The Advocate and news., 1898-02-16
THE WAGE-EARNER.


about similar public calamitles at Flem-
ing, Frontenac and In the Indian Terri
tory, which have been proven by mine
experts to be agents Of inevitable de-
structiOn and death--these very identi-
cal causes were known and declared by
honest men to have existed at ChicOpee.
1t Is sweeping assertion for us to
make that some of the coal corporations
in Kansas attach more Importance to
the cost in the production Of coal than
any regard they have for human flesh;
but the record proves conclusVely the
assertion and demonstrates the impera-
tive necessity of the strong arm of the
State defending the miners constitu-
tlonal rights and protecting their health
from premature decay and their lives
from reckless destruction. For one man
or set Of men to kill another is a crime
repugnant to all civilized nations, and Is
punishable in Kansas by Imprisonment
in the State penitentiary for life, but for
coal corporations In their greed to make
colossal fortunes, set the mining laws
at defiance and be irresponsible for the
death Of their employees by the dozen
or by the score there seems to be no
legal check. AS rule the public press
has lamented the financial losses sus-
tained by these corporations and only
given passing notice to the victims who
perished in enabling the operators to
live in luxury and ease.
There Is not one industry in Kansas
that has appealed to the State for pro-
lection from the injustice and despot-
ism Of organized capital for which the
State did not come promptly to the res
cue. For instance, the stock raisers, who
are wealthy are protected from the ex-
Orbitant charges at one time imposed
by the stock exchange, the farmers from
the railroad companies and the land
grabbers, and the insurance companies
have been taught very valuable lesson
as to the way to treat their patrons and
conform to the laws of the State.
And now, in the interest of humanity,
of 10000 American citizens, the Kansas
miners and their families, we aver that
the mining laws Of this State are so fla
grantly violated that forbearance and
patience must cease to be virtues unless
speedy and drastic measures are ap-
piled to the spollatOrs and corporate life
destroying coal corporations of Kansas
measures that will better secure the
miners lives and interests against GRIM
inal negligence and avarice. And, when
your Bxcellency has given these mild
suggestions your early and favorable
consideration and started in motion the
legal machinery Of the State to wipe out
anarchy and crime In high places as well
as in low, you will have added another
proof Of your devotion to the eternal
principles of justice and equality, and
will have enthroned yourself in the
hearts of patient and long-suffering
people.-Respectfully submitted Com
mittee
INSPECTOR MGRATH TO ACT.
The Governor read it carefully, then
dictated a letter to Gorge T. McGrath,
State Mine Inspector, instructing him
20 ascertain by personal inspection of
the mines what laws are violated and
what steps must be taken by the State
for the seurity and protection Of the
miners.
He Is directed to use the limit Of his
authority in securing proper regard for
the miners safety. Governor Leedy Is
unable to aCcede to the request for
commission because he has no fund to
provide for the commissions expense.
He would do so If he had the money, or
II he could find a commission patriotic
enough to serve without remuneration.
In a. letter to the committee Governor
Leedy suggested that the matter be
brought before the Legislature in order
to secure money to allow the appointing
OF commission, and this will no doubt
be done, should there be an extra ses-
sion.