1898 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

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REPORTBureau of MinesDepartment of Internal Affairs ofPennsylvania.1898.WM. STANLEY RAY,STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA,1899.

Official Document, No. 11.REPORTBUREAU OF MINES.COMMUNICATION.To His Excellency, William A. Stoiie,Depai'tmont of Internal Affairs,Harrisburg, May 1, 1899.(lovernor of Pennsylvania:Sir: In compliance with the requirements of the act of June 2,1891, and that of May 15, 1893, relative to the Mine Inspectors' Reportsof the Anthracite and Pitumiuous coal regions, I have the honor10 present to you for transmission to the General Assembly the reportof the Bureau of Mines for the year 1898.Very respectfully,JAMES W. LATTA,Secretary of Internal Affairs.A—11—98(i)

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Official Document, No. 11.LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.Harrisburg, Pa., March 1, 1899.lion. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs, CommonwealthSir:of Pennsylvania.In accordance with section 5 of an act establishing a Bureauof Mines in the Department of Internal Affairs, approved July 15,A. I). 1897, I have the honor to transmit the Annual Report of theBureau of Mines for the year ending December 31, 1898.Very respectfully,ROBERT BROWNLEE,Chief of Bureau of Mines.(iiij

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Official Documiont, No. 11.CONTENTS.Report of the Iiispectoi* of the First Anthracite District, 1Report of the Inspector of the Second Anthracite District, 33Report of tlie Inspector of the Third Anthi-acite Dis.trict, 67Report of the Inspector of the Pourtli Anthracite. District, 99Report of the Inspector of the Fifth Antliracite District, 129Report of the Inspector of the Sixth Anthracite District 173Report of the Inspector of the Seventh Anthi-acite District 207Report of the Inspector of the Eighth Anthracite District, 227Report of tlie Inspector of the First Bituniinons District 269Report of tlie Inspector of tlie Second Bituminous District, 30.5Report of the Inspector of the Third Bituminous District, 343Report of the Inspector of the Fourth Bituminous District, 367Report of the Inspector of the Fifth Bituminous District 385Report of the Inspector of the Sixth Bituminous District, 415Report of the Inspector of the Seventh Bituminous District, 443Report of the Inspector of the Eigliih Bituminous District, 469Repoi't of the Inspector of the Ninth Bituminous District 499Report of the Inspector of the Tenth Bituminous District 525(V)

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Official Document, No. 11.ANNUAL REPORTOK THEBUREAU OF MINESSince the last report of the Bureau was issued, our country has beeninakfng liistory rfipidly. Wliile our soldiers and sailors have broughtvictory to our arms, the commercial, agricultural, mining and manufacturingindustries of the country have been, equally successful,inasmuch as the volume of business done has been greater than everbefore. Statistics conclusively show that in commercial importancewe are between one-fourth and one-third of the entire world. Nobetter test can be found of the amount of commerce done by a nationthan the number of tons of freight carried by its railroads. The foreigntrade of every nation, consisting only of its surplus products,must be small compared to the business of the nation itself. It issaid that the Pennsylvania Railroad carries more freight than thatwhich constitutes all our foreign trade. The steam power of theUnited States, according to Mr. Mulhall, an eminent statistician, isnearly one third that of the entire world, or between one third andone half that of the balance of the world, being 14,400,000 horsel/ower, as against 50,1.50,000 for all the world. Nothing more strikingor instructive in regard to the value of coal when utilized by anindustrial community could be stated. Coal has become one of theessential elementsi of modern civilization. In fact, the i)rogressof the civilization of a country is now recorded by the amount ofcoal obtainable and employed by the inhabitants in a given time.The production of coal in the United States for the 1807 was 198,-250,788 tons, while that of the entire world was about 600,000,000tons, making our production nearly one-third as much as that oftJie balance of the globe. The coal fields of the United States comprisenearly half of those of the world, being 194,000 square miles,as against 471,800.In 1807 Pennsylvania produced 107,255,308 tons, or over 5.3 percent, of all the coal ])roduced in the United States, and in ISOS that(Vil)

viii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.amount was exceeded by l),Tl)4/.t2:j tons. It is pleasing to note thegreat increase in the production for the last decade, and encouragingto contemplate the possibility of a still greater production in thefuture in Pennsylvania of coal, which the nineteenth century callsthe arbiter of the fate of nations. Increased production necessitatesdi'eper and more extensive mines, requiring better and more intelli-one step in mining pro-gent supervision than ever before, and this isgress which, being neither sudden nor conspicuous, escapes generalnotice, but which is fraught with very important results.The work of the Bureau has been fairly satisfactory, consideringthe fact that there were no established precedents by which to begoverned, and so far there seems to be no reason to change the system

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. ixhas been found that at many of the mines there were no instrumentswJth which to measure the air currents, and at many more they werein such bad repair as to be comparatively valueless. As soon as thiswas brought to notice, it was insisted that instruments be procured,and this has generally been done.While a large number of the accidents which have been reportedduring the year have been due to the carelessness of the injured, ther(,'Cords show that many of them could have been avoided if thosein authority had exercise the proper care and discipline in and aboutthe mines. As an illustration of this, at a coroner's inquest investigatingthe cause and circumstances connected with a fatal accidentfrom an explosion of gas, it was shown that coal oil and sometimesblack oil were used in safety lamps, notwithstanding that the minerules are that sperm oil should be used. It was also shown thatgas accumulated at the face because the brattice was defective.aiiSAver to a question, it was stated that the men who worked theplace were responsible. It is true that it was probably their dutyto carry the brattice along as their place advanced, but was it notmuch more the duty of the mine officials to- see that it was done,and done properly, especially when they knew the brattice was defective?Certainly it was. Other cases of a similar nature could becited. It appears from the reports sent to this office that 609 fataland 1,628 non-fatal accidents occured in and about the coal minesof this State during the year 1898. 250, or 41 per cent, of thefatal accidents were attributable to carelessness or violations ofthe mine laws, by the victims themselves. Of the 1,623 non-fatalaccidents, 700, or 43+ per cent, were attributable to carelessnessor violation of the mine laws by the injured. Judging from the reportsof the causes and circumstances connected with all the accidents,the number attributed to violations of the law is very conservativelystated. Can anyone study these figures and say that thelaw is all that could be desired? Does it not seem to be time that weshould refuse to allow selfishness or sentiment to further warp ourjudgment? Can we afford to stop at this critical point in the applicationof improvements? Restrictive measures, must be applied uponthe miners to stop their own suicidal attempts. If they are guiltyof a consummate contempt of danger, the owners cannot be "particepscriminis" inpermitting the risk.An article in the Mining Bulletin which to me appears in the lineof improvement, and which undoubtedly will tendInto minimize accidents,recommends that specific penalties be inflicted for each offence,which should be in the nature of fines imposed by simpleprocess of law, much as misdemeanors committed on the surface,are within the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace. If insteadof the general terms of punishment they may be made specific not

X ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OfE. Doc.merely for otieuces that actually result iu aecideuts, but for tlios^ethat are conducive to accideuts, the miue boss or foreman wouldeAperieuee no difficulty in maintaining discipline after a few applicationsof the rule, liespect for the law is the beginning of civilization,and it is the foundation of all government. Although the betteiclass of men in an enlightened country recognize the obligationsoi morality and righteousness in their dealings with each other, noi-.ationhas ever yet risen so high that the fear of the law was notthe corner stone of social order and security. Honest faithful enforcementof law is to-day the supreme necessity for a reduction ofthe number of accidents in and about the mines. The present lawcovers the idea mentioned of tiuing the men for infractions, but thev»eakness in its clauses lies in the fact that a negligent guilt mustbe proved and that no accident must have resulted therefrom beforepunishment is possible. The machinery which must be set in motionis too complex for the numerous cases that might and do ariseunder the act. All violations, such as interference with or neglectin closing doors, or malicious obstruction of air ways, using nakedlights where such are prohibited, should be amenable to a specificpunishment, notwithstanding that an accident might not immediatelyensue in consequence of this act. The carrying of lucifermatches, playing with signals, riding on cars, withdrawing miss-firecharges, opening boxes of explosives in proximity to a lamp or pipe,and the shortening of fuse or its saturation with oil, are all of themcriminal acts which should be specifically provided against and consistentlypunished, \Nhetlier or not an accident should ensue. So,too, is the failure to observe orders regarding the proper placing oftimber equally amenable to the law. It may seem a hardship toimpose a tine for apparently trivial offences, and yet fatal consequencesare invited, and it would be an insult to the intelligence ofthe miners to pretend their ignorance of this fact.If the accidentsare due to ignorance, then the offending party should be dischargedand the skilled miners will have occasion to rejoice over the bettermentof the grade of laborers. The large companies and many ofthe individual operators are taking advantage of every improvementwhich conduces to the safety of their workmen, and are anxiousto prevent accidents. In some mines a rig-id

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xitli( iiatunil freedom oi' the iiidividual, but it is not iu consistent withthe rights and safety of others, who should be not merely allowedsecure enjoyments of the fruits of their labor, but should have guaranteedto them a life without hazard from the wilfulness of thelaw breaker. This regulation comes fully within the power of thelegislator and is no iuore objectionable than the prohibition of incendiarism01- assault, the erection of frame dwellings in cities, etc.Fines imposed upon the violators of the rules will accomplish as^\l)olesome a respect for them underground as on the surface. If thelegal macliiuery were simplitied, it would seem that the results would{i.pproach those attained in Great Britain. There is no reason whywe may not have added to the present law, an amendment enumeratingsuch coutraventioiis as would risk an explosion or in any waythreaten danger to the culprit or hisi mate. Certainly the classoi legislation now proposed is no more of an invasion of privaterights than was the oi'iginal law an invasion to property rights, andwhile the wisdom of such a proposition may be questioned, itsfavor at our handsi.successin England speaks in itsThe writer has associated with miners and lias been one all of hislife. There is nothing about a coal mine, either inside or outside ofthe mine, that he has not done with his own hands, from being trapperboy to superintendent, and he believes that miners can be compelledto take care of themselves and obey the law, and also believesthat with the proper discipline in the mines, they would be as obedientto well known rules as men employed in other vocations.the other hand, if thej' are allow'ed to do about as they please and areunder no restraint, they become careless and lose respect for thelaw, and often in their anxiety to get out a greater quantity of coal,they neglect everything else, even to the extent of risking their lives,which many of them lose on that account.While the writer believes that specific penalties should be inflicted(.u miners for contravention of the mine laws, he does not wish it to beunderstood that mine officials and operators should not also be punishedfor their contravention. On the contrary, they should, and itis true that the letter of the law reaches the operators for any oftheir negligent acts and i)unishes them for violations more readilyand with greater ease than it does the miner. It is the boundenduty of all persons connected with mining either directly or indirectly,to use all their elforts in endeavoring to reduce the numberof accidents in the coal nunes of this State. The law of 1885, im-]tosing educational (lualihcations upon miners for positions of responsibilityabout the mines was intended to ])roduce better results,both as to the proj)er development of the mines and the care of theli\es and limbs of those em])loyed in them than had previously existed,and there is no doubt that in a great degree, it has, and I be-On

xli ANNUAL REPORT OP THE Off. Doc.lieve would, to a greater extent if it were not for the fact that themine foremen are under men who give them their orders and sharenone of their responsibilities. In times such as the present in thecoal business, with ruinous competition, small margins of profit andoften no margin at all,do things and take chances inmen who are not responsible are tempted toorder that they may make a profit,which, if they were held equally responsible with the mine foremen,they would not think of doing, and while there is no doubt that thisis done more frequently than it should be, those who do so are thelosers in the end. In the report of the Umpire mine disaster, toGovernor Hastings, it was said that it should be impossible for anyothers than those who had passed a satisfactory examination inthe science and practice of mining to hold positions as mine managersor superintendents. By some, this expression has not beenreceived with favor, notwithstanding the fact that countries wherecoal has been mined longer than it has here, have, by experience,rt'cognized the necessity of allowing none but men educated in the scienceand j)ractice of mining to hold positions as mine managers. Thisappears to be right, and it is true that the large companies are fromnecessity employing experienced and practical men to look aftertheir mining interests. A recent writer in the ^'Mining and ScientificPress" says, ''A superintendent should be a practical, experiencedman who knows what ought to be fairly expected from every manin the mine's employ, what every bit of labor ought to produce, not ina niggardly, stingy spirit, but with full realization of the fact thatai'ything and everything that costs money should produce money,that there should be no pets nor favorites, nor drones, nor soft jobs,&nd that every dollar should be spent as though it were his own. Hesiiould be able to do anything and everything in or about a mine,and then be careful not to do it, but surround himself with men whocan each attend intelligently to his particular duty. Such a man isworth considerable to his employers, and even at a high salary heis a. good investment. The greatest mistake a mining company cannialce is to suppose that because a man is sharp, or a good fellow,or has made a success at something else he can run a mine." One ofour most successful superintendents in a recent article Avritten forthe American Manufacturer says it is highly desirable Ihat the superintendentshould understand coal mining in all iis details, not somuch for what he may do himself, but in order that he may be able1o judge what his subordinates are doing.Through the several Tnsi)eetoi's of the biluniinons mines. in(iuiriesinto the methods of mining, haulage, v

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xiiiresponsibility for mine accidents lias beeu made. The tables audmatter relating to accidents apply to all mine accidents in the State.It has been found impossible to take up the subjects referred to in theAnthracite mines, other than that which will be found in the reportsof the several Inspectors, relating to machinery.The system of mining in the Bituminous mines is principallydouble entry; room and pillar. In some mines the single entry systemis still practiced. An effort is made to draw the pillars in allbut 54 mines. It is very evident, however, judging from the thicknessof the seams and the number of tons secured from an acre, thatthere is not so much of the coal secured as there should be.This isbelieved to be due largely to the fact that in certain localities the coalis easy of access and in almost unlimited quantities, thus creatingno apparent necessity for any effort to depart from old and crudemethods which result in a large portion of the coal being wasted. Onthe other hand, Avhere the coal is not so easy of access, and requireslarge inyestment for development, much more effort is manifested inan endeavor to secure all the coal. Old methods are lost sight ofand new systems are devised suitable to the conditions that exist,having in view the securing of all or the greatest possible quantityof the coal. In a visit to the Oliver Mines, in looking over the mapsvnd in conversation with the superintendent, Fred. C. Keighley, itwas found that old methods had been ignored and new ones adopted,which resulted in a very material increase in the number of tonssecured per acre. Realizing the great necessity for improvement,and having in view the many reasons there are for securing all thecoal, and indirectly to stimulate and encourage the timid, Mr.Keighley was asked to write a description of the difference betweenthe old and new methods, and to make some drawings illustratingthe same, which are herewith produced.Mr Robert Brownlee, Chief of Bureau of Mines, Pa.:Dear Sir:In compliance with your request for me to furnish youw'th a description of our mining methods, I herewith enclose to youplans of part of the workings of Oliver No. 1 and No. 2 mines,Oliver, Fayette county. Pa.By inspection of plan you will observe that the object we havebeen working for, for nearly seven years, was to reach our boundariesas quickly as the circumstances would permit, and in the meantimekeep up the output of coal required for 0.30 coke ovens—nearly700.000 tons of coal per year, which was no ordinary undertaking.You will further note that the boundaries have already been reachedill one large section and th(^ retreat successfully begun. Of coursethis added to the cost of producing coal, very materially, during thepast seven years, and the work of development was more than usually

xiv ANNUAL REPORT OP THE Off. Doc.In ing, but I think that all coimeeted and concerned will be amplyrepaid hj the future benefits.Inever had any doubts as to the superiority of the "withdrawing"system, but the difficulty in the past has been to find anyone willingto furnish money and have the patience and sand necessai'y forsvicli an undertaking, and the Oliver Coke and Furnace Company,now the Oliver and vSnyder Steel Company, owners of the mines,should have the credit for it.As a principle, I have never yet found a man of good judgment andexperience that was not in favor of it—it was the time and money involvedthat stood in the way.The wastefulness of the advancing system is so well known thatI will not here take up the space for going over it, but will at onceSI ate what I think is to be gained by working as shown by the plans,viz:First. The recovery of much more coal per acre.Second. Less trouble from falls in working places, which we foundto be very great under the old system of working.Third. Less timber required, as none of it will have to stand verylong, and not so much needed to begin with.Fourth. More direct hauling roads with better grades, as the lay01 the coal is fully known.Fifth. Less pumping, as the local dips can be located and the^^ater handled to the best advantage.Sixth. Yevy much better ventilation, as the air goes (in our caseit will as soon as projected workings are ready), direct to the faceand by the shortest route, and aii-ing can be done bj' regulators veryoften instead of doors and overcasts.a.-?Seventh. Better results from haulers, as the men are not scatteredunder the old sytem.Eighth. More i>(^i"ffct surveillance of iho men, as they will bemore concentrated.Ninth.All the gases will b(^ left behind, instead of passing throughthem, as in the present ju-aclice—and after we cross the trough, thewater will also be left Ix'hind.It will be noticed that our ])rojected workings/ ai'e all laid out ont1ie bu1t room scheme, instead of Ihe faco woi-kings, as in hauls on theflats; in the face system the trip haul is on the grades.itsThird. It makes stronger room ])illars, because a butt j)illar haslength ])erj)endicular to the strike of the basin, instead of being

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xvparallel to it, as iu a face pillar, which, of course, is subject to theside hill thrust dowu grade ou its weakest side.Fourth. Ill the loug run the butt work is in favor of the miiier(^though hard ou him iu its first stage), because in cutting over todraw the pillars the work is all face work, which is much easier.For instance, our butt rooms are laid out on -40 foot centres, withThe face rooms are on the samea 10 foot room and a 30 foot pillar.centres, but with a 12 foot face and a 28 foot pillar.In drawing out the pillar the miner has to cut over about every"2')foot length of pillar drawn back, so it is quite a relief for himto be able to do that work on the face.In the face room, when the miner conies to draw the pillars,the cutting over them has to be done on the butts.In short, the actual butt work, in the butt rooms, is 10 feet indriving up the room, and face work in drawing out the pillar, 30feet, or 3 to 1 in favor of the miner. The face work would be 12feet in the face rooms and 28 feet butt work drawing pillar, or 3 to7 against the miner.Fifth. The pillar in the butt room is taken out without the useof turns, which are expensive, and necessary in face work whencoal is mined ou grades.Sixth. There is less waste of coal by the butt room system thanin face rooms on a grade, as the bottom coal is not left on the dipside to keep roads level, which is no insignificant loss on heavygrades.We are not the introducers of the butt room system, as it is inpractice at several other mines, and we do not know who werethe originators (there seem to be many aspirants for that honor), but"whoever oinginated deserves much credit.In conclusion, I wish to remark that we were of necessity compelledto mine considerable coal between the shafts and the presentdevelopments.The ventilation as shown by plan is not the final system, as thev,ork is still incomplete, but will be indicative of the intended system.Yours very truly,FRED. E. KEIGHLEY,Superintendent.Mr. Keighley says further that he will be greatly disappointed ifhe does not get fully ten per cent, more coal per acre than is securedby the best work on the advancing system. The advancingsystem is wrong in principle, yet an extraordinary good roof, lightcover and easy grades would enable a careful man to make a showingthat would be very hard to excel by any other method. For years,the mines of the Connellsville Coke Region were worked on the advancingsystem, and up to ten 3'ears ago fully 50 per cent, of the areaall

xvi ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.mined over liad been lost forever. Better methods, more knowledgeand care under advancing systems have reduced the loss very much oflate years, but the \ery best practice, in all probability, does notgive more than 9U per cent, of a yield under the most favorable conditions.With favorable conditions it is belived that practically allthe coal can be secured by the system now being put inoperation.Credit is due Mr. Keighley or any other man w^ho can devise and putin practice methods whereby two tons of coal can be secured whereonly one was obtained before. It has been said that the man whomakes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before is api'blic benefactor, so also is the man who can secure from the bowelsof the earth two tons of coal where only one was secured before.Since the above was written an opportunity has been had of i^ersonallyexamining the Oliver and Snyder Steel Company's mines andfrom observations while there, it is believed that there is no doubt Mr.Keighley will realize all he anticipates. A casual observer canreadily see the pronounced advantage the new or ''retreating" systemhas over the old or ''advancing" system, in regard to the safetyof the workmen, the ventilation and the' great difference in thequantity of coal secured. The haulage is by endless rope, and theinstallation is such that cars can be attached to it at any time and inany place. The cars are fastened to the rope with a specially constructedgrip that is easily manipulated. The speed at which therope travels is such that the attendants have no trouble in attachingfind detaching the cars. Everything about the mine is in first classcondition, showing that Mr. Keighley fully realizes that what isworth doing is worth doing well, and while this is true in Mr. Keighky'scase, the same condition appears to exist pretty generallythroughout the coke region. At the time the Oliver mines werevisited some of the H. C. Frick Coke Company's mines were also visitedand the plants found in first class condition, and all machineryand appliances well constructed.The reports furnished by the several Inspectors of the bituminousmines during the year show that the coal in 328 mines is owned bythe operator, and that in 240 mines it is leased by the operator, andin 41 mines it is partly leased and partly owned. Safety lampsare used in all the districts except the Third and Tenth. There are288 minesi where ventilation is pj-oduced by furnaces, 288 by fans.3 by steam and 34 by natural means. The water is removed from271 mines by pumps, from J) by syphon, and from 333 by naturaldrainage. The method of haulage is by mules in 344 mines, byrope in 231, by steam locomotive in 8, by electricity in 28, by compressedair in 4, Fifty four mines are reported where no attemptis made to draw the pillars. Twenty-four mines are re])()rted ofwhich thei-e are no maps. At 210 mines the miners are paid by

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xviithe long ton and at 403 by tlie short ton of 2,000 pounds. At 242mines the coal is screened and at oil run of mine is shipped. Miningmachines are used in every inspection district. The numberreported as in use is D02; of these, G20 are driven by compressedair and 273 by electricit}'. Air is used in DO mines and electricityin 357. There are reported to be 1,937 men operating mining machines,9,120 men loading machine mined coal, 54 men running electricmotors, and 73 electriciansf. There are 96 electric dynamos orgenerators, which are capable of transmitting 8,433 horse power.Three are alternating current and the others direct. Seventy-onehave a voltage of 250 and under; the other 25 have from 250 to 500.There are 54 electric locomotives equal to 2,714 horse power, and 4compressed air locomotives equal to 280 horse power. The numberof stationery engines in use outside is 813 and their combined horsepower is 70,835. There are 55 stationary engines ins'ide the mineswith a horse power of 4,038. There are 74 steam locomotives outsideand their combined horse power is 4,021. There are 17 steamlocomotives used inside the mines and their combined horse poweris 418. There are 553 steam pumps with a combined capacity of157,871 gallons per minute, 36 electric pumjjs with a combined cajtacityof 12,696 gallons per minute, and 223 other pumps with a combinedcapacity of 37,822 gallons per minute.The foregoing statistical matter is given just as received from theseveral Mine Inspectors, and it is presumed to be correct.The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, which is extensively engagedin the manufacture of mining machinery, shipped its first miningmachine into this State in 1878. These machines were of the "aircutter bar" type, which was the earliest type of machine used forundercutting coal. From that time until 1889 the air cutter bar machinewas the only one used in the State of Pennsylvania, undercuttinga uniform cut in height and width.While of late the increase in the use of mining machines in thebituminous mines has been very general, it has not been greater thanthat in mechanical haulage, by electricity^, compressed air or wirerope, all of which have their supporters, and each of which commendsitself to certain conditions. While rope haulage has beenin use for many years, improvements are still being made which addto its efficiency. The application of electricity and compressed airto mine haulage is of recent date. The first electric locomotiveshipped into this State by the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company wasfurnished and shipped in the latter part of 1894. Since that timethey have probably shi])ped about 50. H. K. Porter and Company,of Pittsburgh, have built and furnished for use in the bituminousmines two compressed air locomotives, 8x14 cylinders, classes B-P. P.;one locomotive, 7x14 cylinders, class B-P. P.; two 9|xl4 cylinders,B.—11—98

xviii ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.ciuss C-P. P.; two y|-xl4: cyliuders, class C-P. P.; aud oue 8x14 cylinder,class C-P. P. In addition to the above they aie now buildingtwo for the Penn Gas Coal Company, 8x14 cylinders, class C-P.P. n. This form of underground haulage isf conceded to be the onlysafe system as against danger of causing explosions of mine gas,and by some it is thought to be more reliable and less liable to breakdowns.Those who favor it think it handles the output at a smallercost than any other form of haulage, be that as it may, there is noquestion but that the introduction of machinery into the mines isof material benefit to those employed in the mines and to all consumersof coal. Bituminous coal has fallen so in price that we areprone to think it is very cheap. Still it can be mined at a smallfraction of the cost of mining anthracite even with the present appliances,but in a number of the mines these are crude aud inefficient.There is far more hand work with the pick and shovelthan is necessary, and this adds greatly to the cost of mining. Thepresent cost covers the portion of the cost of mining which mightbe saved by the use of machinery. When modern machinery shallhave been generally introduced, the average cost of soft coal willbe greatly decreased. Among those engaged in mining are many whoare opposed to the introduction of machinery in mines, and who believeit to be to their detriment. Such is not the case, however. TheSI rplus labor set free from time to time by the introduction of laborsaving machinery is rendered useful in a higher order of occupations.As fast as the supply of the lower order of wants can be effected bymeans of machinery, large numbers press forward into vocationswhich have to deal with inter-communication, the diffusion of scienceand aesthetic culture and the refinement of taste. Those who laborii) this higher field constantly increase in larger proportion thanthe normal percentage of increase in population—50 per cent, inthe last 20 years, according to the data of Commissioner ITarris,Chief of Federal Bureau of Education. An investigation madeby the Labor Bureau in Washington has brought out some furtherproof as to the great benefits that are derived from labor saving machinery.The cost of production has been in that way enormouslydecreased. One man with the aid of machinery can oftentimes dothe work which it required ten men to do without machinery. Thisgreatly reduced the price of such machine made articles. Has itinjured the workmen? On the contrary, there has been a large increasein the number of persons required for the production of allar-ticles by machinery in order to meet present demands, over thenumber necessary to meet the demands under the hand labor system.The cheapening of the articles increases the consumption, therebygiving more emi)loyment to workmen than before. There neverwas* a more benighted outcry than that of workmen who are falselyled to believe that labor saving machinery injures them,

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xixThese are indeed prosperous times iii the coal trade, aud it is to behoped that miners and operators will profit by past experience andtake advantage of the opportunity that is now offered for buildingup a steady and pioht;ible business for all interested. One thingis certain, and that is that since the Welsh coal strike, Pennsylvaniacoal has gained a foothold in foreign markets which will neverbe lost if the demand can be supplied when wanted. It is the opinionof the Welsh mine owners that the strike among their miners openedup to the United States, foreign markets where heretofore Britishcoal had supremacy, and had it not been for the great Welsh strikeAmerica never would have had the opportunity of demonstratingto the foreign consumers the superiority of her coal.This is an. objectlesson that all may profit by. The prosperity in the coaltrade, judging from the production, applies wholly to bituminouscoal. The market for anthracite coal has apparently reached itslimit. It is true there is an increase in 1898 of 197,821 tons over1897, but that is in all probability due to the extraordinarily severeweather that prevailed. It appears from the number of days thatthe mines were in operation during the year, that the mines nowopened and number of men employed, ai^e capable of producing verymuch more coal, which shows that there are more mines opened andmore men employed than are necessary to supply the demand. Theconcentration of mining interests will undoubtedly tend to improvepresent conditions. It is gratifying to note that while nearly2()0,000 tons more coal were produced in the anthracite region thanin 1897, 7,137 less men were employed. In the bituminous region9,573,361 more tons were produced than in 1897 and only 1,369 morepeople employed. When it is considered that 148.4 was the averagenumber of days the mines in the anthracite region were worked,it can readily be seen that there are more mines in operation andmore men employed than are needed to supply the demand for anthracitecoal. The average number of days worked, namely 208^,in the bituminous mines, is a better showing than that of the anthracitemines. At the same time it proves that those employedin the bituminous mines are capable of producing very much morecoal than they have. Notwithstanding this, these figures showthat the earnings of the employes in and about the hiines of the Statemust have been greater than for recent years.Owing to the great industrial and commercial growth of the CounellsvilleCoke Region and its importance as a coal producing districtof the State, a history of it has been prepared for the report.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.THE CONNELLSVILLE COKE KEGION.Geographical Position.The territory kuowu as the Conuellsville Coke Region lies in thecounties of Westmoreland and Fayette in the southwestern part ofrennsylvania. Its boundaries reach from a few miles south of thetown of Latrobe, in ^^'estmorelaud county, to within a S'hort distancenorth of the famous Mason and Dixon line, in Fayette county, andembrace a deposit of coal geologically known as the ''Blairsvilletrough," which is forty-two miles long and has an average width ofthree and one-quarter miles, and contains by the maps 13G^ squaremiles or 87,360 acres. An accurate computation of the area, however,has been ascertained from the individual surveys of each tractin the region, which gives the acreage as 87,770. Of this, 27,776acres have been mined, consequently there is left for future operationsGO,OOU acres of solid coal.GeologicalFeatures.In the Annual Eeport of 1896, Geological Survey of Pennsylvania,Mr, E. V. d'Invilliers says, "Moreover to Westmoreland county belongsthe distinction of furnishing the typical coking gas coals ofthe United States, and with Fayette county, itannually distributesto far distant points about 75 per cent, of all the coke made in thiscountry." Again, in the same report, he says of Fayette county,"Whether from its almost unrivalled coking coal fields, containedwiihin the Blairville basin, from Jacobs creek, itsnorthern boundary,to Uniontown and Fairchance, without a break, or from its vastand practically untouched gas and steam coal territory held withinthe Lisbon trough, between the Youghiogheny and Monongahelarivers, this county, or at least its western half, is destined to becomea vast supply station from which thousands of tons of highgrade fuel wealth are to be distributed far and wide, to meet the wantsof distant communities."This Connellsville seam of coal yields from 8 to 10 feet of workablecoal. The coal is clean, almost free from slate and sulphur, remarkablysoft, easily mined and uniform in quality and thickness.The purity of this coal and its chemical and physical characteristicsuTake it peculiarly adapted for coking and gives it great value. It iseasily mined, and cokes with but little care. It is this ease of mining and coking that makes it possible to put coke from this districl

Coking Pnrrss

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxiiu competition with cokes and fuels in the juost distant parts ofthe United States."History and Growth.During the past quarter of a century many of our largest industrieshave made their most noticeable advancement, yet none hasmade more rapid strides or been of greater importance and valuethan tlie manufacture of coke. The date of the first production ofcoke is iu doubt. By some authorities it is claimed that it was usedin the United States some years prior to 1770. Be this as it may,the best authenticated history gives Isaac Meason credit for thefirst production of coke in the Connellsville region. In 181G and 1817he built the first rolling mill erected west of the Allegheny mountains,at I'lumsock, Fayette county, and this mill went into operationin September of the latter year. The coke was used in the rehneiyand was made in Fayette county. In 1836, F. H. Oliphantbegan the use of coke as a fuel in Fairchance Furnace. From abouttiiat year the man}- smaller furnaces, forges and iron works whichused charcoal began to close out, and as nearly as can be determined,that date marks the beginning of the decline or passing ofcharcoal as a furnace fuel, although its manufacture continued formany jears thereafter in the Connellsville region. Some idea ofthe extent of this industry, which has long since been supersededby the coke industry, may be formed from the following data: In1837 there were nine blast furnaces, four forges and rolling millsand numerous foundries in this region. The nine furnaces manufactured500 tons each per annum, or a total of 4..500 tons. It reeluired J)0 bushels of charcoal to produce a ton of metal, hence 405,-000 bushels were used yearly by these furnaces. In the absenceof reliable data it is possible only to approximate the extent of theproduction of charcoal, and merely to suggest the amount used bythe. numerous foundries, furnaces and forges, both in and out of theregion. However, it must have been quite extensive as the mountainsides, from base to summit, are dotted with the old circularcharcoal pits which yet lie as bare and barren altnost as the day oftheir abandonment. Doubtless, when these pits were ablaze, thesettlersof the valley were reminded of the camp and bivouac firesof the army of General Braddock which marched along the crestand sides of these same mountains in its disastrous campaign againstthe Fr-ench and Indians at Fort Pitt. The burning of charcoal andits use as fuel did not come to an end abruptly, but, like the beginningof the use and production of coke, its decline was slow and fitful.Even yet some charcoal is made and used for special purposes. Notlonger than twelve years ago, William Beeson and Robert Hogsett,(f Fayette county, now deceased, made and sold to various iron

xxii ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.manufacturers of Pittsburgh large (luaiitities of charcoal. It is toiliis day jtroduced in other sections of the tState, but in the Counellsvilleregion its era is ended. There "coke is king."In 1841 the tirst coke was made in ovens in this region. "Thatyear Provance Mc(,'ormick and James Campbell, two carpenters,everhearing an Englishman commenting on the rich deposits of coalnear Connellsville, and itsfitness for coke, as well as the value ofcoke for foundry purposes, determined to enter into the businessof making coke. Associating with John Taylor, a stone mason whoowned a farm on the Youghiogheny river, including a coal mine,they constructed two ovens, and in the spring of 1842 enough cokehad been made to fill two boats ninety feet long and holding about800 bushels. They started dowai the river on a high stage of waterto Cincinnati. On reaching that city they found that coke as a fuelwas unknown there, and foundrymen called their cargo ''cinders."This was the firstcoking enterprise in the Conuellsville region, butinsignificant as it was, the initial step of the coke industry had beentaken. These same ovens were rented in 1843 to Mordecai, Jamesand Sample Cochran, who used them in making 24-hour coke. Theyboated 1,300 bushels to the same city and sold it to one Miles Greenwood,an iron manufacturer who had learned of its value as a furnacefuel. Tills was the first coke ever taken from the region andsold for money, Campbell, McCormick and Taylor having traded theircargo for an iron grist mill.In 1851 the trade began to increase and there were 26 coke ovens{it)Ove Pittsburgh. In 184f» Cochran and'Keister built 40 ovens onHickman's run. In 1860 the Conuellsville Gas, Coal and Coke Com-I)any built 40 ovens near Conuellsville.In 1869, Watt, Taylor & Co.built 40 ovens near Dunbar. These were about all the ovens in theregion up to 1871. In 1870 there was a total of 3,576 ovens; in1880 there were 7,211. These increased to 8,208 in 1881, 9,283 in1882. and to 10,176 in 188:*). From this year up to and including1886, but few ovens were erected, while some had beini abandonedbecause of the exhaustion of the coal, leaving the total numbersanding, 10,952. From that date until 1894, the number had increasedto 17,834. The number January 1, 1899, was 18,643.The Beehive Oven—Construction and Cost.This type of oven varies in size from 10 feet 6 inches in diameter at the base and 7 feet high to crown, in the clear, to 12 feet indiameter and 8 feet high. The material required to construct an ovenef Ihese dimensions is 2,500 to 2,600 common bricks, 1,100 to 1,200lining fire brick, 120 to 125 bottom tile, from 15^ to 22 cubic yardsof stone, and top ring, nrch blocks and jambs. About 20 special

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxi.ishapes are reijuired of these tine bricks, which for the most partare made in or adjacent to the district. The additional cost of acoke phmt consists in the construction of the yard, its retainingwalls and the larry track rails which are laid on top of the ovens.This brings the coS't of a single oven up to |3U0. Exclusive of theJSemet-Solvay plant of 30 ovens at Dunbar, the cost of which hasnot been divulged, the remaining 18,503 ovens in this region representan investment of |5,577,JJU() for their construction alone. Thebeehive ovens are built in single rows and called bank ovens, andthose in double rows are called "block ovens." On block ovens thelarr}' track is laid directly between the trunnel heads of each rowof parallel ovens composing the block. On the bank ovens thistrack is laid in the rear of the trunnel heads of the single row ofovens composing the bank. The larry, or large iron wagon usedto charge the ovens with coal, is coiistructed with a discharge oneach side to reach both lines of ovens, and with but one dischargefor the single line or bank ovens. These liirries run on the tracksabove mentioned and are hauled either singly, by mules*, or in trainsby small locomotives.Process of Burning Coke in Beehive Ovens.The process of burning coke is very simple, rne coal, on beingbrought out of the mine is deposited in a large funnel-shaped bin,from whence it is delivered by simple appliances into the larries,which deliver it through the orifices in the top into the ovens. Thesecliurgesi vary from 120 to 165 bushels, and consequently the yieldof coke varies from three to five tons per oven.After the oven has been charged, the coal is evenly distributedover the bottom by means of a long iron rod with a scraper weldedon the end, through the door in front, which is 26x30 inches. Thisis now walled up with brick and plastered with a luting of finesharp sand or loam to exclude the air. In a short time a pale, bluesmoke slowly arises from the now open trunnel head. The smokegradually grows denser and darker, and in about half an hour asudden pufl", resembling somewhat an explosion of unconfined powder,is heard, which is notice that the coal is ignited. The chargeburns from the top down, and the })rocess of burning or "airing"the ovens is regulated by nutans of small holes made around thearch of the door in the form of a semicircle. Through these openiigsthe air is admitted, and the smoke and impurities are expelledthrough the oiiening in fhe top of the oven. The oven is "around"when the mass is properly coked. The "drawers" now take chargeof the oven, remove the bricks from the door, cool the coke by introducingwater into the oven by means of a hose to the end of which

xxiv ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.is fastened a three-quarter inch gas pipe; when tlioroughly cooledtiie contents are drawn out of the oven by the same implementsused to level the coal, and loaded directly into the freight cars readylor shipment. The oven thus emptied is immediately charged again,and in 48 hours is ready to be drawn once more, and so on indefinitelyunless purposely left out of blast. When first fired, the coal is ignitedby means of wood, hot coals, 'etc., in the same way in whicha fire is started in a stove. After repeated charging and drawing,the oven becomes hot, and the subsequent charges become ignitedby the heat retained in the oven walls. For cooling the coks, pure\,ater is absolutely necessary to insure the purest coke, for if it containssulphur or other im])urities, the coke absorbs them, and becomesinjurious to metals manufactured with it.As the Connellsville coke region is the greatest coke region inthe world, so is the H. C. Frick Coke Company the greatest coke producingfirm in the world.This company owns and controls the output of two-thirds of theo\-ens in the region, and sells three-fourths of the coke that entersihe market. The annual capacity of the plants owned and controlledby it reaches the enormous aggregate of 500,000 cars, or about9,000,000 tons. Its coal supply is entirely commensurate with itsimmense manufacturing capacity. Out of about 60,000 acres ofavailable Connellsville coal remaining in the region, this companyowns about 45,000. Among the first in the field and early impressedv/ith the destiny of the region, it was the- policy of the company toenlarge its holdings as fast as possible, and especially itscoal landholdings, hence the kingly acreage it has acquired. It is also amatter worthy of mention that this coal lies for the most part inthe very heart of the region, in or near what is technically known asthe basin, hence the superior quality of the Frick coke, which hasa name for excellence in every market.The history of the H. C. Frick Coke Company is largely a historyof the Connellsville region so far at least as progress and developmentis concerned. The officers and managers of this company fromits distinguished founder down, have been uuiformly active, energeticand progressive, and to these marked characteristics of managementmay in a large measure be attributed the company's presentcommanding position in the coke trade of the region nnd the country.The H. C. Frick Coke Company is the oldest and by far the largestcompany doing business in the Connellsville coke region. Beingfirst to enter the field, it easily acquired possession of the richest coallands, taking at the same time care to get control of lauds throughwhich flowed the f»urest and most imj)ortant streams of water. As

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxvthe firm was progressive itsearly advaiitages were uot allowed tolie dormant, but were developed to tlie fullest fruition.Hem-y Clay Frick, the head of this company, was its founder, hencethe history of the company and the biography of its founder are inseparablyinterwoven in the same story. As early as 1871, when amere youth, Mr. Frick with that foresight which has characterizedhis whole business career, became convinced that Counellsville coalmade the best coke in the world, and that the future of the businesswas in its puling infancy. For many years he gave his entire attentionand time to the development of the region and the extension ofliii' holdings. He builded broad and deep, and he builded well.Mr. Frick entered the field without experience and against theadvice of older heads, who sneeringiy predicted his early downfall.Uis means were small, but his capital of brains and energy was amplefor the great undertaking he then entered upon. The firm of H. C.Frick & Company started in business with 50 ovens and 150 acres ofcoal. Soon after the firm added 50 ovens and built a new plant of100 ovens, which was christened Henry Clay. Notwithstanding thecrushing business depression lasting from 1873 to 1879, the pushingyoung firm steadily increased its holdings and enlarged its businessuntil at the period mentioned the company had in operation 1,546ovens. In 1882 the company was the leading one in Connellsvilleregion. It was then greatly strengthened by the admission intothe firm of the Carnegie Bros. & Co., the leading steel manufacturersof the country.In the following April, the firm was merged into a corporationunder the name and style of the H. C. Frick Coke Company with acapital stock of |2,000,000. Mr. Frick was made the president ofthe company. One year later, in 1883, the capital was increasedto 13,000,000 and in 1889 to |5,000,000. The company has steadilygrown, constantly buying new plants and increasing itsacreage ofcoal until it has reached the position it now occupies. Its successand much of the de\elopment of the Connellsville region is due to theclear business vision and wonderful executive ability of the manwhose name it bears.As the H. C. Frick Coke Company succeeded as a new venture inthe Connellsville" coke region, so new methods and new features havelargely contributed to the success of the firm, and have been consiantly introduced and developed inevery dei)artment of the business,thereby adding to the value of the product, reducing the costof manufacture and extending its use. One of the most importantfeatures is the establishment of plants for the crushing of coke, orthe breaking of it into sizes to correspond with anthracite coal, whichIntter article crushed coke is rapidly su])erseding. The H. C. FrickCoke Company is the principal producer and shipper of crushed

xxvi ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.coke in the Connellsville region, and so extended lias this branchof the firm's business now become that the list of customers coversk11 parts of the country. The firm tas three lai'ge crushers, whichare kei)t busy supplying the demand at the rate of 50 cars daily.Crushed coke is used for light manufacturing purposes, for blacksmithing,forging, copper smelting and all kindred trades and manufactures.It has also grown rapidly in favor as a substitute foranthracite coal in domestic uses, or even soft coal, and the field inthis direction is unlimited. Wherever a new idea has been suggestedthe H. C. Frick Coke Company has been ijuick to investigate it,andany advantage to be derived from successful improvements hasalways been taken. In every decided improvement the firm has beenthe pioneer. Electricity and compressed air were employed by thisprogressive corporation promptly upon their introduction. At theLemont Works, near Uniontown, the company has installed a modelair compressor plant. Its purpose is to supply power necessary forthe operation of all the pumps and inside haulage engines in LemontNos. 1 and 2, which are adjacent mines, and which had been workedso extensively that boiler pressure was no longer effective. Throughihe introduction of this plant, a saving of at least 50 per cent, in theamount of coal consumed and in the operation of the mine pumpsis effected. The plant was erected at a cost of |25,000; it is oneof the most effective and in every detail most complete machines ofits kind in the country at the present time, and has been so describedin mining and trade journals. The firm was the first to provide ona large scale for an efficient and pure supply of water, which isof the necessary adjuncts to any coke plant for the production of aclean and valuable output. The company now has five water plants.VIZ.: The Youghiogheny Water Company's pumping plant at BroadFord; the Mt. Pleasant at Mt. Pleasant, which also includes thecostly pumping plant and immense reservoirs at Bridgeport, andthe Southwest Water Company's j)lant near Connellsville.oneThe latterplant, as well as that at Bi'oad Ford, draws its supply from therippling waters of the Youghiogheny. a pure mountain stream. Thegreatest and most important pumping i)lant is that of the TrotterWater Company at Bhoetruck, located above Connellsville, also onthe Youghiogheny, the capacity of which can be increased indefinitely.The aggregate capacity of the different pumping plants is 10.000.000g? lions daily. All of these plants were constructed at a great expenseand are so effective that during the long drouth of the summerand fall of 1S07 this companv had at all times an abundance of water.It can safely be predicted that the Frick company will never becompelled to cuitail its production or disappoint its customers onncf'ount of a scarcity of the crystal fluid.The coke industry grew up with the building of the railroads in

