New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-09
INQUIRY PLANNED TO
STOP FACTORY FIRES
Resolution for Investigation OF
Conditions introduced at
Albany.
RESULT OF ASCH DlSASl EK
Delegation from This City Calls
on Governor Dix and Urges
Inquiry-Letter from II.
L. Stimson Read.
RESULT OF ASCH DISASTER

Albany. May S--A resolution for gen
ersl investigation Of conditions surrounding
factory workers In the loft buildings II
first and second class cities was introduced
to-nisht by Senator Wagner and Assem-
blvmsn Smith. majority leaders Of the two
houses. This investigation, growing out Of
the Asch building Are in New York City
Is designed to find means Of preventing any
such disaster in the future. II Is 10 DC
broader than that. though. and is 10 IN
qure into conditions affecting the health
safety and security Of the employees in loft
and factory buildings.
Tho resolution follows:
Whereas. An appalling disaster has re-
Gently occurred in a so-called loft buildlns
in the city Of New York. whereby nearly
one hundred and fifty factory operatives
met their death: and
Whereas It is insisted BY representative
bodies and distinguished citizens who nave
inquired into the subject that conditions
prevail in other similar buildings WHEREBY
tens of thousands OF operatives are eN-
posed 10 like peris; and,
Whereas, II is likewise insisted by such
bodies and citizens that the conditions ar
aggravated by the continued erection Oh
such buildings. which are devoted 10 put
poses for which they are not ostensloly
constructed and for which they are pc
culiarly unfit now. therefore.
Resolved. That a Joint committee. TO De
appointed by the Governor at least two OF
whom shall he Senators and three AS
emblymen. the remaining four members 10
be selected by the Governor from among
persons other than members OF INC Legls-
lature. be created 70 investigate as spesu-
ilv as possible the existing conditions under
which manufac ture is carried on In so-caNsd
loft buildings and otherwise in the cities oil
the first class in the state including IN
such investigation matters afectlng the
health and the safety of operatives az wen
as the security and best interests of the
public the character Of the buildings ana
structures where such manufacture taxes
place and the laws and ordinances now
regulating their erection and maintenance
and SUPERVISION 10 the end. among other
things. that such remedial legislation may
be enacted as will eliminate existing peril
IN the life and health Of operatives ana
other occupants in existing or new struct-
lres and promote the best interests or the
community Said committee shall make a
report Of its proceedings. together win us
Communications TO The Legislature on op
shall have power 10 elect It's chairman ana
other officers. TO compel the attendance or
witnesses and the production or books anu
papers. TO employ counsel. stenographers
and ali necessary clerical assistance. ana
shall have all other powers necessary or
usual in cases Of legislative committees
including the adoption Of rules for the CON
0lC' or lIh ITof'eulilES. pu.l
shall have power 70 inquire into the con-
ditions under which manufacture takes
mace In other cities NJ this state and coun-
try and elsewhere II IL shall so determine
The actual and necessary expenses OF the
committee I'm carrying out the purpose OF
this resolution shall not exceed $1,000, TO
he paid from funds appropriated by the
legislature for the contingent expenses.
upon the certificate OF the chairman and
vice-chairman Of said committee. Any
further expenses 10 be incurred shall first
he provided for by voluntary subscription
from those interested I'm the subject matter
of the proposed investigation.