Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1876 — An Operation in Insurance. [ARTICLE]

An Operation in Insurance.

A man in business here, who is somewhat noted for his care in driving a bargain, applied to one of our insurance offices to know the lowest rate at which they would insure SIOO worth of pitch for a month. It was well stored, and the underwriter mechanically replied: “ One per ceDt, Mr. Squeezer.” “ Isn’t that a little high, and could’nt you say three-quarters?” asked the applicant. “ No, sir! Good gracious! Why, ’tie only sl, and we won’t write a policy for less.” “ Very well, send it down to my store, and I’ll take it.” Down to Squeezer’s store went the policy by a cierk, one of the hottest days of the season, and the dollar was collected, but about two weeks afterward the old man come panting into the office quite anxious. “ See here, Mr. President, I’m afraid I shall have to have this policy altered. The insurance on the pitch is all right, but I wish you would cross out the words “ war or civil commotions.” “We cannot do that, Mr. Squeezer, we insure your property against the ordinary hazard of fire, not war or riot." “ Well, well,” said the old man, then I suppose you’ll refund the premium, and. I’ll return the policy.” “ You forgot, Mr. Squeezer, that you, have been insured for two weeks already.^ “Yes, yes; then gi’ me back haif tne premium, an’ cancel it.” Amused at this display of meanness, the official draw fifty cents from his pocket, which the old man seized with avidity, slapped dowp his poliev, and shufHed off with a chuckle, for lie had soil the pitch that morning. The office clerks who overheard the conversation have since been ciphering out the amount of profit accruing to the company by the transaction. —Boston Commercial Bulletin.