The Dolores star., 1924-08-15

unwilling to use the products of child labor; third,
because manufacturers object to the competition
of those who rely upon low wages paid to children
as the basis of their profits; and fourth, because
states have been unable to protect their consumers
and manufacturers
The judiciary committee of the senate, after ex-
haustively considering five amendments introduced
by as many senator's reported out an amendment
in slightly different form from that finally adopted
as follows: "Article.-The congress shall have
the power concurrent with that Of the several
states, TO limit prohibit the labor of persons
under eighteen years" The report, commenting
on this proposed amendment, sets forth clearly the
attitude of the committee the question Of child
labor. 1t says, In one part:
First. 1t cannot be questioned but that Il is a
paramount duty of government to guard pro-
tect the welfare of it's children the that they
may have the utmost opportunity possible to attain
the maximum development their moral intel
lecual. and physical beings This Is manifestly the
world without their volition. entirely helpless and
dependent But this is not alone simple justice to
childhood 1t is also of the greatest importance
to every that its citizens should attain the
highest development above indicated. And 1t may
be observed that while under our dual system of
government the power and duty to make adequate
provision by law for the accomplishment those
desirable are now vested in the several
states nevertheless 1t is as Important to the ma
tona government as it is to the government of ev-
state that its citizenry be afforded every oppor-
tunity for legitimate development and that such
development should neither be stunted de-
stroyed.
Herein there lies Justification for the govern
ment of the United States in asking of the states
that upon 1t be conferred power concurrent with
their own to legislate upon this matter vital to
both. II the states shall have passed appropriate
laws, 1t is safe to say that legislation
will march side by side with such laws II
a state has been unmindful of It's duty then such
congressional Legislation will work no injury but
rather positive benefit to the state itself well
as to the national government.
Discussing the form that the proposed amend
ment should take, the report, says among other
things
Unquestlonably 1t should the form of n
grant of power, and unquestionably the limitations
of that power should be precisely defined Beyond
peradYenture it should contemplate future as
well as the present. Indisputably 1T should be a
power concurrent with that of the states since it's
purpose is not deprive the states any of their
powers but only to confer like powers the ma
tonal government.
sun further. 1t will be questioned but that
that power should be given to control, regulate or
even to prohibit the of labor In all cases
itself or may become dangerous through the mex
pertence or heedessness of childhood; where in It
self or in It's surroundings 1t detrimental to the
physical or moral welfare of childhood where
II is in character too the growing
bodies of youth. Equally manifest n all
occupations where child labor Is permitted, legis-
lattve authority should have a determinatf voice
OF its use-such day and night lie
hours, dangerous machinery. hygienic conditions
and the like.
The report in several places emphasizes the fact
that the amendment is not designed to deprive the
have the states confer the national government