[EBREY, Patricia (ed.), Chinese Civilization, New York: The Free Press, 1993, pàgs. 324-325]
The magistrate's report stated:
The southeast portion of Leiyang county is rich in coal, which has attracted many entrepreneurs. Hundreds of coal pits of various sizes have been exploited for a long time, so that by now the coal veins lie under water which must be removed before mining can be started. To manage the water pumps, the mine owners hired foremen, known as "water men." To fill this post they usually picked the worst elements of the local population, men who are extremely violent and wicked. These men, allied with local gangsters, have formed a Blue Dragon Society and accumulated huge amounts of money. To trap poor people, they established gambling dens and sold op'um; then they lent them money at usurious rates. Moreover, they colluded with wine shops and restaurants to raise their prices. Badly in debt, the poor people had no choice but to sell themselves to the mine. They would also sometimes capture travelers passing through and force them to work in the mine.
The foremen built near the pit dark, damp earthen cubicles which had only a single opening. Surrounded by stockades, both the entrance and exit of these cubicies were controlled by the foremen. These were known as "sealed drums." People lured, bought, tricked, or kldnapped were all incarcerated in such "drums," and were called "water toads." Their clothes and shoes were stripped off, and they were forced to work manning the water pumps in alternating shlfts day and night without respite. No consideration was given to their hunger and cold. Those who looked tired had their backs whipped, and those who attenipted to escape had their feet slashed. Moreover, because it is freezing in the pits and the work is extremely heavy, the weaker miners usually died within a fortnight, and the stronger ones suffered from rotten legs and swollen bellies within a couple of months. Without rest and medication, they perished helplessly. What was most pitiful was that those "water toads" who survived were still kept in the "drums" during the spring suspension in order to be used as water pumpers again the next season. They were called "pension rice."
This situation was kept hidden from the outside world. The dozens or hundreds of "water toads" who died at each mine every year were buried in the caves nearby. Not even their relatives were informed of their deaths. The local officials have strictly and repeatedly prohibited such practices. However, these mine owners and the "water men" used artful excuses to get around the law. Now we have summoned the mine owners for inquiries and have informed them of the permanent prohibition against "water men," "water toads", "sealed drums," and "pension rice," and we have recelved their guarantees which have been filed as documents. In addition, we are investigating secretly and carefully. If there are any more cases like these, they shall be severely prosecuted. And if there are any allied gangsters, runners, or any officials who conceal the crimes, they shall be severely punished too. We have prepared a draft regulation concerning the situation and are now presenting it to you. Please examine it and draw up a memorial.