May
20, 1897 – Times-Tribune
Labor’s
Ex-leader the First Witness
Hon.
T. V. Powderly Before the Mine Commission Today
(Terrence
Powderly was the former head of the Knights of Laborer (pre United Mine Workers
union).
“Mr.
Powderly was of the opinion that one of the chief causes of the present
condition of the mining population was the improved machinery for the mining of
coal, increasing the output, and at the same time, reducing the amount of
labor. Another reason, which is rarely taken into consideration, was the gas
stove, which is used to a surprising great extent in New York City and all
throughout the Eastern cities.” (He also mentioned increased use of bicycles in
the cities.)
“Powderly
started that there has been a great deal of suffering among the miners of
Scranton during the past winter by reason of their inability to secure work.
“Patrick
B. Calpin of Bellevue, a laborer in the Oxford mine of the DL&W stated he
was an inside laborer and got $2.20 per day for ten hours. He averaged ten or
twelve days a month this year. His average pay per month has been $17 or $18.
He cannot support his family as he desires on the amount of his wages. He
testified that there is destitution and want among the miners of the vicinity.
