The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-07-31
AN IMPORTANT EXHIBIT.

of solitude.-Emerson
AN IMPORTANT EXHIBIT.
To the workers of the state Of Wisconsin in par
tcuar and the organizations the nation in general
the legislative exhibit at the Superior convention of
the Wisconsin State Federation Of Labor which ad
journed last Saturday, interesting and most i'm
portant.
The exhibit prepared by the Industrial Com
mission and handlede largely by Assemblyman Frank B.
Metcalfe who is also secretary of the legislative
mittee of the federation contained food for thought.
history of the progress of legislation affecting
labor in Wisconsin told by charts. A summary of
the laws passed since 1857 efectng great changes in
the working hours of women among the most
important subjects treated The laws of 1913 prohibit
the employment of women in "any place of employment
any employment" more than nine hours in any
day more than 81 hours week. In addition to
this all night work shall be limited to eight hours in
any day.
The improvements in the child labor laws follow
in rank In 1898 according to the charts the law
quired any child between the ages of Z and 10 to
attend school at least twelve weeks year. In 1903
the law improved that children between the
ages of IA and 16 required to have five
hours of schooling per week.
In 1898 the bureau labor statistics was organ
lied and in 1899 six deputies authorized be
appointed by the labor bureau for the investigation Of
factories and other places employment throughout
the state. In this socalled sweat shop law
passed, regulating the operation Of such shops: In
1901 deputy added to the inspectors en-
ployed by the bureau of labor 1911 the peassing
of the labor commissioner and the organization Of the
Industrial Commission which has been invested
by the legislature ewith legislative judicial
1913 the operation of the employment
greatly improved. 1913 also is by passage
Of the minimum wage law, the enforcement of which
is left in the hands of the Industrial Commission.
The exemption law, which has been thonr in, the
side of certain business organizations in the
passed in 1898 This provided an exemption Of
ohrnn a~Sk 3A~
and $50 month for single Numerous efforts
have been exerted to have this law repealed
siderably modified, but of avail
1915, the most important labor law passed
that requiring the placing of hoods emery wheels
thereby protecting the worker who them against
injury.
1907, the teegrapher's eight hour law, which was
bitterly opposed by the railroads and their hrelngs
dupes, passed. this the legislature
the Is hour law for trainmen and engnemen also
passed. The foundation for housing law passed
at this me and in the 1909 session. the present Tene
ment Housing law went into effect
1t was in the 1907 legislature that the law was
passed allowing the cities to maintain trade schools
1915, the present session which is generally con-
sdered somewhat conservative has added quota to
the labor laws of the state The Industrial Commits
sion has been given to make rules and regula-
tions necessary to out the intent purposes
OF the apprenticeship act amended also granted
power to the reasonableness medical and
hospital bills allowed under the workmens compen-
sation act. Employment agents are forbidden under
heavy penalty from sending women eseeking employ
ment to questionable places" The most noteworthy
achievement far in the legislature is the passage
{ of the semmonthly pay day law. ',''",
4 The laws governing the operation of the employ-
ment Offices in the state traced from to 1915
the apprenticeship laws from 1898 to 1911 and the
laws governing industrial education in the schools
is also traced from it's inception the present time
One other part of the exhibit that deserves mem
ton in the exhibit, bound volume carefully pre-
pared, containing list of all employees of the state
by departments together with the salary allowed tn
! each ,empoye. ".Ht ):
:t On the face of the volume appeared the words
you interested to know the salaries the state
Il employees? You will find them here by departments :"
It is needless to that many Of the workers and
others who took the opportunity to the exhibit
took the hint" ..~
. This is but brief of the accomplishments
OF the organized workers Wisconsin who have been
fortunate in having in the state legislature
OF their own class since 1905 The Wisconsin
n ton OF Labor is to be congratulated for the
manner in which it is bringing to the attention of
the workers OF the state the Importance combining
into compact organizations and also the necessity Of
working consistently regardless race color or creed
h for LABOR LEGISLATION. ..'"%# e..
#. Secretary Morrison of the American Federation
Of Labor has aptly said only recently, that wisconsin
being in the front ranks of ORGANIZED
d labor" - 5s&ss. !. H. > .~5,>,c .@8I-#
Peace is gracious and potent power: in its In
s plenty and in It's bosom the elements OF mans
best estate. . I3