The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-06
ANDALUSIA EDITORS EXTEND INFLUENCE;
 BUY OPP MESSENGER

Andalusia, March ,5-(special.)-Oscar Nj Dugger and Fowler Dugger. editor and associate editor of the Andalusia Star have purchased the( opp Messenger, a weekly newspaper published at Opp. The Star is one of Alabama's leading semi weekles and the owners intend to im- prove the Messenger.
 The first issue of the Messenger under the new management will appear Friday Hereafter the publication day will be Friday. It will be issued from the Star plant, which will be enlarged to take care of the added business. An office will be maintained at opp
 The Star has bene ably edited during the last five years by oscar M. Dugger. Fowler Dugger became associated with him last March, and during the last year the plant has added much new equipment and improved it's news fea- lures. The Star is a semi weekly, but the owners. it is said, are ready to give Andalusia a daily paper when conditions will permit.
 of lack of realization of individual re- sponsibnity for the enforcement of the ctild labor law.
 '"The Alabama child labor law was passed by the legislature of the state for the protection of all children of the state but protection cannot be guaran- teed by ever so stringent measures or by most vigorous enforcement of such meas ures until the majority of the people are sufficiently interested to inform them selves concerning the provisions of such laws and to make it one Of their duties as citizens to see that the employment of children in their particular community is in strict compliance with the law
 Tn some counties the county off cials who by virtue of their office are entrusted with the enforcement of the laws of the state, have sometimes man. ifested an astonishing indifference to- ward the child labor laws and a lack of interest in the prosecution of it's vio- lations. If these officials are not ac- tive and are not in sympathy with the law, it must be because they are not conversantA with the law and it's in tent. -/
 A QUESTIONNAIRE
 If the people of Alabama would Se cure protection for their children against Illegal and harmful employ ment, it must be fully understood that the child labor law belongs to every citizen of the state and must be ad- ministered through cooperative effort. The first and most essential step to gain interest and joint effort is a fuller knowledge of the law, and its require ments. Ask an average citizen the fol- lowing questions and you will be amazed by the negative responses which you will receive:
 "1. Did you know that it--is unlawful to employ any child under IA years of age in other than agriculture or domes- tic service?
 "2. Did you know that it is viola tion of the law to employ children be- tween the ages of IA and 16 years for longer than eight hours a day and for more than six days in the week?
 "S Did you know that no child under 16 years of age can be legally employed after [ o'clock at night?
 "4. Did you know that it is unlawful to employ any child under 16 years of age without keeping on file an employ ment certificate?
 ''5. Did you know that this employ ment certificate must be obtained from the principal of the school or his au- thorized agent?
 "6. Did you know that child can not obtain an employment certificate unless he has completed the fourth grade or has attended school 120 days of the year prior to the date of his ap plication for a certificate?
 TREMENDOUS WASTE
 Ch1Iu ldDOr at pest IS a tremenQOuS waste of man power. It tends to weaken the growing body. retard the normal development of the mind, and frequently breaks down moral stand ards. all of which lessens the chances for the future industrial and conner cial prosperity of the state.
 Until the people awaken to the fact that it is just as much their respons- bility to breed. rear, and protect chill dren as intelligently and systemati, cally, at least, as they are breeding and nurturing the hogs, cattle and horses, the children of Alabama will not re- ceive the protection and care which will insure them of their birthright, as citi- zens of democracy, to grow into adult life with health and vigor unimpaired, to receive the training adapted. to make them economically independent upon reaching manhood and womanhood, and last but most important to be provided with education adequate to make them useful citizens of the state"
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