Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-10-13
THE CHILDREN MUST GO TO
SCH00LlI
SO Says the New School Law.-Pro-
visions of That Measure and of
the Child Labor Law.

The commitment of Willie Langsdorf
to the State Industrial School for Boys
at Waukesha should be a warning to
the parents of those children of school
| age that are not attending school.
The PILOT believes that it should
again bring to the attention of our
citizens the provisions of the compul-
sorry education act which became effec-
tive July LIST, 1903
| The leading feature of the law is that
all children between the ages of Z and
IA must go to some school at least S
months every school year. To this
| there is no exception, whatever, except
of course, in case sickness or some 9th
er atf1iction makes it impossible to at
tend school,
Furthermore they must attend regu-
larry. 1t will not do to 90 one day
and stay out the next. Occasional alb
sence, for good reasons, is of course
permissible.
Before July |, 1903, it was possible to
obtain permit from the Judge, in
special cases, for children over II and
under IA to go to work. Such permit
cannot now be obtained The law
clearly forbids its being done during
tie months of school.
The next most important provision
of the law brings all children between
IA and Is under the same law. They,
too, must go to school for at least eight
months of the school year. To this sec
ton there are, however, a few excep-
tions. Where parent can show that
child is over IA, and that circumstances
make it necessary for the child to go to
work, it may be possible for him in
some cases to get permit from the
Judge or labor commissioner, allowing
the child to work. But no child be-
tween Ia and l6 is allowed to work any
where unless a permit has first been
obtained from either the judge or the
commissioner.
1t is clear that the trainers of these
laws were actuated by the best of
motives, that is, the desire to secure to
children their right to an education to
a happy childhood aud to freedom from
excessive toll. Child labor is fright
full evil if placed under the control of
greedy men. With humane Judge
and humane commissioner much of
the evil can now be prevented. 1t is to
the lasting credit of the labor organiza-
tons and of the teachers of this state,
both public and parochial, that these
laws were placed among the statutes of
the state
There are strict penalties inflicted
upon the parents for not obeying these
provisions. If parent refuses to send
his child to school he can be fined, I'M
less as in the case of Willie Langsdorf,
the parent can show that he was unable
to make the child attend school In
such case the boy is then classed with
incorrigibles.
If an employer is found with child
under 10 in his employ, who has not OBJ
tanned permit from the Judge and
placed such permit on file in his place
of business, then such employer is
liable to arrest and fine.
Every employer who has child I'M
der l6 in his employ, must keep a reg
lister in his place of business, giving the
name of such minor, his age and date
of birth, and his place of residence.
This register must at all times be open
to the inspection of the factory inspec-
tor or labor commissioner.
No person under IS shall be permit
ted to work for wages longer than 10
hours day, or days in the week, nor
after nine at night or before six in the
morning
If the physical fitness of a person be-
tween IA and 16 is called in question by
the factory inspector or labor commits
Toner he can not then 90 to work with
out first obtaining a certificate from a
physician.
In cities the size of Wausau, the
board of education must hire truant
officer, and such truant officer must do
his duty or he, too, is liable to fine
Mr.. f. E. Schneider, who has been
intrusted with this responsible position
has proved faithful and hard working;
officer. and all good citizens should aid
him in securing the enforcement of
these laws. The commitment of Willie
| Langsdorf shows that the truant officer
and the board of education are in
earnest