The examiner. (Hartford, Conn.) 1881-188?, 1886-08-21
WATERBURY,.

The law passed by the last General
Assembly provides that emo child under
thirteen years of age shall be employed in
any mechanical, mercantile or manufacture
ing establishment" This law is violated
every day in Waterbury. Perhaps, the
Waterbury Manufacturing Co.'S pay roll
will show it. Possibly, the Waterbury
Buckle Co.'S time books, under the manage
ment of ex-Representative Smith may
demonstrate it. Capitalists are ever on
the alert to secure cheap labor, no matter
whom it harms, if it does not decrease div
idends or injure the pocketbook. Hon.
Giles Potter of Essex is paid salary by
the State to visit its cities and towns and
to ascertain such facts as will show any
violation of this law. When he makes his
rounds in Waterbury, our manufacturers
are on the alert to receive him. They dis
charge their boys and girls for week, and
re-hire them just as soon as the Hon Mr..
Potter buys his ticket for Hartford. If he
would make pilgrimage to our shops un-
announced, he would find business enough
to keep him busy for, year. If he only
visits us "for forms sake" he is successful.
If he comes to our city to do actual good,
he is beaten every time. THE EXAMINER
man protests against this outrage of en-
ploying children of tender years, in de-
fence of. law,as he does against the appoint
ment of such man as Potter who seems
to be unwilling or unable to have the law
enforced. Even if there was no law
against it, the protest is equally strong on
grounds of humanity. It is human serfdom.
1t deprives the present hour of the inno-
cent, happy, unrestrained laugh of child
hood. 1t robs the future of the sturdiness
of manhood and womanhood, on which the
ages to come can only rest. The dollars
of capitalists are sickly and contemplate
in comparison with the loss now and here
after to society and good government.
The Connecticut Turn Verein held their
ninth annual festival in Waterbury, last
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
The various German societies from out of
town were handsomely received by our
home organizations on the arrival of their
trains Saturday evening, and, after being
escorted through the principal streets,
which were Illuminated by fire works the
entire route, they were escorted to Armory
Hall. Here fine collation., prepared by
the ladies, awaiting them, to which ample
justice was done. Attorney Deitmeir, as
manager, addressed the guests in German,
as did President Hahn. Mayor -Boughton
gave the freedom of the city," in fitting
words. Comptroller Munson, Ex-Mayor
hendrlcK ana Ju0ge CoWell also had each
pleasant and appropriate word to say.
Everyone seemed delighted and happy.
The sacred concert given at the armory
Sunday evening, by Hallam;s Orchestra
and the Concordia and Lyra singing soci-
cites was a complete success. The building
was packed to its utmost capacity, and the
music was perfection. It was certainly a
rare treat to the people of Waterbury.
Monday evening an immense crowd assem-
bled at the armory to receive the governor
and to witness the evolutions of the Turn
er's. About half past eight, Mr.. Harrison
of New Haven, who is at present acting as
governor by the choice of the Legislature,
appeared in the hall under proper escort.
He made rather a lengthy speech, abound
ing largely in platitudes intended to fatter
the German people, and when he suggested
how much filter his predecessor, Gov.
Waller, could have addressed them, the
applause was unbounded. Tuesday was a
great day for the Turner's at Concordia
Grove, and when, in "the wee sma' hours
of Tuesday night, the clans disbanded,
every one voted the funniest of 1886 a
success, and every one had a word of
thanks and congratulation for the able
management whose industry made it SO.