The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-15

Honor thy Father aud thy Mother that
thy days may be long 10 the land, &C., is
the injunction Of Sacred Writ. This may
be all very true, but whom shall we accept
(politicaIIy) as our Father? There are
80 many who are representing themselves
as bearing this paternal relation to the
people, that il is difficult now days to know
to whom this honor is due. Aud each
claims to be extremely solicitous for the
dear peoples welfare, aud particularly so
in regard to each ones vote. We are on
the eve of great political changes say
these would be Fathers 10 the political
world, and those who do not place them
selves 10 proper relations to the great
and glorious coming events are sure TO be
left behind. The republican party is al
ready defunct as matter of fact, and only
waits demonstration by the ballot box TO
be clearly seen by everyone. The demo-
cratic party claims to be in much
healthier condition. but the workingmans
party say that they are the only fathers OF
the country to whom it will answer to tie
in the approaching contest. How unfor-
tunate it will be then, for such as desire to
do honor to the right Father, If they should
be mistaken in their identity OF the old
gentleman.
The present leisure among Williams
miners affords ample opportunity for dis
cussing the situation, and there is an
abundance of eloquence wasted, so to
speak. ION the desert air.
Of course each speaks with conf
dence and belief that his views are clear
and statesmanlike, and the arguments
which are produced, if duly considered
would be entirely conclusive. However they
do not spend their time wholly in discussing
political subjects but at times discuss
matters nearer at hand and of more prac'
teal and bread-and- application
Saturday last, meeting was held near by
which was quite generally attended By
| Williams men, and also by goodly nun
Der from Cleveland, Happy Hollow, anG
Rapids City. The meeting discussed thu
proposition to work for rs cents per ton
with check weighman, nut coal to be free
and house rent one dollar per month low
err. While some portion of the men ia
vored the proposition the majority resolv
ed to stand by their original demand. tina
is. 85 cents per ton for mining. As Will
ans AYERS that he cannot possibly afford I,
pay that rate, it depends altogether on tn
miners whether they will accept rs and g
to work OF not.
4 1t is also rumored that on Sept lst tn
mines of Gichrist & Co., and Heagy
Stoddard will reduce prices ten cents pc
ton. Ii there is any truth in these rumor
then we may look to see all the mines i
this vicinity closed, if the men stand a
firmly on the price as they do now. On
thing is quite certain, now is the bes
working season of the year, and if it
I fooled away 10 strikes the miners will nc
be 10 a very good condition for the comm
; winter.
If the operators statements are true
e and there is no reason for disbelievin
them, rs coal is known to be very chea
aud contracts for sale and delivery of an
large amounts hard to get, the prospect fC
the mines lying still some time is CROWN
0 daily more probable But then there
\ no knowing what dav may bring forth
matter Of this kind, and any day ma
bring about an amicable arrangement A
" one of the miners recently remarke
e when we get to holding meetings we wi
r soon be at work"
We happen to know of one man at wor
now for the r. @. G. Co., who with b
two boys, has already earned over $l30 j
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