The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-05-05
ciated Industries Of Maine. In glow
ing rhetoric this much needed infor-


ciated industries of Maine. In glow
ing rhetoric this much needed infor-
nation portrayed the beauties and
natural resources of the Old Pine Tree
State. In dismal dismay it told again
the story about that railroad dividend
that has never been paid and once
more reminded us of the great bur
dens of that great war.
But not a single reference was made
to the millions and millions Of dollars
that have been accumulated by these
industries during the profiteerlng DAYS
of that war, not one suggestion to the
effect that those who enjoy these prof
its should share that burden. but in
directly, as did some of the manufac-
turers who appeared before thc COM
mittee hearing, insinuate that II a
shorter day was given to employees
that they would be Obliged to close
their factory doors and go beyond the
borders of our state Mr. Speaker
let no man condemn l. w. w ism un-
til the last echo OF such insinuation
has rebounded into oblivion.
This very day l have observed with
various courtesies to their lady friends,
unlimited n their respect and devo-
ton. Can it be possible that these
same gentlemen would at the door OF
a factory push back woman for more
work after she had already toiled
eight hours? Tell me why manufac
turers do not demand as many hours
of their Office force as they do of the
mill employees if there is no hardship
II a longer day What would be their
attitude in this matter if their wives
were obliged to stand at a loom nine
hours and no maid at home TO mother
The little ones?
In this age of progress and conser-
walton when SO much attention is di-
rected toward foresing our timber
lands and preserving our water pow
ers, would it not be eminently fitting
that we give a little attention, some
of our efforts, to conserve woman
hood, the playtime of children and
the school days of youth? Woman may
not care to indulge excessively in
politics. provided she is justly dealt
with, but the day has come when she
can in her own right and might OBJ
tain fair play and the execution of
party promises by occupying these
very seats.
We are at this time called upon to
exemplfy the character and integrity
of political assurances, for every Re
publican in this House was elected
under a Forty-eight Hour Banner We
hnt n A.
tinos of our last platform and cam
paign were as sacred as the tradi-
tons of our Grand Old Party, or simp-
ly conceived in fancied ideals and at
tractive phrases for the purpose of
obtaining votes.
God knows ! am proud of the fact
that the unan nous delegation from
Somerset is determined to make good
in April what was promised in Sep
TENDER, and while our County COM
prises one of the largest farming dis
tricts in the state, with manufacture
ing as a prominent factor, not one of
us will submit to lowering the party
standard by inscribing on its folds
these words. I'VE will keep our prom
ises unless we have occasion to change
our policies
Wiser men than We have long since
counselled that better government re-
suits when parties are about equally
divided bid that condition exist in
this House, VINO would question hui
that each party would be in frantic
rivalry ta see who could be The first
To enact Forty-eight Hour Law?
Standing here in behalf of a cause
that is frowned upon by men of wealth
and influence is not altogether pleas
anti task. but regardless of frowns, in
my humble way | cheerfully continue
in the tight. and VIII lie the strength OF
labor is not now as much in the as
cendancy as in the near recent past,
the pendulum will surely swing again
and / hope on its return there will be
no broken promises of ours to be re-
nembered
Let me read the words of him who
was our leader, his utterances in the
opening of the campaign at Island
Park; and the sentiment of his inaug-
ural message to us after learning even
more the needs of his people. had the
weight and solemnity of party
pledge: