our States, and the wise action of these pioneers led to the first American governmental examination of labor conditions. Since that first investigation, compelled by the working women themselves, Massachusetts takes the lead in protective legislation.
With this event of historic importance, an amusing little incident is connected that appears strikingly modern. The chairman of the legislative committee, before whom the committee of working girls testified, happened to be the representative in the Legislature from the Lowell district, and should, therefore, have shown special interest in the complaints of his fellow townspeople. Instead he made light of their appeal, treated them in a high-handed manner, and withheld from the Legislature some of the most important facts presented by the delegation. The working girls were indignant, and they voiced their indignation not merely by words but by deeds. Before the elections of that year, when the legislator from Lowell was again running for office, the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association published the following resolution: "Resolved that the Female Labor Reform Association deeply deplore the lack of independence, honesty and humanity in the committee to whom were referred sundry petitions relative to the hours of labor, especially in the chairman of that committee; and as he is merely a corporation machine or tool, we will use our best endeavors and influence to keep him in the 'City of Spindles,' where he belongs, and not trouble Boston folks with him." How successful the "best endeavors" of the working girls must have been is evident from a second resolution, published by them shortly after Election Day. It read: "Resolved, that the members of this association tender their grateful acknowledgement to the voters of Lowell for consigning William Schouler (chairman of the legislative committee) to the obscurity he so justly deserves." For once woman's indirect influence had proved sufficient. Present-day suffragettes could do no better in promptly punishing one of their enemies.
Active agitation for a ten-hour day was also carried on by the Female Labor Reform Associations of Manchester, Dover and Fall River, but the greatest battles for the
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