The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-02-01

Child labor is one of the subjects which promises to become very acute in interest in the House within the next few days. Two measures nave been introduced looking to correction of the abuses of the present law on the subject, which lacks the great m centive to compliance or proVisloh for the punishment of violators.
 The latest of these two measures to make its appearance is 1athereo oy Representative W. L. Pitts of Perry County. It embraces a thorough treat ment of it's subject.
 This child labor bill has the en- dorsement of the State Child Lapor Committee, of which pr. B. J. Baldwin is chairman, and the Legislative Com mittee of the Women's Federation or Clubs, of which Mrs. W. A. Gayle Is the chairman. MT. Pitts has made careful study of the problems con nected with child life. and is an ardent advocate of adequathe protection TOT the children of the State.
 The present law on child labor in Alabama has an age limit of 12 years, except for children of widowed mothers or dependent fathers or orphans With out means of support, though no chlld under 10 years of age can be employed under any circumstances. The afndaVlt of the parent or guardian IS accepteu as proof of age and furnishing a raise certfNcate is punishable by a me or not more than $200. Labor of children between 13 and 16 Is limited to slXty six hours per week for day work, ana not more than forty eight hours per week for night work.
 The present law is radically defec- tive in providing for no educational tests. or school attendance, and more particularly for the absence of any pro vision for inspection or for enforce ment through any officials whatsoever
 The bill introduced by MT. Pitts seeks to amend the present law, and make it's provisions effective through adequate provision for inspection or the mills.
 The following summary will give a general conception of the scope or the new bills:
 First-Age limit raised to IA years, except for children of widowed moth CTS etc. No child under 12 shall he employed under any circumstances.
 Second-Hours of labor; For chil- dren under Is, limited to ten hours per calander day, hfty-six hours per week
 Third-Night work: Prohibited TOT children under 16 for children between 16 to 18 limited to eight hours. Fourth-Educational test: No child between ages Of 12 and Is shall be em ployed or detained in or about fac tory or manufacturing establishment unless such child shall attend schooi for twelve weeks in each year of em- ployment. six weeks of which shall be consecutive.
 Fifth-Inspection Inspector to be , appointed by the Governor, shall in spect at least four times a year anu shall have free access at all times to factories and manufacturing establish ments employing children; shall report violations of solicitor of county withlh ten days. together with names and ad- dresses of witnesses. and himself swear out warrant against the Niolator or statute.
 Reports in writing to Governor and 1 State Superintendent of Education | quarterly; refusal to allow inspection i punished. Judge; of Probate. of Circuit Courts or of 0ther courts have jurisdiction and the County Superintendent of Edu- cation in county of employment. and State Superintendent of Education