The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-06-03
LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR
cHARGE9 PER0ECUTIoN.

CAhOIlNA, w. Va Ju9S ~ GAf
tor The West VlFginian. when in
The cath OF December, 1914. l Was
wounded by a pistol shot and rendered
unfit for hard work, ! was also &C
cused 81 crimes which had never com
mitted, as il was satisfactorily proved
n the Fairnout court house, not long
atterward. Blu, as eXpiation for preiu'
dices and consequences thereof. ! had
70 undergo moral and physical humilia'
ions ever since.
To begin with. am compelled 70 re-
late what no man feels like 70, espe-
ciaily when the privations and misery
OF his wife and children are concerned.
Quite destitute Of means. when !
came out Of trouble, with my family
literally starving, had TO appeal to
the kindness Of my friends, who know.
ing my innocence gladly extended me
their helping hands.
In the same time ! was trying to Sc
cure a Job. which was repeatedly de-
MED ne. on account OF my inability 10
hard work. The doctor land he 10 still
living pronounced me unfit for five
years at least. and my neighbors we're
enforcing the verdict verbatim
This took place at Kilarm, where
the Consolidation Coal company's or
fcials knew the happenings.
So I had 10 remove to Hutchinson,
but there somehow they knew me too.
and although in a different place, |
found myself in the same fix.
After sustaining life for two months
May and June) eating edible weeds
and other stuff as could be gathered
in the fields by my wife and little
ones, / finally got a Job loading coal,
which secured by changing by name,
making the bosses believe me differ
ent person. But my strategy went for
nsught. because couldn't possibly
work lard. and took me two days 70
load a car. so had 10 give up, and
make myself known again.
After some time through recommen-
dstions. ! was given the job OF running
several pumps l2 in alb and while
suffering excruciatingly from the et.
iects Of my lesion. managed to dis.
charge my duty properly.
Thence I removed TO Carolina mines,
where, standing my long experience
in nine work and much pleading, |
secured ed as shootman. | have
worked there steady and without Incl
cents ol az sort until the coming Of
nov pit boss. This man without
piovocation or transgressions by my
part, seemed TO spot me as one that
had to be overburdened at every pos
sible occasion.
This is the reason why when there
vas scarcity Of empties last winter, he
ordered me home With the excuse that
shooting wasn't necessary, while there
was always plenty 10 do for others
with no family or anybody else TO sup
port
In few instances he permitted me
o work and II was when rails or other
leavy material had 10 be handled,
which he knew I could not stand.
do not want to relate all the little
ma coWardly prosecutions, but ! want
to mention where be has attempted TO
attack my reputation, for which fact !
must have satisfaction.
At the lamp house one morning,
about three weeks ago, after refusing
to give me implements necessary to
the discharge Of my daily duty, and
due to me as per turn, and after sun.
dry caustic remarks, he called me a
Black Handler before all my co.work-
ers.
This is not right, and while all | said
is susceptible Of proof, so is also my
reputation and character, and | invite
anyone to investigate concerning all |
said and little bit more.
And It occurs to me as an after
thought, that the spirit OF persecution
lived always and always had its vic
Tins; but it is time to be done with an
the Kaiseristic cavils, whether It has
for objective a nation or a poor man
CHARLIE RANDO.