Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1876-01-22
Letter frGm Cumberland.


CUMBERLAND, Jan. 81, 1876.
The weather at all times is an hourly
subject of remark; it is the first expression
when friends meet; it accompanies tie
morning salutation, and forms the midday
theme, and at night conjccturcs for the
morrow is the last thing one hears before
retiring, to awake in the morning to find
all guesscs. even "old Probs,' al fault at
least it Is so here at this particular time,
for TIE present January has been as capri
cious rs April and we are all lost for
precedent for such weather" The ice we
last week expected has come and gone
the boys have had one days skating on the
river, and nov the Wa'u flows as mildly
there as in October, While the ice dealer
sighs and sadly looks to tic weather guagc
marking 30 degrees.
The Garrett County Commissioners have
also sent to the LEGISLATURE a petition for
State aid TO repair tile National Road,
which has been presented to the Senate by
Mr.. Getty. In tie House Mr.. Sprigg has
presented the petition of the Alcgany
Commissioners and now that the subject
has been fairly introduced, it is hoped our
Representatives will follow it up with inter
est and perseverance, Should they fail to
secure IN appropriation for the repair Of
the road, they should then cndeavor TO have
the road transferred to the counties, to be
used as other county roads. Unless the
State gives proper sum to put the road in
order, then say clown with the toll gates"
No longer compel the people who are forced
to uso this thoroughtare to pay tribute to
keep up petty political Office in the Gift of
the dominent party. We have borne this
outrage too long already ard torhearance
must cease to be virtue The Ike has
been too long upon the shoulders Of pa
tent public, and now the burden must be
removed. Your people of Frostburg have
been slaves too long to this dcspicable
State policy-this highway robbery-this
paying toll to keep petty officer and toll
gathercrs in comfortable living, and the
road going to destruction. If &ut repre-
St!ttttlN'S III INV w ''NGPtli-
plish some good results in reference to the
road they will fall far short of their duty,
and cause painful modification to their
constituency.
| regret to state that the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroads Company Bar Mill in this
city has again stopped operations after hay
ing only started up last week to be closed
this week. The reasons are not assigned
The company is pursuing a rigid course OF
economy, and are cutting down the num-
Der of men in its employ as also wages
Many brakemen have been discharged all
along the road, and freight conductors are
compelled 10 do duty as hrakemcn. 1t was
rumorcd here that the cngincmcn yycrn to
strike last Tuesday because they are now
Obliged To clean their engines in addition to
their other duties. the company having dis
r"nscd with the customary force of engine
wipcrs,' but rs yet no strike has occurred,
and it is hoped none viii
The rumo.cd reduction in wages for
mining coal and the probable low rate of
freight on the canal next spring, cause an
uneasiness among our people interested in
these matters, and abe outlook for the com.
Ing season is not SO promising as we all de-
sire. 1t is much to be regretted should the
necessity arise for a change in any of the
present rates. What ever shall occur let
reason, sound Judgment and common
sense rule the question. We want no
strikes no dclays-no difficulties when the
coal season opens. Let employer and
employee look alike to each others Interest
and make mutual concessions.
There is nothing particularly new in
Cumberland. There is no more smallpox
and no other disease or sickness to any ex-
tent. Dur city is remarkably healthy, so
mud. 80, that the doctors are among the
lGndest compile ncrs of dull times. What a
qIeer world this is-"Nhat is one mans
meat is anotn"r's poison" When people
are healthy doctors are starving. "Lc. ,em
starye"