1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

294 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.
All three of these Central power plants are fitted with Smith-Vaile
boiler feed pumps and feed water heaters with double the capacity
of the boilers. In addition, each battery of boilers is connected with
an injector to be used in case of emergency.
The Crowthers plant consists of three 2-flue boilers of 80 horse
power each, one automatic McCuwen engine of 250 horse power and
one 150 K. W. generator of the Thompson-Houston type.
During the year five
persons lost their lives by explosions of firedamp
in Ellsworth No. 1 mine. For a more extended account see
description of the mine in another part of this report.
As a result of this explosion, which occurred on June 10th, I made
an information against Alexander Patrick, mine foreman, and Frank
Booth, carpenter, as follows
Alexander Patrick, mine foreman of Ellsworth No. 1 mine, a
bituminous coal mine located in the First bituminous coal district,
did neglect to keep a careful watch over the ventilating apparatus
or to secure the proper ventilation of Ellsworth Mine No. 1, on June
10, 1900; he also allowed persons to work in an unsafe place other
than for the purpose of making it safe. For neglecting to remove
dangers after they had been reported to him by the fire boss.
Frank Booth, carpenter, for interfering with the ventilating apparatus.
For doing an act whereby the lives and health of persons
employed in the mine were endangered.
The above persons plead guilty and the court imposed a fine of
$5.00 and cost of prosecution; the court being of the opinion that
there was a mitigating circumstance connected with the case.
On investigating a fatal accident at the Tremont mine, where
William Watkins was employed as mine foreman, I found no posts
in the place where the accident occurred, or post sheet up so that
they could have been ordered. I entered suit against the mine foreman
for not seeing that the proper supplies were furnished; on the
case coming to trial, the verdict of the jury was "Not guilty, county
for the costs." The defense claimed that he had ordered the place
to be vacated as he could not get supplies. This was questioned,
hence the suit.
Taking into consideration all the circumstances connected with
the mines of this district, they are in a much better condition than
they were at the time of my last report.
A brief description of all the mines in the district will be found
in the body of the report, as well as that of the fatal accidents. The
usual tables also accompany the report.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
HENRY LOUTTIT,
Inspector of Mines.