MID-SOUTH MEMORIES

25 years ago — 1997 WASHINGTON – President Bill Clinton, calling use of sweatshop labor deplorable and unacceptable, Monday urged more U.S. clothing companies to join an effort to improve working conditions at their global factories. ”Human rights and labor rights must be part of the basic framework under which all businesses compete,” Clinton said, adding that the initiative would ”improve the lives of a million garment workers around the world.” The voluntary code of conduct generally sets a maximum 60-hour workweek and guarantees at least one day off a week. The code also bars use of prison workers or other forced labor and prohibits employment of children younger than 15, except in countries where 14-year-olds may legally work. The effort has been criticized as unnecessary by the major trade group representing American clothing manufacturers.

50 years ago — 1972

Several obscure amendments to laws governing the Tennessee Athletic Commission — passed without legislative dissent or public discussion and signed by the governor — could cause farreaching effects on professional sports in the state and possibly the entire nation. The law, which will take effect 40 days after the governor signed it, now gives the athletic commission power to regulate all professional sports in Tennessee, which will cause major ramifications to teams and players coming in from other states. Since the bill was passed initially in 1935, the commission has regulated only boxing and wrestling.

75 years ago — 1947

Southern League baseball, born with the century in Memphis, starts its 47th year at Russwood Park tonight when the somewhat chastened Chicks tie into their tormentors, the Travelers of Little Rock. Before any battle of the bats there’ll be the customary ceremonies, without which no campaign would be worth its salt. Mayor-elect Jim Pleasants, who will be Mayor Pleasants by the 8:15 starting time, will pitch the first ball and Commissioner Bob Fredericks to catch it. 100 years ago — 1922

High winds and wave washes cut in at several levee points yesterday, but workmen checked the trouble promptly. At night they were strong as ever. There is a possibility of rain today in the Ohio valley. How heavy it will be cannot be forecasted. However, local observer J.H. Scott said yesterday indications were for pretty good rains.

125 years ago — 1897

ROSEDALE, Miss. – Statistics show 22,000 persons in Bolivar County, Miss., today are flood sufferers.

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES March 25, 2016: John Goodwin, 10, lifts a wooden cross as he readies to carry it to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 277 S. Fourth, during the Stations of the Cross neighborhood event on Good Friday.