Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

Official Document, No. 10.
Second Anthracite
(LACKAWANNA COUNTY.)
District.
Scranton, Pa., February 14, 1898.
Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:
Sir: I have the honor of presenting ray annual report as Inspector
of mines of the Second anthracite district for the year ending December
3], 1897.
The total production of coal for the year was 5,985,630 tons.
The total shipments of coal for the year was 5,456,556 tons.
Of the difference between the two quantities, part was consumed at
the mines for generating steam, and part sold at the mines for local
consumption.
There are 609 steam boilers in use in the district which are regu
larly inspected and reported according to law.
During the year, 11,551 persons were emploj'ed underground and
5,027 persons were employed on the surface, making a total of 16,578,
which is in excess of the number employed during 1896.
Two thousand one hundred and twent3^-two horses and mules are
used in the mines and around the breakers.
5,442,-325 pounds of powder and 83,463 pounds of dynamite were
used during the year.
Fifty-eight fatal accidents occurred, leaving 29 wives widows and
123 children orphans; there were 149 non-fatal accidents.
Two mine fires occurred during the year which resulted in the loss
of eleven lives. A detailed account of each will be found in table IV.
Partly on account of these fires the list of fatal accidents is liigher
than for 1896, while the number of tons of coal produced per life lost
and per accident is less.
The usual tables and statistics are included, together with a description
of each accident; also a few general remarks.
Respectfully submitted,
H. O. PRYTHERCH,
(25)
Inspector.