Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1868-03-28
THE MINERS, UNION.

THE MINERS UNION.
More especially of late yesrs have mu-
tual protective associations aud combi-
nations among mechanics and the labor
ing classes generally come in vogue,
and now throughout the principal cities
and Industrial districts of the couutry
these associations exist in the form Of
Leagues" "Unions," aud similar
combinations, Of greater or less magni-
tude, according to the Importance Of the
interests involved. Iu many instances
these associations have proven an injury
and u failure, but this has been invaris.
bly, through tho ignorant m~ismansge-
ment on the part Of the controlling
minds, or OVERRIDING by carrying the
movement too far, or in the exaction Of
exorbitant and unreasonable demands.
We see, however, many instances where
they are u success, and productive Of
real benefit to all parties concerned.
In illustration Of b e.above remarks
we would make mention Of the Miners
Union existing in Gold Hill and Vir-
ginia. This powerful organization has
for its objects, mutual protection and
mutual assistance in cases whore acct
dents or sickness among Its members
may render il necessary, and the pesms-
uent establishment and regulation Of a
just ratio of compensation for real ell
cient, experienced labor, amid the dan
gers to life and limb, encountered by the
brave and handy ~toilers, delviug in the
depths of the numerous minos along the
mighty Comstock ledge dangers alas
too often realized, as shown BY the re-
cord of the local daily newspapers.
Thus far tho operation Of this working
mems combination has Injured to the
benefit Of our young and le~urishing
State, whose vital interests and greatest
elements of prosperity lie in her mines
and miners. Instead Of the bullion ex-
tracted from our mines going to euric b
San Francisco capitalists and specula.
tors, entirely, a just and reasonable pro-
portion of the proceeds is retained to be
circulated through the hands of the
mining employees, among all classes Of
trade aud industry 10 the community,
and the result is that Indirectly capital
is forced to advance the interests Of the
country, whether it will or no, for it is
q self evident fact that the moro Of our
own money produce there is retained
for our W use and benefit, just in thai
proportion shall we DO prosperous.
This Association coptends for the
principle that I" the laborer Is worthy
Of his hire" and has for its motto: "Jus'
tice to all-live and let live !" There are
two divisions of it; one here at Gold
Hill, and the other at Virginia-but thu
same general principles govern and con.
troll each. Politics is understood ia
have nothing to do with this organiza.
ton, in any form whatever, and it il
well that it is so; for once let politi'
clans get a controlling interest," and the
whole arrangement will become frozen
out and demoralized in a very shor,
space of time. In fact any improper,
injudicious action, outside Of the legiti'
mate purpose, or wrong and oppressive
exercise of its power on the part Of the
ner Of its downfall. Before us we have
a copy Of the /" Constitution, Bylaws,
Order Of Business aud Rules Of Order
of the Miners Union Of Gold HILL
The following Preamble" contained
on the first page Of this little book,
speaks for itself:
WHEREAS, Experience has taught a. (ths
miners Of Gold HilD that tho dangers e
which we are continually exposed are, unfor-
tunately, too fully verified by the serious and
often fatal accidents that occur in the mines
and that benefits in many Of these cases arr
positively necessary; and whereas, "the Ia,
borer is worthy Of his hire" proportionats to
the dangers and laborious nature Of his en-.
ploymcnt; and that it is as much to the inter
est Of the stockholders in the mines on the
Comstock to retain experienced labor a. fol
the miners to receive their just r~ecompense
and whereas, an organization, having for. II,
objects the maintenance Of these principles
and the dissemination Of the knowledge oil
" practical experience" in mining, 10 moi
only q benefit to its members, but to the eom.
munity generally therefore, that these ends
may be attained, We have resolved 70 form an
association having for its motto: Justice Il
all-live and let live"-and pledge ourselves
to be governed BY the following Constitution
and BYLAWS.