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxviithe Connellsville coke region. So important was tlie industry thatthe operators were not compelled to locate their plants to suit therailroads, but the railroads, eager to get the heavy tonnage, wentto the coke plants. Owing, therefore, to the immense output ofIhe H. C. Frick Coke Company, the railroads vied with each otherin running lines to the various plants, and thus this company obtainedthe best shipping facilities in the Connellsville region. Nearlyevery plant has connections with two or more railroad systems.Superioradvantages for transportation are afforded by three of thegreatest trunk lines in the United States, viz., the Pennsylvania,Baltimore and Ohio and the Vanderbilt systems. These lines havebeen instrumental in making the Connellsville region one of thebusiest spots on the face of the country. They have also made Alleghenycounty the iron centre of the world. The productive wealthof the Connellsville region has given to the iron and steel manufacturingenterprises in and about IMttsburgh the great advantageof having a superior fuel at their very doors. It was largely throughthe efforts of the H. C. Frick Coke Company that Allegheny countyis foremost in Pennsylvania, and in the United States in the productionof iron and steel. Through the superior furnace and foundryfuel produced by the great Connellsville concern, manufacturers inAllegheny county are making the best iron and steel produced in theworld, and they are able to compete in quality and price with themanufacturers of the globe.Much has been done by this company to open new markets forConnellsville coke. It has been instrumental to a large extent inthe development of the varied uses found for this fuel, and the firmhas given as many persons employment at profitable wages as anyfivm doing business in America.^ot only are remunerative wages paid, but every precaution istaken at the plants for the safety and health of employes. The minesui the region owned by the company are models of neatness, and areworked under the personal direction of corps of mining engineerswho project the work of the mines with a view to economy and safetyof operation and in strict accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth.The .larger mines are equipped with electric lights, theKiables in which the mules are kept underground are guarded fromthe dangers of fire and flood, and ventilation and drainage are maintainedat a standard far beyond that which is demanded by the mininglaws. Such a policy has been found to be profitable, and is an importantadjunct to the economical handling of coal. The output of someof the larger j)lants of the firm is so great as to astonish ])ersonswho consider a coal mine a dull underground passageway where mendig and drudge.

xxviii ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Magnitude of this Enterprise.Of the 18,608 ovens now ckissed as being in ihe Connellsville cokeregion, the product of 3,080 of them is used by furnace companieswho own and operate them, and none of their output is soldin the marlvet.Tlie product of 15,528 ovens is therefore left for salein the open market, and of this quantity the H. C. Frick Coke Companyand its allied companies own and market about 78 per centwhich is the jiroduct of ovens located in the very heart of the Connellsvillecoal basin. The H. C. Frick Coke Company owns 48 of the87 coke plants in the region, 45,000 acres of coal land and 15,000acj-es of surface land. The plants include 12 fine shafts, 22 slopesand 14 drift mines. For the economical handling of coal 14 air compressorshave been installed. Surrounding the coke plant are 60ndles of railroad track, and 30 locomotives are in use for the chargingof the ovens. The etiuipment also includes 108 stationary steamengines; 247 steam boilers; 50 miles of wire rope; 6,000 mine cars;300 miles of mine track; 800 head of horses and mules for use in themines and on the ovens and company farms; innumerable fans and'v^ater tanks, many miles of pipe lines;electric plants and incidentalmachinery for drifts, slopes and shafts.The H. C. Frick Coke Company has erected at Everson extensivetar shops for the building and repairing of the firm's individual cars.At present these number 2,500 and are a valuable acquisition to thetransport atioii facilities of the company. In times of car faminethe firm's individual cars, used only for the shipment of coke from ther( ! ion, have been important factors in supplying the demand of customerswhen their orders could have been filled with less celerity1,\ coke companies not so well eijuipped with rolling stock or whollydc] eiident upon the railroads for cars. The car shops employ 75men, and in addition to the regular repair work have a capacity oftiM-niiig out two new cars each day. The firm also has extensiveiiij'.cliine shops, where forgings of all kinds are made, as well asshajK's and fiiiislied material for the varied uses of the ditlerentplants.The H. C. Frick (>oke Company, when operating all its plants, employs12,000 men. With few exceptions these employes reside incomfortable houses owned by the company. Most of the houses aresurrounded with i>lots of ground, where gardens abound, and theillustration of these company houses isthe strongest

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxixaid comforts nave beeii increased from time to time to maintainthat standard.At each of the general offices of tlie company a laboratory ib establisshed,where coal and coke are freqnently tested, for the purpose ofwatching the analyses that the fame and the name of the Frick cokenay not grow dim. By this system the standard is preserved, andthe uniformity of the product of the firm is constantly recognizedbv consumers as one of the first reasonsi for the steady use of theFrick coke, both foundry and furnace.Frick Foundry Coke.Kecognizing the importance of a special coke particularly adaptedfor foundry uses, the H. C. Frick Coke Company, at an early date,made a specialt}^ of this branch of the business. Large amounts ofni( ney were exijeuded in experiments to maintain a uniform highstandard of quality and to bring to the attention of foundrymen generallythe advantages of the firm's coke over inferior grades of cokeand anthracite coal. Trade in this line has been developed by thefirm until it now constitutes a large and important department of thebusiness. It may be said that Frick foundry coke is the cream ofthe firm's production. This claim has been widely recognized, andtlie list of consumers in all pai'ts of the country now exceeds 5,000in number. This coke is selected by workmen of large experiencein the manufacture of coke adapted for foundry purposes, thus infeia'inga uniformity and high grade not otherwise to be obtained.Frick foundry coke is very hard, being made from the cleanest coalburned 72 hours, has "bearing up" qualities of the first rank, is pickedin large pieces and its analysis shows it to be especially free fromsilphur and all impurities.The superiority of Frick coke for foundr^^ and melting purposesis almost universall}' conceded, and careful and intelligent trialslijivedemonstiated the following advantages:1. Its freedom from sulphur gives clean, solid castings, smooth surface,sharp edges and a minimum per cent, of imperfect castings.The sulphur in coal and inferior coke makes castings hard, brittleand imperfect.2. A given weight will melt from 30 to 50 per cent, more iron in20 per cent, less time than the same weight of anthracite coal, willshow a large saving in fuel and better castings.3. It requires much less blast than other fuels on account of itsporosity and ability to maintain a heavy burden until entirely consumed.4. By reason of its melting iron hot and soft, it admits the use ofmuch more scrap than other fuel,

XXX ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.5. It makes the minimum quantity of slag. The furnace does nothave to be picked out when coke is used with a little limestone.6. It does not clinker.7. It is easy on cupola linings; drops clean, and does not throwsparks.These qualities have not only brought recognition from a largetrade in the United States and Canada, but large consignments havealso been sent to Mexico and Europe.The H. C. Frick Coke Company has not been the only large conct-rnto demonstrate by thorough analyses the superiority of the firm'sproduct. Tests made all over the world have added to the renowno" the company's fuel. The C. A. Treat Manufacturing Company, ofHannibal, Mo., manufacturers of car wheels, castings and railroadsupplies, gives the following figures from four heats running from 4to 6|-tons:Pounds Iron MeltedIron Melted. Coke Used. With 1 lb. Coke.9,800 lbs. 635 lbs. 15 55-1278,800 lbs. 530 lbs. 16 32-5210,700 lbs. 610 lbs. 17 25-6113,100 lbs. 680 lbs. 19 18-26''We have never been able to obtain the above results with anyother brand of coke," says the firm which made the test.The following is an average analysis of "Frick" coke as given byProf. McCreath, of the Pennsylvania State Laboratory:Water at 225 degrees, .030Volatile matter, .460Fixed carbon, 89.576Sulphur, .821Ash 9.113100.000The IT. C. Frick Coke Compauy also make a specialty of a gradeknown as "hand ])icked coke," used by chemical com])anies for ])ackiugacid towers, for filtering purposes, etc. This coke is not forked,but is passed from tlie ovens to the car by hand, and is thereforedelivered to custonn-rs in very large ])ieces.The Connells\ille coke region is the greatest coke region in theworld; the H. C. Frick Coke Company is the greatest firm in thatregion, and this firm owns the largest plant in that region,known as the Standard Works. This plant is by far themost extensive devoted to the manufacture of coke in the UnitedStates, if not iu the world. It is located near Mt. Pleasant, in thecentre of the finest of the Connellsville coking coal belt.There are

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxxiin all 905 ovens at the plant, and were these arranged in a singlecontinuous line they would extend a distance of nearly three miles.These works are complete in every detail, and in the plans and locationrellect special credit upon their designer. This plant comprisestwo shafts and one slope, fcshaft No. 1 is for ventilation exclusively.It is supplied with a fan 25 feet in diameter with a 9-foot face.Thisis the largest fan in the Counellsville region. It is operated by a20x30 inch horizontal engine, connected directly with the shaft ofthe fan.The main object in the location of this plant was the reductionin the cost of the manufacture of coke to the minimum. This resulthas been obtained, and in the operation of the plant a gigantic productionof the silver fuel is made annually. Among the importantimprovements that are installed at this mammoth plant is a patentcaging apparatus, which is the invention of the superintendent of theworks. The operation consists essentially of two steam rams, placedback of the shaft, and two transfer tracks running on a track acrossthe tipple in the rear of the head frame, which are operated by asieam cylinder. By this device a great saving of time is made anda greater output of coal is obtained. By means of this apparatusthere have been handled 8,021 tons of coal in 8^ hours, and since itsadoption it has averaged for 275 days 2,148 tons daily. There areinstalled throughout these works many features which are decidedimprovements in coking methods, reaching into every department.It is a model coke plant in mining methods, mechanical devices andenlarged and improved production. The plant was reproduced inminiature, with complete operative machinery, coke ovens, companyhouses and surroundings at the World's Fair at Chicago, and haslater been exhibited at the Pittsburgh Exposition.The ollflcers of the H. C. Frick Coke Company are as follows:Thomas Lynch, president; M. M. Bosworth, secretary; W. C. Magee,vice president; G. B. Bosworth, vice president and treasurer; C. H.Spencer, general agent; O. W. Kennedy, g>eneral superintendent.Thomas Lynch, president, has been connected with the firm whose officialhead he now is,since the laying of the foundations of the giantindustry. He rose gradually to his high position by close applicationto duty in every detail of the concern, using the ability, the scopeof which may be measured only by the growth and immensity of theenterprise. Mr. Lynch has been a business man in the truest senseof the work. He has watched the manufacture of coke from the dig-^ung down of the coal in the mine to the analysis of the finished fuelin the laboratory of the company. His aim has been to make the bestcoke on the market, and in a quantity fitted to the quality. Theposition of the H. C. Frick Coke Company to-day is the best indexof his success.

xxxii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.All the other officers of the lirrn have been chosen for their experienceand their adaptability to the offices they fill. The interestsof the company have been their interests, and the name and fame ofthe corporation carries with it an undivided praise for their service.The general offices of the company are in the Carnegie Building,Pittsburgh, Pa.February 23, 1898, Mine Inspectors Evans and Knapper calledat the office of the Bureau with mai>s of Mt. Vernon No. G mine, theproperty of the United Colliery Company, together with maps ofOcean Ko. 'Z mine, the property of B. W. Coal Mining Company, forthe purpose of advising as to the proper course to pursue in view ofthe apparent danger to the persons employed in the Mt. Vernon mine,the Ocean :Xo. 2 mine having been abandoned, allowing a larg-e quantityof water to accumulate with sufficient head to break through thebarrier pillar, as shown on the mine map. After a careful examinationof the mine maps, the action of the Inspectors was endorsedin causing the operation of the mine to be suspended until the dangerwas removed. This suspension took place January 29, 1898.Nothing more was done until March 21, when the company concludedto pump the water from the Ocean No. 2 mine, the owners of whichsoJd them the entire plant of hoisting engines, boilers,pumps, etc.,which were still on the property. After pumping several weeks,iiiaterially reducing the head of water, a hole was drilled at a pointwhere the map showed the pillar to be 10 feet thick.The hole wasdrilled 37 feet G inches without cutting through the pillar, showingconclusively that there was something wrong. On April 22 I wascalled to Philipsburg to consult with the mine superintendent andInspector regarding the great diliereuce shown by the bore hole,from the map. Mine Inspectors Evans and Hampson were alsopresent, when it was agreed that another hole should be drilled notless than 40 feet (if it did not cut through sooner), and in case thewater was tapped, preparation made so that the water could be drawnoil' at will, and a gauge attached that would show the pressure ofthe water. The hole was drilled 51 feet and did not cut through thepillar, showing a difference of nearly 50 feet at the point where thehcle was drilled, from the mine map, which shoukl be an objectlesson of the necessity of botli acu-urately surveying and plotting theworkings of a mine. Where this is not done, the possibility of greatdr.nger to life can readily be understood, and while no lives have beenlost in this case, the persons employed in the mine must have sufferedconsiderable loss. Notwithstanding this, the Mine Inspector wouldhave been derelict in his duty had he done otherwise.February 28 I was called to Scranton by Mine Inspector EdwardEoderick to consult with him regarding violations of the mine law

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxxiiiat the Riclimoud Colliery, operated by the Elk Hill Coal aiid IrouCompany. On examination it was found that the said company wasoperating its mine in contravention of article 4, section 1, of the antnracitemine laws, also section 3 of article 4 and section 10 of samearticle. After being told by the superintendent and fire boss of thecolliery that under existing conditions they did not consider the minesafe to work in, and that they had so informed the general manager,who, thej'^ said, would not allow the necessary improvements to bemade, and having also been informed by the Mine Inspector thathe had several times called the attention of the mine officials to theviolations of the mine law, together with personal observation ofthe conditions tJiat maintained at tlie colliery, the Inspector was.idvised to Itgally proceed against the Elk Hill Coal and Iron Company.A notice was therefore given the superintendent and managerthat unless they should comply with the instructions of the Inspectorand the requirementsi of the law^, the courts would be askedfor an injunction restraining tliem from operating the mine. Noheed having been taken, application was made to the common pleascourt of Lackawanna county, as authorized by article 15 of the anthracitemine laws.Owing to the tenacity with which this case was fought in thecourts and the undoubted justice of the judge's decision which wasso forcibly emphasized by the burning of the fan house afterw^ards,which showed that had the second opening not been provided, themen in the mine would have been lost, a copy of the bill of complaintisreproduced, together with the defendant's answer and the court'sfindings in the case in full, also an article from the "Scranton Times,"of July 20, 1808, which shows how necessary it is to have an availablesecond opening at all mines, and especially at this one.Injunction.The bill of complaint filed in the case was as follows:"Your orator complains and says:"First.Your orator, acting in behalf of the Commonwealth, saysthat he is IMine Inspector for the First anthracite mining district ofthe State of Pennsylvania and Inspector of Mines therefor, dulyappointed, qualified, sworn and acting as provided by law; thatas such it is his duty to have sui)ervision over the operation of allIhe anthracite mines within his district; that the said First districtembraces all that portion of the Lackawanna coal field lying northeastof East and ^^'est Market streets, in the city of Scranton, andSlocum and Drinker streets, in the borough of Dunmore, includingthe upper or northern portion of the county of Lackawanna."Second. The Elk Hill Coal and Iron Company, the above namedC—11—OS

*xxiv ANNUAL REPOR't OF THE Off. Doc.defendant, is a corporation organized under tlie laws of the State ofPennsylvania for the purpose of mining and preparing for market andselling anthracite coal; that William H. Kichmond is its presidentand treasurer, and Alexander Waddell, superintendent and in chargeof its mines; that one of its mines, known as Kichmond NumberThree is situate in the First ward of the city of Scranton, in saidcounty of Lackawanna, just off of Parker street, and within the firstinspection district of the anthracite coal fields, that is to say, in thecounty of Lackawanna and lying northeast of East and West Marketstreets, in the city of Scranton;for several months last past.that the same has been in operation"Third. That it is provided by section 1 of article 4, of the act ofAssembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approved the secondday of June, 1891, entitled 'An act to provide for the health andsafety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coal minesof Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of propertyconnected therewith,' as follows:"Section 1. It shall not be lawful for the owner, operator or su- Iemploy any person or persons in suchpcrintendeut of any mine tomine, or permit any person or persons to be in such mine for thepurpose of working therein unless they are in connection with everyseam or stratum of coal, and from every lift thereof worked in suchmine not less than two openings or outlets separated by a strata ofnot less than sixty (GO) feet in breadth under ground and one hundredand fifty (15Uj feet in breadth at the surface, at which openings oroutlets safe and distinct means of ingress and egress are at all timesavailable for the person or persons employed inthe said mine, butit shall not be necessary for the said two openings to belong to thesame mine if the persons employed therein have safe, ready and availablemeans of ingress and egress by not less than two openings.This section shall not apply to opening a new mine or to openingany new lift of a mine while being worked for the purpose of makingcommunications between said two outlets so long as not more thantwenty persons are employed at any one time in such mine or newlift of a mine, neither shall it apply to any mine or part of a mine inwhich the second outlet has been rendered unavailable by reason ofthe final robbing of pillars previous to abandonment so long as notmore than twenty persons are employed therein at any one time.The cage or cages, and other means of egress shall at all times beavailable for the persons employed where there is no second outlet."And also by section .3 of said article 4 of said act of Assembly itis provided as follows:"Section 3. The escapomonts, shafts or slopes shall be fitted withsafe and available ai)i)linnces by which the persons employed in themine may readily escape in case an accident occurs, deranging thehoisting machinery at the main outlet."

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxxvAnd also by sectionit is provided as follows:10 of said article 4 of said act of Assembly"Section 10. Hand rails' and efficient safety catches shall be attachedto, and a sufficient cover overhead shall be provided onevery cage used for lowering or hoisting persons inany shaft."That, notwithstanding the provisions of the said act of Assembly /regulating the manner of operating anthracite coal mines in the \said district by the owners, operators and superintendents thereof, \said defendant, disregarding the said act of Assembly and its severalprovisions above set forth, has failed to comply with the same andin that, al-totally disregards tlie act of Assembly above referred to,though often requested so to do, defendant has failed to provide fora stecond opening from the Clark vein to the surface and the reasonable,safe and available appliances connected therewith, to enablethe persons employed in the mine to escape incase an accident occursderanging the hoisting machinery at the main outlet, that is tosay, at the second opening so-called, distant some fifteen hundred(1,500) feet from the main shaft; said opening extends to the Clarkvein, a total depth of three hundred and thirty (330) feet from thesurface and for a distance of one hundi'ed and twenty (120) feet fromthe Clark vein leading up the said second opening toward the surface,no sufficient buntings are provided, and such as were originally placedin said shaft are unavailable for use and destroyed by the ice and otheraccumulations thereon. There is no carriage or guides providedfor the said second opening; no steam is kept up so as to providefor the operation of the said second opening, and no engineer is maintainedat the said second opening, that is to say, said second openingis not only improperly constructed and maintained and withouttbe necessary safe and available appliances for its use, but thereis no provision made for the operation of the same at any and alltimes, and in case of an accident deranging the hoisting machineryat the main outlet. The mines worked in connection with the saidEicbmond Number Three (3) are very gaseous and dangerous tooperate, requiring the utmost care and caution on the part of themen working therein in order to avoid serious accidents, and it isabsolutely essentialthat the second openings to these mines shallbe maintained at all times safe and available so as to permit thej)ersons employed in the said mines to escape readily and withoutdelay whatever in case of an accident to the hoisting machinery or toany other fixture or aj)pliance connected with the said main outlet.There is no carriage used in connection with the said second opening,or any pretense of any such provision for hoisting the men from themines to the surface; the only thing in use at the present time isa bucket. This is in violation particularly, of section 10 of saidarticle 4, as well as of section 3, of said article 4, as above set forth.\

xxxvi ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Fourth. The said defendant, at the present time, is working Dun-1 lore vein number two (2j, lying underneath the said Clark vein andhaving no connection with the said second opening by means of aconnection made with the main outlet; the evident intention of thedefendant being to connect Dunmore number two (2) with the Clarkvein by a plane driven up to the Clark vein. They are at the presenttime working twenty men developing the said Dunmore minefor coal and employing the men for the purpose of developing thesaid Dunmore vein, in violation of said act of Assembly, especially01 section 1, article 4, as above set forth; the said Dunmore vein notbeing worked for the purpose of making communication between thetwo outlets to the mines as now located, constructed and maintainedfrom the Clark vein to the surface.Fifth. Your orator has communicated with the officers of thecompany, warned them as to their violation of the provisions of theact of Assembly herein referred to, asked their compliance with theterms and provisions of the said act of Assembly several times withinthe past month; all without avail. He has ordered the mine foremanto stop work until the mines were safe and fitted up in accordancewith the provisions of the law, and, on the first day of March,1898, in the forenoon of said day. notified the president and also thesuperintendent of the defendant, in writing, of his intention to applyfor an injunction in respect to the said mine known as RichmondNumber Three (3), to prevent the defendant from working the saidRichmond Number Three (3) in contravention and violation of theprovisions of the act of Ceneral Assembly, above set forth. Thisin accordance with the provisions of article 15 of the said act of Assembly,above referred to.Sixth. Your orator further sets forth : That the defendant not fonly has failed to comply with the provisions of the said act of Assembly,as above set forth, but threatens to continue to operate thesaid mine in defiance of the law; that a continuance of work at thesaid mine, as it is now maintained, is in the highest degree dangerousto the life and safety of the workmen employed therein;that itis absolutely essential that this mine should stop work until thesaid second opening shall be equipped properly to enable the personsemployed in the mine to readily escape therefrom and until all arrangementscan be made to have a suitable engineer stationed at thesaid second opening at alltimes while the men are employed in the(aid mine, and that steam shall be kept up in the boilers at the saidsecond opening at alltimes while the men are employed in the saidmine, and that steam shall be kept up in the boilers at the said secondopening continuously, and that a second opening shall be made fromDunmore vein number two i2) to the Clark vein.Seventh. This bill in equity is filed and an injunction prayed for

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xxxviiunder and in pursuance of section 1 of article 15 of tlie act of theGeneral Assembly of June 2, 1891, above referred to, said sectionbeing asfollows:"Section ]. Upon application of the Inspector of Mines of theproper dis'trict, acting in behalf of the Commonwealth, any of thecourts of law or equity haviiig jurisdiction where the mine or collieryproceeded against is situated, whether any proceedings have or havenot been taken, shall prohibit by injunction, or otherwise, the workingof any mine, or colliery where any person is employed, or is perniittedto be, for the purpose of working in contravention of the provisionsof this act, and may award such costs in the matter of the ininjunction,or other proceedings as the court may think just, butthis section shall be without prejudice to any other remedy permittedb}^ law for enforcing the provisions of this act. Written noticeof the intention to apply for such injunction in respect to anymine or colliery shall be made to the owner, operator or superintendentof such mine or colliery, not less than twenty-four hours beforethe application is made.""Your orator therefore prays:"First. That an junction may be issued from this honorable court,temporary until final hearing, afterwards to be made permanent, enjoiningand restraining the Elk Hill (-oal and Iron Company, itsagents, servants or employes, from working the said mine known asRichmond Number Three (3) and operating the same or any portionthereof, with any men."Second. Your orator further prajs for such other and further reliefas to your honors may seem meet, or the Commonwealth may beentitled to according to the rules and practice of equity."The defendant company made the following answer tothe foregoingbillof complaint:"First. We admit the facts alleged in the first and second paragraphsof complainant's bill, except that the said defendant com-I»any has other powers under its charter besides thoBe stated."Second. We deny that the defendant company has disregardedthe provisions of the act of Assembly quoted in the third paragraphof complainant's bill, and we deny that we have failed to provide asecond opening from the Clark vein to^ the surface, and the reasonablysafe and available appliances connected therewith, but aver thata second opening or outlet from the Clark vein to the surface, in additionto the main shaft, has been maintained for six years last pastwith reasonably safe and available ap])liancesconnected therewithto enable employes to escape at the said second outlet or opening incase of accident to the hoisting machinery at the main shaft or outlet,and no complaint or claim has been made by the Mine Inspector|

xxxviii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.preceding the relator that the said second outlet as maintained didnot comply' with the law.^Mth reference to the allegations as to the buildings in the secondopening, we deny that they are insufficient, and aver that during thelate cold weather a portion of the buildings were torn away by the ice,but upon the same being discovered steps were taken and are nowbeing carried on to repair the said damage, and during the progressof said repairs a bucket has been provided which provides a safe anda\-ailable means of egress from the foot of said second opening tothe surface as the law requiresi. We deny that no carriage or guidesane provided for the said second opening, but we aver that the lawdoes not require carriages to be operated in shafts sunk for the purposeof furnishing a second outlet or opening for the escape of employesin case of accident, and we aver that the second outlet or openingfrom the Clark vein to the surface with the bucket as now keptand maintained, which can be operated by a hand windlass or bysteam, furnishes the safe and available means of egress required bythe law."V^v deny that the law requiresi the keeping of a separate engineerat the second outlet and keeping up steam in the boilers used to operatethe carriage in the said second outlet in case' of accident to thehoisting machinery of the main shaft which is the shaft where theemployes working in said mine are regularly lowered and hoisted;and we aver that provision is made for the operating of the carriageor bucket to hoist employes in said second outlet in the event of accident.We aver that in case the said second outlet is required to be usedas a means of egress in case of accident, that so far as the said secondoutlet and the appliances connected therewith are concerned, theyfurnish and constitute the safe, ready and available means of egressrequired by law.''We further deny that the condition of the mine of defendantcompany is such, by reason of gas, that with the means now and heretoforeemployed to furnish egress through said second outlet in caseof accident, a safe, ready and available means of egress is not furnishednsi required by law, but aver that on the contrary by reason ofthe natural ventilation of said mine the air at the bottom of the saidsecond outlet or opening would remain pure and wholesome forthirty days, even though the fan were com})letely stopped and no artificialventilation maintained."We deny that we have violated sections :}and 10 or any of thesections of article 4 of the Act of Assembly referred to. as alleged inthe said third parngrajjh of comi)lainant's bill."Third. We deny that we are working the Dunmore vein No. 2in violation of the act of Assembly as alleged in the fourth paragraph

iNo, 11. BUREAU OF MINES. XMcixol' complainant's bill, and aver that we have strictly complied wiLiisection 1. article 4 of the said act cited by complainants, in thatv.liile working to provide the required second outlet from the saidDunmore vein No. 2, we have not at any time kept employed morethan twenty men in the said lift of said mine, to wit, in Dunmorevein No. 2, during the progress of driving a slope to the Clark veinand furnish a second outlet from Dunmore vein No. 2 by way of saidslope and the second outlet from the Clark vein to the surface, inaddition to the outlet from both of said veins by way of the mainshaft. We deny that either the letter or spirit of the said act of Assemblyis violated by employing men to develop the coal in a liftor vein while the work of driving a second outlet isprogressing, solong as not more than twenty men are employed in the said liftvein at one time during the progress of said work.''Fourth. We admit that we have been, as alleged in the tifth paragraphof plaintiff's bill, notified by the relator that in his opinion we.were violating the law, but aver that we informed the said relatorthat we were advised and believed we were living up to the strictterms of the law, and we so now aver. We admit having receivedthe notice of the application for an injunction so alleged in said fifthparagraph."Fifth. We deny wholly the allegations contained in the sixth paragraphof complainant's bill."Having fully answered all the material allegations of the plaintiff'sbill, the defendants pray to be hence dismissed with their reasonablecosts in this behalf most unjustl}' incurred, and they willever pray/'The following requests for findings of fact and law by the courtwere made by the plaintiff and defendant.orPlaintiff's Requests."First. That the strata in the mine of the defendant known asRichmond No. 3 is below water level and is reached and mined byshafts;that the main shaft from the surface goes through the rock,the fourteen foot, the Clark and Dunmore No. 1 to the Dunmore veinNo. 2; that the distance from the surface to the Clark vein is 360feet, and that the distance from the Clark vein tO' the Dunmore No. 2is150 feet."Second. That the vein known as Dunmore No. 2 is difficult tomine on account of the unusual accumulation of gas in said vein andis worked by flameless powder and protected lamps on account ofthe unusual quantity of gas, and the stoppage of the fan rendersthe workings dangerous and impracticable."Third. That in said Dunmore vein the main shaft was completed

f3tl ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off Docabout one year ago and the gangway from the foot of the said shaftt(.' the foot of the plane, or second opening, in said vein, was completedten months ago.^ "Fourth. That for thirteen months last past, coal has been minedfoi- the market from said Dunmore vein No. 2, chambers have beenopened, headings and gangways driven inno way essential or necessaryin the prosecution of the work pertaining to the connectionbetween the foot of the main shaft and the second opening, 250 or 275ffeet distant therefrom; and that all work necessary to making thesaid connection was finished and completed when the second openingwas started in November, 1897."Fifth. That since the second opening was started and the connectionbetween the main sJuift and said opening completed, mininghas been carried on for the purpose of producing coal for the marketand at least twenty men have been employed in said vein from thattime for that purpose, and thirty-eight cars a day, averaging oneand one-half tons to the car, have been mined and shipped."Sixth. That in case of accident cutting off access to the mainshaft at Dunmore No. 2, no way of escape for the men from the minehas been provided."Seventh. That the usual way in the Lackawanna valley of openiijgmines by shaft is to sink the main shaft and the second openingat the same time, making connections in the mine as soon as practicableby driving gangway from tliethe vein or strata to be mined.one to the other as they reach"Eighth. That from the time the main shaft was sunk to the Dunmorevein, one year ago, according to the undisputed testimony, fournjonths wonld have been ample time to have driven and completed thesecond opening to the said vein; and that, according to the testimony,itwill take two months from this date to complete the said second('pening.''Ninth. That the second opening from Ihe surface to the Clarkvein is a shaft where at one time a cage was furnished propelled byan engine at or near the mouth of the shaft, with boilers attached forgenerating steam as a motive power; that most of the time no firewas kept under the boilers and no steam in readiness to work theengine; that according to the defendant's own witnesses no fireswere under tlie boih is for a year at a time.''Ten. That the iNIiiic Inspccloi-, lioni tini^' to lime, notified thedefendant to keej) the lire under' the boilers at all times, which Avasn'fused; lliat, according to the testimony of Mr. Kichniond himself,he ordered an

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xliIbe second opening to tlieCJaik vein, leudering the working of tiiecage impossible and the bunting and guides tiad not been replacedon the tliiid day of March, iSUS, when this injunction was applied for."Twelfth. That the cage, so furnished, was not equipped with handrails, safety catches or sling chain."Thirteenth. That since the niunth of December, 1897, a buckethas been used at said second opening, which said bucket is aboutthree and one-half feet in depth by four feet in diameter, and hasbeen used from the said month of December, 18U7, to the thirdday of March, for the purpose of hoisting and lowering men, withouta guide rope connected therewith, and is the only means wherebythe men from the Dunmore vein can escape to the surface in case ofaccident."Fourteenth. That the shaft from the surface to the Clark vein,used as» a second opening, is wet and men cannot be hoisted orlowered without becoming wet, unless protected by a hood or someother appropriate protection, which is not now provided.f "Fifteenth. That it requires from one to hve hours in order to getup sufficient steam to work the cage at the second opening.''Sixteenth.In the Lackawanna valley the appliance used at thedifferent second openings to mines by shaft, the cage, under the testimony,is in general use, and, according to the testimony of the MineInspector, there is no other mine in his district where a bucket isused for that purpose."Seventeenth. Under the testimony, buckets are used for sinkingshaft and raising rock and coal in sinking, but are not used for conveyingminers and their laborers from the mines to the surfaceafter the mines are opened."The court is also requested to find as a matter of law:"First. That it was the duty of the defendant to fit the shaft, used /as a second opening from the surface to the Clark vein, with safe andavailable appliances by which the persons employed in the mine mightreadily escape in cast an accident occurred deranging the hoisting \machinery at the main shaft. /"Second. That, by 'a safe appliance,' is meant such an applianceas is in general use by persons or corporations in the mining businessin the vicinity, by means of which persons employed in the minesmay make their escape."Third. A bucket, such as is described in the evidence, is not asafe appliance to be used at the second opening in question, by Avhichpersons employed in the mine can readily escape in case an accidentoccurs deranging the lioisting machinery at the main shaft."Fourth. An available appliance is one ready for immediate use,and an appliance which requires one, two or three hours in preparation,before it can be used, is not an available appliance, esixn-ially

Xlii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.when human life is at stake. Any other construction of the word'available' would be contrary to the manifest intention of section 3,article 4 of the act of June 2, 1891.''Fifth. That it is the duty of the defendant to tit the second openingfor the free use of a cage with the necessary buntings and guides,and that a cage should there be used, constructed with the necessarycovering, hand rails, safety catches and bridle chain, and that anengineer should be stationed in charge of the engine for workingthis cage, and that fire should be kept under the boilers sufficientto generate the necessary steam, as the motive power for working thecage at alltimes."Sixth. That it is unlawful to permit any person or persons to bein the Dunmore vein ]So. 2 for the purpose of working therein, inmining coal for the market, until said vein is connected with the surfaceby at least two openings or outlets, separated by a strata of notless than CO feet in breadth under ground and 150 feet in breadth atthe surface."Seventh. That the provision for working twenty men iu jthe Dunmorevein applies only for such time as work is necessarily conductedfor the purpose of making connection between the foot of themain shaft and the foot of the slope or second opening."Eighth. That under section 1 of article 4 it is provided that at&aid 'openings or outlets safe and distinct means of ingress andegress are (must be) at all times available for the person or personsemployed in the said mine,' and that such means of ingress and egress,as contemplated in llie section, have not been provided by the defendantat the outlet of the second opening from the Clark vein.''Nine. That the second opening from the surface to the Clark veinisnot safe and secure, nor are the appliances there used for the escapeof men such as the law requires, nor is there a second openings-uch as is reciiiiied by law for the escape of men, in case of accident,from Dunmore vein No. 2 to the Clark vein, and the defendant hasno right to operate his mines until the second opening is completedfrom the Dunmore No. 2 to the Clark vein and made available for theescape of men."Ten. That an injunction is the appropriate remedy in this caseand should be granted until the second opening from the said Dunmorevein to the Clark vein is completed and until the defendantprovides safe and available appliances at the second opening fromthe Clark vein to the surface, by which the persons employed in themine may readily escape in ease an accident occurs deranging thelicistiug machinery at the main outlet."Eleven. The court is respectfully recjuested to order and decreethat the second opening from the Clark vein to the surface be madesafe and secure; that the guides and buntings be thoroughly re-

'No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xliiii'iiii'ed SO that the cage can be inu with safety; that tlie cage be le-Itaired and furnished with bridle chain, safety catches and handrails; and that the defendant company keep steam in the boilersand a person in charge of the engine at the second opening, so thatthe cage can be made available at alltimes in case of danger or accident;and that the defendant be restrained from working in the|second or Duiimore vein except so far as it is necessary to make!proper connection between the foot of the main shaft and the foot of\the slope at the second opening, and that no men be employed in saidvein for the mining and shipping of coal to market until the secondopening is completed between Dunmore vein No. 2 and the Clarkvein.Defendant's Request—Findings of Fact."First. At the time of the granting of the preliminary injunctionin this case, not more than twenty men were employed in DunmoreNo. 2 vein at any one time, and during all the time of the openingof the said vein, work has been progressing toward getting a secondoutlet from said vein, besides the main shaft of the Richmond mineNo. 3."Second. When the Dunmore No. 2 vein first began to be openedin February, 1897, it was the intention to obtain a second outlet bydriving about 1,500 feet from the main shaft to a point which wouldconnect with the shaft, or outlet sunk from the surface to the Clarkvein, which it was proposed to sink from there to the Dunmore No.2 vein."Third.In November, 1897, it having been ascertained that it wouldtake too much time to construct a second opening or outlet from theDunmore No. 2 vein, as at first proposed, the plan was changed, and inthat month work was commenced upon driving a tunnel from the No. 2vein through the rock and intervening strata up to the Clark vein,to be used in connection with the second outlet or opening from the('lai'k vein to the surface then opened, as a second outlet or openingfrom the said No. 2 vein,"Fourth. The work of driving the tunnel upward from the Clarkvein having been found to be difficult and dangerous, after about130 feet had been driven, in February, 1898, about a week beforethe preliminary injunction w-as granted in this case, the w^ork ofdriving the tunnel was changed and it was being driven downwardfrom the Clark vein to connect with the portion of tunnel alreadydriven about 130 feet upward from the No. 2 vein, so as to connecttill' No. 2 vein with the second opening from the Clark vein to the surfaceand furnish, in conjunction therewilh. a second outlet besides themain shaft from the said No. 2 vein."Fiftli. During all the jteriod of tlK» o])era lions in opening up the4

xliv ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Dunmore ]S'o. 2 vein since February, 1897, to the present time, thework of driving for a second outlet from the said No. 2 vein, so asto connect by way of the Clark vein with the second opening or shaftto the surface, then already sunk down to the Clark vein, has beencontinuously progressing with reasonable expedition under all thecircumstances."Sixth. At the time the preliminary injunction was served in thisproceeding no more than twenty men at any one time were employedin the Dunmore No. 2 vein, while the work of driving a second outlettherefrom so as to connect with the second oi)ening or shaft fromthe Clark vein to the surface, was in progress and it was not the intentionof the defendant company to employ more than twenty menat ony one time in said No. 2 vein, until a second outlet therefromwas obtained, besides the main shaft."Seventh. In conducting the operations of opening the DunmoreNo. 2 vein and making a second outlet therefrom the greatest precautionshave been taken to insure immunity from accidents, to wit,flamele»s powder, safety lamps, a supply of water to quench fires,and an iron ladder in the main shaft from the said No. 2 vein up toIhe Clark vein for use in case an accident should occur to the hoistingma chiller}' in the main shaft, and there has been no accident whateverin the opening of the said No. 2 vein due to the negligence ofthe defendant."Eighth. The second outlet, which it is proposed to use as a meansof egress from the Dunmore No. 2 vein to the surface, is bj' meansof a tunnel or slope from the No. 2 vein up to the Clark vein andthence to the surface by way of the Clark vein and a shaft alreadysunk from the surface down to the Clark vein, and the second outletas so proposed to be used is separated from the main shaft or outletby a distance greater than two hundred feet underground and about1,500 feet at the surface.'•Ninth. The second outlet or opening from the Clark vein to thesurface is not used to lower and hoist miners and employes workingin the Richmond No. 3 mine, or to take out coal or transport materials,but its sole use and purpose is for getting the employes outof the mine in case an accident should occur to the hoisting macliineryin the main shaft, preventing the use of the carriage therein, whichis regularly used to lower and hoist the miners and employes, andthe coal and waste produced in said mine, as well as materials foruse in the workings of said mine."Ten. The second outlet or opening from the Clark vein to thesurface has only been required to be used at most three times inthe past six years to get tlioomployesi out of the mine, when theycould not be taken out at the main shaft, and u])on every such occa-

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xlvsion the employes have been gotteii out in safety with tlie appliancesiu use at said secoud outlet."Eleven, The only veins being worked at the present time inRichmond mine No. 3 are the Clark vein and the Dunmore No. 2vein.''Twelve. In case of accident to the hoisting machinery at themain shaft the men at work in the Dunmore No. 2 vein can haveagress from the mine, during the time the w^ork is in progress ofconnecting the said No. 2 vein with the surface by means of thesecond outlet proposed, by the iron ladder from the said No. 2 veinto the Clark vein and thence to the surface by means of a rope andbucket, during the continuance of the repairs to the carriage andbuntings in the second opening from the Clark vein to the surface,or at the completion thereof by means of the carriag'e, both saidbucket and carriage being operated by separate boilers and an engine,and in case of necssity for the use of the said bucket or cai'riagesteam can be gotten up to hoist the same in an hour."Thirteen. During the progress of the repairs to the buntings andcarriage in the said second outlet or shaft, a hand windlass to raiseand lower the bucket has been provided in adidtion to the steampower used for said purpose."Fourteen. It is proposed in place of the bucket, as at presentpro^ided in the second outlet or shaft, to repair the buntings andreplace the carriage, w^ith safety catches, bridle chains and handrails, and to keep the boiler and engine in such condition as to generatesteam in an hour, so as to hoist and lower such carriage."Fifteen. The natural ventilation in said Richmond No. 3 mineis such, that, even when the fan is not running, men could stay at thefoot of the second outlet or shaft in the Clark vein for a month withsafety", so far as the supply of fresh air is concerned."Sixteen. During the past year but 10,000 tons of coal were producedat Richmond mine No. 3 and the total number of men employedin said mine does not exceed twenty-eight."Seventeen. The keeping up of steam in the boilers used to hoistand lower the bucket or carriage in the second outlet or shaft fromthe Clark vein to the surface would necessitate the employment oftwo additional engineers, one for day shift and one for night shift,besides the other extra expenses connected therewith, w^ould entailan extra expense of from eight to ten dollars per day upon the defendantcomj)any, and the not keeping up of steam constantly hasnot heretofore at the times when said second outlet or shaft hasbeen required to be used, prevented the getting out of the employessafely."Eighteen. The employing of no more than tw-enty men at onetime in Dunmore No. 2 vein, part of whom were engaged in open-

xlvi ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.ing up the vein and getting out coal and part in driving a secondoutlet from said vein, has been sanctioned during the past year bythe Mine Inspector, and this is the common custom and interpretationof the la'^ throughout the anthracite regions in opening a newvein, until the second outlet has been completed."Nineteen. No more than eight men are usually employed or canbe reasonably employ ed at one time, solely in driving a second outletor opening from a vein.B. Findings of Law.'"First. The second opening or shaft from the Clark vein to thesurface as maintained heretofore in Richmond mine No. 3, exceptduring the time of the temporary stoppage of the same by ice duringthe past winter furnishes an outlet, in addition to the main shaftwhereby persons employed in the Clark vein of said Richmond mineNo. 3 have had and may have a safe and available means of egressin case of accident to the hoisting machinery in the main shaft.''Two. The maintenance of iron ladders, with platforms every fifteenor twenty feet, in the second outlet or opening from the surfacesto the Clark vein, such as the defendaiit company maintained formerlyfrom the surface to the 14-foot vein in said outlet, and such asdefendant expresses a willingness to maintain, ifin the opinion ofthe court the other appliances such as they now propose to maintainin said second outlet are not in compliance with the law, will furnishsuch a means of egrtss from the Clark vein to the surface in case ofaccident to the hoisting machinery in the mam shaft, as isby law."Third.requiredThe employment of not more than twenty men at any onetime in opening and taking out coal from Dunmore No. 2 vein insaid mine, while the work of making a second outlet or opening fromthe said No. 2 vein, besides the main shaft is being prosecuted withdue diligence, is in progress, is not a violation of section 1, article4, of the act of June 2, 1891, entitled 'An act to provide for the healtliand safety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coalmines of Pennsylvania, etc'"Fourth. The evidence shoA\ ing that the second outlet or shaft fromthe Clark vein to the surface is only required to be used at very infrequentintervals when an accident occurs to the hoisting machineryin the main shaft, and the evidence further showing that such an occasionhas hapi)ened at the most only three times during the pastsix years, and the evidence also showing that there is natural ventilationat the foot of said second outlet or sliafl. and that arrangementsare made so that steam can be gotten uj) in an hour to operatethe carriage or bucket in said second outlet, and there being not more

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xlviiILan twenty-eight men employed iu the said Kichmoud mine No. 3, thekeeping np of steam constantly in the said boilers and a separateengineer are not required in order to furnish the safe and availablemeans of egress to employes iu said mine in case of accident to thehoisting machinery in the main shaft."Willard, Warren & Knapp, for plaintiff.W. J. Hand, Ira H. Burns, for defendant.GUNSTER, J., March 28, 1898. The bill of complaint in this caseIs preferred in the name of the Commonwealth upon the relationof Edward Eoderick, who is Inspector of Mines of the First Inspectiondistrict of the anthracite coal mines. The defendants are the ownersand operators of an anthracite coal mine or colliery known as RichmondNo. 3, in the First ward of the City of Scranton, Lackawannacounty, in said district. The mine in question employs more thanfen persons. The bill charges in effect that the defendants, in disn'gardof different provisions of the act of June 2, 1891, P. L. 176,entitled "An act to provide for the health and safety of persons employedin and about the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania andfor the protection and preservation of property connected therewith,"are, first, operating the mines without fitting the second openingor outlet from the Clark vein to the surface with safe and availableappliances by which the persons employed in the mine mayreadily escape in case an accident occurs deranging the hoistingmachinery at the outlet, and, second, working Dunmore vein No. 2,which lies beneath the Clark vein, and employing men therein, inmining coal for the market, without two openings or outlets fromsaid Dunmore vein, and which said men are not engaged for thepurpose of making communication between the two outlets.The case is admittedly of considerable importance. It appearsfrom the testimony that the coal strata of defendant's mine are belowwater level and are reached and mined by shafts. The mainshaft from the surface goes through the rock, the Fourteen-foot vein,the Clark vein, the Dunmore vein No. 1 to the Dunmore vein No.2. The distance from the surface to the Clark vein is 360 feet and thedistance from the Clark vein to the Dunmore vein No. 2 is150 feet.The second shaft or opening is about 1,600 feet from the main shaftand is sunk through the same strata down to the Clark vein throughwhich the two shafts are connected. There is asi yet no second openingfrom the Clark vein to the Dunmore vein No. 2. The bill chargesthat the defendants have failed to fit the shaft which constitutesthe second opening from the Clark vein to the surface with reasonablysafe and available appliances by which persons employed inthe mine may readily escape, incase an accident occurs derangingthe hoisting machinery at the main outlet; that no sufficient buntonsare provided, and that such as were originally placed in said

