Page:Solution of the Child Labor Problem.djvu/116

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THE CAUSES OF CHILD LABOUR.

ents are apt to acquiesce, instead of asserting their authority and compelling the child to obtain at least a minimum amount of schooling. Here, too, there is not only ignorance of the most pronounced sort, but, in some cases, an indifference as to what really becomes of the child.

The manager of a large factory seldom sees his "kids." The "business end" of the work occupies his entire attention. Competition is sharp and he is constantly struggling for supremacy in a market which is dominated by men who are fighting for profits. The manager looks after the "business end," and leaves to his superintendents the task of hiring and discharging the help and seeing that they are cared for in accordance with the provisions of the factory law. In a few cases, much fewer than they should really be, the manufacturer makes provisions not required by law. The great majority, however, simply handle their "business," leaving to their foremen or superintendents the task of complying with the law.

In many factories, even the provisions of