Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Mary Harris Jones, also known as Mother Jones, who was an Irish-American schoolteacher and dressmaker who became a prominent labor and community organizer. She was a fiery and tireless advocate for workers' rights and was known for her involvement in numerous labor strikes and protests.

In the quote, Mother Jones expresses her frustration and sense of helplessness when confronted with the plight of child laborers. She describes feeling unable to bear witness to the suffering of these "silent little figures" and expresses a desire to go north, to the coal fields and Rocky Mountain camps, where the labor struggle is waged by grown men. This quote reflects Mother Jones's deep concern for the exploitation of child labor and her belief that the fight for workers' rights should be carried out by adults who are better equipped to stand up against the oppressive conditions in the coal mines and other labor-intensive industries.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Mother Jones was active, child labor was widespread in the United States. Children as young as six or seven years old were often forced to work long hours in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, with little to no access to education or opportunities for play and recreation. Mother Jones was a vocal critic of this practice and worked tirelessly to mobilize support for laws and regulations aimed at ending child labor and improving working conditions for all workers.

The reference to the "grim coal fields" and "Rocky Mountain camps" in the quote is significant, as these were some of the most notorious and hazardous places where labor struggles were taking place at the time. In the coal fields, miners, including many children, faced grueling workdays, low wages, and constant danger from cave-ins, explosions, and other workplace hazards. Similarly, in the Rocky Mountain camps, workers in industries such as logging, mining, and railroad construction endured harsh conditions and exploitation by powerful corporations.

Mother Jones's statement captures her frustration with the pervasive injustice and suffering she witnessed among child laborers and her determination to take the fight to the adult workers in these challenging environments. Her words reflect her belief that the labor struggle in these regions required the strength and resolve of grown men, who were in a better position to challenge the oppressive forces that perpetuated exploitation and abuse.

Overall, this quote from Mother Jones encapsulates her passionate commitment to the cause of workers' rights and her unwavering dedication to fighting against the exploitation of labor, particularly the egregious practice of child labor. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of her activism and her legacy as a champion for social justice and equality in the labor movement.