Quotes

The Cry Wolf Quote Bank chronicles the false predictions and hyperbole by opponents of these laws and protections.  While the issues and specific policies change over time, the rhetoric and themes remained the same.  You can search the Quote Bank for what opponents said to prevent these laws from passing. Using the drop down menus on the right their statements by issue, by specific law, by who said it and by the core themes they evoke.   Elsewhere on the site, you can find articles, studies, and other material that debunks their claims. 

E.g., 2024-03-29
E.g., 2024-03-29

You must relieve [New York's] real estate from the terrible yolk of oppression which has been throttling it for some years past…

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Charles F. Noyes, president of the Charles F. Noyes (Realty) Company, on the Factory Investigating Commission ’s new laws.
06/21/1914 | Full Details

That same threat was made when the child labor law was passed and not one of the manufacturers moved out.

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Abram I. Elkus, counsel for the Factory Investigating Commission.
05/19/1914 | Full Details

We have been legislated to death.

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James T. Hoyle, Secretary of the Manufacturers’ Association
05/19/1914 | Full Details

This condition is depreciating the value of real estate, restricting its marketability, and driving manufacturers out of the City and State of New York.

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Resolution adopted by The Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York.
05/17/1914 | Full Details

The Real Estate Board of New York is informed that thousands of factories are migrating to New Jersey and Connecticut in order to be freed from the oppressive laws of New York State.

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Op-ed by George W. Olvany, special counsel to the Real Estate Board.
05/03/1914 | Full Details

It is almost impossible to sell any real property in New York City at the present time at its assessed value.

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Op-ed by George W. Olvany, special counsel to the Real Estate Board.
05/03/1914 | Full Details

The owners of real property are becoming terrified by the number of laws which have been enacted affecting real property in New York City…in each succeeding year there is a law passed…This compels the owner to expend…large sums of money, which…are absolutely needless and useless.

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Op-ed by George W. Olvany, special counsel to the Real Estate Board.
05/03/1914 | Full Details

You can no longer distinguish the real estate owner by the smile of prosperity, because his property is now a burden and a liability instead of a comfort and a source of income. To own a factory building in New York City is now a calamity.

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Op-ed by George W. Olvany, special counsel to the Real Estate Board.
05/03/1914 | Full Details

Contrary to the predictions of the canners, the next year there was no shortage of canned vegetables or fruits.

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George Whitney Martin, from his biography of Frances Perkins. Date not available.
01/01/1914 | Full Details

I can’t see what all this talk is about. How is it wrong for the State to intervene with regard to the working conditions of people who work in the factories and mills. I don’t see what they mean. What did we set up the government for?

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Al Smith (D), future governor of New York and Factory vice chairman of the Factory Investigating Commission. Date not available.
01/01/1914 | Full Details

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