New-York tribune., 1902-01-24
HEALTH IN LABOR.
DR.. LEDERLE TALKS TO CONSUMERS
LEAGUE on ENFORCEMENT OF SAM
TARY CONDITIONS-CARRO
D. WRIGHT SPEAKS

The laws relating 70 labor In its various phases
nave been persstently violated. but It shall be my
ain 10 enforce. not one nor any pet group. but all
the laws relating 10 health in labor" said DR..
Lederie president Of the Board Of Health. yester-
Gay a; the annual meeting OF the Consumers
League IN the Presbyterian Assembly Hall.
Dr. Lederle's speech called forth loud and fire.
quent applause he outlined his ideas and de-
clared his interest in the enforcement of sanitary
conditions in labor. 4 DO not propose to try any
'iudicous interpretation. nor shall countenance
side door system. nor DO desire any referendum
on this matter" he continued. and the outburst Of
laughter and applause showed that the large audi
ence, although principally OF women was versed in
current political talk. DR.. Lederle spoke briefly
because he explained, having been in ONCE only
three weeks, he felt that his auditors knew much
more about sweatshops and other conditions
than he
John McAEackin, New-York State Commissioner
az Labor expressed his deep appreciation of the
valuable work done by the league in helping TO
enforce the laws The Department Of Labor
needs the help OF all good Citizens, he averred 'fn
pointing violations of law. It has now been
brought 10 e condition where the laws can be sue
oessfGly enforced II public spirited people VIII take
an interest. The intent Of those laws is not to
abolish tenement house work. but 10 so regulate II
that Il shall be done under rigid inspection. in
surirg healthful surroundings. The laws aim TO
prevent overworking, overcrowding and possible in
fecti0n OF clothing"
M McMackin gave many statistics Of labor and
recapitllated the enactments made TO regulate it.
and expressed his belief that the tenement
laws VIII greatly improve conditions, IF carried
out honestly He also stated that the new ad-
Ject ana VIII endeavor 10 enforce Improvement in
al posslo~s ways
Carroll ID Wright National Commissioner Of
Labor, who came from Washington purposely 70
attend the meeting was listened with deep in
terest as ne spoke on the ethical side of the
leagues work He said that Z its scope and pur-
pose were better understood by the general public
It's growth would be phenomenal. Law must have
public sentiment behind II or II is failure he
declared. and such organizations as this do much
10 create right public sentiment"
M Wright referred 10 the fact that he framed
the first Factory Inspection act'' passed IN
the United States. and is prouder Of that than Of
almost anything in his life. The new system Is
making new political economy necessary, reach
ing beyond the exchange Of commodities into the
etnics accompanying the exchange"
Henry MINERS. president Of the Retail Grocers'
Association, and Henry Ehrberg, Of the United
Grocery and Tea Clerks. Of Eew-York- made short
addresses. IN which they urged the league TO assist
n making shorter hours possible for men in that
business
Mrs. Frederick Nathan, president of the league,
reported the years work, and stated that the thr-
ty-ffth eag1e has Just been formed. in Providence,
z l. Sne spoke Of the change in municipal man
sge-nent being a matter for congratula ton. as
she expects hearty cooperation where before was
only opposition Five new firms have been added
The white list" and the example OF one
leading firm in closing at O'Clock every day is
being followed in a measure by others. who close
q $50 p. This is directly due 10 the influence
of the league.
The election OF officers resulted in few changes
The new board consists Of Mrs. Frederick Nathan.
President: Mrs H N Devices. first vice-president;
Mrs. Richar Y. Fitz Gerald. second vce-preSlGelt'
Mrs. J 9. Crosswen, treasurer, Mrs Charles Fair
child. recording secretary, and Miss Emma Brace
corresponding secretary