The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-07-03
HOUSTON. MONDAY, JULY 3, 1so9.
STATE PATERNALIsM.


True to the tendencies OF the republi-
a republican legislature and governor. has
taken step toward paternalism In gov
eminent that has not heretofore been
distanced in any other State In the Union.
The last legislature of Illinois passed a
bill providing for the establishment OF
three employment agencies In the city OF
Chicago. The law went into effect on the
first day OF this month and its proyislons
are thus briefly outlined by the Chicago
Times Herald:
The law provides for the establishment OF
three employment agencies in Chicago. wherc
any person who is out OF work or dissatisfied
win his situation can lis. MInheif together
with the kind Of work he 10 qualified to 90. II
Is expected that the EMPLOYERS OF labor will
avail themselves al the agencS nroylded by
the State for supplying them with lab0rers,
and Il Will be the duty OF the state to notify
applicants when thrrc are calls for them.
The suDeriuttrden. o. the pRenry Is REQUIRED
10 make FREQUENT reports 10 the bureau Of
lsbor statistics regarding the detuRnd FOR
labor In the various lines Of industry In his
locality. together With rates Of wages paid.
While this innovation on the part OF
the legislature OF Illinois is Of itself a
new one, the principle involved is one Of
the schemes that the republican party has
been nursing for many years, and has
heretofore manifested itself In many and
various ways
The disposition on the part OF the gov
erument to benefit the cause Of labor I,
in itself ccmmendable; but to make a law
that is TO aid man in hie efforts to earn
a support Is paternalistic to a degree that
The Post does not believe comes within
Tho range OF legislative enactment as
taught by our constitutional form OF gov.
eminent
This character Of legislation is not only
paternalstic. but is what we commonly
term class legislation pure and simple.
Any character OF employment engaged
IN by men TO make support is labor,
and II followed to the end OF successful
results Is hard labor. The class legislative
feature OF the Illinois law, or, as to that
matter, any enactment of that charac-
ter. manifests Itself In the obligation II
assumes TO secure employment for a
certain kind OF labor. The lawyer Is n
laborer, and many lawyers. especially
among the younger members of the pro-
fession, arc frequently in need OF prac-
tice. and yet the State does not take his
case In hand and find clients for him.
and ought not to do so. Nor does IT hus-
tie around and get patients for the physi-
ciar, customers for the merchant. con-
tracts for the architect aud builder; and
yet they are all laborers. II employment
for the one. why not for the Others? Their
callings are alike legitimate and honora-
Bile. and are followed by each as a matter
Of support.
Followed to Its natural and legitimate
end there is no telling what this charac-
ter Of legislation would lead to.
Many evils too numerous to be enum-
Grated here, would unqestionably grow out
OF this vicious sort of law making. That
II will tend to destroy manly self reliance
in the individual there can be no doubt;
and. failing to get the desired employ
ment through this agency OF the State, he
naturally becomes dissatisfied with and
unfriendly toward his government. That
thousands win fail. and that great COM
plant and discord will follow. there can
be no question.
Such legislation is Of doubtful value to
free people at any time and under any
circumstances. and Is Invariably the out
come Of demagogy more than an hon
est deslre to see the voter get his due
Allowance Of meat and bread.