Letters to the Editor . A MINER'S OPINION [To the
Editor of the SPECTATOR.] isneiirly twenty years since I first wrote to the Press, and during that time I have come to the conclusion that an erudite and versatile journalist who can write with literary taste, but who knows absolutely nothing about the complexi- ties, social and human, of an ordinary day's work among mines ?and miners, always appears able to secure a couple of eolith-ins in the Press, when any practical miner, who may have worked forty years at the coal face in daily contact with his fellows can scarcely secure an inch to state veritable facts. In your last issue Mr. F. A. McKenzie writes about conditions in Durham, thus "" Loyalty here as in Northumberland is a 'marked characteristie •of the rank and file." Now, what Mr. McKenzie terms loyalty, I, after 41 (forty-one) years at the coal face in Northumberland, and twenty years of that time as a deputY-overman, call 'organized blatant ignorance.
I have asked many of my fellow-miners what is keeping them on strike so long, and the reply is " Guardian vouchers." If any journalist or persons in a similar profession would like a few lessons in social psychology,. I can readily recommend deputy-overman's work for just one quarter. I can warn you that your kindliests intentions will be limited by the stupidity and ignorance of facts as they arc and human nature as it is. I can likewise promise you, if you endeavour to forbear with them, ample experience of self-sacrifice and as much martyrdom as you care for. The largest percentage of them are proud of the things they ought to be ashamed of, and ashamed of the things they ought to be proud of:—I am, Sir, &e.
A MINER.
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