Palisadian., 1924-08-08

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
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-
haustvely considering five amendments introduced
by as many senators, reported out an amendment
In Slightly different form from that finally adopted
as follows: "Artice.-The congress shall have
the power, concurrent with that of the several
states, to limit or 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 it is a
paramount duty of government to guard and pro-
tect the welfare of It's children to the end that they
may have the utmost opportunity possible to attain
the maximum development OF their moral, intel
lectual. and physical beings This is manifestly the
due of all chdren since they are brought into the
world without their votion, entirely helpless and
dependent. But this Is not alone simple justice to
childhood. 1t is also of the greatest Importance
to every state that its citizens should attain the
highest development above indicated. And 1t
be observed that while under our dual system of
government the power and duty to make adequate
provision by law for the accomplishment of those
most desirable ends are now vested in the several
states, nevertheless 1t is important to the
tonal government as 1t is to the government of ev
state that its citzenry be afforded every
tunity for legitimate development and that such
development should neither be stunted nor de-
stroyed.
Herein there
ment of the United States in asking of the states
that upon 1t be conferred power concurrent with
their own to legisate upon this matter vital to
both. If the states shall have passed appropriate
laws, 1t Is safe to that any legislation of
gress will march side by side with such laws If
a state has been unmindful of its duty, then such
congressional legislation will work injury but
rather a positive benefit to the state itself well
to the national government.
Discussing the form that the proposed amend
ment should take the report, says, among other
things:
Unquestionably 1t should take the form of
grant of power and unquestionably the limitations
Of that power should be precisely defined. Beyond
peradventure 1t should contemplate the future
we'll as the present. Indisputably 1t should be
purpose is not deprive the states of any of their
powers but only to confer like powers on the ma
tonal government
Still further 1t will not be questioned but that
that power should be given to control. regulate or
even prohibit the of such labor in all cases
where the character of the labor is dangerous IN
itself or may become dangerous through the mex
perience or heedlessness of childhood; where in it,
self Its surroundings 1t Is detrimental to the
physical moral welfare of childhood or where
II is in character too onerous for the growing
bodies of youth. Equally manifest s 1t that In all
occupations where child labor Is permitted. egis-
lative authority should have determinative voice
of its use-such day and night work. reasonable
hours dangerous machinery. hygienio conditions
and the like
The report in several places emphasizes the fact
that the amendment is not designed to deprive the
states Of any Of their police powers but only to
have the states confer on the national government