162 New analyik Formula and Tabic 



neglect and indifference to encourage and promote any emenda- 

 tion or extension devised in seeking out the ramifications of 

 theory subordinate to practice. Where then is the consistency, 

 in what is contained the poHcy of the immediate supporters of 

 these schemes, or the engagements formed therein with them? If 

 indeed they are to be identified with a character for disinterested- 

 ness, liberality and ingenuousness, and assuredly connive not at 

 the intervention of stratagem, let them cease longer to hold 

 out beacons deceptive, as well as those false lights that dazzle 

 in the presence, but do not inform and direct the mind of the 

 beholder, if all this be through a cause inadvertently, and not of 

 design to impose on or delude the unwary. In glancing over 

 these observations, it is likely they will be accounted matter of 

 assertion unsupported by testimony of fact: that this may not 

 supervene, I shall recognise, though among several, one circum- 

 stance only as of recent occurrence in exemplification, and to 

 show that they have not sprung out of a feeling of invective or 

 prejudice, and as in the sequel there will be cause still to con- 

 demn the selfish and mercenary spirit by which such of these 

 public bodies are actuated. 



In the course of reference made to me on the subject of con- 

 tingent property, I was lately requested to report upon the value 

 of three policies of assurance, effected in certainly a vcrv popular 

 and flourishing concern : I allude not to the Equitable^ for there in 

 all its affairs we find a conscientious and scrupulous regard paid 

 to the equitable claims and interest of all its members indiscri- 

 minately alike : thus a true parent of nature marks no distinc- 

 tion in the being of a common family and stock. 



We will now briefly state the terms and dates of these policies 

 when effected; they are as under — the life now in forty-first year 

 of age : Prem. paid. 



1. .. 500 .. 12/. 55.5^. ..1806 



2. .. 500 .. 12 15 5 .. 1808 



3. .. 1000 .. 26 2 6 .. 1809 



"2000 51 3 4 



In the proposed consideration here it is necessary merely to 

 remark, that upon a direct appeal of the party at the office to 

 ascertain the sums that would be returned in lieu of the claims 

 existing on a surrender being made conformably with the usual 

 practice — thcv were the following nominally: 



l'.. 30/. 2 .. 23/. 3 .. 40/. 



However, it may be replied by those in the conduct and ma- 

 nagement of the offices, that the sum the directors may, in ca- 

 price, think proper and choose to offer when they cancel a policy. 



I 



