APPRENTICE (ante). In the United States the system of apprenticeship has largely gone out of use in recent years, and regular indentures and serving of time are now little heeded; but there are laws regulating the business in most of the states. The New York statutes—which may be taken as generally resembling those in many other states— provide that males under 18 and unmarried females under that age may, with consent of natural or legal guardians, or of their own motion, bind themselves as A., but for no longer than until they become of age (males at 21, and females at 18). Consent comes from father, mother, guardian, overseers of the poor, or officers legally qualified. such as the commissioners of charity and correction. Consent of the mother must be had in writing if she be living and not incapacitated. Regular indentures are provided, and specific agreements must be made by both parties, the main provisions of which are that the A. shall serve the term specified; if he run away he may be compelled to return; the master shall provide proper support and medical service; shall teach or cause to be taught the business intended; and give a certificate of full service of the term. Inden
tures are canceled or annulled only by death, or legal process. An absconding A. may be arrested, and on refusing to return may be sent to the house of correction or jail; or, if the A. willfully refuse to perform his portion of the contract, the agreement may be canceled, the A. forfeiting all claims. On the other hand, neglect, cruel treatment, or refusal to instruct on the part of the master, may be punished by damages, by canceling indentures, or by fine for the benefit of the A. or his parent or guardian. -Managers of asylums or homes for indigent children usually have power to bind out. Indentures always require the master to provide a certain amount of education, and imply freedom in religious opinion and choice of church. There is a special section which declares that no person shall accept from any A. or journeyman any agreement, or cause him to be bound by oath, or in any manner, that after his term expires, lie will not exercise his trade in any particular place or manner; nor shall any one take money or value from an A. for permitting him to use his trade in any place.