tion his library- -a legacy that should ever be cherished as sacred to the memory of one we loved. I knew him well. It was my privilege to be associated with him in field work as much as any one else on this floor. I have known him for more than twenty years. In all that time he, in the conscientious discharge of every obligation, stood preëminently before me as the embodiment of what is noble, and manly, and good. We respected him for his intelligence; we honored him for honesty of purpose. True to his family, true to his friends, true to himself. What can we do that will add to the grandeur of such a character? The story is truly, yet briefly told, when we simply say, Jacob Peetrey was a manly man. How fittingly the words of another apply to our departed friend. On Mt. McGregor it was recently said of the immortal Grant: "Such lives do not go out, they go on." Thus, too, it ever is with the noble and good, even in the humbler walks of life. Ever onward, ever upward, leaving behind them an undying echo that lingers in the heart, lingers in the home, 'mid cherished memories of the hearthstone. Mr. Ostrander It occurred yesterday that a vast multitude of people from Illinois and other Western States assembled in Chicago to witness the unveiling of a monument erected to the memory of a great general and distinguished citizen-one who, at a critical moment in our national existence, rendered to the State and to civilization a most important service. In grateful acknowledgment of this service, and to do honor to the memory of a great military chieftain, on a wet and chilly October afternoon, everywhere in this city places of business were closed and the merchant, manufacturer, capitalist and laborer, in great numbers, visited Lincoln Park, to participate in ceremonies that have no other significance than to testify their appreciation of one who, acting in reference to important public affairs, had performed his duty well. While it is proper that we should accord due honor to the chief who led our armies to victory, we are reminded that it is not alone to the statesman and general that we are indebted for the blessings we enjoy; for the happiness that comes to us through the peaceful and orderly arrangement of our social life; for the protection of our rights; the security of our homes and the companionship of good men. He who can successfully command himself is not less than he who suc not. cessfully commands armies; he who captures the hearts of his fellows by the silent influence of a noble life is not less than he who conquers cities with the aid of military power-and such a man was Jacob Peetrey. If his name is not written on the page of history, it matters There are many who will remember his genial face, kind, encouraging words and benevolent deeds, with that sort of love and gratitude that makes hearts to swell and glow with kindlier feelings towards their fellows. No life was ever made to bear heavier burdens because of Jacob Peetrey. He was never a thorn in anyone's flesh; his nature had the freshness, bloom and joy of spring. He has added to the sweetness and beauty of life. Those with whom he came in contact were often made better, and the influence of his stalwart manhood and warm heart has touched other lives, quickening kindlier and stronger impulses that will mold character and influence conduct while he rests quietly in the churchyard of London, unconscious of the ripening harvests which others will gather from his planting. He recognized in its fulness the fact That which issues from the heart alone Will bend the hearts of others to our own. Some ten years ago Mr. Peetrey and myself were mutually interested in the adjustment of a loss. After meeting the claimant and inquiring into the circumstances concerning the fire, we reached the conclusion that the claim was a bad fraud. During the evening we discovered a technical defense which formed the basis of a hope that we should be able to defeat the rascality. About 1 o'clock in the morning I was awakened by a determined rap at my door, which, after lighting the gas, I opened without waiting to dress. Mr. Peetrey entered, a picture of distress, and without waiting for me to inquire the purpose of his unseasonable visit, he proceeded to explain that he had not been able to sleep-that he did not like, he said, "the ex parte starchamber method" we had adopted of trying and convicting a man. for arson. He reminded me that the claimant had a family; that if the plan we had agreed upon was successful, it would result in his bankruptcy; that while the circumstances looked very bad, it was possible, after all, that satisfactory explanations could be made. After discussing the matter for some two hours, we agreed that the claimant should have the next morning a fair trial. Mr. Peetrey returned to his room with his conscience much relieved. The next morning the claimant did not appear, and later in the day, on learning that he had 679853 A run away, Mr. Peetrey said to me, with a half humorous and half sad smile, that he guessed "the claimant had in some way found out that we had decided to give him a fair trial, and that he had probably concluded it would be safer for him to skip out of the country." Mr. Peetrey would never accept an advantage at the expense of another's rights. His judgment was always dominated by a sentiment of justice. Dear, faithful companion, unselfish, indifferent of wealth or distinction, but with a heart always full of trust and tenderness, we feel deeply your loss. The ear of your great soul has listened to the music of the spheres, purifying and elevating your nature above meaner desires and ambitions that attract and move others less nobly endowed. If