The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1909-04-02
mine FORE
men ORGANIZE
For the Purpose of Preserv-
ing Life and Property.
Though Some People Look Upon
1t With Curiosity
And Suspicion.

Mr.. Editor:-Kindly allow space in
the columns of your valuable paper
for the insertion of the following ar
ticle:
1t iswell known by all interested
and engaged in the idustry' of coal
mining in Kentucky. that in 1908 and
amendment to the mining laws went IN
to effect compelling foremen having
charge OF coal mine in which as
many as ten persons are employed
at one time, to secure a certificate
of qualification TO the effect that he
mas been examined by "a Board Of
Examiners, and has been found fit
and competent by possessing a
thorough knowledge OF the different
systems of working and ventilating
coal mines. and OF the nature and pro-
perties of mine gases, dust and fire
damp, and shall have thorough and
practical knowledge OF mining gained
by at least five years experience In
and at mines, except and provided
that any person who for four years pri-
or to the passage of this act has SER
we'd as mine foreman or assistant
mine foreman In coal mines may up
on application therefor and upon salts
factory evidence presented to said
Board of Examiners as to his term of
service, be granted certificate Of qua
ification without such examination.
Shortly after the act referred to
became effective a number OF the mine
foremen Of Western Kentucky held
meeting at the Sandusky House, Cen
trail City, KY. and it was mutually
agreed by all present to form the Mine
Foreman's Association of Kentucky
the qualification to membership to
which all agreed, is the possession
Of a certificate as required by the
mining law of Kentucky. The follow
ing members were enrolled:
w, c. Webb, VIM. Russell, Echols,
KY, It. M. Gaddis S. A. Griffith, Mer-
Ger, KY, James, Ambercrumber, Drak-
esboro, Ky. ]. w. True, w. ]. Arnold.
Powderly, KY, John Jones, Simmons
KY. Chas. Hendrie, Central City, KY,
]. F. Weller, Taylor Mines. Ky, II. l..
Sorls, Mercer, KY, w. p. Collyr. Beec
Greek, KY. George Sears, Central City,
T. Z. Davis. Central City, KY, w. w.
Tyldlesy, Hillside, KY, George Smith,
McHenry, KY, Andrew TLaTp, Nc
Henry, KY, Herbert Myers Rowderly,
KY, T. L. Gaddis, Island, KY, Since
the first enrolment R. Crossman Be
vier, KY, and Mr.. Davis Draikesboro
KY, nave been added to the member
snip.
This association like all Others may
be looked upon by different people
from various, standpoints, even suspi-
cion may have found a place in the
minds Of some, others CURIOSITY is
their dominant aspect relative to it.;
the enquiring mind may desire 10
know what 1t Is and what are its aims
One chief factor should give relief to
all. We have no secrets. We should
have no opposing forces to contend
with, If we are properly understood,
Is 1t really necessity TO have such
an association or, wherein lies it's use
fulness? gN
The oldest miner, the most careful
operator, is always ready to admit
that coal mining and disasters are
inseparable. ever and anon there are
demonstrations In the columns of news
papers OF accidents of various descrip-
tions creating great havoc to all con
cerned. On the one hand the mine
operator having thousands of dollars
invested In the material composing
the equipment of his mine, in sin
gle moment have 1t swept and utterly
destroyed. The miner,his every visible
means of support cut off, and too
often dependent wife and children
abruptly robbed of a husbands protec
ton and fathers care.
Can a Mine Foremen's Association
prevent Accident? Alas, No. can q
mine Foremen's Association do any
thing relative to safety and successl
We answer yes. sss
The chief aim of this Association
is 10 acquire such mining knowledge
as the mining laws may require from
time to time, and by intelligent appli-