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uary, 1894, at which time he entered the office of R. C. Rathbone & Son, of New York City, where he filled various office positions, and at the time of his leaving that office October, 1903, was secretary of the National Standard Insurance Company, and assistant secretary of the Assurance Company of America. He then accepted the position as special agent of the American Insurance Company of Boston, to cover New England and New York states, making his headquarters at Boston, Mass., and remaining with that company until their retirement from business in consequence of the conflagration in San Francisco, April, 1906, where he adjusted their losses, returning to the East in December, 1906, to become the secretary of the Rhode Island Insurance Company. In 1911 he was elected vice-president and secretary of this company, which position he now holds, in addition to being the superintendent of agencies of four French companies, viz., The Union, The Nationale, Phenix, and Abeille Companies of Paris, France.

PIKE, EMORY E., assistant secretary of the National Fire Insurance Company, Hartford, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., October 7, 1872. He received his education in the Johnstown High School and at Union College. He began his insurance career in his father's local agency at Johnstown, and was admitted to the firm in 1893. He was appointed special agent of the Greenwich Insurance Company for New York State in 1898, and on the reinsurance of the company in 1904 he became special agent of the National Fire in New York State. He was called to the home office of the National in 1912 as executive special agent and was elected to his present position in 1913.

PLATT, JOHN OSGOOD, second vice-president of the Insurance Company of North America, was born June 21, 1874. He received a private school education, and began his business career in fire insurance. He is manager of the Children's Hospital, Philadelphia.

PLYER, GEORGE G., M. E., Stevens Institute of Technology, special agent of the Continental Insurance Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. He is a native of New York and began his insurance career there in 1892. He was special agent of the Continental, with headquarters at Philadelphia from 1901 to 1906, and general agent at the home office from 1906 to 1908, when he was appointed to his present position with headquarters at Pittsburgh, Pa.

POLICY FORMS AND LAWS. Agitation for a uniform policy began almost in the infancy of what may be called the modern practice of fire underwriting. In the records of the Salamander Society of New York, which was an organization of local fire insurance companies in 1821, and the forerunner of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters, allusion is made to the appointment of a special committee to draft a form. This committee reported to the association June 19, 1821, with a proposed form, which, after it had been submitted to the directors of the company separately, and had received their approval, was

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adopted and came into general use. It was the model upon which all subsequent improved policies were made in the United States.

The National Board of Fire Underwriters was organized in 1866, and the very first subject which claimed its attention after it convened was a form of policy, the board resolving, "that this board recommend to the executive committee to draft a fire policy to be used by all fire insurance companies belonging to this association." A form was reported to the board at its second annual meeting, in 1868, and adopted. Although the subject of a uniform standard policy to become obligatory was stirred up in the legislatures of New York and Massachusetts several years prior to this, Connecticut appears to have been the first state actually to adopt a law requiring a standard form, which was in 1867. The law, however, was repealed a year later.

It should be added that many companies have adopted the New York standard for use wherever there is no other compulsory form, so that, with the exception of the slight changes made by the Michigan form, and the special forms in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Iowa, Oregon, and Wisconsin, a uniform policy is written by the leading companies all over the United States. The laws of several states require that the New York standard form be used. The laws of Arizona, West Virginia, Idaho, and Washington require that no policy shall be issued in the state other than the New York standard form "as now or may be hereafter instituted," but Washington and Idaho make exceptions to permit the use of riders adding to or relating to those contained in the policy, and permitting forms of description and specifications of the property insured. The West Virginia law permits such changes and additions as the insurance commissioner may deem proper. The laws of Georgia require that "each and every company shall adopt and write a standard or uniform policy such as may be prescribed by the commissioner." A Maryland law requires that all policies issued in the state shall have marked or stamped the words, "authorized to do business in the state of Maryland" with a fac-simile of the signature of the insurance commissioner. The insurance commissioner of West Virginia has ruled that the requirement of the New York law regarding the selection of an umpire shall be attached to policies issued in West Virginia. [For a history and summary of legislation in the different states regarding standard forms, see Cyclopedia for 1911-13 and earlier volumes.]

In recent years criticism and suggestions have resulted in new forms being proposed, and a committee of the National Convention of Insurance Commissioners early in 1915 reported a proposed form, which the committee approved and submitted for criticism. There was legislation in 1915 in Iowa Maine, Washington, and South Carolina, amending the existing requirements in those states, and North Carolina and Pennsylvania enacted legislation prescribing a new form, which is substantially the form proposed by the committee of the Insurance Commissioners Convention.

The Iowa legislation provided that every fire insurance company or association authorized to transact business in the state "shall conduct its business in the name under which it is incorporated, and

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the policies issued by it shall be headed or entitled only by such name. There shall not appear on the face of the policy or on its filing back, anything that would indicate that it is the obligation of any other than the company responsible for the payment of losses under the policy, though it will be permissible to stamp or print on the bottom of the filing back, the name or names of the department or general agency issuing the same." Additional sections prohibit the use of advertising matter “tending to conceal or misrepresent the true identity of the insurer or insurance company which is carrying the liability under any policy issued in the state.'

