Question

The quotation describes work in a coal mine. Who is the subject of the quotation? How can you tell? What changes in the laws did accounts like this help to bring about? Write a newspaper headline for this quote that reflects the writer’s point of view.

Answer 1

Shut in from everything that is pleasant, with no chance to learn . . . grinding their little lives away in this dusty room, they are no more than the wire screens that separate the great lumps of coal from the small. They had no games; when their day’s work is done, they are too tired for that. They know nothing but the difference between slate and coal.”
—“The Labor Standard,” 1877. ( this is the quote)

Answer 2

This is actually quite easy, so I'll leave you with something to due, but I will answer the questions.
Who is the subject of the quotation?
This is quite confusing, as it could be both toward the coal miners or the "company coal industry."
How can you tell?
At the end of the quote it says: “The Labor Standard." So for "The Labor Standard" they want the best for labors laws right? And who don't want the best for the miners? The company. they just wanted profit.
What changes in the laws did accounts like this help to bring about?
It made the public push for better labor laws. Lead to organised Unions. etc.
Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_law

You can come up with the headline etc.