down, followed by a panic such as the world has never witnessed.

Does any one think the people will be cool and reasonable then? When they think of the ease with which all the necessaries and luxuries of life are produced; when they view the overflowing warehouses; when they think that on account of overproduction, panic, etc., they are out of work and in need of all these things, will they not become frenzied? or will they stand by with their families and suffer in silence? No! Lashed by hunger they will act. History will repeat itself.

I wish to impress this fact: that this is only another element at work to hasten the revolution. After thoroughly examining the subject of machinery one is almost led to believe that it will lead to a revolution in itself. However, elsewhere is told how all these forces will unite; how they are not separate factors, but intimately connected with each other; and the reason why they will act together given.

CHAPTER IX.

CHILD LABOR.

A Curse Without Palliation-The Infamy of Our Civilization-Heartrending

Facts of Cruelty

and Injustice.

America claims to be the most enlightened country in the world. In inventions we certainly lead. In science, literature and art we are fast becoming the peer of Europe. We weigh the heavenly bodies, and determine their chemical elements. Microscopists and bacteriologists delve into nature's most hidden secrets. No avenue of research but what is thoroughly investigated by this intelligent people. And finally we put little children to work in the factories and mines. Little tots that ought to be at home under a mother's care, or at school receiving the training that we owe them. How barbarous! How inconsistent with all our learning and wisdom! Why does this nation put these helpless little ones to work in the mines, factories and shops, when we have so much machinery, so many strong men, and such an abundance of wealth, as statistics continually show? And why is this practice on the increase? The following report of Labor Commissioner O'Donnell of Minnesota is startling:

"CHILD LABOR ON INCREASE.

"Minnesota Labor Commissioner Submits Figures for the Benefit of Working Men.

"Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 4.-Labor Commissioner O'Donnell yesterday completed a report of the inspection work done in the entire state during 1901. In all 3,647 establishments have been inspected, employing 85,393 persons.

"Of these 3,172 are classified as manufacturing, and employ 71,192 people.

"Child labor has increased over 1900 from .92 per cent to 1.01 per cent. A large portion of the child labor, however, was employed DURING THE VACATION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Child labor is divided among the classes of establishments as follows:

"Sunday work, in addition to regular week work as far as the present inspection reached, included 5,374 persons, or 6.29 per cent of the weekly wage earners."

"These figures tell the story of capitalist exploitation in

more forceful language than a mere theoretical argument. "They show that already 12 per cent of the employees in the knitting works and tinware manufactories of Minnesota are children and that the employment of children is steadily on the increase.

"With the perfection of modern machinery skilled labor has become almost unnecessary, and the hand of a child can as easily direct its motions as the strongest man.

"The capitalist class, whose profits are made from the surplus wealth created by labor, understands the increase which will accrue to it through any reduction in the portion allotted to labor. Any measure which, if adopted, would bring about this result, will at once be put into practice by the capitalist class.

"The machine offers this opportunity, and they employ children in their operation for the reason that they do not require as much wages as a man, while their labor is just as effective.

"It appears from the report here shown that the greatest increase in this child labor occurred during the vacation months.' The children of the working class are not even allowed an opportunity to enjoy their school vacation, but they must give up their time, which should be spent in pleasure and recreation, in the employment of capitalism; they must spend their leisure hours in grinding out profits for those who hold the power of life and death over them."

The first question asked is, "What effect will child labor

have on the revolution? Will these little ones rise

take part."

Child labor has an important bearing on the subject, but not because these little ones will ever rise up and protest against the wrongs inflicted upon them. It shows what a terrible condition our present industrial system is in; and it will set people thinking and studying. And then, by the practice their fathers are thrown out of work. Stop and think of the condition of things; when the strong men of the nation are forced to idleness and their children compelled to work. This can not be tolerated very long. The perpetuation of it would be worse than revolution. And, does it not seem that something must be wrong or we never could have reached such a state of affairs.

These are not my thoughts or opinions, but facts as they exist all over this fair land of ours. Aside from what I know I give the observations of others; people who have no concern except merely to publish the truth.

The following is from the St. Louis Chronicle: