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Portrait Artist: Hans Schlereth |
Tenure: March 5, 1921 to November 30, 1930
Born in Wales; emigrated at age eight to Pennsylvania and
went straight to work in the steel mill as a puddler's assistant (he always
liked to be called "Puddler Jim"). Active in the Amalgamated Association of
Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers. A leader in the Loyal Order of the Moose, a
fraternal organization.
Appointed by Warren Harding. The major problems of his
tenure related to immigration, which was then a DOL responsibility. Established
a Border Patrol to reduce flow of illegal aliens, called for restrictions in
the number of immigrants. Also, he strengthened labor statistics, encouraged
labor-management cooperation and, with support from the iron and steel workers
union, persuaded U.S. Steel to abolish the 12-hour work day. He was the only
Secretary to serve three Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover.
Went on to serve in the Senate, where he was co-sponsor of
the Davis-Bacon Act.
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