Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-09
YOUNG ROCKEFELLER AND THE MINERS

John ID. Rockefeller, Jrr Sn0ud not De Ddlneu Ills
whole life for his foolish speech when young man about
the American Beauty rose AS he grows older there are
increasing signs of serious effect his part to dis
charge the duties to his felowmen which his fathers
great fortune cast upon him in conscientious Intelligent
and sympathetic manner and spirit.
The father believed too much in judging OF things and
of treating men in the abstract, if they were mere
machines and not living suffering souls.
The young mans visit to the Colorado mines and
miners has proved that he is determined at last to under
stand at first hand the facts of that grave problem
Managers especially managers who have risen themselves
from the ranks are the least to be trusted in labor crisis
haf-breed overseer always the crlelest on the
slavery plantation ..
1t is real progress for Young Rockefeller to discover
that he is his brothers keeper to the extent at least of
knowing at first hand how his employees treated and
that for this knowledge he cannot depend wholly upon
reports of managers.
Under the plan proposed by Mr. Rockefeller, and
accepted by his employees the miners to be represented
by one delegate to be elected for each $50 miners There
are be four committees selected by the delegates thus
chosen and by the mine owners with SIX members three
miners and three owners, on each committee One OF
these committees will deal with settlement Of labor dill
ferences one with safety first accidents with health
and housing and one with recreation and education.
The company pledges itself that there shall be dis
elimination account Of membership In any society or
uniOn-Ths of course means open shop and will be the
chief bone of contention
The plan of operation as to labor disputes as follows
Any miner who or group of miners, have grievance
must submit the to the member of the proper commit
tee who is elected by the miners of his own camp or mine
This representative must first try to settle the trouble
with the mans foreman superintendent If this fails
he may go before the Joint committee which deals with
disputes of its kind and if this committee fails to adjust
the difference shall be settled either by arbitration or by
the Colorado state industrial commission as the miners
may choose
1t is interesting to note that pending the discussion of
this plan the company agrees not to increase the rent OF
houses cost of light beyond price agreed upon that
there shall be charge for water except where the COM
pany purchases and then the miners get it at cost the
company will remove garbage without charge; to en-
courage cultvatng gardens the lots will be fenced with
out charge the company will continue to supply bath
houses and club houses in the nature of social settlements
and eight hours shall constitute days work for all un-
derground workers. excluding the noon hour,
And all this comes from Young Rockefellers personal
visit to the mnersand therein lies the hope of his sue
cessu operation of the great properties of which he is
the head Personal investigation and close contest with
conditions as they really are He will come to know
their wishes and desires and they will feel that he is in
terested in their welfare well in the profitable opera
ton of the mines,