Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-28

against, this measure In any event,
we should exert such influence as we
may have to keep this question en-
tirely out of party politics. 1t would
indeed be unfortunate II anyone
should attempt to make q political
party issue out Of question that at
fects practically all of our citizens,
without regard to their political at
flliations.
One Of the fundamentals that is in
vOlvcd in the issue that we are asked
to settle by our ballots at the APP
preaching special election is: Shall
a minority group. acting together for
what it believes to be its special ad-
vantage, impose an unwelcome re-
stNction upon the State as whole?
Are we here in Maine prepared to &C
cept the dictatiOn of the American
Federation of Labor? Can we main
tain our present prosperity in agri-
culture as wen as industry. under
a plan that means reduction OF IL
per cent in our productive hours OF
labor? What is the situation In
ether industrial states? Two states
have not limited the hours OF labor
by law. In other states the hours are
as follows: One, 70 hours per
week; /, so hours per week; 1, 56
hours per week; /, 81 hours per
week, 2, 55 hours per week; 2, AZ
hours per week.
(But as q matter of fact only one
of these two states, namely Massa-
chusctts, has any important indus
trial establishments which are af-
fected by this measure; the other
state is California. which has an in
consequential number of textile in
dustriesO 9. 60 hours; 10, including
Maine, "a hours.
1t will be seen that Maine is in
class with a majority, but is at
certain disadvantage agriculturaliy
and industrally as compared with
nine states to the south of us where
the legal hours of labor are fixed at
co hours per week. While the pro-
posed amendment does not directly
control the work on the farm. ex
perience under our present 54hpur
law, which also omits any reference
to farm labor, has Convinced our
agriculturists that an established
practice in industry would also gov
ern the practice on the farm.
The farmer cannot escape it.
While the farmer himself, and his
immediate family, often work from
sun to sun, he cannot hire labor that
will follow his example in this re-
spcct. This is a condition that is
peculiarly hard for the farmer be-
cause of the nature of his occupation
To be successful, he must work when
the conditions of his soil and crops
demand, and the weather permits,
and although there are many stormy
days when neither he nor his hired
help can work on the land, and are
necessarily idle at least part of the
don &c Ynnnonivnd nv hired
labor as a legitimate reason for lon
ger hours, no matter what the loss
in crops may be for want of proper
attention.
The very important summer tourist
business of Maine will not escape the
effects of further restriction of hours
of labor; for it will effect thcs
laundrics. the bakeries the gardens.
and many other occupations on
which our hotels, camps, and re-
irrational resorts are dependent for
their successful maintenance.
Although masquerading in the
guise of Il measure for the protection
Of a special limited number of wom-
en-, the proposed 4S-hour- is
in reality SO far reaching in its ulti-
mate effect as to justify the serious
! consideration of every citizen of
every class throughout the State.
1t is an interesting fact that we
seem to he faced with the somewhat
novel situation of non-political
voting contest open to all citizens. or
at least it appears to be non political
up to the present time.
1t has been stated that all members
of labor organizations in the State
will be taxed $500 apiece to finance
this campaign; and it is estimated
that there are more than $4,000 mem-
bers of labor organizations in Maine,
| which means a contribution of $2S,-
600. In addition to this. it is reported
that the American Federation of La
Dor will contribute an equal amount
from its abundant treasury. making
$50 900 as a preliminary fund to fl
nance the invasion of our State by the
mercenarics of one of the greatest
financial oligarchieS this country has
ever known. Shall we sit still under
this invasion? How many of our
citizens will be deceived into voting
for 4 restrictive measure for which it
has not been shown that there is any
necessity whatever? If this measure
We're extended to restrict our mothers.
wives and daughters to an eight hour
day in the home, is it not probable
that mere men would be hcrded to the
under the injunction to Sast their bal
lots against such drafted nonsense?
While there is no doubt that our in
duStrieS and our agricultural inter-
csts (Which happily now arc showing
signs of definite revival along modern
lines) could hold their own and even
! effect normal growth under con-
ditiOnS of fair competition, it seems
to many to be asking too much of
! Maine to take the lead in restricting
hours of labor below the present 54-
hour week, when other states, with
| competing industries, impose no such
restriction. Wages in Maine at pres
| cnt average higher than in some COM
! petinc states: and it is believed by
many that a reduction of II per cent
! in the productive hours of labor and
consequent reduction of wages will be
! 4 destructive handicap.
Names geographical position at the
extreme northeastern corner of the
| country: its long, cold winters; the
very limited supply of natural raw
materials: are all distinct handicaps
to our industrial development. Our
water power has offset these natural
disadvantages. but the present and
probable future high cost of transpor-
tation for raw material in. and finish
ed product out. has disturbed the ball
ance. restricted the further develop
ment of our manufacturing establish
ments. and created a tendency on the
part of our manufacturers to look for
more favorable locations for the ex-
pansion of their business. 1t is for
those of YOU who are here represent
ing special industries to advise us
|.