Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-10-31
COMMISSIONERS
ARE AT WORK
Strike Arbiters Spend a
Day in the Mines.
Investigation of Conditions
Is Now On in Earnest.
Workers Representatives
Show Up Weigh Frauds.

Hard work characterized the first
days session in the coal region OF the
Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. A
walk of mile and half through No. 2
mine of the Hillside Coal Company at
Forest City and a tiresome climb up
many steps through the Coal Brook
breaker Of the New York, Ontario and
Western Company at Carbondale were
incidents of the commissions long work
day.
The miners side scored heavily
through the alertness OF District Presi-
dent Nichols when the commission in
spected the Coal Brook breaker. JUS
tice Gray made inquiry concerning the
Weighing of the coal and particularly
the weight of rough coal which the
miner must send to the breaker in order
that he might be credited with ton.
One Of the mine uperintendents an
swered that the weight required is 2,sOO
pounds. President Nichols quickly cor
rected this by saying that the miners at
that breaker produce 3,192 pounds for a
ton. This statement was corroborated
by General Superintendent j. r. Bry-
den, of the Ontario Company.
A discussion ensued between Dryden
and Nichols, In which the miners rep
resentative called attention to the fact
that the miners are paid on the
basis of prepared coal, that prepared
coal means all sizes larger than pea, and
that pea coal and several sizes below are
now listed and sold for fair prices In the
general market
The foundation of fair education In
the theory OF mining was laid when the
commission went $50 feet underground
in the Hillside mine.
Judge Gray, Bishop spaldlng and the
others donned overalls, jumpers and
miners caps, some of the party carry ying
miners lamps in their hands, while the
others had them fastened to their caps
for the underground journey.
Some of the party was plainly nervous
when the car commenced its down
ward rush. The feelings of appreheu-
sion disappeared after the tour OF the
workings had proceeded for time, and
the members of the commission piled
their guides with questions.
President Nichols, National Organizer
Henry Collins, Rev. Peter Roberts and
James Markwick, statistician, who rep
resented the miners, expressed them
selves as well pleased by the thorough
ness of the commission.
just before the commission went into
the mine fall of top coal killed An
thony Morwicz, a mine aborer, working
in the Clifford mine, which connects
with Hillside No 2.
The members of the commission were
not told OF the accident until they reach
ed the surface. While the party was
being carried to distant part OF the
mine on a motor train, one Of the cars
in which were seated Commissioners
Gray, Parker, Wilson and Clarke left
the track. A severe jolting was the
only effect.
General Wilson slipped and fell into a
chute at the coal breaker. He escaped
without injury.
The Manville mine, which is operated
on alternate months by the Delaware
and Hudson and the Delaware. Lacka-
wanna and Western companies, was
visited this morning. One or two mines
in the Wyoming valley will be inspected
tomorrow.
The commission will probably adjourn
on Saturday evening until Wednesday
in order that the members may vote at
next Tuesdays elections. The Halle
ton and Schuylkill regions will probably
be visited next week.