PROBLEMS IN TRAINING MINING ENGINEERS 659 



removed; for when, by a month or more of hard work, a man has 

 established himself and paid his way, it is very easy for him to take 

 further time at his own expense to get a general view of the work 

 as a whole. Some men are of course physically unable to perform 

 manual labor for wages. But unless they are unusually well adapted 

 for the profession in other ways, such bodily weakness is generally 

 an indication that they had better adopt a less strenuous occupa- 

 tion. I have never found that the men have been lacking in mental 

 grasp from having to work; though naturally one cannot do hard 

 labor and take voluminous notes on the same day. 



On the other hand, there are certain great advantages in work- 

 ing for wages. It gives a man a just self-confidence, as nothing 

 else can. He feels that no matter where he may be he can hold his 

 own among men as a man. He learns the point of view of the work- 

 ing miner, and how to win his confidence and respect. He gains 

 an inside knowledge of the errors and successes of mine adminis- 

 tration. He comes to know the meaning of "a day's work," the 

 tricks and subterfuges by which inefficient workmen seek to evade 

 doing their duty, and the way to treat such cases without unneces- 

 sary friction. Such an experience is sure to prove in valuable, when, 

 as he grows older, he is himself intrusted with the management of 

 men. He will be more likely to know how to avoid unnecessary 

 conflicts with his men from having himself "borne the heat and the 

 burden of the day." 



As a rule, men without previous experience are put first at load- 

 ing and tramming cars, and later, at single- or double-hand drill- 

 ing, or as helpers on a machine-drill; while in small mines they 

 often have experience at timbering or at the pumps. Man}^ of the 

 men are really able to earn full wages as miners, before they get 

 through. Often, when hard pressed for resources, they work a year, 

 or even two years, underground, thus earning enough to pay their 

 way through college. This seems rarely expedient, except in cases 

 of necessity. But there are some cases in which an excess of animal 

 spirits finds in such a rustication a natural outlet, and the man 

 is really made over again by such an experience. 



The men are advised not to go in groups, but usually in pairs, 

 since, in case of illness or accident, a faithful "pardner" is a great 

 source of comfort. They are also advised to scatter in a thin skir- 

 mish-line over the whole mining region west of the Rockies. Some 

 go as far south as Mexico, others find their way to Cape Nome and 

 the Klondike. Thus, like bees from the hive, they scatter over a 

 wide area; each brings back honey of a slightly different flavor; 

 and all benefit by this richer store. 



Many difficulties were encountered, particularly at the begin- 

 ning, in carrying out this plan. Many still remain to be overcome 



