The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1933-12-09
DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT is
- PROPOSED

HKOFOSED
With Socialism running amuck IN TINS
country impetus has been given to the
movement for the adoption OF the ChllG
Labor amendment to the federal COnstltu-
ton. which, in fact, is more CommunlSt'c
than SocialiStic in character.
This amendment was proposed by Con-
gress in 1924. Up to this year it had been
rejected by % States and approved by
six. The.new movement for its adoption
has resulted in approval by ten States this
wear. As States formerly rejecting the
amendment may vote again and reverse
their previous decision, fear is now being
expressed in many quarters that under the
pressure of the Socialist program the nee
essary number of States for ratification OF
the proposal may be stampeded into favor
able action.
The amendment is one of the most un-
wise and dangerous ever proposed as au
addition to the constitutional law of the
nation. 1t would give Congress the power
to Limit, regulate and prohibit the labo.
of persons under eighteen years Of age
and would suspend the operation OF any
and all State laws ito the extent necessary
to give effect to legislation enacted by Co
gress" As pointed out by The Louisville
COurier-Journal, under this amendment,
mo State could legislate for the control of
the children of its own citizens except as
Congress dictated"
Existing constitutional provisions and
enactments in cOntravention of States
rights pale into insigniicance in compar-
son with this proposal. Those who have
been so wrought up about the matter of
returning to the States the privilege to
permit their citizens to imbibe poison, ur-
der rules and regulations provided by the
several States, have something here to
cause them to become hot and bothered, ii
they give it serious consideration.
Discussing the Child Labor amendment,
The Louisville Courier-Journal continues
with these paragraphs:
1t Is common assumption of the hackers of
the Amendment that all child labor is harmful and
therefore must be abolished. The most charitable
explanation Of this argument is that it is based on
ignorance. Most harmful child labor ALREADY, has
been abolished, while most Of the labor of those
under eighteen years of age is not only health
tul but Salutary prOmOtive of educational adj
vantages, atording opportunities for business
training preparatory for youths making their way
IN the world. keeping them from the temptations
OF dieneSs and vice and providing funds which not
only contribute to the needs of the family budget
but also furnish the money which youngsters now
adays, if they cannot get honestly, will seek other
wise
Another common assumption of these hackers
OF the Amendment is that the child labor is en-
ployed R sSyeatshOpS and industrial plants That
argument alsO is untenabe. There is but little of
such labor left, while there are on the farms
millions more boys and girls doing useful chores
than ever employed in the sweatshops and
irnt0stfil plants. And under the laws enforcing
this Amendment it would be the function of a
Federal Bureau to go to every farm in America
and order its young boys and girls to stop work.
even If their dleneSs sent them to the dogs"
The fankneSs and rottennesS of this
COmmunistic proposal is only slightly indi-
Gated by the words of the Kentucky news
paper. Under the authority of this amend
ments bureaucrats in Washington would
turn the United States into a nation of
loafers, 1t is frankly acknowledged by its
sponsors that the purpose of the amend
ment IS to enable Congress to prevent per-
sons under eighteen years of age from
working. Under this system male and fe-
male citizens who loafed until eighteen
years of age would come to manhood {