El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-01-20
MAKE THE MINE
OWNERS RESPONSIBLE
"Hold Them for Loss Of Life
in Accidents; Accidents
Will Stop"

Indianapolis, Ind, Jan. 19--Deplor-
ing the unprecedented loss of life in
the mines or america in 1893 and 1909.
Edwin Perry, secretary-treasurer of
the United Mine Workers of America,
declared in the convention today that,
mot until the function of protecting
life is placed where it rightfully be-
longs, namely on the operator or mine
owner, can we reasonably expect any
material change"
Continuing, he said: Nov. -, one of
the greatest mine disasters known in
history, occurred at Cherry, Ill, where
in upwards of 800 lives were sacri-
ficed, and yet, we, as a nation, boast
of our progress and developments but
are compelled to confess that human
life becomes a secondary consideration
as far as this important Industry is
concerned.
We'll may we ask ourselves the
question:: How long will we permit
this great human slaughter 10 con-
tinue, and see hundreds and thousands
of our men carried to untimely
graves@ We have every reason to-
believe that, with adequate protection
through Legislative enactments, the
danger to life would be minimized at
least threefold. All the legislation, I'M
less accompanied by severe penalties,
would not bring about the desired re-
suits.
Fix Responsibility.
mot only should our laws provide
every necessary safeguard, but what
is Of infinitely more Importance, would
be a liability law wherein the mine
owners would be held financially re-
sponsible for injuries and loss of life
Mr.. Perry demanded that the con-
90 IN record favor
OF remedial legislation in the several
states, and by the federal government,
to minimize the dangers that now sur
round the subterranean toilers. In this
connection he made three suggestions,
and said: Il would first recommend
that we demand from congress law
that will tax every ton Of coal mined,
to provide a fund for our widows ana
orphans, rendered homeless as a result
of mine accidents, and those injured
and MANNED should also become bene-
ficiaries of this fund. Secondly, this
convention should emphasize our posi-
ton of former years, and demand the
enactment of a law creating bureau
of mines and mining. And, thirdly, I'M
fill such time as the function of pro-
lection of life is placed where 1t right
fully belongs, 1 suggest that We con-
tinue to enforce. through the power
of our organization, such remedles as
will make impossible a repetition of
the appalling catastrophe which oc-
Cured at Cherry
Mr.. Perry outlined the formation of
permanent relief fund on the basis
OF the donation of one days wages an
nually by each member of the miners
organization. to be augmented by an
equivalent sum from the operators, TO
he used in cases of emergency in mine
disasters
Union Statistics.
Statistics of the financial condition
of the organization were read by the
ecretarv-treasurer, showing that the
Maid ND membership for the current
year is slightly in excess or that OF
1905. the previous banner year, and
also calling attention 70 the large de-
crease in surplus funds, due to the
continuance of a strike in district rs,
Nova Scotia The reorganization of the
financial report showed balance on
hand Dec. 1, 1908, of $595,739; the in
come through the year to Dec. 1, 1909,
s831.73e, making total of S1,427,47O.
rba exDenditures were listed at $685.
$40 leaving balance of S47o.6a0.
Recommendations that organizers
sbould be under the direction Of the
International president or executive
hoard. and the district officers. and
+ba+ the constitution be changed and
made more specific on y e question CT
exoneration and susp2nss0n of local
unfons were made by Mr. Ferry, VINO
oISo recommended that he organization
"a from congress amendments 10