The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1903-03-27

mission has been made public 1t pro-
vides in general an increase Of ~
per cent in the rate of wages paid to
the contract miners and reduction
in the hours per day of the other mine
workers.
Water hosting engineers will work
hereafter in eight-hOur shifts with Il
10 per cent increase, where they have
been working heretofore in such shifts.
Other engineers and pumpmen will
get a per cent increase.
Firemen will have eight-hour shifts
only without an increase. Other mine
workers are to be paid the same wa
ges on the basis of an eight-hour day
that they have been receiving for 10
hour service.
A board of Cancellation is provided
to settle disputes arising out of any
misinterpretatiOn or application of the
commissions awards. 1t consists of
three members selected by the opera
tors and three by the miners Organiza-
tons, and umpire to be chosen in case
of disagreement by one of the circuit
judges Of the Third judicial district
No strikes or lock-outs are to take
place while such adjudication is pend
ing.
The commission declines to recog
nize the United Mine Workers Of
America as such by compelling opera
tors to enter into an agreement with
the organization, but modifies this IN
the manner above stated, and by pro-
viding the organization shall have Il
hand in the machinery where the find
ings of the commission are put in eff
feet.
The third demand of the miners that
coal be paid by weight wherever prac-
ticable is refused, the commission re-
fusing to make an obligatory decision
1t declined to fix a standard ton where
coal is paid for by weight, and from
imposing on the owners of collieries
where coal is now mined by car, any
obligation to pay by weight. 1t is
necessary, therefore, that check weigh
men shall be employed when requested
by a majority of the contract miners.
their wages to be paid on the miners
sliding scale. Wages are provided
whereby the miners may increase their
earnings according to the increase in
the market price of coal above the
rates awarded, being in all cases the
minimum.
There shall be no discrimination
against any workman because Ot
membership or non-membership in la
Dor organizations, nor shall there be
interference by union men with non
unionists. Awards shall continue in
force until March 81, 1906.
Particular stress is laid on the fact
that the findings are unanimous. The
entire report requires 81 printed pages,
$4,000 words
One chapter reviews the losses oc-
casioned by the strike, which aggre-
gate approximately 500, 100000. The
amount of increase under the award
due for work done between November
l, 1902, and April l, 1903, is dealt with
in a separate clause, which provides
that it shall be paid on or before June
l, 1903
One interesting chapter in the sum
mary is that of the condition of the mi
ner's life. The commission finds the
contention is not fully justified thai
the wages paid are insufficient to main
tain an American standard of living
During the last 20 years there has
been a steady improvement in the
miners home. The social conditions
are good and the percentage OF
churches is above the average.
The wages of the anthracite miners
are not lower than those paid the btu
minous workers. The average daily
rate of earnings compares favorably
with other industries requiring equa
skill and training. The annual earn
ings Of the contract miners are be
tween $3.50 and 5000 a year Mining
should, however be classed as a dan
gerous industry. ranking with the mos
hazardous.
Regarding lawlessness the repor
says the governor was justified in call
ing out troops, but that the mine work
ers' region as a whole was we'll dis
posed. Good citizens characterize tn,
boycott as immoral. anti-social, crue
and cOwardly where applied to defense
less women and children.
It says the blacklist is equally baC
and should be frowned down by al
honorable men.
1t condemns the practice of employ
ing deputies upon request and at the
expense of the employers. It irritate.
the men, secures the service of man,
unprincipled persons and is agains
the doctrine that the county and stat
officers are ahnndantlv able to nre