The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1914-11-28
M. & M. AND MINIMUM WAGE.

Lincoln.
NJ NJ AND MINIMUM WAGE.
AS published in The Labor World Of last week the
Advisory committee the Merchants and Manufactur-
ers of the State Minnesota in relation to the Min
imum Wage, have issued call for funds to test the
legality the wage which they instrumental in
having determined. Read Father Ryans "The Task
of Minimum Wage Boards published in this issue.
A week ago last Saturday, E. w. Williams, an en-
poyer Of women and girls in Wnona has brought suit
to test the consttutionality of the law and other
*suits pending to test. the legality OF the
orders of the commission"
Judge Nethaway the defending attorney in sum-
ming up his argument said; 'This law makes it con-
dition in the employment OF women and minors that
they be paid living wage such wage as is adequate
supply necessary costs Of living and to maintain
them in health"
In the meantime the M. & NJ are busy rounding up
their forces to combat the law and possible force
the girls and and minors who have not yet
been organized, to work for as little as possible
1t is we'll to state here that the minimum Of 1878
set by the board applies only to experienced help ana
not to learners apprentices.
One garing misstatement in the letter to which we
draw attention is follows; students of both econo
mic and legal phases of the minimum legislation
practically unanimous in the opinion that such leg
islation is unsound In principle unworkabe and i'm
practicable and works hardships not only the en-
ployer, but upon all employees This statement is made
either in ignorance deceit.
December 27-2s 1912, before the American Asso-
citation for Labor Legislation several leading
iss and social workers discussed 1.-THE Theory Of the
Minimum Wage Henry. Rogers Seager, Professor Of
Economics at Columbia University gave his views
follows; "The economic interests of society requires
the payment Of living to all workers, except,
possibly, children learning trades detectives,
must be treated wards Of the state. United
States the great majority of industries pay such wages
to the great majority of their employees Starvation
are found only under exceptional circumstances
Typical of these home work under the sweating
system. and the employment Of girls in department
stores. For both Of these enployments the require
ments OF minimum wages, covering necessary living
penses would be distinct social gain. 1t would in
the health and efficiency of those employed
such wages. It woul put a stop to exploitation by
grasppg employers, and hasten better distribution of
the labor force Of the country. Finally would
pei society to face the problem Of caring
employable through insurance pensions for those
who should not be expected to be se1fsupportng and
through better training and distribution who
might be selfsupportng II given assistance The
objections to the plan mainly practical, and the
most convincing answer to these objections is the
that other countries actually making minimum
wages regulations effective"
Professor John r. Commons Of University of Wis
cousin said; "A minimum wage standard is essential
for the protection Of labor whether it be under
petitive conditions in the employ of a trust or
municipality The real question Shall this minimum
be established by law by labor organizations?
be best for legislation avoid this field but
look for just such conditions as have been
found at Lawrence and Little Falls. For the most o.
pressed laborers who not organize it
would seem that legislation might make beginning"
Professor Groat, professor Of economies Ohio Wesc
leyan University "A standard living determined IN it's
minimum by scientific methods will remove many dis
turbing elements sufficient satisfy needs thus
determined and legitimatized will education and
knowledge of how to spend. will remove SYMPATHY
from the class of foolish spenders undertake nsuo
ton with the class of gorant spenders 1t will clear
the situation of of its and
more clearly the next step" further states that an
industry paying less than living wage IL parasitic Not
until an industry has developed the ingenuity the in
ventive and organizing ability, to make sefsusainns
in all of it's returns ought society to have that liz
dustry' 4 -'.' - a: /
The NJ and NJ. may be able to- prove the legality ri
their cause. but the element will still be there Il
q haunt them to their graves .. -
This is another example Of the necessity of the laho,
union to- enforce If necessary the laws of the state
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Editor Barry, Of the San Francisco Star makes thi.
pertinent editorial comment: 'Men who make war IN
labor unions, SUCH make upon social progress
is faulty in the labor union movement ii tnssnf
cant as compared with what is food ana with what il
u working for true social bettsrment'r =. $ BIB
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