5.40 p.m.
Japanese Fire Insurance Companies are legally absolved by virtue of the clause not admitting responsibility arising from fires due directly or indirectly to an earthquake. The policy holders will merely receive. a refund covering the unexpired period. Following the example of the American underwriters at the time Of the earthquake at San Francisco, the Japanese under-wri.ers will probably voluntarily offer a certain solatium besides the unexpired portion. A decision as to what action they will take is expected shortly. The extent of the damage cannot at present be ascertained.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.