Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-09

1916 numbered Sc. in l91. they were $,
and in 1913 the total was y.
Many OF these could De prevented f
the department could nave a trained
man to go around, make inspections
and points out to the employers how
they could improve conditions in their
plants He had found by talking with
employers that they were willing to in
stall safety appliances but they wished
to be sure the one advising them kne y
MS business. There was a move along
this line being made by the insurance
companies. but he felt it was necessary
that the State should take active steps
in the matter
The matter Of 5000 for the next twn
years for special agents of the depart
ment to conduct Investigations and IN
spections was absolutely necessary be-
cause of the great Increase in the work
OF the department. 1t was now very diff
!, 1cult FOR either the commissioner or the
deputy commissioner 10 20 out on The
work. Without these special agents
the department now has none-all there
would be available for this work would
be the factory inspector. the woman in
spector and one special agent.
Answering q. question by Councillor
Fay, Mr.. Eddy said that about 4 year
ago the Insurance companies changed
their policy They now contented them
selves with recommending the installa-
ton OF safety appliances. but did not
insist on them. They made the sug-
gesiions and fixed the rate of insurance.
The Governor They will tell the man
twhv they make rate f he asks
Mr. Eddy-yes. # he insists: but many
Of The employers prefer 10 pay the eE
ira rate TO having the production of
their factory interfcred with BY the
workers making the changes.
Senator tIrant-Eow do yol account
for the increase in the number OF acct
dents as shown by the figures lou gave
US?
Mr. Eddy-The frst wear OF the acct
! lot Of inspection and everybody was
J working TO put their plants IN better
! condition Cor protection If workers. Il
Is also. no doubt, due 10 the great in
crease in the number of workers.
Councillor Fay-l would like 70 say
that the working people have also learn
ed they receive compensation and they
/ now report many accidents which were
formerly allowed 10 80 unnOticed.
Industrial Accidents
Chairman Frank L. Dutton Of the
Industrial Accident Comm Ssion pre-
sented his estimates, first asking an
increase frorl $500 20 $500 III The
; chairman 5 salurT owing TO genera!
conditions. He suggested that the as
slstant's salary be made $500 (noW
$4,000. The position needs 4 man Of
superior qualifications and ability.
meeting n daily duties the legal rep
Z committees and being, through the
frequent absence OF the chairman on
hearings required to meet all the ex-
ecutIvc propositions Of the Office
Much correspondence is daily carried
, % requiring extra legal knowledge.
expert knowledge.
TflveI expense has Increased ami
$500 is Il small estimate. Spent $500
last year I'll months. Telephone es-
innate IS s30o where Sill was spent
last year. because | intend % use the
wherever possible. cases that might
/ otherwise cause nucn travel. delay
and EXPENSE He asks $1,000 TOR post
age ana postcards. which included
printing. against Slio3 asst year. The
increase. n work may De 30 per cent.
which viii require mich more CORE
sNonience. Printing binding ana sta
rlonrrt- coSI $3.50 last rear and the
same conditions Will cost $--4ca.
The law requires a report OF TINS
. department ana none mas ever been
made anr il is not possible for til"
pubic. he lawyers or anyone ~ r"t
jhc !uIor-rlai ION mat IS due the pun
I lie. / think thr Legislature should
authorize inc compilation and pub
fishing or the statistics.
FIFTY dollars is asked for express
and freight and $1,000 for Office sup
plies ana fixtures. the latter costing
last year Si5tI.5+. We need an adding
machine ana viii soon have to replace
Jur Old typ"wr!ters.
I propose TO put in and keep in
competent and efficient clerks. some
T!lat can do The work ana be relied
upon. ask sl..O0D TOR clerk hire.
which cost 59l.9o3 last year: $500
.nr lmpartIal physicians fees: 800
Tor officers fees and 5000 for wit
ness+s' fees; 5000 Tor books tOr the
library, Of when we have none It
lnaE De too much, I asked i. because
OF ny disgust N not finding them.
ask 5000 for an official stenogra-
1ner. We have been without Il male
Stenoara pner and III" work OF travel
ing about the State IS 800 inucn for 4
girl. I expect 10 be able 20 get 4 for
ner male stenogrl pher now IN the
service and I've offered HIN $1,000 anu
hope 70 get MIN.
For new Legislation I would like au-
t'lority from the Legislature TO take
dispositions. which can be done IN any
court in the State but cannot now
by this commission. II would save
much travel and expense for witness
- and make much easier the settle
nent of many cases. With this au-
thnritv. We can take Geposltions AMI
receive them as evidence. I ask also
authority 20 appoint the commission
ers 10 take such dispositions. having
them where they are most needed and
removable for cause.
ask Sa"h FOR making a digest ana
irnOtatinC the decisions IF the com
missions 10 date. This commission is
not on an equal basis with others.
The great insurance companies en-
pov skilled men 10 look into the ac-
'lava men 20 investigate ana report
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