The Miner and Workman's Advocate. — 1864-02-27 (London, England)

THE MINER AND WOUIZIUN'S ADVOCATE.  Sin,—l am rather surprised at the letter Mr. Mitchell, secretary of the Miners' Council, sent to D. R. Thomas on the Blaina case. He said he could not see how the conviction could be otherwise than against the men, as they left their work without notice. Sir, the men did not leave their work; they only stopped out one day to see if the machine weighed properly, and to see Mr. Underhill, to request liberty to put a check-man on the machine, as the men were not satisfied with the weight they had. Mr. Underhill objected. The men went to work next morning, lant were stopped work on the Monday morning, and were taken into custody as if they were thieves or murderers for asking for their right. Sir, if D. R. Thomas was to act as Mitchell does, the men would be in prison and their families in the work house. All honour is due to D. R. Thomas for his perseverance night and day to gain right against might. I think it was an important matter, and the council ought to encourage it. It was so far of importance that men were imprisoned for asking for a fair weight. In the council's last address, they advised eveiy district of the importance of putting checkmen in, and if there was opposition the council would interfere. Then why not encourage the Blaina men? The council say, "Give us a good truck case, then we will show you how to destroy the system." Now the Blaina case is a good one, with five men and a poor orphan girl; and still the council make excuse that they have nothing to do with the Tredegar case, as the men left without notice. The men did not leave, but were stopped by the masters because they asked for just weight. I consider the council are not acting as they ought towards us Welshmen; but we are determined to proceed with this truck case. The public will support us if the council will not. Merthyr, Dowlas, Aberdare, and surrounding localities are all in earnest, and will help us, cost what it may. I have had £5 sent me from the Paddlera' Local Fund, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, for the Blaina case, and .the northern puddlers are willing to support us to destroy the cursed system. At Dowlais ironworks there has been no truck the last 14 years; but the men of Dowlais are willing to help the Blaina men; they know how beneficial it is to have their money every week, instead of being suffocated at the truck shop, and obliged to take what goods, and at what charge the shopmen please. I think the council had better spend some of the men's money to see the men justly dealt by on such occasions as Blaine, if they think to do any good to the miners. Let us have the rights of the miners defended when called for. If Mr. Roberts had not come to Wales, what would have become of the Blaina colliers? They would have been in gaol for asking for their rights. So Mr. Mitchell will see we have not spent our money in vain. The prisoners are free, and we will give a heavy blow to track. The men of Wales hope that Mr. Roberts will live long for the good of Wales. He need not fear the poverty of the plaintiffs preventing them appearing at Gloucester, they will be better prepared than if it had been at Tredegar. We shall have delegates at Brynmaur next Saturday to encourage the Blaina men.—Yours truly,