CHILD LABOR COMMISSION The Child Labor Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor. They serve without compensation and their duty is to see that the welfare of the child is looked after in accordance with the state. The members of the Nebraska Child Labor Commission are: Gould Dietz, Miss Margaret Fitzroberts, Miss Gladys Shamp, H. H. Harmon, and Dr. Margaret Koenig. We are deeply indebted to this Commission for the co-operation it has given this department in ascertaining the actual conditions of child labor in Nebraska and in enforcing the child labor law, but we wish especially to acknowledge the service of Miss Fitzroberts, Miss Shamp, and Dr. Koenig. While the law is emphatic in its insistence on the presence of the child at school, it recognizes, however, that there are some extenuating circumstances which demand that children between the ages of 14 and 16 years be exempted from the operation of this law. There are some instances where a Mother must depend upon a 14-year-old boy for support, or where a large family with small resources is compelled to depend upon the help of the children for its support. In such cases permits to work are given, providing that certain requirements of the law be met. For the biennium of 1917 and up to November 1st, 1918, there were 2,113 permits to work issued in Nebraska. In order that employers may be fully cognizant of the provisions of the Child Labor Law we herewith are offering suggestions how to comply with the Nebraska Labor Law. Inasmuch as these instructions contain the essential features of the law, the law is not published in full. TO EMPLOYERS How to Comply With the Nebraska Child Labor Law No. 1. Employ no one under 14 years of age. No. 2. Permit children between the ages of 14 and 16 to work only after they present the certificate properly filled out and approved. It can be approved only by someone authorized by the Superintendent of Schools. No. 3. Keep employment certificates on file so long as child is employed by you. When he leaves your employment return the certificate to the Superintendent of Schools. No. 4. Keep on file a list of children employed; also post such a list in a conspicuous place near the entrance of the building. No. 5. Employ no child under 16 before 6 A. M. or after 8 P. M. or more than 8 hours per day or more than 48 hours per week. Post in each room where children work a notice stating the hours required of them each day in the week and the time allowed for each meal. No. 6. If child attends night school require from him each week a properly authenticated record of his attendance. No. 7. Do not be too ready to accept a child's word as to his age. Require proof in case of doubt. Ignorance of age is no defense against prosecution. PART IX Mothers Pensions MOTHERS' DAY Today the white carnation, Is worn by all our nation In love that shall endure. We thank God for the mothers; For those who still are with us For those who've gone before us, And when our journey's ended, We'll join them in the Homeland And still have Mothers' Day. LAWS REGARDING PENSIONS FOR MOTHERS OR GUARDIANS OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN The laws regarding the pensions for mothers, which follow, provide that where a family will become dependent because of the sickness or desertion on the part of the husband, or other reasons which will deprive the family of his support, a pension may be granted by the District Court. We have the reports for Douglas and Lancaster counties which are given so that an idea may be gained as to the number of people who are asking relief under the provisions of this law. Douglas County is paying 278 mothers pensions. The assistance is apportioned among 125 widows and 397 children; 92 deserted wives with 268 children; 33 wives with sick husbands and 122 children; 24 divorced women with 74 children; 3 wives whose husbands are in the penitentiary, leaving ten children to be supported; one wife of a blind man with five children, and one wife whose husband is in an asylum and who has two children. All together the mothers pensions are helping to care for 878 children. In Lancaster County there have been thirty-seven pensions granted on original petitions in the sum of $3,662.00; and sixty-nine renewals allowed in the sum of $6,465.00, making a total sum of $10,127.00. STATE OF NEBRASKA MOTHERS PENSION LAW AN ACT To provide Pensions for Mothers or Guardians of Dependent or Neglected Children; and to declare an Emergency. Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Nebraska: Section 1. That hereafter, when a petition is filed in the county court of any county in the state, properly verified by any person, stating that the said person is the parent of any child or children; that all of said persons are and have been for two years last past actual residents of the State of Nebraska and residents of the county where the petition is filed for at least one year last past; that such residence was not acquired with the intention of applying for relief under this act; and that such child or children are liable to become dependent or neglected, that the petitioner is trying to maintain a home, that by reason of limited means said person is not able to properly care for, maintain and educate said child or children, the county judge shall try and determine the matters contained in the said petition. Provided, that no such hearing shall be had except in the presence of the county attorney of the county wherein the petitioner resides, which county attorney shall appear and represent said county in said matter. Provided, further, in counties having more than fifty thousand inhabitants at the last general census, the said petition shall be filed and the hearing had in the district court of the county. Section 2. If upon the hearing of said petition, the court finds' the allegations thereof are true, and that the petitioner is poor and unable to properly care for such child or children, but otherwise is a proper guardian and that it is for the welfare of the child or children to remain at home under the guardianship of their mother, or guardian, the court may make an order finding such facts and fixing the amount of money necessary to enable the petition to properly care for such child or children, and thereupon it shall be the duty of the court to certify his findings to the Board of Supervisors or Commissioners and it shall be the duty of said Board to pay to the petitioner the amount so specified therein for the benefit of said petitioner until the further order of the court. Provided, not more than $10.00 per month shall be allowed for the care of each child. Provided, further, no such order shall be effective for more than six months, unless renewed by the court at or after the expiration of that period. All payments are to be made from the general fund of the county. Section 3. The Board of Supervisors or Commissioners of each county at the time of making an estimate of the amount necessary to pay the running expenses of the county, shall take into consideration an estimate of the amount necessary to carry this act into operation and the same shall be included in the said estimate, levied and collected as other taxes and all sums of money paid out under the provisions of this act, shall be appropriated from the general fund of the county. And in any county where the maximum levy has been reached said county board or commissioners shall have the authority to make a special levy to provide for said funds. Section 4. Whereas, An emergency exists, this act shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval. Approved by the Governor, March 18, 1915, at 3 o'clock P. M. PART X Minimum Wage Law WORK Work, work, my boy, be not afraid; Take up the hammer or the spade, There's glory in the shuttle's song; There's triumph in the anvil's stroke; There's merit in the brave and strong, Who dig the mine or fell the oak. The wind disturbs the sleeping lake, And so the active breath of life Should stir our dull and luggard wills; For are we not created rife With health that stagnant torpor kills? I doubt if he who lolls his head Where idleness and plenty meet, Enjoys his pillow or his bread As those who earn the meals they eat. The man is never half so blest As when the busy day is spent So as to make his evening rest A holiday of glad content. |