Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-09-05

portatlon, gives each fair return for
the part each performed in the trans
action.
Any differences of opinion that are
trivial should not be allowed to
come in the way of success from eth
er base; instead generous policy
should be adopted and maintained by
all, to the end that all may be con
stantly employed, for inactivity on
the part of either is fatal to the other
two, or might say to the other two
and the consumer also. Therefore
any vital change in either base should
should not be made Independent with
out the careful consideration of the
interests of the other two. Differ
ences of this nature can not be, or VIC
should more properly say are not
promptly, settled. But it may be as
we'll, for thorough discussion does not
hurt a just cause, and an unjust cause
is exposed by thorough discussion.
A healthy, thriving business for the
operator means plenty of work and its
emoluments to the miner. The two
are subjectly dependent The opera
tor could not exist and be dealer in
coal unless the miner aided him in
producing it; neither could the miner
enter the mine and dig coal and earn
wages unless there was some one to
furnish the mine and the machinery to
run it.
In the event that the market does
not justify the price paid for mining
and transportation the only alterna-
tives are to lessen the price of pro-
duction and transportation or close
down the mine; or when the receipts
become inadequate to cover expenses
it is then time to change the method
of the business for it is just as I'M
reasonable to expect the mine to run
at loss or in a manner that would Ill
timately bankrupt the operator, as it
is to expect the miner to take his
tools and go into the mine and dig
coal for less than living wages, or at
price that would likely bring his
family and himself to privation. Of
course, the closing down OF mine
should not be considered, only as a
last resort. as it unsettles business
not only while the mine is inopera-
tive, but often the effect is obvious
for many months. And it's conse-
quences are shared more or less by
each individual that is dependent up
on the work.
10 the causal observer the adjust
ment of these veXed and varied ques-
lions is solely in the hands of the
mine owners; but it is not so, for the
labor has an interest at stalks equal
to, If not greater, than the operator.
Therefore the interests of the labor
cannot be successfully ignored. 1t is
fact, though not recognized by some.
that labor, as factor in the worlds
progress has rights that can not sue
cessfully be passed over independent
OF the mere wages the individual re-
ceives. And We think it a safe propo-
sltlon to say the failure to recognize
this fact is the important cause of
most of the strikes and so-called
labor troubles in this country as
well as in Europe. For the fact has
been demonstrated by experience in
the manipulation of matters apper-
tanning to the business that digres-
sion OF opinions when in pursuit OF
the same object, seldom terminates
with success, at least not with any
degree OF permanency, and these
dlsagreements which occur between
operator and miner, as rule origi-
nate and are the outgrowth of wrong
impressions and misunderstanding
For oftentimes there developes a feel
ing among the miners that the opera
tor is exacting, his rules too oppres-
sive and his dividends are greater
than they should be. While. on the
other hand, the operator attaches too
little importance to the considerations
OF the miner, especially in relation to
matters wherein the miner is directly
concerned.
The operator or capital takes volun-
tarily the obligations and risk of fur
nlshlng the mine with all necessary
equipments to operate the mine: and
should nave fair return on the capi-
tai invested; also on the capital nee
essary to pay for all labor performed,
clerical and otherwise. But, the min
ers and others who labor in and
around the mine, represent an equal
interest jointly to that of the operator:
and the risk of his life is more than
equal to the capital, that is, the aggre
gate risk of men,
Moreover the situation of the min
er, his work. and the surrounding con-
ditions, with it's attendant dangers.
are of like Importance and when com
paratively considered with other kinds
of labor his hardsbips and endurances
are more apparent for when he takes
his tools and miners lamp and goes in
to the mine out of Gods sunlight, to
perform his arduous task. with pur-
pose in view of earning an honest dol
lar, he has no assurance of whether he
will walk out or be carried out for
his dangers are many and often unap.
parent. Even the precautionary mea-
sures of the mine inspector are not
always effective in averting casualties.
Although the official requisites of the
operator are principally in the miners
interests, for his preservation and pro-
lection, Notwithstanding, he may he
diligent and observant in Tie pursu-
ance of his duties regarding sanitation
and the safe condition of the mine, yet
there are many dangers unforeseen,
and frequently accidents happen from
causes that are almost unaccountable.
evidencing the fact that in the coal
mine danger turks in every entry. in
every driveway and ROOM
No matter how much discretion ar
caution the miner may exercise for his
hn &. II.