The Newtown bee., 1898-10-21
The Home Circle.
Missionary Work In A Mining
Camp.
REV J.B.KETTLE OF GREENFIELD HILL, CT


sections, the prospector, with his faith
full burro, meager provisions, simple
cooking utensils, and implements for de-
termining the ore, climbs untrodden
mountains, descends into canons, endur-
ing hunger, exposure, and many perils in
search Of the precious mineral. The
dampnees and impure air of the mines,
and hard labor, make him prematurely
old and break down the strongest consti-
tuition. He lives often in simple log
hut, shack, or tent, with few convenien-
ces or home comforts. [ have visited
and roof, beds made from Goughs, stoves
built of stones, tables and cupboards ex
temporized from dry-goods boxes, chairs
from blocks of wood, and his table fur
nished with tin dishes only.
The miner usually does his cooking,
and often does it we'll, furnish
ing as good dinner as we usu-
ally get in our homes. The wild
life and the character of many who col-
gregate in mining camps have given the
rights of their fello We, that they rejoice
in broils, and are ready to shoot ana kill
on slight proVocation. With all that is
true of the recklessness of mining camp
life, its gambling and dissipation, there
are also among them as good men as
ever lived, men who would go long
way to help fellow in need, and who
would not knowingly wrong any man.
1t was my good fortune to spend two
summers In characteristic mining camps
of the Rockies, and as Home Missiona-
ry | had an excellent opportunity to
study mining-camp life.
On the way to the camp to which was
assigned | passed through several towns
with dark records, where it had not been
safe to walk the streets at night; where
fortunes we're made in day, and lost at
single sitting at the gaming table :;
where murders were common and men
still walked the streets whose lives bore
the stains OF blood. Provisions were
left by the train. At one station an I'M
usually large quantity of beer was IN
loaded, anu many of the men in waiting
shOuldered the kegs and carried them to
their cabins. There was no occasion for
saloons in that town, for many had them
in their own homes.
AT last the train reached our destina-
ton. No friends awaited me, so | in
quired the way to the town, went to the
motel, and was assigned room so small
that there was scarcely space for mar
low bed, chair, and small stand. Meals
were taken with the miners at the same
table. This was my home for the sum-
mer. After supper walk thu ough the
street gave me some idea Of life in a min
ing camp. Two men were fightir g,
cheered on by a crowd of onlookeI 3.
Bo.h were terribly bruised, when with
oaChs and violent threats they were final
ly separated by the marshal. Through
The open saloon DOORS were seen men
with high boots, oroad-brimmed hats,
and rough apparel, drinking at the bar,
or gambliI g at tables with mugs of beer
before them. Further down the street |
DhSBGu Wndb udU UuCG pCSA SdlACu "a ldkAf :
now lying intoxicated in the gutter, with
one hand holding bottle of liquor, with
the other makiT e wild gestures, empha-
sized with oaths at those who came near
On the way back to the hotel | asked
a man If there were any Christians in the
place. II don't know that there are,
said he. "TenderfOot, ehP There may
be some women, but o3t of US left oul
religion t'other side of the Missouri
People don't take much stock in such
things here no time for rel'gion, you will
find out, young mar, after you have beer
here awhile.' l went to my home a sad
der but wiser man.
The next day L called at a mum Der o
the hOmes, heard the tales of religion
need, received promises of support ant
encouragement, and returned at nigh
with more hope for the morrow. Sun
day came, bright as could be made b.
sun, mountain air, and beautiful nature
With it came open. stores and saloons
all doing q lively business, for miner
from the surrounding country come
town on Sunday for their weeks SUI
plies.
The hour OF meeting came. Wit
tremblir g heart, / went to the hall wher
services we're held, and found six people
made the best of it, and tried to preac
as though the house were filed. A Ion
. missionary might be pardoned IL he felt
little down-hearted over this first SCI
vice, amid the ringing of bells, and blow
Ing of whistles among the mines, IL
shouting of teamsters, the oatbs ar
laughter of those who rushed along ii
str YET.
= A few days later there was knock
the door, and a tall, stalwart man, who
face and hands showed marks of to
stood there. tBe ye the minister"
said. Being answered yes, he went OF
:. swell, Jim is dead, and the fellow
would Ike ye to say something before '
bury him. Come over at 2 O'Clock al
we will all be ready Time was shoi
there being but an hour for preparatio
Jim, learned, was son of Christi
parents; had left his home in Nova 81
tia years before, had drifted away, a
Host all communication with bis own p'
pie; he was skilled workman, had gf
wages, but drink and gambling and o
err dissipati0ns left him without even
8 means for respectable burial. Exp
r ure on drunken dehanch braughE o
te severe cold and pneumonia. from viii
with curses against GOD and mar,
died.