Frostburg mining journal., 1888-05-12

distance of the scales from the mouth
OF the mine. The objection to 500, or
even LOCO feet, was because it would
necessltate the erection and main
tenance of several scales, weigh offices
aud welghmasters. In one case at
least five additional scales, offices and
weighmasters would have to be kept,
whereas one is all that is actually
necessary to do the work. Moreover,
to the bulk of the miners of the region
such a provision would be of no prac-
teal benefit, as it would still leave
the coal tC be hauled underground two
and three miles to the outside of the
mlne before it is weighed. The sub
stltute provided that the companies
should place correct and accurate
scales at or near the mouth of the
mine, and in case of ''mines hereafter
opened" at a point distant not more
than 1000 feet therefrom.
We also opposed section requiring
uniform space of three feet between
the brake slide of the car and the rib
of the heading, for the reason that its
enforcement would have necessitated
the remodeling of several mines at an
enormous expense. In u case that can
he named it would have driven one of
our most substantial companies ont of
business, as they have at large out
lay re-timbered old workings in order
to reach new tract of coal. and the
space referred to is not uniform three
feet. This condition is noticeable in
other mines. probably to smaller extent
1t would certainly be very veXatious
to the heading men for the mining
boss to go into their places and COM
pei them to lay their tracks in accord
ance with these requirements. 1t is
no benefit to the companies to den,
space where space Is required, for 1t
all such cases the operation of tn,
mine is numbered thereby, aud tn,
eventual cost comes to much NOR.
than the saving. The substitute offer
ed by the companies simply made tins
requn nement apply to "mlnes hereafter
opened" and to solid coal in mines now
open, and We favored it.
The foregoing covers all the ground
of our action at Annapolis. We hau
hoped that the "boasted intelligence OF
the miners of Georges Creek" would
save US from the vie clatter that has
been raised, and that we would be
spared the necessity of making public
any review of that acton. But We
We're mistaken. AS usual the gentle
men whom Mr.. Powderly (probably
writing the same day we were al
Annapolis calls the vocal bulies and
loud-mouthed enthusiasts" ignorant
of what they were talking about, have
vent their spleen upon us without stint
SO far have they gone that we feel W.,
owe it to the sensible miners of this
region as well as to ourselves to make
this brief statement of what we did.
The companies opposed the bill only
so far as we have mentioned, but to
that extent justly, as we believed then
rendered but simple act of justice t,
our employers, ard in doing SO we have
the satisfaction of knowing that trou
many quarters we have received the
approval and commentator of the
solid and conservative elements of oul
society. For the rest we care but little
and each of US adopt, in conclusion
the following sentiment from Jame.
Russell Lowell:
/ honor the man who is ready to sink
Half his present repute for the freedom tc
think,
And when he has thought, be his cause strons
or weak,
Will risk t'other half for the freedom to speak
Caring not for what vengeance the mob ha.
III store
Let that mob be the the upper ten thousand
or lower.
Very respectfully,
JOHN CONLON.
JETHRO JEFFRIES.
JAMES BANNATYNE.
John A SPINAIL