:xlviii ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.shaft had been destroyed by ice, etc., and are unavailable for use;that no caniages or guides are provided tor said opening; that nosteam is kept up for tlie operation of said shaft, and that no engineeri? kept there, and that the only appliance for use there at the presenttime for jneuns of ingress and egress is a bucket.In answer the defendants allege that for six years last past thesecond opening in question has been fitted with reasonably safe andavailable appliances. They deny that no carriage or guides areprovided, but say tliat during the late cold weather a portion of thebuntons were torn away by ice but that upon this being discoveredsteps were taken to repair the damage, and that during the progressof such repairs a bucket had been provided, which provides a safe andavailable means of egress. They contend that the law does not requirecarriages in shafts sunk for second openings or outlets, or thatit requires the keeping of a second engineer and the keeping up ofsteam in the boilers all the time; and that the second opening asnow kept and maintained and which they contend can be operatedby hand windlass or by steam, furnishes a safe and available meansof egress as required by law.The provisions of the act of 1S91 which are relied upon by the relatoras being specially applicable to this branch of the case are containedin sections 1, 3 and 10 of article 4 of said act. .They are asfollows"Section 1. It shall not be lawful for the owner, operator or superintendentof any mine to employ any person or persons in suchmine or permit any person or persons to be in such mine for thepurpose of working therein, unless they are in connection with everyseam or stratum of coal; and from every lift thereof, worked in suchmine, not less than two openings or outlets separated by a strataof not less than sixty (60) feet in breadth underground, and onehundred and fifty (150) feet in breadth at the surface, at whichopenings or outlets safe and distinct means of ingress and egressare at all times available for the person or persons employed insaid mine, but it shall not be necessary for the said two openingsto belong to the same mine if the persons employed therein have safe,ready and available means of ingress and egress by not less thantwo openings. This section shall not apply to opening a new mineor to opening any new lift of a mine, while being worked for thepurpose of making communication between two said outlets, so longai? not more than twenty persons are employed at any one t inie in suchmine or new lift of a juine. neither shall it ai)])ly to any mine orI)art of a mine in which the second outlet has been rendered availableby reason of (be final robbing of pillars ]>revious to abandonmentso long as not more than twenty persons are emj)loyed therein at anyone time. The cage or cages and other means of egress shall, at all

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. xlixtimes, be uvaihible lor the persons eiiiplo} ed where there is no secondoutlet.''Section 3.The escapements, shafts or slopes shall be fitted withsafe and available appliances by which the persons employed in themine may readily escape in case an accident occnrs deranginj^- thehoisting machinery at the main outlets."Section 10. Hand rails and efficient safety catches shall be attachedto, and a sufficient cover overhead shall be provided on everycage used for lowering or hoisting persons in any shaft."I fail to find any provision in the act which expressly requires thatthe appliance by which persons emploj^ed in a mine may escape shallbe a carriage or cage, or that a second engineer shall be kept at theopening, or that steam shall be kept up in the boilers there all thetime. But it hardly requires a second reading of section 3 quotedto show that at the shaft or opening now under consideration it isthe duty of the defendants, incase they operate their mine, to fitthe shaft, if it is not already so fitted, with ap])liances by which thepersons employed in the ndne may readily escape in case an accidentoccnrs deranging the hoisting machinerj^ at the main outlet,and that such appliances shall be safe and available. The questionto be determined is whether or not the defendants have fitted theshaft in question with such .appliances. When the second openingwas begun and sunk as far as the Big vein it was fitted with platformsand iron ladders. It was originally the intention of the defendantcompany to sink the shaft to Dunmore vein No. 2 and connect itthrough that vein with the main shaft. When the Big vein wasreached, as already said, the shaft was fitted with platforms andiron ladders.When the work of sinking to the Clark vein was begunthe platforms and ladders w^ere removed, as they interfered with the /work of sinking. For some time after the Clark vein was reachedthe onh' appliance for escape was a bucket, such as is ordinarily usedin sinking shafts. Some time in 1897 the shaft was fitted with a carriageor cage which w^as, or rather could be, operated "by means ofan engine and boiler. The guides for this appliance, however, appearto have been of a flimsy character; they were easily deflectedand permitted the carriage or cage to become disengaged. The carriageitself nevcn' had any handrails or safety catches attached toit. nor was the appliance ever furnished with a bridle chain.These defects were frequently called to the attention of Mr. W.H. Richmond, the president and general superintendent of thecompany but inst(^ad of remedying them, he instructed thoseunder him not to do so. There was an engine and boilerthere, but Mr. Richmond instructed the men not to buildany fire or to get up steam, and, for months at a time, therewas no steam there at all. The evidence shows that it will takefi'om one to five hours to get up steam. On one occasion, when anD.—11— 98

1 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.accident happened at the main shaft and it became necessary to takethe men out through the second opening, it took at least five hoursto get up steam and then with the assistance of sinkers, men accustomedto the work of sinking shafts and operating buckets, themen in. the mine, wet and cliilled to the marrow, were brought to thesurface in a bucket. The main shaft from the Clark vein to Dunmorevein No. 2, had not been furnished with ladders, and the men workingin it were rescued one at a time by being tied to a rope and raisedup bodily to the Clark vein. During the late cold weather the icewas permitted to accumulate in the shaft to such an extent that itbjoke and destroyed the guides and the buntons and the carriagecould not be operated at all. It was removed and set aside. Theshaft was to some extent repaired and cleaned out and in lieu ofthe carriage there was substituted a hand windlass and a bucketsuch as are used in the ordinary work of sinking shafts. The buckethad no guides.I am asked to find that these appliances are safe and availablefor ready escape. I cannot do so. At the hearing I permitted anumber of witnesses experienced in mining to express their opinion asto the safety of the bucket as an appliance for escape. The overwhelmingweight of this testimony is against the defendant's contention.But entirely aside from the opinions of these witnesses Iam of the opinion that it is not such an appliance as should be suppliedfor this opening. The uncontradicted testimony in the caseshows that every mine in the district where the second opening consistsof a shaft, the shaft is fitted with a carriage or cage as an appliancefor escape. The shaft under consideration is 340 feet deep.The bucket in question is about three feet in diameter and three feetin depth and is capable of holding four men. It is without a guideand has no protector overhead. The evidence further shows thatwhen being raised or lowered the bucket is apt to swing from sidett- side and to strike the sides and timbers of the shaft. Few menare accustomed to travel in such a contrivance up and down a shaft340 feet deep and it does not require the opinion of an expert to saythat for the ordinary miner it is not safe. It may be available, and incase of emergency it would certainly be better than nothing. The(vidence further shows that its legitimate use is in -the sinking ofsliafts, when it is operated by experienced men, and that it is notused at any other mine in the district for the purpose contemplatedhere. It is true its use here is contemplated only in case of emergency,but, as already stated, at all the other mines in the district theajipliance used to meet the same kind of emergency is a cage.Thisi brings us to the consideration of the other alleged violationsof the mining law. On this branch of the case there are no disputedfacts. As has already been said, it was originally the intention of

No. 11. BUREAU OP MINES. lithe defendaut compauy to sink the shaft of the second opening toiJunmore vein No. 2 and connect it through that vein with the mainshaft. When they reached Dunmore vein No. 2 by the main shaft,they began driving an opening towards the contemphited foot of thesecond shaft and progressed some 800 feet. Some time in November,1897, the idea of sinl^ing the second opening shaft to the Dunmorevein No. 2 and driving the opening to it through that vein was abandoned,and work was begun some 255 feet from the foot of the mainshaft to drive a slope from that point up to a point in the Clark veinabout 205 feet from the shaft. Men experienced in the business testitiedbefore me that with ordinary diligence this slope could have beenfinished within three or four months from its commencement. Theslope was driven about 130 feet when the work from that directionhad to be abandoned on account of the gas. Dunmore vein No. 2 isvery gaseous, so much so that it has been found necessary by the menworking therein to use the Clanny safety lamp and flameless powder,and to have water convenient for the extinguishment of fire.When Dunmore vein No. 1 was reached in driving the slope upwardthe gas accumulated so rapidly and the ventilation was so bad thatwork from that side of the slope was abandoned. For some timeprior to the beginning of work on this slope and while work was beingdone thereon, the defendants employed men in the Dunmore vein,who were not engaged in the work of making communication betweenthe two outlets, but who were engaged in opening new chambersand in mining coal for the market from chambers which had alreadybeen opened in said vein. When the upward work in the slope wasabandoned, there were some fifteen chambers in the vein being workedor readj^ for work and coal was mined therefrom for the market atthe rate of 38 cars of one and a half tons each, every 24 hours; andthese mining operations were being carried on and had been carriedon in said vein for more than a year before the present bill of complaintwas filed. At the time of the accident already referred to, theshaft from the Clark vein to Dunmore vein No. 2 was not fitted withhidders or any other appliance for escape, and men had to be raisedone by one a distance of 150 feet by means of a rope.After the accidentthe shaft was fitted with iron ladders. The Mine inspector,Mr. Roderick, made many complaints to Mr. Richmond, the generalsuperintendent of the defendant company, and to the foreman underhim, of these flagrant violations of the mine law. He frequently orderedrepairs to the shaft, directed fires to be built under the boilersso as to have steam available, and on several occasions he orderedHe in-the men out of the mine because of its dangerous condition.sisted upon the repairs to the appliance of the second opening fromthe Clark vein to the surface, and upon the completion of the secondopening from Dunmore vein No. 2 to Clark vein, and upon the cessati^\

lii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.tion of luiuing iu the Dunuiore vein No. 2 until said second openingtherefrom was completed. .Aside from fitting the main shaft fromthe Clark vein to the Dunmore vein xs^o.appears to have been paid to2 with ladders, no attentionhis suggestions, until a few days beforethis bill was filed, when work looking to the completion of theslope already started from Dunmore vein No. 2 was commenced bydriving down from the Clark vein.At the time the preliminai-y injunctionwas served there were five men engaged in driving thisslope from tht? Clark vein and sixteen men were engaged iu miningcoal from the open chambers of Dunmore vein No. 2.The defendants contend that so long as they do not employ morethan twenty men iu mining coal iu the Dunmore vein No. 2, and whilethey are engaged iu driving the slope or second opening to said vein,they are complying with the letter as well as the spirit of the law.They assert that such has been the general and uniform constructionot section 1, article 4, of the act of 18D1. I know of no such construction.Haddock vs. Commomvea lth^ 1U3 Ta. 243, relied upon bythe defendants, does not_s iistain their contention. In that case itappears that the first and third seams' of the mine in which menwere employed in mining coal for the market, had second openingsand that in the fifth seam of the mine a number not exceedingtwenty were engaged in working a gangway or gangways to connectwith the second openiug which had not yet been completed insaid seam. The plaintifis sought to restrain the defendants frommining coal iu the first and third seams until the openiug of gangwayin the fifth seam had been completed. But the Supreme Courtheld that so long as not more than twenty persons were employedin the fifth seam in working a gangway towards the second openingthe court had not power to interfere with the work iu the other seamswhich admittedly had proper openings. On the oither hand in Commonwealthex rel. Williams vs. Bonuell, et al., 8 Phila. 534, it was expresslydecided that the proviso of the third section of the act of1870 does not authorize the production of coal for market under thepretext of making another openiug thi'ough coal. I cannot do betterthan quote the language of the learned judge (Harding) who wrotethe opinion in the case:"If we omit then in Die proviso all that is cumulative, and doesnot refer to other specitic matters, and read only that relating to asecond opening through the coal,—the terms openings and outletsare clearly synonymous—the language of the proviso will be tlius:'This section shall not apply to any working for the purpose of makinga communication between two or more outlets, so long as notmore than twenty persons are employed at any one time in the saidworking.'Adojjting this as the correct interpretation of the statute,the inquiry is still extended as to how the 'twenty persons' shallI

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. liiibe permitted to work. We are aware that there exists a duterence ofopinion ou this subject, as well among- lawyers as laymen; and thatin many instances in this coal region, operators, while keeping withinthe limit of 'twenty persons' in working through coal for a secondoutlet, have, in accordance with their own construction of the law,worked sometimes fifteen or eighteen persons in cutting coal formarket, while only five, ofteuer only two, have been employed indriving for the second outlet."Though we do not assume positively that herein lies the explanationwhy so many mines or collieries in the region are yetvsithout a second outlet, still such an explanation is not at all unreasonable,and must stand for what it is worth. At all events,such working, if indeed it is still carried on, had better cease at once.I^ is without even the merit of shrewdness for its authors. On thecontrary, it can be regarded as little better than a stupid attemptat dodging the law; and the earlier, perhaps, a lesson in the painsand penalties of the act is learned therefor, the better it will be foreverybody,"As we have shown before, this working with no more than twentymen for a 'second opening through coal,' constituted the only conditionunder which certain mines or collieries, otherwise closed upb^"^ the i^rovisions of the statute, could be worked at all. It cannotbe claimed, however, that this permissive work can be carried onwith any other view, or for any other purpose than that mentionedin the act. Cutting coal for market, therefore, whether with oneman or twenty men, except in so far as it is a necessary incident ofdriving on through a seam or stratum towards a second outlet,not only not a declared purpose of the statute, but on the contrary,it is in direct and absolute contravention of the expressed terms"thereof."This opinion was followed a year later by Commonwealth ex rel.Williams vs. The Wilkes-Barre Coal Co., 29 Leg. Int. 213, in whichthe views above quoted were re-expressed with emphasis, and it wasdecided that "Where in connection with a mine or colliery a shaft hasbeen sunk to or a slope driven in a seam or stratum of coal which is> III comunmication with a second outlet at the point where the miningis carried on and a field of coal has there been exhausted, yet if fromtliat point a slope be continued on, following the pitch of the seamor stratum down several hundred feet and at the bottom thereof extensivemining be carried on in the same and there is no second outletcommunicating therewith separated from such slope by natural&trata of at least loO feet in breadth, the mine or colliery is withinthe legislative inhibition, and an injunction will be granted to restrainthe owners, lessees or occupiers thereof from thus workingthe same."is

liv ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.These cases referred to arose under the act of 1870, the great forerunnerof the mining laws of this Commonwealth. This act wasnot perfect—few acts of Assembly are. As was said by Mr. JusticeDean in Waters vs. Wolf, 162 Pa. 167, "The pioneer who lays outthe first path through the forest has difficulties to contend with notalways considered by those who some after him. They look over thecleared ground, see swamps and elevations which could have beenavoided while he saw no other way than to cut through or climbover them. He had but little to guide him but the end to be reached,but they have the knowledge gained from his mistakes which experiencealone now demonstrates to have been mistakes."The exemption from the inhibition of the act of 1870 is containedin the proviso to the third section of that act, and is as follows:''Thissection shall not apply to opening a new coal mine or colliery norto any work for the purpose of making a communication betweentwo or more shafts, slopes or outlets, so long as not more than twentypersons are employed at any one time in the said new mine or working."The exemption from the inhibition of section 1, article 4, of theact of 1801, is as follows: "This section shall not apply to openinga new mine or to opening any new lift of a mine, while being workedfor the purpose of making communication between said two outlets,solong as not more than twenty persons are employed at any onetime in such mine or new lift of a mine, neither shall it apply toany mine or part of a mine in which the second outlet has been renderedunavailable by reason of the finalto abandonment, solong as not more than twenty persons are employedtherein at any one time."robbing of pillars previousThis, as well as other parts of the act of 1891, are no doubt an improvementon the act of 1870. It is to be observed that while theact of 1870 exempted but two classes of cases, the act of 1801 exemptsthree. The first two are substantially those exempted by theact of 1870. The language of the act is very plain, and it is difficultto conceive how any misunderstanding could arise under itto what is exempt from this genera] inhibition. Words might obscurebut could hardly make the matter clearer than is expressedby the letter of the statute itself.asIt simply provides that the inhibitionagainst the employment of persons in the mine does' not apply(1) to the opening of a new mine or (2) to the opening of any new liftof a mine while being worked for the purpose of making communicationsbetween the two outlets so long as not more than twentypersons are employed at any one time in such mine or new liftof amine; or (3) to any mine or part of a mine in which the second outletlias been rendered unavailable by reason of the final robbing of the

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. Ivpillars previous to abaiidoiimeut, so loiig as not more than twentypersons are employed therein at any one time.In their contention the defendants not only overlook but utterlyignore the fact that the Richmond No. 3 is not a new mine, but onewhich has been opened and operated for a number of years; that theywere not opening any new lift of said mine but that the lift in questionhas been opened for months; that the main shaft has been sunkto Dunmore vein No. 2, and that said vein has been opened andoperated and coal mined for the market therefrom for more thanthirteen months, and that the operations now proposed to be carriedon by them in said vein have nothing whatever to do with workdone for the purpose of making communication between two outlets.Under acticle 15 of the act of 181)1, we are required to prohibitby injunction or otherwise the working of any mine or colliery inwhich any person is employed or is permitted to be for the purpose>f working in contravention of the provisions of this act. Tlie employmentof pei'sons by the defendants in Dunmore vein No. 2, beforethe slope or the connection between the two openings iS'completed,for the purpose of working therein and mining coal therefromlor the jnarket, is clearly in contravention of the provisions of theact of 1891 already (juoted, and there is nothing for us to do but toenforce the law.It is contended that if these views be enforced the operation of thedefendants' mine will become unprotltable. The answer to this contentionis that the statute in question was enacted to provide for thehealth and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracitecoal mines of Pennsylvania and for the protection and preservationof property connected therewith. As was said by Judge Dana inCommonwealth ex rel. Hlewitt, Inspector of Mines, vs. Tompkins, ILuz. Leg. l?eg.341, "The application and enforcement of the law ina case where from circumstances beyond the operator's control,compliance with its provisions is rendered impossible, may workhardship, but when the question is brought to a practical issue, iscapital or human lifeto be sacrificed, can the answer be doubtful?"In the present case the enforcement of a compliance with the lawwill no doubt make the defendants' mine less profitable, but it willmake it also correspondingly more safe. The question of profitis not a factor in the case; the question of safety is; and unless thedefendants carry on their operations in such a manner and with suchappliances as the law directs, they must not mine at all.A number of requests for finds of fact and conclusions of law weresiubmitted by counsel for the respective parties. These rerjuests willbe filed herewith.I find as requested in the plaintiff's seventeen requests for findingsof fact. Of the plaintiff's requests for conclusions of law, the first,third, fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth and tenth are affirmed. The

Ivi ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Second aiiQ nt'th are atHimed with the qualitication that the appliancesmentioned are not tlieonly ones wbicli may be termed safe.ii the defendants can devise some other safe and available appliancefor ready escape they ought to be permitted to do so.The ninth request is attirmed with the qualitication that the word''mines" is limited to mining in Dunmore vein No. 2; as soon asthe shaft is made saft the defendants ought to be permitted to carryon their mining operations elsewhere and especially to drive the slopeinto Dunmore No. 2,As to the eleveulh request Idecline to make the order requested.1.'he law does not authori}:,e us to direct these things to be done althoughit does authorize the court to restrain the defendant fromworking their mine in contravention of the provisions of the act of1891, and that of course will be done.I find as requested in the second, third, sixth, eighth, ninth, eleventh,twelfth, thirteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth requests for findingsof fact submitted by the defendant. T find as requested in thefirst request for fact with some qualification. Some time intervenedbetween the abandonment of the effort to drive the slope upwardfrom Dunmore vein No. 2, and the beginning of work driving saidslope dowiiwai'd through the Clark vein. The evidence is indefiniteUs to the length of this |)eriod. I find asi vequested in the fourthrequest for fact with the qualification attached to the affirmance ofthe first. J find as requested in the seventh request with the qualificationthat the shaft to Dunmore vein No. 2 Avas not fitted with laddersuntil after the accident mentioned.I find as recpiestcd in the tenth request with the

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. Iviiwork of driving the slopt^ into that vein from the Clark vein. The uncontradictedevidence sliows that this is accompanied by unusualheavy blasting which tends to disarrange the brattices and doors ofthe mine and break down the walls. This is an element of dangerwhich may not exist Avhen the slope is finished but which must beconsidered now.Now, 3Iarch 28, 1S98, the rule is made absolute and the injunctionheretofore granted as modihed under and in pursuance with theagreement between the parties is continued until otherwise ordered.Commonwealth ex rel. vs. Elk Hill Coal and Iron Company.Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, No. 5,Equity.March Term, 1898, inMining Law—Second Opening—Safety Appliance—Act of 2ndJune, 1891, Construed.While article 1, section 1 of the act of June 2, 1891, does not expresslyrequire that the appliance by which persons employed in amine may escape, shall be a carriage or cage, or that a second engineershall be kept at the second opening or that steam shall bekept up in the boilers at said opening all the time, it does providethat the second shaft shall be lifted with appliances by which thepersons employed in the mine may readily escape in case an accidentoccurs deranging the hoisting machinery at the main outletand that such appliances shall be safe and available.A, engaged in ojierating a mine with a second ojjening or shaft,1,500 feet distant from the main shaft, of a depth of 340 feet, fittedthe same with a bucket about three feet in diameter, three feet deepand capable of holding four men. It had no protector overheadand was without a guide. When being raised or lowered it wouldswing from side to side and strike the sides and timbers of the shaft;Held, That this was not such an appliance as complied with the requirementsof sections l\ and 10 of the act of June 2, 1891.Section 1. article 4 of the act of 1891, does not authorize the employmentof twenty ])ersons for the production of coal for marketunder the pretext of nuiking another opening. It simply providesthat the inhibition against the employment of persons in the minedoes not apply: (1) T'o the opening of a new mine; (2) To the openingof any new lift of a mine, while being worked for the purpose ofmaking communications between the outlets so long as not morethan twenty persons are employed at any one time, in such mineor new lift of a miue; (3) To any mine or part of a mine, in which

Iviii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.the second outlet has been rendered unavaUable by reason of thefinal robbing of the pillars, previous to abandonment, so long asnot more than twenty persons are employed therein at any one time,and the working of any mine in which any person is employed orpermitted to be for the purpose of working in contravention of theseprovisions, will be prohibited by injunction or otherwise.NAKKOW ESCAPE AT RICHMOND MINE.A Set;ond Opening Saves the Miner's Lives Yesterday.The fire at the Kichmond No. 3 shaft of the Elk Hill Coal andIron Company yesterday afternoon, exclusive mention of which wasmade in the extra edition of last evening's Times, did not prove tobe as serious as was at first expected, owing to the prompt actionof those who were engaged in looking after the welfare of the seemirglyentombed miners.The men all made their escape through the new second opening,which is 1,800 feet from the main shaft. The fire originated froma locomotive spark which ignited the fan house.In less than halfan hour the place was reduced to ashes and went tumbling down theshaft. Smoke filled the gangways and only for the prompt notificationwhich the miners received they would all have been suffocatedbefore they could have escaped through the s(M'ond opening.The engine house quickly succumbed to the fiames and the onlyportion of the structure saved was the framework around the openingof the shaft. The North End fire department (piickly respondedto the alarm, but the combini'd hose of the three companies wasnot enough to reach the nearest hydrant. By the time the fire companieswere ready both structures were a mass of burning ruins.Pome of the men in charge refused to permit Chief Ilickey to turna stream of water on the embers, and as the fire had eaten u]) all itcould except the bunting and beams around the shaft, the chief wasnot particularly anxious to ignore the command, but when Mr. Kodcrick came he found the shaft so full of gas thai it was up withina foot of the surface. A spark from the embers could lly into theopening and there would be an upheaval which would bring greatdestruction. There was a crowd around the mouth of the shaftthat numbered from 100 to 200 persons. Nothing could save the

Ko. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. liXluajority of thciu if the j'as ever exploded, and it needed ouly a«spai-k of any kind to do it. Consequently Chief llickey was notifiedto come up again. The chief got permission to use some extra hose.He took 500 feet from the Century s, 150 from the Crystals, 350 fromihe Niagaras and 400 from the Liberty s, and brought the Centurysup with their wagon in order not to deprive the North End of protectionin case of fire. At 11 o'clock he had the last spark quenched.As soon as the fire broke out Foreman McCutcheon went intothe mines and claims he had but little difficulty in getting the mentogether. The mules balked when the smoke came down the shaftand they had to be left to their fate. After the men were resuced,Foreman McCutcheon and his assistant, M. Eckersley, went downthe second opening to make an examination. They could not enterihe Clark vein on account of gas. The fan and air passages willhave to be rebuilt before another attempt can be made to enter theworkings.''J'he mtni inside when the fire broke out were John Donnelly, ofDak street, a brattice man; John Dougherty, of Marvine street, aminer; Dennis Gallagher and John Bibbes, miners; James Hawley,adriver boy and 18 Polish laborers whose names could not be ascertained.All except two were in the bottom vein. They didn'thave a minute to spare. .Indirectly all of them owe their lives to Mine Inspector Roderick. /At his instance the mines were closed down last winter because/there was not a second opening from the bottom vein, as required by/law. The main shaft is situated in the angle formed by the Laeka-1wanna river and the Ontario and Western Railroad, a few hundred!feet north of Parker street. Its depth is 505 feet. Mr. Roderick\had to go to court about it. By his attorneys, Willard, Warren &Kuapp, he applied for an injunction to restrain operations until as

Ix ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Ferguson mine, operated by the Dunbar Coal Company. On themorning of the 16th, accompanied by Inspectors Connor, Adams,Blick, Hobs and CalhTghan, I went into the mine and made an examination.We found that an effort was being made to subdue thefire by excluding as far as possible, all air from it, presuming thatthe gases evolved from the fire would ultimately extinguish it, andwhile from the conditions that obtained this seemed a very propercourse to pursue, it was at the same time fraught with danger tothe persons employed in the mine, from the fact that the fire was ina gob of large area in which explosive gas had lately, been detected.In view of the possible danger of an explosion and the consequentloss of human life, it was deemed proper to ask the mine officialsto take from the mine all persons other than those needed to removethe danger, which they very promptly did. After a period of30 days, no explosion having occurred and the danger apparentlyhaving been removed, the usual operations of the mine were resv;med.May 10.Called to Pittston by Inspector Hugh McDonald to advisewith and assist him in an ivestigation as to the cause and circumstancesconnected with a cave in the old workings of the Hallsteadni'ne at Duryea, operated by the Delaware, Lackawanna and WesternCompany, wherein David Emanuel and Thomas Williams wereentombed. On the same day attended the inquest as to the causeof the death of James Monahan, Stephen Jenkins and John Titus.These men were engaged in putting slides or guides in the Hallsiead shaft on the evening of the 5th of May. A stick of timber8x8 had been placed high in the tower, from which a block and tacklewere S'uspended for the purpose of lowering the guides to the workmenin the shaft. One guide had been lowered and put in position,when the second guide was drawn into the shaft. From some unknowncause the chjiin that was wrapped around the stick of timberIP the shaft, on which the blocks were hooked, slipped from the stick,the Hallstead mine, judging from the evidence of the parties indirectcharge, a copy of which is on file in this office, every possibleeffort was made to recover Emanuel and Williams alive or theirbodies. It also shows that the mine oflicials ex])ected this portionof the mine to cave, or at least gradually subside. And while, perhapsas a rule, the loss of life from this cause is not gi'eat, it is aserious menace and is surely detrimental to surface property andl»recii)itating guide tackle, scaffold (in the shaft) and men to thebottom of the shaft, a distance of about 300 feet, killing the threemen instantly. It appeared from the evidence that no blame couldbe attached to anyone, unless* it may hav^ been the deceased JamesMonahan, who put the chain around the timber and failed to ])ro])-ej-ly secure it. Regarding in the cave in the abandoned workings of

Ko. 11. BUREAU OP MINES..l3tlprompts the iiuiuiry, cannot sometliiiig be done to avoid it. Thisis a matter worthy of careful consideration and investigation. Ithas been demonstrated tluit wliere the conditions are favorable, Hushingculm into the mines prevents caves of large area, and at the sametime permits the securing of a much greater percentage of the coal.On May IG, was called to Pottsville to consult with Inspector JohnMaguire regarding the illegal and unsafe condition of the Marioncolliery. Kepeated efforts having been made by the Inspector toinduce the otllicials of the colliery to comply with the plain provisionsof the law, and no attention having been given to his request,it was deemed prudent to advise the Inspector to apply tothe court for an injunction restraining the Marion Coal Companyiiom further operating their mine until the law was complied withiind the mine placed in a safe condition. The evidence in the casewas heard before liichard H. Koch, A. L. J., on June 20, 21 and 22,and he granted the injunction. A full account of the proceedings,also of an arbitration case with the same company appears inI (port of John Maguire, Inspector of the Eighth Anthracite district.On September 2t I received from Covernor Hastings a telegramwhich read as follows: "1 desire that you immediately visit sceneof mine disaster, Umpire coal mine, Brownsville, Pa., and makethorough and complete investigation and advise me thereon. Pleasea knowledge."On October 5, after making a full and complete investigation, assistedby Mine Inspectors Louttit, Blick, Connor and Callaghau, In ade the following report:(J()\'ernor Daniel H. Ilastitigs, Harrisburg, Pa.:Dear Sir: Referring to your telegram of the 24th instant advisingme of the accident whereby eight men lost their lives in the Umpiremine, situated on the Mouongahela riverthenear Brownsville, and re-(jiiesting me to })roceed at once to the scene of accident, investigatesame and make a full r('])()rt, agreeable with your request, I herebysi'bmit the following as the resultof my investigation:I left here on the tirst train west arriving at Monongahela City onSunday forenoon. On Monday morning I went to Brownsville andbefore entering the mine I made an inspection of the fan, whichwas located some two mil(\s from the mouth of the mine. When Iarrived there I found everything locked up and no one in attendance,although the fan was in motion tliough iimning very slowly. In ashort time a man came and unlocked the door. I found that steamwas generated at the bottom of the shaft, 144 feet from the surface;that the fan was oj.erated in a sort of hit or miss fashion, andi-'rder the immediate care of a thirteen year old boy; that the firen.anat the bottom of the shaft, aside from his duty to keep up suf-

Ixii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.flcient steam to operate the pumps and fau, had to attend to certainvalves,some of which were located as much as thiee-(iuai'ters of amile from the boiler,and that during his absence the steam oftenran down to a point insufficient to properly operate the fan.In thisconnection I learned also that the Mine Inspector, some time previousto the explosion, had posted up, in accordance with legal requirements,a notice stating at what hours the fan should start andstop. Notwithstanding this notice, the superintendent, John Simpson,gave orders for the fau to be in operation two hours less eachday than stipulated by the Inspector, and on several occasions themen were allowed to remain in the mine when the fan was not inmotion for hours at a time. On my visit to the fan, I heard that itLad been stopped on Saturday, the 24th, at 4 P. M'., and had notbeen started again until Monday, the 26th, about 11.30 A. M., not-Av'thstanding the large quantity of gas in the mine. In the afternoonI made an inspection of the mine, especially that portion where theaccident occurred, known as entry No. 10. Everything remained justas it was after the explosion. I found gas in room No. 10 about 30feet in from the entry, and gas in every room uj) to 22, which wasthe last room on the entry. Judging from the condition of the mine,the explosion was of small magnitude, as little damage was doneto the mine, showing beyond question that only a small portion ofthe accumulated gas exploded. This theory is further sustained bythe evidence of those who examined the bodies, stating that someof the bodies were not burned at all, and they did not think that ther:pparent injuries to those who were burned were sufficient to causedeath, showing that death rcsulU'd from the deadly afterdamp.On Tuesday, the 2Gth, the continued inquest of the coroner waslesumed. In view of the fact that no record of the evidence i)reviouslygiven had been kept, the coroner had the witnesses re-examii.ed,when stenographic notes were taken of all the evidence. Aftera careful inquiry into the cause and circumstances conncM'ted withthe accident, the jury rendered the following vei-dict:Brownsville, September 2S, 189

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. IxiiiThe supeiinteudeiit stated that while he had beeii for twelvejears tinauoially interested in coal mines, he knew nothing of theirmanagement. At the same time, he signed the mine foreman's recordbook without examining it, directed the operation of the i^a, couti'oUedthe operation of the mine, hired the mine foreman, and allowedhim to take charge without even showing him the mine map. Thisis only one of many cases where the superintendent directs the operationof the mine, gives orders and shares none of the responsibilities.1 am sorry to say that this maintains to a greater degree than itshould. There are men who invest their money in mines and who,from a somewhat limited acquaintance with the pres^ent conditionof the industry, imagine the management of a mine is an accupationwhich anyone without former experience in the business of miningis capable of managing. Ko greater mistake can be made thanthe appointment of a man as mine manager simply because he maybe a good accountant, a relative, or a warm personal friend. Itshould be immpossible for any others than those who had passed asatisfactory examination in the science and practice of mining, tohold positions as mine managei-s.This would be better for the miner,the operator and the State.and safety of the miner, the cost of production to the operator andIt should be remembered that the healththe saving of the coal, adding to the wealth of the State can onlybe looked after successfully by men familiar with the principlesofthe sciences connected with mining, and who have acquired theability to apply those principles by practical experience. I do notconsider the method of mining at the Umpire mine the best forthe safety of the employes, nor is it the best that could be adoptedfor securing the greatest portion of the coal. Wide rooms are drivenand narrow pillars are left. The rooms cave in and the roof breaksotj' at the pillar, the pillars sustaining the strata imemdiately abovethem, the result of which is that large cavities are left in the cavedrooms in which large quantities of gas accumulate, which isalways a menace to the lives of those employed in the mine. Andagain, by this method nearly one-third of the coal is left in themine, whereas, if it were all removed it would allow the superincumbentstrata to all break dowai, and in many cases allow the gasto escape to the surface.I will have a copy of the evidence taken at the coroner's inquest,Mhich I attended, and when it is received, should you desire any furtherinformation in this connection, I will be pleased to furnish it.Trusting this so far will meet with your approval, I have the honorto be,Your most obedient Siervant,ROBERT RROWNLEE,Chief of Bureau of Mines.

Ixiv ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.There is now on file in tliis office a transcript of the evidence, madefrom the stenographer's notes taken at the inquest. Immediatelyafter the coroner's inquest, Mine Foreman James Broderick, FireBoss Henry Farrer and Superintendent John Simpson were arrestedand taken before a justice of the peace, when Superintendent Simpsongave bail in |0U0, Mine Foreman James Broderick |90U, and FireBossi Henry Farrer |30(), for their appearance at court. At theMarch term, 18JJ1), before the grand jury of Fayette county, the saidJames Broderick and Henry Farrer pleaded nol contendere, subsiantially the same as guilty, and on the March 21, Mr. Simpson tookstantially the same as guilty, and on March 21, Mr, Simpson enteredtlie same plea.The charges against Mr. Simpson are specifically "ordering and directing,permitting and allowing the engineer, or those in chargeof the ventilating fan, to stop the fan contrary to the terms of thewritten permission of the Mine Inspector of the district;for countersigningthe record book of the mine foreman of the mine withoutreading and examining the matter entered in the book."The first count was nol prossed and in the second, a motion toamend indictment with order to file motion in arrest of judgmentfiled.Owing to the many inquiries for maps showing the location of thecoal mines of the State, together with the necessity of showing thethe report of each inspector.position and area of each inspection district, maps of the several disliictshave been made and inserted inThe colored lines bound each district; the number on the maps showthe location of each colliery and the corresponding numbers intable1 gives the names of the colliery, by whom operated, in what countylocated, the name of superintendf^nt, his post office address and thename of the railroad to mine.Reports of the Anthracite Miners' Examining Boards Received atthis Office.Plymouth, Pa., January 30, .1899.Report of the Miners' Examining Board for the Fonrlh districtfor the year ending 1898.

No. 11.BUREAU OF MINES.ixvExpenses of Board.Wilkes-Baire, 12 meetiugs, 3 men, at |9.00,I'lj-month, 12 meetings, 3 men, at |9.00,1108Nanticoke, 12 meetings, 3 men, at $9.00,294 eertificates, at one-half cent, .Xanticoki^ Boaid, diiinei' and car fare for tliree men.Total receipts

IxviANNUAL REPORT OF THEOff.DExpenses.Rent, liglit and lieat, 12 sessions,Rent, light and heat, 5 extra,Printing,Rooks, stationery and postage,Sign and painting,Office furniture,

No. 11. BUREAU OF MINES. IxviiTAvelvo days' wages to 3 oxainiuei-s, at |o per day foreach,Balance in treasury,Total,

Ixviii ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.Germans, 1Eussian Poles, 6Bohemians, 1Total, 29Financial Statement.Two hundred and two certificates, |202 00Duplicates and registry 6 00Registry, 2 50Total, 1210 50Expenses.Salaries for 17 meetings, |163 00Car fare, 7 50Carriage hire, 17 00Rent, 15 50Printing, 6 00Stationery, 1 50Total, . |210 50JOHN T. REARDON,Secretary.The above are the only Miners' Examining Boards that have reported.

No. 11.BUREAU OF MINES.Fatal Accidents per each 1,000 Employes in and about the Anthracite Mines,and tons of Coal Mined per each Fatal Accident from 1878 to 1898 Inclusive.Years.

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LAWS RELATINGTOCoal Mining( Ixxxv )

( Ixxxvi )

Official Document, No. 11.LAWS RELATING TO COAL MINING.AN ACTTo protect miners in the bituminous coal region of the Commonwealth.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That after the period of three monthsfrom the passage of this act, any miner employed by an individual,firm or corporation for the purpose of mining coal shall be entitledto receive from his employer, and failing to receive then to collect,by due process of law, at such rates as may have been agreed uponbetween the employer and the employed, full and exact wages accruingto him for the mining of all sizes of merchantable coal somined by him, whether the same shall exist in the form of nut orlump coal; and in the adjudication of such wages seventy-six poundsshall be deemed one bushel, and two thousand pounds net, shall bedeemed one ton of coal: Provided, That nothing contained in this actshall be construed to prevent operators and miners contracting forany method of measuring and screening the coal mined by suchminers, as they may contract for.Section 2. That at every liituminous coal mine in this Commonwealth,where coal is mined by measurement, all cars, filled by minersor their laborers, shall be uniform in capacity at each mine; no unbrandedcar or cars shall enter the mine for a longer period thanthree months, without being branded by the mine inspector of thedistrict, wherein the mine is situated; and any owner or owners, ortheir agents, violating the provisions of this section, shall be subjectto a fine of not less than one dollar per car for each and every dayas long as the car is not in conformity with this act, and the mineinspector of the district, where the mine is located, on receivingnotice from the check-master or any five miners working in themine, that a car or cars are not properly branded, or not uniformin capacity according to law, are used inthe mine where he or theyare employed, then inside of three days from the date of receivingsaid notice, it shall be his duty to enforce the provisions of this section,under penalty of ten dollars for each and every day he permitssuch car or cars to enter the mine: Provided, That nothing containedin this section shall be construed or applied to those mines which donot use more than ten cars.( Ixxxvii )

'^-^'^^"i MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 3. That at every bituminous coal mine in this Commonwealth,where coal is mined by weight or measure, the miners or amajority of those present at a meeting called for that purpose, shallhave the right to employ a competent person as check-weighman, orcheck-measurer as the case may require, who shall be permitted atall times to be present at the weighing or measurement of coal, alsohave power to weigh or measure the same, and during the regularworking hours to have the privilege to balance and examine thescales, or measure the cars:Provided, That all such balancing or examinationof scales shall only be done in such way, and in such time,as in no way to interfere with the regular working of the mines.And he shall not be considered a trespasser during working hourswhile attending to the interests of his employers. And in no mannershall he be interfered with or intimidated by any person, agent,owner or miner. And any person violating these provisions shall beheld and deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon convictionthereof, he shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty dollars,and not exceeding one hundred dollars, or imprisonment at thediscretion of the court. It shall be a further duty of check-weighmanor check-measurer to credit each miner with all merchantablecoal mined by him, on a proper sheet or book to be kept by him forthat purpose. When differences arise between the check-weighmanor check-measurer and the agent or owners of the mine, as to theuniformity, capacity or correctness of scales or cars used, the sameshall be referred to the mine inspector of the district where the mineis located, whose duty it shall be to regulate the same at once, andin the event of said scales or cars proving to be correct, then theparty or parties applying for the testing thereof to bear all costsand expenses thereof; but if not correct then the owner or ownersof said mine to pay the cost and charges of making said examination:Provided further. That should any weighman or weighmen, agent orcheck-measurer, whether employed by operators or miners, knowinglyor willfully adopt or take more or less pounds for a bushel orton than is provided for in the first section of this act, or willfullyneglect the balancing or examining of the scales or cars, or knowinglyand willfully weigh coal with an incorrect scale, he shall beguilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisonedin the county jail for three months.Section 4.All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act arehereby repealed.Approved—The 1st day of June, A. D. 1883.ROBT. E.PATTISON.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. IxxxixAN ACTTo provide payment to the miner for all clean coal mined by him.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That from and after the passage ofthis act all individuals, firms and corporations engaged in miningcoal in this Commonwealth, who, instead of dumping all ihe carsthat come from the mine into a breaker or chutes, shall switch outone or more of the cars for the purpose of examining them, and determiningthe actual amount of slate or refuse, by removing saidslate or refuse from the car, and who shall, after so doing, willfullyneglect to allow the miner in full for all clean coal left after the refuse,dirt or slate is taken out, at the same rate paid at the mine forclean coal less the actual expense of removing said slate or refuse,he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.Section 2. That any individual, firm or corporation as aforesaid,violating the provisions of this act, upon suit being brought and convictionhad, shall be sentenced by the court to pay a fine of not morethan one hundred dollars, and to make restitution by paying to theminer the amount to which, under this act, he would be entitled forthe coal mined by him, and for which he was not paid.Approved—The 13th day of June, A. D. 1883.ROBT. E. PATTISONAN ACTTo provide for the recovery of the bodies of workmen enclosed, buried or entombedin coal mines.Be it enacted, &c.. That whenever any workman or work-Section 1.men shall heretofore have been, or shall hereafter be enclosed, entombedor buried in any coal mine in this Commonwealth, it shallbe the duty of Ihe court, sitting in equity, in the county whereinsuch workman or workmen are enclosed, entombed or buried, uponthe petition of any of the relatives of those enclosed, entombed orburied, to make an order of court for the petitioner to take testimonyin order that the court may ascertain whether such workman orworkmen, or the body or bodies of such workman or workmen, canbe recovered or taken out of said mine.If, after full hearing, it shall appear to the court that such undertakingis feasible or practicable, said court may forthwith issue aperemptory mandamus to the owner or owners, lessee or lessees,operator or operators of such coal company, to forthwith proceed towork for and recover and take out the body or bodies of such work-

^'^ MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.man or workmen, and said court shall have full authority to enforcesuch peremptory mandamus in the manner already provided for theenforcement of such process.Approved—The 9th day of May, A. D. 1889.JAMES A. BEAVER.AN ACTTo provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracitecoal mines of Pennsylvania and for the protection and preservation ofproperty connected therewith.ARTICLE I.Section 1. Be it enacted, &e., That this act shall apply to everyanthracite coal mine or colliery in the Commonwealth, provided thesaid mine or colliery employs more than ten (10)ARTICLE ILInspectors and Inspection Districts.persons.Section 1. The counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Luzerne, Lackawanna,Carbon, Schuylkill, Northumberland, Columbia, Lebanon andDauphin, or so much of them as may be included under the provisionsof this act, shall be divided into eight (8) inspection districts asfollows:Section 2. First. All that portion of the Lackawanna coal field lyingnortheast of East and West Market streets in the city of Scranton,and of Slocum and Drinker streets in the borough of Dunmore,including the coal fields of Susquehanna and Wayne counties.Second. That portion of the Lackawanna coal field in Lackawannacounty lying southwest of East and West Market streets inthe cityof Scrantou, and west of Slocum and Drinker streets in the boroughof Dunmore.Third. That portion of the Wyoming coal fields situated in Luzernecounty, east of and including Plains and Kingston townships.Fourth. The remaining porlion of the Wyoming coal field west ofPlains and Kingston townships, including the city of Wilkes-Barreand the boroughs of Kingston and Edwardsville.Fifth. That part of Luzerne county lying south of the Wyomingcoal field together with Carbon county.Sixth. That i)art of the Schuylkill coal Held in Schuylkill countylying north of the Bcoad Mountain and east of a meridian linethrough (he centre ofthe borough of riifardvillc.Seventh. That part of the Schuylkill coal field in Schnylkill countylying north of the Bioad Mountain and west of a meridian line through

