The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1908-12-12

they had been defrauded out of their
money.
Many instances were known where
private agents entered into conspira-
cies with foremen of crews of men,
and the latter Were provided with an
endless chain of laborers, the en-
p1oyment agents dividing the fee with
the foreman, who in turn :indiscrim-
inately:, discharged the; old men to-
make room for the new, and so on,
labor at all times being the victim.
State Employment Bureaus.
|. With four years of trial the states
the expectations of their most enthu-
siastic advocates, and additional leg
islation to promote their usefulness
is expected from time to time.
Of course it must be conceded that
abuses may occur in public instttu-
lions, just as they have in private
agencies, for everything depends
upon those in. charge. However,, they
are fulfilling their mission, and their
usefulness must depend wholly upon
their use by society," ..
1t does seem absurd that a condi-
tion should be tolerated which COM
pels the wealth producer to pay for
chance to work The state employ
nent bureau is established to discour-
age such a practice.
Laws In General.
: Time will not permit a longer dis
cussion in detail of the many laws
upon our statute books enacted for
the moral, physical and economic pro-
lection of the people. We have so
many good laws, AMI there are many
more to be enacted if Minnesota is to
keep pace with the growing demands
of civilization. Even some of our
good ones Should be amended to meet
the requirements Of today. I would
extend the law requiring the sanitary
inspection OF workshops to a sani-
tary inspection Of homes, particular
ly applying to those inha bited by ten
! ants. The virtue of this is apparent
to all who have made study of any
phase of. the question Of housing our
work people.
I would call upon the best minds in
Minnesota to lend their efforts to the
man wrecks who are victims of in
uustry'sc terrible: hazard. -. wv, H.: !
/ Employers Liability Law.~.~. =,
I am aware that the question of
Employers Liability is a difficult one,
and I approach Its. consideration with
some degree OF -diftidence, not be-
cause Of any misgtvings as to my un-
Outstanding. OF the principles :. which
should govern. in enacting adequate
! legislation. on the subject, but because
i the individual who will today; con-
tend for laws righteously in harmony
with absolute justice to employer and
employee, in the light ana fact Of con
ditions as they now; exist, invites to
! himself the. opposition and antagon-
ism of well meaning men, who believe
! in adhering to: the, ideas orjbasic prin-
ciples underlying Legislation that was
| adequate and lust enough in its day.
but is neither adapted for nor con
sonant with presents conditions. III any
! line of industry whatsoever. i3tf#&sT Ga& f.
1 >5s.@!Antiauated; Doctrines. .Gtassffs
| The old doctrines Of assum ptfons Of
risk, and 5sof contributory negligence
1 have been but slightly modified thro
the centuries. During this time q
marvellous development has occurred
In industry ?&ss4 ~z # <$.. 49,
The bench and hand tools ct the
! mechanic have nftdispiaced* by In
tricate machinery with its many. Icogs,
| shafts and pulleys, >all running at i a
4 Watchful care Of man. The factory
I operative assumes a far greater risk
4 than the Hnecha1lic whom he and the
1 machine have succeeded; and the fas-
/ ter the wheels SO the greaterj the risk
i RaNroadlnE is more azardous Il than
i stage driving. The motor man on q
4 rapid transit railway is in more dan
i ger than was the mule driver. The
steel worker on modern high skeleton
Il structures takes chances never before
4 demanded Of labor. Yet men mus al
this work. I t Is part of our Il viliza-
jtion. Society depends upon their dar.