The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-29
CHILD LABOR AND "poLIT1cs."

Germ and with some amusement the ef-
forts Of the Republican Party in this
state to m AXE poli.,,al capital out Of the
issue Of child labor. Some Of the mcm-
bers of the Party are doubtless sincere
In their advocacy Of a child labor law
But we suspect that many of them are
chiefly interested in the measure because
OF its obvious strength with the masses
OF the people.
These men are supporting the cause Of
child labor regulation ''for the good Of
the Party" with philanthropy as side
issue.
We do not think they will fool any
body. The issue Is not partisan or po-
litical issue; but in so far as 1t may
be 30 regarded 1t has long ago taken
its place at the South as a Democratic
measure. A child labor law was advo-
Gated by leading Democrats in this State
and by the leading Democratic papers
of the State long before the Republican
Party, in its new found solicitude for
the interests of the Caucasian, changed
the point of view of its philanthropies
from the negro at the ballot box to the
white child in the mill.
Child labor laws have been placed on
the statute books by Democratic Legis-
latures in Kentucky. Tennessee and
Louisiana.
In Texas and In South Carolina (ths
leading manufacturing state OF the South)
the State Conventions Of the Democratic
Party, by overwhelming vote, have pledg-
ed the Party to the passage of laws pro-
hibiting children under ~ from labor In
the factories.
That Is the nature of the proposal of
the Child Labor Committee In Alabama.
This proposal Is sensible and praotica BILE.
and we hope that the General Assembly
will at once carry its purpose into dedn-
lite effect.
1t would be politically a mistake for
the Democratic Party to turn from this
opportunity. and to give the Republican
Party four years time In which to pur-
popular an issue.
1t would be an error in business judg-
ment for the State to give even quasi
support to the impression that business
success in Alabama is in any way de-
pendent on the labor of children under
IL. The mills assert that this Is not the
case. yet every word of opposition to a
child labor law strengthens this impress
sion in the outside world. Alabama does
not need to demand any exemption from
the elementary industrial conditions es-
tahhshed elsewhere
A child labor law Is inevitable. The
sooner II can come. therefore. the bet
ter. It's passage will allay agitation, and
will draw the increasing attention of the
country not to our misfortunes, but to
our abundant advantages.
The Advertiser knows that some of the
wisest and strongest mill men in the
State will not oppose the passage of
child labor legislation at this time. We
believe that the cooperation Of the mills
in the passage OF conservative legislatio lion
will avert the possibility Of more radical
legislation in the future. The sentiment
for the law is increasing In volume, and
in earnestness.
There are many sentiments which, be-
cause lll-founded, have suffered perma-
nent defeat. This is sentiment that, in
the history of every nation in the modern
world, has never suffered a permanent
reverse. To meet it half way, to deal
with it fairly and justly, is-we believe
the part, not only Of political wisdom, but
Of good business sense