The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-10-15
FALSE CENSURE OF
THE LEGISLATURE
Work of the Last Session at Harrisburg
ImpartialIy Reviewed.
LAWS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LABOR
Never Before Was SO Much Done for
the Workingman--Th Record of
the Session Examined and Cold
Facts offered in Evidence.

the Workingman--The Record OF
the Session Examined and Cold
Facts offered in Evidence.
From the Wilkes-Barre News.
1t is doubtful whether any legislature
was ever so roundly censured in gen.
eral way as the last one that assembled
at Harrisburg. From time immemorial
it 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 unthinkir z
can readily be led to believe it an all
around nuisance. This year the denun-
citation was as unjust as it was severe.
These structures were either actuated
by partisan bias, factional strife or
personal malice. But the real hard
facts will not in the slightest degree
justify these attacks. Indeed, when
the critics are asked to partcularize,
when they are asked wherein the late
legislature was so sinful, not a single
bill can be recalled that became a law
which is inimical to the interests of the
people, while a review of the legisla-
tion enacted reveals the fact that more
beneficial laws We're passed last session
than at any other single session of the
legislature of this state, or of the legis-
1ature of any other state.
LABOR'S GROWING GIFT.
Labors gift from the last legislature
was measured out more bountifully
than ever before. Nearly all the legis-
lation asked for by the labor organiza-
tions passed both branches and re-
ceived executive approval. President
John Fahy, of the United Mine Workers
of America, and George Chance. presi-
dent of the Philadelphia Typographical
union, were on the ground for nearly
six months in the interest of the many
bills desired by the organizations they
represented, and they do but justice in
their loud praise of the large majority
of members who so cheerfully support
ed their bills.
Never in the history Of the state has
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.
Resides these bills there were Il number
priations for hospitals and other in
stitutions that are of indirect benefit
to the working people, which were
passed through the legislature and Sc
cured executive approval. Altogether
it was a remarkable legislature for the
enactment of labor laws.
BILLS IN DETAIL.
The following labor bills passed the
legislature, and We're approved:
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 articlas be
made under clean and healthful condi-
tions." This bill was presented by Sem
ator j. u. Mitchell, of Jefferson county.
No. An act to regulate the en-
ployment and provide for the health
and safety of men, women and chill
dren in manufacturing establishments,
mercantile industries, laundres, reno
waiting works or printing offices, and to
provide for the appointment of inspec-
tors, office clerks and others to enforce
the same. Also fathered by Senator
Mitchell.
Nc. 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 Sem
ator Thomas, of Philadelphia, and has
created a great sensation since it be-
came law, because in it's 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.
PRISON LABOR.
No. 153-The prison labor bill, enti-
tled an act limiting the number Of
inmates of state prisons, penitentaries,
state reformatories and other penal in
stitutions within the state of Pennsyl-
Nania, 10 be employed in manufacture
ing goods therein and prohibiting the
use of machinery in manufacturing
said goods" This bill was presented
by Representative Muehlbromer, of AL
leEheny county.
No. 1l6-The organization badge bill
presented by Representative McGaugh-
ey of Indiana. This law is entitled an
act ITO prevent the wearing of the
badge or button of any labor or frater-
mai organization by others than men,
bers, and fixing a penalty for the
same This law will reach parties
such as went to Shamokin at the be-
ginning of the present coal strike and
tried to collect money for the strikers.
No. 75-Labor Day bill, presented by
Senator Cochran. This law changes
Labor Day from the first Saturday in
september to the first Monday, thus
making this holiday fall on the same
day designated in most of the other
states, 1t also designates "the DAYS
ana half days to he observed as legal
holidays, and for the payment, accept
ance and protesting of bills, notes.
drafts, checks and other negotiable
paper on such days"
ANTI-BLACK LIST LAW.
No. 49-The famous Weller bill an
act ITO protect employees of corpora
tions in their right to form, join or be-
longing to labor organizations, by pre.
scribmg penalties for any interference
herewith" The penalty for viloation
OF this act Is not more than So 900 nor
less than $1,000 and Imprisonment for
a term not exceeding one year or either
both In tho observation 90 A. oz.-.