Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-07
WELFARE WORK VIEWS
PROVIDING ron THE PHYSICAL
COMFORT OF EMPLoYEs.
Lecture by Miss Beeks and Remarks
by Senator Clark and Gen.
Harries.

Representative and Mrs. Joseph Weeks
Babcock entertained at their home last
evening members of the Senate and House
who are employers. Senator William A.
Clark, who, as an employer of labor. is q
member of it's welfare department, de-
scribed the general work of the National
Civic Federation. Gen. George II Harries
of the Washington Railway and Electric
Company, a member of the welfare de-
partment. outlined its methods, and ex-
planned what he was doing for the benefit of
the employees of his company. Miss Ger
trude Beeks, secretary of the welfare de-
partment, illustrated with stereopticon
views the especial consideration which en-
ployers in many industries in the United
States are giving to the Improvement of
the working and living conditions of their
employees.
Senator Clark said that it was the pur-
pose of the National Civic Federation to
organize the best brains of the nation in
an educational movement toward the
luton OF some of the great problems re-
lated to social and industrial progress; to
provide for study and discussion Of ques-
tons Of national import; to aid thus i'll
the disqualification of the most enlightened
public opinion and when desirable promote
Legislation in accordance Herewith.
Provides a Forum.
The federation said Mr.. Clark, "in
addition to Its departments for the ac-
eomphshment Of specific purposes, pro-
vides forum where representatives for all
these elements of society may meet to dis
cuss national problems in which they have
a common interest. 1t is through these
discussions, widely quoted in the press
the daily papers, religious, trade and labor
journals-that public opinion is crystalized.
The remarks OF Miss Beeks, as stated,
were illustrated with stereopucon views
showing what has been done by many en-
ployerS In providing for the physical com
fort OF employees, for recreation, in supply
ing educational opportunities, and in the
housing Of labor
Under sanitary work places some OF
the subjects covered We're systems for pro-
viding pure drinking water; for ventilation,
including the cooling OF superheated places,
and devices for exhausting dust and
moving gases and for lighting the work
places Wash rooms with hot and cold
water, towels and soap; shower baths ior
molders and stationary firemen; emergency
hospitals; locker rooms; seats for women;
laundries for mems overalls or women's
uniforms; elevators for women; luncheon
rooms; rest rooms and trainmen's rest
houses
Given Special Consideration.
Where ventilation has been given espe-
cial consideration Miss Beeks said, the
air is changed completely in the work
rooms every fifteen minutes In the foun-
dry where the pipes which are used in the
winter for heating serve to bring in the
cool air in the summer great comfort is
afforded the moIders In rolling mill gal
Vanized iron pipes carry the fresh air 10
the races OF the men occupied at the rolls.
Previously, in very hot weather, the men
were frequently overcome, and sometimes
1t was necessary to shut down the entire
mill Since the installation of the vent "a
tlon system not single hours time has
been lost because of excessive heat In a
watch factory fresh air which has been
forced through sheets of water is conduct
ed through pipes to the faces of young
women who sit in front in front of the
ovens baking the faces of the watches
The fires in these ovens reach 1900 de-
grees f.
Some employers have the drinking wa
ter which is brought from driven wells sub
1ected to monthly chemical analysis to
detect any change in its character; in other
locations the source of supply being satIs-
factory, the careful employer may secure
pure drinking water by filtration, while
some have gone so far to provide dis
TILED drinking water.
Lunch Rooms for Workers.
Lurch rooms for factory workers and
clerks in mercantile houses will be utilized
Miss Beeks said when the tastes of the en-
ployes are consulted in supplying the food
pie and ice cream should never be forgotten
Educational opportunities for employees.
where the hours are sufficiently short to
permit, include classes for apprentices, in
cooking. dressmaking, millinery, first aid to
the injured night classes for technical
training and kindergartens for the children
of employees.
There is a growing tendency among en-
ployers, Miss Beeks said. ITO encourage
thrift by establishing savings funds. 1t
CITY ITEMS.