Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1914-01-02

ter the first week Of unemployment
Workmen more than eighteen veara
old get $1.75 a week and under eigh-
teen years old. 80 cents week, up 70
maximum OF Is weeks unemployed
In any twelyemonth. The cost to the
state OF unemployment insurance 10
about $2,000,000 annually.
Government Employment Agencies.
The Labor Exchange Act is, in every
way, a supplement to tho Unempioy-
menf Act II provides government la
Dor exchanges to find Jobs for work,
men and workmen for jobs. In ths
three years since this scheme became
operative 100000 vacancies have
been filled and nearly 100000 jobs Of
casual nature found for workmen.
A large amount has been advanced by
the state for travelling expenses for
workmen fur whom Jobs have been
found. The workman who would claim
unemployment benefit must first show
that he has applied to the Labor Ex-
change for employment and been I'M
able to obtain It,
Minimum Wage "WhIte List"
The Workmen's Compensation Act
is not new, but an extension to other
workers, and to include compensation
In the case Of certain industrial dis
eases. The Trades Boards Act at
tackled the Industrial and social evil OF
sweating. It established trade boards.
composed OF employers and workers
In equal proportions, together with
members appointed by the Board OF
Trade. These boards fix minimum
rates for wages for time work In Ger
tain trades and may also M general
minimum rates for piece work. The
trades to which the act has already
been made to apply are: Ready-made
and custom tailoring; cardboard box
making, machine-made lace and
net-fnishing and chain-making. A
white List" Of employers who agree
to the minimum wage is made public
and no government contracts are
awarded to firms not on this list.
Early Closing for Shops.
The Early Closing Act, which both.
ers some tourists who find shops
closed at unexpected and apparently
unreasonable times. gives weekly half
holidays all over Great Britain to shop
keepers and their assistants. All
shops-American, stores-must be
closed one week day not later than one
o'clock in the afternoon, except where
food or newspapers are sold-which,
with letters, Constitute the trinity for
which man will not willingly wait
Even excepted shops may be closed If
two-thirds of those in the district in
the trade wish them closed. All classes
of shop assistants must be given one
half-holiday week and the general
work hours are regulated BY law.
Other acts prevent the employment OF
women In Industrial occupations dur
ing the night. make regulations re-
garding the protection Of health In fac
tories and attack the problem of child
labor. The Housing and Town Plan
ming Acts amplify In their provisions
earlier acts under which the state ac-
quires land for housing purposes and
deals with unsanitary areas and dwell
ings. =
frank Socialism,
These are some of the more striking
measures which Great Britain's legis-
lature is using as tools In the con-
struction of tomorrow's British en-
pire.
1T is rank Socialism" said one, but
what are you going to do about 1t? A
reaction will come and come soon, but
until that does come these laws and
more of the same kind will be enacted,
weakening private initiative, diminish.
ing self-respect and discouraging self
reliance and thrift. If the state is to
be crutch, we will all grow infirm in
time and lean upon it. Contentment.
not discomfort, should be preached
We are sowing the wind to reap the
whirlwind."
Prosperity should pay a thank Of
fering." said another Britisher. $50
much for the new taxes. AS for the
so-called socialistic legislation, 1t Is
not socialism but democracy, the CIV
ing to every man a chance, and SO
far as honest living wage and fair
laws for capital alike with labor, and
opportunity for education, leisure and
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