The Advocate and news., 1898-07-27

Al THE WAGE GARNER is
SISISSSSSSII n


pations, each followed by an analysis
containing much supplemental infOrma-
tiOn not tabulated, with the view Of aid
ing intelligent study of the facts set
forth.
The attention Of the legislator is speci-
ally called to the analyses Of the fol-
lowing tables. He will find many evils
pointed out that demand the exercise Of
his wisdom and best judgment to bring
about their immediate correction. And
the Specific legislation suggested bene-
fetal to them as wage-earners" should
have the closest study and attention OF
the law-making power Of the State.
RAILWAY LABOR.
In the thirteen years history Of this
department railway labor has been made
the subject of inquiry on five occasions,
in two Of which only has the individual
laborer been reached, the remaining in
quIries being gathered from the railway
companies direct Railway labor, as
such, is a distinctive Occupation--One
surrounded by conditions peculiar to it.
self. No other equal body Of wage
earners in the State contributes more to
the welfare and prosperity Of the COM
monwealth, and none perhaps perform
their various duties with more fidelity
OF purpose, or with a greater degree Of
intelligence than does railway labor
Recognition OF services performed by
this class of our worthy citizens can be
acknowledged best only through the
legislative functions of the State gov
ernment In proportion to- the whole
number of our citizens, from the nature
Of his employment, the railway laborer
does not have that representation in
our legislative halls to which he Is en-
titled. Our $4,000 railway laborers are
scattered over the entire area Of our
commonwealth many Of whom, in the
performance Of their duties, are absent
from their voting places at election time,
and are in the employ Of corporations
whose interests are not always identical
with their own. 1t Is, therefore, the
province as well as pleasure of this de-
partment to inquire into the conditions
entering into the daily life and labor of
this class Of wage-earners, with view
of presenting, for the consideration Of
the Legislature, whatever may tend to
promote their best interests and welfare.
Wage-earners' schedules, as shown in
the introduction of this chapter, were
sent to the secretaries Of every local
lodge or division of organized railway
labor In the State. Other schedules were
mailed direct to the individual laborers.
Reports were received from all classes
of railway labOrers representing en-
ployes Of all the railway systems Of the
State. The results of this inquiry show
that the conditions of railway labor in
this State are as hopeful as in any recent
year. No strikes or other serious
troubles are reported Based on the
total returns made there is a possible
saving Of rs per cent. Of earnings, and
3l.3 per cent. own unincumbered homes.
Of the number reporting 20 per cent. are
of labor organization.
The value Of this report centers |
largely in the legislation asked for by |
the various branches of railway en-
ployes. AS a whole, the legislator will |
find All expression Of respectable body |
Of wage-earners who take this oppor-
tunity to ask for such legislation as will |
add to the health, comfort, safety and
general welfare Of railway laborers di-
rectly, and win be indirectly beneficial to
the general public as we'll