The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-07-20

The state bureau of labor, in the
preparation of the eighth biennial re-
port, is now compiling the data COL
lected by the inspectors during the
year 1901 and the first half of 1902.
Among other things embodied in this
publication, Labor Commissioner John
O'Donnell, has made an exhaustive re-
search into child-labor conditions
throughout all parts of the state, in
factories, work shops, mercantile es-
adjustments and stores. This investi-
cation shows, says the commissioner,
that the wisdom of good child labor
laws to the ultimate benefit of society
is apparent, and requires a strong and
competent inspection service. He says
1.-The employment of children in fac
tories, work shops and mercantile es--
Establishments at a tender age, when
body and brain needs all it's strength
for its own upbuilding, and mental de-
velopment is deplOrable.
The evil results of committing unde-
veloped children to factory life by TAX
ing them from schools and home seclu-
sion into the publicity of the world will
not be seen Immediately, but, if not
checked, later generations will have to
bear its unmistakable marks.
Child Labor Laws.
"On the statute books of our state
are three acts regulating the employ
ment and education of children, chap
ter III, General Laws Of 1895, amended
in 1897 prohibits the employment of
children under fourteen years of age
in any factory or workshop, or about
any mine Such children may be en-
plOyed during the vacation of the pub
lie schools, in mercantile establish
ments, by public messenger or tele-
graph companies for not more than ten
hours in any one day, nor more than
sixty hours a week. On Saturday and
for ten days during the holiday season
before Christmas, children over four
teen years of age may be employed
until 10 o'clock at night, provided they
do not work more than ten hours in
any one day.
Children under sixteen years of age
who cannot read and write simple SEN
fences in the English language are also
debarred from employment, except
during the vacation of the public
school,
Employers of children are required
under this act to keep on file a COM
plete record of all children in their en-
plOy, ana 10 FURNISH Sucn record Tor
examination by the commissioner of la
Dor or any of the factory inspectors at
any time. A non compliance of this
requirement by the employer is a vio-
lation of this act, and is punishable
by fine of not less than 500 nor more
than $50.
The school authorities are given
power to excuse children from school
attendance for various reasons, viz,
if by reason of poverty the child is not
properly clothed, or the mental or ply
steal condition will not permit of study,
or if taught at home the branches of
study that are usually taught in the
public school, subject to the same ex-
amintion of the public school of such
district or city.
I'm addition to the child labor law
the compulsory education act makes it
mandatory on the part of parents or
guardians in our state to keep their
children in school, between the ages of
eight and sixteen years. A conviction
for a violation of this act provides for
a fine of not less than $25 nor more
than $50.
Children in Factories.
"The employment of children in fac
tories, workshops and mercantile es-
adjustments has become a question of
grave Importance In the present era
of sharp competition the merchant,
manufacturer and employer will tell