does not mean that progressive initiative will be abandoned by the State – except when it enervates private initiative (the essential to national greatness) or disturbs our credit. Nor does it mean giving capital privileges over labour.” Indeed, a number of reforms were carried out during Viera's presidency. A law enacted at the end of 1915 established that the effective work of workers in various establishments such as shipyards and factories “could not last more than eight hours.” The average term of daily work could be increased, but on condition “that it never exceed the legal maximum of 48 hours for every six days of work,” while “No factory, company or house could use workers who worked in another establishment during the maximum hours authorized by law.” A 1918 law prohibited night work in various food-making establishments such as bakeries, with fines in cases of infractions and recidivism. In terms of social welfare, the Derecho a la Vida (Right to Life) prescribed “the supply of food to the inhabitants of the country, when they lack means of subsistence, etc.” The law of July the 12th 1916 provided “that food be provided in the Police Stations, Barracks or appropriate premises, to all the inhabitants of the country who are without work and who lack means of subsistence.” A 1919 law established minimum annual pensions; partially aimed at helping those who were indigent and disabled. A presidential message from 1916 also noted various developments that had taken place in Public Assistance. For instance, the Maternity Pavilion and shelter for pregnant women were inaugurated, “which includes the solution of the problem of defense and protection of helpless mothers, abandoned or temporarily unable to attend to their care and subsistence.” Some improvements were implemented in other Assistance services, including “acquisition of land adjoining the Eermín Ferreira Hospital, repairs in some rooms of the Maciel Hospital and of surgical instruments for the same, repairs in one of the pavilions of the Pereira Rosell Hospital, increase in the rolling stock of the Permanent Medical Service, increase in the technical administration staff, etc. of the aforementioned service, the works of the Gynecology Pavilion, for which the amount of $109,437.55 has been paid, repairs to the "Doecker" pavilions of the Asilo Luis Piñeyro clel Campo, etc.” Improvements were also made in field establishments, such as “the construction of four pavilions in the Santa Lucía Colony - Insane Asylum,