Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1903-08-02
OWNERS OF MINES
And Business Men of Yava=
paiDiSCuSS Labor Affairs
A Very Satisfactory Meeting From
Which 1t Is Hoped That Great Good
Nay Result.

very interesting meeting of the busi-
ness men of this city. and the Mine
Operators association, was held at the
X p. hall last night. The labor condi-
tions existing in the mining districts of
Yavapai county We're thoroughly dis
cussed. - president of the Mine Oper-
ators association, it fell upon Mr.. F. NJ.
Murphy TO open the meeting. He said
in part:
THE conditions confronting the mi
ming industry in Arizona today. and
particularly Yavapai country. are seri-
GUS, and will remain so until some sat
isfactCry solution is found for the veX-
atious problems growing cut of the
eighi-hour law, and the apparent mis-
conception of the relationship between
capital and labor so much in evidence
at this time. | think il will be admit
ted by the most radical and unreason-
able advocate of the rights of labor
unions tnat ii is quite impossible for
any person working in or about mill
or mine TO know quite as much about
the finances of the company for which
he may be working. as the Superin-
tednent and general manager in charge
Of the company's affairs.
THE miner cannot know all the facts
relating to the raising of money to pur
chase prospect and develop a prop
erty: he cannot know not being in
possession of detailed information)
what it costs to mine, to mill and to
dispose of the product, and the net re-
suits obtained: and, it is we'll that it is
so, or many miners who now confide
implicitly in the integrity of their en-
ployer and his ability to pay and work
along happily from month to month,
would have occasion to feel very much
concerned between pay days if they
knew the whole truth and we'll they
might, were they not made preferred
creditors and sure TO get their pay,
willie those putting up the money to
purchase prospects and meet pay rolls
must wait months, yes, years. before
I they can hope for any returns on their
/ investment, with a strong chance in
many cases that they will never see
tne principal. Any man familiar with
the history of mining, who is willing to
be honest. knows what l have said TO
be true. and when you add to the heZ-
ard of mining the annCyanceS and diff
culties imposed by the agitator, maxi
| ing it quite impossible for the proprie-
tor of mine or an incorporated COM
pany, to exercise jurisdiction over their
property. it is not hard to see what the
results must be; u disinclination to in
vest, and a withdrawal. as far as pos
sible of money already invested, are
/ sure to follow, and what would be the
effect on Prescott?
The merchant, farmer, doctor. law
yer, as we'll as the proprietor of a sa-
loon or restaurant, all must suffer;
value Of taxable property will decrease.
thereby increasing the already heavy
] h,,.f
which includes the farmer with sources
of revenue cut off through reduced pay
rolls, the merchant suffers a. falling Off
in trade, railroads suffer u loss in traf-
fic, people begin to move out of the
country and the agitators have accom-
plished their purpose. What was the
condition in this territory before this
nuisance put in his appearance? Miners
We're contented, business was good.
families were getting the benefit or
splendid schools found in every pros
porous mining camp. capital was being
steadily attracted to our mines, the
prospector had a chance TO sell he
property, the merchant was satisfied.
every town in the territory was grow
ing, railroads were being constructed,
and more in serious contemplation
Prescott and Yavapai county We're look
ed upon with great favor. and a brighr
future seemed assured.
1t was for the purpose of preserving
the prestige this section was enjoy
ing, and preventing the ruination Of the
mining industry in Yavapai county. and
| incidentally to help every citizen of Pres
colt and the county. that the associa-
ton of mine operators was formed
and we appeal to you now to lend a
helping hand in defense of right and
common sense, and in defense of your
business. your families, and the good
name OF the territory. While it is true
conditions are not as bad as they might
be, why permit them to be bad at all,
if it can be prevented: If il We're not
for the restraining Influences exercised
by some of the manipulators of the
unions. and q am sorry to say en-
couraged by many who should know
better. there would be many hundred
moIe men at work in the section tribu-
tary to Prescott than are at work to-
day, and ii is not hard to figure what
that would mean to those in business
''Who can justly say the purposes of
the association are not fair and euuit-
able, and in the interest of all-includ-
ing the union miner. who only wants
his own? Anyone who is familiar with
the liilDes Ol 1dNdpdl county KNOWS
that honest, legitimate mining will not
permit of paying higher wages than
have been agreed upon by the associa-
ton No mining enterprise in the coun-
ty dependent upon ore extracted. can
for any considerable time pay more
not even the companies dependent upon
the sale of stock while opening their
| mines can afford to adopt higher
scale of wages, for the time is sure to
come when they will have to look to
their output to meet pay rolls and sat
isfy their stockholders, and if an un
warranted extravaganza has been per-
mitted they will be brought face to face
with their error, and the chances are
they Will be forced to record a failure.
Il ask your Indulgence for a few min
utes that l may. if you will pardon me.
state my position. that there may be no
misunderstanding as to my views
shall protest with all my strength
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