Based on Massachusetts House Document no. 50
We gathered many facts in relation to
the Hours of Labor. The average each day
in the Lowell mills—twelve and a half.
Sarah Bagley works by the piece.
Chief evil: shortness of time for meals.
Next evil: no time to cultivate the mind.
Dr. Wells, city physician found less sickness
here than elsewhere, fewer dying
in Lowell this year than last.
Petitioners respond. Females taken sick in Lowell
return home and die. One girl fell down, broke
her neck which led to instant death.
Mr. Isaac Cooper Member of the House, overseer
at a mill, said girls enjoy the best health.
Early to bed, early to rise, three meals regular.
Olive Clark favors the ten-hour system.
The long hours affected my health, my breath.
Small balls of cotton fly about.
We visited and saw grass plats laid out
and within, cultivated flowers
all aimed at health and comfort.
Mr. Abbot at the Lawrence Corporation
was asked to appear. His boss instructed,
Go, but say as little as possible.
Restricting the hours, we could not compete.
Better if they were less, the air pure, more time to eat,
but the remedy is not with us.
Sarah Bagley complained. Whatever
was given was made to say
what we never said or thought of saying.
In conclusion, the remedy lies in more love
for social happiness, a higher appreciation
for man’s destiny, in less love for money.
They shaped the whole to please the aristocrats.
In the next one we’ll ask them to extend us
the same protection they give animals.
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