The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-09-04
Coal Miners in Europe.

The German coal miner, whether be-
longing to Prussia proper, Saxony or
Austria preserves the distinctive traits of
the German race. Less impulsive and
more phlegmatic even than the Anglo
Saxon miner, he has faithfully carried
into coal mining the habits and disci-
pline of the metallic mines, which in
Germany, date from many centurics,and
have been everywhere preserved with a
religious and Jealous care. The earliest
miners of Central Europe came from
these mines, where they are regimented
in the strict and tgurative sense OF the
term, and form distinct class of the
population. They constitute something
more than mere guild or corporation,
and are sort Of caste, with peculiar
costume, dress, and manners, us well ms
free. masonry, tradition, and even super
stitions. Certain and particular forms
are handed down from one generation
to another, and when on the road or in
the country you are saluted with qlpcL
aG (meaning happy going out, good
journey to the mine and back again.
you may be sure that you are addressed
by miners.
The Italian coal miner, especially the
the migratory miner Of the Tuscan Ma
rcmma, IA district once Aourishing and
pOpulOus, but now at certain Seasons OF
the year Il prey to fever and miasma,) is
another type full of character. Old
Niccolini, the mine agent, goes to hire
them beforehand, and has to pay them
their earnest money" The exodus
begins soon after the middle of October;
some going on foot, while others ride,
seeking places in the stage coaches. The
opening operations are impcded ut the
outset by the last rains Of autumn, the
adaptations which have happened dur
ing the stoppage of the works are made
good timbering has broken, the goat
has given way, the water has made nu-
mcrous deyastations ut the surface as
well as underground but all is promptly
set on foot and the works reopened and
carried on with vigor. The coal raised
is sent to Leghorn, for the use of the
local factories and the steamboats,. II
has also been taken to Rome, and the
Vatican is lighted with gas made from
this coal.
Pierre L'hote, the bold man Of Epi.
nae, must not be forgotten; he was at
the siege OF Constantine, and helped ia
take the city under Lamoriciere, and
brings into his service all the steadiness
of the soldier, and he doubtless became
a collier that he still might burn pow.
der If the Engineer goes to visit a
working-place, he says to his men,
"come, my lads, fall in here is Mon
sieur the Engineer going by" He is very
near putting them in line at present
arms the pick raised III his right hand,
the left resting on the handle of the
shovel. One day the miners Mt the bot
tom of the workings threatened to strike,
dispute having arisen about the prices
paid for work. "Wait for me here, my
lads" said Pierre L'hote, "while go
and speak with the Engineer On his
return he says, "listen, my lads, to
Monsieur tho Engineers answer ;
Pierre L'hotc, go and tell your men the
day shift begins at six O'Clock in the
morning, with an hours rest at noon
for dinner, and ends at four in the after
noon. There, my lads, that's what Mon
seu told me. He is our chief; obey
him you obey me come, my lads, to
work !" There WINS no more tai after
thatabout striking. From Underground
Life, by Jules Sim0niR.