The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1897-10-07
LAWS THAT
FOSTER LABOR.
Never Before Was So Much Done
For the WOrkingman.
THE LAST LEGISLA-
TURE'S NOBLE WORK.
Labor Receives the First and High
est Consideration Among
All Other Interests.

II has been the custom to CRITICIZE the
school teacher the local editor, the
preacher and the postmaster. but In
recent years the legislature has been
added to the list, and the unthinking
can readily be led to believe 1t an all
around nuisance. This year the de-
nunciation was as unjustsas 1t was Sc
we're These structures were either
actuated by partisan bias, factional
strife or personal malice. But the real
hard facts will not in the slightest de-
gree justify these attacks Indeed. when
the critics are asked to particularize,
when they are asked wherein the late
Legislature was SO sinful, not single
bin can be recalled that became law
that is nimiCal to the interests OF
the people, while review of all the leg
| islation enacted reveals the fact that
more beneficial laws We're passed last
session than at any other single seS-
sion of the legislature of this state, or
of the legislature of any other state.
Factioralism at Harrisburg ran high
for IA time. due in part to the lively
contest for United States senator. But
ii was not the first time, nor is it likely
to be the last, that will witness con-
fusion attending the conquest for this
proud eift of the people. So long as
the constitution requires the legisla-
ture to perform the function of elect
ing the two members of the upper
branch of congress just so long will
there recur at intervals spirited strug-
giles for the coveted place. But this
contest was productive of factional
conflict only, and that was ephemeral.
To, h,tf
that has subsidized. For 4 time the
ghouls OF false accusation were able
to obscure facts and shade truths, and
Ia the din of the strife led some to be-
lieve horrible tale. But with the
smoke of battle lifted, and the field
once more in clear view, with passions
. appeased, and reason and common
sense enthroned, it is discovered that
not men nor factions were in control.
but that the grand old Republican
party was the safe guide that placed
the last Legislature first among the
many that have kept step with ad-
vancement and done good deeds for
the masses.
LABORS CROWNING GIFT.
Labors gift from the last Legislature
was measured out more bountifully
than ever before. Nearly all the leg
q islation asked for by the labor organi-
A cations passed both branches and re-
2 ceived executive approval
/. President John Fahy, of the United
Mine Workers of America, and NJ.
George Chance president of the Phila-
delphia Typographical union, were on
the ground for nearly six months In
| "a inf nf
by the organizations they represented,
and they do but justice in their loud
! praise of the large majority of mem
J bers who SO Cheerfully supported their
bills.
, Never in the history of the state has
70 there been so many laws enacted for
the benefit of the grand army of work.
ingmen. These bills include measures
that regulate almost every character
| of industry in the state. and many of
= them are of the greatest Importance.
Besides these bills there were number
/ of minor measures, principally appro-
e priations for hospitals and other in
, stitutions that are of Indirect benefit
to the working people, which We're pass
i. ed through the legislature and secured
executive approval Altogether il was
a remarkable Legislature for the en-
actment of labor laws.
The following labor bills passed the
Legislature. and all We're approved with
the exception of the Orme store bill.
No. 43-COmmonly known as the
sweat shop bill, entitled An act to reg
ulate the employment and provide for
the health and safety of persons en-
ployed where clothing. cigarettes and
certain other articles are made or par
TALLY made, and that said articles be
made under clean and healthful Condi-
tions." This bill was presented by Sena-
tor J. G. Mitchell, of jefferson county.
No. An act To regulate the employ
ment and provide for the health and
safety of men, women and children in
manufacturing establishments, mer-
camille industries, laundries, renovating
works or printing offices, and to pro-
vide for the appointment of inspectors
Office clerks and Others to enforce the
: same. Also fathered by Senator Mitch
ell.
No. 122-The famous bake shop bill,
entitled an act "to regulate the manu-
, facture of flour and meal food pro-
ducts"
This bill was fathered by Senator
Thomas of Philadelphia. and has Gre
ated n great sensation since 1t became
n law, because in its enforcement
many bake shops have been exposed as
utterly unfit for the purpose of baking
bread. 1t is law calculated to promote
cleanliness and health in the products
Of bakeries.
No. 153-The prison labor bill, en-
titled an act limiting the number of
inmates Of state prisons. penitentaries.
state reformatories and other penal in
stitutions within the state OF Pennsyl-
vania, to be employed in manufacture
ing goods therein and prohibiting the use
| of machinery in manufacturing said
goods" This bill was presented by Rep
resentative Muehlbromer Of Allegheny
| county.
No. 116-The organization badge bill.
presented by Representative McGaugh-
, ey. of Indiana. This law is entitled an
| act "to prevent the wearing of the
badge or button of any labor or frater-
nal organization by others than men,
hAr0 nd A~t