The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-30

Points Drawn from Report of Depart
ment of Labor.

.
Doubtless an investigation of the results
or the drink habit on employees in various
industries would have a high economic
value II 1t embraced sufficient number OF
facts, and II 1t estimated with some de-
gree of accuracy the variable conditions
due to differences of character and tempera
ment. The Department of Labor at Wash
ington has issued its twelfth annual report
In which this phase of the liquor problem Is
treated on tie basis of an investigation con-
Quoted IN cooperation with large number
OF employers. The points on which light
was sought were, broadly speaking, con-
cerned with the consideration which II
given to the drinking habits of the seeker
for employment and the means used In
judging his fitness. The various industries
in which those who indulge in intoxicants
are not employed were considered, we'll
as the reasons for such exclusion from EN-
ployment The opinions and experience Of
employers were also investigated as TO the
use of liquors by employees subject to night
work, overwork, exposure, irregular hours
and shorter hours of labor. The relation
between pay days, holidays and Sundays
and overindulgence in intoxicants was also
considered and, finally, the means sug-
gested by employers as best calculated TO
lessen the consumption of intoxicants were
OF the 3O,414 employers to whom scbed-
ules containing questions on the above
p pennrs,ro were addressed, 6,9Sl replied,
ployes. Manufacturing Industries re-
ported $500 establishments and 1,011 661 en-
ployes, while 713 transportation companies
reported 45S,764 employees In other Indus
tries a fairly representative number of
establishments and employees reported. 1t
should be noted that less than one-fourth
of the whole number of employers replied
to the inquiries addressed to them.
As was expected, the results of the in
vestigation showed many differences in the
point of view from which existing evils
were sought to be remedied. OF 1000 en-
ployers 1858 reported that means were en-
ployed TO ascertain the practice of employees
in regard to intoxcants. The largest pro-
portion of these were connected with trans
matter of the highest Importance; and the
two predominant reasons given were Ito
guard against accident and responsibility
of position More than one-half of the
establishments reporting require, in certain
occupations and under certain conditions,
that employees shall not use intoxicantS,
ment.
In regard to the use of liquor by those en-
gagged in night work, statistics will correct
the prevalent impression that more drink
ing is done than by those who work during
the day. Out of 1859 establishments en-
ploying night workers, only 141 stated that
more liquor was drunk than by day work
ers, while 1,460 reported less consumption
among night workers than among day work
of the usual belief are the facts in regard to
employees subject to overwork exposure and
irregular employment. These unusual con-
ditions, according to the testimony of very
large majority OF establishments consulted,
were not accompanied by any greater use
of intoxicants than among those habituated
70 regular hours ana more favorable cOnQl-
tons There is here excellent material for
consideration by those who have often
based certain class of arguments on prem
ises which al least need revision. There
is nothing unusual about the findings
of the labor commission in regard to the
increase of drinking Immediately after pay
days and on holidays. 1t is human nature
that full purse should begin to besemptied
a little literally at first and that it's con-
tents should disappear more slowly as the
next payday is approached. By far the
most interesting feature of the replies con-
cerned the inquiry as to the best means of
lessening liquor drinking among the people.
Prohibition was suggested by LOB establish
Of drpin aavor i OF 'e
cense, education abolition of saloons and
local option. A great deal of the evil due
habit, whose contagious viciousness and Sc
ductive influence are denounced in many of
the reports as the chief obstacles to the de-
sired reform.