Exhibit 99(a)



HARTFORD, CT, May 1, 1996 --The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance 
Company has announced that Donald M. Carlton has resigned as executive vice 
president and as a director of the company, effective May 1.

Carlton, 58, is president and chief executive officer of Radian International
LLC, the new company formed in January which combined Hartford Steam Boiler's
subsidiary, Radian, with a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow
Environmental Inc.  Hartford Steam Boiler owns 40 percent of Radian
International LLC and Dow Chemical owns 60 percent.

"With my new responsibilities as head of Radian International LLC, I believe
I can best serve the shareholders of Hartford Steam Boiler by focusing my
energies on the success of this new joint venture," Carlton said.  The
Austin, Texas-based company provides engineering, environmental, information
technology, remediation, and strategic chemical management services to 
industries and governments worldwide.

Hartford Steam Boiler President and Chief Executive Officer Gordon W. Kreh
credited Carlton for substantial contributions to Hartford Steam Boiler and its
board of directors.  Carlton served as the president of Radian Corporation
since 1969, as a director of Hartford Steam Boiler since 1975, and as 
executive vice president since 1992.