The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-05-22

agriculture and capital, and Philips
(Republican of Pennsylvania), the chair
man OF the labor commission and author
OF the bill, addressed the house.
Mr.. Phillips said in part: This bill
calls attention to the fundamental prin-
ciples OF our government, the equality
or men. and seeks a more equitable dis
trfbution of the burdens and benefits of
our free government While 1t IL not
the function of the state to guarantee
Individual happiness, 1t is its function
to guarantee each individual the right
to pursue happiness. and so fix their
laws that one class may not be COM
PEELED out Of necessity to work solely for
sonal comfort and improvement. This
nation took the most advanced stand in
civilization and Is the best prepared to
meet the industrial issues of the day by
building on the foundation 1t laid more
than one hundred years ago by con-
forming law to the principles of right.
freedom and equality, and thus organize
our social and Industrial system upon
more Just and equitable basis than has
yet obtained in the world.
THE commission provided for by the
bill" he continued, 'is designed to give
an impartial hearing to those who COM
plain OF discriminating laws and un-
equal burdens. 1t IL expected that 1t
will be composed of the ablest and best
Of each class named. The commission
will bring into conference representa-.
tive men Of labor, agriculture and busi
| ness. thus bringing the aggrieved and
those against whom the grievance Is
! made together. whose duty will be to
consider the disturbing causes and rec
ommend laws looking toward a more
just distribution of the burdens and ben
ents OF our free government. 1t is de-
signed to be impartial. non-partisan.
seeking exact facts and conditions and
To C0nfnrVn IoQfQ10fjnr n fha 40 tlnv,
principles Of our government; to place
all men on an equal footing before the
law.
philanthropy is one Of the noblest
traits Of men. but 1t should be expended
in teaching. in lifting UP the race, in car
Ing for the disabled. the suffering and
the helpless; all that others require Is an
equal chance in the race of life, with
none to hinder and none to handicap.
They require Justice and not charity.
Mr.. Chairman, the rights of women
must be more fully recognized in the
future than they have been in the past.
She is constantly entering new indus
trial fields and meeting their require
ments with fidelity and ability. Her ad-
vancement in intellectual and moral
pursuits is without parellel in history.
She is beginning to dominate along the
lines that lead to the betterment of the
race. She has built and endowed more
institutions Of benevolence, Of charity
for the relief Of want and suffering in
the past fifty years than were estab-
lished by both sexes in all preceding
time. Yet, Notwithstanding all this.
many Of her sex. still loyal, in sweat
shops, are fighting an uneven battle for
child and home with avarice and greed.
This blot upon civilization must be re-
moved and womans rights and infiu-
ence be recognized in any future move
ment for the betterment of our indus
trial system"
Mr.. Hooker, Republican, of New York,
chairman Of the committee on rivers
and harbors. then asked that the house
again formally disagree to the senate
amendments to the river and harbor ap-
preparation bill. The house agreed to
Mr.. Hookers motion to disagree. and
the speaker reappointed Messrs. Hooker,
Herman. of Oregon and Catchings of
Mississippi conferees. t-s~ ------- .'' --
Mr.. Lowe, Republican, of New York
supported the Phillips bill ia few re-
marks, after which general debate
closed and the bill was read for amend
| ment. Mr.. Phillips moved an amend
ment to make the composition. of the
commission five representatives each Of
labor, agriculture. manufacturing and
business. This amendment was pending
when, at $40 p. M, the house adjourned.