The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1911-04-21
SAVING CHILDREN.
Movement Against Child Labor
Grows Steadily.
BEGUN BY TRADE UNIONS.

Need of Protection For the Nations
Boys and Girls ls at Last Recognized
Many States Have Passed Remedial
Legislation.
The persistency and patience of the
organized workers In behalf of the
children of the nation are being re-
warded. After years of heroic effort
and weary periods of misrepresenta-
ton and misinterpretation by the grad
grinds of industry the goal of ultimate
success gradually but surely is being
reached.
The child, our nations most priceless
possession, is at last being recognized
by society as its most valuable asset
Some other influential portions of so
ciety have at last after our repeated
warnings, continual struggles and
gratifying successes, been convinced
that we are right In asking protection
for the child. They are taking a leaf
from our book of endeavor and aspira-
ton and are now rendering US valua-
BILE aid in behalf of better child labor
laws This is as 1t should be. and as
1t should have been years ago. II 1t
had been SO our newly discovered aux
iliaries could more consistently claim
credit they are now appropriating
without stint. This is another evil
dence of the truism, Nothing sue
ceeds like success"
The period has now arrived when
the average member of legislature Is
proud II he can make good record on
'child labor legislation" and while
this inclination prevails 1t will be well
to press home in every state legislature
the most complete and efficient meas
ures in the interest of the children.
The Ohio law Is without doubt the
most enlightened and humane. 1t pro-
vides fourteen years as the age limit
for employment of children in facto-
ries. fifteen years In mines during
school term) and sixteen years in dan
gerous or unhealthful employments
That state has also enacted law
making eight hours a maximum days
work for children, including girls up
to the eighteenth year.
The most essential feature now re-
quired in some states is more capable
factory inspectors to enforce the child
labor laws of the state. These can be
obtained If a firm demand Is made for
them.
We succeeded in having the child
abor law of the District of Columbia
strengthened during the last session
of congress. Formerly inspectors were
appointed at the option Of the District
commissioners. We protested that the
duty should be made mandatory in
stead of optional The District Of Co
lumbia appropriation bill now contains
provision requiring the detail of two
privates Of the metropolitan police for
the enforcement Of the provisions of
the act to regulate the employment of
child labor.
Several efforts have been made by
persons interested in exploiting the
labor Of children to have what they
are pleased to call broad and liberal
interpretations Of the law" but the
courts have decided otherwise The
last case under Judge De Lacy was
decided Oct. 6, 1910. In which he held
that the spirit as well as the letter Of
the law should be strictly observed.
saying: "Violators of the child labor
law deserve the severest censure. The
boys and girls taken from school and
play are deprived of their birthright
Those who exploit them should be
punished severely" 1t is not so long
ago that when labor's representatives
made similar statements they were
denounced as blatant agitators."
"dreamers." ETC., but through their
righteous endeavors we have lived to
enjoy hearing judges. ministers, states
men and even politicians applauded
for such lofty sentiments.
Forty-four states now have child la
Dor legislation of some form. In twen-
ty-eight states the working age limit
is fourteen years; in ten, twelve years;
In three. sixteen years; In two. fifteen
years and In one state (GeorgiaD ten
years Five states now have a forty
eight hour week for children; five.
fifty-four hour week; two, ffty-6ve
hour week; two. fifty-six hour week;
two, fifty eight hour week; twenty
four, a sixty hour week; two. sixty
six hour week
The law should provide that the max
imum working hours for minors should
not exceed eight hours per day. Uni
form state legislation in this regard
should be Immediately urged. Samuel
Gompers In American Federationist