The "Monitor" the official organ of the Belgian Government, has just published a decree prescribing: the precautionary measures to be observed by owners of workshops to safeguard the health of the employes and to provide against aecidents to them.

In the ordinary workshop which the decree is intended to cover, each workman must have a free space of 10 cubic yards. The shop must have a height of 3 yards and must be ventilated in a thoroughly sanitary way. Certain prescribed appartus must be used to supply fresh and draw out vitiated air. This apparatus must have at least a capacity of 30 cubic yards an hour for each workman. In manufacturing establishments where the work is unhealthful, the capacity of the apparatus for renewing the air must be at least 60 cubic yards per hour for each workman. This apparatus must be arranged so that it will not in any way discommode or interfere with the workmen employed within the establishment.

Workshops or manufacturing establishments existing and in full operation before the issuance of this decree, the various rooms or departments of which could not be changed to comply with it without great expense or stoppage of work while the arrangements were being perfected, are allowed to continue on condition that (1) the working personnel of the establish-lishment shall not be increased; (2) no toxic or other unhealthful materials shall be manufactured; (3) owners of such manufacturing establishments must indicate to the proper authorities the nature of the work, the location and the number of workmen employed, as well as the reasons for asking the indulgence. This declaration must be made within the year following the publication of the decree.

The owners of all establishments shall provide against the escape of gas or the existence of odors, va-pors or dust that might in any way affect the health of the workmen. All shops shall be conveniently and systematically lighted, so that the workmen may be enabled to follow their employment without danger to their sight. All necessary precautions shall be taken to keep the air pure and to avoid the overheating of shops. During the winter the workshops must be conveniently and sufficiently heated, and in summer provision must be made against high temperature. The heating or lighting apparatus must be placed so as not to discommode or injure the workmen by reason of its proximity.

The waste, residue, sweepings and other accumulations shall be removed daily and destroyed. In establishments where the work is unhealthful the workmen must not enter or leave the workshop in the same clothing worn during employment. A cloakroom, with washstands and other necessary accommodations, must be established for the use of the employes. The heads of manufacturing enterprises must prohibit the carrying or eating of food within rooms where toxic materials are being manufactured. The water used, whether it be for drinking, spraying, or manufacturing purposes, must be pure.

The decree contains further provisions to guard the workmen against the influences of vapors or odors of any kind and against accidents from machinery, and to assure the solidity of the buildings and the absolute security of everything pertaining to the place where workmen are employed. Particular attention is drawn to the safety of ladders, wells, and staircases, and to precautions against fire. The introduction of alcoholic stimulants into the workshops or any part or place accessory to them is absolutely forbidden.

In a word, every precaution is demanded that will in any way protect the health of the Belgian workmen or lessen their liability to injury. The solicitude of the Belgian Government for its working classes is to be highly commended, and the fruit of such devotion is evident in the disposition of the workmen and their tendency to remain with the same employers throughout their lives.