The Maine legislature adopted an amendment respecting cancellation, and Section 2 of the act reads as follows:

Section 2. There shall be printed on the margin of the policy near the part thereof that relates to cancellation, in type not smaller than long primer, or attached to such policy by rider in the form permitted by law the following: "If the premium on this policy has not been paid to the company or its agent, or to the duly license insurance broker through whom the contract of insurance was negotiated, this policy may be cancelled by the company in the manner herein provided without tendering to the assured any part of the premium."

The South Carolina legislature in 1915 passed the following: "That hereafter any clause in any policy of insurance purporting or undertaking to limit or invalidate the force of such policy in case of encumbrance by real estate mortgage of the property insured by such policy shall be, and the same is hereby, declared to be null and

void.'

The New Hampshire legislature amended the present law (Section 1, Chapter 170, Laws of 1885) giving the insurance commissioner power to prescribe the shape and size" of the standard policy.

The Pennsylvania legislature of 1915 adopted a standard policy law, which takes effect January 1, 1916. A company may print in the policy its name, location, and plan of operation, whether stock or mutual, together with description and specifications of property insured; and the words "Pennsylvania Standard Policy.' A company not incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania may print any provisions required by its charter or deed of settlement or by the laws of its own state or country; not contrary to the laws of this Commonwealth," but the commissioner may require any provision which in his opinion “modifies the contract in such way as to affect the question of loss" to be appended by slip or rider. Provisions adding to or modifying the standard provisions, may be attached either in writing or by printed slips or riders. Such riders must be printed in type not smaller than long primer, and blanks in the form may be filled in print or writing. The form reads as follows:

Insertion of name of company or companies issuing the policy and other matter permitted to be stated at the head of the policy.

Amount, $..

...; Rate,...

; Premium, $

In consideration of the stipulations herein named and of..

dollars premium does insure..

and legal representatives to the extent of the actual cash value (ascertained with proper deductions for depreciation) of the property at the time of loss or damage, but not exceeding the amount which it would cost to repair or replace the same with

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material of like kind and quality within a reasonable time after such loss or damage, without allowance for any increased cost of repair or reconstruction by reason of any ordinance or law regulating construction or repair, and without compensation for loss resulting from interruption of business or manufacture for the term of..

19.

.from 19..... at noon, to at noon, against

all direct loss and damage by fire, and by removal from premises endangered by fire, except as herein provided, to an amount not exceeding.. dollars,. to the following described property while located and contained as described herein, or pro rata for five days at each proper place to which any of the property shall necessarily be removed for preservation from fire, but not elsewhere, namely:

This policy is made and accepted subject to the foregoing stipulations and conditions, and to the stipulations and conditions printed on the back hereof, which are hereby made a part of this policy, together with such other provisions, stipulations, and conditions as may be indorsed hereon or added hereto as herein provided.

In witness whereof, this company has executed and attested these presents.

(Date and signatures, and titles of officers and agents.)

This entire policy shall be void if the insured has concealed or misrepresented any material fact or circumstances concerning this insurance or the subject thereof; or in case of any fraud or false swearing by the insured touching any matter relating to this insurance or the subject thereof, whether before or after a loss.

This policy shall not cover accounts, bills, currency, deeds, evidences of debt, money, notes, or securities; nor, unless specifically named hereon in writing, bullion, manuscripts, mechanical drawings, dies, or patterns.

This company shall not be liable for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by invasion, insurrection, riot, civil war, or commotion, or military or usurped power, or by order of any civil authority; or by theft; or by neglect of the insured to use all reasonable means to save and preserve the property at and after a fire, or when the property is endangered by fire in neighboring premises.

This entire policy shall be void, unless otherwise provided by agreement in writing added hereto,

(a) If the interest of the insured be other than unconditional and sole ownership; or (b) if the subject of insurance be a building on ground not owned by the insured in fee simple; or (c) if, with the knowledge of the insured, foreclosure proceedings be commenced, or notice given of sale of any property insured hereunder, by reason of any mortgage or trust deed; or (d) if any change other than by the death of an insured take place in the interest, title, or possession of the subject of insurance (except change of occupants without increase of hazard); or (e) if this policy be assigned before a loss.

