Dance House—Miners not to Blame

Editor British Colonist:--We have noticed several pieces in your paper lately regarding the dance-houses that are said to be allowed open for the especial amusement of the miners.  Now the miners don’t care a cent whether they are kept open or not, and know they will not be suppressed as long as Government can raise $250 from their continuance; but so long as they are kept open more or less of them will frequent such places, for the very reason that they have no place else to go to while away an hour or two.  Miners, as a general rule, are used to an active life; but when they come down here to pass away the winter they soon become tired—having nothing to occupy their minds, and consequently they wander around and through the town in quest of excitement, and naturally hop into every hole and corner whence a little fun is to be had.  Miners, as a class, are neither better nor worse than any other portion of the community.  We have heard men that occupy as high a social position as any in town say they would like to go to some of the dancing-houses and have a little kick-up; but that would not do, for their wives and tilicums would find out, and a row would be the consequence.  If the authorities want to close the dance-houses let them be closed by all means, and let it not be said that such places are kept open for the special benefit and amusement of the miners.

MANY MINERS

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