The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-05-20
FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

NEW CASTLE, IA, May u 1871.
To the Editor Of the woaEIseHAs's ADvooArH.
Believing that your readers would
feel interested in knowing something Of
the doings Of the miners in this section
of Pennsylvania, send you the follow
ing. On Saturday, April goth, mass
meeting of the miners Of this section
was held, which was addressed at
length BY Mr.. B. P. Smith, who in pre-
stnting the following resolutions said
FELLOW woRKMES AND FELLOW CITI-
zESs.-In giving you all present short
history Of the wrongs OF the coal dig
gers of western Pennsylvania, shall
not enter into details as that should be
the work of q more intelligent man. /
disclaim all intention of excitement or
any ilI-feeliBgs of dissatisfaction to ex-
lot between ourselves and our employ
ers; but the present state OF things
which now exists, We feel, calls upon
rs imprealively to protect our rights
legally and honestly. before the citizens
of this free nation in order to save our
wives, our families, and the interests OF
the commonwealth from slavery, worse
than that Of the African in the South,
IN days gone by.
The declaration Of independence Of
the United States says all men are
born alike, and entitled 10 equal priv
ilege. To attain this by lawful means
we do assemble here today. to show
the wrongs Of the miners Of this county
in particular. We are prepared and
ready to show the public, 10 presence Of
our operator. Mr.. James Roads, that hs
was the instigator of the present Difficult
ties existing in this county, and not the
miners.
Under such circumstances we cal
your earnest st.ention to the following
resolutions, to be considered separate
" or as a whole, so-that the right sad
die may be placed upon the right horse
Resolved, That We ere able 20 certify that
our adjoining coupty miners were promised b.
their respective operators 10 cents per ton ad-
vance before the present difficulties In Law
renee county.
Resolved, That Mr.. Rhoads, superintendent
informed his miners that nothing would please
him better than to hear his miners would
stand for the space Of tso or three montha
On purpose 20 give Mr.. Rhoads chance TO get
the railro I'd co Riiey's Bank.
Resolved, That in oar opinion We claim IL tc
be right that Mr.. B. Smith should and oughi
to be reinstallsd 10 his usual employment
Resolved, That Mr.. Rhoads broke bid word
and promise 10 reference TO the giving Of the
10 cents advance, 80 long ~ he 10 AWARE that
We the miners IL his employ don't average two
dollars per DAY for ten hours work 10 the bow
Ella Of he earth.
Resolved, Tbst we denounce the notice which
was posted up st the works by his instructions
equal, denosnce the ten daya' notice and con-
slider them too tyrannical 20 be put in practices
uuder any Lao. CT BY any honest legislature.
Resolved. That We. as BODY, return our sim
cere thanks 90 he citizens Of LswreDcs county
for the liberal manner IN which they signed oul
petitions for the health and safety Of the ml-
ass Iivss
Resolved, That we most heartily and sincere
" return our thanks 20 his exceIlency, Gov
Jno WV. Geary, for the honest and able manner
in which he is dschareing. the important du-
ties consigned to him by HE constituents
Resolved, That We return our cordial thanks
\ to Hon. Isaiah White of this city fcr bis kind
sympathy toward the working classes. and IN
particular for his kindness In allowing 10 "a
hold this mass meeting here tor day.
After which the meeting adjourned
well pleased with Mr.. Smiths remarks,
and the other speakers. Conlon, Briton,
and Woolsleyer. They hope soon to
have another meeting in our city.