FACTORY INSPECTION. The most impor tant part of factory legislation, for it is only by the constant visits of well-trained, intelligent, and efficient inspectors that factories can he pre vented from evading and practically nullifying the laws. Such inspectors can strengthen the laws by liberal interpretations of their powers, by advocating better legislation, and by publish ing., full reports in which the facts are presented in such a way as to impress the general public with the need of reform. Unfortunately, few' factory inspectors are as yet trained workers. As a rule their numbers are insufficient to main tain adequate supervision of all factories; many are political appointees: some are conscientious hut unintelligent. It is, however. due to the labor of certain inspectors that many improve ments have been made in the The first factory act was passed in England in 1802, which was to be enforced by the local justices, who should appoint visitors. In 1833.31 four Gov ernment inspectors were appointed, to whom nine were added in 1842, and sub-inspectors, together with greater powers. in 1844.46. A law of 1807 experimented with the inspection of work shops by means of local authorities, but the centralized system was found superior. The con solidated act of 1878 increased time staff of in spectors, and since 1893 working men and women have been appointed on the force, and the 1111111 again inerensed. The department is
the Home 011ire, with the chief inspector in Lon don, live superintending inspectors in London, Manchester. Glasgow. and Leeds, and 48 assist ants. The inspectors render admirable reports, the working men frequently go to them for ad vice, and the trade unions demand that their num her should be increased. The following States have provided for factory inspection: Massachu setts in 1877, and since then New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, .Maine, Rhode Island. Connecticut, Ohio. Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, :Minnesota. Iowa, Missouri. Tennessee. and California. The chief factory in spector is appointed either by the Governor or by the Commissioner of Labor. In a few- cases the Commissioner acts in that capacity. In Massachusetts factory inspection belongs to the police department. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island provide that some of the deputy in spectors shall he women. The work of factory inspection consists in seeing that the provisions of the laws are enforced. To enforce sanitary building laws or machinery laws, technical knowl edge is often required. In 1SSG the International Association of Factory Inspectors, with mem hers from Canada and the United States, was organized to promote uniformity in factory laws.
See LA LIOR LEGISLATION ; LABOR PROBLEM ; SWEAT ING SYSTEM.