Unless otherwise provided by agreement in writing added hereto, this company shall not be liable for loss or damage occurring,—

(a) While the insured shall have any other contract of insurance, whether valid or not, on property covered in whole or in part by this policy; or

or

(b) While the hazard is increased by any means within the control of the insured;

(c) While mechanics are employed in building, altering, or repairing the described premises beyond a period of fifteen days; or

(d) While illuminating gas or vapor is generated on the described premises, or while (any usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding) there is kept, used, or allowed on the described premises, fireworks, greek fire, phosphorus, explosives, benzine, gasoline, naphtha, or any other petroleum product of greater inflammability than kerosene oil, gunpowder exceeding twenty-five pounds, or kerosene oil exceeding five barrels; or

(e) If the subject of insurance be a manufacturing establishment, while operated in whole or in part between the hours of ten post meridian and five ante meridian, or while it ceases to be operated beyond a period of ten days; or

While a described building, whether intended for occupancy by owner or tenant, is vacant or unoccupied beyond a period of ten days; or

(g) By explosion or lightning unless fire ensue, and in that event for loss or damage by fire only.

Unless otherwise provided by agreement in writing added hereto, this company shall not be liable for loss or damage to any property insured hereunder while incumbered by a chattel mortgage, and during the time of such incumbrance this company shall be liable only for loss or damage to any other property insured hereunder.

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If a building or any material part thereof fall, except as the result of fire, all insurance by this policy on such building or its contents shall immediately cease.

The extent of the application of insurance under this policy, and of the contribution to be made by this company in case of loss or damage, and any other agreement not inconsistent with or a waiver of any of the conditions or provisions of this policy, may be provided for by agreement in writing added thereto.

No one shall have power to waive any provision or condition of this policy, except such as by the terms of this policy may be the subject of agreement added thereto; nor shall any such provision or condition be held to be waived unless such waiver shall be in writing added hereto; nor shall any provision or condition of this policy or any forfeiture, be held to be waived by any requirement, act, or proceeding on the part of this company relating to appraisal or to any examination herein provided for nor shall any privilege or permission affecting the insurance hereunder exist or be claimed by the insured unless granted herein or by rider added hereto.

This policy shall be cancelled at any time at the request of the insured; in which case the company shall, upon demand and surrender of this policy, refund the excess of paid premium above the customary short rates for the expired time. This policy may be cancelled at any time by the company, by giving to the insured a five days' written notice of cancellation, with or without tender of the excess of paid premium above the pro rata premium for the expired time, which excess, if not tendered. shall be refunded on demand. Notice of cancellation shall state that said excess premium (if not tendered) will be refunded on demand.

This company shall not be liable for a greater proportion of any loss or damage than the amount hereby insured shall bear to the whole insurance covering the property, whether valid or not, and whether collectible or not.

"

"

The word noon herein means noon of standard time at the place of loss or damage.

On

If loss or damage is made payable in whole or in part to a mortgagee not named herein as the insured, this policy may be cancelled as to such interest by giving to such mortgagee a ten days' written notice of cancellation. Upon failure of the insured to render proof of loss, such mortgagee shall, as if named as insured hereunder, but within sixty days after such failure, render proof of loss, and shall be subject to the provisions hereof as to appraisal and time of payment and of bringing suit. payment to such mortgagee of any sum for loss or damage hereunder, if this company shall claim that as to the mortgagor or owner no liability existed, it shall, to the extent of such payment, be subrogated to the mortgagee's right to recovery and claim upon the collateral to the mortgagee debt, but without impairing the mortgagee's right to sue, or it may pay the mortgage debt and require an assignment thereof and of the mortgage; other provisions relating to the interest and obligation of such mortgagee may be added hereto by agreement in writing.

The insured shall give immediate notice in writing to this company of any loss or damage, protect the property from further damage, forthwith separate the damaged and undamaged personal property, put it in the best possible order, furnish a complete inventory of the destroyed, damaged, and undamaged property, stating the quantity and cost of each article and the amount claimed thereon; and the insured shall, within sixty days after the fire, unless such time is extended in writing by this company, render to this company a proof of loss, signed and sworn to by the insured, stating the knowledge and belief of the insured as to the time and origin of the fire; the interest of the insured and of all others in the property; the cash value of each item thereof and the amount of loss or damage thereto; all incumbrances thereon; all other contracts of insurance, whether valid or not, covering any of said property; and a copy of all the descriptions and schedules in all policies; any changes in the title, use, occupation, location, possession, or exposures of said property since the issuing of this policy; and by whom and for what purpose any building herein described and the several parts thereof were occupied at the time of fire; and shall furnish, if required, verified plans and specifications of any building, fixtures, or machinery destroyed or damaged. The insured as often as may be reasonably required shall exhibit to any person designated by this company all that remains of any property herein described, and submit to examinations, under oath, by any person named by this company, and subscribe the same; and, as often as may be reasonably required, shall produce for examination all books of account, bills, invoices, and other vouchers, or certified copies thereof if originals be lost, at such reasonable time and place as may be designated by this company or its representative, and shall permit extracts and copies thereof to be made.

In case the insured and this company shall fail to agree as to the amount of loss or damage, each shall, on the written demand of either, select a competent and disinterested appraiser. The appraisers shall first select a competent and disinterested umpire, and, failing for fifteen days to agree upon such umpire, then, on request of