The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1914-12-26
Great SaChem'S Visit

Inspection ana VISITATION TO the
several lodges in the southern
part of the state and in that sec
ton where the coal strike has
been in vogue for the past year.
A representative of the Siftings-
News called on him to ascertain
his observations during his Off
cial trip both in regard to the
work of the order and also from
the favorable opportunities that
presented themselves to him to
observe the coal mining situa-
ton.
During his trip he visited the
Red Wing Tribe No. SO, located
at Tabasco. This tribe numbers
$50 members, and he found it to
be in a very flourishing condition
and composed of the very best
citizens of that town and also of
Berwind and Tollerburg. The
tribe is located in the very center
of the recent industrial trouble.
There are various nationalities
represented in this tribe, but all
the members are true and loyal
Americans. During the strike
many of the members were out
for various lengths of time, but
all of them had returned to work
before the strike was declared off.
He reports that he found condi-
tions far different from what he
had anticipated and was most
agreeably surprised at the real
situation and the comforts and
advantages of the miners sur
roundings. He found the people
absolutely contented with their
lot as reported by many OF. them,
and they should be. He also
found that the operators were do
ing all they could for the welfare
and good of their employees in the
way of safety appliances and first
aid assistance in case of accident
to the employees working under
ground. This first aid is thor
oughly organized and is composed
Of the outside employees and some
who work under ground also, and
are trained under an experienced
and competent instructor or tutor
furnished by the operators. These
first aids are instructed to such
an extent that they are able to set
broken bones and look after any
injuries as good as the physician
and it is very rare that he has to
change this first aid work in fact
they are so thoroughly trained
that their work only needs exam
ination to make sure that it is all
right. Each one Of these first aids
or emergency assistants is fur
nished a diploma after passing
through the tutors school. He
also stated that the cottages oc-
cupied by the miners, clerks, store
managers and superintendents
were not "huts" in any respect.
but were neat, convenient and
comfortable. They are built of
cement blocks, brick and frame.
having four large rooms, lighted
by electricity and supplied with
water, all Of which are furnished
by the company at rental of SIS
per month for building, light and
water. Mr.. Macdonald also had
the opportunity of meeting Mr..
Charles O'Neil, superintendent of
the Tabasco mine, whom he found
very courteous, jolly and light
hearted gentleman and with whom
it was a real genuine pleasure to
visit. He found him very affable
and courteous towards the men
under his supervision, and is con-
stantly looking out for their best
interests. Hence he is held in high
esteem and universally respected
by those under his direction and
employment.
The company stores are man.
aged by NJ. B. Ferguson at Ia
basco and Felix Young at Ber-
wind. They are both men of ex-
cellent business training and treat
their customers with all possible
consideration and courtesy, re-
gardless of the individual or his
work. The goods can be bought
as cheaply as they can be bought
in Denver, and in many instances
cheaper. The miners are fur
nished powder at 121a cents a
pound, regardless of the small
amount they may wish to pur-
chase, while the caps are fur
nished free. Other mine supplies
are sold in the same proportion.
This part is under the supervision
of W. j. Smith, faithful employe
and one who for twenty-five years