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. xcithe centre of the borough of Girardville, together with Columbia,North umbei'laud and Dauphin counties.Eighth. Ail that part of the JSchuylliill coal field in Schuylkillcounty lying south ofthe Mahanoy Valley, and the county of Lebanon.Section 3. In order to fill any vacancy that may occur in the officeof Inspector of Mines by reason of expiration of term, resignation, removalfor cause or from any other reason whatever, the judges ofthe court of Lackawanna county shall appoint an examining boardfor the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne and Lackawanna, and thejudges of the court of Luzerne county shall appoint an examiningboard for the counties of Sullivan, Carbon and Luzerne, and thejudges of Schuylkill county shall appoint an examining board for thecounties of Schuylkill, Northumberland, Lebanon, Columbia andDauphin.Section 4. The said Board of Examiners shall be composed ofthree reputable coal miners in actual practice and two reputablemining engineers, all of whom sTiall be appointed at the first termof court in each year, to hold their places during the year. Any vacanciesthat may occur in the Board of Examiners shall be filled bytlic court as they occur. The said Board of Examiners shall be permittedto engage the services Oif a clerk, and they, together with theclerk, shall each receive the sum of five dollars per day for every daythey are actually engaged in the discharge of their duties under thisappointment, and mileage at the rate of six cents per mile from theirhome to the place of meeting and return by the nearest practicablerailway route.Section 5. Whenever candidates for the office of inspector are tobe examined, the said examiner shall give public notice of the factin not more than five papers published in the inspection district andat least two weeks before the meeting, specifying the time and placewhere such meeting shall be held. The said examiners shall besworn to a faithful discharge of their duties, and four of them shallagi-ee in their recommendation of all candidates to the Governorwho have answered ninety per centum of the questions; the namesof the applicants, the questions asked and answered thereto shall besent to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and published in atleast two local papers, daily or weekly, and shall recommend onlysuch applicants as they find qualified for the office.Should the Board of Examiners not be able to agree in their selectionand recommendation of a candidate, the judges of the court ofcommon pleas shall dissolve the said board and appoint a new boardof like qualifications and powers.Upon the recommendation of the Board of Examiners as aforesaid,the Governor shall appoint such person or persons to fill the office7

xcii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Oft". Doc.of inspector of mines under this act, and shall issue to him a commissionfor the term of five years, subject, however, to removal forneglect of duty or malfeasance in office as hereinafter provided for.Section 6. The person so appointed must be a citizen of Pennsylvaniaand shall have attained the age of thirty years. He must havea knowledge of the different sj'stems of working coal mines, and hemust produce satisfactory evidence to the Board of Examiners ofhaving had at least five (5) years' practical experience in anthracitecoal mines of Pennsylvania. He must have had experience in coalmines where noxious and explosive gases are evolved.Before entering upon the duties of his office he shall take an oathor affirmation before an officer properly qualified to administer thesame, that he will perform his duties with fidelity and impartiality;which oath or affirmation shall be filed in the office of the prothonotaryof the county. He shall also provide himself with the mostmodern instruments and appliances for carrying out the intentionsof this act.Section 7. The salary of each of the said inspectors shall be threethousand dollars per annum, which salary, together with the expenseincurred in carrying into effect the provisions of this act, shall bepaid by the State Treasurer out of the Treasury of the Commonwealthupon the warrant of the Auditor General.Section 8. In case the inspector becomes incapacitated to performthe duties of his office, for a longer period than two weeks, it shall bethe duty of the judges of the court of common pleas to deputize somecompetent person recommended by the Board of Examiners to fill theoffice of inspector until the said inspector shall be able to fulfill theduties of his office and the person so appointed shall be paid in thesame manner as is provided for the Inspector of Mines.Section 9. Each of the said inspectors shall reside in the districtfor which he is af)pointed, and shall give his whole time and atten-

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. xciiithe conditiou of the workings of the said mines with regard to thesafety of tlie workmen therein and the ventilation thereof, and theresult of his labors generally shall be fully set forth.Section 10. The Board of Examiners, each for its respective districtas hereinbefore provided for, in order to divide more equitablyamong the several mine inspectors the labor to be performed and theterritory to be covered by them in the performance of the duties ofthe office, may, at any time when they shall deem itdesirable or necessary,readjust the several districts by the creation of new boundarylines, thereby adding to or taking from, as the case may be, thedistricts as at present bounded and described, if the court havingjurisdiction approve the same.And in case it shall be deemed desirable or necessary to readjustany contiguous district, comprised by more than one judicial district,by the creation of new boundary lines, then in such case theexamining boards of the territory affected or requiring such adjustment,shall, in joint session, make such change or readjustment asthey shall jointh' agree upon, if the nearest court having jurisdictionto the territory affected to whom the said joint examiningboards shall submit the matter, shall approve the same.Section 11. The mine inspector shall have the right, and it ishereby made his duty to enter, inspect and examine any mine or collieryin his district and the workings and machinery' belongingthereto, at all reasonable times, either by day or night, but not so asto impede or obstruct the working of the colliery, and shall havepower to take one or more of his fellow inspectors into or around anymine or colliery in the district for which he is appointed, for thepurpose of consultation or exatnination.He shall also have the right and it is hereby made his duty, tomake inquiry into the condition of such mine or colliery workings,machinery, ventilation, drainage, method of lighting or using lightsand into all matters and things connected with or relating to, aswell as tomake suggestions providing for the health and safety ofpersons employed in or about the same, and especially to make inquirywhether the provisions of this act have been complied with.The owner, operator or superintendent of such mine or colliery ishereby required to furnish the means necessary for such eulry, inspection,examination, inquiry and exit.The inspector shall make a record of the visit, noting the time andmaterial circumstances of theinspection.Section 12. No person who shall act o.- j^ractice as a land agent oras the manager or agent of any coal mine or colliery, who is pecuniarilyinlert^sted in operating any coal mine or colliery in his district,shall, at the same time, hold the office of inspector of minesunder this act.

xciv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doo.Section 13. Whenever a petition signed by fifteen or more reputablecoal operators or miners, or both, setting forth that any insijectorof mines neglects his duties, or is incompetent, or is guilty ofmalfeasance in office, it shall be the duty of the court of commonpleas of the proper county to issue a citation in the name of theCommonwealth to the said inspector to appear at not less than uvedays' notice, on a day fixed, before said court aud the court shallthen proceed to inquire into and investigate the allegations ot thepetitioners. If the court find that said inspector is neglectful ofhis duties or that he is incompetent to perform the duties of theoffice,for any cause that existed previous to his appointment or thathas arisen since his appointment, or that he is guilty of malfeasancein office, the court shall certify the same to (he Governor of theCommonwealth, who shall declare the office of iuspeetor for the districtvacant and proceed, in compliance with the provisions of this act,the office.to appoint a properly qualified person to fillThe cost of said investigation shall be borne by the removed inspector;but if the allegations in the petition are not sustained thecosts shallbe paid by the petitioners.Section 14. The maps and plans of the mines and the recordsthereof, together with all the papers relating thereto, shall be keptby the inspector, properly arranged and preserved, in a convenientplace in the district for which each inspector has been appointed,and shall be transferred by him with any other property of the Commonwealththat may be in his possession, to his successor in office.Section 15.The persons who, at the time this act goes into GiTect,are acting as inspectors of mines under the acts hereby repealed shallcontinue to act in the same manner as if they had been appointedunder this act, and until the term for which they were appointedhas expired.ARTICLE III.Surveys, Maps and Plans.Section 1. The owner, operator or superintendent of every coalmine or colliery shall make, or cause to be made, an accurate map orplan of the workings or excavations of such coal mine or colliery, ona scale of one hundred feet to the inch, which map or plan shall exhibitthe workings or excavations in each and every seam of coaland the tunnels and i)assiiges connecting with such workings or excavations.It shall state in degrees the general inclination of thestrata with any material deflection therein in said workings or excavations,and shall also state the tidal elevations of the bottom ofeach and every shaft, slope, tunnel and gangway, and of any otherpoint in the mine or on the surface where siu-h elevation sliall bedeemed necessary by the inspector. The maj) oi- plan shall show thenumber of the last survey station and date of each survey on the

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. xcvgangways or the most advanced workings. It shall also accuratelyshow the boundary lines of the lands of the said coal mine or collieryand the proximity of the workings thereto, and in case anymine contains any water dammed up in any part thereof, it shall bethe duty of the owner, operator or superintendent to cause the truelocation of the said dam to be accurately marked on said map orplan, together with the tidal elevation, inclination of strata and areaof said workings containing water, and whenever any workings orexcavations is approaching the workings where such dam or wateriscontained or situated, the owner, operator or superintendent shallnotify the inspector of the same without delay.A true copy of which map or plan the said owner, operator or superintendentshall deposit with the inspector of mines for the districtin which the said coal mine or colliery is situated, showing the workingsof each seam, if so desired by the inspector, on a separate sheetof tracing muslin. One copy of the said map or plan shall be kept atthe colliery.Section 2. The said owner, operator or superintendent shall, asoften as once in every six months place, or cause to be placed, on thesaid Inspector's map or plan of said coal mine or colliery, the plan ofthe extensions made in such coal mine or colliery during the precedigsix months. The said extensions shall be placed on the inspector'smap and the map returned to the inspector within two months fromthe date of the last survey.Section 3. When any coal mine or colliery is worked out preparatoryto being abandoned, or when any lift thereof is about to beabandoned, the owner, operator or superintendent of such coal mineor colliery shall have the maps or plans thereof extended to includeall excavations, as far as practicable, and such portions thereof ashave been worked to the boundary lines of adjoining properties; orany part or parts of the workings of which is intended to be allowedto fill with water, must be surveyed in duplicate and such surveysmust practically agree, and certified copies be filed with the inspectorof the district in which the mines are situated.Section 4.Whenever the owner, operator or superintendent of anycoal mine or colliery shall neglect or refuse, or from any cause notsatisfactory to the inspector, shall fail, for a period of three months,to furnish to the insi)ector the map or plan of said colliery or of theextensions thereto, as provided for in this act, the inspector is herebyauthorized to cause an accurate map or plan of such coal mine or collieryto be made at the expense of the owner thereof, which costshallbe recoverable from said owner as other debts are by law recoverable.Section 5. If the inspector finds or has reason to believe, that anymap or plan of any coal mine or colliery, furnished under the provisionsof this act, is materially inaccurate, it shall be his duty to make

kcvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.application to tJie court of common pleat? of the county in which suchcolliery is situate for an order to have an accurate map or plan ofsaid colliery prepared, and if such survey shall prove that the mapfurnished was materially inaccurate or imperfect, such owner, operatoror superintendent shall be iiable for the expense incurred in makingthe same.Section G. If it shall be found that the map or plan furnished bythe owner, operator or superintendent was not materially inaccurateor imperfect, the Commonwealth shall beincurred in making such test survey.held liable for the expenseSection 7. If it shall be shown that the said owner, operator orsuperintendent has knowingly or designedly caused or allowed suchmap or plan, when furnished, to be incorrect or false, such owner,operator or superintendent thus offending, shall be guilty of a misdemeanorand upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine notexceeding five hundred dollars or imprisonment not exceeding threemonths, atthe discretion of the court.Section 8. The maps or plans of the several coal mines or collieriesin each district and which are placed in the custody of the inspector,shall be the property of the Commonwealth, and shall remainin the care of the inspector of the district in which the saidcollieries are situated to be transferred by him to his successor inoffice; and in no case shall a copy of the same be made without theconsent of the owner, operator or superintendent.Section 9. The inspector's map or plan of any particular collieryshall be open for inspection, in the presence of the inspector, to anyminer or miners of that colliery, whenever said miner or miners shallhave cause to fear that his or their working place or places is becomingdangerous, by reason of its proximity to other workings whichmaj' be supposed to contain water or dangerous gases. Said mapshall also be open tointerested, during business hours.the inspection and examination of any citizenSection 10. It shall be obligatory on the owners of adjoining coalproperties to leave, or cause to be left, a pillar of coal in each seamor vein of coal worked by them, along the line of adjoining property,of such width, that taken in connection with the pillar to be left bythe adjoining property owner, will be a sufficient barrier for thesaf(4y of the employes of either mine in case the other should beabandoned and allowed to fill with water; such width of pillar to bedetermined by the engineers of the adjoining property owners togetherwith the inspector of the district in which the mine is situated,and the surveys of the face of the workings along such pillarshall be made in duplicate and must practically agree. A copy ofsuch duplicate surveys, certified to, must be filed with the ownersof the adjoining properties and with the inspector of the district inwhich the mine or property is situated.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. xcviiARTICLE IV.Sh

Xcviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.he may make an additional shaft, slope or outlet under, through orupon intervening lands, as may be determined upon and provided forby the award. If the finding of the viewers is against the owner, orifno award be made by reason of any default or neglect on the partof the owner, he shall be bound to comply with the provisions of thisact in the same manner as if this section had not been enacted. Incasie the said owner, operator or superintendent desires to, andclaims that he ought to make an additional opening under, throughor upon any adjoining or intervening lands, to meet the requirementsof this act,, for the ingress and egress of the men employed inhis or their mine, he or they shall make a statement of the facts inthe petition, with a survey, setting forth the point of commencementand the point of termination of the proposed outlet which he or they,their engineers, agents or employes may enttr upon said interveninglands and survey and mark, as he or they shall find it proper toadopt for such additional outlet, doing as little damage as possibleto the property explored; and the viewers shall state in their reportwhat damage will be sustained by the owner or owners of theintervening lands hy the opening, constructing and using of the outlet,and if the report is not appealed from, it shall be confirmed or rejectedby said court as to right and justice shall appertain, and anyfurther and all proceedings in relation thereto shall be in conformitywith like proceedings as in the case of a lateral railroad across orunder intervening lands, under the act in relation to lateral railroads,approved the fifth day of May, Anno Domini one thousandeight hundred and thirty-two, and the supplements thereto, so faras the provisions of the same are applicable hereto; and the noticesto the owner of intervening lands, of the intention to apply for theprivilege of making an outlet and meeting of the viewers shall begiven, and the costs of the case shall be paid as provided in the saidact of fifth day of May. Anno Domini one thousand eight hundredand thirty-two, and the supplements (hereto.Section 3. The escapements, shafts or slopes shall be fitted withsafe and available appliances by which the persons employed in themine may readily escape in case an accident occurs deranging thehoisting machinery at the main outlets.Section 4. In slopes where the angle of inclination is fifteen degreesor less there must be provided a separate traveling way, whichshall be maintained in a safe condition for travel and kept free fromsteam and dangerous gases.Section 5. No inflammable structure, other than a frame to sustainpulleys or sheaves, shall be erected over the entrance of anyopening connecting the surface with the underground woi-kings ofany mine, and no "breaker" or other inflammable structure for thepreparation or storage of coal shall be erected nearer than two hun-

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. xcixdred (2UU) feet to any such opening, but this act shall not be construedtoprohibit the erection of a fan drift for the purpose of ventilation,or of a trestle for the transportation of cars from any slopeto such breaker or structure, neither shall it apply to any shaft orslope until the work of development and shipment of coal has commenced:Provided, That this section shall not apply to breakers thatare now erected.Section 6. The top of each shaft and also of each slope, if dangerous,or any intermediate lift thereof, shall be securely fenced off byrailing or by vertical or flat gates.Section 7. Every abandoned slope, shaft, air-hole and drift shallbe properly fenced around or across itsentrance.Section 8. All underground entrances to any places not in actualcourse of working or extension shall be properly fenced across thewhole width of such entrances, so as to prevent persons from inadvertentlyentering the same.Section 9. The owner, operator or superintendent of any coal mineor colliery which is worked by shaft or slope, shall provide and maintaina suitable appliance by or through which conversation can beheld by and between persons at the bottom and at the top of theshaft or slope, and also an efHcient means of signaling from the bottomof such shaft or slope to the engineer in charge of the hoistingengine.Section 10. Hand rails and efficient safety catches shall be attachedto,and a sufficient cover overhead shall be provided on everycage used for low^ering or hoisting persons in any shaft.Section 11. Wherever practicable, every cage or gun-boat used forlowering or hoisting persons in any slope, shall be provided with aproper protector, so constructed that persons, while on such cage orgun-boat, shall not be struck by anything which may fall or roll downsaidslope.Section 12.The main link of the chain connecting the rope to thecage, gun-boat or car in any shaft or slope, shall be made of the bestquality of iron;bebridle chains made of the same quality of iron shallattached to the main link, rope or rope socket from the cross-headof the cage or gun-boat when persons are being lowered or hoistedthereon.Section 18. The ropes, safety catches, links and chains shall becarefully examined every day they are used, by a competent persondelegated for that purpose and any defects therein found, by whichlife or limb may be endangered, shall be immediately remedied.Section 14. An efficient brake shall be attached to every drumthat is used for low^ering or raising persons or material in anymine.Section 15. Flanges or horns of sufficient dimensions to preventthe rope from slipping off the said drum shall be provided and properlyattached to the drum, and all machines used for lowering or

c MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.hoisting persons in mines shall be provided with an indicator to showthe position of the cage, car or gun-boat in the shaft or slope.Section 16. Over all shafts which are being sunk or shall hereafterbe sunk, a safe and substantial structure shall be erected tosustain the sheaves or pulleys, at a height of not less than twenty(20) feet above the tipping-placc, and the top of such shaft shall bearranged in such manner that no material can fall into the shaft whilethe bucket is being emptied.Section 17. The said structure shall be erected as soon as a substantialfoundation is obtained, and in no case shall a shaft be sunkto a depth of more than fifty (50) feet without such structure.Section 18.If provision is made to land the bucket upon truck, thesaid truck shall be constructed in such manner that material cannotfallinto the shaft.Section 19.All rock and coal from shafts as they are being sunk,shall not be raised except in a bucket or on a cage, and such bucketor cage must be connected to the rope or chain by a safety hook, clevisor other safe attachment.Section 20. Such shafts shall be provided with guides and guideattachments applied in such manner as to prevent the bucket fromswinging while descending or ascending therein, and such guidesand guide attachments shall be maintained at a distance of not morethan seventy-five (75) feet from the bottom of such shaft, until itssinking shall have been completed, but this section shall not applyto shafts one hundred (100) feet or less in depth.Section 21. Where the strata are not safe every shaft shall be securelycased, lined or otherwise made secure.Section 22. The following rules shall be observed, as far as practicable,in every shaft to which this act applies.First. After each and every blast the chargeman must see that allloose material is swept down from the timbers before the workmendescend to their work.Second.After a suspension of work, and also after firing a blastin a shaft where explosive gases are evolved, the person in chargemust have the said shaft examined and tested with a safety lampbefore the workmen are allowed to descend.Third. Not more than four persons shall be lowered or hoisted inany shaft on a bucket at the same -time, and no person shall ride ona loaded bucket.Fourth. Whenever persons are employed on platforms in shaftsthe person in charge must see that the said platforms are properlyand safely constructed.Fifth. While shafts are being sunk all blasts therein must be explodedby an electric battery.Sixth. Eveiy person who fails to comply with or who violates theprovisions of this article shall be guilty of an offense against this act.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. ciARTICLE V.Boilers and Connections, Machinery, &c.Section 1. All boilers used for generating steam in and aboutmines and collieries shall be kept in good order, and the owner,operator or superintendent shall have them examined and inspectedby a qualified person as often as once in six months, and oftener ifneeded. The result of such examination, under oath, shall be certifiedin writing to the inspector for the district within thirty (30)days thereafter.Section 2. It shall not be lawful to place any boiler or boilers, forthe purpose of generating steam, under nor nearer than one hundred(lUO) feet to any coal breaker or other structure in which personsare employed in the preparation of coal: Provided, That this sectionshall not apply to boilers or breakers already erected.Section 3. Each nest of boilers shall be provided with a safetyvalve of sufficient area for the steam to escape and with weights orsprings properly adjusted.Section 4. Every boiler house shall be provided with a steamgauge properly connected with the boilers, to indicate the steampressure, and another steam gauge shall be attached to the steampipe in the engine house and placed in such position that the engineeror fireman can readily examine them and see what pressure is carried.Such steam gauges shall be kept in good order, tested and adjustedas often as once in every six months and their condition reportedto the inspector in the same manner as the report of boilerinspection.Section 5. All machinery used in or about the mines and collieries,and especially in breakers, such as engines, rollers, wheels, screens,shafting and belting shall be protected by covering or railing so asto prevent persons from inadvertently walking against or fallingupon the same. The sides of stairs, trestles and dangerous plankwalks in and around the collieries shall be provided with hand andguard railing to prevent persons from falling over their sides. Thissection shall not forbid the temporary removal of a fence, guard railor covering for the purpose of repairs or other operations, ifproperprecautious are used, and the fence, guard rail or covering is replacedimmediately thereafter.Section G. A sober and competent person, not under eighteen (18)years of age, shall be engaged to run the breaker engine and he shallattend to said engine w^hile the machinery is in motion.Section 7. A signal apparatus shall be established at importantpoints in every breaker so that in case of an accident the engineercan be promptly notified to stop the machinery.Section 8. No person under fifteen (15) years of age shall be appointedto oil the machinery, and no person shall oil dangerous partsof such machinery while it is in motion.

cii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 9. No person shall play with, loiter around or interferewith any machinery in or about any mine or colliery.Section 10. Failure to comply with the provisions of this articleshall be deemed an offense against this act.ARTICLE VI.Wash Houses.Section 1. It shall be the duty of the owner, operator or superintendentof each mine or colliery, at the request in writing of twentyor more men employed in any of the mines, to provide a suitablebuilding, not an engine or boiler house, which shall be convenient tothe principal entrance of such mine, for the use of the persons employedtherein for the purpose of washing themselves and changingtheir clothes when entering the mine and returning therefrom. Thesaid building shall be maintained in good order, be properly lightedand heated, and supplied with pure cold and warm water, and shallbe provided with facilities for persons to wash. If any person orpersons shall neglect or fail to comply with the provisions of thisarticle, or maliciously injure or destroy, or cause to be injured ordestroyed, the said building, or any part thereof,or any of the appliancesor fittings used for suppljing light, heat and water therein,or doing any act tending to the injury or destruction thereof, he orthey shall be deemed guilty of an offense against this act.Section 1.ARTICLE VII.Ambulances and Stretchers.The owner, operator or superintendent of every mine orcolliery, except as hereinafter provided, shall provide and keep atsuch mine or colliery an ambulance and also at least two (2) stretchers,for the purpose of conveying to their places of abode, any person orpersons who may be injured while in the discharge of his or theirwork at such mine or colliery.Section 2. The said ambulance shall be constructed upon good,substantial and easy springs. It shall be covered and closed andshall have windows on the sides or ends. It shall be of sufficientsize to convey at least two (2) injured persons with two (2) attendantsat one time, and shall be provided with spring mattresses orother comfortabh; bedding to be placed on roller frames, togetherwith sufficient covering and protection and convenient movementof the injured. It shall also be provided with seats for the attendants.Tlw stretchers shall be constructed of such material and insuch manner as to afford the greatest ease and comfort in the carriageof the injured person.Section P>. Whenever any person or persons employed in or abouta mine or colliery shall receive such injury by accident or otherwise,while so employed, as would render him or them unable to walk to

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. ciiiliisor their place of abode, the owner, operator or superintendent ofsuch mine or colliery shall immediately cause such person or personsto be removed to his or their place of abode or to an hospital as thecase may require.Section 4. It is provided, however, that the owner, operator or superintendent of any mine or colliery shall be excepted from the requirementsof an ambulance, as aforesaid, if the places of abode ofallthe workmen at such mine or colliery be within a radius of a halfmile from the principal entrance to such mine.Section 5. It is provided further, that where two or more mines orcollieries are located within one mile of each other, or the ambulanceis located within one mile of each colliery, but one ambulance, a^aforesaid, shall be required, if the said mines or collieries have readyand quick means of communication, one with the oti.er, by telegraphor telephone.Section 6. An ambulance, as aforesaid, shall not be required atany mine or colliery at which less than twenty (20) persons are employed.Section 7. In case the distance from any mine or colliery to theplace of abode of the person injured, is such as to permit his conveyanceto his home or to an hospital more quickly and convenientlyby railway, such mode of conversance shall be permitted, but in suchcase the conveyance must be under cover and the comfort of the injuredperson must be provided for.ARTICLE VIII.Certified Mine Foremen.Section 1. It shall not be lawful, neither shall it be permitted, forany person or persons to act as mine foreman or assistant mine foreman,of any coal mines or colliery, unless they are registered as aholder of a certificate of qualification or service under this act.Section 2,Certificates of qualification to mine foremen and assistantmine foremen shallbe granted by the Secretary of Internal Affairsto every applicant who may be reported by the examiners, ashereinafter provided, as having passed a satisfactory examinationand as having given satisfactory evidence of at least five years' pra

civ MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.or superintendent shall be appointed in like manner and at the sametime as the boards of examiners for candidates for mine inspectorshipunder this act are now appointed. The said board shall act assuch for the period of one year from the date of their appointment.Meetings of the board may be held at any time, and they may makesuch rules and conduct such examinations as in their judgment mayseem proper for the purpose of such examinations. The said boardshall report their action to the Secretary of Internal Affairs, and atleast three (3) of the members thereof shall certify to the qualificationof each candidate who has passed such examination. The travelingexpenses of the members of such board to and from their place ofmeeting, together with the sum of five dollars per day each to thesaid two (2) practical miners and owner, operator or superintendent,members of each board, for each day they are actually engagedtherein, not exceeding ten (10) days in all, during the year, shall bepaid by the Commonwealth on an order of the Auditor Generaldrawn on the State Treasurer upon the certificate of the mine inspector, member of such board.Section 4.Certificates of qualification to mine foreman and assistantmine foreman shall be granted by the Secretary of Internal Affairsto every applicant who may be reported by the examiners, asheretofore provided, as having passed a satisfactory examinationand as having given satisfactory evidence of at least five (5) years'practical experience as a miner, and of good conduct, capability andsobriety. The certificate shall be in manner and form as shall beprescribed by the Secretary of Internal Affairs, and a record of allcertificates* issued shall be kept in the department. Certificates ofqualification and certificate of service shall contain the full name,age and place of birth of the applicant, as also the length and natureof his previous service in or about the mines.Section 5. Before certificate as aforesaid shall be granted applicantsfor same shall pay to the Secretary of Internal Affairs the followingfee, namely:For examination, one dollar; for registration of certificate, one dollar,for certificate, one dollar. All fees so received shall be coveredinto the treasury of the Commonwealth.Section G. No mines shall be operated for a longer period thanthirty days without the supei'vision of a mine foreman. In case anymine is worked a longer period than thirty (30) days without suchcertified mine foreman, the owner, operator or superintendentthereof shall be suliject to a penalty of twenty dollius \)ov day foreach day over theoperated.Section 7.said (hirly (30) days during which Hip said mine isIn case of the loss or desti'uction of a c(M-tificate the Secretaryof Internal Affairs may siip})ly a copy thereof to the personlosing the same upon tlio payment of t]\o sum of fifty f.'O) cents: Pro-

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. c-vvided, It shall be shown to the satisfaction of the Seeretai7 thatthe loss has actually occurred.Section S. If an}' person or persons shall forge or counterfeit a certificateor knowingly make or cause to be made any false statementin any certificate under this act, or in any official copy of the same, orshall urge others to do so,or shall utter or use any such forged orfalse certificate, or unofficial copy thereof, or shall make, give, utter,produce or make use of any false declaration, representation or statementin any such certificate or copy thereof, or any document containingthe same, he or they shall be guilty o.f a misdemeanor, andupon conviction thereof, shall be fined two hundred dollars, or imprisonedfor a term not exceeding one (1) year, or both, at the discretionof the court trying the case.Section 9. And no person shall be permitted to act as fire boss inany coal mine or colliery, except he has had five (5) years' practicalexperience in mines as a miner, three (3) of which he shall have as aminer wherein noxious and explosive gases are evolved, and the saidfire boss shall certify to the same before entering upon his duties,before an alderman, justice of the peace or other person authorizedto administer oaths, and a copy of said deposition shall be filed withthe district inspector of mines wherein said person isARTICLE IX.Employment of Boys and Females.employed.Section 1, No boy under the age of fourteen (14) years, and no womanor girl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in anymine for the purpose of employment therein. Nor shall a boy underthe age of twelve years or a woman or girl of any age, be employedor permitted to be in or about the outside structures or w^orkings ofJi colliery for the purpose of employment, but it is provided, however,that this prohibition shall not affect the employment of a boyor female of suitable age in an office or in the performance of clericalwork at a colliery.Section 2. When an employer is in doubt as to the age of any boyor youth applying for employment inor about a mine or colliery, heshall demand and receive proof of the said lawful employment age ofsuch boy or youth, by certificate from the parent or guardian, beforesaid boy or youth shall be employed.Section 3. If any person or persons contravene or fail to complywith the provisions of this act in respect to the employment of boys,young male persons or females, or if he or they shall connive with orfiermit others to contravene or fail to comply with said provisions,or ifa parent or guardian of a boy or young male person make orgive a false certificate of the age of such boy or young male person,or knowingly do or perform any other act for the purpose of secur-

cvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.iug employment for aboy or young male person under the lawfulemployment age and in contravention of the provisions of this act,ho or they shall be guilty of an offense against this act.ARTICLE X.Ventilation.Section 1. The owner, operator or superintendent of every mineproA'ide and maintain a constant and adequate supply of puresi allair for the same, as hereinafter provided.Section 2.It shall not be lawful to use a furnace for the purposeof ventilating any mine wherein explosive gases are generated.Section 3. The minimum quantity of air thus produced, shall notbe less than two hundred (200) cubic feet per minute for each andevery person employed in any mine, and as much more as the circumstancesmay require.Section 4. The ventilating currents shall be conducted and circulatedto and along the face of each and every working placetiiroughout the entire mine, in sufficient quantities to dilute, renderharmless and sweep away smoke and noxious or dangerous gases.To such an extent that all working places and traveling roads shallbe in a safe and fit state to work and travel therein.Section 5. All worked out or abandoned parts of a mine in operation,so far as practicable, shall be kept free of dangerous bodies ofgases or water, and if found impracticable to keep the entire minefree from an accumulation of gases or water, the mine inspectormust be immediately notified.Section G. Every mine employing more than seventy-five (75) personsmust be divided into two or more districts.Each district shallbe provided with a separate split of pure air and the ventilationshallbe so arranged, that not more than seventy-five persons shallbe employed at the same time in any one current or sjtlit of air.The inlet and return air passages for any particular district mustbe separated by a pillar of coal or stone, if the thickness and dip ofthe vein will permit, except where it is necessary to cut through saiddividing pillar for the purposes of ventilation, traffic oi- drainage.Section 7.All air passages shall be of sufficient area to allow thefree passage of not less than two hundred (200) cubic feet of air perittinute for every person working therein; and in no case, in minesgenerating explosive gases, shall the velocity exceed four hundredand fifty (450) lineal feet per minute, in any oj)enlng througli whichthe air currents pass, if gau/.e safety lamps are used, except in themain inlet or outlet air ways.Section 8. All cross-cuts connecting Hie main inlet and outlet airl)assages of every district, when it becomes necessary to close thempermanently, sliall be substantial!}' closed with brick or other

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cvli.suitable building material, laid in mortar or cement whenever praclieable, but in no case shall said air stoppings be constructed oiplank except for temporary purposes.Section U. All doors used in assisting or in any way affecting theventilation shall be so hung and adjusted that they will close automatically.Section 10. All main doors shall have aa attendant whose constantduty it shall be to open them for transportation and travel andprevent them from standing open longer than isnecessary for personsor cars to pass through.Section 11.All main doois shall be so placed that when one dooris open, another, which has the same effect upon the same current,.shall be and remain closed and thus prevent any temporary stoppageof the air current.Section 12. An extra main door shall be so placed and kept standingopen, so as to be out of reach of accident, and so fixed that it canbe at once closed in the event of an accident to the doors in use.Section 13. The frame work of such main doors shall be substantiallysecured in stone or brick, laid in mortar or cement unless otherwisepermitted in writing by the inspector.Section 14.All permanent air bridges shall be substantially builtof such material and such strength as the circumstances may reo.uire.Section 15. The quantities of air in circulation shall be ascertainedwith an anemometer or other efficient instrument; suchmeasurements shall be made by the inside foreman or his assistantonce a week at the inlet and outlet airways, also at or near theface of each gangway and at the nearest cross-heading to the face ofeach gangway and at the nearest cross-heading to the face of the insideand outside chamber or breast where men are employed, and•he headings shall not be driven more than sixty (GO)face of each chamber or breast and shall be entered infeet from thethe collieryreport book.Section IG. A report of these air measurements shall be sent to theinspector before the twelfth day of each month, for the precedingmonth, together with a statement of the number of persons employedin each district.Section 17. All ventilators used at mines shall be provided with recordinginstruments by which the speed of the ventilators or the ventilatingpressure shall be registered for each hour, and such datasiiallbe preserved at the colliery for future reference, for a period ofthree months.Section 18. Any person or persons who shall neglect or fail tocomply with the provisions of this article, or who shall make anyfalse report in regard to air measurements, shallbe guilty of an offenseagainst this act.8

cviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 1.ARTICLE XLProps and Timbers.It shall be the dut}^ of the owner, operator, superintendentor mine foreman of every mine to furnish to the miners allpiops, ties, rails and timbers necessary for the safe mining of coaland for the protection of the lives of the workmen. Such props, ties,rails and timbers shall be suitably prepared and shall be delivered tothe workmen as near to their working places as they can be conveyedin ordinary mine cars, free of charge.Section 2. Every workman in want of props, ties, rails or timbersshall notify the mine foreman or his assistant of the fact at least oneday in advance, giving the length of the props or timber required:and in case of danger from loose roof or sides, he shall not continueto cut or load coal until the said props and timber have been properlyfurnished and the place made secure.Section 3.A failure to comply with the provisions of this articleshall be deemed an offense against this act, and shall be taken to benegligence per se on the part of the owner, operator, superintendentor mine foreman, as the case may be, of such mine, in action for ther(!covery of damages for accidents resulting from the insufficient propl)ingof such mine, through failure to furnish the necessary props ortimbers.ARTICLE XII,General Rules.The following general rules shall be observed in every mine towhich this act applies:Rule 1, The owner, operator or superintendent of a mine or collieryshall use every precaution to ensure the safety of the workmenin all cases, whether provided for in this act or not, and he shallplace the underground workings thereof, and all that is related tothe same, under the charge and daily supervision of a competent personwho shall be called "mine foreman,"Rule 2, Whenever a mine foreman cannot personally carry out theprovisions of this act so far as they pertain to him, the owner, operatoror superintendent shall authorize him to employ a sufficient numberof competent persons to act as his assistants, Avho shall be subjectto his orders.Rule 3. The mine foreman shall have charge of all matters pertainingto ventilation, and the speed of the venlilalors shall be particularlyunder his charge and direction; and any superintendent whoshall cause the mine foreman to disregard the provisions of this actshall be amenable in the same manner as the mine foreman.Rule 4. All accessible parts of an abandoned jjortion of a mine inwhich explosive gases have been found, shall be carefully examined

No. 11. MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. cixby the mine foreman or bis assistants at least once a week, and alldanger found existing therein shall be immediately removed. A reportof said examination shall be recorded in a book kept at the collieryfor that purpose and signed by the person making the same.Kule 5. In mines generating explosive gases, the mine foreman orhis assistant shall make a careful examination every morning of all

ex MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.have been so examined and found safe,clean and securely locked,unless permission be first given by the mine foreman to have thelamps used unlocked.Rule 10. No one, except a duly authorized person, shall have inhis possession a key or any other contrivance for the purpose of unlockingany safety lamp in any mine where locked lamps are used.No lucifer matches or any other apparatus for striking light shallbe taken into said mine or parts thereof.Rule 11. No blast shall be fired in any mine where locked safetylamps are used except by permission of the mine foreman or his assistants,and before a blast is fired, the person in charge must examinethe place and adjoining places and satisfy himself that it issafe to fire such blast before such permission is given.Rule 12. The mine foreman or his assistant shall visit and examineevery working place in the mine at least once every alternate day,while the men of such place are or should be atwork, and shall directthat each and every working place isproperly secured by propsor timber, and that safety in all respects is assured by directing thatall loose coal or rock shall be pulled down or secured, and that noperson shall be permitted to work in an unsafe place unless it befor the purpose of making it secure.Rule 13. The mine foreman, or some other competent person orpersons to be designated by him, shall examine at least once everyday all slopes, shafts, main roads, traveling ways, signal apparatus,pulleys and timbering and see that they are in safe and efficientworking condition.Rule 14. Any person having charge of a working place in anymine shall keep the roof and sides thereof properly secured by timberor otherwise so as to prevent such roof and sides from falling.and he shall not do any work or permit any work to be done underloose or dangerous material except for the purpose of securing thesame.Rule 15. Whenever a place is likely to contain a dangerous accumulationof water, the working approaching such place shall notnot exceed twelve (12) feet in width, and there shall be constantlykept, at a distance of not less than twenty (20) feet in advance, atleast one (])bore hole near the center of the working and sufficientflank bore holes on each side.Rule IG. No person shall ride upon or against any loaded car, cageor gun-boat in any shaft, slope or plane in or about a mine or colliery.Rule 17. Not more than ten (10) persons shall be hoisted or loweredat any one time in any shaft or slope, and whenever five personsshall arrive at the bottom of any shaft or slope in which poisons areregularly hoisted or lowered they shall be furnished with an emptycar or cage and be hoisted, except however, in mines where there is

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxiprovided a traveling way having an average pitch of fifteen (15) degreesor less and not more than one thousand (1,000) feet in length.This, however, shall not prohibit the hoisting or lowering of twenty(20) persons at one time on slopes where two (2) or more loaded carsare regularly hoisted: Provided, That not less than thirty (30) workmenworking therein, make such request in writing, to the inspectorof the district, and if, in his judgment, the hoisting appliances inevery respect are of sufficient strength, he may comply with the requestof the workmen.Provided, That in any coal mine or colliery where the hoisting appliancesare not of sufficient strength to hoist or lower the numberof persons named, he shall have the power to reduce the numberof persons to be hoisted or lowered.Kule 18. An engineer placed in charge of an engine whereby personsare hoisted or lowered in any mine, shall be a sober and competentperson of not less than twenty-one (21) years of age.Rule 19. Every engineer shall work his engine slowly and withgreat care when any person is being lowered or hoisted in a shaft orslope and no one shall interfere with or intimidate him while in thedischarge of his duties.Rule 20. An engineer who has charge of the hoisting machineryby which persons are lowered or hoisted in a mine, shall be in constantattendance for that purpose during the whole time any personor persons are below ground, and he shall not allow any person orpersons,except such as may be deputed by the owner, operator orsuperintendent, to handle or meddle with the engine under his chargeor any part of its machinery.Rule 21. When any person is about to descend or ascend a shaftor slope, the headman or footman, as the case may be,shall informthe engineer by signal or otherwise of the fact, and the engineershall return a signal before moving or starting the engine. In theabsence of a headman or footman the person or persons about todescend or ascend shall give and receive^ the signals in the samemanner.Rule 22. The owner, operator or superintendent of a colliery shallplace a competent person to be called "outside foreman," in chargeofthe breaker and the outside work of such colliery and who shalldirect, and as far as practicable, see that the provisions of this actare complied with in respect to the breaker, outside machinery, ropes,cages and all other things pertaining to the outside work, unlessotherwise provided for in this act.Rule 23. In all coal breakers where the coal dust is so dense as tobe injurious to the health of persons employed therein, the owner,operator or superintendent of said breaker shall, upon the request ofthe inspector, immediately adopt measures for the removal of thedust, as far as practicable.

cxii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Kule 24. Any miner or other workman who shall discover anythingwrong with the ventilating current or with the condition ofthe roof, side, timber or roadway, or with any other part of themine in general, such as would lead him to suspect danger to himselfor his fellow M'orkmen or tothe property of his employer, shallimmediately report the same to the mine foreman or other person,for the time being in charge of that portion of the mine.Any person or persons who shall knowingly or wilfullyKule 25.damage, or without proper authority, remove or render useless anyfencing, means of signaling, apparatus, instrument or machine, orshall throw open or obstruct any airway, or open a ventilating doorand not have the same closed, or enter a place in or about a mineagainst caution, or carry tire, open lights or matches in places wheresafety lamps are used, or handle without proper authority, or disturbany machinery or cars, or do any other act or thing wherebythe lives or health of persons or the security of the property in orabout a mine or colliery are endangered, shall be guilty of an offenseagainst this act.Kule 2G. Gunpowder or any other explosive shall not be stored ina mine, and a workman shall not have at any time in any one place,more than one keg or box containing twenty-five (25) pounds, unlessmore is necessary for a person to accomplish one day's work.Rule 27. Every person who has gunpowder or other explosive in amine, shall keep it in a wooden or metallic box securely locked, andsuch box shall be kept at least ten (10) feet from the tracks in allcases where room at such a distance is available.Kule 28. Whenever a workman shall open a box containing explosiveor while in any manner handling the same, he shall first placehis lamp not less than five (5) feet from such explosive and in such aposition that the air current cannot convey sparks to it, and a workmanshall not approach nearer than five (5) feet to an open box containingpowder, with a lamp, lighted pipe or any other thing containingfire.Kule 29. When high explosives other than gunpowder are used inany mine, the manner of storing, keeping, moving, charging and firingor in any manner using such explosives, shall be in accordancewith special rules as furnished by the manufacturers of the same.The said rules shall be endorsed with his or their official signatureand shall be approved by the owner, operator or superintendent ofthe mine in which such explosives are used.Kule 30. In charging holes for blasting in slate or rock in anymine, no iron or steel-pointed needle shall be used, and a tight cartridgeshall not be rammed into a hole in coal, slate or rock with aniron or steel tamping bar, unless the end of the tamping bar is tippedM^ith at least six ((») inches of copper or other soft nietal,

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxiiiKule 31. A chaige of powder or any other explosive in slate orrock which has missed fire shall not be withdrawn or the hole reopened.Rule 32. A miner or other person who is about to explode a blastby the use of patent or other squibs or matches, shall not shortenthe match, nor saturate it with mineral oil, nor turn it down whenplaced in the hole, nor ignite it except at its extreme end, nor doanything tending to shorten the time the match will burn.Rule 33. When a workman is about to fire a blast he shall be carefulto notify all persons who may be in danger therefrom, and shallgive sufficient alarm before and afterigniting the match so that anjperson or persons who may be approaching shall Ibe warned of thedanger.Kule 34. Before commencing work and also after the firing ofevery blast, the miner working a breast or any other place in a mine,shall enter such breast or place to examine and ascertain its condition,and his laborer or assistant shall not go to the face or suchbK^ast or place until the miner has examined the same and found itto be safe.Kule 35. No person shall be employed to blast coal or rock unlessthe mine foreman is satisfied that such person is qualified, by experienceand judgment, to perform the work with ordinary safety.Rule 36. A person who is not a practical miner shall not charge orfire a blast in the absence of an experienced miner, unless he hasgiA'en satisfactory evidence of his ability to do so with safety, andhas obtained permission from the mine foreman or person in charge.Rule 37. An accumulation of gas in mines shall not be removedby brushing where it is practicable to remove it by brattice.Rule 38. When gases ignited by blast or otherwise, the personigniting the same shall immediately extinguish it, if possible, andnotify the mine foreman or his assistant of the fact, and workmenmust see that no gas blowers are left burning upon leaving theirworking places.Rule 39. Every fireman in charge of a boiler or boilers for thegeneration of steam, shall keep a constant watch of the same. Heshall see that the steam pressure does not at any time exceed the limitallowed by the outside foreman or superintendent. He shall frequentlytry the safety valve, and shall not increase the weight on thesame. He shall maintain a proper depth of water in each boiler, andif anything should happen to prevent this, he shall report the samewithout delay tothe foreman, for the time being in charge, and takesuch other action as may under the particular circumstances be necessaryfor the protection of life and preservation of property.Rule 40. At every shaft or slope in which provision is made in thisact for lowering and hoisting persons, a headman and footmanI.—11—OS

cxiv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.shall be designated hj the superintendent or foreman to be at theirproper places from the time that persons begin to descend, until allthe bottom of said shaft or slope whenthe persons who maj be atquitting work shall be hoisted. Such headman and footman shallpersonally' attend tothe signals and see that the provisions of thisact, in respect to lowering and hoisting persons in shafts or slopes,shall be complied with.Rule 41. No person, except the man giving the signal, shall jumpon a car, cage or gunboat after the signal to start has been given,and if any person should enter a car, cage or gunboat in excess ofthe lawful number the headman or footman shall notify him of thefact and request him to get off, which request must be immediatelycomplied with. Any violation of this rule must be reported promptlyto the mine foreman.Kule 42.An empty trip shall be hoisted in any shaft or slope wherethe engine has been standing idle for an hour or more, before menare hoisted or lowered in said shafts or slopes, and no person or personsshall ascend any shaft or slope when working on the night turn,until one trip shall first be hoisted therein.Kule 43. Every passage-way used by persons in any mines andalso used for transi)ortation of coal or other material, shall be madeof sufficient width to permit persons to pass moving cars withsafety, but if found impracticable to make any passage-way of sufficientwidth, then holes of ample dimensions, and not more than onehundred and fifty (150) feet apart, shall be made on one side of saidpassage-way. The said passage-way and safety holes shall be keptfree from obstructions and shall be well drained; the roof and sidesof the same shall be made secure.Kule 44. When locomotives are used in any mine their speed shallnot exceed six (6) miles per hour, and an efficient alarm shall be providedand attached to the front end of every train of cars pushed bya locomotive in any mine or part of a mine.Kule 45. Locomotives propelled by steam, if using fire, shall not beused in any passage-way which is also used as an intake air-way toany mine or part of a mine where persons are employed, unless therebe a suffiecient quantity of air circulating therein to maintain ahealthy atmosphere.Kule 46. No person shall couple or.uncou])le loaded or empty carswhile the same are in motion: Provided however, That this shall notapply to the top or bottom mcni of slopes, planes or shafts.Kule 47. When cars arc run on gravity roads by breaks or sprags,the runner shall only ride on the rear end of the last car, and whensaid cars are run by sprags, a space of not less than two (2) feet fromthe body of the car shall be made on one or both sides of the tracVwherever it may be necessary for the runner to pass along tVe 'S\^r

