Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1885-02-14

which witness saw, lately, was $3.7O
in New York-which place governs
the lead market of the United States.
does not know of any other
mines in this vicinity except the Min
ME Moore and Queen Of the Hills
reducing wages because of the falling
off of lead and silver-cxcept in a
general way. Witness spoke about
a reduction Of wages, and he thinks
that Mr.. Palmer said he would be
compelled to reduce wages.
MIR. Harris was perfectly willing
that all the facts should come out,
but this was not cross. examination.
He would not object, however.
Cross Z xamination resumed : AS
far US we were concerned (the Queen)
We concluded to stop the mine at
once, If the miners did not consent to
u reduction. Mr.. Palmer Informed
me that in short time he would have
no further use for men on the mine
(the Minnie Moore) until lot OF con.
tract work was done. When that
was completed he would be ready to
employ wen at $3.50 per day. There
was All un'esstsn ling to that effect
between tue two. Witness did not
interview Mr.. Havens or MIR. Wall to
have them reduce wages. Does
not know Of anybody connected
with his company speaking to
other mine owners for the same end.
II the miners would not take $3.50
his instructions were 70 close down
the mine. There was nothing in the
letter about their having to work TO,
80, if they refused $3.50. A grea'
many letters passed, on tho subject
between him and his company. AfteI
while l received cRe stating that i
the mine were closed down htcaus,
the uaen would not work for $3.50 pc
day, that when it was started "
again it would be at 50. Soon ate
; that, !, in u general way, privately ant
publicly, stated that the min
was ready to start up at $3.50 per da.,
, at any time. don't think that / in
. formed that committee to that effect
and among other things l said ! toll
them that if the work continued a
? $3.50 that that would establish tn
:; wages at that rate. l also told ther
t that if they did not accept the rate c
s. so that that would be the rate whe
the mine started up again. did nc
telephone to Wall and Ravens thu
!: if they co-operated with me in tn
j. matter for 48 hours the rate would +
IT reduced, did not authorize any OF
+. to say So to them. did not tell tt
d met, but it was generally given o.
e as l did say that if lead and silv
q should go back to the price they he
As been, the con pany would be only It
'e glad to pay ~ per day, as we cou
e. better afford it than 50 per day at t
IN present prices. When the mine W
n" not producing I paid 81 per day.
r. suppose tie reason that rate was pa
p is, the company did not anticipate t
~ decline after the mine began produ
~ ing. Since the first of January
IF net profit OH a ton Of ore
nc IObjected to, as irrelevant. 7
~ ensuing discussion elected from
:" defense the statement that they wo'
az plead in justification that they We
az simply opposing conspiracy to
80 %, duce wages on the part of the mil
80 owners.
!" The prosecution objected that t
., was no defense; the only question
~ were the defendants engaged IN
WV unlawful conspiracy?
' ~ Objection overruled.
WV Witness resumed: Since the
wy Of January the average net profits
''" a ton of ore is unknown to me, as
' company's books arc kept in
' Lake. The reported net proceeds
70" the mine since the LIST Of January
W ness cannot state. He is not 8 ste
holder. Has no information on
" subject. Does not think there
any loss, hut cannot say what the
WAS. Thinks the company decls
" a dividend about the first OF Janu
W That was the FIRST dividend. Has
@ of the contracts for working on
VIC Queen of the Hills mine. Cont