Apprentice

literally, a learner. The term is derived from a French word meaning to apprehend, to "catch on." In the ordinary use of the word an apprentice is a young person placed with skilled workmen to learn a trade, and receive small wages. The labor unions of the present day are very strict in their rules, not allowing an employer to have more than one apprentice usually to four or five workmen, the number varying, of course, with the different trades. In European countries it was at one time the universal custom for a father or guardian to bind out his boy for a number of years. The lad was expected to work for his board and clothing. His master was in position to treat him humanely or like a slave. Numerous instances are related of apprentices marrying into the family and succeeding the master in the business, and, on the other hand, many instances of extreme cruelty are on record. On the completion of his apprenticeship the young workman was entitled usually to a suit of clothes, a small sum of money, and possibly the set of tools necessary to carry on his trade. Benjamin Franklin was apprenticed to his brother in Boston to learn the printing trade, but broke his articles, it may be remembered, and ran away to Philadelphia.

In this country apprenticeship has been regulated by numerous laws enacted by the various states. A minor, that is to say, a legal infant, cannot bind himself to an apprenticeship or, when formed, dissolve an apprenticeship, without the consent of his parent or guardian. A boy may be bound until he is twenty-one; a girl until she is eighteen. The master takes the place of a parent. He may correct or restrain an apprentice in any way that would be proper for the parent; but his relation is a personal one. He has no authority to permit a third person to punish his apprentice. Unless an apprentice gives consent he may not be transferred to another master or removed to any state other than that in which the contract has been made. If an apprentice leaves his master without consent, and enters into the service of a third party, the master is entitled to all wages earned. An apprentice may free himself from his master by enlisting for military service, the claim of the nation being held superior to that of the master.