Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1889-12-19
MINERS MUST ORGANIZE,
That Is the Conclusion Arrived Ar Rv
the Wyoming workingmen.

The labor organizations in the upper
end OF the county have been lying dor
mant for some time, and it seems that a
natural reaction is about to set in. The
following from the Wilkes Barre Record
tells the feeling of the men in that sec
ton:
frlday evening a mass meeting of
miners and laborers gathered in Knights
OF Pythias Hall, for the purpose of dis
cussing grievances. David +. Edwards
presided.
John Llewellyn, former member of
old w. B. A., stated that he did not see
that the miners of Wyoming region were
properly recompensed for their labor.
The majority seem to treat the matter
with indifference, but they suffer all the
same. AS for myself l can tell you l
work harder than | did Is years ago.
We ought to as miners and laborers, to
a man, belong to the Knights of Labor.
II we We're united the two weeks pay
bill would not have been thrown away.
The burden is coming down heavy on
the employees of the l.. & w. C. Co. We
have X. of l.. assembly. Let all pres
ent, and all in the valley, join it and
protect ourselves from tyranny.
David e. Edwards said he had been
benefited by the labor unions in the
past and that miners could expect moth
ing without organization.
Thomas E. John said a reduction in
yardage and the price for timbering had
been reduced. If the present condition
of things continues we may expect the
same condition of things as we saw in
this valley in 1877 l suffered then, but
we should take warning from the past
and at once organize.
Another miner stated that if they
were organized now, they would have a
greater advantage in making a demand
for higher wages than ever before. The
miners certificate was protection, for in
case of strike they would not be able
to get men to fill the places. The law
would step in and prevent it.
David Morris stated that three years
ago the men got so for setting a prop,
now it is $1.30. Miners then got So. 25,
now they get only $1.25. We should
have union among us. l want to go
hand in hand with it.
Morgan d. Jones said if they got any
thing it would be by the united action of
the labor organization.
John Phillips spoke of the organization
in the old country and he believed in
the organization of labor.
An invitation was extended for those
who were not members of the X. of l..
to hand their names to the secretary
Over forty stepped up and gave their
names.
The present situation of the coal trade
and the wages were discussed. A motion
was made by Thomas f. Jones that this
body make demand of 20 per cent. on
February l. 1t was unanimously carried
and applauded.
There had been prepared draft of an
act to be submitted to the legislature, but
the time was taken up with other matters
and the matter did not come up. The
act refers to the appointment of deputy
mine inspectors, such to be appointed
when the production of one district shall
exceed 100000 tons per year; the
powers of the deputy to be the same as
those of the inspector, and his duties
being to look after the health and safety
of miners, and also to aid in preservation
of property. The deputy, in the senti-
ment of the proposed act, is to receive
$1,000 per year and expenses. He may
be removed from office on complaint for
neglect of duty or incompetency, pro-
viding that when the charges are not
proved the prosecution shall pay costs.