The Washington herald., 1908-05-07
TO STOP CHILD LABOR

Continued from Page One.
Mr.. Gallinger replied that he intended to
offer an amendment to prevent that
The Senator is very kind" retorted
Mr.. Nelson; but why does he discrim-
inate?'
Mr.. Galllnger replied that the occupa-
ton OF a Senate page was not only the
best schooling d boy could have. but It
enabled him TO attend night school, and
did not in any way interfere with his edu-
cation.
Mr. Nelson moved that the minimum
age for the employment Of children un-
der the bill be made twelve instead Of
fourteen years. Mr.. Dolliver opposed this,
declaring that Mt Nelson's own State.
Minnesota. made fourteen the minimum
age IN its chi!d-labor law. Mr.. Nelson
contended that the bill as il stood would
prevent many children from aiding their
parents in "eking out a scanty exist
enCe," ana would enforce idleness upon
many boys, which he considered a grave
misfortune to those boys. The Minnesota
Senator's amendment, however. was lost.
Nevsboys Not Eliminated.
Senator GalHnger offered an amend
ment TO prevent the selling OF newspapers
by boys under fourteen years old. but
Mr. Nelson's strong objection persuaded
him 10 withdraw the amendment. Sen
ator Hepburn then offered an amt ndment
70 allow children 70 be employed about
the premises Of their parents or guardians
when the guardians were responsible for
the care of the children. If this were
not done. he said, the bill would enable
a child TO refuse to assist its own parent
or guardian in its own home. and in
effect put a premium upon incorrigibility.
The amendment was adopted.
Mr. Nelson moved 10 strike out the
prohibition against the employment Of a
child in a mercantile establishment, store,
or business Office. and in spite OF strong
opposition, the amendment was carried.
When the bill was reported TO the Sen
ate from the Committee Of the Whole an
attempt was made TO reconsider this
amendment, but upon Mr.. Nelson's de-
msnding a roll call the amendment was
carried. 80 to .. Senator Gallinger then
secured the adoption OF an amendment,
inserting in place Of the words stricken
ont the words department stores" pro-
hibiung the employment Of children un-
der fourteen years old in those establish
ments
Piles starts Warm Debate.
The most extensive debate upon any
part Of the bill was brought about by an
amendment offered by Senator Piles. Of
Washington. proposing 10 allow the Judge
Of the Juvenile Court Of the District 10
receive applications. through the parent,
guardian. or next friend" Of any child
debarred from working under the bill,
and after granting a hearing on the ap-
plication, 10 use his judgment as 10 the
necessity OF allowing the child in question
to enter into any employment which
would not, in the opinion OF the judge,
injure the child mentally, morally. or
physically. provided II were shown that
the child's assistance was required for
the support Of an incapacitated parent,
brother, or sister. Mr.. Piles defended his
amendment on the ground that il would
prevent much hardship being done by the
bill, and said that many OF the child labor
laws Of the States had such provisions.
Senator Lodge declared that the Wash
ington Senator could achieve his apparent
purpose better by voting against the en-
tire bill. His amendment. not only made
q judge an executive officer, but It took
the right from the child which the bill
proposed 10 give. Any person who desir-
ed to profit by the labor Of a child over
which he had some legal authority, Mr
Lodge contended, could go before the
court and swear to a statement that
81
child TO be employed. making the child
despite the existence OF the law
which 1t was proposed 10 enact
Lodge Calls 1t Destructive.
The amendment would be destructive
Of the entire purpose of the bin. In the
course OF his remarks Mr.. Lodge stated
that he came from a State that had &
more stringent child-labor law than the
bin under consideration would be, and
he said that only persons who had come
from States where great industrial activ-
ity contributed to the ensIavement Of
children could properly appreciate the
horrors Of that enslavement.
Senator Piles. replying to Mr.. Lodge,
said he would protect the children against
sweatshops and similar employment. but
he would also protect a boy in the exer-
else OF the sturdy manhood that had
made the great men Of this country. He
would also allow a child to protect his
father or mother against the poorhouse.
Mr.. DOlliver declared that the growth
Of child-labor legislation throughout the
world, as well as in this country, had
been retarded by this same widow, this
same crippled father. these same helpless
children" The plea made by the Sena-
tor from Washington had been effective
IN putting off efectual child-labor laws
In this country ana abroad.
Lodge Describes 'Next Friend"
Mr.. Lodge, in a sarcastic speech, said
he had seen some Of those next friends"
Of which the Senator from Washington
spoke; he had seen them coming down
the gang planks OF immigrant steamers,
and he had been on a commission which.
in investigating the evils Of the padrone
system. had uncovered many more OF
them. This brought MIR. Piles to his feet
~r~Frs ss1l@ i