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxvof the moving car or cars, and said space or passage-way shall alwaysbe kept free from obstructions.Eule 48. No miner or laborer shall run cars out of any breast orchamber or on any gravity road unless he is a suitable person, employedby the mine foreman for that particular work; and no personshall be employed by any mine foreman to perform such work,under the age of sixteen (10) years.Rule 49. Safety holes shall be made at the bottom of all slopesand planes and be kept free from obstruction to enable the footmanto escape readily in case of danger.Rule 50. Safety blocks or some other device for the purpose ofpreventing cars from falling into a shaft or running away on a slopeor plane, shall be placed at or near the head of every shaft, slope orplane, and said safety blocks or other device must be maintained ingood working order.Rule 51. No person shall travel on any gravity train while carsare being hoisted or lowered thereon. Whenever ten (10) persons arriveat the bottom or top of any plane on which it is necessary formen to travel, traffic thereon shall be suspended for a period of timelong enough to permit them to reach the top or bottom of said plane.Rule 52. No mine cars shall be used in any mine unless thebumpers are of sufticient length and width to keep the bodies of saidcars separated by not less than twelve (12) inches when the carsstand on a straight leA'el road and the bumpers touch each other.Rule 53. It shall be the duty of the owner, operator or superintendentof any or all coal breakers, to have them properly heated inorder to prevent injury to the health of persons employed therein.Rule 54. For the purpose of making known the rules and the i)rovisionsof this act to allpersons employed in or about such mine orcolliery to which this act applies, an abstract of the act and rulesshall be posted u[) in legible characters in some conspicuous placeor places at or near the mine or colliery, where they may be convenientlyread by the persons employed, and so often as the same becomesobliterated or destroyed the owner, operator or superintendentshall cause them to be renewed with all reasonable dispatch. Anyperson who pulls down, injures or defaces such abstract of the act orrules when posted up in pursuance to the provisions of this act, shallbe guilty of an offense against this act.Rule 55. No person or persons working in any coal mine or collieryshall cut any props or timbers while the same are in position tosupport the roof or sides. When it becomes necessary to removeany of the said props or timbers for the purpose of mining coal thatmay be supported by the same, to dislodge any of the said props ortimbers, it must be done by blasting.Rule 56. It shall not be lawful for any mine foreman or superintendentof any mine or colliery to employ any person who is not com

cxvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.petent to understand the regulations of any mine evolving explosivegases: Provided, That this rule will not apply to a section of mine,free from the said explosive gases.Rule 57. Any superintendent or mine foreman who prevents thefootman from giving an empty car or cage to the number of mendesignated in a former rule, shall, upon information by any personengaged in the mines, given the mine inspector, be fined the sum offifty dollars for each offense.Rule 58. Every person who fails to comply with any of the foregoingrules or any of the provisions of this article, shall be guilty ofan offense against this act.ARTICLE XIII.Inquests.Section 1. Whenever loss of life to a miner or other employe occursin or about a mine or colliery, notice thereof shall be givenpromptly to the inspector of mines for the district in which the accidentoccurred, by the mine foreman or outside foreman or otherperson having immediate charge of the work at the time of the accident;and when death results from personal injury such noticeshall be given promptly after the knowledge of death comes tothe said foreman or person in charge.Section 2. Whenever loss of life occurs or whenever the lives ofpersons employed in a mine or at a colliery are in danger from anyaccident, the inspector of mines shall visitthe scene of the accidentas soon as possible thereafter and offer such suggestions, as in hisjudgment shall be necessary, to protect the lives and secure the safetyof the persons employed. In case of deatli from such accident, andafter examination he finds it necessary that a coroner's inquestshall be held, he shall notify the coroner to hold such inquestwithout delay, and if no such inquest be held by the coroner withintwenty-four (24) hours after such notice, the inspector shall institutea further and fuller examination of such accident, and forthis purpose he shall have power to compel the attendance of witnessesat such examination and to administer oaths and aflBrmationsto persons testifying thereat. The inspector shall make a record ofall such investigations and accidents, which record shall be preservedin his office. The costs of such investigation shall be paidby the county in which the accident occurred in like manner ascosts of inquests held by coroners or justices of the peace are nowpaid.Section 3. An inquest held by the coroner upon the body of a personkilled by explosion or other accident, shall be adjourned by thecoroner if the inspector of mines be not present to watch the proceedings,and the coroner in such ease shall notify the inspector, io

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxviiwriting, of such adjourned inquest, and the time and place of holdingthe same, at least three (3) days previous thereto.Section 4. Due notice of an intended inquest to be held by thecoroner, shall be given by the coroner to the inspector, and at anysuch inquest the inspector shall have the right to examine witnesses.Section 5. If, at any inquest held over the body or bodies of personswhose death was caused by an accident inor about a mine orcolliery, the inspector be not present, and it is shown by the evidencegiven at the inquest that the accident was caused by neglector by any defect in or about the mine or colliery, which in the judgmentof the jury, requires a remedy, the coroner shall send noticein writing to said inspector of such neglect or default.Section 6. No person who is interested personally, nor a personemf>loyed in the mine or at a colliery in or at which loss of life hasoccurred by accident, shall be qualified to serve on a jury empaneledon the inquest, and a constable or other officer shall not summonssuch a person so qualified as juror, but the coroner shall empanel amajorit}^ of the jury from miners who are qualifiedto judge of thenature of the accident; every person who fails to comply with theprovisions of this article shall be guilty of an offense against thisact.Section 1.ARTICLE XIV.Returns, Notices, Et Cetera.Notices of death or serious injuries resulting from accidentsin or about mines or collieries, shall be made to the inspectorof mines, inwritng, and shall specify the name, age and occupationof the person killed or injured, and also the nature and characterof the accident and of the injury caused thereby.Section 2. The owner, operator or superintendent of a mine or colliery,shall, without delay, give notice to the inspector of the districtin which said mine or colliery is situated in any or all of the followingcases:First. \Vhere any working is commenced for the purpose of openinga new slope or mine to which this act applies.Second. Where any mine is abandoned or the workings thereofdiscontinued.Third, ^^^here the working of any mine is recommenced after anyabandonment or discontinuance for a period exceeding three months.Fourth. Where any new coal breaker is completed and work commencedtherein for the purpose of preparing coal for market.Fifth. Where the pillars of a mine are to be removed or robbed.Sixth. Where a squeeze or crush or any other cause or changemay seem to affect the safety of persons employed in any mine,or where fire occurs or a dangerous body of gas is found in anymine.

cxviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 3. On or before the first day of February in each year, theowner, operator or superintendent of every mine or colliery, shallsend to the inspector of the district, a correct report specifying withrespect to the year ending December thirty-first, previously, thename of the operator and officials of the mine, with his postofflce address;the quantity of coal mined, the amount of powder or other explosivesconsumed; the number of persons employed above and belowground in or about such colliery, classifying the persons so employed.The report shall be in such form as may be from time to time prescribedby the inspectors of the district. Blank forms for said reportsshall be furnished by the Commonwealth.Section 1.ARTICLE XV.Injunctions.Upon application of the inspector of mines of the properdistrict, acting in behalf of the Commonwealth, any of the courts oflaw or equity having jurisdiction where the mine or colliery proceededagainst is situated, whether any proceedings have or havenot been taken, shall prohibit, by injunction or otherwise, the workingof any mine or colliery in which any person is employed or is permittedto be for the purpose of working incontravention of the provisionsof this act, and may award such costs in the matter of the injunctionsor other proceedings as the court may think just; but thissection shall be without prejudice to any other remedy permitted bylaw for enforcing the provisions of this act. Written notice of theintention to apply for such injunction in respect to any mine or colliery,shall be made to the owner, operator or superintendent of suchmine or colliery not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the applicationis made.Section 1.ARTICLE XVI.Arbitration.Whenever an inspector finds any mine or colliery or partthereof, or any matter, thing or practice connected with such mine,which in any respect thereof is not covered by or provided againstby any provisions of this act or by any rule, to be dangerous or defective,or in his judgment tends tobodily injury to a person, he shallgive notice thereof in writing to the owner, operator or superintendentof such mine or colliery, stating in such notice the particularmatter or defect requiring remedy and may demand that the samebe remedied; but the owner, operator or superintendent of said mineor colliery shall have the right to refer the demand of the inspectorto a board of arbitration, and the matter shall then be arbitratedwithin forty-eight (48) hours of the time such complaint or demand'e made. And the party against wliom the award is given shall pay

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxixall cost attending the case. The said board of arbitration shall becomposed of three (3) persons, one of whom shall be chosen by theinspector,one by the said owner, operator or superintendent and athird by the two thus selected, and the decision of a majority of suchboard shall be final and binding in the matter.Section 1.ARTICLE XVII.Penalties.Any judge of the court of quarter sessions of the peaceof the county in which the mine or colliery, at which the offense, actor omission as hereinafter stated has occurred, is situated, is herebyauthorized and required, upon the presentation to him of the affidavitof any citizen of the Commonwealth setting forth that theowner, operator or superintendent, or any other person employed inor about such mine or colliery had been negligently guilty of an offenseagainst the provisions of this act, whereby a dangerous accidenthad resulted or might have resulted to any person or personsemployed in such mine or colliery, to issue a warrant to the sheriffof said county directing him to cause such person or persons to bearrested and brought before said judge, who shall hear and determinethe guilt or innocence of the person or persons so charged;and if convicted he or they shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceedingfive hundred dollars, in all cases not otherwise provided forin this act, or an imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceedingthree (3) months, or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided,That any defendant may waive trial before a judge as hereinprovided and at any time, at or before the time of such trial, demanda trial by a jury in the court of (juarter sessions, in which case hemay enter into a recognizance before said judge with such surety orsureties and in such sum as said judge maj^ approve, conditioned forhis appearance at the next court of quarter sessions to answer thecharge against him and abide the orders of the court in the premises,meanwhile to be of good behavior and keep the peace, or in defaultof such recognizance to be committed to the county jail to await suchtrial.Section 2.If any person shall feel himself aggrieved by such convictionand sentence before a judge as aforesaid, he may appealtherefrom subject to the following conditions, namely: The appellantshall, within seven days after the decree has been made, givenotice to the prosecutor of his intention to appeal, and within thesame time enter into a recognizance, with such surety or sureties andin such sum as shall be approved by said judge, conditioned to appearand try such appeal before the next court of quarter sessions ofthe peace and to abide the judgment of the court thereon and to pay

cxx MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.allsuch costs and penalties as may be there awarded, and upon thecompliance with such conditions the judge shall release the appellantfrom custody pending the appeal.Section 3. Nothing in this act shall prevent any person from beingindicted or liable under any other act, to any higher penalty or punishmentthan is herein provided, and if the court before whom anysuch proceeding is had shall be of the opinion that proceedingsought to be taken against such persons under any other act, or otherwise,he may adjourn the case to enable such proceedings to be taken.Section 4. All offenses under this act are declared to be misdemeanorsand in default of payment of any penalty or cost by theparty or parties sentenced to pay the same, he or they may be imprisonedfor a period not exceeding three (3) months and not lessthan thirty (30)days.Section 5. For any violation of duty by the mine inspector prescribedby this act, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, andupon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than threehundred dollars or be imprisoned for a period not exceeding threemonths, or either, or both, at the discretion of the court.Section 6. All fines imposed under this act shall be paid into thecounty treasury for the use of the county.Section 7. Xo conviction or acquittal under this act, in any complaint,shall be received in evidence upon the trial of any action fordamages arising from the negligence of any owner, operator or superintendentor emploj'e in any mine or colliery.Section 8. That for any injury to person or property occasioned byany violation of this act or any failure to comply with its provisionsby any owner, operator, superintendent, mine foreman or fire bossof any coal mine or collier}-, a right of action shall accrue to the partyinjured against said owner or operator for any direct damages hemay have sustained thereby; and in case of loss of life by reason ofse.ch neglect or failure aforesaid, a right of action shall accrue tothe widow and lineal heirs of the person whose life shall be lost, forlike recovery of damages for the injury they shall have sustained.ARTICLE XVIILDefinition of Terms.In lliis acl, uiih'ss the context otherwise requires, the term ''coalmine or colliery" includes everj' operation and work, bolh underground and above ground, used or to be used for the purpose of miningand prejtaring coal.The term ''workings'' includes al the .excavated parts of a mine,those abandoned as well as the places actually at work.The term "mine" includes all underground workings and excavationsand shafts, tunnels and other ways and openings; also al) such

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxishafts, slopes, tunnels and other openings in course of being sunk ordriven, together with all roads, appliances, machinery and materialsconnected with the same below the surface.The term '"shaft" means a vertical oijening through the strata andwhich is or may be used for the purpose of ventilation or drainageor for hoisting men or material in connection with the mining ofcoal.The term "slope" means any inclined way or opening used for thesame purpose as a shaft.Tlie term ^"breaker" means the structure containing the machineryuped for the preparation of coal.The term '"owners" and "operators" means any person or body corporatewho isthe immediate proprietor or lessee or occupier of anycoal mine or colliery or any part thereof. The term "owner" doesnot include a person or body corporate who merely receives a royalty,rent or fine from a coal mine or colliery or part thereof, or is merelythe proprietor of the mine subject to any lease, grant or license forthe working or operating thereof, or is merely the owner of the soiland not interested in the minerals of the mine or any part thereof.But any "coutractor" for the working of a mine or colliery or anypart or district thereof, shall be subject to this act as an operator orowner, in like manner as if he were the owner.The term "superintendent" means the person who shall have, onbehalf of the owner, general supervision of one or more mines or collieries.ARTICLE XIX.All laws or parts of laws inconsistent or in conflict with the provisionsof this act are hereby repealed.Approved—The 2d day of June, A. D. 1891.ROBT. E.PATTISON.AN ACTRelating to bituminous coal mines and providing for the lives, health, safety andwelfare of persons employed therein.ARTICLE I.Survey—Maps and Plans.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the operator or superintendentof every bituminous coal mine shall make, or cause to be made by acompetent mining engineer or surveyor, an accurate map or plan ofsuch coal mine, not smaller than on a scale of two hundred feet toan inch,which map shall show as follows:

cxkil MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.First. All measurements of said mine in feet or decimal partsthereof.Second. All the oijenings, excavations, shafts, tunnels, slopes, planes,main-entries, cross-entries, rooms, et cetera, in proper numerical orderin each opened strata of coal in said mine.Third. By darts or arrows made thereon by a pen or pencil the directionof air currents in said mine.Fourth. An accurate delineation of the boundary lines betweensaid coal mine and all adjoining mines or coal lands, whether ownedor operated by the same operator or other operator, and the relationand proximity of the workings of said mine to every other adjoiningmine or coal lands.Fifth. The elevation above mean tide at Sandy Hook of all tunnels,and entries, and of the face of working places adjacent to boundarylines at points not exceeding three hundred feet apart.Sixth. The bearings and lengths of each tunnel or entry, and of theboundary or property lines. The said map or plan, or a true copythereof,shall be kept in the general mine office by the said operatoror superintendent for use of the mine inspectors and for the inspectionof an}' person or persons working in said mine whenever saidperson or persons shall have cause to fear that any working place isbecoming dangerous by reason of its proximity to other workingsthat may contain water or dangerous gas.Section 2. At least once in every six months, or oftener if necessary,the operator or superintendent of each mine shall cause to beshown accurately on the map or plan said coal mine, all the excavationsmade therein during the time elapsing since such excavationswere last shown upon said map or plan; and all parts of said minewhich were worked out or abandoned during said elapsed period oftime shall be dearly indicated by colorings on said map or plan, andwhenever any of the workings or excavations of said coal mine havebeen driven to their destination, a correct measurement of all suchworkings or excavations shall be made promptly and recorded in asurvey book jjrior to the removal of the pillars or any part of thesame from such workings or excavations.Section 3. The operator or superintendent of every coal mine shall,within six months after the passage of this act,furnish the mine inspectorof the district in whicli said mine is located wilh a correctcopy on tracing muslin or sun print, of the map or plan of said minehereinbefore provided for. And (he inspector of the district shall,at the end of each year or twice a yenr if he recjuires it, forward saidmaj) or plan to the proper person at any particular mine, whose dutyit shall be to place or cause to be placed on said map or plan all extensionsand worked out or abandoned parts of the mine during I hepreceding six or twelve months, as the case may be. ai)d I'etmn Ihe

No. 11. MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. cxxiiisame to the mine iuspectoi- withiu thirty days from the time of receivingit. The copies of the maps or plans of the several coal minesof each district as hereinbefore required to be furnished to themine inspector shall remain in the care of the inspector of the districtin which the said mines are situated, as official records, to betransferred by him to his successor in office; but it is provided thatin no case shall au}-of the operator or his agent.Section 4.copy of the same be made without the consentIf any superintendent or operator of mines shall neglector fail to furnish to the mine inspector any copies of maps or plansas hereinbefore required by this act, or if the mine inspector shallbelieve that any map or plan of any coal mine made or furnished inpursuance of the provisions of this act is materially inaccurate orimperfect, then, in either case, the mine inspector is hereby authorizedto cause a correct survey and map or plan of said coal mineto be made at the expense of the operator thereof, the cost of whichshall be recoverable from said operator as other debts are recoverableby law: Provided, however. That if the map or plan which maybe claimed by the mine inspector to be inaccurate shall prove to becorrect, then the Commonwealth shall be liable for the expense incurredby the mine inspector in causing to be made said test surveyand map, and the cost thereof, ascertained by the Auditor General byproper vouchers and satisfactory proof, shall be paid by the StateTreasurer upon warrants which the said Auditor General is herebydirected to draw for the same.ARTICLE II.Section 1. It shall not be lawful for the operator, superintendent< 1- mine foreman of any bituminous coal mine to employ more thantwenty persons within said coal mine, or permit more than twentypersons to be eni])]oyed therein at any one time unless they are incommunication with at least two available openings to the surfacefrom each seam or stratum of coal worked in such mine, exclusive ofthe furnace upcast shaft or slope: But provided, That in any mineoperated by shaft or slope and ventilated by a fan, if the air shaftshall be divided into two compartments, one of them may be used foran air-w^ay and the other for the purpose of egress and ingress fromand into said mine by the persons therein employed and the sameshall be considered a compliance with the provisions of this sectionhereinbefore set forth. And there shall be cut out or around theside of every hoisting shaft, or driven through the solid strata at thebottom thereof, a traveling way not less than five feet high andthree feet wnde to enable persons to pass the shaft in going from oneside of it to the other without passing over or under the cage or otherhoisting apparatus.9

cxxiv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 2.The shaft or outlet, other than the main shatt or outletshall be separated from the main outlet and from the furnace shaftbj natural strata at all points b}^ a distance of not less than one hundredand fifty feet (except in all mines opened prior to June thirtieth,uiiL- tiiousand eight hundred and eighty-five, where such distancesmay be less, if in the judgment of the mine inspector one hundredand fifty feet is impracticable). If the mine be worked by drift, twoopenings exclusive of the furnace upcast shaft and not less thantliiity feet apart, shall be required (except in drift mines opened priorto June thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, wherethe mine inspector of the district shall deem the same impracticable).Where the two openings shall not have been provided as requiredhereinbefore by this act, the mine inspector shall cause the secondtj be made without delay; and in no case shall furnace ventilationbe used where there is only one opening into the mine.allSection 3. Unless the mine inspector shall deem it impracticable,mines shall have at least two entries or other passage ways, oneof which shall lead from the main entrance and the other from theopening into the body of the mine, and said two passageways shallbe kept well drained and in a safe condition for persons to traveltherein, throughout their whole length so as to obtain, in cases ofemergency, a second way for egress from the w^orkings. No part ofsaid workings shall at any time be driven more than three hundredfeet in advance of the aforesaid passageways, except entries, airwaysor other narrow work, but should an opening to the surface beprovided from the interior of the mine, the passageways aforesaidmay be made and maintained therefrom into the working part ofthe mine, and this shall be deemed sufficient compliance with thfeprovisions of this act relative thereto; said two passageways shallb(; separated by pillars of coal or other strata of sufficient strengthand width.Section 4, Where necessary to secure access to the two passageway'srequired in section three of article two of this act in any slopemine where the coal seam inclines and has workings on both sidesof said slope,there shall be provided an overcast for the use of personsworking therein, the dimensions of which shall not be less thanfour feet wide and five feet high. Said overcast shall connect thewcrkings on both sides of said sloj)e and the intervening strata betweenthe slope and the overcast shall be of sufficient strength andthickness at all points for its purpose: Provided, That if said overcast be substantially constructed of masonry or other incombustiblematerial it shall be deemed sufficient.Section 5. When the opening or outlet, other than the main opening,is made and does not exceed seventy-five feet in veitical depth,it shall be set apart exclusively for the purpose of ingress to or egressfnim the mine by any person or persons employed therein it shall be

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxvkept ill a sate and available conditiuii and free from steam anddangerous gases, and all otlier obstructions, and if such opening isa shaft it shall be fitted with safe and convenient stairs with steps ofan average tread of ten inches and nine inches rise, not less than twofeet wide and to not exceed an angle of sixty degrees descent withlandings of not less than eighteen inches wide and four feet long,at easy and conveui(^nt distances: Provided, That the requirementsof this section shall not be applicable to stairways in use prior toJune thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-live, whenin the judgment of the mine inspector, they are sufficiently safe andconvenient. And water coming from the surface or out of the stratain the shaft shall be conducted away by rings, casing or otherwiseand be prevented from falling upon persons who are ascending ordescending the stairway ofthe sliaft.Section G. Where any mine is operated by a shaft which exceedsseventy-five feet in vertical depth, the persons employed in said mineshall be lowered into and raised from said mine by means of machinery,and in any such mine the shaft, other than the main shaft,shall be supplied with safe and suitable machinery for hoisting andlowering persons, or with safe and convenient stairs for use in casesof emergency by persons employed in said mine: Provided, That anymine operated by two shafts, and where safe and suitable machineryis provided at both shafts for hoisting coal or persons, shall havesuflficiently complied with the requirements of this section.Section 7. At nnj mine, where one of the two openings requiredhereinbefore is a slope and is used as a traveling way, it shall nothave a greater angle of descent than twenty degrees and may be ofany depth.Section 8. The machinery used for lowering or raising the eniplo3^esinto or out of the mine and the stairs used for ingress oregress, shall be kept in a safe condition, and inspected once eachtwenty-four hours by a competent person employed for that purpose.And such machinery and the method of its inspection shall be approvedby the mine inspector of the district in which the mine issituated.ARTICLE III.Hoisting Machinery, Safety Catches, Signaling Apparatus, Et Cetera.Section 1.The operator or superintendent shall provide and maintain,from the top to bottom of every shaft where persons are raisedor lowered, a metal tube suitably adapted to the free passage ofsound througli which conversation may be held between persons aithe top and bottom of said shaft, and also a means of signaling fromthe top to the bottom thereof, and shall j)rovide every cage or gearcarriage used for hoisting or lowering persons wilh a sufficient over-

cxxvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.head covering to protect those persons when using the same, andshall provide also for each said cage or carriage a safety catch approvedby the mine inspector. And the said operator or superintendentshall see that flanges, with a clearance of not less than fourinches, when the whole of the rope is wound on the drum, are attachedto the sides of the drum of every machine that is used forlowering and hoisting persons in and out of the mine, and also thatadequate brakes are attached to the drum. At all shafts safetygates, to be approved by the mine inspector of the district shall be soplaced as to prevent persons from falling into the shaft.Section 2. The main coupling chain attached to the socket of thewire rope shall be made of the best quality of iron and shall betested by weights or otherwise to the satisfaction of the mine ins}tectorof the district where the mine is located, and bridle chainsshall be attached to the main hoisting rope above the socket, fromthe top cross-piece of the carriage or cage, so that no single chainshall be used for lowering or hoisting persons into or out of themines.Section 3. No greater number of persons shall be lowered orhoisted at any one time than may be permitted by the mine inspectorOf the district, and notice of the number so allowed to be lowered orhoisted at any one time shall be kept posted up by the operator orsiiperintendent in conspicuous places at the top. and bottom of theshaft, and the aforesaid notice shall be signed by the mine inspectoiof the district.Section 4. AH machinery about mines from which any accidentwould be liable to occur shall be properly fenced off by suitableguard railing.ARTICLE IV.Section 1. The operator or superintendent of every bituminouscoal mine, whether shaft, slope or d.ift, shall provide and hereaftermaintain ample means of ventilation for ^he circulation of air throughtbrmain-entries, cross-entries and all other working places to an extentthat will dilute, carry off and render harmless the noxious ordangerous gases, generated in the mine, affording not less than onehimdred cubic feet per minute for each and every person employedtherein; but in a mine where fire damp has been detected the minimumshall be one hundred and fifty cubic feet per minute for eachperson employed therein, and as much more in either case as one ormore of the mine inspectors may deem requisite.Section 2. After May thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred andninety-four, not more than sixty-five persons shall be permitted towork in the same air current: Provided, That a larger number, notexceeding one hundred, may be allowed by the mine inspector where.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxviiio his judgment, it is impracticable to comply with the foregoing requirement;and mines where more than ten persons are employed,shall be provided with a fan, furnace or other artificial means to producethe ventilation, and allstoppings between main intake and returnair-ways hereinafter built or replaced shall be substantiallybuilt with suitable material, which shall be approved by the inspector ofSection 3.the district.All ventilating fans shall be kept in operation continuouslynight and day, unless operations are indefinitely suspended, exceptwritten permission is given by the mine inspector of the districtto stop the same, and the said written permission shall state the particularhours the stud fan may not be in operation, and the mine inspector shall have power to withdraw or modify such permission ashe may deem best, but in all cases the fan shall be started two hoursbefore the time to begin work. When the fan may be stopped bypermission of the mine inspector a notice printed in the variouslai'guages used by persons employed in the mine, stating at whathour or hours the fan will be stopped, shall be posted by the mineforeman in a conspicuous place at the entrance or entrances to themine.Said printed notices shall be furnished by the mine inspector andthe cost thereof borne by the State: Provided, That should it at anytime become necessary to stop the fan on account of accident orneeded repairs to any part of the machinery connected therewith, orby reason of any other unavoidable cause, it shall then be the dutyof the mine foreman or any other officials in charge, after first havingprovided, as far as possible for the safety of the persons employedin the mine, to order said fan to be stopped so as to make thenecessary repairs or to remove any other difficulty that may havebeen the cause of its stoppage. And all ventilating furnaces inmines shall, for two hours before the appointed time to begin workand during working hours, be properly attended by a person employedfor that purpose.In mines generating fire-damp in sufficientquantities to be detected by ordinary safety lamps, all main airbridges or overcasts made after the passage of this act shall be builtof masonry or other incombustible material of ample strength or bedriven through the solidstrata.In all mines the doors used in guiding and directing the ventilationof the mine shall be so hung and adjusted that they will closethemselves, or be supplied with spring or pulleys so that they cannotbe left standing open, and an attendant shall be emploj^ed at allprincipal doors through which cars are hauled, for the purpose oropening and closing said doors when trips of cars are passing to andfrom the workings, unless an improved self-acting door is used,which principal doors shall be determined by the mine inspector or

cxxviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.mine foreman.A hole for shelter shall be provided at each door soas to protect said attendant from being run over by the cars whileattending to his duties, and persons employed for this purpose shallat all times remain at their post of duty during working hours:Provided, That the same person may attend two doors where the distancebetween them is not more than one hundred feet. On everyinclined plane or road in any mine where haulage is done by machineryand where a door is used, an extra door shall be providedto be used in case of necessity.ARTICLE V.Safety Lamps, Fire Bosses,Et Cetera.Section 1. All mines generating fire-damp shall be kept free ofstanding gas in all working places and roadways. No accumulationof explosive gas shall be allowed to exist in the worked out or abandonedparts of any mine when it is practicable to remove it, and theentrance or entrances to said worked out and abandoned places shallbe properly fenced off, and cautionary notices shall be posted uponsaid fencing to warn persons of danger.Section 2. In all mines wherein explosive gas has been generatedwithin the period of six months next preceding the passage of thisact, and also in all mines where fire-damp shall be generated, afterthe passage of this act, in sufficient quantities to be detected by theordinary safety lamp, every working place without exception andallroad ways shall be carefully examined immediately before eachshift by competent person or persons appointed by the superintendentand mine foreman for that purpose. The person or personsmaking such examination shall have received a fire boss certificateof competency required by this act, and shall use no light other thanthat enclosed in a safety lamp while making said examination. Inall cases said examination shall be begun within three hours priorto the appointed time of each shift commencing to work, and itshallbe the duty of the said fire boss at each examination to leave at theface and side of every place so examined, evidence ofAnd he shall also,his presence.at each examination, inspect the entrance or entrancesto the worked out or abandoned parts which are adjacentto the roadways and working places of the mine where fire-damp islikely to accumulate, and where danger is found to exist he shallplace a danger signal at the entrances to such places, which shall besufiicient warning for persons not to enter said place.Section 3. In any place that is being driven towards or in dangerousproximity to an abandoned mine or part of a mine suspected ofcontaining inflammable gases, or which may be inundaled withwater, bore holes shall be kept not less than twelve feet in advanceof the face, and on the sides of such working places, said side holes

No. 11. MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. cxxixto be drilled diagonally not more than eight feet apart, and anyplace driven to tap water or gas shall not be more than ten feet wide,and no water or gas from an abandoned mine or part of a mine andno bore holes from the surface, shall be tapped until the employes,except those engaged at such work, are out of the mine, and suchwork to be done under the immediate instruction of the mine foreman.Section 4. The fire boss shall at each entrance to the mine or inthe main intake air-way near to the mine entrance, prepare a permanentstation with the proper danger signal designated by suitableletters and colors placed thereon, and it shall not be lawful for anyperson or persons, except the mine officials in cases of necessity, andsuch other persons as may be designated by them, to pass beyond saiddanger station until the mine has been examined by the fire boss asaforesaid and the same, or certain parts thereof, reported by him tobe safe, and in all mines where operations are temporarily suspendedthe superintendent and mine foreman shall see that a danger signalbe placed atthe mine entrance or entrances, which shall be a sufficientwarning to persons not to enter the mine, and if the ordinarycirculation of air through the mine be stopped each entrance to saidmine shall be securely fenced off and a danger signal shall be displayedupon said fence and any workman or other person, (exceptthose persons hereinbefore provided for,) passing by any dangersignal into the mine before ithas been examined and reported to besafe as aforesaid, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and itshall be the duty of the fire boss, mine foreman, superintendent orany employe to forthwith notify the mine inspector, who shall enterproceedings against such person or persons as provided for in sectiontwo of article twenty-one of this act.Section 5. All entries, tunnels, air ways, traveling waj^s and otherworking places of a mine where explosive gas is being generated insuch quantities as can be detected by the ordinary safety lamp, andpillar workings and other working places in any mine where a suddeninflow of said explosive gas is likely to be encountered, (by reasonof the subsidence of the overlying strata or from any other causes),shall be worked exclusively with locked safety lamps. The use ofopen lights is also prohibited in all working places, roadways orother parts of the mine through which fire-damp might be carriedin the air current in dangerous quantities. In all mines or parts ofmines worked with locked safety lamps the use of electric wires andelectric currents is positively prohibited, unless said wires and machineryand allother mechanical devices attached thereto and connectedtherewith are constructed and protected In such a manner asto secure freedom from the emission of sparks or flame therefrominto the atmosphere ofJ.—11—98the mine.

cxxx MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 6. After January first, one thousand eight hundred andninety-four, the use of the common Davy safety lamp for generalwork on any bituminous coal mine is hereby prohibited, neither shallthe Clauny lamp be so used unless its gauze is thoroughly protectedby a metallic shield, but this act does not prohibit the use of theDavy and Clanny lamps by the mine officials for the purpose of examiningthe workings for gas.Section 7.All safety lamps used for examining mines or for workingtherein shall be the property of the operator, and shall be in thecare of the mine foreman, his assistant or fire boss, or other competentperson, who shall clean, fill, trim, examine and deliver thesame, locked, in a safe condition to the men when entering the minebefore each shift, and shall receive the same from the men at the endof each shift, for which service a charge not exceeding cost of laborand material may be made by the operator. A sufficient number ofsafety lamps, but not less than twenty-five per centum of those inuse, shall be kept at each mine where gas has at any time been generatedin sufficient quantities to be detected by an ordinary safetylamp, for use in case of emergency. It shall be the duty of everyperson who knows his safety lamp to be injured or defective, topromptly report such fact to the party authorized herein to receiveand care for said lamps, and it shall be the duty of that party topromptly report such fact to the mine foreman.ARTICLE VI.Mine Foreman and His Duties.Section 1. In order to better secure the proper ventilation of thebituminous coal mines and promote the health and safety of thepersons employed therein,the operator or superintendent shall eraploya competent and practical inside overseer for each and everymine, to be called mine foreman; said mine foreman shall havepassed an examination and obtained a certificate of competency orof service as required by this act and shall be a citizen of the UnitedStates and an experienced coal miner, and said mine foreman shalldevote the whole of his time to his duties at the mine when in operation,or in case of his necessary absence, an assistant, chosen by himand shall keep a careful watch over the ventilating apparatus, andthe air ways, traveling ways, pump and pump timbers and drainage,and shall often instruct, and as far as possible, see that as theminers advance their excavations all dangerous coal, slate and rockoverhead are taken down or carefully secured against falling therein,or on the traveling and hauling ways, and that sufficient props, capsand timbers of suitable size are sent into the mine when required,and all props shall be cut square at both ends, and as near as prac-

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxxiticable to a proper length for the places where they are to be used,and such props, caps and timbers shall be delivered in the workingplaces of the mine.Section 2. Every workman in want of props or timbers and cappieces shall notify the mine foreman or his assistant of the fact atleast one day in advance, giving the length and number of props ortimbers and cap pieces required, but incases of emergency the timbersmay be ordered immediately upon the discovery of any danger.(The place and manner of leaving the orders for the timber shall bedesignated and specified in the rules of the mine.) And if, from anycause, the timbers cannot be supplied when required, he shall instructthe persons to vacate all said working places until suppliedwith the timber needed, and shall see that all water be drained orhauled out of all working places before the miner enters and as faras practicable kept dry while the miner is at work.Section 3. It shall be the duty of the mine foreman to see thatproper cut-throughs are made in all the room pillars at such distancesapart as in the judgment of the mine inspector may be deemedrequisite, not more than thirty-five nor less than sixteen yards each,for the purpose of ventilation, and the ventilation shall be conductedthrough said cut-through into rooms by means of check doors madeof canvas or other suitable material, placed on the entries, or inother suitable places, and he shall not permit any room to be opene'din advance of the ventilating current. Should the mine inspectordiscover any room, entry, air-way or other working places beingdriven in advance of the air current contrary to the requirements ofthis section, he shall order the workmen working in such placesto cease work at once until the law is complied with.Section 4. In all hauling roads, on which hauling is done by animalpower, and whereon men have to pass to and from their work, holesfor shelter, which shall be kept clear of obstruction, shall be madeat least every thirty yards and be kept whitewashed, but shelterholes shall not be required in entries from which rooms are drivenat regular intervals not exceeding fifty feet, where there is a spacefour feet between the wagon and rib, it shall be deemed sufficient forshelter. On all hauling roads whereon hauling is done by machinery,and all gravity or inclined planes inside mines upon whichthe persons employed in the mine must travel on foot to and fromtheir work, such shelter holes shall be cut not less than two feet sixinches intothere isthe strata and not more than fifteen yards apart, unlessa space of at least six feet from the side of the car to theside of the roadway, wiiich space shall be deemed sufficient forshelter:ProAnded, That this requirement shall not apply to any partsof mines which parts were opened prior to the passage of this act ifdeemed impracticable by the mine inspector.

cxxxii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 5.The mine foreman shall measure the air current at leastonce a week at the Inlet and outlet and at or near the faces of theentries, and shall keep a record of such measurements. An anemometershall be provided for this purpose by the operator of themine. It shall be the further duty of the mine foreman to requirethe workmen touse locked safety lamps when and where requiredby this act.Section 6. The mine foreman shall give prompt attention to the removalof all dangers reported to him by the fire boss or an}^ otherperson working in the mine, and in mines where a fire boss is notemployed, the said mine foreman or his assistant shall visit and examineevery working place therein at least once every alternate daywhile the miners of such place are or should be at work, and shalldirect that each and every working place be properly secured byprops or timbers, and that no person shall be directed or permittedto work in an unsafe place unless it be for the purpose of making itsafe: Provided, That if the owner or operator of any mine employinga fire boss shall require the mine foreman to examine every workingplace every alternate day, then it shall be the duty of the mine foremanto do so.Section 7. When the mine foreman is unable personally to carryout all the requirements of this act as pertaining to his duties, heshall employ a competent person or persons, not objectionable to theoperator, to act as his assistant or assistants, who shall act underhis instructions, and in all mines where fire-damp is generated thesaid assistant or assitants shall possess a certificate of competencyas mine foreman or .fire boss.Section 8. A suitable record book, with printed head lines, preparedby and approved by the mine inspector, the same to be providedat the expense of the Commonwealth, shall be kept at eachmine generating explosive gases, and immediately after each examinationof the mine made by the fire boss or fire bosses, a recordof the same shall be entered in said book, signed by the person orpersons making such examinations, which shall clearly state the natureand location of an}' danger which he or they may have discovered,and the fire boss or fire bosses shall immediately report suchdanger and the location of the same to the mine foreman, whoseduty it shall be to remove the danger, ^r to cause the same to be doneforthwith as far as practicable, and the mine foreman shall also eachdsy countersign all reports entered by the fire boss or fire bosses. Atall mines the mine foreman shall enter in a book provided as aboveby the mine inspector, a report of the condition of the mine, signedby himself, which shall clearly state any danger that may have comeunder his observation during the day, and shall also state whetherhe has a proper supply of material on hand for the safe working ofthe mine, and whether all requirements of the law are strictly com-

No. 11. MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. cxxxiiiplied with. He shall, once each week, enter or cause to be entered,plainly, with ink, in said book, a true record of all air measurementsrequired by this act, and such books shall at all times, be kept at themine office for examination by the mine inspector of the district andany other person working in the mines.Section 1.ARTICLE VII.Timber and Other Mine Supplies, Et Cetera.It shall be the duty of the superintendent, on behalf andat the expense of the operator to keep on hand at the mines at alltimes, a full supply of all materials and supplies required to preservethe health and safety of the employes as ordered by the mine foremanand required by this act. He shall at least once a week, examineand countersign—(which countersignature of the superintendent shallbf;held, under this act to have no further bearing than the evidenceof the fact that the mine superintendent has read the matter enteredon the book)—all reports entered in the mine record book, and ifhe finds that the law is being violated in any particular, he shallorder the mine foreman to comply with its provisions forthwith.If from any cause he cannot procure the necessary supplies or materialsas aforesaid, he shall notify the mine foreman, whose duty itshall be to withdraw the men from the mine or part of mine untilsuch supplies or materials are received.Section 2. The superintendent of the mine shall not obstruct themine foreman or other officials in their fulfillment of any of theduties required by this act. At mines where superintendents are notemployed, the duties that are herein prescribed for the superintendentshalldevolve upon the mine foreman.ARTICLE VIII.Steam Boilers, Stables, Regulations for the Use of Oil, Powder, EtCetera.Section 1. After the passage of this act it shall be unlawful toplace a main or principal ventilating fan shed inside of any bituminouscoal mine wherein explosive gas has been detected or in which theair current is contaminated with coal dust. No stationery steamboiler shall be placed in any bituminous coal mine, unless said steamboiler be placed within fifty feet from the bottom of an up-cast shaft,which shaft shall not be less than twenty-five square feet in area,and after May thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-five,no stationary steam boiler shall be permitted to remain in any bituminouscoal mine, only as aforesaid.Section 2. It shall not be lawful after the passage of this act toprovide any horse or mule stables inside of bituminous coal mines,unless said stables are excavated in the solid strata or coal seams, and

cxxxiv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.no wood or other combustible m-aterial shall be used excessivelyiD the construction of said stables, unless surrounded by or incasedby some incombustible material. The air current used for ventilatingsaid stable shall not be intermixed with the air current used forventilating the working parts of the mine, but shall be conveyed directlyto the return air current, and no open light shall be permittedto be used in any stable in any mine.Section 3. No hay or straw shall be taken into any mine, unlesspressed and made up into compact bales, and all hay or straw takeninto the mines as aforesaid, shall be stored in a storehouse excavatedin the solid strata or built in masonry for that purpose. AfterJanuary first, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four, no horseor mule stable or storehouse, only as aforesaid, shall be permittedin any bituminous coal mine.Section 4. No explosive oil shall be used or taken into bituminouscoal mines for lighting purposes, and oil shall not be stored or takeninto the mines in quantities exceeding five gallons. The oiling orgreasing of cars inside of the mines isstrictly forbidden unless theplace where said oil or grease is used is thoroughly cleaned at leastonce every day to prevent the accumulation of waste oil or grease onthe roads or in the drains at that point. Not more than one barrelof lubricating oil shall be permitted in the mine at any one time.Only a pure animal or pure cotton-seed oil or oils, that shall be as freefrom smoke as pure animal or pure cotton-seed oil, shall be usedfor illuminating purposes in any bituminous mine. Any personfound knowingly using explosive or impure oil,contrary to this section,shall be prosecuted as provided for in section two of articletwenty-one ofthis act.Section 5. No powder or high explosive shall be stored in anymine, and no more of either article shall be taken into the mine atany one time than is required in any one shift, unless the quantitybe less than five pounds, and in all working places where lockedsafety lamps are used blasting shall only be done by the consentand in the presence of the mine foreman, his assistant or fire boss,Of any competent party designated by the mine foreman for that purpose;whenever the mine inspector discovers that the air in any mineis becoming vitiated by the unnecessary blasting of the coal, hesliall have the power to regulate the use of the same and to designateat what hour of the day blasting may be permitted.ARTICLE IX.Opening for Drainage, Et Cetera, on Other Lands.Section 1. If any person, firm or corporation is or shall hereafterbe seized in his or their own right of coal lands, or shall hold suchlands under lease and shall have opened or shall desire to open a

