The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1913-08-14
IMPROVE MINERS
MANNER OF LIFE
U. S. Bureau Plans TO Better
Their Living Conditions.
TO MAKE USE OF MOVIES"
Bureau Will Show Mine Managers
Where GIaring Sanitary menaces
Exist; Also Methods and Costs of
Observation-Disclosures on Importance
of Cleanliness.

The United States bureau Of mines
Is about to investigate the conditions
under which a miner works. believing
that insanitary conditions which exist
some of the mining towns are factor
in the death rate among the men. 1t
Is intimated that these conditions not
only unnecessarily cause the death OF
miners through disease. but they are
often responsible for accidents which
might not have happened If the miners
were In perfect health.
The bureau has organized what is
known as the mine sanitation section.
in charge of J. H. White. engineer.
The bureau hopes TO bring about
progress by appealing to the miner. the
manager and the owner. showing that
all three can assist. and how all three
can be benefited by good sanitary con-
ditions.
Pictures to Be Used.
1t will reach the miner by means of
illustrated lectures. moving picture ex-
hibits and pictorial circulars These
will show how sickness and suffering
are spread by careless habits and will
drive home the importance of personal
and household cleanliness. The bureau
will assist the managers by pointing
out glaring sanitary menaces and by
showing methods and costs Of abate-
ment- 1t will describe in bulletins COM
mon insanitary practices and show the
evils which follow in their wake. 1t
will submit sanitary rules and regula-
tons and show the best methods for
their enforcement
Engineer White in talking about the
conditions which exist in mining towns
said:
One of the first investigations which
the bureau intends TO take up is the
house problem. with a view OF putting
before the miners the best practices
and the ones which have stood the
tests of time
The company ownership is the most
important factor entering into hous-
ing conditions. Every house reflects
the standard which the operator wish
es to maintain. 1t is difficult to stimu-
late personal pride among the inhab-
itants. and friendly rivalry is absent
However. if improvements are intro
duced they are farreaching. and the
tone of the entire town is raised. so
ger of scorn at its neighbor
Water Supply Important.
The necessity and importance Of a
satisfactory water supply for the peo-
pie who were TO get ont the coal were
probably not given much consideration
In the past. In studying conditions |
with view of introducing a public |
water supply into town the cost OF |
improvements and the age of the town |
must be carefully balanced.
THE inconveniences due to the diff |
Guilty Of getting water from the wells |
lighthouses at mine shafts. so that the |
men may wash upon coming ont of |
the mine. These bath and change |
houses are being widely introduced. |
In n few states they are required by |
law. A public laundry is q great con- |
venience for the women. Logging in |
several tubs of water preliminary to |
doing weeks washing is severe
burden. Bathhouses In or near the
schools for the women and children
are almost necessary accessories TO the
perfect well system. Wholesome and |
safe drinking water Is essential TO ex-
istence It's supply is one OF the grav-
est responsibilities accompanying COM
many ownarS hin