The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1913-08-01
NEW FIELD FOR CONTROL.

Congressman CopIcy of Illinois Intro
duces Bill to Require Secretary of
Labor to Register Goods - Some
what Similar to Pure Food Bill.
Federal prohibition of child labor in |
a novel form is the purpose of a bill
introduced in the house of representa-
tives by Ira G. Copley, congressman
from Illinois
The bill is based on the principles of
Senator Beveridge's original proposal
In 1907. denying the right of Interstate
transportation to the products of child
labor. Manufacturers, producers, in
terstate carriers, jobbers and whole
salers are made responsible for unlaw-
sul shipments. By a revision similar
to that of the pure foods and drugs
act commerce remains free to goods
stamped or labeled registered under
the federal child labor act Ship
ments from states having satisfactory
child labor laws are exempted from
the operation of the proposed law
The bill provides
That the employment of a child under
fourteen years of age in any mill, fac
tory, cannery. workshop, manufacturing
or mechanical establishment of a child
under sixteen years OF age in any coal
mine, coal breaker coke oven, quarry or
In any establishment where poisonous or
dangerous acids, gases dyes are used,
manufactured or packed, or in any es-
tablishment wherein the work done or
materials or equipment handled are dam
gerous to the life and limb or Injurious to
the health or morals of such child, is
hereby designated and defined as anti
social child labor and as detrimental TO
the general welfare and debasing TO com
merce.
The unusual phrase "anti-social child
labor" Is used TO express the motive of
the proposed legislation; the protection
of society from the stunting of future
generations 1t is the purpose of the
bill to bring the products OF anti-sociai
child labor within the supreme courts
classification, of outlaws of com
merce." In its preparation Congress
man Copley has had the assistance of
the legislative reference committee of
the progressive national service.
The bill does not go to the extent of
the uniform child labor law in prohib-
iting all forms OF harmful child labor,
thus avoiding many practical difficult
ties. Mr. Copley's proposal is to es,
tablish minimum standard to be en-
forced nationally.
The administrative provisions Of the
bill provide that the secretary of labor
shall make a public list of the busi-
nesses and industries affected, together
with a list of their products.
Any manufactures or producer may
make affidavit that he does not employ
the aid OF anti-social child labor and be
authorized by the secretary of labor to
under the act
No carrier shall transport and no
manufacturer or jobber shall ship ini-
TALLY In interstate commerce the prod
ucts of anti-social child labor.
The secretary Of labor, after exami-
nation of the laws, shah certify what
states have laws which substantially
prohibit and effectively prevent" anti
social child labor as defined, where
upon the provisions of the act shall not
apply to such states.
A false statement 10 common car
rier concerning the fact OF employment
of child labor or whether the shipment
is an initial shipment is made punish
able by fine carrier is permitted to
refuse to accept shipments where the
shipper refuses to make such written
statement on demand.
The bill. while based largely on ac-
cepted principles, comprehends a dis
tinct expansion in theories Of federal
control. A machinery Of administra
ton is presented which has no dupli
cate In the federal government