萍矿、萍民与绅商:萍乡煤矿创立初期的地方社会冲突

Pingxiang Mines,Pingxiang People,and the Local Trade Elites: Local Social Conflicts in the Initial Period of Pingxiang Coal Mines

萍乡煤矿在创立初期,因煤炭勘采问题与萍民和绅商在地方社会利益上产生冲突。萍民受传统社会风水之说影响,畏惧洋人来萍而纷纷反对勘采;地方绅商因萍乡煤矿官局垄断煤炭开采而加价戗收以把持居奇,并自购窿井,与官争利;地方官府面对这种局面积极调和地方社会冲突,颁布县令以明晰晓谕,联络正绅以剀切开导,上禀督宪以妥筹应对;同时,萍乡煤矿的经营者也充分利用自身的政治地位优势,从购井自立、增强财力、改善运道、联合商号、造福地方等方面积极谋求自立自强以应对与地方社会的利益冲突。官办之萍乡煤矿也正在这种地方社会的冲突与博弈中,日益因资金难筹而不得不招商入股,从而逐渐走向了一种由商人出资、官府保护、民出其力即"官督商办"的经营管理体制。

During the early days of coal mines in Pingxiang,the local people and trade elites were unrestful over the social interests caused by the issues of coal exploration and production. Influenced by traditional Feng Shui( geomantic omen) and afraid of the involvement of foreign businessmen,the local people were opposed to the mining;local trade elites hoarded coal at high prices and purchased pits against the monopoly of the local authorities. To reconcile the differences,the local government then promulgated county magistrate with clear regulations,negotiated with the gentries,and reported to the central government for support. Meanwhile the coalmine operators,making good use of their superior political status,purchased mines and became independent owners,strengthened their finance,improved operations,and together with other firms allowed benefits to local people. In this fighting of interests,governmental mines were forced to sell shares to investors due to financial difficulties. And a system of'private mines with governmental supervision'gradually came into shape.