The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1902-01-16

to the penitentiary because their ear
" education was neglected. They had
never been taught to work, and when
released would not seek or accept em-
They are now in the tool
factory at Fort Madison acquiring
what they should have been taught in
youth.
bureau OF Labor Statistics.
The Investigations 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
and reported lead to the
belief that it would be we'll to make
all needed provision for the inspec-
ton 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 tins 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 dam
gerous machinery, and to enforce ade-
quate fire escapes and wholesome san
itary conditions.
The report shows that a 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 sad story of over
work and over hours. The statutes of
thi2 state already prohibit the en-
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 there
fore do not object so much to the fact
of child labor as to its character and
duration. There should be at least,
think, some statutory limitation, and
the bureau should be clothed with
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. l think ii would be
wise to memorabilia congress to pro-
tect the rights of the state by appfo-
pirate legislation. Certainly nothing
ought to be done to interfere with
what is now believed to be our vested
right. l 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.
OH Inspection.
Experience has shown that the pro-
vision for the inspection of linseed
oil is insufficient to protect the pub
lie. The most vile and worthless adul-
terations are readily sold as pure lin
seed oil. / am of the opinion that
dealers in paint oils should be re-
quired to place a label upon the yes
sci containing each sale, and proper
penalty should be provided for the
sale of deliberations unless appropri-
ately labeled.
state boundary.
The act of congress which admitted
the state of Iowa into the union fixed
the western boundary of this common
wealth as the middle of the main chan
mel of the Missouri river. Since that
time the channel of the river has
changed, and there is considerable ter
ritory formerly in this state now on
the western side of that river. This
has given rise to much controversy,
and to some litigation. At the last ses-
sion of the legislature of Nebraska, a
boundary commission was authorized,
the same to be appointed when the
of Iowa should make SIM
liar provision. The Nebraska law pro-
viGes for three members to be appoint
ed by the governor to receive ten dol
lars per diem for a period not to ex-
ceed 30 days, and the sum of 5000 was
to defray the expenses
of the commission. recommend sim
liar action in this state in the hope
that a permanent boundary may be
established and ratified by the states
therein, and by the congress
of the United States.
In MemoriRm.
During the last biennium the people
of this state have been called to mourn
he death of Hon. John II. Gear-leg-
islator, speaker of the house, govern
or, representative in congress, and
United States senator--a most con-
spicuous character in Iowa history.
OF no man has it ever been said, with
greater verify: "He was the servant
of the people," He never held posi-
ton that he did not fill, and never
filed a position OF which he was not
worthy, or in which he failed signally
to honor those who had honored him.
More recently our people were APP
palled at the violent death Of the best
beloved of rulers and the most hon
ored of men, William Mckinley, presi-
dent of the United States. ! shall not
weary you, gentlemen. with an at
tempt to recount the virtues OF
that noble character. The immortal
words used by Lincoln concerning
Washington, and which have been re-
peatedly reiterated as applicable to
their author, can now be said of Nc
Kinley: ITO add brightness to the
sun and glory to the name of Washing
ton is alike impossible. Let none at
tempt it. In solemn awe pronounce
the name, and in its naked, deathless
splendor leave it shining on"
Such trinity of names blesses not
the annals of any country but ours,
and no other people cherish such q