The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-18

year, and larger salaries paid 10 the
teachers than III any other portion of the
county. Practically the same condition
will he shown to prevail throughout the
"oal regions. I'nder these circumstances,
1t Is unjust to the young people of the
anthracite coal region tn charge that
they have no. the educational facilities
necessary. or that they have not made
,isc of them in acquiring II good English
ciucation In no part of tho state where
agricultural or manufacturing Industries
prevail are there To he found brighter or
better educated or nlort intelligent peo-
pic than among the miners, who have
boon born and educated In the anthracite
coal fields, and they will compare favor
ably with those who have enjoyed the
benefits Of the free schools in any other
part of tho state. There may be in-
stances, when, through neglect of the
parents or the officers of the districts, n
child may be allowed TO remain out of
school and thus not take advantage of
the facilities offered. but such instances
are likely to occur in any district, and
the result should not he charged to any
but those who are responsible.
/. Is Not Unhealthy.
1t will be shown Ivy reliable statistics
and the testimony of physicians that min
ing Is not an unhealthy occupation. and
that aside from accidents, its healthful-
ness compares favorably with all other
occupations.
AS to the third claim made ny the COM
plainants. for the adoption of q system
by which coal shall be weighed. ana fix
ing minimum rate per ton. 1t Will be
shown that in the larger part of the an
thracite coal field, owing to the pitch OF
the veins and other conditions, 1t is not
only impracticable. but almost impossible
tt,1, .N...tr 10 N
now carried on by contract in this portion
of the anthracite region. by which the
coal Is mined mostly by the yard, ana
that MS all of the material. including rock
and slate, must he brought to the surface
it is the only method that can be adopt
ed.
As to the claim for the reduction Of
the hours of labor. without any reduction
of earnings. it will re shown that miners
and laborers do not work eight hours.
and that as to the miners. in majority
of cases. they work less than six.
1t is to be hoped that after the testi-
mony in behalf of the respondents has
been fully heard. the miners and laborers
will feel that the wages paid to them are
not only equal TO but greater than is paid
to others engaged in similar occupations.
and that their conditions and surround
ings are not intOlerable. as the paid ag-
itators and organizers would make them
appear. and that the good feeling between
the operators and employees, which pre-
vailed prior to 1900 for over thirty years.
will again be restored. 1t is also hoped
that the commission. when it has heard
all of the evidence. will be able to render
such decision will be followed by 4
lengthy period of peace between the en-
ploycrs and employees.
When Mr.. Wolverton had concluded
his reading, Mr. Burns announced that
the Independent operators had prepared
II supplementary statement pertaining
to their contentious. and offered to read
or file it for record as the commission
would desire. Judge Gray said he
might file it. but later. the commission
decided to hear it read, and Mr.. Burns
obliged. He was interrupted several
times by the general laughter which
his happy illustrations provoked. The
statement was as follows:
Independents Statement.
The object and organization of this COM