The Oskaloosa herald., 1908-08-13
MINES and MINING.
Notes by Edwin Perry, Iowa Sec'y'
United Mine Workers.

Last evening, Local Union No. 81
authorized its president to appoint
committees to complete arrangements
for the Labor Day celebration. All
members were enthusiastic on account
of President Lewis's coming. Invita-.
lions have been sent to all the sur
rounding camps, including Hiteman,
Hooking, Centerville, Abba, Des
Moines, Ottumwa and all contiguous
territory, requesting their presence on
this occasion. Bills will be printed
the early part OF next week, and dis
tributed in the several mining camps.
~
The National Union Coal Company's
new mine, near Abba, has now a force
of 23 men, and, in all probability, a
new local union win be established
about five miles west of Abba next
week Applications have also been re-
ceived from Linnburg and Adelphi,
Iowa. for new local unions, which will
be attended to later on.
He
A new local union was organized in
Des MONIES last week, with jurisdic-
ton over the Keystone and Gibson
coal mines. The latter possibly will
have a new local union of its own
later ON when conditions will warrant
a change.
Fifteen death claims have been paid
already during the month of August
Garfield and Blyth mines are run
ming about half time at present, but,
in all probability, will be working near
ly full time by the 1st of September.
AT least indications warrant US in this
conclusion.
Boone county is developing some
new mining territory and the number
OF miners will probaly be increased
later on.
Vice President John p. White ad-
dressed Local Union No. 81 Friday
evening. Mr.. White spoke of the con-
ditions prevailing in the other sec
lions OF the country. Evidently the
miners of Alabama, where strike is
now in progress, have been subjugat-
ed until a majority have become cring-
ing dependencies. Almost daily some
OF the men of that state are being mer-
cilessly shot down for daring to as
sert their rights as American citi-
gems. Ninety-one members of our
organization have been arrested and
thrown into jail without having com
mitted any crime other than becom-
ing members of the organization. The
mine workers of this particular state
are subjected to the most cruel and
inhuman indignities known in the an
nails of history. During the years
1905, 1906 and 1907 Alabama miners
were on strike for twenty-six long
months, and to accept the present rate
of wages paid by the coal corpora
lions means to lower the standard OF
American citizenship. Mr. White told
his hearers that 60 per cent OF the
men now on strike are colored men.
Their loyalty to the organization is
very eommendable indeed, according
to NJ Whites statement. II is to be
hoped that these two divergent inter
ests, miners and operators. will be
able to lay aside their prejudices, and
meet each other in joint conference
and settle their grievances on a basis
that will be mutual to both interests.
and that will insure wages and condi-
lions of employment in keeping with
this age of development. and that
peace and tranquility will eventually
supplant the chaotic state OF affairs
now existing in Alabama.
ne
The mines of the lower coal field
are only working from one-third TO
one-half time, and in few instances
some are working much less. 1t is to
be hoped that by the first OF Septem-
Der the coal trade will be stimulated,
and the mines all in operation on
something nearly like full time.
~
The Hawkeye mine at Flagler made
a screened coal test and the mine is
now on a screened coal basis, and pro
ducing a large and increased tonnage,
and every one evidently will be salts
fed with the result of the test.
~
In all probability. the mines OF this
district will be confronted with a
shortage of railroad cars on account
of the heavy crops that viii be trans
ported to the markets. The coal deal
ers, as well as the consumers. should
take advantage OF the situation by lay
ing in an early supply OF fuel TO meet
future demands. The benefit of pres
ent prices would more than compen-
safe the dealer and consumer for any
shrinkage.
The management Of the Hooking
mine is contemplating moving and d.
yiding their camp. maintaining one
camp at No. mine and the other at
~ A fg tfffIl