ ary | MARTELL BROTHERS | Wiliam ‘These gentlemen are trury without an equal. Ela | BOKDEAUX SISTERS | Lotta ‘The tending exponents of Sony und Dance, and ‘Champion Lancashire Clo. ‘The Champlon Crayon and Mustesi Artists, George | SPENCE and SARTELLE | Minnie h performance concluding with KELLY and Re Now Rovel Comedy of ‘Irish Blunders, in One 1 ‘Act, Six Scenes, and One Hundred and One *Luuzhs, christened Y FROM GALWAY.” THAT HAW ‘ Jeremiah MeGinty, ‘That Man From Gal- JOLLN T. KELLY np, OS. J. RYAN 2? IS THE BEST COMMENTARY ON DANIEL ROCHAT, Asa work of Dramatic Art, and on Ma. A. M. Palmer’s Union Square =| - Theatre Company Asan exponent thereof, to announce as an unexam= pled fact that despite the very warm weather, STANDING-ROON ONLY - Has Been the Rule at Every Performance, DANIEL ROCHAT until Further Notice. Matinee Wednesday—25, 50, and 7% cts, All other performances at racular prices. Seats may be secured six days In advance- THE BIGGEST YET! Monday Morning, ‘Beals the Cards. Harry Mot Geo. Spenc Frank Field, ytace, his Portner in the Gama. Sanetimonious Long Jaw, who Di (roi the Bottom. AUG. 29. a Be On the Strests and See tt W. Curdy ss und 2 ‘Lost of Guests, ke. CHICAGO NATATORUM, Corner of Michizan-ay. und Jackson-st. Fifth Annual Prize Swimming, Part 1-10 a. m.—For Ladies only. Part 2—¥ p. m.—Ladies admitted, CHICAGO NATATORIUM, 501 und 506 W. Madison-st., West Side. TIIGRSDAY, Sept. 1, 1581, THIRD ANUAL PRIZE SWIRLING, ‘The Longest, Grandest, Most Original, Magniticeny = and Overwhelming MONSTER STREET PROCESSION Ever witnessed in Chicago, and the same resplendent paxeant that brouzht over naif 2 million people to the streets of New York. Owing to lowness of the brides it will be Impossibic to visit the WestSide. THE OFFICIAL ROUTE: Starting from the Lake-Front at § a. m., thence t Part 1—10.2. m. Washington-st., to State, to Kldridze coart to Wa- Part 2-8 p.m. vash-av., to Madison-st., to La Salle, to Franklin, ‘The programme ts most excellent. ‘The exhibition | Luke, to Wabaab-av., to Washington-st, back w grounds. Every ian, Woman, and Child SHOULD SEE IT. LYCEUM THEATRE, Desplaines-st., near Madison. . will be most interesting. ‘The teachers will show bow drowning persons can be rescued, und our pupils will astonish the spectators by perfection in. swimming, diving, &e. Admission, We. LJ. KADISIL Pres. APVICKER’S THEATRE, FOR ONE WEEK ONLY. MONDAY, Aug, 2, tho Successful Comedian, Ni. B. CURTIS, In his great character crestion, SANWTL OF POSEN, - ‘The latest New York Success, presented for fourteen weeks during THE SUMMER SEASON, ‘Monday, Sept. ~The Comedian and Vocalist, “Mi. GUS WILLIAMS, In his new comedy—WANTED, A CARPENTER, THE LAST DAY OF EXCURSION, WILL OPEN FOR THE Fail and Winter Season EARLY IN SEPTEMBER. =" Anefficient Orchestra wanted, capable of playing brass and string. Also ‘a good property man. : Addi ett f 30) Ares Or BPE DWARDS, Manager Lreeum, ee BAUWS PAVILIO: ‘Twenty-second-st, Cottaze Grove and Indisna-s1 ‘This Evening and every evening during the summer Sunday evening and Sunday Matinee, GRAND CONCERE- Admission, 2c; Sunday Matinee. Lc. THE CALEDONIAN GAMES & PICNIC O¥ THE SCOTS’ BATTALION. Bt AY RIVE GROVE: DESPLAINES, Cars leave Wells-ste depot av 92) and 10-3) a me SHRUWS SATURDAY NIGHT RECEP- TION : The Iron Side-Wheel Steamer GRACE GRUMMON ‘Will leave Ciark-st. Bridge to-day at 2:30 p-m., returning at 6 p. m. to South Chicago.. ROUND TRIP 50 CENTS. Last Moonlight Excursion on the Lakeat 8p.m. Fare so cents. SPRAGUE’S OLYMPIC “THEATRE, TO-DAY. (SUNDAY), -AU ‘LAST PERFORM. MATINEE at 23: . MIGHT at $ o'clock, WIN commence Sept, 3, 1891. corner’of Washingioa and Green-sts. 5 - PROPOSALS. : Detroit, Mackinac & Marquette Railroad-Co. 4 3. igi. s Pin cd. speciticntions for extensive Ore Docks’ {2 ; . VERNER'S IRISH DRAMATIC CO. | papal uRSth a kettic of ae tae ooo And of the Great Irish Drama, aE SiStauette, alicht: - Tenders f is z= HUGE MILLAN, - E V ICTION ie siened during AUGUSE 5 crcuary, Detrult, sMepean,, SEY, Met SE Pv. & J. CASEY, 41 and 43 Fifth-ay., Have for sale a large stock of New und Secondhand Goods in Walnat Counters snd Counter Backs, tce Boxes, French and German Glass Plute Bar Mirrors znd Pier Glasses, Kine Wulnut und Stained Glass Bank and Ontice Partitions, Parlor und Bedroom Fur- niture, Book Cases, Show Cases, Shoc Shelvinz, Boxes, and Lounzes, ‘itunges, Heating and Cooking Stoves in endless variety. Also two Fire ung Burge s ‘An early inspection inv! iar Proof Safes, ction invited. . LYDIAN ART GALLERY. WANTED, NOW OPER. WANTED i : A Superb Collection of Eminent Works by Léading a i rh Arita jet . Vickers, entitling holder to two admissions, 25 cts. “Immediately. about 40 feet space, rit ‘ 5 team power to insnufacture Buoxs, Piugs.and Veo! : BUMIS-SUN peeterred: Address P18, Yuune One® 4 103, 105, 107 State-St,