LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS.
The Judiciary Committee returned the bill [H. R. 246] in relation to the liability of employers. A majority recommending the bill lie on the table, and a minority recommending its passage.
Mr. DAVIS--I hope the minority report will prevail. It simply provides for the use of proper precaution, in order that operators may be protected. This bill work no hardship to anyone. It may prevent accidents even to the employers themselves, and obviate numerous serious accidents to the employes.
Mr. BUSKIRK said if many different kinds of machinery were even slightly guarded, it would avoid accidents to persons, and not incur much expense to the owner. The bill ought to pass. It certainly can do no harm, and the chances are favorable to its working good results.
Mr. RYAN--This bill is merely to require employers and operators of machinery to place the proper safeguards about it in such a manner as to avoid as much as possible accidents. I believe such a measure is in the interest of employer as well as the operator.
Mr. FLOYD thought this bill in the interest of humanity, but he doubted the accomplishment of the purposes designed. It is to the interest of the employer as well as the operator, in a pecuniary way, to avoid all accidents. That being the case, every precaution is now used to avoid accidents. Therefore, he thought this bill would fail in its results.
Mr. GIBSON--The words "all possible safeguard" are very indefinite, and would bring about much litigation. If the bill is amended so as to define what a proper safeguard is, I will support the bill.
The further consideration of the bill and re- page: 60[View Page 60] ports was postponed until Monday on account of the slim attendance of Members.