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxxvcoal mine ou said laud, and it shall not be practicable to drain orventilate such mines or to comply with the requirements of this acta^: to ways of ingress and egress or traveling ways by means ofopenings on lauds owned or held uuder lease by him, them or it, andthe same can be done by means ofopenings on adjacent lands, he,they or it may apply by petition to the court of quarter sessions ofthe proper county, after ten days' notice to the owner or owners,their agents or attorney, setting forth the facts under oath or affirmationparticularly describing the place or places where such openingor openings can be made, and the pillars of coal or other materialnecessary for the support of such passageway and such right of wayto any public road as may be needed in connection with such opening,and that he or they cannot agree with the owner or owners of theland as to the amount to be paid for the privilege of making such openingor openings, whereupon the said court shall appoint three disinteresiedand competent citizens of the county to view the ground desigmitedand lay out from the point or points mentioned insuch petition,a passage or passages not more than eighty feet area by eitherdrift, shaft or slope, or by a combination of any of said methods byany practicable and convenient route to the coal of such person, firmor corporation, preferring in all cases an opening through the coalstrata where the same is practicable. The said viewers shall, at thesame time, assess the damages to be paid by the petitioner or petitionersto the owner or owners of such lands for the coal and othervaluable material to be removed in the excavation and constructionof said passage, also for such coalor other valuable material necessarytosupport the said passage, as well as for a right of way notexceeding fifteen feet in width from any such opening to any publicroad, to enable persons to gain entrance to the mine through suchopening or to provide therefrom, upon the surface, a water course ofSt! j table dimensions to a natural stream to enable the operator todischarge the water from said mine if such right of way shall bedesired by the petitioner or petitioners, which damages shall be fullypaid before such opening is made. The proceedings shall be recordedin the road docket of the proper county, and the pay of viewersh\\[\U be the same as in road cases; if exceptions be filed they shallbe disposed of by the court as speedily as possible, and both partiesto have the right to take depositions as in road cases. If, however,the petitioner desires to make such openings or roads orwaterways before the final disposition of such exceptions, he shallhave the right to do so by giving bond, to be aprpoved by the courtsecuring the damages as provided by law in the case of lateral railroads.Section 2.It shall be compulsory upon the part of the mine owneror operator to exercise the powers granted by the provisions of the

cxxxvl MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Iflst preceding section for the procuring of a right of way on thesurface from the opening of a coal mine toa public road or publicroads, upon the request in writing of fifty miners employed in themine or mines of such owner or operator: Provided however, Thatwith such request satisfactory security be deposited with the mineowner or operator by said petitioners, being coal miners, to fully andsufficiently pay allcosts, damages and expenses caused by such proce-fcdingsand in paying for such right of way.Section 3. In any mine or mines, or parts thereof, wherein watermay have been allow^ed to accumulate in large and dangerous quantities,putting in danger the adjoining or adjacent mines and thelives of the miners working therein, and when such can be tappedand set free and flow by its own gravity to any point of drainage, itshall be lawful for any operator or person having mines so endangered,w'ith the approval of the inspector of the district, to proceedand remove the said danger by driving a drift or drifts protectedby bore holes as provided by this act, and in removing saidd.nnger it shall be lawful to drive across property lines if needful.And it shall be unlawful for any person to dam or in any way obstructthe flow of any water from said mine or parts thereof, whenso set free on any part of its passage to point of drainage.fiftySection 4. No operator shall be permitted to mine coal withinfeet of any abandoned mine containing a dangerous accumulationof water, until said danger has been removed by driving a passageway so as to tap and drain off said water as provided for in thisact: Provided, That the thickness of the barrier pillars shall begreater and shall be inproportion of one foot of pillar thickness toeach one and one-quarter foot of w^aterhead if, in the judgment ofthe engineer of the property and that of the district mine inspector,it is necessary for the safety of the persons working in the mine.Section 5. All operators of bituminous coal mines shall keepposted in a conspicuous place at their mines the general and specialrules embodied in and made part of this act, defining the duties ofa-l persons employed in or about said mine, which said rules shallb«,' printed in the English language, and shall also be printed in suchotlier language or languages as are used by any ten persons workingtherein. It shall be the duty of the mine inspector to furnish to theoi)erator printed copies of such rules and such translations thereofas are required by this section, and to certify their cori-ertness overhie signnturo. The cost thereof shall be borne by the State.ARTICLE X.Inspectors, Examining Boards, Et Cetera.Section 1. The board of examiners appointed to examine candidatesfor the office of mine inspectors under the provisions of the act

Ko. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxxviito w Iiich this is a supplement, shall exercise all the powers grauted,aod perform all the duties required by this supplementary act, and atthe expiration of their term of office, and every four years thereafter,the Governor shall appoint, as hereinafter provided, during themonth of January', two mining engineers of good repute and threeother persons, who shall have passed successful examinations qualifyingthem to act as mine inspectors or mine foremen in mines generatingfire-damp, who shall be citizens of this Commonwealth andshall have attained ^le age of thirt.y years and shall have had atleast five years of practical experience in the bituminous mines ofPennsylvania, and who shall not be serving at that time inany officialcapacity at mines, which five persons shall constitute a boardof examiners whose duty it shall be to inquire into the character andqualification of candidates for the office of inspector of mines underthe provisions of this act.Section 2. The examining board, so constituted shall meet on thefirst Tuesday of March following their appointment, in the city ofPittsburgh, to examine applicants for the office of mine inspector:Provided, however. The examining board shall ipeet two weeks previousto the aforesaid time for the purpose of preparing questions,et cetera, and when called together by the Governor on extra occasionsat such time and place as he may designate, and after beingduly organized and having taken and subscribed before any officerauthorized to administer the same the following oath, namely,^'We, the undersigned, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that we will performthe duties of examiners of applicants for the appointment asinspectors of bituminous coal mines to the best of our abilities, andthat in recommending or rejecting said applicant, we will be governedby the evidence of the qualifications to fill the position underthe law creating the same, and not by any consideration of politicalor personal favor; and that we will certify all whom we may findqualified according to the true intent and meaning of the act andnone others."Section 3. The general examination shall be in writing and themanuscript and other papers of all applicants, together with thetally sheets and the solution of each question as given by the examiningboard, shall be filed with the Secretary of Internal Affairsas public documents, but each applicant shall undergo an oral examinationpertaining to explosive gases and safety lamps, and theexamining board shall certify to the Governor the names of all suchapplicants which they shall find competent to fillthis office under theprovisions of this act, which names, with the certificates and theirpercentages and the oaths of the examiners, shall be mailed toSecretary of the Commonwealth and be filed in his office. No personshall be certified as competent whose percentage shall be Ifssthe

cxxxviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.than ninety per centum, and such certificate shall be valid only whensigned by four of the members of the examining board.Section 4. The qualification of candidates for said office of inspectorsof mines to be inquired into and certified by said examiners,shall be as follows, namely: They shall be citizens of Pennsylvania,of temperate habits, of good repute as men of personal integrity, andshall have attained the age of thirty years, and shall have had atleast five years of practical experience in working of or in the workingsof the bituminous mines of Pennsylvania immediately precedingtheir examination, and shall have had practical experience withtire-damp inside the mines of this country, and upon examinationshall give evidence of such theoretical as well as practical knowledgeand general intelligence respecting mines and mining andthe working and ventilation thereof, and all noxious mine gases,and will satisfy the examiners of their capability and fitness for theduties imposed upon inspectors of mines by the provisions of thisact. And the examining board shall immediately after the examination,furnish to each person who came before it to be examined, acopy of allquestions whether oral or written, which were given atthe examination on printed slips of paper and to be marked solved,right, imperfect or wrong, as the case may be, together with a certificateof competency to each candidate who shall have made atleast ninety per centum.Section 5. The board of examiners may, also at their meeting, orwhen at anj- time called by the Governor together for an extra meetixig,divide the bituminous coal regions of the State into inspectiondistricts, no district to contain less than sixty nor more than eightymines, and as nearly as possible equalizing the labor to be performedby each inspector, and at any subsequent calling of the boardof examiners this division may be revised as experience may proveto be advisable.Section 6. The board of examiners shall each receive ten dollarsper day for each day actually employed, and allnecessary expenses,to be paid out of the State Treasury. Upon the filing of the certificateof the examining board in the office of the Secretary of theCommonwealth, the Governor shall, from the names so certified,commission one person to be inspector of mines for each district asfixed by the examiners in pursuance of this supplementary act,whose commission shall be for a full term of four years from thefifteenth day of May following: Always provided however, The highestcandidate or candidates in percentage shall have priority to becommissioned for a full term or unexpired term before those candidatesof lower percentage, and incandidate shall be commissioned.case of a tie percentage the oldestSection 7. As often as vacancies occur in said office of inspectorsof mines, the Governor shall commission for the unexpired term

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxxxixirom the names on file, the highest percentage in the office of theSecretary of the Commonwealth, until the number shall be exhausted,and whenever this may occur, the Governor shall cause the aforesaidboard of examiners to meet, and they shall examine personswho may present themselves for the vacant office of mine inspectoras herein provided, and the board of examiners shall certify tothe Governor all persons who shall have made ninety per centumin said examination, one of whom to be commissioned by him accordingto the provisions of this act for the office of mine inspector forthe unexpired term, and any vacancy that may occur in the examiningboard shall be filled by the Governor of this Commonwealth.Section 8. Each inspector of mines shall receive for his servicesan annual salary of three thousand dollars and actual traveling expenses,to be paid quarterly by the State Treasurer upon warrantof the Auditor General, and each mine inspector shall keep an officein the district for which he is commissioned and he shall be permittedto keep said office at his place of residence: Provided, Asuitable apartment or room be set off for that purpose. Each mineinspector is hereby authorized to procure such instruments, chemicaltests and stationery and to incur such expenses of communicationfrom time to time, as may be necessary to the proper dischargeof his duties under this act at the cost of the State, which shall bepaid by the State Treasurer upon accounts duly certified by him andaudited by the proper department of the State,Section 9. All instruments, plans, books, memoranda, notes andother material pertaining to the office shall be the property of theState, and shall be delivered to their successors in office. In additionto the expenses now allowed by law to the mine inspectors iner forcing the several provisions of this act, they shall be allowed allnecessary expenses by them incurred in enforcing the several provisionsof said law in the respective courts of the Commonwealth,the same to be paid by the State Treasurer on warrants drawn byth(.' Auditor General after auditing the same; all such accounts presentedby the mine inspector tothe Auditor General shall be itemizedand first approved by the court before which the proceedingswere instituted.Section 10. Each mine inspector of bituminous coal mines shall,before entering upon the discharge of his duties, give bond in thesum of five thousand dollars, with sureties to be approved by thepresident judge of the district in which he resides, conditional forthe faithful discharge of his duties, and take an oath or affirmation todischarge his duties impartially and with fidelity to the best of hisknowledge and ability. But no person who shall act as manager oragent of any coal mine, or as mining engineer or isinterested in operatingany coal mine, shall, at the same time act as mine inspector ofcoal mines under this act.10

cxl MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 11. Each inspector of bituminous coal mines shall devotethe whole of his time to the duties of his office. It shall be hisduty to examine each mine in his district as often as possible, but alonger period of time than three months shall not elapse betweensaid examination, to see that all the provisions of this act are observedand strictly carried out, and he shall make a record of allexaminations of mines, showing the condition in which he finds them,especially with reference toventilation and drainage, the number ofpersons employed in each mine, the extent to which the law isobej^ed and progress made in the improvement of mines, the numberof serious accidents and the nature thereof, the number ofdeaths resulting from injuries received in or about the mines withthe cause of such accident or death, which record completed tothirty-first day of December of each and every year, shall,theon or beforethe fifteenth day of March following, be filed in the office of theSecretary of Internal Affairs, to be by him recorded and includedin the annual report of his department.Section 12.It shall be the duty of the mine inspector on examinationof any mine, to make out a written, or partly written and partly .printed report of the condition in which he finds such mine andpost the same in the office of the mine or other conspicuous place.The said report shall give the date of the visit, the number of cubicfeet of air in circulation and where measured, and that he hasmeasured the air at the cut through one or more rooms in eachheading or entry, and such other information as he shall deem necessary,and the said report shall remain posted inthe office or conspicuousplace for one year and may be examined by any personemployed in or about the mine.Section 1.3. In case the inspector becomes incapacitated to performtiie duties of his office or receives a leave of absence from the samefrom the Governor, itshall be the duty of the judge of the court ofcommon pleas of his district to appoint, upon said mine inspector'sapplication or that five miners or five o})erators of said inspector'sdistrict, some competent person, recommended by the board of examinersto fill the office of inspector until the said inspector shallbe able to resume the duties of his office, and the person so appointedshall be paid in the same manner as is hereinbefore providedfor the inspector of mines.ARTICLE XI.Inspectors'Powers, Et Cetera.Section 1. That the mine inspectors may be enabled to performthe duties herein imposed upon them, they shall have the right at alltimes to enter any bituminous coal mine to make examinations orobtain information, and uj)on the discovery of any violation of thisact, they shall institute proceedings against the person or persons at

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxlifault under the provisions of section two of article twenty-one of this.act.In case, however, where, in the judgment of the mine inspectorof the district, any mine or part of mine is in such dangerous conditionas to jeopardize life or health, he shall at once notify two of themine inspectors of the other districts, whereupon they shall at onceproceed tothe mine where the danger exists and examine into thematter, and if, after full investigation thereof, they shall agree inthe opinion that there is immediate danger, they shall instruct thesuperintendent of the mine in writing to remove such conditionforthwith, and in case said superintendent shall fail to do so, thenthey shall appi}', in the name of the Commonwealth, to the court ofcommon pleas of the county, or in case the court shall not be in session,to a judge of the said court in chambers in which the minemay be located for an injunction to suspend all work in and aboutsaid mine, whereupon said court or judge shall at once proceed tohear, and determine speedily the same, and if the cause appear tobi'sufficient after hearing the parties and their evidences, as in likecases, shall issue itswrit to restrain the working of said mine untilail cause of danger is removed, and the cost of said proceedings shallbe borne by the owner, lessee or agent of the mine: Provided, Thatif said court shall find the cause not sufficient, then the case shallbe dismissed and the costs shall be borne by the county whereinsaid mine is located.ARTICLE XII.Inquests, Et Cetera.Section 1. Whenever, by reason of any explosion or other accidentsin any bituminous coal mine or the machinery connected thcewith,loss of life or serious personal injury shall occur, it shall be theduty of the person having charge of such mine to give notice thereofforthwith to the mine inspector of the district and also to thecoroner of the county, if anj' person is killed.Section 2. If the coroner shall determine to hold an inquest, heshall notify the mine inspector of the district of time and place ofholding the same, who shall offer such testimony as he may deemnecessary to thoroughly inform the said inquest ofthe cause of thedeath, and the said mine inspector shall have authority at any timeto appear before such coroner and jury and question or cross-questionany witness, and in choosing a jury for the purpose of holdingsuch inquest it shall be the duty of the coroner to empanel a jury,no one of which shall be directly or indirectly interested.Section 3. It shall be the duty of the mine inspector, upon beingnotified of any fatal accident as herein provided, to immediately repairto the scene of the accident and make such suggestions as mayappear necessary to secure the safety of any persons who may be en-

cxlii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.dangered, and if the results of the accident do not require an investigationbj the coroner the said mine inspector shall proceed toinvestigate and ascertain the cause of the accident and make arecord thereof, which he shall file as provided for, and to enable himto make the investigation he shall have power to compel the attendanceof persons to testify, and to administer oaths or affirmations,and if it is found upon investigation that the accident is due to theviolation of any provisions of this act by any person, other than thosewho may be deceased, the mine inspector may institute proceedingsagainst such person or persons as provided for in section two of articletwenty-one of this act.Section 4. The cost of such investigation shall be paid by the countyin which the accident occurred in the same manner as costs of inquestsheld by coroners or justices of the peace are paid.ARTICLE XIII.Neglect or Incompetence of Inspectors.Section 1. The court of common pleas in any county or district,\\]H)n a petition signed by not less than fifteen reputable citizens, whoshall be miners or operators of mines, and with the affidavit of one ornoie of said petitioners attached setting forth that any inspector ofmines neglects his duties or is incompetent, or that he is guilty of amalfeasance in office, shall issue a citation in the name of the Commonwealthto the said mine inspector to appear on not less than fifteendays' notice, upon a day fixed, before said court, at which timethe court shall proceed to inquire into and investigate the allegationsof the said petitioners.Section 2. If the court find that the said mine inspector is neglectfulof his duties or incompetent to perform the duties of his officeor that he is guilty of malfeasance in office, the court shall certify thesajue to the Governor, who shall declare the office of said mine inspectorvacant and proceed in compliance with the provisions of thisact to supply the vacancy; and the costs of said investigation shall,ifHie charges are sustained, be imposed upon the mine inspector, butif the charges are not sustained, they shall be imposed upon thepetitioners.ARTICLE XIV.Discretionary Powers of Inspectors, Arbitration, Et Cetera.Section 1. The mine insj^ectors shall exercise a sound discretion inthe enforcement of the provisions of this act, and if the operator,owner, miners, superintendent, mine foreman or other persons employedin or about the mine as aforesaid shall not be satisfied withany decision the mine inspector may arrive at in tlie discharge of hisduties under this act, which said decision shall be in writing signed

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxliiihy the mine inspector, tlie said owner, operator, superintendent, mineforeman or other person specified above shall either promptly comph'therewith or within seven days from date thereof appeal fromsuch decision to the court of quarter sessions of the county whereinth(.' mine is located, and said court shall speedily determine the questioninvolved in said decision and appeal and the decision of saidcouit shall be binding and conclusive.Section 2, The court or the judge of said court in chambers mayin its discretion, appoint three practical, reputable, competent anddisinterested persons whose duty it shall be, under instructions ofthe said court, to forthwith examine such mine or other cause ofcomplaint and report under oath, the facts as they exist or may havebeen, together with their opinions thereon within thirty days aftertheir appointment. The report of said board shall become absoluteunless exceptions thereto shall be filed within ten days after thenotice of the filing thereof by the owner, operator, mine superintendent,mine foreman, mine inspector and other persons, as aforesaid,and if exceptions are filed the court shall at once hear and determinethe same and the decision shall be final and conclusive.Section 3. If the court shall finally sustain the decision of themine inspector, then the appellant shall pay all costs of such proceedings,and if the court shall not sustain the decision of the mineinspector then such costs shall be paid by the county: Provided,That no appeal from any decision made by any mine inspector whiclican be immediately complied with shall work as a supersedeas 1osuch decisions during the pendency of such appeal, but all decisionsshall be in force until reversed or modified by the proper court.ARTICLE XV.Examinations of Mine Foremen and Fire Bosses.Section 1. On the petition of the mine inspector the court of commonpleas in any county in said district shall appoint an examiningboard of three persons, consisting of a mine inspector, a miner andan operator or superintendent, which said miner shall have receiveda certificate of competency as mine foreman in mines generating exjtlcsivegases, and the members of said examining board shall becitizens of this Commonwealth, and the persons so appointed shallafter being duly organized take and subscribe before an officer authorized to administer the same, the following oath, namely: "We,the undersigned, do solemnly swear (or afiirra) that we will performthe duties of examiners of applicants for the position of mine foremenand fire bosses of bituminous coal mines to the best of ourabilities, and that in certifying or rejecting said applicants we willbe governed by the evidence of the qualifications to fill the position

cxliv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.imdei' the law creating the same and not by any consideration ofpersonal favor; that we will certify all whom we may find qualifiedand none others."Section 2. The examining board shall examine any person applyingthereto as to his competency and qualifications to discharge theduties of mine foreman or fire boss.Applicants for mine foreman or fire boss certificates shall be atleast twenty-three years of age, and shall have had at least five years'practical experience, after fifteen years of age, as miners, superintendentat or inside of the bituminous mines of Pennsylvania and shallbe citizens of this Commonwealth and men of good moral characterand of known temperate habits.The said board shall be empowered to grant certificates of competencyof two grades, namely: certificates of first grade, to personswho have had experience in mines generating explosive gases andwho shall have the necessary qualifications to fulfil the duties ofmine foreman in such mines; and certificates of second grade, to personswho give satisfactory evidence of their ability toforeman in mines not generating explosive gases.act as mineSection 3. The said board of examiners shall meet at the call ofthe mine inspector and shall grant certificates to all persons whoseexamination shall disclose their fitness for the duties of mine foreman as above classified, or fire boss, and such certificates shall besufficient evidence of the holder's competency for the duties of saidpo!?ition so far as relates to the purposes of this act: Provided, Thatall persons holding certificates of competency granted under theprovisions of the act to which this is a supplement shall continue toact under this act: And provided further, That any person acting asmine foreman upon a certificate of service under the act to whichthis is a supplement may continue to act in the same capacity at anymine where the general conditions affecting the health and safetyof the persons employed do not differ materially from those at themine in which he was acting when said certificate was granted:Provided, however. That if such a mine foreman leaves his presentemployer and secures employment elsewhere at any mine where inthe judgment of the mine inspector of the district the conditions affectingthe health and safety of the persons employed do differ materiallyfrom those at the mine at which he was employed when hiscertificate was granted, it shall then be the duty of the mine inspectorof the district in which he has secured employment to servewritten protest against such mine foreman's employment to theoperator of said mine.Section 4. The examining board shall hold their office for a periodof f

No. 11, MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxlvat the rate of three cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled,and all other necessary expenses connected with the examinationshall be paid by the Commonwealth, Each applicant before beingexamined shall pay the examining board the sum of one dollar, andone dollar additional for each certificate granted, which shall be forthe use of the Commonwealth. The foregoing examination shall beheld annually in each inspection district.ARTICLE XVI.Suspension of Certificates of Mine Foreman and Fire Bosses,Section 1. No person shall act as fire boss in any bituminous coalmines, unless granted a certificate of competency by any one of theseveral examining boards. All applicants applying to any of the examiningboards for fire boss certificates shall undergo an oral examination in the presence of explosive gas, and such certificate shallonly be granted to men of good moral character and of known temperatehabits, and itshall be unlawful for any operator or superintendentto employ any person as fire boss who has not obtained suchctatifirate of competency as required by this act.Section 2.If the mine foreman or fire boss shall neglect his dutiesor has incapacitated himself by drunkenness, or has been incapacitatedby any other cause for the proper performance of said duties,and the same shall be brought to the knowledge of the operator orsuperintendent it shall be the duty of such operator or superintendenttodischarge such delinquent at once and notify the inspectorof the district of such action, whereupon itshall be the duty ofsaid inspector to inform the court of common pleas of the countywho shall issue a citation in the name of the Commonwealth to thesaid operator, superintendent, mine foreman or fire boss to ajjpearat not less than fifteen days' notice upon a day fixed before saidcourt, at which time the court shall proceed to inquire into and investigatethe allegations.If the court finds that the allegations arotrue, it shall notify the examining board of such finding and instructthe said board to withdraw the certificate of such delinquent duringany period of time that said court may deem sufficient, and at theexpiration of such time he shall be entitled to a re-examination.Section 1.ARTICLE XVII.Employment of Boys and Females.No boy under the age of twelve years, or any woman orgirl of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in the workingiofany bituminous coal mine for the purpose of employment, or forany other purpose; and no boy under the age of sixteen shall bopermitted to mine or load coal in any room, entry or other workingplace, unless in company with a person over sixteen years of age.K.—11—98If

cxlvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.the mine inspector or mine foreman has reason to doubt the fact ofany particular boy being as old as this act requires for the servicewhich said boy is performing at any mine, it shall be the duty of saidmine inspector or mine foreman to report the fact to the superintendent,giving the name of said boy, and the said superintendent shallat once discharge the said boy.ARTICLE XVIII.stretchers.Section 1. It shall be the duty of operators or superintendents tokeep at the mouth of the drift, shaft, or slope, or at such other placeabout the mine as shall be designated by the mine inspector, astretcher properly constructed, and a woolen and a waterproofblanket in good condition for use in carrying away any person whomay be injured at the mine: Provided, That where more than twohundred persons are employed two stretchers and two woolen andtwo waterproof blankets shall be kept. And in mines generatingfire-damp a sufficient quantity of linseed or olive oil, bandages andlinen shall be kept in store at the mines for use in emergencies, andbandages shall be kept at all mines.ARTICLE XIX.Annual Reports.Section 1. On or before the twenty-fifth day of January in eachyear the operator or superintendent of every bituminous coal mineshall send to the mine inspector of the district in which said mine islocated a correct report, specifying with respect to the year endingthe thirty-first day of December preceding, the name of the operatorand officers of the mine and the quantity of coal mined. The reportshall be in such form and give such information regarding said minesas may be from time to time required and prescribed by the mineinspector of the district.Blank forms for such reports shall be furnishedby the Commonwealth.ARTICLE XX.Additional Duties of Mine Foreman.Section 1. Rule 1. The mine forefnan shall attend personally to hisduties in the mine and carry out all the instructions set forth in thisact and see that the regulations prescribed for each class of workmenunder his charge are carried out in the strictest manner possible,and see that any deviation from or infringements of any ofthem are promptly adjusted.Rule 2. He shall cause all stoppings along the airways to be properlybuilt.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxlviiRule 3. He shall see that the entries at such places where roadgrades necessitate sprags or brakes to be applied or removed shallhave a clear level width of not less than two and one-half feet, betweenthe side of car and the rib to allow the driver to pass his tripsafely and keep clear of the cars there.Rule 4. He shall direct that all miners undermine the coal properlybefore blasting it and that blasting shall be done at only suchhours as he shall direct and shall order the miners to set sprags underthe coal, when necessary for safety while undermining at distancesnot exceeding seven feet apart, and he shall not allow the improperdrawing of pillars.Rule 5. In mines where fire damp is generated when the furnacefire has been put out it shall not be relighted, except in his presence,or that of his assistant under his instructions.Rule 6. In case of accident to a ventilating fan or its machinery,or the fan itself, whereby the ventilation of the mine would beseriously interrupted, it shall be his duty to order the men to immediatelywithdraw from the mine and not allow their return totheir work until the ventilation has been restored and the mine hasbeen thoroughly examined by him or his assistant and reported to besafe.Rule 7. He shall see that all dangerous places are properly fencedoff and proper danger signal boards so hung on such fencing, thatthey may be plainly seen; he shall also travel all air roads and examineall the accessible openings to old workings as often as is necessaryto insure their safety.Rule 8.He shall provide a book or sheet to be put in some convenientplace, or places, upon which shall be made a place for thenumbers used by the miners with space sufficient to each number,so that the miners can write plainly the quantity of props, their approximatelength and the number of caps and other timbers whichthey require, together with the date of the order. Said book orsheets shall be preserved for thirty days from their date.Duties of Fire Boss.Rule 9. He shall enter the mine before the men have entered it,and before proceeding to examine the same, he shall see that the aircurrent is traveling in its proper course, and if all seems right, heshall proceed to examine the workings.Rule 10. He shall not allow any person, except those duly authorizedto enter or remain in any part of the mine through whicha dangerous accumulation of gas isbeing passed in the ventilatingcurrent from any other part of the mine.Rule 11. Ho shall fre(iuently examine the edge and accessible partsof new falls and old gobs and air courses, and he shall report at onceany violation of this act to the mine foreman.

cxlviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Duties of Miners.Kule 12. He .shall examine his working place before beginningwork and take down all dangerous slate, or otherwise make it safeby properly timbering the same before commencing to dig or loadcoal, and In mines where fire bosses are employed, he shall examiu-ehis place to see whether the fire boss has left the proper marks indicatinghis examination thereof, and he shall at all times be verycareful to keep his working place in a safe condition during workinghours.Rule 13. Should he at any time find his place becoming dangerouseither from gas or roof, or from any unusual condition which mayhave arisen, he shall at once cease working, and inform the mineforeman or his assistant of such danger, and before leaving suchplace he shall place some plain warning at the entrance thereto towarn others from entering into the danger.Rule 14. It shall be the duty of every miner to mine his coal properlyand to set sprags under the coal while undermining to secure itfrom falling and, after each blast, he shall exercise great care in examiningthe roof and coal and shall secure them safely before beginningwork.Rule 15. When places are liable to generate sudden volumes offire damp, or where locked safety lamps are used, no miner shall beallowed to fire shots except under the supervision and with the consentof the mine foreman, or his assistant, or other competent persondesignated by the mine foreman for that purpose.Rule 16.Duties of Drivers.When a driver has occasion to leave his trip he must becareful to see that it is left, when possible, in a safe place, securefrom cars or other dangers, or from endangering drivers of trip following.Rule 17. The driver must take great care while taking his tripsdown grades to have the brakes or sprags so adjusted that he cankeep the cars under control and prevent them from running ontohimself or others.Rule 18. He shall not leave any cars standing where they maymaterially obstruct the ventilating current, except in case of accidentto the trip.Duties of Trip Riders or Runners.Rule 19. He shall exercise great care in seeing that all hitehingsare safe for use and see that all the trip is coupled before starting,and should he at any time see any material defect in

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cxlixDuties of Engineer.Rule 20. It sliall be the duty of the engineer to keep a carefulwatch over liis engine and all machinery under his charge and seethat the boilers are properly supplied with water, cleaned and inspectedat proper intervals, and that the steam pressure does not exceedat any time the limit allowed by the superintendent.Kule 21, He shall make himself acquainted with the signal codesprovided for in this act.Kule 22. He shall not allow any unauthorized person to enter theengine house, neither shall he allow any person to handle or run theengine, without the permission of the superintendent.Kule 2o. When workmen are being raised or lowered he shall takespecial precautions to keep the engine well under control.Rule 24. The locomotive engineer must keep a sharp lookoutahead of his engine and sound the whistle or alarm bell frequentlywhen coming hear the partings or landings; he must not exceed thespeed allowed by the mine foreman or superintendent. He mustnot allow any person except his attendants, to ride on the engine oron the full cars.Kule 25.Duties of Firemen,Every fireman and other person in charge of a boiler orboilers for the generation of steam shall keep a careful watch of thesame; he shall see that the steam pressure does not at any time exceedthe limit allowed by the superintendent; he shall frequently trythe safety-valve and shall not increase the weight on the same; heshall maintain a proper depth of water in each boiler, and if anvthingshould happen to prevent this, he shall report the same without delay tothe superintendent, or other person designated by thesuperintendent, and take such other action as may, under the particularcircumstances, be necessary for the protection of life and thepreservation of property.Rule 26.Duties of Fan Engineer,The engineer in charge of any ventilating fan must keepit running at such speed as the mine foreman directs in writing. Incase of accident to the boiler or fan machinery, not requiring the immediatewithdrawal of the men from the mine by reason of seriousinterruption of the ventilation, he shall invariably notify the mineforeman.If ordinary repairs of the fan or machinery becomes necessary,he must give timely notice to the mine foreman and await hisinstructions before stopping it. He shall also examine at thebeginning of each shift all the fan bearings, stays and other parts,and see that they are kept in proper working order. Should it become impossible to run the fan or necessary- to stop it to prevets

cl MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.destruction, lie shall then at once stop it and notify the mine fonrmanijumediately and give immediate warning to persons in themine.Duties of Furnacemen.Rule 27. The furnace man must attend to his duties with regularity,and in case he should be likely to be otf work for any reasonwhatever, he must give timely notice to the mine foreman.Rule 28. The furnace man must at all times keep a clear, briskfire and the fire must not be smothered with coal or slack duringworking hours, nor shall he allow ashes to accumulate excessivelyon or under the bars, or in the approaches to the furnace, and ashesshall be cooled before being removed.Rule 29.the mine foreman.The furnace man must promptly obey the instructions ofSHAFTS AND SLOPES.Duties of Hookers-On.Rule 30. The hookers-on afc the bottom of any slope shall be verycareful to see that the cars are properly coupled to a rope or chainand that the safety-catch or other device is properly attached to tliecar before giving the signal to the engineer.Duties of Cagers.Rule 31. The eager at the bottom of any shaft shall not attempt towithdraw the car until the cage comes to rest, and when putting thefull car on the cage he must be very careful to see that the springsor catches are properly adjusted so as to keep the car in its properplace before giving the signal to the engineer.Rule 32. At every shaft or slope mine in which provision is madein this act for lowering and hoisting persons, a headman and footmanshall be designated by the superintendent or mine foreman, whoshall be at their proper places from the time that persons begin todescend until all the persons who may be at the bottom of said shaftor slope, when quitting work, shall be hoisted; such headman andfootman shall personally attend to the signals and see that the provisionsof this act in respect to lowering or hoisting persons in shaftsor slopes shall be complied with.Rule 33. He shall not allow any tools to be placed on the same cagewith men or boys, nor on either cage when persons are being hoistedout of the mine, or being lowered into the mine, except when for thepurpose of rej)airing the shaft or machinery therein. The men shallplace their tools in cars provided for that purpose which car, or cars,shall be hoisted or lowered before and after the men have beenhoisted or lowered. And he shall immediately inform the mine foreman of any violation of this rule.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cliRule 34.He shall also see that no driver, or other person, ascendsthe shaft with any horse or mule, unless the said horse or mule is securedin a suitable box, or safely penned, and only the driver incharge of said horse or mule shall accompany it in any case.Rule 35.Duties of Top Man.The top man of any slope, or incline plane, shall be verycareful to close the safety block, or other device, as soon as the carshave reached the landing so as to prevent any loose or runaway carsfrom descending the slope, or incline plane, and in no case shall suchsafety block, or other device, be withdrawn until the cars are coupledto the rope or chain and the proper signal given. He shall carefullyinspect daiTy all the machinery in and about the check house, and th

clii MINING 1.AWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.requires medical or surgical treatmeul, he shall see that said injuredperson receives the same, and in case of inability of such injuredperson to pay therefor the same shall be borne by the county. Themine foreman shall report monthly to the mine inspector of the districton blanks furnished by said inspector for that purpose, all accidentsresulting in personal injury.Rule 41. No unauthorized person shall enter the mine without permissionfrom the superintendent or mine foreman.Rule 42. No person in a state of intoxication shall be allowed to gointo or loiter about the mine.Rule 43. All employes shall inform the mine foreman or his assistantof the unsafe condition of any working place, hauling roadaor traveling ways, or of damage to doors, brattices or stoppings, or ofobstructions in the air passages when known to them.Rule 44. No person shall be employed to blast coal, rock or slate,unless the mine foreman is satisfied that such a person is qualified byexperience to perform the work with ordinary care.Rule 45. The mine superintendent or mine foreman shall cause tobe constructed safety blocks or some other device for the purpose ofpreventing cars from falling into the shaft, or running away onslopes or incline planes; and safety switches, drop logs or other deviceshall be used on all slopes and incline planes; and said safetyblocks, safety switches or other device must be maintained in goodworking order.Rule 46. Every workman employed in the mine shall examine hisworking place before commencing work, and after any stoppage ofwork during the shift he shall repeat such examination.Rule 47. No person sliall be allowed to travel on foot to or fromhis work on any incline plane, dilly or locomotive roads, when othergood roads are provided for that purpose.Rule 48. Any employe or other person who shall wilfully deface,pull down or destroy any notice board, danger signal, general orspecial rules or mining laws, shall be prosecuted as provided forsection two, article twenty-one of this act.Rule 49. No powder or high explosive shall be taken into tlio min.'in greater quantities than required for use in one shift, unless suchquantity be less than five pounds, and all powder shall be carried intothe mine in metallic canisters.Rule 50. Powder in quantities exceeding twenty-five pounds, orother explosives in quantities exceeding ten pounds, shall not bestored in auA tipple or any weighing office, nor where workmen havebusiness to visit, and no naked lights shall be used while weighingand giving out powder.Rule 51. All j)ei'sons except those duly authorized, are forbiddenfo meddle or tamj)er in any way willi any eleclric or signal wires in orabout the mines.in

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. cliiiRule 52. No greater number of persons shall be hoisted or loweredat any one time in any shaft than is permitted by the mine inspector,and whenever said number of persons shall arrive at the bottomof the shaft in which persons are regularly hoisted or lowered, theyshall be furnished with an empty cage and be hoisted, and in casesof emergency a less number shall be promptly hoisted. Any personor persons crowding or pushing to get on or otfthe cages shallbe deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.Rule 53. Each workman, when engaged shall have his attention directedto the general and special rules by the person employing him.Rule 54. Workmen and all other persons are expressly forbiddento commit any nuisance or throw into, deposit,' or leave coals or dirt,stones or other rubbish in the air way or road so as to interfere with,pollute, or hinder the air passing into and through the mine.Rule 55. No one, except a person duly authorized by the mineforeman, shall have inhis possession a key or other instrument forthe purpose of unlocking any safety- lamp in any mine where lockedsafety lamps are used.Rule 56. Every abandoned slope, shaft, air hole or drift shall beproperly fenced around or across its enhance.Rule 57. No safety lamps shall be entrusted to any person for u.sein mines until he has given satisfactory evidence to the mine foreman that he understands the proper use thereof and danger of tamperingwith the same.Rule 58. No person shall ride upon or against any loaded car orcage in any shaft or slope in or about any bituminous coal mine;no person other than the triprunner shall be permitted to ride onempty trips on any slope, inclined plane or dilly road, when thespeed of the cars exceeds six miles per hour. The transportation oftools in and out of the mines shall be under the direction of the mineforeman.Rule 59.No persons other than the drivers or trip runners shallbe permitted to ride on the full cars.Rule 60. In mines where coal dust has accumulated to a dangerousextent, care shall be exercised to prevent said dust from floating inthe atmosphere by sprinkling it with water, or otherwise, as far aspracticable.Rule 61. In cutting of clay veins, spars or faults in entries, orother narrow workings going into the solid coal in mines where explosivegases are generated in dangerous quantities, a bore hole shallbe kept not less than three feet in advance of the face of the work,or an advance of any shot hole drilled for a blast to be fired therein.Rule 62. The engineer placed in charge of an engine whereby personsare hoisted out of or lowered into any mine shall be a sobercompetent person, and not less than twentj'-one years of age.

cliv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Rule 63.\Yhen a workman is about to fire a blast he shall be carefulto notify all persons who might be endangered thereby, and shallgive sufficient alarm so that any person or persons approaching shallbe warned of the danger.Kule 04. In every shaft or slope where persons are hoisted orlowered by machinery, as provided by this act, a topman and eagershall be appointed by the superintendent or miue foreman.Rule 65. Whenever a workman shall open a box containing powderor other explosives, or while in any manner handling the same,he shall first i)lace his lamp not less than five feet from such explosiveand in such a position that the air current cannot convi'ysparks to it, and he shall not smoke while handling explosives.Rule 66. An accumulation of gas in mines shall not be removedby brushing.Rule 67. When gas is ignited by blast or otherwise, the personhaving charge of the place where the said gas is ignited, shall immediatelyextinguish it if possible, and if unable to do so shall immediatelynotify the mine foreman or his assistants of the fact.Workmen must see that no gas blowers are left burning upon leavingtheir working places.Rule 68. All ventilating fans used at mines shall be provided withrecording instruments by which the number of revolutions or th(ieffective ventilating pressure of the fan shall be registered and theregistration with its date for each and every day shall be kept inthe ofiice of the mine for future reference for one year from its dare.Rule 69. Where the clothing or wearing apparel of employes bocomeswet by reason of working in wet places in the mines, it shallbe the duty of the operator or superintendent of each mine, at the requestin writing of the mine inspector, who shall make such request(11)011 the petition of any five miners of any one mine in the distrktworking in the aforesaid wet places, to provide a suitable buildingwhich shall be convenient to the principal entrances of such minefor the use of the persons employed in wet places therein for thepurpose of washing themselves and changing their clothes when(.'utering the mine and returning therefrom. The said building shallb(? maintained in good order and be properly lighted and heatedand shall be provided with facilities for persons to wash. If anyperson or persons shall neglect or fail to comply with the provisionsof this article or maliciously injure or destroy, or cause to be injuredor destroyed, the said building or any part thereof, or any oftlieappliances or fittings used for supplying light and heat therein,or doing any act tending to the injury or destruction thereof, he orthey shall be deemed guilty of an offense against this act.Rule 70. In all shafts and slopes where persons, coal or othermaterials are hoisted by machinery the following code of signals shallbe used:

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA, civOne rap or whistle to hoist coal or other material.One rap or whistle to stop cage or car when in motion.Two raps or whistles to lower cage or car.Three raps or whistles when persons are to be hoisted, and forengineer to signal back ready when persons are to be hoisted, afterwhich persons shall get on the cage or car, then one rap shall be giveuto hoist.Four raps or whistles, to turn on steam to the pumps.-But a variation from the above code of signals may be used by permissionof the mine inspector: Provided, That in any such case suchchanged code shall be printed and posted.Rule 71. No person or persons shall go into any old shaft or abandonedpart of the mine or into any other place which is not in actualcourse of working without permission from the mine foreman, norshall they travel to and from their work except by the traveling wayassigned for that purpose.Rule 72, No steam pipes through which high pressure steam isconveyed for the purpose of driving pumps or other machinery, shallbe permitted on traveling or haulage ways, unless they are encasedin asbestos, or some other suitable non-conducting material, or areso placed that the radiation of heat into the atmosphere of the minebe prevented as far as possible.Kale 73. Where a locomotive is used for the purpose of hauling^^iIlcoal out of a mine, the tunnel or tunnels through which the locomotivepasses shall be properly ventilated and kept free as far aspracticable of noxious gases, and a ventilating apparatus shall beprovided by the operator to produce such ventilation when deemednecessary and practicable to do so by the mine inspector.Rule 74. No inexperienced person shall be employed to mine outpillars unless in company with one or more experienced miners, andby their consent.Section 1.ARTICLE XXI.Penalties.Any person or persons whomsoever, who shall intentionallyor carelessly injure any shaft, safety lamp, instrument, aircourseor braitice, or obstruct or throw open air ways, or takematches for any purpose, or pipes or other smokers' articles beyondany station inside of which locked safety lamps are used, or injureany part of the machinery, or open a door in the mine and not closeit again immediately or open any door which opening is forbidden,or disobey any order given in carrying out the provisions of this act,o!- do any other act whatsoever whereby the lives or the health ofpersons or the security of the miners or the machinery is endangered,shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished in amanner provided for in thi? article,It

clvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 2, The neglect or refusal to perform the duties required lobe performed by any section of this act by the parties therein requiredto perform them, or the violation of any of the provisions orrequirements hereof, shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall uponconviction thereof in the court of quarter sessions of the countywherein the misdemeanor was committed, be punishable by a finenot exceeding five hundred dollars or imprisonment in the countyjail for a period not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretionof the court.Section 3. That for any injury' to person or property occasionedby any violation of this act, or any failure to comply wath its provisionsby an}' owner, operator or superintendent of any coal mineor colliery, a right of action shall accrue to the party injured againstsaid owner or operator for any direct damages he may have sustainedthereby, and in case of loss of life by reason of such neglector failure aforesaid, a right of action shall accrue to the widows andlineal heirs of the person whose life shall be lost for like recovery ofdamages for the injury they shall have sustained,ARTICLE XXII.Definition,Section 1. Coal Mine. In this act the term "coal mine" includesthe shafts, slopes, adits, drifts or inclined planes connected w ith excavationspenetrating coal stratum or strata, which excavations areventilated by one general air current or divisions thereof and connectedby one general system of mine railroads over which coal maybe delivered to one or moi'e common points outside the mine, whensuch is operated by one operator.Excavations and Workings. The term "excavations and workings'-includes all the excavated parts of a mine, those abandoned as wellas the places actually being worked, also all underground workingsand shafts, tunnels and other ways and openings, all such shafts,slopes, tunnels and other openings in the course of being sunk ordriven, together with allconnected with the same below the surface.roads, appliances, machinery and materialShaft. The term "shaft" means a vertical opening through thestrata, and wiiich is or may be used for the purpose of ventilationor drainage or for hoisting men or material or both in connectionwith the mining of coal.Slope. The term "slope" means an incline way or opening used forthe same purpose as a shaft.Operator. The term "operator" means any firm, corporation or individual operating any coal mine or i)art thereof.

No. 11. MINING LA ATS JF PENNSYLVANIA. clviiSuperiutendeiit, The term "superintendent" means the personwho shall have, ou behalf of the operator, immediate supervision ofone or more mines.Bituminous Mines. The term "bituminous" coal mines shall includeall coal mines inthe State not now included in the anthraciteboundaries.The provisions of this act shall not apply to any mine employingless than ten persons in any one period of twenty-four hours.Section 1.ARTICLE XXIII.That all acts or parts of acts inconsistent herewith beand the same are hereby repealed.Approved—The 15th day of May, A. D. 1893.ROBT. E. PATTISON.AN ACTEqualizing and fixing the compensation and mileage of the members of the severalboards appointed under the provisions of the act approved June second,one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, to examine candidates for appointmentas Inspectors, foremen and fire bosses, respectively, in the anthracitecoal mines, and providing for the employment and compensation and mileageof a clerk to each of said boards.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c.. That from and after the passage ofthis act the members of the several boards appointed under the provisionsof the act approved June second, one thousand eight hundredand ninety-one, to examine candidates for appointment respectivelyas inspectors and foremen of anthracite coal mines, shall receivein lieu of all compensation, mileage, expenses, emoluments orallowances heretofore paid them^ as follows:Six dollars per day foreach day during which the said members shall be actually in attendanceon the sessions of the board, and mileage at the rate offive cents for each mile actually traveled going from the home of themember to the place of meeting of the board and returning from saidplace to his said home by the shortest practicable railway route:Provided, That mileage shall be paid but once for each continuoussession of the board, and by a continuous session shall be meant asession during the course of which no adjournment for a longersection of this act shall be and the same isperiod than forty-eight hours shall take place.Section 2. Each of the boards enumerated or described in the firsthereby authorized to employa clerk, whose compensation and mileage shall be the same asthat of a member of the board. So ranch of section four of the act

clviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.of June second, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, as authorizesthe boards of examiners of candidates for inspectors ofanthracite coal mines to engage the services of a clerk is hereby repealed,and all clerks hereafter appointed by the several boards hereinbeforementioned shall be appointed under the provisions of thisact.Section 3. The members of the said boards shall, on the final adjournmentof each session of their respective boards, submit to theAuditor General sworn statements approved by the president orchairman of their respective boards, setting forth the number ofdays during which each member shall have been actually in attendanceon the sessions of the board of which he is a member duringsaid session, as well as the distance from the home of the memberto the place of meeting of his board as aforesaid, by the nearestpracticable railway route, and the number of miles actually traveledby him; and the clerks of said boards shall submit like statements,and the Auditor General shall, upon the receipt of such sworn statementsdraw his warrant upon the State Treasurer in fav^or of eachof such members and clerks for such sums as shall appear to beproperly due each.Section 4. All acts and parts of acts or supplements thereto inconflict herewith are hereby repealed.Approved—The 26th day of June, A. D. 1895.DANIEL n. HASTINGS.AN ACTFor the better protection of employes in and about the coal mines by preventingmine superintendent, mine foremen and assistants from receiving or solicitingany sums of money or other valuable consideration from men while in theiremploy, and providing a penalty for violation of the same.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That on and after the passage of thisact any mine superintendent, mine foreman or assistant foreman,or any other person or persons who shall receive or solicit any sum ofmoney or other valuable consideration, from any of his or their employesfor the jnirpose of continuing in his or their employ, shall beguilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be subject to a finenot less than fifty dollars, nor more than three hundred dollars, andundergo an imprisonment of not less than six months, or both, at thediscretion of the court.

