1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

Official Document, No. 11.
Third Bituminous District.
ARMSTRONG, BUTLER, CLARION, INDIANA, JEFFERSON, LAW-
RENCE, MERCER, WESTMORELAND AND HEAVER COUNTIES.
Mercer, Pa., February, 1901.
J Ion. . James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:
Sir: In compliance with the provisions of the act of Assembly,
approved May 5, 1S!):>, [ herewith submit my annual report of the
inspection of mines of the Third Bituminous District for the year
ending December 31, 1900.
Six persons lost their lives in the mines of (his district this year;
in 18!>9 there were eight fatalities, but the non-fatal accidents have
increased ia number thirty-two. I am of the opinion that the
increase in the number of non-fatal accidents is largely due to a
more accurate record of them having been kepi and returned to this
office by the mine foremen than in the past. Three of the fatal
accidents were the results of thoughtlessness and carelessness of
the victims, and the other three were due |o
mistaken judgment.
This lias been the most prosperous year in the history of this
district. There was an increase of 693,785 tons of coal produced
over that of last year and an increase in the number of employes of
L,469. Twentv new mines were opened during I
lie year, while only
live have been abandoned, other mines are still in progress of being
opened.
The mines as a whole are in reasonably good condition. The information
relative to their condition us well as the statistical data
in connection therewith will be found in another pari of this report.
All of which is respectfully submitted
ṪHOMAS K. ADAMS,
Inspector.
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