Speech #630062498

It is the rule for mothers to stay at home and care for the family. and the exception for them to do mill work. and In the latter case It is usually because the mother is a widow or that the father is delinquent. Newly married women will frequently continue their mill occupation until within a few months of the birth of their first child. and that usually marks the end of their mill career unless laterthey become widows or the victims of nonsupport. It is to be acknowledged that among the nonEnglishspeaking immigrant population there is an unusually large proportion of individuals who are stunted. not fully developed. bearing marks of cruelty. suffering. and neglect endured in their native countries. and because of their abnormal physical condition they are rejected by the mills. But latei. upon plea of their clergyman or other influential countryman or upon request of the overseers of the poor or of some charitable organization. the mills relent and take them in. and in such event it is hardly fair to have their physical defects charged up against the textile Industry. when in so many Instances the training and treatment which they receive in the mill improves their physical condition and renders them less defective. There is no truth In the statement that " thousands also in this city go underclad " . it would be nearer the mark to substitute the word " overclad." The use of the overcoat Is not fully appreciated by the newly arrived Immigrant. but he keeps himself and family abundantly warm In the coldest weather by the most astonishing amount and variety of underwear. So much are the children of such families bundled up on cold days that In the warm atmosphere of the schoolroom they become too heated and sleepy for study until relieved of their excess of wrappings. But after his first winter lie learns the lesson that lighter underclothing and a heavy overcoat is the better combination. and lie is quick to adopt it. "A textile working town." such as is pictured in Colliers. " is not a pleasant place to live in." but the description does not fit Lawrence.