hundred millions of accumulations belonging to their policy holders,
from which no possible benefit, in most cases, will ever accrue to them.
We therefore emphasize the proposition that a system of insurance that
relieves the insurer of one half the pecuniary burden he is compelled to
bear under the level premium system, is one that is worthy of fair
treatment on the part of a discriminating public, and that the people
cannot afford to have impeded in its usefulness by ignorance, prejudice,
or moneyed monopolies. We repeat the claim for assessment insurance that
it is _natural_ as against _artificial_ insurance.

It is pure insurance as against insurance and banking combined.

It is within the comprehension of ordinary minds. It is adapted to the
wants of the people, because they can easily avail themselves of it, and
as easily discontinue it without material or considerable loss.

It is within the reach of a much greater proportion of the people on
account of its small comparative cost, and the ease with which payments
can be made in small amounts. More than sixteen hundred thousand of the
citizens of this country are now availing themselves of its advantages,
as against about six hundred thousand in level premium companies while
the former represent more than thirty-seven hundred millions of
insurance, as against about fifteen hundred millions represented by the
latter.

The disbursements of assessment companies to families of deceased
members reach the munificent sum of more than twenty-two millions of
dollars annually. The national organization of Mutual Benefit Assessment
Associations of America is exerting a most healthful influence in
elevating the standard of those companies that comprise its membership.