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| 1902 Coal Strike Commisioners. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, November 21, 1902.
IMPAIRS THE HEALTH.
Physicians Testified That Mine Working Shortens Life.
MOST OF THEM ARE ANAEMIC.
Post Mortems Have Revealed Miners' Lungs Black With Dust—90 Per Cent of Those Over 50 Have Rheumatism—Extracts From Dr. Roberts' Book—Child Labor.
Scranton, Pa., Nov. 21.—The economic and sociological features of the anthracite coal industry and the effect employment in and about the mines has upon the health of the mine workers were the principal subjects brought before the arbitration commission yesterday by the attorneys of each side to the controversy.
The afternoon session was particularly interesting because it brought out much expert testimony on the question of the health of the mine workers. Three physicians who have practiced in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre took the stand for the miners and in substance testified that the occupation of a mine worker was "very unhealthful" and shortened his life.
One physician, Dr. Frank P. Lennahan of Wilkes-Barre, who says he has had a long experience among mine workers, testified that fully 99 per cent of the men who work in the mines are anemic. Their health is impoverished, and their general condition is below par, thus decreasing their earning power.
The principal ills suffered by the miners, the physicians said, were the miners' asthma, rheumatism, lumbago and sciatica. The miners' asthma comes from coal dust, powder smoke and vitiated air.
Dr. John O'Malley of Scranton said that at post mortems he had seen miners' lungs as black as anthracite itself, and Dr. Lennahan testified he had personal knowledge of a man coughing up coal dust nine years after he left the mines. He said he had information that a man had coughed up coal dust 15 years after he had left the mines. It was also stated that 90 per cent of miners who reach the age of 50 years are afflicted with same form of rheumatism.
The cross-examination of Rev. Dr. Peter Roberts of Mahanoy City, Pa., who has studied the anthracite coal industry and written a book on the subject, ended and he left the witness stand shortly after the noon recess.
Copious extracts from his book were read and placed on record. Former Congressman Simon P. Wolverton, counsel for the Reading company, read much of the matter pertaining to violence in the 1900 strike and also read articles written by Dr. Roberts during the progress of the late contest in which he described in strong language the acts of violence, intimidation and boycotting committed during that suspension.
His articles spoke of some of these acts as "brutal outrages," and he also branded the union's action in calling out the steam men in June as "foolhardy."
In explaining his articles Dr. Roberts said that he did not wish to infer that the organization was responsible for all the lawlessness committed. Dr. Roberts gave it as his opinion that attempts to have non-union men form a separate organization were instigated by parties opposed to organized labor.
Mr. Wilcox consumed the greater part of the time in the afternoon session in reading extracts from the book of Dr. Roberts on the anthracite coal industry. Occasionally he asked a question and replying to one Dr. Roberts said that an established minimum wage would necessarily enable a man to live as a man.
Dr. Roberts said that of the 64 children employed in the Olyphant breaker near this city 50 per cent were under 14 years of age and had others dependent on them.
At this juncture Dr. Roberts was temporarily withdrawn as a witness, and Dr. John O'Malley of Scranton was questioned by James L. Lennahan, counsel for the mine workers. He said his experience had been that catarrh, asthma, rheumatism, stomach troubles, pneumonia, sciatica, lumbago, and anemia were the diseases from which miners usually suffered.
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| Samuel Gompers. |
SOCIALISTS STRONG.
Came Very Near Committing Federation to Their Program.
New Orleans, Nov. 21.—The Socialists came within 400 votes of securing the control of the convention of the American Federation of Labor. The struggle lasted almost the entire day and many able speeches were made on both sides. Notably those of D. A. Hayes and James Duncan in behalf of the resolution introduced by Delegate Berger and amended by Delegate Wilson which practically committed the convention to socialistic ideas. The debate lasted until 6 o'clock in the evening when a roll call showed 4,744 votes against the amendment of Mr. Wilson and 4,344 in favor of it.
The millers voted solidly in favor of the amendment. No business was transacted in the convention during the day other than the debate and the report of the committee which investigated the Gompers-Shaffer trouble and completely exonerated Mr. Gompers.
From 2 o'clock in the afternoon until 5:40 o'clock the debate went on, President Gompers being the last speaker. He urged the union men to adhere closely to union principles, declaring that their success would be greater than it would be if they followed any other decision than that under which they were organized.
A motion to lay the matter on the table was lost. A roll call was demanded, the vote being on the adoption of the Wilson amendment to the Berger resolution. It was lost by a vote of 4,744 to 4,344.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
The Jews and Palestine.
The work of Zionism in Palestine is making notable progress, while the sentiment in favor of Jewish reoccupation of the Holy Land is apparently growing among Jews everywhere. An indication of this was recently noted in the enthusiastic and largely attended Zionist meetings held in various cities in this country.
It is stated that over 50,000 acres of land have now been a acquired by the Jews in Palestine and twenty villages have been established by them. The land is devoted for the most part to the raising of corn. Next comes grape growing, then fruit growing and finally vegetable gardens. The rest is given over to grazing. The colonists are for the most part Russian Jews, and it is to these, living under the harsh rule of a supposedly peace loving czar, that Zionism has especially appealed.
It is true that Palestine offers no inducement to Jewish immigration from this country, but that is no reason why the scanty soil of the Holy Land, with comparative freedom guaranteed by a Mohammodan monarch, is not a better home for the Jews than the richer soil of Russia and Roumania, where there is oppression from so called Christian rulers. It is the fact of this oppression which has given to the present movement to restore the Jews to their old home a greater measure of success than has attended any previous endeavor.
TRUCK DENIED GUILT.
Cortland Murderer's Attorney Has a Signed Statement to this Effect.
