Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1898 — HEAVY MARINE LOSSES. [ARTICLE]

HEAVY MARINE LOSSES.

An Unusually Disastrous Season for • Fresh Water N.i vitiation. Marine losses during lb!)S were materially greater than during any previous season on the lakes. Up to-the middle of July insurance men were congratulating themselves that they were doing well. The losses hail been few, and there was a large, margin of premiums to cover the latter half of the season. Along in September the trouble began, and it did not cease until the last boat was in port at the <dose of the season. The trouble was not confined to any one cause. Fire contributed an unusual number of big losses, but strandings were preeminent. The collision item was much smaller than in previous years. As to the grand total of losses from all causes, no two underwriters mirkc estimates within a half of a million dollars of one another. A general average of statements made-by people who are in touch with the business places the aggregate loss at about $2,liOU.Oili). Vessel men, who are fearful of high rates next season, protest that these figures are too high. In a list of sli'J losses the causes assigned were as follows; Ashore, 123: aground in protected channels, 12d; fire, 40; collisions, IM); ice, 1U; storm beaten, IMJ; foundered, S; miscellaneous causes, 110.