Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-10-13
PATTIS0N ON THE
RIGHTS OF LABOR
Official Utterances of the Former
Governor.
URGED WISE AND JUST LAWS
The Highest Measure of Protection
For All Workers Demanded.
,s4 Duty Of the State Clearly
pESat Pointed Out. Ia
LED THE WAY FOR REFORM

guided in the preparation and enact.
ment of the labor laws now on the
statute books Of the commonwealth.
1t may be remarked also that had the
former governors earnest recommen-
dation with regard to honest dealing
with the miners, in the weighing Of
coal, been adopted the present de-
structive contest in the anthracite
mining region never would have been
known. At the last session of the
legislature a bill passed the house pro-
viding for the safeguarding of the
miners rights in this particular, but
it was not permitted to pass the SEN
ate by order of the Quay machine
Governor Pattison's record shows that
in the future, as In the past, he will
firmly maintain every legitimate right
of all workers.
just Labor Legislation Demanded.
A continual, though irregular strug-
gle is now and has for years been going
on between these two conflicting ele-
ments Qabor and capitaU. Complaints
OF injustice are constantly being made
turn appeals to the state for remedial
legislation. Such appeals should not
be unheeded, but should be attentively
listened to and carefully considered
Inaugural Address, 1883.
A Better Remedy Than the Rayonet.
For government to shut its eyes and
close its ears to the complaints and Pc
titions of any body OF it's citizens is
folly. Such course corrects nothing
and settles nothing. Particularly
should heed be given to the appeals OF
SO large and important part OF the
community as those depending for SUBJ
SiStence upon the wages of toll Labor
is the main pillar OF the state. AS an
honored statesman of our country has
said: Labor is the superior OF capital,
and deserves much the highest con-
given to such matters should be de-
liberate and searching, and the relief
thorough and systematic, ii it is to be
lasting and effectual. | cannot but in
dulge in the belief that our political
system is capable of providing some
settlement OF such disputes.-lnaugura
Address, 1883.
Arbitration for Labor Disputes.
A measure has been introduced into
one of your bodies to provide for the
ployers and employees in certain of the
great industries OF the state. This is
movement in the right direction
Though limited to but few of the de-
partments OF labor, yet 1t is beginning
upon subject that ought long ago to
have received legislative action. The
concerns OF that great body of our
citizens who labor for wages are entit-
led to the most earnest consideration
The law should most zealously and
rigidly guard their interests and pro-
tect their rights. When either is in
jured or denied they ought to have
some resource in the law to which they
can look for assistance.-Special Mes
sage, 1883.
Safety and Rights of Miners.
1t is recommended that commission
be created to revise the present btu
minous mining laws, such commission
to be similar in all respects to the one
appointed at the last session of the
legislature to revise the anthracite
mining laws. The mining of bitumin-
GUS coal has become a business of enor-
nous proportions, and the safety and
rights of those employed in this indus
try demand legislative consideration
A standard should be fixed whereby
the fitness of men desiring the position
of superintendent, mining boss and
fire boss can be determined, and the
duties Ol PERSONS eulplOyeu IN tnOSe re-
spectiye positions can be clearly and
specifically defined SO as to fix the re-
sponsibility in cases of accident.-Ann-
ual Message, 1883
Anti-Pinkerton Deputy Law Recon-.
mended.
Legislation should be had looking to
the prevention of the introduction of
armed bodies of men, without the con-
sent OF the authorities of the county
or state. Under existing law there Is
no necessity for any company or cor
poration introducing armed men who
are not citizens of the state and who
are unknown to its officers or to its
uthority.-Annual Message, 1893.
Protection of Women and Children.
The wisdom of legislation regulating
the employment of women and chill
dren has been more than demonstrated
during the past year. The Factory act
should be amended so that no miner
shall be employed in any factory or
mercantile establishment for a longer
period than ten hours per day
| recommend that fourteen years be
substituted as the age of employment
Of children Qnstead of 12).-Annual
Message. 1S93
Urging Protection for Miners.
Your attention is called to the con-
dition of the laws providing for the
ventilation of the bituminous coal
mines of the state. The act providing
| for the health and safety of anthracite
miners has given general satisfaction
| and brought about gratifying results.
The numerous accidents
which are constantly occurring in the
mining districts call for aid, as far as
legislation can CO. in preventing their
recurrence. Surely every effort should
be made to protect the men engaged in
adding so much to the wealth of the
state. The consideration of the bill
recommended by the bituminous COM
mission is commended to your atten-
tion.-Annual Message, 1893.
Wages Should be Paid First.
Labor is fairly entitled to every lust
protection which the law can throw
around it and | am heartily in sympa-
thy with all measures looking to that
end. The preferences which the laws
| nf vi ua nj of eys. 80 l..