Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-20

/ Know, four Years ago had no trouble
IN adjusting themselves to the new
condition. | do not remember of any
strikes or lockouts: / do not know of
any serious reduction in wages of
women and children in the factories
of Maine four years ago. The same
arguments are being put up now. that
these industries cannot live under this
new law Why. gentlemen, it is in the
line Of progress and there are some
things III this old world of ours that
we cannot turn back. We have these
great industries in oUf state, we have
thCm here IN Augusta, the Stockhold-
ers and officials are particular friends
OF mine. In behalf of working WOm-
en-; in behalf Of the girls half grown
IN body and half developed in mind.
those who have to work i'm factories
III behalf of the boys of Maine under
the age of 10 years who are obliged
To work in factories and be shut away
from the sunshine and the play which
belongs To the boyhood of our state
IN behalf of labor | ask that when
you vote upon this matter to recon-
nit this bill, you vote against the mo-
ton of the gentleman from Skowhe-
gan Mr. Marston).
Mr.. WHEELER of Paris: Mr..
Speaker and gentlemen of the House.
/ hope the motion of the gentleman
from Skowhegan tMr. Marston) will
prevail. / believe this matter is one
Of the most important matters which
will engage the attention of the Leg
islature at this session. | believe the
Vote that we have just taken is as
significant as any vote that will be
recorded during the present session
/ am in sympathy with the PROPOSE
ton presented in the minority report
| believe it is a movement in the
right direction. but so far as that part
OF ii is concerned, | would not be
justified in taking the time 81 this
House in addressing you upon any
phrase of thai matter because / believe
the matter has been SO thoroughly
presented that the minds of every one
of MS have reached Il decision upon it.
| address myself solely To the qucs-
ton of recommitment. When
opened the documents of this House
ard observe that this matter was
printed aa the tenth day of January,
/ search my recollection in vain for
any reason that can be properly as
signed now for Il recommitment
Without referring To the methods that
have been employed in presenting this
matter Ia the consideration of this
House. and without questioning any
bodE's motive. be he a member of this
House or a member of the House that
meets in the corridors, | believe
voice the sentiment of every man on
this floor when | say that this ques-
ton has had more extensive hear
ing than anything which has engaged
their attention SO far. 1t was heard
in committee, and nobody denies il
whether it is "a or IS hours, the pro-
position was al before the committee:
and this matter has been on the table
for over week. or about week.
and during that time, gentlemen,
have we not all been interviewed
time and time again by people who
are interested iii stopping legislation
Of his kind? Then motives ] do not
question. they are honest undouhted-
j.. but he matter has been So
thoroughly presented by those active
and able gentlemen that | can see no
possibility and no necessity eff calling
for recommitment of this matter To
the committee
Gentlemen, l am proud Of the vote
hat has Just been recorded. | believe il
dose credit to this House ann sure
We all appreciate the fair remarks that
have been made for our information.
We realize there are members on this
floor who are in an embarrassing po-
sitiors who have friends upon both
sides, and if it were possible they
would like To do justice by both of
them: but the matter has now reached
a point where ii has not been pnssi-
bic to avoid "A yea and nay vote upon
the proposition; it has not been pos
sible for certain members to remain ST
lent, even though they intended to AT
first; ii has now reached a point where
we will say that. after several weeks of
elaboration upon this proposition, we
will return ii to the committee for a
further hearing. This could not add
anything to the information which
this House now has upon the matter.
and I hope this motion for delay and
reeommitment will not prevail
The SPEAKER: Is the House ready
for the question. The question before
the House is on the adoption of the
motion of the gentleman from Skow-
hegau, Mr.. Marston. that the matter be
recommitted To the committee All
those in favor of this motion will say
| aye; those opposed will say no.
A viva Voce vote being taken,
The motion was lost
Mr., NEW BERT: Mr.. Speaker, | now
move the adoption OF the report ac-
companied by the bill in new draft.
known as the minority report. the 40
hour bill.
Tho motion was agreed To.
The report was adopted. and under
the Joint rules the bill was laid upon
the table for printing.
Special ASSIGNMENT.