Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-11
UNDER EIGHTiHOUR LAW
WARRANT ISSUED CHARGING
VIOLATION OF IT'S PROVISIONS.
Contractors on Excavation Work Ae.
cused Of Requiring Laborers to
Work Ten Hours Per Day.

A warrant alleging a. violation of the
eight-hOur law was issued from the Police
Court today for the arrest of Sidney Clay,
James Bradley and Samuel Cowarden con-
tractors. in charge of the excavation at
the reservoirs under course of construction
near the corner of 4th and College streets
northwest.
The warrant was issued on complaint OF
Jack Johnson. colored, who claims that he
and thirty-eight colored men were brought
here from Richmond. Va. the 2Sth of last
month to work as laborers on the reservoir.
He said that the men were told that they
would receive 81 per day together with
their board and lodging, and that a days
work was to consist of eight hours Since
arriving here Johnson said that the men
had not only not received any money. but
had been compelled to work ten hours each
day.
The matter was called to the attention Of
the police Saturday by Johnson and a
couple OF the men. They stopped Serst
Doyle OF the eighth precinct on the street.
VINO, aI,er nearing their story. instructed
Johnson to meet him In court this morning
which ne did, bringing with him HIS thirty
eight fellow-laborers. The men were MIA cod
IN witness room on the lower floor of the
court building, while the officer took John
son before Prosecuting ATTORNEY Mmllou1nv
70 make the complaint. After hearing
Johnson's statement Mr. MuIlowny ordered
warrant under section 800 of the code
which provides for the Limitation of hours
OF daily service for laborers and n,echanias
on public works. AA1e"
Provisions Of the Law.
1t reads as follows:
THE service and emnlovnen+ ne oil
iaborers and mechanics who are now or
may hereafter be employed by the gov
eminent OF the United States by the Dis
hi. Nv
or subcontractor upon any of tho n,h,,o
works of the United States. or of the said
District OF Columbia, is hereby limited and
restricted to eight hours in any one cal
sn~ ofs aay' ana 1t shall be unlawful for
district OF Columbia. or any contractor
or subcontractor. whose duty it shall be tn
employ. direct or control the service of
e t,o, laooIers or mechanics to work more
IMAM eight hours in any calendar day ex
cept In case of extraordinary emergency"
Johnson, who acted as spokesman for
the party stated to a Star reporter that
me me men were engaged at Richmond, Va,
Delng told. as indicated In the foregoing
that they would receive 81 per day of eight
hours, together with their board and Iodr
ing, and that they would be given free
transportation to this city. He said they
came here and went to work April % and
AT the expiration of the first week when
they went to get their pay. thew were
toid, ne said, that there was nothing com
1iS ~ theH, their railroad fare to this
city having been deducted. as was aIso
money e1 svf for their board and lodging which
knocked off work for the day last satur-
gay, they were told, he said. that there
was no money coming to them because
the amount which would be due them lust
paid for their board and lodging.
Other Allegations.
Johnson said they were squartered In a
stable with horses near the corner of 7th
and Pomeroy streets northwest, the men
sleeping on the hay. and that peas was
the chief thing on the bill of fare, being
served to them every day at each meal.
he claimed that when they started to go
70 work this morning they were driven
away by one of the tfmekeepers, who
told them that their services would be no
longer required ii
Inc men are here without funds. thew
claim, and Sergeant. Doyle and Attorney
fhomas l.. Jones, who has been engaged to
look out for their interests, arranged to
nave them provided for at the municipal
lodging house, on 18th street. adjoining
the first precinct police station