The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-02-05

"It shall be the duty Of all State
and county officials, every employer
Of labor, and every person engaged IN
any industrial pursuit, to give to the
commissioner. or his agents, all nec-
essary int ,:mation to enable him to
perform IT, duties herein required OF
him.
EVERY person Or corporation who
shall wilflly impede or prevent the
commissioner, his agents or inspec-
tors, in the free and full performance
Of his duties, shall be guilty Of a mis-
demeanor, and, upon conviction Of the
same, shall be fined not less than SlO
nor more tHan $50, or be imprisoned
not less than 10 nor more than 30
days.
"The commissioner shall have pow
er to send for persons or papers when
ever in his opinion it is necessary, and
he may examine witnesses under oath,
being duly qualified to administer the
same in the performance Of his duty,
and the testimony so taken must be
filed and preserved in the office of
the commissioner; he and his agents
and inspectors shall have free access
to all places where five or more peo-
pie are employed as labofers.
"No use shall be made in the re-
ports Of the commissioner Of the
| names of individuals, firms or cor
porations supplying the information
called for by this act, such informa-
ton being deemed confidential and
not for the purpose of disclosing any
,, persons affairs; and any agent. in
spector or employe Of said commls-
sioner violating this provision shall
be deemed guilty Of misdemeanor,
and, upon conviction thereof, shall be
punished by fine not TO exceed $2OO
or imprisonment in the county jail not
to exceed six months.
"Said commissioner may employ
clerical assistance, at cost not to ex-
ceed $1,000 per annum and two IN
|'spectors. who shall be appointed by
the commissioner, at a salary OF Sl,-
900 each per annum and necessary
travelling expenses not to exceed .$3Oo
in one year,
The methods Of protection from ac-
cidents, the means Of ventilation, and
investigations into the employment of
children are made a part Of the COM
missioner'S duties.
There are some requirements in the
bill as to the need for fresh and pure
drinking water for the employees of
factories, and for punishment for vio-
lation of any section Of the bill.
Section l6 of the bill provides
against child under IA years of age
cleaning any part Of the machinery
in factory.
The most important feature Of the
bill is the requiring Of keeping CT vital
statistics by the firms employing chill
dren.
The commissioner of labor would
be required to make periodical visits
to the mills and factories.
Several important amendments
have also been proposed to the high
school law. As this bill left the SEN
ate. it provides an appropriation OF
100000, instead Of $4,000. as under
the original act.
Mr.. Carlisle's bill to require dlrec-
tors of banks to own a speclfled
amount Of stock was killed.
| Senator Sullivan has bill to re-
or,ire dealers and manufacturers OF
paint to show the proportlonate
amount Of ingredients which, go to
make up the paint.
Mr.. Weston has a bill to enable
ci6es of 10000 inhabitants or more
to fix the rates and charges for the
/; supply of water. gas, and electricity
furnished by any firms. persons, or
corporations to the inhabitants OF
such cities.
The house on Wednesday passed a
bill providing for the State approprla-
ton of $4,000 in support Of common
schools in the poorer districts. The
j purpose is to give these schools sui
fic;ent funds to insure a six months
session and if necessary $4,000 to
the school is to be appropriated out OF
this special $4,000. The house re-
fused to appropriate $l5O,OOO to the
common schools.
Resolutions were passed denounclns
tie appointment of DR.. Crum as col
1n-4o,. ~ tl,o ,>or+ ot ('harlpSfOO