The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1909-04-08
No 13
MONEY WELL
EXPENDED
Single Men Will Now Be
Protected.
Seattle, Wash, April 5th, 1909.

state Labor Press
An editor of one of the Labor Press
of the state, in commenting upon the re-
port of the State Federation of Labor,
relative to legislation secured during the
recent session said "We can congratulate
ourselves that there was return for
the money expended
Had we secured the enactment of but
one of the ten measures reportcd-th
right of dependent heirs to recover dam
ages for the death of single person,
we would have gained for the depend
ent heirs many times the cost of our
work before the session.
For ten years the employers Of our
state have Disseminated against en-
ployment of married men in favor Of
single men because if death came to the
single man through conditions under
which the employer should be response
bic, no such responsibility existed. Mar
ried men who were not familiar with our
laws have often wondered why they
were displaced by single men. Chambers
of Commerce, Commercial Bodies and
Boosters Clubs have spent hundreds of
thousands of dollars in advertising the
advantage OF our state and urging men
with families to come here. The cor
porltions have refused to employ them
after they came if single men could be
secured.
During the legislative session of 1908
a large employer Of labor, now a mem
Der OF our State Senate stated before the
Labor Committee that he had in his
employ 500 men, 100 OF whom were
single. WHY? Because ii any or all of
the 100 were killed under conditions
which, if married their heirs could re-
cover, the fact that they were single
men barred every possibility of recov-
cry.
Not reader Of this paper but can re
call OF reading or more intimate kuowl-
edge, OF the killing OF single man dur
inc the past year who had aged parents
or minor brothers or sisters dependent
upon him, who were deprived of means
Of support. The writer recalls the death
oi an engineer and fireman caused by
an engine going through defective
bridge. The widow OF the engineer re.
covered a liberal amount for his death.
\ mother and two younger sisters en-
tirely dependent upon that fireman.
single man, for support were LETT penni-
less. The aged mother was compelled
to take in washing for a living while the
sisters secured employment in a depart
ment store at four dollars a week with
the usual results.
Men voted for this measure who knew
that its passage meant thousands OF
dollars additional expense to them in the
coming year Why did they support it
Because through our effort, the unfair
ness OF the present law had been repeat
edly exposed and they felt compelled to
acquiesce in the demand of the Fedora
tion OF Labor.
To the attorneys OF the state who are
not owned by corporations, We owe
thanks for assistance but 10 none 9th
ers. While it has taken ten years to
right this wrong, nevertheless it was we'll
worth the effort and hundreds Of aged
parents or minor sisters and brothers
will be kept from hunger and want as
we'll as the crimes they lead to in the
future.
Yes, Mr. Editor, believe I'VE can con
gratulate ourselves that there was a re-
turn for the money expended"
Respectfully submitted.
CHAS. r. CASE. President.
W. 5. f. of Labor.