James Clark McReynolds

“ Considering our former opinions it seems clear that without violating the Federal Constitution a state, exercising its police power, may require licenses for employment agencies, and prescribe reasonable regulations in respect of them, to be enforced according to the legal discretion of a commissioner. The general nature of the business is such that, unless regulated, many persons may be exposed to misfortunes against which the legislature can properly protect them. ”

“ No private employment agency shall operate without a license from the commissioner of labor, the fee for which is fixed at $25 per annum except in cities over two hundred thousand population, where it is $100; this license may be revoked for cause; the commissioner is charged with enforcement of the act, and given power to make necessary rules and regulations. Sec. 2. A surety bond in the penal sum of $1,000 shall be furnished by each applicant. Sec. 3. Every agency shall keep a register of its patrons and transactions. ”

“ Now he insists it offends that portion of the 14th Amendment which declares: 'No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law ”