A SIX HOUR LAW. 265 



our people occupy a vantage ground possessed by no 

 other they are the high court of appeal, in which 

 all have an equal voice. 



There is only one other point, in this connection, 

 remaining to be discussed : Would governmental 

 action, in the effort to remove idleness from out the 

 nation, and give remunerative employment to all, be a 

 measure contributing to the " general welfare of the 

 United States ? " 



There are some who hasten to put themselves on 

 record against any such measure. In the answers 

 made by the manufacturers, to questions from the 

 Chief of the Massachusetts Labor Bureau, heretofore 

 quoted from, are found the following. A shoemaker 

 writes : 



(d) "I am not able to see how any legislation can have any 

 effect to benefit the operative. "What business men can not ac- 

 complish, actuated by self interest, the State had better let 



alone Of course an enlightened self interest should 



induce capitalists and employers to do whatever they can to 

 permanently improve the condition of the laboring classes, so 

 called." Pages 149-50. 



A chair manufacturer : 



" We see no way to adjust this matter of short hours, except 

 by the mutual agreement of the employer and employed. 

 Legislation never can do it. There are too many peculiar 

 circumstances connected with each line of manufacturing to be 

 adjusted by a legislative body." Page 151. 



A paper manufacturer : - 



( b ) " We do not see how the hours of labor in our manufac- 

 ture could be fixed by law to the advantage of employer or em- 

 ploye." Page 153. 



