Rhode Island. Bureau of Industrial Statistics (1887-1919)

Organization

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1887 - 1919

Historical Note

In 1887, following the State’s third census, the position of Commissioner of Industrial statistics was established under PL 1887, chapter 621. Aside from tabulating statistical data regarding the state’s workforce, the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics also assumed the responsibilities of the Superintendent of the Census (see Chapter 63 of the 1882 Public Statutes). Additionally the commissioner was required to report statistical details to the General Assembly regarding “the condition of labor and business in all mechanical, manufacturing, commercial and other industrial businesses of the state especially in relation to the social, educational and sanitary condition of the laboring classes”.

In 1919 (Public Law Chapter 1741), the Commissioner’s title was changed to the Commissioner of Labor who took over all responsibilities formerly performed by the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics. The chapter also created the State Board of Labor whose duties was to report to the General Assembly any recommendations relating to the laws of the state regarding labor, promote mediation and conciliation of controversies and disputes between employees and employers and to avoid resort to strikes, lockouts, boycotts, blacklists, discriminations and legal proceeding in or arising out of such controversies and disputes and matters of employment. The board also prescribed rules of procedure and had the power to conduct investigations, to hold hearings and to summon witnesses. The commissioner reported monthly to the board in all matters relating to labor.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:

Commissioner of Industrial Statistics reports and publications

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: C#01010

Scope and Contents

This series is of the reports and publications of the Bureau of Industrial Statistics and includes the annual reports by the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics and the RI Wage Earners publication, 1908

Dates: 1887-1915

Found in: Rhode Island State Archives / Commissioner of Industrial Statistics reports and publications

State Census Board records, 1865-1935

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: C#00199-2001-29

Abstract

Records of the Census Board and the Superintendent of the Census include state decennial census manuscripts, census cards and microfilm.

Dates: 1865-1936

Found in: Rhode Island State Archives / State Census Board records, 1865-1935

Topographical Atlas

Series

Identifier: C#00089

Abstract

Atlas of Surveys, 1895 created for the Bureau of Industrial Statistics. Conists of one volume annotated, the volume has also been rebound or repaired. Scales range from 300' to 0.5 mile to the inch. On page 38 annotation begins possibly for census use.

Dates: 1895

Found in: Rhode Island State Archives / Topographical Atlas

More about 'Rhode Island. Bureau of Industrial Statistics (1887-1919)'

Related Names

Rhode Island. Department of Labor (1935-1996) (Earlier Form of Related)

Description

In 1887, following the State’s third census, the position of Commissioner of Industrial statistics was established under PL 1887, chapter 621. Aside from tabulating statistical data regarding the state’s workforce, the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics also assumed the responsibilities of the Superintendent of the Census (see Chapter 63 of the 1882 Public Statutes). Additionally the commissioner was required to report statistical details to the General Assembly regarding “the condition of labor and business in all mechanical, manufacturing, commercial and other industrial businesses of the state especially in relation to the social, educational and sanitary condition of the laboring classes”. In 1919 (Public Law Chapter 1741), the Commissioner’s title was changed to the Commissioner of Labor who took over all responsibilities formerly performed by the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics. The chapter also created the State Board of Labor whose duties was to report to the General Assembly any recommendations relating to the laws of the state regarding labor, promote mediation and conciliation of controversies and disputes between employees and employers and to avoid resort to strikes, lockouts, boycotts, blacklists, discriminations and legal proceeding in or arising out of such controversies and disputes and matters of employment. The board also prescribed rules of procedure and had the power to conduct investigations, to hold hearings and to summon witnesses. The commissioner reported monthly to the board in all matters relating to labor.
Rhode Island. Census Board. (1875-1887) (Later Form of Related)

Description

In 1887, following the State’s third census, the position of Commissioner of Industrial statistics was established under PL 1887, chapter 621. Aside from tabulating statistical data regarding the state’s workforce, the Commissioner of Industrial Statistics also assumed the responsibilities of the Superintendent of the Census (see Chapter 63 of the 1882 Public Statutes). Additionally the commissioner was required to report statistical details to the General Assembly regarding “the condition of labor and business in all mechanical, manufacturing, commercial and other industrial businesses of the state especially in relation to the social, educational and sanitary condition of the laboring classes”.