We have always contended that the great danger of the work ought to be considered in the remuneration given. We refer to this point now, because there are many people who will pity the widows and orphans left through the explosion, who would grudge the miner receiving some remuneration on account of the risks he runs in order that he might be better able to provide something for the support of a bereaved family in case such an accident happened. Scarcely a conference of miners assembles that is not darkened by intelligence of an accident which forcibly proves to all intelligent miners how absolutely requisite combination is in their case, if only to promote the better and safer working of mines.Mr. Halliday well observed that an ignorance of the nature of gases and inexperience in mining frequently led to the loss of life and property,

and that practical miners could not be blamed if they refused to risk their lives in mines where such men were allowed to work.

We also heartily agree with his remarks that no fireman ought to receive an appointment without having passed some examination as to knowledge of gases, and the principles of ventilation. But no amount of knowledge will compensate for the gross carelessness, which is sometimes displayed by colliery officials.

One explosion, at the White Barn colliery was altogether the result of negligence, for though the jury returned the anomalous verdict of “Accidental Death,” yet the strong censure passed upon the man who had charge of the pit, through his not having had the workings properly examined on the morning of the explosion, shows, that the occurrence might have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken.

But the miners must be determined first to claim by united voice and action this public support or it will be very tardily given. It is fortunate that the miners have now two able spokesmen in the House to call public attention to these important questions of life and death. The accident also enforces another lesson, viz; that no body of miners ought to be without a widow and orphans, and accident fund and that those who depend on them may not have to trust to public charity.

On every ton of coal sent to bank there ought to be paid a small sum to form a national fund to be applied to relieving and maintaining the afflicted wives and children of the slaughtered colliers, and to those who would object to this on account of the cost, we say:

Then to sum up the whole,
Paid as the price of coal,
Add to the gloomy roll,
What the life lost is;
Think that each miner’s fate
Leaves a home desolate,
Then you may estimate,
How much the cost is.