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. clixSection 2.All acts or parts of acts inconsistent lierewith be andthe same are hereby repealed.Approved—The 15th day of June, A. D. 1897.DANIEL H. HASTINGS.AN ACTEstablishing a Bureau of Mines in the Department of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania,defining its purposes and authority, providing for the appointment of achief of said bureau and assistants, and fixing their salaries and expenses.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c.. That there is hereby established inthe Department of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania a bureau to beknown as the Bureau of Mines, which shall be charged with thesupervision of the execution of the mining laws of this Commonwealth,and the care and publication of the annual reports of theinspectors of coal mines.Section 2. The chief officer of the bureau shall be denominatedChief of the Bureau of Mines, and shall be appointed by the Governor,by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, withinthirty days after the final passage of this act, and every four yearsthereafter, who shall be commissioned by the Governor to serve aterm of four years from the date of his appointment, and untilhis successor is duly qualified, and shall receive an annual salary ofthree thousand dollars and traveling expenses; and in case of avacancy in the office of Chief of said Bureau, by reason of death,resignation or otherwise, the Governor shall appoint a qualified personto fill such vacancy for the unexpired balance of the term.Section 3. The Chief of the Bureau of Mines shall be a competentperson having had at least ten years practical experience in theworking and ventilation of coal mines of this State, and a practicaland scientific knowledge of all noxious and dangerous gases foundin such mines. The said Chief of the Bureau of Mines so appointedshall, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribeto the oath of office prescribed by the Constitution, the sameto be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, andgive to the Commonwealth a bond in the penal sum of ten thousanddollars,with surety to be approved by the Governor and Secretaryof Internal Affairs, conditioned for the faithful discharge of theduties of his office.Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Chief of the Bureau to devotethe whole of his time to the duties of his office, and to see thatthe mining laws of this State are faithfully executed; and for this

clx MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.purpose he ishereby invested with the same power and authorityas the mine inspectors to enter,inspect and examine any mine orcolliery within the State, and the works and machinery connectedtherewith, and to give such aid and instruction to the mine inspectorsfrom time to time as he may deem best calculated to protectthe health and promote the safety of all persons employedin and about the mines, and the said Chief of the Bureau of Minesshall have the power to suspend any mine inspector for any neglectof duty, but such suspended mine inspector shall have the right l;oappeal to the Secretary of Internal Affairs, who shall be empoweredto approve of such susijension or restore such suspended mineinspector to duty, after investigating the causes which led to suchsuspension. Should the Chief of the Bureau of Mines receive ininformationby petition, signed by ten or more miners, or one or moreoperators, setting forth that any of the mine inspectors are neglectfulof their duty, or are incompetent to perform the duties of theiroffice, or are guilty of malfeasance in office, he shall at once investigatethe matter, and if he shall be satisfied that the charge oichargesare well founded, he shall then petition the court of commonpleas, or the judge in chambers, in any county within or partlywithin the inspection district of the said mine inspector; whichcourt, upon receipt of said petition and a report of the character g\the charges and testimony produced, shall at once issue a citationin the name of the Commonwealth to the said inspector, to appearon not less than fifteen days' notice, on a fixed day before said court,at which time the court shall proceed to inquire into the allegationsof the petitioners, and may require the attendance of such witnesseson the subpoena issued and served by the proper officer or officers, asthe judge of the court and the Chief of said Bureau may deem necessaryin the case; the inspector under investigation shall also havesimilar power and authority to compel the attendance of witnessesin his behalf. If the court shall find by said investigation that thesaid mine inspector is guilty of neglecting his official duties, or Jsincompetent to perform the duties of his office, or is guilty of malfeasance in office, the said court shall certify the same to the Governor,who shall declare the office vacant, and shall proceed to supplythe vacancy as provided for by the mining laws of this State.The cost of said investigation shall, if the charges are sustained,be imposed upon the mine inspector, but if the charges are not sustained the cost shall be paid out of the State Treasury, upon vouclie)'or vouchers duly certified as to correctness by the judge or properofficer of the court where such proceedings are held. To enable thesaid Chief of the Bureau of Mines to conduct more effectually hisexaminations and investigations of the charges and complaints wliichmay be made by petitioners against any of the mine inspectors as

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. clxiherein provided, he shall have power to administer oaths and takeaffidavits and depositions in form and manner provided by law:Provided however, That nothing in this section shall be construedas to repeal section thirteen of article two of the act of Assemblyapproved the second day of June, Anno Domini one thousand eighthundred and ninety-one, entitled "An act to provide for the healthand safety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coaimines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation ofproperty connected therewith," and also articles thirteen and fourteenof an act of Assembly approved the fifteenth day of May, AnnoDomini one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three, entitled "Anact relating to bituminous coal mines, and providing for the lives,health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein."Section 5. It shall be the duty of the Chief of the Bureau ofMines to take charge of and preserve in his office the annual reportsof the mine inspectors, and transmit a copy of them, together withsuch other statistical data compiled therefrom and other matterrelating to the work of the Bureau as may be of public interest,properly addressed to the Secretary of Internal Affairs for transmissionto the Governor and the General Assembly of this Commonwealth,on or before the first day of March in each year. It shallalso be the duty of the Chief of the Bureau of Mines to see thaisaid reports, or copy of them, are placed in the haiids ofthe Publicbe publisht^dPrinter for publication at the same date; the same tounder direction of the Secretary of Internal Affairs as other reportsof his Department are now required by law to be published, andin order that the Chief of said Bureau may be able to prepare,compile and transmit his annual report to the Secretary of InternalAffairs within the time herein specified, the mine inspectors arehereby required to deliver their annual reports to the Secretary ofInternal Affairs on or before the fifteenth day of February in eachyear. In addition to the annual reports herein required of the mineinspectors, the said mine inspectors shall furnish the Chief of theBureau of Mines, monthly and also such special reports or informationon any subject regarding mine accidents or other matters pertainingto mining interests, or the safety of persons employed Inmines as he at any time may require or may deem necessary in theproper and lawful discharge of his official duties. The Chief of theBureau of Mines shall also establish as far as may be practicable auniform style and size of blanks for the annual, monthly andspecialreports of the mine inspectors, and prescribe the form aitdcharacter of subject matter to be embraced in the text and thetabulated statements of their reports. The Chief of the Bureau ofMinos is hereby authorized to make such examinations and investigationsas may enable him to report uj)on the various systems ofF.—11—98

clxil MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.coal mining practiced in the State, method of mining, ventilation,machinery employed, structure and character of the several coalseams operated, and of the associated strata, the circumstances andresponsibility of mine accidents, economy of coal production, coalwaste, area and exhaustion of coal territory, and such other mattersas may pertain to the general welfare of coal miners and othersconnected with coal mining, and the interests of coal mine ownersand operators in this Commonwealth.Section 6. The Chief of the Bureau of Mines shall keep in hisoffice a journal or record of all examinations made and work doneunder his administration, and copies of all official communications,and is hereby authorized to procure such books, instruments andchemical or other tests as may be found necessary to the proper dischargeof his duties under this act, at the expense of the State. Allinstruments, plans, books and records pertaining to the officebe the property ofin office.shallthe State, and shall be delivered to his successorSection 7. The Chief of the Bureau of Mines shall at all timesbe accountable to the Secretary of Internal Affairs for the faithfuldischarge of the duties imposed upon him by law, and the administrationof his office and the rules and regulations pertainingto said Bureau shall be subject to the approval of the Secretaryof Internal Affairs, who is hereby empowered to appoint an assistantto the Chief of the Bureau, at a salary of fourteen hundreddollars per annum, and a messenger at a salary of three hundreddollars per annum: And provided further. That the salaries ofthe Chief of the Bureau of Mines, his assistant and the messenger,shall be paid out of the State Treasury in the manner as other employesof the Department of Internal Affairs are now paid. Provided,That the Chief of said Bureau of Mines may be removed orsuspended at any time by the Secretary of Internal Affairs, whenin the opinion of said Secretary there has been a neglect of duty or afailure to comply with the law, or the instructions of the Secretaryof Internal Affairs.Section 8. No person who is acting as a land agent, or as manager,viewer or agent of any mine or colliery, or who is interestedin operating any mine or colliery, shall at the same time serve asChief of the Bureau of Mines under the provisions of this act.Section 9. That the mine inspectors of each district of this Stateshall, within six months after the final passage and approval ofthis act, deposit in the Bureau of Mines an accurate map or plan ofsuch coal mine, which may be on tracing muslin or sun print, drawnto a prescribed scale; which map or plan shall show the actual locationof all openings, excavations, shafts, tunnels, slopes, planes, main

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. clxiiiheadings, cross headings, and rooms or worlviug places in each strataoperated; pump, fans or other ventilation apparatus, the entirecourse and direction of air currents, the relation and proximity ofthe workings of such coal mines to all other adjoining mines or coallands, and the relative elevation of all tunnels and headings, andof the face of working places near to or approaching boundarylines or adjacent mines; and on or before the close of each calendaryear transmit to the Chief of the Bureau of Mines a supplementalmap or plan showing all excavations, changes and additions madein such mine during the year, drawn to the scale as the first mentionedmap or plan. All such maps or plans to be and remain in theBureau of Mines as a part of the records of that oflfice.Section 10.All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act beand the same are hereby repealed.Approved—The 15th day of July, A. D. 1897.DANIEL H. HASTINGS.AN ACTRequiring the weighing of bituminous coal before screening, and providing a penaltyfor the violation thereof.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c.. That it shall be unlawful for anymine owner, lessee or operator of any bituminous coal mine in thisCommonwealth, employing miners at bushel or ton rates, or otherquantity, to pass the output of coal mined by said miners over anyscreen or other device which shall take any part from the weight,value or quantity thereof, before the same shall have been weighedand duly credited to the employe sending the same to the surface andaccounted for at the legal rate of weight fixed by laws of this Commonwealth.Section 2. Any owner, lessee or operator of any bituminous coalmine, violating the provisions of this act,shall be deemed guilty ofa misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction, for each and every suchoffense be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred (flOO)dollars nor more than five hundred (|500) dollars, or by imprisonmentin the county jail for a period not to exceed ninety days, o;*by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court;proceedings to be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction.

clxiv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section '6.All acts or parts of acts inconsistent herewith be andthe same are hereby repealed.Approved— The 15th day of July, A. D. 1897.DANIEL H. HASTINGS.AN ACTTo protect the lives and limbs of miners from the dangers resulting from incompetentminers working in the anthracite coal mines of this Commonwealth, andto provide for the examination of persons seeking employment as miners in theanthracite region, and to prevent the employment of incompetent persons asminers in anthracite coal mines, and providing penalties for a violation of thesame.Section 1. Be it enacted, &c.. That hereafter no person whomsoevershall be employed or engaged in the anthracite coal regionof this Commonwealth, as a miner in any anthracite coal mine, withouthaving obtained a certificate of competency and qualificationso to do from the "Miners' Examining Board" of the proper district,and having been duly registered as herein provided.Section 2. That there shall be established in each of the eightinspection districts in the anthracite coal region, a board to bestyled the "Miners' Examining Board" of thedistrict,to consist of nine miners who shall be appointed in the same manneras the boards to examine mine inspectors are now appointed fromamong the most skillful miners actually engaged in said business intheir respective districts, and who must have had five years' practicalexperience in the same. The said persons so appointed shall eachserve for a term of two years from the date on which their appointmenttakes effect, and they shall be appointed upon or before the expiration of the term of the present members of the "Miners' ExaminingBoard," and they shall be and constitute the "Miners' ExaminingBoard" for their respective districts, and shall liold the oflScefor the terni for which they were appointed, or until their successorsare duly appointed and qualified, and shall receive as compensationfor their services three dollars per day for each day actually engagedin this service, and all legitimate and necessary expenses incurredin attending the meetings of said board under the provisions of thisact, and no part of the salary of said board or expenses thereof shallbe paid out of the State Treasury.Each of said boards shall organize by electing one of their membars president, and one member as secretary, and by dividing them

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. clxvselves illto three sub-committees for the more convenient discharg

clxvi MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.this act, together with the number of miners examined and registeredunder this act and the number who failed to pass the required examination.Section 5. That it shall be the duty of each of the said boardsto meet once every month and not oftener, and said meeting shall b(.'public, and if necessary, the meeting shall be continued to coverwhatever portion may be required of a period of three days in succession,and examine under oath allpersons who shall desire to beernploj-ed as miners in their respective districts; and said board shallgrant such persons as may be qualified, certificates of competencyor qualification which shall entitle the holder thereof to be employedas and to do the work of miners as may be expressed in said certificate,and such certificates shall be good and sufficient evidence ofregistration and compentency under this act; and the holder thereofshall be entitled to be registered without an examination in anyother of the anthracite districts upon the payment of the fee hereinprovided.All persons applying for a certificate of competency, or to entitlethem to be employed as miners, must produce satisfactory evidenceof having had not less than two years practical experience as aminer, or as a mine laborer in the mines of this Commonwealth, andin no case shall an applicant be deemed competent unless he appearin person before the said board and answer intelligently and correctlyat least twelve questions inthe English language pertainingto the re(iuirements of a practical miner, and be perfectly identifiedunder oath, as a mine laborer by at least one practical miner holdingminers' certificates. The said board shall keep an accurate record ofthe proceedings of all its meetings, and in said record shall show acorrect detailed account of the examination of each applicant, withthe questions asked and their answer, and at each of its meetingsthe board shall keep said record open for public inspection. Anyminer's certificate granted under the provisions of this act, and thehereinafter mentioned act approved the ninth day of May, AnnoDomini one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine, shall not betransferable to any person or persons whatsoever, and any transferof the same shall be deemed a violation of this act. Certificatesshall be issued only at meetings of said board, and said certificatesshall not be legal unless then and there signed in person by at leastthree members of said board.Section 6. That no person shall hereafter engage as a miner inany anthracite coal mine without having obtained such certificateas aforesaid. And no person shall employ any person as a minerwho does not hold such certificate as aforesaid, and no mine foremanor superintendent shall permit or suffer any person to be employed

No. 11. MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. clxviiunder him, or iu the mines under his charge and supervisionas a miner, who does not hold such certificates. Any personor persons who shall violate or fail to comply withthe provisions of this act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,and on conviction thereof shall be sentenced to pay a fine not lessthan one hundred dollars and not to exceed five hundred dollars, orshall undergo imprisonment for a term not less than thirty days andnot to exceed six months, or either, or both, at the discretion ofthe court.Section 7.The persons who are now serving as members of theMiners' Examining Board as created by the act approved the ninthday of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and eightynine,entitled "An act to provide for the examination of miners inthe anthracite region of this Commonwealth, and to prevent theemployment of incompetent persons as miners in anthracite coalmines," shall continue under the provisions of this act to serve asmembers of the ''Miners' Examining Board" until the terms forwhich they were appointed under the provisions of the said act approvedthe ninth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundredand eighty-nine, shall have expired, and in the performanceof the duties of their office they shall be subject to the provisions andrequirements of this act.Section 8. Nothing in this act shall be construed to in any way,excepting as herein provided, effect miners' certificates which havebeen lawfully issued under the provisions of the herein mentionedact, approved the ninth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand eighthundred and eighty-nine.Section 9. It shall be the duty of the several Miners' ExaminingBoards to investigate all complaints or charges of non compliance or"vjolation of the provisions of this act, and to prosecute all persons sooffending; and upon their failure so to do, then itduty of the districtshall become theattorney of the county wherein the complaintsor charges are made to investigate the same and prosecute all personsso offending, and it shall at all times be the duty of the districtattorney to prosecute such members of the Miners' Examining Boardas have failed to perform their duty under the provisions of thisact; but nothing herein contained shall prevent any citizen, a residentof this Commonwealth, from prosecuting any person or persons violatingthis act, with power to employ private counsel to assist in theprosecution of the same; upon conviction of any member of theMiners' Examining Board for any violation of this act, in additionto the penalties herein provided, his office shallbe declared vacant,and he shall be deemed ineligible to act as a member of the saidboard.

clxviii MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.Section 10.For the purposes of this act the members of the said^'Miners' Board" shall have power to administer oaths.Section 11. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent herewith arehereby repealed.Approved—The 15th day of July, A. D. 1897.DANIEL H. HASTINGS.AN ACTTo amend the tenth section of article ten of an act, entitled "An act to providefor the health and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracitecoal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of propertyconnected therewith," approved the second day of June, Anno Dominione thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, providing that self-acting doorsare used.Section 1. lie it enacted, »S:c., That the t( nlh section of article ten(»f an act, entitled "An act to piovidc for the health and safety ofpersons employed in and about the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania,and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith," approved the second day of June, Anno Dominione thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, which reads as follows:"All main doors shall have an attendant whose constant duty itshall be to open them for transj)OJtation and travel and }>revent themfrom standing open longer than is necessary for persons oi- cars tol)ass through," be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:All main doors shall have an attendant, .whose constant duty itshall be to open them for transportation and travel and prevent themfrom standing open longer than is necessary for persons or cars topass through, unless a self-acting door is used which is approved bythe inspector of the district.A]. proved—The iMllliday of Apiil. A. D. 1S!)!».WILLIA.M A. STOXK.AN ACTTo amend section four of article eight of an 'act, entitled "An act relating tobituminous coal mines and providing for the lives, health, safety and welfareof persons employed therein," approved the fifteenth day of May, AnnoDomini one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three permitting the use ofmineral oils in bituminous mints when used in approved safety lamps.Section 1. !»

No. 11. MINING LAWS OP PENNSYLVANIA. clxixtherein," ai)i)rove(l the tifteenth day of May, Anno Domini one thonsandeight hundred and ninety-tiiree, which reads as follows:"Section 4. No explosive oil shall be used or taken into bituminouscoal mines for liohting- purposes and oil shall not be stored or takeninto the mines in quantities exceeding fiv(^ gallons. The oiling orgreasing of cars inside of the mines isstrictly forbidden unless theplace where sard oil or grease is used is thoroughly cleaned atleast once every day to prevent the accumulation of waste oil orgrease on the roads or in the drains at that point. Not more thanone barrel of lubricating oil shall be permitted in the mine at any onetime. Only a pure animal or pure cotton-seed oil or oils that shall beas free from smoke as pure animal or pure cotton-seed oil shall beused for illuminating i)urposes in any bituminous mine. Any personfound knowingly using explosive or impure oil contrary to this sectionshall be prosecuted as provided for in section two of articletw'ent3'-one of this act," be and the same isus follows:hereby amended to readSection 4. No explosive oil shall be used or taken into bituminouscoal mines for lighting purposes except when used in approved safetylamps and oil shall not be stored or taken into the mines in (juantitiesexceeding five gallons. The oiling or greasing of cars insideof the mines is strictly forbidden unless the place where said oilor grease is used is thoroughly cleaned at least once every day toprevent the accumulation of waste oilor grease on the roads or inthe drains at that ])oint. Not more than one barrel of lubricatingoil shall be ])ermitted in the mine at any one time. Only a ]»ure animaloil or pure cotton-se(Ml oil or oils that shall be as free from smokeas pure animal or jture cotton-seed oilshall be used for illuniinalingpurposes in any bituminous mine. Any person found knowirigi\using ex})losive oi' im])ure oil contrary to this section shall be ]»)

( clxx )

inHRACITE Mil DISTRICTS.12( clxxi )

^3h^^( clxxii )

Official Document, No. 11.First Anthracite District(LACKAWANNA AND SUSQUEHANNA COUNTIES.)Scmntoii, Pa., Feb. K), 1890.Hon. James W. Latta. Secretary of Internal AHairs, Harrisburg, Pa.:!Sir: I have the lumor of lierewitli presenting my annnal reportas inspector of Mines for rhe First anthracite district for the yearending December 31,1S!)S.1']ie total quantity' of coal jiroduccd was G,515,7DU tons, which isan increase of 205,057 tons over the |)rodnction of the preceding year,There were 51 fatal accidents and 12{i nonfatal ones.Thirty wives were made widows and 77 children fatherless by thesefatalities.Each accident was reported and fnlly described to the Chief ofihe Bnreau of Mines shortly after its occnrrence, and snitable commentsmade thereon whenever necessary.There were 127,7(iU tons of coal produced per each fatal accident.It may be truthfully said, however, of the quantity reported as"total production," that it represents the actual quantity of preparedcoal, and not the total production in its unprepared condition asit comes from the mines, for from ver}- i-eliable information obtainedfi'om outside foremen and superintendents, it is learned that at leastthirtj^ per cent, of what comes from the mine to the bleaker as coalgoes to tlie culm bank as waste.Hence, the amount r(>ported as "total jiroduction" actually repres«'ntsbut seventy per cent, of what was produced by the miners, andthe thirty per cent, of waste added lo the reported tonnage wouldincrease it from (),515.700 t

2 REPOItT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Of the 51 killed, 15 were miners aud 25 were laborers. Threedrivers, 2 runners, 4 slate pickers, 1 door tender and a timbermancomplete the sorrowful list. Thirty were killed by falls of rock and4 by falls of coal. Not one of these accidents, however, occured onthe main or traveling roads of the mines, but every one happenedcjose to or at the faces of gangways or breasts, and in no case wasmore than one killed at the same time or by the same accident. Severalof these occurred while the miners were barring down loosepieces of rock and coal. Others happened while the men were eitherengaged in securing the roof with new timbers, or replacing oldones that had been discharged by shots fired at the face a few minutespreviously.Fatal falls of "top coal" occurred while old and experiencedminers were barring or in other words ''working" out the bottombench.Of the 126 non-fatal accidents, 63 were caused by falls of rock andcoal, making 07 of the 177 due to this cause alone.Nine lost their lives and 81 were injured by cars inside.There were 215,590 kegs of powder, of 25 pounds each, and 149,-874 pounds of dynamite used during the year, and but one life waslost in the consumption of this great quantity of explosives, and thiswas through sheer recklessness on the part of one of the most experiencedminers, who made the fatal mistake of trying to forcea charge of powder to the back of a hole with a drill.Four w^ere injuredby premature blasts, and two slightly burned by explosions ofpowder caused by sparks flying from lamps. The remaining sevenfatalities are due to various causes in and about the mines. The177 casualties are attributed to 20 different causes, as will be seenby reference to table E.Among those killed and injured were representatives of fourteennationalities, showing that a very cosino])oli1an population works inthe mines of this locality.An application was made to the court of Lackawanna county forari injunction to restrain the Elk Hill Coal and Iron OomiKiny from\^orking the Dunmore vein of Kiclimond No. 8 shaft in contraventionof sections 1, 8 and 1(» of article 4 of lite mine law of June 2, 1891,which was granted on March 8, and the miiu^ subse:)U('n(ly closeddown until the escajte way was comi>leted, which was altout the middleof June.A full report of the proceedings of the case, together wilh thecourt's o])inion, was duly made to Chief of linrean of Mines, liencea repetition here would be sujicrflnoiis.On tho 28th of July the engine and fan house at "Richmond No. 8were entirely destroyed by tire, and llic 28 jXM-sons Ihen woi'king inNo. 2. Dunmore vein were obliged lo mal

No. 11. FIRST ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 3second oj)eniug, which had been but. recently completed. As theonly other way of escape was cut off by the fire at the head of themain shaft.The Riverside Coal Company's breaker of 1,000 tons a day capacitywas destroyed by fire on May 11, since which time a new one hasbeen erected on the site of the old one.The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company has built a new breakerof 2,000 tons a day capacity at Olyphant. A new coal washery hasalso been erected by the same company, and a new air shaft hasbeen sunk for the Morvin.? and Dickown shafts, and a 20-ton airlocomotive has been installed at Leggett's creek.Compressed air coal drills have been introduced by the Elk HillCoal and Iron Company at Richmond No. 3.The tail rope system of haulage has been adopted by the Delaware,Lackawanna and \^'^estern Railroad Company at Storrs No. 1 withgood results.Many other improvements have been made by other companies forfacilitating and increasing the output of coal.The ventilating facilities are ample throughout the district, andon the whole the air currents are well conducted to the faces of allworking places.Culm is being successfully flushed into the old workings of GrassyItsland and Eddy Creek by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.Also by the Mt. Jessup Coal Company into their slope workings.Considerable "pillar robbing" has been done during the year byseveral companies, but the number of accidents attending this critical"work has been remarkably few.The Russel B., formerly the Old Buffalo mine, was abandoned inAugust.The general condition of the collieries is good, and I am pleasedto say that the provisions of the mine law are being very generallyobserved by those in charge of the mines.The report contains the usual statistical tables, together with abrief description of each accident, but in view of the fact that amonthly narrative report of the daily performance of my duties hasbeen made to the Chief of the Bureau of Mines, containing suggestionsand recommendations from time to time as the circumstancesrequired, the report is not as lengthy as heretofore.Respectfully submitted,The annual examination of ap])licants forEDWARD RODERICK,Inspector First Anthracite District.mine foreman and assistantmine foreman certificates of qualification, was held at Carbondaleon July 12 and 13 by the Board of Examiners, consisting of

REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.Edward Roderick, Inspector, riuis. P. Ford, superintendent, James E.Morrison and Josepli T. Roberts, miners, and Lewis II. John, clerl-:.Six applicants entered for mine foremen certificates, three of whompassed, viz: Alonzo I). Ricliards, Teclvville; John Reese Olyphant,and Horace Heller, Wiuton.Thirteen were recommended for assistant foreman certificates, viz:David INIcEhy. Alban Evans, ('has. W. Williams, and (leorjie R.Mason, 01yi)hant; William (Joli^htly, John J. Morgan, Michael Mc-Guire, Chas. Hainsworth, William Davison, and Geo. W. Bowan,Sci-anton; Martin F. Brennan. AV. Fatten and Patrick F. Tigue, Carbondale.TABLE A.—Showing- the Production of Coal, the Number of Persons Employedby each Company during the Year 1898, and the Average Number of TonsProduced per Employe.*

No. 11.FIRST ANTHRACITE DISTRICT.TABLE B.—Number of Fatal Accidents and Quantity of Coal Produced per LifeLost.Names of Companies.Delaware and Hudson Canal CompanyHillf^ide Coal and Iron CompanyPennsylvania Coal Company,North West Coal Company,Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad CompanyJohnson Coal Company,Miscellaneous coal companiesTotalTABLE C—Number of Fatal and Non-Fatal Accidents and Tons of Coal Producedper Accident.Names of Companies.Delaware and Hudson Canal CompanyHillside Ccal and Iron CompanyPennsylvania Coal CompanyNorth West Coal CompanyDelaware. Lackawanna and Western Railroad CompanyJohnson Coal Company,Miscellaneous coal companies36,812

.REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.TABLE D.—Showing Occupation of Persons Killed and Injured.Occupation.MinersLaborers,Drivers,Runners,Oilers,Door tenders, . .Breaker boss, ...MasonCompany men, ..Outside laborers.Slate pickers, .EngineersTeam leaders, ..Track layers, ...Timbc I men177TABLE E.—Classificationof Accidents.Cause of Accidents.By falls of rockBy falls of coalBy cars, insideBy premature blastBy mules,By electric shockBy falling- down shaftsBy breaker machineryBy being drawn through coal pocket,By cars, outsideBy explosions of erasBy coal flying from shotsBy falling in breakerBy explosion of capsBy falling wallBy explcsions of powderBy falling trestle,By carriageStruck by rope and shaft barTABLE F.—Nationality of Persons Killed and Injured.

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Official Document, No. 11.Second Anthracite(LACKAWANNA COUNTY.)District,Hon. James \A'.Scranton, Pa., February 14, 18DU.Latta, Secretary of Internal Atlairs:Sir: In compliance with section 9, article 2, anthracite mine law,1891, and section 5 of an act establishing a Bureau of Mines inthe Department of Internal Affairs of rennsylvania," etc., etc., approvedJuly 15, 181)7, I beg to submit my report for the year endingDecember 31, 1898.In addition to the regular table forms I have retained the used offorms A, B, C, D, E and F, which give in a concise form the contents01 the regular tables.During the year 5,496,150 tons of coal were produced in the district.Of this 5,01(1,900 tons were shipped to market; of the differencebetween the quantity mined and shipped, some was sold tolocal purchas-ers, and the remainder was consumed at the mines forsleam and heat.15,851 persons were employed in and about the mines, dividedas follows: Outside, 4,911; inside, 10,940.There were 207,051 kegs of powder used, also 98,613 pounds ofdynamite.Comparing these figures with those returned for the previous year,v/e find that the production for 1898 shows a decrease of 489,480tons, the shipment a decrease of 439,596 tons, number of personsemployed a decrease of 727, number of pounds of powder used a decreaseof 251,050,The average number of tons of coal produced per employe for the3'ear is 340.7, while for the year 1897, 301 tons per employe were produced,being a decrease for 1898 of 13.3 tons for each employe.In addition to the foregoing, the several tables which follow willshow that 021 boilers, 250 steam pumps, 359 steam engines, 5 dynamos,3 electric motors and 1,930 horses and mules are in use in andabout the mines of the district.Having thus briefly noted the result of the year's w^ork in productionand shipment, together with the moans employed to accomplishthe same, we now pass to the accidents tliat occurred, which invariablyform such an important part of the mining reports everyyear. Table IV shows that 31 fatal, and Table V that 154 non-fatal3—11—98(33)

34 REPORT Oy THE BITREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.accidents occiiired, making a total of 18.1 during tlie year, being adfcrease of 27 fatal and an increase of 5 nonfatal as compared ^vitli1897.The number of tons of coal i)roduced per life lost was 177,20;"), and29,709 tons per fatal and non-fatal accident. These figures make afavorable comparison with the ones of pr-evious years.Looking back oyer the accidents from the years 1892 to1898 incinsiye,I find that The number of accidents for each year will varybetween 182 and 22fi,being an average of 208 per year.The total accidents as returned are as follows:Year.1892, 2141893, 2101894, 1821895, 2261896, 2001897, 2071898, 185Total Accidents.Average, 203Comparing the average with the number of accidents which occi7rredduring any one year, I find that the above table shows thetotal number each year to be nearly the same, although the dangersto life and limb are continually increasing.If we apply the same metliod of comparison to the fatal accidentsOTi\\, it will be shown that they vary much more from the average.The fatal accidents for the years 1892 to 1898 will vary between 31and 58, and the number of tons produced i)er life lost between 103,-200 and 182,228. It will be admitted that it is difficult to strike anaverage between figures liaving such a wide margin of ditt'ei-ence.We are confined to the period of years taken, as the districtexisted in its present form or bounded by the same lines only since1892. From the foregoing I (•onroduce(l])er life lost, aud not by the total number of accidents, ('ileumstances only, deteniiiue the class to which an accident slinll belong;for instance, if a fall of roof occurs in the face of a working place,striking the miner on the leg fi-actui*ing the limb, it will b(^ classednon-fatal. If ihe same fall struck the victim on a vital s])ot it wonhl

No. 11. SECOND ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 35of neceHwity be classed fatal. Heii«-i^' tlieie is but little difference inthe nature of the accidents which we divide into fatal and non-fatal.Therefore, wv ai(^ foiced (o think it safer to estimate on the totalnumber of accidents than on the fatal ones.Tables 1) and E show that more accidents have occurred fromof coal and roof than from any other cause, and that a largerfallsnumber of min^ns ^^el•ekiUed and injured than of any other class ofcmi»loyes.During the year just closed many iniprovements were made intlie mines of the district, sucli as the sinking of shafts to new veins,the driving of rock planes to connect veins for the purpose of traiis-]K)rtalion and ventilatio)i, tlu erection of new fans to replace otherswhich had, o\\ing to the increased ventilating pressures, recpiiredto produce adeipiate currents to maintain the extended workings ina sanitary condition, become insufhcient, etc.One l)reakei', namely the "Oxford," owned and operated by theDelaware. Lackawanna and ^^'este]'n Railroad Company, was destroyedby tire during the year, and has not yet been rebuilt.It should also be noted that four mines in the district have changedhands since my last report was made.The annual examination of candidates for mine foreman and assistantfoieman was held by the board of examiners duly appointed bythe court, in the city hall, Scranton, Pa., July 12 and 13, 1898. Thefollowing candidates were recommended to the Secretary of InternalAiTairs to receive mine foreman's certificates:Louis Eoslick, Scranton; J. W. Jenkins, Duryea; Theo. Bowen,v^cranton; F. ('. Abbott, Dunmore; Wm. Bainbridge, Rendham; StephenJohn, Rendham; Jas. G. McMillan, IMttston; Jesse Palmer,Scranton; F. ('. Abbott, Dunmore; Wm. Bainbridge, Rendham; SolomonCrow, Dunmore.Note.—Mr. C. E. Robertson also passed a successful examination.He was not recommended to receive a certificate because he lackedthe necessary five years' experience as required by law.The following were recommended to receive assistantforeman'scertilicates; Fred. White, Win. Hartshorn, James Hartshorn, M. F.Madden, Thos. H. Jones, Pat. McNealy, I. Unsworth, Thos. Pugh,Geo. A. White, D. A. Morgan, Morris T. Watkins.Respectfully submitted,H. O. PRYTHERCH,Inspector.

36 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.TABLE A.—Showing the production of coal, the number of persons employedby each company during the year 1898, and the average number of tons producedper employe.Name ofCompanies.Xi ^E 3 E°Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad CompanyAustin Coal C^ompanyDelaware and Hudson Canal CompanyLackawanna Iron and Steel CompanyWm. T. Smith,Green Ridge Coal CompanyPennsylvania Coal CompanyWm. Connell & CoThe Connell Coal CompanyGreenwood Coal CompanyJermyn and Company,Elliott, McClure & CoWest Ridge Coal CompanyE. D. & T. M. SpencerNay Aug Coal CompanyBull's Head Coal CompanyColumbus Colliery Company,Spring Brook Coal CompanyTotal2,629,18259, C94400,441387,231203,449105,140306, 992121,530273,786199,651305,233104,738116,35981,14089,89233,10677,2671,4195,496,1507,1882281,2241,22352441994746560775193038034223216493409415,851Number of tons produced per employe, 346.7.TABLE B.—Number of fatal accidents and tons of coal produced per lifelost.

No. 11. SECOND ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 37TABLE C.-Showing the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents, and the numberof tons of coal produced per accident.o ^o« c3Names ofCompanies.Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company,Austin Coal CompanyDelaware and Hudson Canal CompanyLackawanna Iron and Steel CompanyWm. T. SmithGreen Ridge Coal CompanyPennsylvania Coal CompanyWm. Connell & CoThe Connell Coal Company,Greenwood Coal CompanyJermyn and CompanyElliott. McClure & CoWest Ridge Coal CompanyE. D. & T. M. SpencerNay Aug Coal CompanyBulls Head Coal CompanyColumbus Colliery Company,Spring Brook Coal CompanyTotal and average,28,57823,79736., 40335,20367,81610, 51421,92840,51045,63118,15038,154104,73814,54520,28589,89233,10677,2671,41929, 109TABLE D.—Classification of accidents.Classification of Accidents.,Falls of coal and roof.Explosions of gasof blasts, ..ExplosionsBy mulesCars insideCars outsideFalling dov.n shafts, ..,Breaker machineryCareless use oi powder,Miscellaneous inside, ...Miscellaneous outside.Total ,

38 REPOllT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.TABLE E.—Occupation of per.sons killed and injured.(Jccuimtions.Minersl>aborers,Door boys,Drivers and helpers,Outside laborers, ...Company men mside.HeadmenFire t^o&ses,KunnersSlate pickersSinkersEngine drivers,Timber menOutside foremen, ...Total,TABLE F.—Nationality of persons killed or injured.

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Official Document, No. 11.THIRD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT.(LUZERNE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES.)Pittston, Ta., February 18, 1899.Hon. James \V. Latta, i^ecretary of Internal Alfairs, Harrisburg, Pa.:Sir: I have the honor herewith of presenting my annual report asInspector of Minesi for the Third Anthracite district for the year1898. It contains the usual tables and a brief description of someof the improA'ements in and about the collieries. The number offatal accidents was 85, leaving 39 wives widows and 104 childrenorphans. The number of fatal accidents this year was 22 more thanlast year. The increase was caused by the Exeter shaft, Midvaleslope, and the Hallstead accidents, whereby 19 lives were lost, abrief account of which will be found in this report.The total quantity of coal mined was 5,904,467 tons, an increase of88,644 tons over 1897.The average time worked was 144 days.Very respectfully,H. Mcdonald,Inspector.Total Production of Coal in Tons During the Year 1898.Pennsylvajiia Coal Company, 1,274,989Lehigh Valley Coal Company, 961,216Butler Mine Company, Limited, 201,038Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company,325,678Forty Fort Coal Company 267,681Newton Coal Mining Company, 240,590Old Forge Coal Company, 205,296I>elaware and Hudson Canal Company, 134,677Thomas ^Vaddell estate, 82,144John C. Haddock, 203,641Clear Spring Coal Comjtany 169,312Florence Coal Company, Limited, 85,868W. G. Payne & Co 138,061Keystone Coal Comi>any 101,575Avoca Coal Company, . 58,801(67)

'REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.Langcliffe Coal Company, Limited, 92,426Laflin Coal Company, 74,990Kobertson & Law, 57,916Babylon Coal Company, 102,174Mount Lookout Coal Company, 299,222Raub Coal Company, Limited, 125,022Algonquin Coal Company 122,281Laurel Run Coal Company, 80,900Gardner Creek Coal Company 13,659William B. Miner, 18,713Isaac Felts, 30,156Wyoming Coal and Land Company 83,532State Line and Sullivan Railroad Company, 147,533Stevens Coal Company 156,663Brookside Coal Company 27,917Anthony Brothers 80,840Total, 5,964,467Number of fatal and non-fatal accidents and tons of coal produced for eachlife lost and for each person injured.Name ofOperators.C 4)oftSftPennsylvania Coal CompanyLehigh Valley Coal CompanyButler Mine Company, LimitedDelaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company,Forty Fort Coal CompanyNewton Coal Mining CompanyDelaware and Hudson Canal CompanyThomas Waddell EstateJohn C. HaddockClear Spring Coal CompanyFlorence Coal Company, LimitedW. G. Payne & CompanyKeystone Coal CompanyAvoca Coal CompanyLanKclifCf- Coal Company, Limited,Laflin Coal Company"•'Robinson & Law • •Babylon Coal CompanyMount Lookout Coal CompanyRaub Coal Company. LimitedAlgonquin Coal CompanyLaurel Run Coal CompanyGardner Creek Coal CompanyW. B. Miner,Isaac FeltsWyoming Coal and Land CompanyState Line and Sullivan Railroad CompanyStevens Coal CompanyBrookside Coal CompanyAnthony BrothersOld Forge Coal Company79,6S743,69167.01340,709ri3,52660,14867.338101,820138,061101,57592,42624,99951,OS7149,61162,51183,532'52,22141,059238,63622,88650,25816,28453,52648,11833,66941,07216,97033,86285,86810, 62020,31523,10637.49814,47934,05824,93562..51117.46820.2256.03127,84439,166102.648Total,70,17020129,674

No. 11. THIRD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 69Number of persons employed by each company and number of employes foreach life lost and person injured.Name ofOperatorsPennsylvania Coal CompanyLehigh Valley Coal CompanyButler Mine Company, Limited,Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company.Forty Port Coal Company,Newton Ccal Mining CompanyDelaware and Hudson Canal CompanyThomas Waddell EstateJohn C. HaddockClear Spring Coal CompanyFlorence Coal Company, Limited,W. G. Payne & Company,Keystone Coal Company,Avoca Coal CompanyLangcliffe Coal Company, LimitedLaflin Coal CompanyRobertson & LawBabylon Coal CompanyMount Lookout Coal CompanyRaub Coal Company, Limited,Algonquir Coal Company,Laurel Run Coal CompanyGardner Creek Coal Company,William B. Miner,Isaac FeltsWyoming Coal and Land CompanyState Lin 3 and Sullivan Railroad CompanyStevens Coal CompanyBrookside Coal CompanyAnthony BrothersOld Forge Coal CompanyTotal 18,098Arnual Examination of Applicants forMine Foreman Certificates.The annual examination of applicants' for certificates of 'qualificationfor mine foreman and assistant mine foreman was held at theButler Hill school building, Pittston, Pa., May 19, 20 and 21, 1898.The board of examiners was H. McDonald, Inspector of Mines; S. B.Bennett, superintendent; Henry Martin and Howell Williams, miners.Eighteen applicants for mine foreman certificates appearedat the examination, and the following eleven were recommended tohave certificates.Robert J. Whitley, Wyoming; Charles H. Walker, Plainsville;James J. Corrigan. Dorranceton; William W. Morris, Plains; DanielDavis, Miners Mills; Griffith D. Jones, Miners Mills; David Vaughn,Plains; John Ridgely, Avoca; John Jenkins, Avoca; William D.Powell, Plains; Harry Myers, Pittston.Sixteen persons wore recommended to have certificates qualifyingthem to act as assitant foremen issued to them.

70 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Nationality.

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72 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Colliery Improvements for 1898.Lehigh Valley Coal Company.At the Prospect Colliery a new breaker has been erected onan entirely new site. The breaker is estimated to have a capacityof between 2,500 and 3,000 tons per ten hours. It is equipped withall of the latest improvements and is constructed in a thoroughlysubstantial manner. The main posts of the breaker are all cast ironcolumns which stand on concrete foundations and run to the levelof the platform and support all of the heavy machinery of the breaker.Jigs were put in the breaker for handling doubtful and wet coal.The coal is screened over shaking screens driven by eccentrics andconstructed somewhat after the pattern adopted by the Philadelphiaand Reading Coal and Iron Company. The principal feature of thisbreaker is the arrangement for cleaning coal in large sizes which willbi- thoroughly done before it reaches the rolls, and it is proposed todo no further work in the matter of picking slate after the coalpasses through the prepared rolls. No arrangements have been putin for picking the slate below the main screens, as it is proposed todo all this work thoroughly on the platform. The coal is carried tothe breaker by two lines of conveyors, the flights of which are 10x54inches; one line takes the coal from the Midvale Hillman slope andthe other from the Prospect shaft over which a new steel tower hasbeen erected and an iron self dumping cage put in and the carriagesdump the coal directly into the conveyors. The coal from the Midvaleslope is hoisted by two pairs of engines which have been put indischarged by the ordinary tail gate dump into thethis year, and isconveyors. A new brick boiler house has been built, and the Babcockand Wilcox pattern of boilers placed therein with a horsepower capacity of 1,750. This boiler house is thoroughly modern andup to date in every respect. The forced draft is produced by twoSturdevant blowing fans and the gasses, after leaving the boilers,I>ass through an economizer of the "American Fuel Economizer"pattern, which extracts the heat remaining in the gasses after passingthe boilers. The air is drawn throngh this economizer by aninduction fan of the Sturdevant type. This boiler plant takes theplace of 46 old style cylinder boilers which were distributed inseven diflerent boiler houses which have now been abandoned. Thesteam is carried from the new boiler house to the various enginesof the colliery.Arrangements have been made to sink the Prospect shaft from theP.altimore vein to the Ked Ash, and work is now in progress on thisshaft.In the Oakwood shaft of this company a slope has been sunk in theRed Ash vein to a point on a level with the foot of the Prospect

No. 11. THIRD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 72sbalt at a poiiit where it will break tlirougli to the lied Ash vein.A gangway is now being driven to pass the new shaft so that by thetime the rock work breaks through, the foot will be in readinessi forbusiness.The Hillman vein, which has heretofore been worked from theWyoming Colliery, is now being worked through the slope which hasbeen driven during the past year from the head of the old undergroundHillman slope to the surface, which it reaches about half-waybetween the Wyoming and I'rospect collieries. The coal is nowhoisted directly to the surface by a pair of engines installed duringthe past year, and from that point it is handled by a locomotivewhich enters the old Hillman water course and under the new Prospectbreaker to the Midvale Hillman slope, where it is hoisted anddumped into the conveyor line leading to Prospect breaker.At the Wyoming colliery of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company anarrow gauge railroad has been constructed during the year whichconnects Wyoming and Prospect collieries.This narrow gauge roadalso extends to the Henry Colliery so that these three collieries arenow connected on the surface.At the Henry colliery of the above company, extensive improvementshave been made in the breaker which greatly increases itsfacility for cleaning coal. The principal improvements were a travelingplatform, and increase of the head room for cleaning the coalin the larger sizes. The breaker has been also equipped with theZiegler slate pickers. The air shaft has been re-timbered and putio first class repair. The large ventilating fan has been thoroughlyoverhauled and repaired. A boiler house almost exactly the sameas the one erected at the Prospect colliery has been erected at apoint half way between Wyoming and Henry collieries, and thesetwo workings are now supplied with steam from this plant.At the Maltly colliery an opening has been made during the yearto the old four-foot workings near the breaker which was abandoneda. great many years ago, and coal is now being mined from thisseam.At the Exeter colliery, the Red Ash shaft was sunk to the Red Ashvein and gangways have been driven a considerable distance on eachside of the shaft. No chambers have yet been driven, as the secondopening is not connected. A four-compartment steel tower has beenerected over the shaft, and a 20-foot fan, which is so arranged thatitcan be used as an exhaust or blower, has been erected and thisplant is now in first class condition. Work was commenced at sinkingan air shaft which will be about 575 feet deep and is 13 feet 10inches by 15 feet. It is expected that this shaft will be through tothe vein and connections be made in the coal by the middle of Augustnext.

