The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-07-05
LABOR LAW UNJUST,
SAYS GOV. CLYNN
His Influence Expected in Fight to Re-
lieve Property Owners From
ContiSCatory Provisions.

n has iust dcveloped that Gov Giynn
has been for some time quietly weighing
tho whole situation ~ regards the labor
lnws IN their relation ia expensive struo-
'ural changes 10 buildings throughout this
state and has como to tho conclusion that
In many particulars these laws are un-
necessarily severe Tho Governors atten-
ton was turned to this matter by COM
plants which for some months have been
pouring into his office.
These complaints have come from man
ufacturers and real estate owners all over
New York state. but especially from New
York city. where most Of tho orders for
structural chargea have been issued and
where the laws have pressed most heavily.
In the position which he takes on this
matter IN n statement given out at Albany
the Governor vindlcates tho attitude taken
by the Real Estate Board of New York
IN It's efforts for reasonable amendments
10 the labor law. He says;
I'VE have already placed New York far
IN advance Of many other States " the
Union In the line ~ progressive legisla-
ton TO meet tho Justified demands OF the
tojlers Of our state The state factory
investigating commission heard tho cry
~ the mass n men and women toilers amt
was responsible for the enactment Of
remedial measures that guarantee TO the
factory employees the right - I've AS well
a. the license 20 work. "A result VI the
new laws secured by the factory commit
sion many factory buildings were practi-
cally remodellcd 30 that now their oc-
rrpants are given healtnful surroundings.
The result has been hat manufacturers
get better work ont NJ their employees
because they are healthy and cheerful and
the cemeteries and tuberculosis santa
r,uns arc the only losers"
The Governor makes = plain that there
.hould Ia No laxitv IN tho care of the
factory employees throughout m" state.
IN tho other hand, 10 thinks tho pendulum
har swung too far In the other direction.
IIe says:
81 do not hel'eve IN legislation 80 radi-
cal that II means an attack on the valua
ION IL real estate or driving out Of our
tate manufacturing concerns ar oths
large business enterprises. Real estate
owners tell me that stric' compliance
With some 81 our laws would mean recon
etrlction Of their buildings. WILLS others
iusist there e. such = general mlXup Of
orders from state and local authorities
IA New York city that ~ Is often a ques-
ton ns 20 whether IN order given hy 2
local authority to-day VIII NOT be re-
scinded nv state authority tomorrow. "
has also been stated that inspectors from
he Department of LABOR in New York
and attaches Of the Fire Prevention
Bureau and IN" Industrial Board are
seeminElv pulling against one another I'm
heir work of building supervision and III
spection. 20 the end that real estate owners
and tho manufacturers Az" often In seri-
GUS doubt "a 20 Just where they are at.
The Governor commends the work OF
the state Factory Investigating Commits
sion and especially ITS energy IN arreng-
ing hearings In New York and In other
large cities Of the state In order 10 bring
out, as s; rs doing. facts and suggestions
IN the workings ~ tho Law. Tho Gov
"rnor adds
THAT these hearings viii h~ fruitful Of
excellent results Is beyond question. and
feel that enough Information will h
gathered 10 make certain - solution ot
his great industrial problem. which will
hs as fair to the real estate owner and
manufacture as VIC are 20 jealousy in
yis,ing u should 10 for the mon and
women workers of the state
Commenting on this statement by Gov
tilvnn. Laurence VI. II. Mcclure presideu,
~ the Real Estate Board ~ New York
said:
"The conclusion reached nv the Gov.
crnor IL the inevitable conclusion bound
to be reached by every one who gives
serious consideration to the way Inc dras-
tic features OF the law have been working
In New York md throughout the state.
THE purpose Of the labor law was 10
make ne safe and work more pleasant fo'
factory operativcs. This was 4 laudable
purpose and every humane rerson will up
mold g. But zeal has carried some o; u:
too far. This Who'll" hing must be brought
down To q practical plano. We must have