New-York tribune., 1906-11-14
THE EIGHT-HOUR Law.
Instructions for Strict Enforcement
by attorney General MOody.

Washington. Nov. 1s.-Attorney General Moody
to-day issued a circular letter Of instructions TO
United States attorneys regarding prosecutions OF
violations OF the eight-hoUr law, in which he says
the government IS determined upon a strict en-
foroement OF this statute as relating 10 public
works Of the United States All United States at
torneys directed diligently to investigate all
complaints which may them from any
source OF violation OF the law. and upon their
initiative 10 make investigation II there appears
any reasonable ground for suspecting q violation.
and where sufficient evidence can be secured il
must be submitted 10 a grand jury. with view TO
securing an Indictment c. J. Carlton. a lawyer,
o: Haverhiil. Mass. has been appointed by the
Attorney General 10 have special charge Of these
cases in the Department OF Justice.
It is stated that while UP 10 TWO or three months
ago comparatively few cases Of alleged violations
OF the egnt-hour law were brought the atten-
ton OF the department. in the last ten weeks as
many three hundred alleged violations have
been reported. Mr.. Carlton will act in conjunction
with Commissioner Neil. OF the Bureau OF Labor
who has furnished much Of the evidence upon
which the department IS now acting
The text Of the Attorney Generals letter is as
follows:
To United States Attorneys: BY order Of the
visions Of Fan act Teatng = 70 I5e itsti6n Se P
hours OF daily service OF laborers and mechanics
States and II the DistTict Of Columbia, approved
august l, 1859. commonly known as the eight-hour
The government IS determined upon strict en-
gently 10 investigate all conDiaints WRicS may may
come 10 you from any source of violations Of the
law and upon your own initiative 10 make investi-
CATION there appears 20 you 10 be any reasonable
every case in which you secure sufficient evil
oence you VIII submit that evidence TO the grand
jury with g view TO securing an Indictment.
Your attention IS particularly directed 10 the ex-
which laoorers and mechanics may be worked moro
than eight hours IN calendar day in OF
extraordinary emergency In q recent case in the
District OF Massachusetts Judge Dodge defined that
phrase as follows: An extraordinary emergency
such is contemplated by the act is the sudden
unexpected happening Of something not Of the
usual. customary or regular kind, demanding
prompt action TO avert imminent danger 10 Hfa-
limb. health property. The possibility OF danger
ls not enough. The peril must be certain, tIr-
usual. imminent and actual IN order 70 constitute
contemplates." Judge Dodge also ruled that prob
able pecuniary loss 70 the contractor, unless due
10 an extra ordinary emergency, defined above
only al! ordinary business risk.
! desire 10 impress upon YOU the importance Of
using every effort 10 execute these directions Of
being vigiant and active IN this matter. You VIII
make prompt and fU report Of all ca ses and
Of your action thereon with your reasons therefor
jury and The results OF all trials with q syecifo
statement Of the penalty imposed.
Haverhin Mass. Nov. 13-C- : Carlton. who
has been appointed BY Attorney General William H
Moody 10 have special charge Of violations OF the
eight-hour law, was formerly connected With Mr.
Moodys law firm n this city. He was appointed 70
thu Department Of Justice at Washington in 1904
and has made his residence in that citV ever since
Mr.. Carlton is graduate Of Harvard University
and also of the Harvard Law School He received
his degree from the latter Institution in 1900 Ta
when he received his appointment TO the Depart
rlenr Of Justice.