those who were your companions can live better because they have felt the touch of your spirit, monuments of metal and stone we need not raise to your memory. A well known poet has written : Voice of earth to earth return, Prayers of saints, that inly burn— As God lives, is permanent. May the good Lord judge brother Peetrey with the same measure of justice, mercy and charity that he has shown in judging his fellow men. The memorials were adopted by a silent rising vote. Mr. J. C. Griffiths In order to bring Mr. Hine's paper before this meeting for proper consideration, I beg to offer the following resolution : Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to send a copy of the paper read by Mr. C. C. Hine to the Superintendent of every Insurance Department in the Northwest, requesting him to secure its publication in the local papers so far as possible, and that a member of this Association be appointed in each State to secure such publication, and make it his special duty to bring action in State Boards to procure agitation. The President Gentlemen, this resolution was offered, I presume, to secure expression on Mr. Hine's paper. Mr. W. F. Fox In furtherance of this movement, which is in the right direction, I would like to offer an amendment, if you will consent; which is, that enough copies be stricken off to give the Local Agents each a copy. We must begin to plant the seed down in the earth, begin with the Local Agent, let him have a copy to read, and he will agitate the subject with his neighbor and help secure legislation. Furnishing copies to the Insurance Departments is all right, printing in the newspapers is all right, but does not go far enough. I offer this as an amendment to Mr. Griffiths' proposition. Mr. Griffiths I do not know, Mr. President, that I am in a condition of mind to accept Mr. Fox's amendment. It would be a very good thing, of course, for the Local Agent to have a copy of the pamphlet, together with the several communications which Mr. Hine was kind enough to read, but when you take up the job of distributing copies to all the Local Agents in this great Northwest, you have taken quite a big contract. Mr. Fox Let each Special Agent take out enough to furnish to the Local Agents in his field. Mr. Howard Gray Mr. President, as I understand it, that portion of the original motion which calls for reference to the State Boards for the purpose of securing agitation on the subject, covers the whole ground. When this is done in State Boards, I think it will very soon reach the Locals. If it does not, it will be slower than most of the general insurance bills we have. Mr. W. E. Page— It occurs to me that Mr. Fox's suggestion is good, and I think that the printing of sufficient copies of this paper to send one to the secretary of each State Board, and the secretary of those different associations, is an excellent idea, and distributions should be made through that channel. Mr. Chas. Lyman Case— Mr. President, it appears to me that the purport of Mr. Fox's amendment will be accomplished without the passage of the amendment or the taking of the action implied in it. It is especially the intelligent and capable Local Agent whom it is particularly desired to reach. I presume that this paper will be published in the Insurance Monitor. All intelligent agents take the Monitor, therefore they will all receive a copy of Mr. Hine's paper. Mr. T. H. Smith There is one thing here that we are about to lose sight of. Under our By-laws, as I understand, we have no fund to pay the expense of this printing. Our By-laws so stand, for the reason that a few years ago we found the printing of a special edition created some dissatisfaction among some gentlemen who favored us with papers and thought such discrimination was hardly warranted; hence, under the present By-laws, we have no authority to print special editions at the expense of the Association. Mr. J. O. Wilson— I would like to ask Mr. Hine if there would be any objection, in his judgment, to furnishing copies of the correspondence had by him with the different Governors (including the Governor of North Carolina). The advantage, if there were no objection, would be that the authorities of the different States would see the support that they already have in the expressed opinion of one and another of these, without which they might not be so prompt to act, and with which they would probably feel that they were in line with a large and growing sentiment in favor of the proposition. I think it would materially help the circulation and success of this document, if it were known by each Governor that these other Governors favored the plan. Mr. Hine I would remark, in response to Mr. Wilson's query, that I have turned over the letters to the stenographer for the purpose of having those portions printed in the Proceedings. I will regard those as the property of the Association, and also other letters which I can furnish giving expressions of opinion from other Governors. If we are to do anything, we might as well do it in a thorough manner. I shall be the more gratified, because it will enable me, through this channel, to correct a great error that has been going around this broad land. The Governor of North Carolina did say what I have attributed to him. The President As I read it, gentle You will allow me a word on this resolution. men, this resolution contemplates the appointment of a member of this Association from each State to assist in securing such publication, and makes it his special duty to promote agitation. Mr. Hine will be very promptly supplied with the names of that committee, which will be very promptly appointed if this resolution is passed; and I take it |