Amador ledger., 1903-04-03
THE DUTY OF THE HOUR.

From the viewpoint of mineral
prospects, the outlook for Jackson
was perhaps never brighter than at
present. With the increased mill
ing capacity of the Kennedy, the
Zeila in better trim for active mining
than at any period in its history,
equipped for long run without the
need of a shutdown for repairs; the
Argonaut litigation at an end, and
nothing interfering to prevent the
early resumption of operations on
that rich property; with the Oneida
on fair business basis. and likely
to continue on the active list for a
long time to come; with rumors of
the Alma and Moore starting up in
the near future, if circumstances
justify, the future of Jackson ought
to be especially bright at this juno
ture. And it would be so, we're it
not for the dark specter of labor
agitation introduced into this region.
This is the shadow that falls across
our pathway, and unless lifted, and
that speedily, will continue to mar
the prospects of the camp. The
fact is patent to all, that depression
of the mining industry means the
paralysis of business generally. A
shrinkage of mining activity means
a shrinkage in every department of
trade. 1t means reduction of popu-
lation; a illumination in the sum
paid out for wages, and a cores
ponding reduction in the purchasing
power available for necessaries and
luXurieS. As far as numerical
strength is concerned, the labor
union cause does not amount to
much. The same may be truthfully
said of the material which comprises
the backbone of the movement. It
represents no property interests of
consequence; those who have con-
tributed by the inves tment of capital
and the selection of this locality for
the building of their homes, are not
identified with it to any appreciable
extent. Many of these have their
all of worldly goods at stake; they
expect Jackson to be their abiding
place in the future as in the past:
they are content with the conditions
that have prevailed here, and the
unsettlement of those conditions fills
them with misgivings. We yield to
no one in our desire for the fullest
measure of prosperity for the wage
earners. Their prosperity means
the prosperity of all classes. We
know also that they cannot be pros
porous with capitalists dissatisfied
and manifesting a disposition to
contract their enterprises. This is
unquestionably the feeling that pre-
walls in investing circles to-day.
We are already feeling the effect of
this state of affairs. We shall feel
it still more if it continues. We be-
lieve, come what may, there will be
no strike in Jackson. By that we
mean there will be no long-drawn-
out struggle between the forces of
labor and the employers of labor
here. At the first blush of an open
rupture, two or three of our principal
mines would simply come to a dead
standstill. If that comes to pass,
there is no telling when they
will be re-opened. Low grade prop
ositions, such as the mines here. will
not justify the vast outlay involved
in reopening after long period of
idleness. The old Eureka, shut down
by fire 25 years ago, with pay ore at
the bottom, has remained closed.
Capital hesitates to venture heavily
in reopening mines which have bare
ly paid expenses. Now in the situa-
tion that confronts US, it behooves
every business man to take a de-
cisive stand. 1t remains with them
in a great measure to settle this
matter. 1t is no time to please both
sides for fear of losing a little pat
ronage. While wishing the mine
workers well, let them show solid
front for the continuance of work at
the mines. They can show that
their sympathies are not with the
agitators. In this way, they will
hold up the hands of the operators,
and moral encouragement goes a
long way in a crisis like this. Show
kindly feeling toward the laboring
men by telling them to quit their
foolishness and go back to their
work. No doubt they can get work
if they will simply cease plottings
which the mine owners interpret. as
masked threats against their inter
ests. This, in our humble opinion.
is the only path of safety. In the
face of a common danger, let us lay
aside all party differences, and
boldly and unitedly face the issue.