The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-05-03


Miners Meeting at Braidwood.
The Eight Hour system InauSurated.
On Thursday afternoon last the miners
Of Braidwood assembled on the grounds
of the Public school House. to consider
the best and most feasible means by which
the shortening Of the hours Of labor can
be accomplished The meeting was adver-
tised for half-past 10 o'clock, but as the
weather was unpropItious At that hour, the
rain falling IN torrents, it was postponed
till , clock. At that hour, prompt to
the call Of time, old. Sol put III his
appearance, ana frightened up matters
considerably.
Mr. James Reside, called the meeting
to order by nominating Mr.. ID McLaugh-
lin as Chairman, which nomination was
unanimously confirmed. Mr. NJ, in few
pointed ana well chosen remarks, stated
the objects for which the Miners % the
District had been called together, and al
vised them to do nothing rash or neon
siderate. to consider the interests OF their
employers as well as their own, but That
when their pit,D,1t,yn had been arrived at,
they should adhere TO 1t as one man.
lie then introduced Mr.. Hicks, Of Jol-
let, who stated that he had come to Braid
wood for the purpose 81 securing the CO
operation of the miners ia running Labor
Reform ticket IN the county Of VIII, at the
ensuing election.
r. f. Trevellick then took the stand,
and in an eloquent, logical and exhaustive
argument. showed the advantages to be
derived from the adoption IF the eight
hour system After speaking an hour and
quarter, he retired amidst the greatest
enthusiasm. AL the conclusion Of his re-
marks the Secretary Of the district pre-
scented the following resolutions
WHEREAS. Experience has demonstrated
the imp artant fact-developed alike IN the Old
and New Worlds that excessive labor. or too
lDllk hfuLS Nl Lbll. are lItHlutllNc pi VICE.
norance. crime social ami moral degradation
that just in proportion the hours Of labor
have been reduced has Intelligence, thrift and
enterprise increased; and
WHEREAS. The hours 81 labor now prevail
ing Ia the mines Of this district averaging
twelve IN the twenty-four excessive, and
deprive the worker Of the opportunities for
social Or mental improvement, enjoying the
comforts Of a home or the compromising Of
ms family; and
WHEREAS. We recognize the important
fact that a lessening Of the number Of our
working hours is imperatively demanded; that
in union there Is strength, that individual eff
fort can accomplish comparatively little; that
it j. only by united action that such reform
can be accomplished or the rights Of the pro-
ducing classes be secured; and that their inter
ests are identical; therefore, be it
Resolved, That eight hours actual work in
the mines is sufficient for any man to labor
and We, the miners of BrAldwood, III mass
meeting assembled, pledge ourselves that from
this day forth se will v TX eight hours only;
that hereafter W. will descend the mines not
earlier than 600 A. NJ, and remain therein
not later than O'Clock Y. NJ
Resoired, That special committee Of five
be appointed by this m etlng to see that the
above resolution is carried into effect, and
that each miner who subscrlbes to it consider
himself a committee Of one to secure its en-
torcement
Rtsoired That we deem it necessary here
afte~ to hold weekly meeting Of the entire
district for the purpose Of consultation, and
the discussion and adoption of such means
and measures as will rebound to the benefit of
our organization.
Resoired, That we hereby pledge ourselves
to carry out the provisions and requirements
embodied in the Constitution of the Miners
Benevolent and Protective Association OF the
Western States.
Res0lred, That We hereby emphatically dis
avow the imputation so frequently and so I'M
Justly made tlat the primary object Of our
organization Is to secure our demands by or
through strikes; that we deem them injurious
alike to the best interests of employer and
employe, and only derRier resort when
all means for an amicabe or honorable settle
inent have failed
Resoioed, That we are in favor of referring
all future disputes which may arise between
our employers and ourselves to a board of
bitration, three of whom shall he selected by
our association, and three by the employers,
who shall jointly select an umpire, whose de
cision will recognize final and binding.
ResOtred, That If the employers and owners
OF mines IN tnls ustrlCL consider ~ Imperative
that yearly contracts should exist between
them and their employers, we believe that it
is nothing more than common justice that we
should be allowed a representation on the
committee which drafts such contracts; and
we hereby solicit employers, separately
and jointly, that a committee of like num-
beers, employers and employees, be appointed
to make the contract for the ensuing year;
and that copy of these resolutions be sent to
each of the companies in this district; and re-
spectfully request their careful consideration,
and that their answer be submitted by the
first dav Of June. 1873.
After an animated discussion. participa-
ted in by large number OF miners, the
resolution was adopted, with the substitu-
ton Of $3.50" for 800 a. m" and
$50" in place Of 400 p. m"
The following committee were appointed
to select a committee of one from each
shaft, to secure the enforcement Of the
measure: David Lofty, John keir, Thos