The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-09
ROUGH TREATMENT OF MINERS.
Ignorant Men Initiated Into a Bogus So
ciety and Disfgured for Life.

MoBERLY, Mo-, Feb. ga curious story, well
verified, of inhuman treatment of ignorant
miners by superior workmen in the same mines
is told here, and has caused considerable rough
talk among intelligent coal-diggers in this local
ity Mr.. L. E. Baker foreman of coal mine No.
l, between this city and Huntsville, was in Mo
berly yesterday, and made the following state
ment concerning the outrage: About sixteen
miles from Kirksville, Mo-, there are and have
been coal mines working from eighteen to twenty
five men. The diggings are in an out of the-way
place. Impractical miners only stay long enough
to secure more desirable situation and conse-
quently the work is principally performed by
men whom coal miners generally term
greenhorns, or, in other words, men
who know little about mining or
laws governing coal miners. About two
months ago the place secured some coal miners,
and among them was Mr.. Crainey, of Hunts
vile. After these new men had been there
few days they discovered that their companions
were very ignorant and superstitious, and they
thought they would have some fun with the
greenhons. Mr.. Crainey informed them that
he was the grand center of the grand lodge of
miners and that he was there to organize them,
and in a speech he informed them that the time
was fast approaching when, unless they were
membe of the organization, it would be impos-
sible for them to procure work in any of the
States. The men believed this, and all were
WllIlnS ana eager 10 enter Jne organization. Inc
following night appointed for meeting. At
the hour stated the men began to gather at the
shanty at the coal mines, and they were then in
formed by Crainey, the grand center that only
one could be initiated that evening, and they
could settle between themselves who should be
the candidate. After one had been selected the
rest of the men were ordered to their homes by
the grand center.
Everything being ready the candidate was
blindfolded and led into another shanty by two
men, Once inside, he was required to take a
solemn oath not to make known by word or sign
anything he might see hear while the work
was being performed under the penalty of DEATH
He then received the signs, grips and passwords
The candidate was next informed that now all
that was wanting to make him man among men
was to be branded with the grand seal. The
man was then made to take off his clothes and
lean over table provided for the purpose, and
while in that position was branded on the hip
with figure made red-hot by stove in the
shanty. He was then told to put on his clothes
and depart, not without being reminded of his
oath. On the following night another of the
greenies was induced to pass throu: b The same
smarting ordeal, and 80 this hellish work was
thus marked for life. The perpetrators, fearing
they would be detected left the mines, and the
whereabouts of only one of them is known, and
he is supposed to be working for the Huntsville
Coal and Mining Company at Huntsville Mo-,
six miles west of Moberly Mr. Barker further
states that the miners all through the country
feel very indignant over the outrage, and that
the grand jury will Investigate the case.