The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-01-10

Aceived q large share of attention from this
department, and that there are several
cases now pending to test it's validity. He
urges the passage Of a law giving the in
spector power to condemn unsafe buildings
used either for manufacturing or for places
OF assembling; that it be made mandatory
on owners of elevators to have them pro-
vided with safety catches, and that the
working age of boys be raised from twelve
TO fourteen years.
Commissioner of Mines.
The Office of the commissioner of mines
was created under an act of the legislature
OF 1892. q. L.. 1892, page 80 Under this
act l appointed Robert O'Hara, of Warren
county. His most interesting and valuable
report shows the wisdom of this legislation
and the necessity and usefulness of q COM
missioner to take charge of this subject.
My attention was called to the necessity
of legislation by the condition of affairs at
Oxford, In Warren county, during the past
year, and a Legislative committee recon-
mended the passage Of this act. There is
an omission in the law which ought to be
remedied. 1t does not provide for the pay
ment of expenses incident to the supervi-
sion of mines, and in considering the cues
ton of further legislation suggested by the
commissioner. in his report provision
should be made under proper limitations
for the payment of necessary expenses in
CURED.
The report shows that there were in oper-
alton at the date thereof within the limits
of this state "a mines, IS producing iron ore.
4 zinc, l copper and / ocher; that 8 are To-
Gated in Warren county, 6 in Sussex and 10
in Morris; that there are employed therein
1897 men, of whom 1884 work under
ground and 443 in various capacities upon
the surface. The commissioner calls attep-
ton to the dangerous nature of the employ
ment and the accidents that have occurred
by reason thereof. He has most carefully
attended to the duties of his Office, and the
recommendations made by him are entitled
to consideration.
He recommends
First-That a second outlet be provided
for each mine.
Second-That accurate surveys, accom-
panied by maps, be made of all mines and
deposited in his Office.
Third-That ladders and landings should
receive more attention and be kept in bet
ter repair.
Fourth-That safeguards should be erect
ed in all dangerous places.
Fifth-The adoption of some continuance
to prevent the escape of mining cars into
the mine before the chain or rope is at
tached.
Sixth-The prohibiting of the storing of
explosives in the mines beyond what is
necessary for the days use.
Seyenth-That the dangerous habit of
the, workmen riding in ore buckets to and
from work should be prohibited.
E~ighth-That all new mining operations
should be reported to the commissioner
within thirty days after beginning work.
Ninth-That some competent person at
each mine should be charged with inspect
ing hanging walls and their natural and
artificial supports.
Tenth-That all boilers about the mines
should be inspected by a competent person
at least three times annually.
Eleventh-That all accidents should be
reported to the commissioner.
Twelfth-That all wire ropes used in
hosting should be frequently inspected.
He reports that these recommendations
will not be burdensome either to the EN-.
ployer or employee, but on the contrary
will prove of mutual advantage to both,
and that in addition they are called for by
the highest considerations of safety to those
engaged in this dangerous occupation.
Labor Legislation.
The history of labor legislation in New
Jersey shows more practical gain for the
wageworkers than the history of similar
legislation in any other state in the Union.
In behalf of this large and important body
of our citizens the legislature has passed
various laws to further their interests and
protect their rights.
To guard their health and secure thei1
comfort it has enacted laws
Compelling employers of females in man.
ufacturing, mercantile and mechanical es.
Adjustments to provide suitable seats fol-
their use during employment when not
necessarily engaged in active duties.
Limiting the age and employment hours
of children and women.
Establishing regulations for factories and
workshops to secure the safety and health
of operatives and regulate their working
hours.
Providing against overcrowding in work
places.
Compelling the furnishing of suitable
dressing rooms for females in factories.
Protecting operatives in establishments
where dust is generated and inhaled.
Requiring the ventilation of mines, fac.
tories and bakeshops.
Protecting those engaged in the danger
Gus occupation of mining.
Limiting the number of hours constitute
ing a days work in factories, workshops,
and other establishments.
Laws have been passed for the protection
of life and limb for those engaged in dan.
gerous occupations
By requiring the erection of fire escapes
in factories and mills.
By establishing safeguards against mill
gearings, machinery, hatchways and hoists.
By prohibiting the storing of dangerous
~combustibles in places where they prevent
the egress of employees in case of fire.
By providing regulations to secure en-
ployees from the dangers arising from I'M
guarded machinery and for the outward
opening Of the main doors of factories.
Laws have also been passed to promote
the mental and moral education and ad.
vancement of workmen-
By the establishment of public libraries.
By providing additional school accom-.
mediation, and by compelling the educa-
ton of children to guard against the self
ishness or Indifference of parents.
By creating Saturday half holidays and
establishing q labor day to give time for
recreation and mental advancement.
Laws have been passed to prevent unjust
competition between the great body of
honest workingmen and those laboring in
Our nrisoDs and reforu atorv netitrfiope-