Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-05

H&zELToN. PA, Nov. 4.-The state
vent Of the anthracite mine workers
es. which was filed with the strike
aamission on Saturday night. was made
5aIc to-day. copies of the statement
ave been furnished TO the operators,
$50 will reply in three or four days. The
miners statement in fun is as follows:
MINERS sTATEM-NT
To the Anthracite Coal Strike Commits
sion:
Tire mine workers make of the opera
tors he following demands. which were
formulated by the shamokin convention.
held March Is TO "a and for the enforce
re1t Of which the strike was inaugu-
-st51
First an increase of % per cent upon
the prices paid during the year 1901 to
employees performing contract or piece
vo-k. This demand is made owing to
the following reasons:
~ The present rate of wages is much
lower than the rate OF wages paid in the
5ituminous coal fields for substantially
similar work
2 The present rate Of wages is lower
nan is paid in other occupa tons requr-
irr equal skill ana training
~ Inc average annual earnings in the
anthracite coal field are much less than
ne average annual earnings in the BIZ
luminous coal fields for substantially
Efnlar work.
~ The average annual earnings In the
lull1racite coal fields are much less than
tae average annual earnings for occupa-
+-i- Ntol eli Il
81 Tha rate of wages in the anthracite
caal fields is insult cent 10 compensate
the mine worker in view of the danger
ous character OF the occupation in rela-
Wen 10 accidents The liability to serious
aud permanent disabilities. the high death
rats and the she grade life incident TO
this employment
(6) The annual earnings of the mine
workers are insufficient TO maintain the
American standard OF living.
I'D The increased cost of living has
made il impossible to MAINTAIN a fair
standard of life upon the basis OF present
wages and has not only prevented the
mine workers from securing any benefit
from increased prosperity, but has made
lteir condition poorer owirgt 70 it
81 The wages of the anthracite mine
workers are SO low that their children
arc prematureIv forced into the breakers
and mills instead of being supported and
educated upon the earnings of their
parents.
90 Wages are below the fair and just
earnings of mine workers in this indus
ElGHT-HoUR DAY.
Second a reduction Of 20 per cent. In
hours Of labor without any reduction OF
earnings for all employees paid by the
hour. day or week The second demand
~ SC inSir- nod
10 Increase the hourly rate of wages OF
mine workers employed by the hour, day
or week. and all the reasons applicable to
tBs first demand are asked TO be appileo
10 The second with repetition. In addition
thereto We submit the following:
tfO The ten-hour day is detrimental to
the health life, safety and well-being OF
the mine workers.
OIL Shorter hours improve the physical.
rnertal and Inural conditions of the work
G2D Shorter hours increase the intensity
and efficiency of labor.
Gg) The tendency of national and State
government, or organized trade and OF
production generally is toward shorter
aours.
lN A working-day OF eight hours is
sufficiently long for the best interests
Al the wo-kingnen and OF the community.
PAYMENT By WEIGHT.
Third. The adoption OF system by
which coal shall be weighed and paid for
hv weight, wherel or practicable; the
minimum rate per ton to be sixty cents
Tor 2 legal ton of 224O pounds; the diff
farentials now existing at the various
mines 10 be maintained.
This demand is made owing to the fol-
lowing reasons:
GG Measurement by the legal tor
wherever practicable is the only honest
aua just system of measuring the earn
ines Of mine workers.
- Whom the operators sell or transport
coal it is on the basis of legal ton of
.-ao pounds
~ The excessive ton was originally in
tended 10 compensate the operator for the
wosht Of the small sizes Of coal which !
We're then discarded. but which are no"
wgzed and sold and therefore there is
M present necessity for the use of any
other than the legal tor.
a. The adoption of this system would
remove IN incentive both TO the opera
ief ana the v ,rter. 10 cheating and
afs aHesJr, and would ailay jealousy
5u"S The miners and prevent unjust as
elimination and favoritism.
81 TIE change of the present system 10
te one asked FOR would prove strong
!enar in altaying suspicion and dtscon-
tori anong The mine workers.
WAgE AGREEMENT W.T. UNION.
E0"rfh. The incorporation in an agree /,
aenI between the United Nine Workers |
D America ana the anthracite coal COM
2sril OF the wages which shall be paid |
no The conditions of employment which |
'hsl obtain, together with satisfactory |
aa.Ho4s for the adjustn mt Of grievances
'aFr may arise from time to time to the |
.aa that strikes and lockouts may be un-