Amador ledger., 1903-03-27
CALIFORNIA MINE OPERATORS
ASSOCIATION.

ASSOCIATION.
The organization of the mine
owners of California for mutual pro-
lection and support is the natural
result of the conditions which have
prevailed along the mother lode of
this and other counties for the past
year This organization is entirely
distinct from the California Miners
Association which has been in ex-
istence in this state for so many
years. 1t is different not only in it's
membership material, but also in its
object and aims. The old associa-
tion is merely for an exchange of
views, to promote the mining in
dustry generally, by suggestions re-
garding necessary changes in the
law, and an interchange of ideas con-
corning advanced mining methods.
1t is to endeavor to keep abreast of
the times in the rapidly onward
march of mining methods. Its men,
bership is not confined to mine
owners. Mine workers and any and
all persons engaged directly or in
directly in the business of mining
were welcome to its ranks. The
new organization, if we gauge its
meaning correctly, is on different
plane. Its membership is to be con
fined to mine owners, and those rep
resenting the actual owners. 'Selt
preservation is said to be the highest
law of nature" This is true not
alone in the physical world. but in
financial and business matters also.
1t is in response to this universal
law that the combine of mine en-
ployers has been entered upon. For
more than quarter of a century
past the mother lode region has en-
loyed peace and amity between mine
owners and mine workers. There
had been no friction between the
forces of capital and muscle.
Everything went along smoothly
and harmoniously, and the great in
dustry fiourished. But over year
ago disturbing factor appeared in
the shape of professional labor
agitators, bent on forming the
underground toilers into labor
unions affiliated with the Western
Federation of Miners. The Ledger
at that time, with no uncertain voice
pointed out the impolicy of listening
to these apostles of mischief. Such
a course had brought ruin and dis
tress before; it was bound to be
productive of evil again if pressed
to its ultimate issue. The move
ment would be interpreted by the
employers as a challenge to a trial
of strength; would breed distrust
and suspicion, where only con-
tldence should exist. Unions were
organized, masked and labeled as
the messengers of good will and SO
forth, for the purpose of gaining a
foothold. All the same their true
intent could not be concealed. The
movement was originated to foment
trouble; to readjust matters of hours
and wages in the mines. RELYING
upon the power of concerted action,
inhammatory talk was indulged in,
and firebrand articles were published.
True, those adopting these methods
were not representative men; they
had no property interests at stake
to speak of. Nevertheless their
actions tended to unsettle things.
Now the mine owners have started
a protective organization. 1t is not
to fight the labor unions; not to
make aggressive warfare upon en-
ployes whether union men or not.
1t is an alliance for mutual protec-
tion. It means that with the might
of numbers the federated workers
shall not be allowed to incroach upon
the rights of the employers in detail.
A contest at one point means a
united front in defense of their
right to conduct their business ac-
cording to their own notions and to
employ whomsoever they please,
without dictation or coercion. If we
have gauged the spirit of this new
born organization Alright we regard
it as step in the right direction;
one that cannot fail to have a
salutary effect in reestablishing con-
fidence and the revival of mining
activity all along the lode.