Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1878-03-02

take the company s paid otlcer word
for the weight of the same. We are
aware that We do not get paid for all
the coal we dig-and have proved it
more than once-and that we are re-
CURED to give 2240 pounds to the
ton, and are satisfied, knowing that
it is a recognized ton by the laws of
the United States and Great Britain.
Those coal kings, or autocrats, seem
to think that when we ask for bread
that stone is good enough for us; or
if we ask for a fish, that serpent
should satisfy us. There is posi-
bility that the stone might return
like the australians boomerang or the
serpent might turn and bite the liber-
al (?) giver. We defy these gentle
men to show us where there is any in
Justice in our demands for just
weight for the product Of our labor,
or anything unreasonable in our ask
ing for pure air to work in. 1t is all
nonsense for parties to represent to
legislative committees that the miners
are satisfied with the present state of
affairs. Our legally elected delegates
know better, and it appears strange to
us ignorant miners why a set of men
who go to the Legislature Of their own
accord, seem to have more influence
and power with the majority, than our
representatives,, that the voice Of one Of
those voluntary delegates apparently
has more weight than one thouand Of
ours. This is indeed mystery that
we cannot solve, and when we think
over the matter we are ready to con-
clude that "there is something rotten
in Denmark" and in the Maryland
Legislature too.
In taking a calm view of mining
affairs in this county for the last few
years, it appears to me that certain
Presidents and Superintendent have
been trying how much tyranny they
could exercise, by gradual process,
over the miner, that now they think
they will submit to the yoke Of tyran-
ny in any shape that their lords and
may see fit to impose. For example
at many Of the mines, if a miner COM
plains Of bad air, unjust weights or
any other injustice he is discharged; if
not instantly, pretext will soon be
found to get rid of him as a disturb
er Of the peace. Hemust keep shut
mouth, or in other words be dumb, in
order to obtain the glorious privilege
of giving his "daily toll for daily fee. /"
The words of Burns suit our case
eff I'm designed your lo,dling' slave,
BY natures law designed
Why was an independent wish
Fer planted in my mind ? .
If not, why am subject to
His cruelty and scorn? Il
Or why has man the will and power
To make his fellow mourn 2"
By opposing the measure now be-
fore the Legislature for our relief,
only pro1ongs the strife, and is calcu-
lated to en9ender more bitter feelings
between employer and employee. The
miners will continue to ask for redress
of their grievances from our law
makes, and if refused the consequent
ces, if serious, should be laid where
they properly belong-at the seat of
the law-making power Of the State.
In our opinion we think that we GER
tainly are as much entitled to pro-
lection by law as the animals Of the
bruth creation.
Gentlemen, Of the Senate and House
of Delegates, consider US brutes, if
you please, and legislate for our pro
lection &C cordingly. If We cannot
get it as citizens and freemen, let US
have it as "dumb driven CATTLE
OCCASIONAL.