Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-05-16
REPORT IS FILED
ON HEATING BILL
Minimum Wage for D. c.
Women and Children Is
Recommended.
BUSINESS MEN PRAISED

Business men of Washington re-
ceived notable commentator in the
report filed by Representative Hillard
Of Colorado in the House today before
the District committee on the Heating
bill establishing a MINIMUM wage for
women and children in the District.
"A remarkable circumstance, which
has probably never occurred in any
previous legislative hearing on a
measure affecting wage legislation in
this country, was the appearance OF
the official organized body Of en-
ployers-the Merchants and Manufac-
turers' Association of the District
who sent their representatives to
make a statement indorsing the bill
and urging its passage" says the re-
port.
80 Businesses Represented.
This association has membership
representing thirty-three different
businesses in Washington: depart
ment stores are the largest employ
probably 5000 persons. The enlight-
ened and progressive position taken
by the employers Of the District, who
are directly affected by the measure,
has properly impressed the commit
tee,
"Their approval means that such
legislation Is recognized as being
based on sound business principles,
because it makes for a more efficient
and more contented labor force. 1t
also protects the fair and enlightened
employer from uhderbidding competi-
tors"
Less Than Living Wage to Many.
The report says that tho proposed leg
islation ia needed in the District because
in laundries. department stores and other
establishments wage-earning girls and
women receive less than a living wage.
THE federal bureau Of labor statis-
tics" according to Representative Hill
the results Of an investigation into the
cost of living in the District. Almost
one-half (46 per cent? Of tho. 600 woman
workers interviewed and questioned
as to their income and expenditures
earned less than 50 q week. Over
two-thirds earned less than SO a
week.
This low wage was not owing to their
youth and inexperienced. for "a per cent
were twenty lone years Of age or older,
and one-half Of those earning less than
50 per week had been at work for five
years.
in connection with these figures" said
Representative Hilliard. I'VE must con-
slider the actual cost of board and lodg-
ing in the District. Owing to the alb
normal conditions of war times these
costs have risen greatly, even during
the last few months"
Agrees With DR.. Woodward.
The committee concurs heartily in an
opinion by Dr. w. c. Woodward, health
officer of the District. that inadequacy
of wages means either of two things ::
First. inadequacy OF all the essentials
shelter. clothing, food. etc.-"wtth re-
sultant impoverlshment Of health: or.
ut means that from some source the
wage must be supplemented, with pos
sible resort to wrongdoing."
Representative Hilliard points out
that an investigation In the District
showed that 81 per cent Of the women
at work were living away from home.
He said this answers frequent asser-
tions that working girls do not need
to be paid q living wage because taey
are supported by their families and
are merely experimenting the family
income. Moreover. 81 per cent Of the
500 women Interviewed had depend
ents and as per cent needed to re-