Final answer:
A mill or mine owner faced with a 10-hour workday law could increase worker pay, ignore the law and risk penalties, reduce the workforce, or request a government waiver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding how a mill or mine owner could make a living with laws like the Massachusetts one in 1842 limiting workers to a 10-hour day, there were multiple approaches an owner could take. Option (a) suggests they could increase worker pay to compensate for the shorter workday, potentially maintaining employee satisfaction and productivity. Option (b) indicates they could ignore the law and face potential penalties, which could lead to legal troubles and fines. Option (c) mentions they could reduce the number of workers they employ, which could save on labor costs but might reduce overall productivity. Lastly, option (d) proposes they could request a waiver from the government, seeking an exemption from the law based on specific circumstances or hardships. Each approach has its own set of consequences and would impact the business's operations and labor relations differently.