Oct. 4, 1912
Dear Madam:
The three leading candidates for President, as well as the Chairman of the Democratic, Republican and Progressive Committee, have declared for the universal use of Public School Buildings for political discussions by all parties, also for polling places in local and general elections.
Governor Woodrow Wilson is a pioneer worker in this fundamental movement toward real democracy. He made the key-note speech at the First National Conference on Civic and Social [Center] Development, at Madison, Wisconsin, October 26th, 1911.
The movement for the wider use of the schools is logically linked with the nation-wide effort for the passage of laws looking toward the establishment of Social and Industrial justice.
THE ACTUAL WORK PERFORMED BY GOVERNOR WILSON ALONG BOTH LINES SHOULD FAR OUTWEIGH MERE PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE.
NEW JERSEY, DURING HIS TERM AS GOVERNOR, ENACTED LEGISLATION LIMITING HOURS OF LABOR FOR WOMEN; PROHIBITED THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS; PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR WORKERS IN FACTORIES AND WORKSHOPS, ELIMINATING CONTRACT LABOR IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS, AND PROVIDING FOR A STATE-USE SYSTEM; COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYERS LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION FOR PERSONAL INJURIES; INCREASING AND EXTENDING FACTORY INSPECTION LAWS; ESTABLISHING THE EIGHT HOUR WORK DAY ON STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL WORK; ESTABLISHING FREE DENTAL CLINICS; LICENSING AND REGULATING EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES; SCIENTIFIC POOR LAWS; PROGRESSIVE INDETERMINATE SENTENCE ACT; AMELIORATING THE CONDITION OF THE BLIND; ESTABLISHING SPECIAL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN BELOW NORMAL; CONSERVING THE PUBLIC HEALTH; DEALING WITH JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS; AND MANY OTHERS OF A DISTINCTLY SOCIAL CHARACTER.
This bureau is endeavoring to get in touch with the public welfare workers of the country who are in favor of Governor Wilson's election, so that general and local committees may be quickly formed to carry on this special line of work during the campaign.
If you cannot serve upon such a committee, will you kindly submit the name of a leading public welfare worker in your city, who would be sufficiently interested to act upon such a committee or otherwise aid in the organization. I shall thank you for an early reply.
Respectfully yours,
Frank P Walsh [signed]
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