The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1889-01-10

to secure justice for them and to
shield them against the aggreSsions
either of capital or corporate power,
than do the statute books of any other
state in the union. The last report OF
the labor commissioner shows that the
laws of Kansas now include nearly
every enactment recommended by one
of the great labor organizations of the
| country, as well as many others of SINH
| lar scope and intent not formulated IN
4, in this enumeration of desired legisla-
ton.
But legislation in this line should
not ceace so long as any injustice is
complained of or any wrongs exist
that law can redress or prevent. The
platform of principles to which nearly
all the members of your body are
pledged. demands several reforms in
the interest of Workingmen.
in other portions of tbs communi-
cation. The weekly payment of wages
by municipal and private corporations
is specially advised. In my Judgment
the demand for weekly payments is
sustained by so many considerations
affecting the economies, necessities and
rights of workingmen, and would in sc
many ways improve their condition and
| tighten their burdens, that no consider
alton of the convenience or expense OF
employers should prevent favorable re-
Spouse to it. The system thus advised
will be practicable when it is made
compulsory, and convenient whenever
it becomes the general usage.
THE NINE INSPECTOR REPORT.
The report of the mine Inspector,
with the recommendation it embodies
concerning needed changes in our min
ing laws. should have your careful con-
sideration. A very serious explosion
occurring in one of the mines o. Craw-
ford county, in November last, and
causing the death of a number of per-
sons. suggests the need of further pro-
visions for the safety of those employed
in mining industries. The most expe-
rienced and expert miners agree that
this accident was caused by some sub
tie and dangerous force, believed to be
similar, in many respects, to that de-
veloped occasionally in Touring mills
by floating and minute dust. The coal
mines in southeastern Kansas are, gen.
orally, what are called dry mines, P"
and several accidents occurring in them
can hardly be accounted for unless the
theory that coal-dust, under certain
conditions, will cause disastrous eXplO-
sions. is accepted. The mine in which
the explosion occurred in November
was one of the best constructed and
most perfectly equipped in the state.
That it did occur, notwithstanding
these facts, is evidence that additional
legal requirements in the construction
and operation of mines are necessary.
THE ADJUTANT GENERALS REPORT.
The adjutant general reports that the
National Guard, consisting OF four
regiments, is well organized and
equipped. Its discipline and appear
ance are matters of state pride, and its
officers and men have responded to
every call of duty with a promptness
and zeal worthy of the highest COM
mendation. The force is small one,
but is. in my judgment, ample to meet
any emergency that is likely to arise.
The members are supplied with the
latest and best inAproved arms.
Ordnance and uniforms are now fur
ished by the general government. The
| legislatures hould supply all other needs
of the Guard, and make ample provis
| ion for maintaining its organization
Annual regimental encampnentS
should be allowed. The expense viii
not be great, and their benefits, in pro
noting emulation among the different
regiments and companies, and instruct
| ing officers and men in the practlca
duties of soldiers, will be very great.
In March, 1887. reports came to me OF
outbreaking troubles in Wichita county
growing out of a county seat contest
and threatening serious consequences
| Several persons had been killed anC
wounded. and the eXcitemet and pass
| ion evoked by this affray were wide
| spread. / at once directed the adju
| tant general, accompanied by Lieuten
ant Colonel Rickseeker, Second regi.
ment, to proceed to Wichita county
and ordered Companies f and ii to bt
| E,nIA -, fN1s ffxyn Ifsn
| The officers mentioned. on their arriVa
in the county, succeeded in allayint
excitement and preserving the peace
and the troops were not called for.
Early in January, 1888, similar trou
bles were reported in Sherman county
also growing out of county seat con
troversy. ] directed Briganier Gen
eral Adam Dixon, Third Brigade
and Capt. Frank McGTath, Third regi
ment, K. N. g., to proceed to the coun
ty, and adopt such measures as in theil
Judgment might be necessary to pre-
serve the peace and protect life anC
property. These officers discharged thu
duties assigned them with tact ant
Judgment, and were enabled to repres
disorder and secure the orderly en-
fOrcement of law without calling on
an armed force.
Early in June, 1888, the sheriff o
Stevens county telegraphed me that n
had driven from the county-seat, ant
requesting the presence of a compan.
of militia. / at once dispatched Briga
der General Murray Myers, secon'
brigade, to investigate the facts, an,
make report. A few days later wri
of mandamus was issued by the Su
preme court, directing the county com
missioners to canvass vote recentl.
taken, and a special messenger wa
, sent to serve this writ. On his arriva
, at Hugoton, this messenger found
necessary to request the presence o
troops, in order to insure obedience t
the DEGREES of the court. and l at ono
J directed General Myers to take tw
companies of the Second regiment an
proceed to Stevens county. The boar
] of commissioners canvaSsed the vote
as directed by the court, and tn
troops were thereupOn ordered to thei
: respective homes.
Late in July Outbreaking trouble
were again reported in Stevens county
{ resulting in an armed expedition
) and the brutal murder of Sheriff job
: Cross and three other citizens, by pa
g ties from Hugoton. / requested Al
{ torney General Bradford and Brigade
" General Myers to proceed to Steven
, county, make thorough investigation
n and report to me. These officers. o
their return, made a full report col
: corning the condition of affairs, an
!, advised me that, in their judgmen
I the presence of a strong military fore
: was necessary to prevent furtht
bloodshed. preserve the peace, and il
+ sure the orderly enforcement of Law
Acting on this advice. directed Gel
. eral Myers to return TO Stevens count,
: taking with him the Second regimen
. K. n. g., and to remain there until a
Z : danger OF an armed collision VIZ
o averted.
. The officers and men of the Secon
3 regiment promptly responded 20 tn
\ order. The command was transports
: to Stevens county by the most dire
= routes, and remained on duty until I'll
18th of August, when it was relieve
Full official accounts of these milital
Z expeditions are made in the report
! the adjutant general.