The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-10-06

All Other Interests.
1t is doubtful whether any legislature
was ever so roundly censured in a gem
eral way as the last one that assembled
at Harrisburg. From time immemorial
1t 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 it an all
around nuisance. This year the de-
nunciation was as unjust as it 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 a single
bill can be recalled that became a law
that is inimical to the interests of
the people, while a review of all the leg
islation enacted reveals the fact that
more beneficial laws were passed last
session than at any other single ses-
sion of the legislature of this state, or
of the legislature of any other state.
Factionalism at Harrisburg ran high
for a time, due in part to the lively
contest for United States senator. But
it was not the first time, nor is it likely
to be the last, that will witness con-
fusion attending the conquest for this
proud gift 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
There was much noise, 1t is true. but
that has subsided. For a time the
ghouls of false accusation were able
to obscure facts and shade truths and
in the din of the strife led some to be-
lieve a 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, 1t 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.
LAPOR'S GROWING GIFT.
Labor's gift from the last legislature
was measured out more bountifully
than ever before. Nearly all the leg
islation asked for by the labor organi-
cations passed both branches and re-
ceived executive approval.
Never in the history of the state has
NH,a-r 1avur 81 Gov
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 a number
of minor measures, principally appro-
priations for hospitals and other in
stitutions that are of indirect benefit
to the working people, which were pass
ed through the legislature and secured
executive approval. Altogether it was
a remarkable legislature for the en-
actment of labor laws.
The following labor bills passed the
legislature, and all were 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 fol
the health and safety of persons EN-
ployed where clothing, cigarettes anC
certain other articles are made or par
TALLY made, and that said articles b'
made under clean and healthful condi
tions." This bill was presented by Sena
tor J. G. Mitchell of Jefferson county.
No. IAN act to regulate the employ
ment and provide for the health anC
safety OF men, women and children II
manufacturing establishments, mer
camille industries, laundries, renovatinl
works or printing Offices, and to pro
vide for the appointment Of inspectors
office clerks and others to enforce tn
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 Senate
Thomas, of Philadelphia, and has ere
ated a great sensation since it becam
law, because in its enforcement
many bake shops have been exposed q
utterly unfit for the purpose of bakin
bread. It is a law calculated to promot
cleanliness and health in the product
of bakeries.
titled an act limiting the number {
inmates of state prisons, penitentarie
state reformatories and other penal il
stitutions within the state of Pennsy
vania, TO be employed in manufactui
ing goods therein and prohibiting the vi
of machinery in manufacturing sal
goods" This bill was presented by Rel
resentative Muehlbromer, of Alleghen
county.
No. 1i6-The organization badge bil
presented by Representative McGaugl
ey, of Indiana. This law is entitled a
act "to prevent the wearing of II
badge or button of any labor or fratel
nal organization by others than men
bers, and fixing a penalty for Il
same" This law win reach parties sue
as went TO Shamoldn at the beginnin
of the present coal strike and tried I
collect money for the strikers.
No. 7S-Labar Day bill, presented b
Senator Cochran. This law change
Labor Day from the first Saturday
September 10 the first Monday. thu
making thfs- holiday fan on the san
day designated in most Of the othI
states. 1t also designates "the days an
half days 10 be observed as legal hol
days, and for the payment, acceptan'
and protesting Of bills, notes, draft
checks ana other negotiable paper c
such days"
No. 49-The famous Weller bill, g
act Ito protect employees OF corporation
IN fhalr rfohf IN form fOiu Or belOnas