The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-01-17

for shortening the term because of
good conduct should be SO amended
as to permit the governor to declare
duct of the prisoner when on parole
is not satisfactory. Each case is dis
tinct from all others, and no plan can
| be formulated with sufficient elias
ITCHY to meet the requirements of
changed and ever changing condi-
tions. Under statutory provisions,
as distinguished from free exercise of
an unrestrained discretion, it is as
easy for the Intentionally vicious to
earn release as for those of honor
able and virtuous instincts. l have
paroled several before they have ever
seen the penitentiary. This l have
not done, however, except upon the
recommendation of the trial judge
and the county attorney who prose
cuted. There are two distinct classes
of criminals; the one deliberately and
permanently vicious, the other to
some extent the creature of circum-
stances, and no law can be made that
will enable chief executive or a par
don board to discriminate wisely.
Mistakes will be made at best, but on
the whole l believe in the greatest
possible discretion, and the free eNer-
else thereof. have returned several
to the penitentiary because their ear
! ly education was neglected. They had
never been taught to work, and when
released would not seek or accept en-
ployment. They are now in the tool
factory at Fort Madison acquiring
what they should have been taught in
youth.
| Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The stigations made by the bu-
reau of labor statistics during the last
biennium are of great Importance, and
| the report will be found interesting
and invaluable. More than 800 fac
tories were inspected, and the. facts
ascertained and reported lead to the
belief that it would be we'll to make
all needed provision for the inspec-
tion of the nearly $4,000 other fac
tories in the cities and towns of Iowa,
employing 10000 persons. The SAN
itary condition Of many of the fac
tories examined is well nigh alarm
ing; and, | think, demands considera-
ton by this general assembly. The de-
partment should be clothed with au-
thority as ample as the mine inspect
ors, and it should be made incumbent
upon the commissioner to protect en-
ployes from inadequate heat and dan
gerous machinery, and to enforce ade-
quatc fire escapes and wholesome SAN
itary conditions.
The report shows that large num-
Der of children, some as young as ten
years of age, are being employed in
the factories of Iowa, and the faces of
many of them tell a sad story of over
work and over hours. The statutes of
thiS state already prohibit. the. em-
ployment of children under certain
age in coal mines. Why not extend re-
strictions as to their employment in
| factories? Healthful employment for
limited hours is beneficial, and I there
fore do not object SO much to the fact
Of child labor as to it's character and
duration. There should be at least, I
| think, some statutory limitation, and
| the bureau should be clothed with a
wise oversight, ample discretion, and
| plenary powers
! Lake Beds.
Two years ago / called attention to
the fact that the title to the beds of
a large number of meandered lakes
was in dispute. The state claims title
| to these lands. think it would be
wise to memorabilia congress to pro-
tect the rights of the state by appro-
pirate Legislation. Certainly nothing
ought to be done to interfere with
what is now believed to be our vested
right. I am still of the opinion it
would be wise to grant these lands to
some one or more of our educational
institutions. They are supposed to be
worth several hundred thousand dol
lars.
Oil Inspection.
Experience has shown that the pro.
oil is insufficient to protect the pub
lie. The most vile and worthless adul
terations are readily sold as pure lin
seed oil. I am of the opinion that
dealers in paint oils should be re
CURED TO place "a label upon the YES.
sci containing each sale, and proper
penalty should be provided for the
SAFE of adulterat tons unless appropri
ately labeled.
State BOUNDARY
The act of congress which admitted
the state of Iowa into the union fiXet
the western boundary of this common
wealth as the middle of the main chan
mel of the Missouri river. Since thai
time the channel of the river ha!
changed, and there is considerable ter
ritory formerly in this state now OF
the western side of that river. Thi.
has given rise TO much controversy
and to some litigation. At the last sc S
sion of the legislature of Nebraska, (;
boundary commission was authorized
the same to be appointed when TIL,
legislature of Iowa should make sim
liar provision. The Nebraska law pro
vides for three members to be appoint