The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-17

"ln1s, IN the case OF newcastle, Is ABOUT 40 per
cent. of its capacity, and Of Franklin about 81
per cent.
"Irad these mines been worked to their cana
city, they would easily afford steady employ
ment to 800 men. As it is, they have not afford
ed steady average employment to 400 men, aud
on account of the unsteadiness, the cost has
been higher to the company and least beneficial
to the miners. The cause of this unsteadiness
Is partly fires and accidents In the mine; but
largely labor troubles, strikes, constant agita-
ton and the consequent uncertainty of output,
which prevented or discouraged the company
from expending the money for improvements,
opening of new work aud extending its dead
work on a scale that would bring the heavier
production. 1t has been the desire of the COM
pany for some time past TO change these condi-
tons, II possible, and by agreement arrange for
permanent work by which il could improve its
facilities, develop the mines, and as a conse-
quence afford steady employment to d much
larger force. 1t has been patient under many
unreasonable demands and eXaetions, and after
a series Of such exactions during the past win
ter eliminating in demand for the displace-
ment of non union men, they wer. forced to
make stand. There came to the company at
that time number of former employees, men,
bers of the Knights of Labor, who proposed, il
placed at work, to sign contract for a years
work at the prices paid September l, 1890
These prices ranged from % to 100 per cent
higher than the wages paid in Iowa and Illinois
and were such that good miner working eight
hours day could easily make s. day. A COM
mittee of the former employees came TO the
superintendent aud were brought 10 me. They
were shown copy of the contract, examined it
ard agreed TO the provisions. At some expense
and difficulty they were placed at work
in the mines under the agreement that the
contracts would be signed April /, 1891. When
the contracts were presented they repudiated
their agreement, denied having made it and re-
fused TO sign the contract We bore this with
patience and attempted to discuss the objections
with view Of obtaining some common ground
upon which We could agree, as basis for per-
manent work; but after some demands which
seemed purposely indefinite and which, among
other matters, deprived the company of the
right to hire or discharge its employees the dis
crssion was abruptly terminated by the COM
mittee stating that the matter could no longer
be discussed by them, as IL was out OF their CON
troll
at seemed impossible that reasonable men.
having the interests OF their organization at
heart. could be so blind as TO refuse the oppor-
tunity OF permanent, steady work at their own
terms of compensation: but Il convinced the
company that the men would not be bound BY
their own agreements, and that no remedy for
uncertain and spasIuodic work could be ex-
pected from them, or through their consent
Had this contract been signed by the Newcastle
miners il was tue intention of the company to
open the Franklin mine, by Offering employ
ment 10 all miners there who would make con-
tract. Failing to have the contract signed nv
the Newcastle miners, the company were foeced
TO the conclusion that it must either abandon
the operation OF its Franklin mine or obtain
class Of employees who would find il to their in
terests to have steady employment without the
constant agitation of the parasites whose i'm
poTt&nce and whose source OF living is drawn
r. -. a.
profess 10 control They chose the latter.
"Mben the results OF the constant, steady
work are seen az Franklin. We are confident ali
industrious and steady lsboring men would
wish 90 see the contract principle extended 10
the industry where they are employed; but we
are willing % iet time show this, and to have
parisou."