Evening journal., 1915-01-14
RAP COADY FOR
LABOR LAW VIEWS
His Statement That Certifi-
Gates Are All Right Is
Laughed AT
LEGAL ADVICE
SUSTAINS COMMISSION

The interview credited to Jeremiah
II. Coady. of the Child Labor Commits
sion, which has just appeared, is
causing considerable amusement
among members OF the body. who are
also surprised at some OF the state
ments alleged to have been made by
the commissioner.
II is pointed out that Mr.. Coady
manifests a woeful lack of knowl-
edge OF the child labor act when ne
asserts that warnings are being sent
10 employers of children by the
executive committee Of the commits
sion. Such notices are not being
forwarded by the committee, but by
Chairman John NJ Mendinhall. through
Charles w. Bush, secretary of the
board.
Work Of sending warnings is not
being looked after by the executive
committee of the commission for the
reason that such procedure does not
come within its purview, the COM
mittees activity being directed toward
instructing the child labor inspector.
The point Is also raised that Mr..
Coady erred in stating that the execu-
tive committee consists of only two
members. Miss Emily p. Bisscll and
Mr. Coady. when as a matter OF fact.
| Chairman Mendinhall is a member OF
the committee ex officio.
II is declared that Chairman Mendin-
! hall and Miss Bissell are IN perfect ac-
cord concerning the necessity OF sending
notices to manufacturers and other en-
ployers, aud they are supported by the
q opinion of counsel. Mr.. Coady's alleged
declaration that the certificates are all
right is causing laughter among the
commissioners. il being asserted that
the statement credited TO him in this
connection shows he knows but little
about law.
Attorney General Josiah o. Wolcott,
while not prepared TO give a written
opinion. has informed the commission
that IN view of the situation which has
arisen, he considers IL not only proper
for the commission TO send out notices
to employers of children, but plainly is
its duty to take such action.
Complaint has been heard in GER
tain quarters concerning the provi-
sion of the child labor bill requiring
parents and children TO present
affidavits as to age. 1t being claimed
this is a hardship. Under the old
child labor act, however. such afiidav'
/ its we're necessary and had 10 b.
/ sworn out before justices Of the peace
or notaries public at a cost Of % cents
each. The present law abolishes thu
fee and also permits the affidavit TO b.
: sworn 10 where the certificate Is IS
D sued. thus adding TO the convenience
Of those interested.
c The interview credited to MI
{. Coady follows:
Z Il was surprised when my atten
r tion was called TO the statement
] said Mr. Coady last night, for tn
q reason that I was never consulted II
D the matter of its preparation. ] wan
4 TO say to all manufacturers, however
: that they need pay no attention I,
D such notices. In my opinion, all Ger
tifcates that have been issued ar
p legal; and have a very good basil
I for reaching this conclusion"
q When asked il he knew who prepare
NJ the notice and had It issued, Mr.. Coad
n rHltQ ana lfllitAs HNrhA hfHN'
l. pretty accurate guess. II is unneee'
!. sary. IN advised and useless"
g When the attention Of the same con
missioner was brought 10 a newspapc
statement that John NJ. Mendinhal
chairman of tho commission. had tcl'
phoned to President pro tempore Wa
ker. Of the Senate. yesterday. askin
. that the body be given ten days 10 max
preparation for the legislative inyestig'
ton, be likewise denied all knowlcdg
Of such a request
"Have YOU heard why the extension
{ neededg8 Mr.. Coady himself asked.
/, Upor being answered in the negativ
$ he smiled and said; "More star chamb'
D work. see no necessity for waiting te
. DAYS in view Of the fact that the con
D mission was supposed to have enoue
! evidence last Saturday week TO warrar
, It in disseminating the services Of Il
inspector"