The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-09-12

usf No, I do not wish to bring any Others
before the commission. s3 81
| Unions have other objects they have
benefit purposes and trade purposes Yes.
10 knglsnd they have all benefit purposes ;
10 Scotland they have not, bat exclusively
trade purposes.
We have not get to that yet you have
never yet explained to US the constitution
OF your union how many mining unions are
there in Scotland2 There 10 a large number
Of mining unions each district governs its
own affairs.
Is each OF those districts entirely separate
from the other districts in the government
OF It's own affairs In its inter aal affalrs
each district is entirely without any connec-
ton with the others.
That IA localys That is so also in Eng-
land.
What il the connection you represent
here with these other local associations
The Miners National Association represent
here, 10 composed Of distinct branches, zach
possessing purely local government. Its
OBJECTS are set forth in this paper in my
hand. There has been . slight amendment
Of the rules, Of which | have neglected to
bring copy with me, but which | will put
in.
When did the ASSOCIATION originate ? 10
1888.
There was no general union till them No
general union all those measures which
arose IRON the action of the unions arose
rom communication without a. general
union. The various local associations when
there was any matter affecting the Law OF
any thing OF hat kind, petItioned aud sent
delegates here.
You being then, what you cal miners
agent ? Yef.
Were you appointed es their agent by
all these separate unions in England ami
Scotland, or as the agent of any particu-
lar union | Was appointed by the nation
al association.
But you were an agent before there was
rational association 7 ..Yrs. Then was
agent for Scotland alene.
Appointed BY the different unions in Scot
land Yes.
A. ID paid BY them les, and p-il By
them.
Were there any other general officers and
pad agents besides yourself There were
none other
How were You appointed at that time 2
By the vote o; all the members over the en-
tire district.
The votes were added up and resulted in
your appointment Yes, entered upon
this ana devoted myself entirely to this /; at
first was requested to take the post. have
omitted TO state that after left college be-
came teacher for q few years, and during
that time was requested by the miners to
take part with them, and from that | be-
came their acting agent in all these matters
to which have referred.
When you were their agent, how were
you paid, by rate levied upon the union 2
Yes.
In 1858 you became president Of the Min
ers' Association, you say Z Yes.
How was that association brought about
It was, as haye explained, by those dele
gates meeting.
Was it your own proposal there should be
central association No, it was not my
own proposal.
Who proposed IL Communication took
place between q number of districts and
II was the result of an intercommunication
between q large number Of districts IN Wales,
10 lancashire, IN Yorkshire, and ell over
Statordshire, and elsewhere.
And where was the meeting held At
Leeds.
AID there representatives appeared from
the different dlstrIctsf Yes.
DO you know how ma. Y unions sent rep
resentatives there There is q book before
you containing the history Of the thing.
Does that general union embrace ali the
unions IN Great Britain No, there are
unions which do not amalgamate with that
union we believe 50, but | am not quite
sure
We're you at :Gst first meeting appointed
presdentr was
Were there other officers appointed then J
There were.
A secretary Yes, q secretary and .
treasurer.
Those are salaried officers The secreta
ry and treasurer are.
Have you any objection to state what your
salary is at presents have no salary ex-
pressly.