The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-01
CHILD LABOR LAW
IN EFFECT TODAY
District Boys Disappointed
When They Fail to Get
Badges.
LAST DAY RUSH
TO GET PERMITS
Three Hundred Little Workers
Storm Franklin School-Inspec-
tors Ordered to Be Firm.

Three hundred small boys stood in a
line that completely surrounded the
Franklin School this morning They
were waiting TO secure the precious per
NIT and badge that entitle them to
work under the provisions Of the child
labor law. The boy at the head Of the
line. having worked his way through
the office, waved aloft a white paper.
but his face was a picture Of woe.
NO badges" he announced In a voice
like an echo from a tomb. The words
struck the 800 boys speechless for
shock. they murmured IN one long wall,
''No badges"
The boy who carried the mournful
news stood at the top of the school
steps. his head sunk on his chest, the
permit hanging Hstlessly from his fng
eFs A hush Overspread the thin, long
line. At last one boy spoke
Die Gets Broken.
Watts de row wild de ba' ges?" de
demanded.
The die got broke. the man said"
the bearer Of the bad news answered.
and he went his way. There was no
bright. shARRE hedse decorating his
Jacket. tn "a white permit was
folded care Py and showed into his
pocket. The while happy, shouting
200, were traT red into a sad gather
ing.
The child Id law went into effect
today. the Il August. and from
this on no b hder sixteen can be
employed in District OF Columbia
without first ing secured a permit.
For weeks teTy Wilmarth and a
force OF cleT nave been at work at
the Frankli School examining boys
anxious TO s. Pc the privilege OF work
ing.
This mornf& bright and early, they
Hooked TO "A school house from all
sections Of cityi to present thciv
school certified is and secure the permit
and the precious badEe. which is nickel
plated with a pin On the back Into
this is placed a red tag showing the
wearer's name and address. the num-
Der of his permit and his signature, the
last to prevent the holder from farm
ing IL out among his friends.
Much Cast Dom.
They were a very much cast down
gathering when that dramatic an
nouncement was made from the top OF
the school steps. and they looked with
disbust on the paper permits which
were handed them with the adrlonitiou
TO keep it handy should It be called
for by the inspectors. That could not
take the place Of the shining badge
which they anticipated wearing with
so much pride.
Secretary Wilmarth was obliged "a
explain TO each one of them that some
thing had gone wrong with the die with
which they were being made, ana they
would have 10 be mailed 20 the boys.
Even that did not bring back the
smiles.
The first offender today was a small,
barefoOtec boy. who stood on the cor
ner of New York avenue and Four
teenth street selling papers He had no
permit. and he kept glanCing furtively
around. His vigilance was Unavailing
for when he turned his back to dispose
Of his last paper, a policeman came UP
behind.
OFF for Permit.
where's the permit. soany?'' he de-
manded.
Too early to get it-goin' Up in a
few minutes" said the boy.
Wei, see that you do, bub. or you'll
get 1t in the neck. Beat it,
And the boy made tracks for Frank
lin School TO join the long line of dis
consulate ones, his pennies juggling IN
his pocket
Inspectors Estes and Saunders start
ed IN this morning TO enforce the pro
visions of the child labor law. Last
evening they received instructions from
Commissioner mcfarland 20 execute
tho law without fear or favor. You
Will perform your duties with courtesy
firmness. and a purpose to execute the
spirit as we'll as the letter Of the law '
lie directed.
More than 200 boys will be granted
permits and sent badges. These are Al
qualified to work in Washington bust
Less houses or TO sell newspapers. More
than 90 applicants have been refused
The Derrnfte