Attorney J. H. McCrahon has the following signed statement from John Truck:
"Auburn Prison, Nov. 10, 1902.
"I declare that I did not kill Frank W. Miller. I saw William Beebe kill him with a knife and I had no connection with it.
"John Truck."
This statement does not correspond with Truck's confession to Dr. Dana, his expert witness, nor will it probably affect the belief of any one concerning his guilt.
HARFORD'S JOTTINGS.
Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Brown
OBSERVED ON FRIDAY, NOV. 14.
Many Friends Present—Fortunate Wreck on the Lehigh Valley R. R.—Nobody Hurt, Though Property was Damaged—Death of One of the Old Residents—Other News.
Harford, N. Y., Nov. 18.—Mr. and Mrs. Norton L. Brown celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary Friday, Nov. 14. The fruits of their union were four children, Mrs. DeEtte Chaplin, Mrs. Abbie Wilcox, Mr. Dexter Brown and Charles Brown, who died when a young man. The day was all that could be desired and was spent in visiting. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Wilcox, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Lewis and son Dorr and Mr. Curtis Wilcox of Great Bend, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Norton Wilcox and three children, Mr. and Mrs. L. F . Wilcox and two children, and Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Harris of Groton, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Jones and Mrs. E. M. Brown of Cortland, Mrs. DeEtte Chaplin and Mr. Dexter Brown and wife of Harford; there were six grandchildren and six great grandchildren present. Although the groom is 82 years old and the bride 78, they are almost as active as if they were only 26 years old.
They have always lived in this town where they have hosts of friends. They received a number of fine presents and the tables fairly groaned with the good things to eat. At a late hour the goodbyes were said, and the company left for their homes wishing Mr. and Mrs. Brown many returns of the day.
A very bad wreck as well as a very lucky one occurred Sunday morning about 1 a. m. on the L. V. tracks in this village. A northbound freight took the switch for a southbound train to pass and while here a second train south came along and the brakes refused to work, and dashed into the first train throwing the engine off the track and making kindling wood of several cars. The fireman and engineer saw the danger in time and left the train, which saved them from a terrible death.
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Hawley were on Michigan Hill last week to see Mrs. Hawley's father, Mr. Henry Decker, who is very sick.
Died Nov. 14, Mr. Steven Ables, aged 84 years. Mr. Ables has been in poor health for a number of years. He leaves one son Daniel who has been so good and patient all these long years in caring for him. His funeral was held Sunday at 11 o'clock from the house. Rev. S. B. Keeney officiated. Undertaker G. C. Sweet of Dryden had charge of the remains. Burial was made in the family lot in Virgil.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Edwards and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bell of Texas Valley were very pleasant guests of their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Peer and Mrs. A. W. Tyler, several days last week, and also called on other friends in town.
Mrs. John Tyler is visiting friends in Auburn, and Mrs. I. W. Banker also was in the same place Saturday.
Messrs. Clarence and Charlie Pudney are in Taylor today to attend the funeral of their grandfather.
Burr Rounds of Virgil visited his sister and family Sunday.
Cash Mucky has finished his season's work for Will Voorhees and is moving his family to Union Church.
Oliver Heffron has moved in part of the house with William Smith and Will Myers has moved in the house vacated a few weeks ago by R. P. Wilcox.
Mr. and Mrs. N. G. Wilcox of Groton spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wavle.
Mrs. John Hardenburg and Mrs. Legge of Berkshire were guests at J. H. Wavle's.
PROCEEDINGS OF SUPERVISORS.
Price of Board of Prisoners in County Jail Fixed.
The supervisors met at 9 o'clock Friday, the tenth day of the session, and were called to order by Chairman Crosley.
Upon motion of Mr. Peck:
Resolved, That hereafter the committee on erroneous assessments be required to report not later than the sixth day of the annual session.
Upon motion of Mr. Bennett:
Resolved, That in case there should be a deficiency in the amount of money appropriated for any of the several funds of the county, the county treasurer be and is hereby authorized to borrow on the credit of the county sufficient funds to make up such deficiency.
The Republican members of the board designated the Homer Republican and the Democratic members the Cortland Democrat to publish the session laws and concurrent resolutions for the ensuing year.
The board of the prisoners at the county jail, being a special order of business, was discussed. Mr. Allen offered an amendment to the resolution of Mr. Jordan of the previous day, fixing the compensation for board at 40 cents, instead of 35 cents, the amount stated in Mr. Jordan's resolution. The vote upon the amendment was 10 for and 6 against. Mr. Jordan's motion as amended was then carried by a vote of 14 for and 2 against.
Mr. Hunt moved to reconsider the action of the board in receiving and approving the report of the committee to visit the almshouse and authorizing the recommendations of that committee. The motion was voted down 5 to 12.
BREVITIES.
—Geneva has just added to the apparatus of its fire department a new combined chemical engine and hose wagon. It was made at Elmira.
—The new display advertisements today are—Warren, Tanner & Co., Linens, page 6; F. Daehler, Clothing, page 5; Opera House, "The Missouri Girl," page 5; Carriage Goods Co., Nickel plating, page 8; G. H. Ames, Shoes, page 8.
ADDENDUM.
Now it came to pass that the reformers succeeded at last in having a portion of the earth set apart for them, where they could recognize society on a basis that suited them. They had been running their beautiful little Utopia two or three years, when a stranger in search of information happened along. "I presume," said the stranger, "you are all perfectly happy here, with your single tax, your initiative and referendum, your compulsory arbitration, your municipal ownership and all the rest of it." "No, not exactly," replied a tired looking citizen with some reluctance. "We're organized on the right basis and our plan of society is perfect, but somehow or other the people that live here are the darnedest contrarian cranks you ever heard of!"—Chicago Tribune.
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