The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-01-17
WILL CONSIDER
UNIFORM LAWS
thousand Delegates Attend Open
ing Session Of Washington
Conference.
WILL ATTACK DIVORCE EVIL
Subject Of Similar Divorce Statutes in
States Will Be Disoussed-Prom-
inent Men Are On List
of Speakers.

washington, ID. c., Jan. 17.-Nearly
one thousand delegates. all men OF
earnest thought, devoted to the best
interests Of the country, attended the
opening of the National Conference on
Uniform Legislation today The Gov
ernors of number of States were
present in person, while others were
represented by specially appointed del
egates. The attendance included also
representatives of many boards of
trade. labor organizations, municipal
associations and other bodies.
The conference, which is to last
three days, meets under the auspices
Of the National Civic Federation. Seth
Low, president of the federation, call
ed the gathering to order and intro
duced President Taft as the first speak
er. The President in his address out
lined in general the weighty problems
to be discussed by the conference.
He laid special stress on the ques-
tion of uniform divorce laws and urged
the cooperation of the Governors and
others present in bringing the sub
iect TO the attention of the legislatures
of the different States and securing
effective action.
In addition to President Taft the
speakers at the initial session included
Alton b. Parker of New York. chair
man Of the committee on arrange
ments which also includes Ralph M.
Easley, chairman of the executive
council of the National Civic fedora
tion; John Mitchell, John Hays Ham
mond Samuel Gompers. and Gov
ernor Wilson of Kentucky, chairman
of the committee of Governors.
The subject of uniform divorce laws
occupies the foremost place on the
list of topics scheduled for consider
alton. 1t is found practically impos-
sible to come to any agreement on a
general list of causes for divorce.
However, the migratory divorce evil
will be attacked and n measure will
legitimate in one State will be legiti-
mate in all states.
Uniform state laws TO check the
present immense annual loss of pro-
perty by fire will be asked. A model
act for the taxation of fire insurance
companies and the repeal OF all other
existing laws on that subject will be
presented. The time allotted for rail-
way regulation discussion will be used
IN urging that the State laws be made
10 conform as nearly as possible To the
federal laws and to the rulings of the
interstate Commerce Commission.
In regard to labor laws. the confer
ence VIII be asked to recommend uni
form state legislation regulating the
employment of women and children
and the hours of labor OF all employees
IN Injurious occupations that should
properly come under the police pow
ers OF the state: also uniform laws with
regard to factory and mine inspection.
compensation for accidents and with
respect to convict-made p' . lucts.
Among other matters slate Cor dis
cusson are uniform laws IN regard to
'he speed and regulation of automo-
ples' pensions, road building, vital
statistics, pure food. public health, the
control of quasi-public utilities. and
determinations against married wo-
men as to the control of their children
ana the holding of property.