74 REPORT OF THF. BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Pennsylvania Coal Company.A new breaker has been erected at No. G colliery wliich is locatedabout 200 yards east of tlie site occupied by the old breakerwhich was taken down and removed to make room for improvementsabout the shaft. The new breaker is a large structure and it is estimatedthat about a million and a half feet of timber was used in itsconstruction. Mechanically it is far superior to any breaker nowin possession of the company in this district. The equipment is themost modern known to the anthracite coal business for the preparationof coal. After the coal leaves the car at the head of the breakerit is handled entirely by machinery until deposited in the pocketsat the lower end of the breaker. An endless chain system is usedfor conveying the cars into the two patent Farrell dumps at thehead, and as soon as the cars are emptied they pass over the tips,run up a short incline and switch themselves back to another set ofchain conveyors. The cars are handled entirely by chain and gravity.In moving through the breaker the coal first passes over aset of bars through which the culm and fine coal find an openingand pass to the extreme bottom of breaker. The coal is then conveyedto the top of the breaker again aud passes over a separatepair of screens, where it is crushed into sizes, recleaned by the patentThomas slate pickers, and conveyed by the belt conveyors into thechutes. The larger coal passes over the grate bars and lands on a movableplatform where it is cleaned as it passes over. The greater quantityof the coal after going through the rolls is elevated by three setsof elevators to the six main screens where it is separated into sizes.The culm is conveyed on belt conveyors to a pocket 100 feet from thebreaker. The capacity of this breaker is estimated at 2,000 tonsper day. The coal to be handled by it is mined from shafts Nos. 5,6 and 11.A new washery has been erected midway between the Ewen andNo. 6 breakers to wash the culm in the old culm bank.The No. a shaft has been sunk from the Pittston seam to the KedAsh, and a new brick engine house erected close to the shaft.P>abylon Coal Company.The Babylon colliery shut down on the 13th of January and resumedoperations again on June 13, 1898, after being idle five monthsfor general improvements in and about the breaker. The repairsbetween the hoisting shaft and breaker.consisted of taking down the trestling which spanned the 200 feetThe hoisting shaft was recribbedfrom the rock to the surface, a distance of 5(1 feet, with 12x12inch Georgia yellow pine, and a new tower was erected over the shaft.A conveyor line was built from the surface landing at the shaft to

No. 11. THIRD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 75dump room at the top of breaker, a distaiice of 800 feet. A No. 7Harwood steel brushed chain with 12x48 inch flights, made by theEseter Machine W'oiks, of Pittston, Pa., conveys the coal along thischute to top of breaker for preparation.A new addition has been built to the breaker, which has a capacityof GOO tons per day, for handling and cleaning all dirty coal by theprocess of washing the coal with water. A number of jigs andshakers were put in to prepare the smaller sizes for market.Two tunnels were opened on the north end of the property to theClark and Marcy seams. The Clark seam was cut at a distance of525 feet; 425 feet of this was driven chiefly through quicksand whichrequired double timbering with 12x12 timber with underlying mudsills, and is closely lagged with three-inch planks.The other tunnel has been driven to the Marcy seam a distance of160 feet, which required timbering in like manner as the above. Thecoal istaken from these tunnels by a 15-ton steam locomotive overa road three miles long to the breaker, where it is dumped and takenup in the breaker by the same line of conveyors that takes the sihaftcoal up.The Clark seam is ventilated through the Ked Ash vein by a rockplane driven for the purpose, and the Marcy tunnel is ventilatedby a 12-foot fan run by compressed air, which gives great satisfactionat present.Mount Lookout Coal Company.At the Mount Lookout colliery a Sullivan undercutting machinewas placed on trial in the Marcy seam, which is four feet in heightand of a ver}' hard nature lequiring considerable powder to blastthe coal recpiired for a day's work. Therefore, this machine wasplaced on trial to test the practicability of adopting this methodof mining in this vein,liut what success has been met with in thedilierent tests is impossible for me to say at present, as the drillhas been in use only a few months, and this being the first cuttingmachine in tlu' antliracite coal as I understand, it requires carefult'/sting before it should be accepted or condemned. Therefore, thediill is placed to undercut in the ditt'erent parts of the seam. A testhas been made by cutting out the bony coal and again undercuttingclose along the bottom and carefully noting the results- of eachtest. When 1 examined the machine at work they were undercuttingalong the bottom of the seam which is undermined frompillar to pillar across the face of the breast and four feet under;then three holes are drilled, one on each pillar, the other in the centre,and very little powder is required to bring the coal down. Theopening at the face of the chamber in height to allow the drill toULdercut the four feet isabout ten inches and tapering down to the

i76 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.back end. There was an expert handling the cutter, which is nolight work to manipulate, who was sent by the manufacturer tomake the tests. The machine is run by compressed air conductedin iron pipes from the surface down the shaft and along the headingroad and then taken up the chambers by hose. It appears to betiie proper method of mining coal in small and hard seams as wellas larger ones, as undermining the coal and then blasting it downis certainly the proper way of mining, as a great loss of coal takesplace by blasting it out of the solid, especially when the holes aretoo heavily charged with powder which throws the coal into thegob where it is not obtainable and is lost, as it is mixed wUh therefuse of the chamber, causing a loss to the operator as well as theminer.Mine Accidents.During 1898, 85 persons were killed or fatally injured and 201 weret?iore or less seriously injured in and about the mines of the Thirdanthracite district. Of the number killed, 19 lost their lives infour separate accidents, which caused the increase over last year.The four accidents referred to are the Hallstead shaft, whereby DavidEmanuel, fire boss, and Thomas Williams, miner, lost their lives byventuring too far under a general settling of the roof in the oldabandoned workings of the Red Ash vein after being warned by themine boss to take no unnecessary risk by entering the disturbed districtwhere the crush w^as in progress.On May 5 Stephen Jenkins, James Monohan and John Titus losttheir lives in the above shaft while putting guides in the shaft. Theaccident was caused by a chain used as a sling to hold the tackleblock which was used to lower the guides to the men in the shaftgiving way, allowing the guide to fall down the shaft, knocking theplatform fi'om under the men, causing them to fall to the bottomof the shaft and instantly killing them.The other two accidents, one at the Midvale slope on October 1,whereby five men lost their lives by sulTocation caus>ed by the timberin the intake airway taking fire. The other accident occurredin the Exeter shaft on the morning of November 5, when nine menwho were descending the shaft to work were killed by three loadedmine caj-s being run into the shaft by a misplaced switch. Theevidence taken at the coroner's inquest of those accidents I send withihis report.*The verdict of the coroner's jury inlost their lives by having been suffocated inthe case of the five men whothe Midvale colliery onOctober 1 by smoke from timber in mine taking fire was thnt theThe evidence before the coroner's Jury In thliB case I9 op flje }n the Bureauof Mines.

No. 11. THIRD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 77accident was unavoidable and no blame should be attached to the officialsof the Lehigh Vallej Coal Company.In the case of the men who were killed at the Exeter shaft on Noyembei'5. 1898, by cars falling- down the shaft on a cage in whichthey were, the coroner's jury rendered a verdict that the engineer,Price, and the brakeman, Anthony, were culpable, and they weretaken before Judge Lynch, of Luzerne county, where they w'aived ahearing and were held to bail lor their appearance at court.

; I .'78 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.K.5^^; I I ; I ^ I * * • 0,' oj aT oT oT

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Official Document, No. 11,Fourth Anthracite District.(LUZERNE COUNTY.)Office of Inspector of Mines,Wilkes-Barre, Pa., February 15, 1899.Hon. James W. Lalta, Secretary of Internal Aifairs, Harrisburg, Pa.:Hir: I liaAe the honor of presenting herewith my rei^ort as Inspectorof Mines for the Fourth anthracite district for the year 1898.inItcontains tables prepared as recpiired on the blanks formulatedthe ofiice of the Bureau of Mines, an article describing a mine firein the Alden (Joal Company's No. 2 shaft, and a brief record of lessonsderived from mine lires in this district during the last eighteenyears.The mine fire in tlio Conyngham mine of the Delaware and HudsonCanal Company was isolated by flushing the surrounding workingswith culm. This was completed by September 9, 1898, since whichtime no indication of the existence of fire has been discovered.The effects of flooding the South Wilkes-Barre shafts to extinguisha fire have been repaired and all the explosive gases have been expelledfrom the workings.A brief report of inspections of mines and of the condition of themines when inspected, together with a record of work for every day,also a copy of the report and description of every accident that occurredduring the year was sent to the Chief of the Bureau. My remarkson the condition of the mines and on mine accidents in the reportfor the year 1897 will be as api)ropriate for 1898, and it is notnccssary to repeat them.I deeply regret that the number of accidents has been increased in1898. The fatal casualties were 75 against 60 in the year 1897, andthe serious non-fatal accidents were 278 against 269 in 1897. Thetons of coal produced per life lost was 104,883 against 124,290 in1897. The only explanation for this is that men become less watchfulduring intermittent work than when working continuously, anda much i)oorer class of miners is now employed than ever before.The average number of days worked was 14.3.27 against 133.92days in 1897.The total production was 7,866,277 tons against 7,457,418 in theyear 1897. Yours very respectfully,G. M. WILLIAMS,Inspector of Mines, Fourth Anthracite District.(99)

100 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.The Production of Coal in Tons During- the Year 1898.Lehigh and Wilkes-P.arre Coal Company 1,737,338.01Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, 1,331,689.18Susquehanna Coal Company, 1,175,219.09Kiugston Coal Company, 783,552.02Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company,773,220.19Lehigh Valley Coal Company, . 358.998.03Ked Ash Coal Comjjany, 175,369 . 05Parrish Coal Company, 376,060.13Alden Coal Company, 183,119 . 07Plymouth Coal Company, 237,491 . 00West End Coal Company, 171,114.00Crescent Coal Mining Company, 65,754.16Hillman Vein Coal Company, 71,848.04TV'arrior Run Coal Company, 162,153.00Meh-ille Coal Company, 81,392 . 12Chauncey, Geo. W. Milnes, 80,697 . 19Reynolds Coal Company, separator 20,328 . 05^Vyoming• Coal Company, washery, 75,920.00Total, 7,866,277.12The total ijroduction was made up as follows:Tons.Shipped by railroad to market, 6,916,903.14Sold at the mines for local use, 223,529 .18Consumed to generate steam (estimated), 725,844.00Total, 7,866,277.12

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102 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.CLASSIFICATION OF FATAL AND NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS.Cause of Accidents.Fatal.

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No. 11. FOURTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 103ij^liaft and it was buining tiercely. Wlieu the writer reached there,the top of tlie sliaft was covered with phuilc and tlie plaulcing againcovered with earth and chiy so as to prevent a current of air goingdown tlie sliaft and the fan was stopped. The next morning, afterail examination by Superintendent K. ^l. Smith, Jamvs W. Turner,two tire bosses and the writer, a pair of doors were erected acrossIhe tunnel a short distance inside of the point where the dam wasafterwards constructed. The object of the doors was, that if deemednecessary, they could be closed so as to shut the air oft' entirely fromthe fire.On the morning of January 27, the writer, accompanied by SuperintendentM. R. Morgans, of the l.ehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company,Mr. K. M. Smith, James ^V. Turner, and a fire boss, went into the bottom of No. 2 shaft and made a careful examination of thesituation and found the fire burning furiously at the bottom of theshaft at the upcast side, and the workings filledwith explosive gasto within about twenty feet of the fire, and it was decided at oncethat the fire could not be fought out, and that preparations shouldhv made to flood that part of the mine with water. To effect thiswithout flooding tlu; whole mine, a dam had to be erected acrossllu' tunnel leading from the No. 1 shaft. (See sketch.)On January 28, while a gang of men was busy cutting hitchesand w orking on a dam at a point near the inner end of the tunnel. SuperintendentK. M. Smith, Mine Foreman Thomas E. Griffiths andone of the fire bosses went in to the No. 2 shaft again and just asthey were leaving to return, an explosion took place, the gas ignitingfrom the fire. The foreman, Thomas E. Griffiths, was fatally injured,and Superintendent Smith and Fire Boss Thomas Turnerwere slightly burned and roughly blown about. The workmen wentto their aid at once, and Griffiths was carried out. Mr. Smith,although being bruised and hurt, after seeing that all were out, closedthe doors erected on the 2Ttliacross the tunnel, which shut the aircurrent off from that direction.James W. Turner was put in chaige of a gang of men to nqjlacethe planking covering on the top of No. 2 shaft which had been blownoff by the explosion.On January 21) a strong battery of props and braces was erectedagainst the doors, so as to resist the force of an explosion shouldone occur, and compel it to go up the No. 2 shaft. Then a dam wasconstructed across the tunnel at (he [toint indicated on sketch, andwhen this was completed, water was poured down the No. 2 shaft,filling it to a vertical height of 100 feet. While the water was fillir.ga bore hole was drilled at the jtoint indicated on sketch tolet the penned up gases escape. The hole was completed on March 4at a dei»th of 5G3 feet, and the water was uj* to the bottom, being at

104 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.a height of 103 feet from the bottom of the shaft. On March 13 theybegan hoisting the ^Yater out, and by April 3 it was all out and theycommenced to repair the brattice separating the upcast in the shaft,and by April 10 all was completed ready to start the fan. The menwere withdrawn and the fan was operated. On the night of the18th an exjjlosion took place, followed by several other explosions,showing that the fire was not completely extinguished and that itw^as increasing. Water was poured in again until the bottom gangwayswere sealed air-tight and it was kept at a height of 30 feetfrom the bottom. An opening was made above the water from theshaft to the return airway at B. All the workings above the waterwere filled with carburetted hydrogen gas unmixed with air. Conductingair with brattice the return airway was opened all the wayup to the counter gangway A, and both east and west as far as indicationsof lire had been seen. By using a Vajen Bader smoke protectorand an electric lamp the open workings beyond the pointswhere the fire had been seen were examined and no fire was found.It became e^ident now that the non-combustible gases had extinguishedthe remnant of the tire at all points and it was concludedto hoist all the water out so that the fan could be set in motion. Thiswas done, and since that time no fire has been seen. The work ofre opening the airways required extraordinary care and skill, and itwas efficiently executed without a mishap. As in all other caseswhere it becomes necessary to flood tlie workings, the roof is verygenerally brought down and it has taken many months of steadywork to reopen the gangways which were filled with water. The]arts of the workings that were not under water have stood withoutbeing damaged and work was soon resumed therein.Lessons Derived from Mine Fires in this District.Fires have originated from the following causes:From fires under steam boilers located in the mines. This wasthe cause of expensive and destructive niiue fires several years agobut now the steam boilers are located on the surface and the dangerfrom that source is obviated.From carelessly constructed ventilating furnaces in the mines.But the law prohibiting the use of furnaces for ventilating purposesin gaseous mines has excluded them from all the mines of this district,therefore this cause of mine fires has been eliminated.From the use of fires in grates for heating i)uri»oses in shantiesat bottom of shafts and slopes in winter. This now has nearly allbeen superseded by stieam conducted from the boilers on surface, andcombustible shanties have been changed for others constructed ofnon-combustible material.

No. 11. FOURTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 105Fires have oeeuired from stoves and open lamps in tire boss stationswhich were built of combustible material. The stoves are nowin most places superseded by steam heat conducted from surface, andthe stations are constructed of stone walls with the natural rock floor,and working benches constructed of sheet iron. No combustiblematerial of any kind should be used in the construction of a fireboss station, owing to the large quantities of oilused.Fires have occurred in oil rooms underground. Oils should not bestored in the mines, but if absolutely necessary, it should be keptin fire proof rooms and no open lights should be permitted nearthem.Pump rooms, engine rooms and tool shanties constructed of boardsor having plank floors, have been the places where mine fires have frequentlyoriginated. All such should be constructed of rock, brickor bone, and no inflammable floors, benches or cupboards should beconstructed therein.Fires have originated in such rooms from the spontaneous combustionof oily waste stored in wooden kegs; from old clothes saturatedwith oil, by sparks flying from an open mine lamp into a heap ofcotton waste; and from the careless use of mine lamps by engineersand pumi)men in the vicinity of inflammable material. Fires haveoiiginated in piles of wood near plane drums where the worn particlesof wood falling from the brake blocks have ignited by a spark fromthe friction of the brake.One fireoriginated where a car load of fresh lime was unloadedon a platform made of a dry, half rotted old door. The lime, onbeing slacked, generated heat enough to set the old door on fire,and this in turn set timber near by on fire, and had it not been discoveredin a short time, a serious mine fire would have been the result.Canvas doors, old dry brattice boards, and timber and lagginghave been ignited by the careless use of the lamps of persons passing.Fires in such cases have been started by the ignition of gas feeders;by explosions of accumulations of gas, and by the spark from electriccurrents used to run motors and electric pumps.The chances of fires in all such places are reduced by having allloose boards, rotten timber, and chips of wood cleaned out. Electriclights, trolly wires and wires conducting electric currents to runelectric machines should not be placed in passages thickly timberednor where there are gas feeders, or where there are chances for accumulationof bodies of explosive gases. Neither should they beplaced in the return airways of gaseous mines. There are gravedoubts as to the safety of electric currents in any i)art of a dry orgaseous mine. It is somewhat like a red hot poker in a powder

106 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc,house; if it does not touch the powder, nothing happens, but itspresence is at all times dangerous.The most prolific cause ol mine fires at present is the igniting ofstrong gas feeders by blasting, and by the careless use of nakedlight in gaseous gangways, and in the vicinity of gas feeders, andgas accumulations. The gas feeders are so numerous at manyplaces that when one is ignited all the others ignite and the wholepassage becomes a sheet of flame which is exceedingly difticult to extinguish.They are liable to be ignited by the sc^uib used in firingblasts. The commonly used black powder ignites the feeders withnearly every blast. The so-called flameless powder, and the highexplosives generally- ignite the feeders ifused in improjier temperature,but allthe high explosives ignite the gas much less frequentlythan the black powder and for that reason are much preferable forblasting in extremely gaseous ijlaces.All nitroglycerine compounds freeze at about 42 degrees Fahrenheitand explode at a temperature of oOO degrees Fahrenheit.Whenignited in the open air unconfined, it burns without explosion; itlosesignites gas feeders when charged in a frozen condition, and itmuch of its efficiency and isi difGcult to explode with a cap. FrozenThecartridges should be thawed before being charged for blasting.following rules are furnished by the manufacturers for thawing nitroglycerinecompounds:''When the cartridges are frozen, do not expose to a direct heat,but thaw by one of the following methods:''First. Place the number of cartridges needed for the shift orday's work on shelves in a room heated by steam pipes (not live steam)ror a stove, lamp or fire."Taking cartridges out as holes are ready for loading. If a smallhouse is built for this purpose, bank it around with earth, or preferablyfresh nmnure."Second. Use two water tight kettles, one smaller than the other;put (he cartridges in the smaller kettle and place the same in thehuge kettle, filling space between kettles with hot water at 130 to140 degrees Fahrenheit or so that the hand can be held in it. Tok(;e]) water warm do not try to heat it in the kettle, but add freshwarm water. Cover kettles to retain llie heat. Do not in thawingallow the temperature to get above 212 degrees Fahrenheit.''Third. AN'here llic nnuibcr of caiUidges to be thawed is small,they may be placed about the persou of the blaster until ready for use."Do not thaw cartridges by i»ulting them in hot water or by exposingthem 1o live steam, as this (iinfoil miately very common)method has an iiijiirious elVect on the powdvi-. Do not thaw cartridgesby holding them in the hand before a lire. Keep cartridges

No. 11. FOURTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 107away from all fires as inucb as possible—this is true of all explosives."Do not leave cartridges exposed after thawing, as they freezeagain rapidly. They may be carried to where they are to be usedin a box. Cover cartridges with sawdust or manure to retain heat.''It appears to be impossible to prevent the ignition of blowers ingaseous places where blasting is necessary, but the possibility ofdoing so is greatly reduced by using safety lamps exclusively andusing high explosives for blasting, and exploding them by electricbattery and not by S(]uibs.To extinguish burning blowers or gas feeders, compressed air isvery elTective; so is water under a high pressur(\ In a large numberof the gaseous mines a line of pipe is laid in each gangway withwater in readiness to ai)ply in case of fire. (3ther mines have a line ofpipe for compressed air ready to apply from a hose incase of feedersigniting; both means are very effective and are the meansi ofpreventing many disastrous fires. When a fire becomes so extensivethat it cannot be fought by applying water from hose, orwlK're explosive gases accumulate and explode, making ittoo dangciousfor men to work, one of two methods is adopted. Either theworldugs should be filled with water, or have the air shut oft" andthe workings filled with incombustible gases.To fill a ]niue with water is both expensive and damaging to themine. The action of the water causes the bottom to heave and theto]( to fall, so that in most castas the mine is practically closed, andin many instances, owing to inclosed gases, the water has failed tocover the fire, and it is found to be burning after the water is takenot.t. Fires have been extinguished by shutting off the air from themine, or from a section of the mine, in which the fire was burning.The gases generated by the burning of coal or wood, and carburettedhydrogen, when unmixed with air, are non-combustible, and if amine or a part of a mine is ettectively isolated from the air and filledwith non-combustible gases, such as carbonic acid, nitrogen, andcarburetted hydrogen unmixed with air, a fire cannot burn. Wherethe latter method can be etfectively ai>plied it is the cheapest andleast damaging, but in nearly all instances the operator has beentoo iini)atient to give the time necessary for it to be effective, andhas resorted to Hooding with water and finally finding that it requiresfully as much time and much more expense to put the mine in conditionto work again.Annual Examination of Applicants for Mine ForenuHi and AssistantMine Foreman Certificates.The annual examination of applicants for mini^ foi-eman and as^sistantmine foreman certificates was held at the Fnion Street .-cliool

108 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.building, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., May 10, 20 aud 21. The Board of Examinerswas composed of G. M. Williams, Inspector of Mines; EdwardMackiu, superintendent; Andrew Mc(Teelian and William D.Morgan, miners. TAventy-four applicants appeared for examinationfor mine foreman's certificates, aud twent^^-fiA'e for assistant foremancertificates. The following named eleven were recommended tohave mine foreman certificates:Thomas D. Lewis, Patrick F. Murray and Samuel G. Morgan, ofNanticoke; Thomas C. Gilson, Plymouth; William Kitchiug, Christopher;William L. Powell, David Fulton and Richard D. Rosser, Edwardsdale;James Peters, Edwin J. Broom and William Suieaton,Wilkes-Barre.Twenty-five persons were recommended to have certificates ofqualification for assistant mine foreman issued to them.

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-^^r(128)

Official Document, No. 11.FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT.(LUZERNE AND CARBON COUNTIES.)llazletou, Pa., February IS, ISU'J.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal AJfairs:Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as Inspectorof Mines for the Fifth Anthracite district for the year endingDecember 31, 1898.The total production of coal for the year was 5,555,480.17 tons,which is an increase of 68,21)0. 11 tons as compared with the productionof 1897.The total shipments, including local sales, were 4,891,767.07 tons.The number of lives lost was 32; 18 wives were made widows and50 children left fatherless.The number of non-fatal accidents was 72,making the total casualtiesin and about the mines of the district this year 104, whichwas 4o less than the previous year.The number of tons of coal mined per life lost was 173,620; 2,308,-975 pounds of soda powder, and 1,031,844 pounds of dynamite wereused in mines and strippings of this district during the year.The report contains the usual tables and statistics, with a briefdescription of the most important improvements made at the collieries,also remarks on fatal accidents.Iam pleased to conclude my remarks by saying that the provisionsof the Mine Law have been very generally complied with in this districtduring the past year, and that the mines are to-day in a healthfulcondition.Very respectfully yours,W. H. DAVIS,Inspector ofTons of Coal Mined During the Year 1898.Mines.A. I'ardee & Co., 303,798.01The Cross Creek Coal Company, 1,0.36,230.09Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, 727,160.14G. B. Markle & Co 825,429 . 16Lehigh Valley Coal Company, 657,424.149—11—98(129)

130 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES Off. Doc.p:state of A. S. Van Wickle, G9T,T:^T .12Calvin Pardee & Co 585,:U:} .11Upper Lehigh Coal Company, 194,480.1!)Lehigh and ^^'ilkes-P>arre Coal Company 51,505.00M. S. Kemmerer cS: Co 82,482 .«)TC. M. Dodson & Co 18:i,75:i.00J. S. Wentz v^ (\) 80,(M»0.00Audenreid Coal ('()nii)any 112,i:?(;.14Misccllancons opciations lS.:i52.00Total 5,555,840.17Number of Fatal Accidents and Tons of Coal Mined per Life Lost.Names ofOperators.A. Pardee & Co.,The Cross Creek Coal CompanyLehigh Coal and Navigation Company,G. B. Markle & CoLehigh Valley Coal CompanyEstate of A. S. Van WickleCalvin Pardee & Co.,Tfiper Lehigh Coal CompanyM. S. Kemmerer & Co.,Total and average,Number of Non-Fatal Accidents and Tons of Coal Mined per Person Injured.A. Pardee & CoThe Cross r'reek Coal CompanyI.,ehigh Coal and Navigation Company, .G. R. Markle & Co..Lehigh Valley Coal CompanyKstate A. S. Van WiekleCalvin Pardee & CoUpper L^-high Coal CompanyI>ehigh and WilkesViarre Coal Company.M. S. Kemmerer & Co.,C. M. Dodson & CoTotal and average

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 131Number ol:Fatal and Non -Fatal Accidents and Tons of Coal Mined per Accident.Names ofDperatiJi's.A. I'ardee & Co.,The Oro.'is Creek Coal ConipanyLehish Coal and Navigation Company,G. 1".. Markle & Co.,Lehieh Valley Coal CompanyEstate of A. S. Van WickleCalvin Pardee & CoTipper Lehigh Coal CompanyT-ehish and Wilkesbarre Coal CompanyM. S. Kemmerer & Co.,C. M. Dodson & CoTotal and averagei3, 421Comparative Statement Showing the Numlier of Tons of Coal Produewd, Numl)erof Fatalities, Tons of Coal Produced per Fatal Accident, Number of PersonsEmployed per Life Lost, and the Number of Deaths per Thousand Employedfor the Past Ten Years.

132 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Table of Comparison Showing Number of Different Causes of Fatal Accidents inthe Fifth Anthracite District During the Past Ten Years.Causes of Accident.

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 133•;u3o Jad+++ ++++ +> CO rH CO mCpaiUH JaquinN'a§sO « -2 3 .O 013 E " mt. t. a.f* fli c c ac!.M-- >> o .t: o (oi5 2 w M '"Sow""5§Sg*^ o n 1^, oO n! ni - oj •- c Jlo .2„ o a, (1)i'Sl^"".5 d "^ aso o 3>> >>>>>>>.CQfCMWCa Mpa£fepailiH -laqmnjMgj3 .C • • d'!3_-S bO^F'gi' M'=-E C ^ oS •- o 3 3 t^+ . +lOOOOOp^IlIM -laqiunNcaCO00C4^O^C

134 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.;uao jaj+peanfuiaaqiunN•pajnCutjeqiuriN

1^0. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 13§Exaniiiiation of Ai)i)licants for Mine Foi'oinan and Assistant MineForeman's Certificates.The animal examination of applicants for certificates of (pialificatiouof mine foreman and assistant was held in the IMne StreetS( hool bnilding-, Hazleton, I'a., Jnne 23 and 24, 181)8.The JJoard of Examineis was W. H. Davies, Inspector; A. ( '.Leisenrinj^'. snp(M-inten(» mules wei'e disi»ensed with.The motor hauls tii])s of eighteen em]»ty cars up grade, overconiii>g120 feet i«'r]M'ndicular in distance of (),()()() feet, and then bringsithe loaded cais l»ack again in trips of 18 cars; the braking ]>ower of themotor is not sufficient to hold the cai's in jx'rfect control on the heavygradt'S (which are as much is three degrees) and to overccune the badelTect of sjtiagging, shoes are used uiidei- the wheels of foui* cars onone side, so that eight wheels aic sliding on these whoes which exertssufficient biake ]to\ver to run the liip safely down the grades.The time foi- iiiakiiig; llic round (ri]), which distance is ecpial to

136 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.about two and one-half miles, is thirty-fivo minutes of which eighteenminutes is taken up in actual running, while the balanceof the time is taken up in charging the motor and collecting ormaking up the trip. Under favorable conditions the actual runningtime is as low as fifteen and sixteen minutes, which takes in the reducedspeed of stopping and starting the motor.The workings westward now show a dipping to the west again, sothat we may suppose that the Main Lattimer basin is entered. TheBuck Mountain is split into two benches by an intervening rock offrom eight to twelve feet in thickness, with a very fine top bench ofseven feet, and a small bottom bench of two and one-half feet, which,on account of the lighter pitch on which the vein lies, is very troublesometo mine.The total production of Drifton slope No. 1 and No. 2 was 239,572colliery proper.tons, of which 39,035 tons were consumed at the collieries.At Eckley colliery, comprising the Council Kidge and Old BuckMountain workings, only residuary mining was done in the EckleyStrippings East Spoon and Slope No. 4 were completedafter removal of 260,000 yards, also the West Spoon end ofSlope No. 1 basin has been stripped, requiring the removal of 420,000yards; these strippings will now be continued eastward, contractshaving been awarded.In Buck Mountain the gangways were extended eastward andstripping levels opened. The strippings in the spoon end of No. 1basin are continued westward, and the contract which providesfor a removal of 240,000 yards, is in progress.The Old Buck Mountain workings furnished about 50per cent,of the output at the Eckley breaker.The total production at Eckley for 1898 was 221,103 tons, of which25,879 tons were consumed at the colliery.Stockton Colliery.At this colliery the underlying veins have to be entirely dependedupon for production, and a lease was entered into with the East SugarLoaf Coal Company for a section in the extreme east of their properly,on which the Wharton and Ganna will be worked.This leasealso gives the option of working the veins overlying the Primrose,but nothing but prepatory work has ,been done.The Mammoth vein workings are submerged by the water raisingin the abandoned workings of the East Sugar Loaf Coal Comi)any,and five brick dams were erected in the tunnel connecting the ^Vhartonand Big Vein, to keep the Wluirton workings clear of water.Up to this moment it remains a problem who actually does puni]) thewater fiom the "East Sugar Loaf," as it does not rise perce])tibly on

Mo. 11. tPIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 137the old workings, aud varies only from fiveto six feet between thehighest and lowest water line.The influx of water is handled on this side by the three pumpswhich were running at the time when Linderman & Skeer operatedthe colliery, and these pumps are sufficient, not only to keep the^'Yharton and Ganna workings clear of water, but are sufficient topump even the Mammoth workings clear during the dry summerseason.Considering that Linderman & Skeer at the time of abandoningthe workings required twenty pumps to keep their mines clear, itis evident that these comparatively small pumps cannot handle thesame quantity of water as was handled by Linderman & Skeer.The east strippings are being extended westward and will giveabout a year's production independent of other veins, and will befinished in about two months.The total production of Stockton for 1898 was 124,388 tons, ofv/hich 19,836 tons were consumed at the colliery.At Beaver Meadow stripping, work has been continued along thesouth crop of the Temperance and along the south crop of the Temperancebasin in the Tench Coxe (adjoining the Lehigh Valley property.The old workings have been pretty well explored and surveyed,also gangways have been driven to the line in the Temperance basinas well as in the Greenfield workings east and west, proving thatthere is quite a large quantity of virgin coal below the old workinglevels*.Negotiations are practically completed between the Cross CreekCoal Company and the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company (HazletonCoal Company), for an extension of the lease until all the coal onthe property is worked.In anticipation of increasing the capacity ofthis colliery, two nests of Babcock and Wilcox boilers have been installed,representing one thousand horse power. Plans for a newbreaker are prepared and it is expected that the new breaker willbe built during the spring of 1899, ready for operation in the fall.Extensive strippingsi, especially in the Greenfield basin, whichaie estimated to amount to several million cubic yards, are contemplated,as this is considered the only economical way of mining thecoal left in the old workings and obtaining the virgin coal belowthe levels.In Slope No. 4 the Wharton vein has been developed by gangwayspnd the spoon is turned below the old No. 3 Wharton workings, whichare submerged. The Wharton vein coal is of excellent cpiality inthese No. 4 workings, and this slope at present gives HO per cent, ofthe output.The much talked of drainage tunnel will hardly materialize, as con-

138 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.traiy to all expectations, the influx of water in Slope No. 4 workingshas not materially increased any during the past year ortwo, and can be easily handled witli the present pumping capacity.The total production of Beaver Meadow for 1898 was 134,521 tons,of which 25,085 tons were consumed at the colliery.Tomhickcn resent extend almost twomiles from the breaker.(lowen Colliery.Here the coal is mined ]»rincipally from the exireuu' west endlower levels, l»uck Mountain. There is litth^ mining doiu' in theovei-lying veins. At this colliery it is in contemplation to siidc tolowei' levels on the I>uck jNIountain duiing the coming year and todevvio]) the Mannnoth and Whailon workings by a gravity planefr

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 139A steam (lia

i40 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.has opened up several oveilyiug veius wliicli have been found in aworkable condition. The tunnel will also be the means of trans-1 oitation for the proposed No. 6 and No. 7 strippings.The Fifth lift tunnel was extended southward 367 feet to the Diamondvein, which was cut in the trough of the basin.On the Fourth lift a tunnel W4is driven southward 203 feet fromthe \\'liarton into the old Mammoth workings, which will be reopenedand worked therefrom*On the Third and Fifth lifts, tunnels are being driven from the\\ harton to the Buck Mountain;Second outlet shafts were completed on both north and south dipson the Diamond vein.We note the attention given to the retimberlng of main turnoutfeen Seventh and Filth lifts and Seventh lift pump room. Stonebatteries inOutside.air courses and maintenance of pump houses.The old No. 6 breaker was torn down, as were also theold boiler house, carpenter and blacksmith shop and the old enginehouse and buildings at the No. 7 slope. The buildings were old andof little value, and were removed to prevent the possibility of a fireand its communication to the mine workings.Proper care has been given to the fencing of mine holes and strippings.Hazleton No. 2 Colliery.The breaker, old cylinder boiler house,stable and smaller buildings were razed and removed from the property,leaving intact only the Porcupine boiler house and slope hoistingengine house.On January 19 fire was discovered in the Stockton No. 8 culmb?nk, close to the dividing line between the Lehigh Valley Coal Companyand East Sugar Loaf Coal Company properties.Prompt measures were taken by both companies to confine thefire within a limited area, wliere it might burn itself out withoutfurther damage to either properties.To accomplish this on the east the Stockton No. 8 breaker and surroundingbuildings which were of no value were either burned ortorn down and removed from the property. The No. 8 slope wasfilled with clay and an open cut made through the dirt bank throughwhich a stream of water was turned. On the west the heading connectingHazleton No. 2 with Stockton workings was walled andpuddled with clay, as was also the east gangway, first lift, and anopen breast to the sniface filled with clay to a point above this heading.The water in the old workings in the East Sugar Loaf Colliery lu-eventedthe downward spread of the fire, which seems to be exhaustingitself within the prescribed limits.The cause or origin of this fire is fropi the inside, and in all prob-

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHKACITE DISTRICT. 141ability was left from the mine lire iii the Stockton mines of Linderman& Skeer just before their abandonment in 181)6.Hazleton No. 3 Colliery. This breaker has remained idle duringthe year and no work was done until June, when the gangways werestar-ted up and the coal stocked outside until September when theinside resumed work in all the breasts and the coal was prepared forK arket in the new Hazleton shaft breaker.Two new tunnels Avere driven on Second lift from the Wharton tothe Mammoth vein to rework to the south edge of the stripping, the(u'lstern end of the pro])erty. A third tunnel is also bein,g driven fora similar purpose.Hazleton No. 5 Colliery. The accompanying sketch shows a planand section of the newly constructed overcast or air bridge designedand erected by District Superintendent Caleb Williams, at HazletonNo. 5 colliery.I dare say that this is the most modern structure of an overcastin the anthracite coal helds and was only accomplished after many3 ears of practical experience with the old methods of constructingair bridges, for ventilation in mines. Mr. Williams is an untiringstudent.He has been employed by the Lehigh Valley Coal Companyfor many years and i» at present in charge of the Eastern mining districtof their Hazleton property under Division Superintendent F.E. Zerby. Through their kindness I have been enabled to give theUiining public the plan and section together with a written descriptionof the overcast.It is built of wood, iron and brick and at a comparativelysmall cost. The main structure is supported by a brickwall at the north end and two wrought iron column pipes for postsat the south end, on which rest two 40 pound T rails on each sidetied together with one inch iron rods. The stiffening pieces rundiagonally from the main supports to the roof, to which the GxG-inchoak posts are nailed, one-inch ship lapped boards running longitudinallyand transversely. The cracks and joints are sealed carefullywith a cement wash. This structure is situated at the southof the tunnel spanning the gangway at the curve to the Buck Mountainvein, which gives perfect service and general satisfaction inevery particular.The old ''Laurel Hill Breaker"and old cylinder boiler house andsmaller buildings of no value were torn down. Valuable materialand machinery transferred to other collieries and inflammable materialburned up.This was done to place the plant in condition forthe transportation of coal from the No. 5 slope to the new breaker,for which purpose a new gun-boat dump chute was built at the mouthof the No. 5 slope and tracks constructed connecting this with theshaft breaker.No. 4 and No. 5 slope mouths were remodeled and made safe.

142 RKPOliT OF THE i3UilEAU OFMINES. Off. Due.Guide rails wc'ie placed iu the slopes and the hoisting engine housesof both slopes were repaired.Two corrugated iron powder houses wer*? erected.The lO-foot fan fornierl^v at No. 1 slope was transferred to No. 5 andS( + iu place over the Wharton shaft and is enclosed in a corrugatediron building resting on stone foundation.an improved and suOicient ventilation.We are }ileased to tiote the good airways and overcasts, all of"iiiis is a suction fan and was started in July and has given the collieryvvhicli were made willi a ^ ii'w of permanency and safety from fires.The No. 5 slope is iis( d by a gun-boat and balance for the hoistingol' coal only, the Xo. -1 slope being the tender slojx- for the use ofand sui»plies.Double lire ]>lugs at llu' uioulh of the slope are connectairs of the heavy timbei ing in the main jjoition of the breakei".The c(Ity a l()x.54 inch llight double chain conveyor from a Coxe patent(;n dum]> at the ground level on a pitch of :U degrees and 'Mt minutest(- the ])latfoiiu.The coal from the sli;ift will lie iJiised from the surface level bytwo similar conveyor lines.There are two traveling phill'orms ;iud an unique arrangement of|>icking stands for properly clenning the coal before it passes intothe rolls.'IMiere aic 2S jigs in the breaker. 7 revolving screens and '.V2 shakingscreens.The bi-eiiker is roj'e (lri\eii, by a 2.10 lioise power Coi-liss \;ilveiMovemenl engine 22x42 inch, which is housed in a seiiarate buildingencased with cori'Ug;ited iron.The f

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 143the rolls, and by tii(- laigv jig- caitacity, and in the mixing of thedry and wet. coal so as to Iia\t' the jigs working on the poor coalonly.There are elevator and conveyor lines and many a^jpliances forthe proper preparation of a large output.The auxiliary buildings erected during the year were a framewarehouse, two story brick oil house with cement floor and iron roof,frame carpenter, blacksmith and machine shop, frame office andloaded and empty car railroad scale house.A breaker i)uuip engine house attached 1o I he breaker enginehouse containing a 24^xir)XoG inch Thatcher pump with room foranother.A conveyor line 534 feet in length takes the fuel from the breakerto the boiler house.The gi-ading for 5,844 feet of railroad track was completed andconnection n.iade with tlu^ Lehigh Valley Railroad, M. & II. division.All buildings and scales are steam heated and efficient fire protectionis installed by having tire proof buildings whereever practicable,fire plugs, fire connections, fire buckets and hose carriage.The shaft hoisting engine house, now under construction, is ofbrick 52|x95^- feet, with iron truss roof covered with granite roofing.The only wood work will be the floor. It is large enough for two setsof engines, but one set only is now in place, as they are sufficientfor present requirements.These engines are 8()x4S iiu-h, first motion, fitted with steam andhand brake, two conical di'ums each 10 feet diameter small end, 14feet diameter large end, G feet 4 inch face, with 34 grooves to wind1,250 feet of one and three-quarter inch rope. One drum is keyedto shaft and the other is loose and operated by means of a clutch.The material is on the ground and w^ork will be started at onceon the construction of an iron and steel frame self dumping cage anddump chute at the head of the shaft.A 16-foot fan is the present means of ventilating the shaft, whichVA being kejit free from water.Inside. The work was started in November, 1897, by Jno. H.Thomas & Son, contractors, and continued until September, when theshaft had been sunk a total depth of 380 feet, or to a bottom elevationof 1.1 !)8 feet, which is 58 feet below the second level of the shaft,give sufficient sump room.Besides the shaft sinking, rock tunnel landings were nmde at thefirst and second levels, extending 104 feet north and 87 feet south ateach level.All the timbering in the shaft at the two landings, and for thekeei)s has been set and everything is ready for the new cages, exceptplacing the guides.21

144 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.During the year ISDD tuimels will be started uoitli aud south fiomthe shaft across the basin on both levels.Pumping Plant. The inside pumping plant described in last year'sreport was operated successfully during 1898, keeping the water belowthe Seventh or bottom working level of the Hazleton property.The water has receded in the Diamond workings to the eastwardto an elevation of 1,138 or 5U feet above the Hazleton level of 1,085feet and 00 feet below the bottom lilt of the new shaft.A 0-inch bore hole was sunk from the surface into the Mammothworkings back of the brick dam to release the compressed air andgases.The outside steam lines were capped aud covered to prevent condensation.A 10-foot reversible fan was constructed at the mouth of the No. 41breast, aud brick overcasts at Second and Third lifts, thus givinga means of ventilation into the pump rooms entirely separate fromthe regular No. 3 miue workings.Spring Mountain Colliery. Diamond drill provings have beenmtde during the year, locating the Primrose vein on this property.The coal from No. 4 is being prepared in the No. 1 breaker.Spring Prook Colliery. Tunnels were driven from the Buck Mountainto the Lykens N'alley vein on counter and shaft levels in the No.1 basin.Remarks on Fatal Accidents.Stephen Mihalick, miner, age 34 years, was working in breast No.87 of No. 3 west gangway sloi)e No. 4, Beaver Meadow.A cross cut was driven from breast No. SO to breast No. 87. Mihalickhad drilieke from the shot and at the sjime time heard thedriver leave a car at the chute; th^-y went b;'.ck to the i)latform toload their cars, then j)roceede

. JohnNo. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 145him instantly. A careful cxaminatiun ck'velopcd the fact that aface slip was riinninji clear thi(ms;li the pillar fi'oni breast No. 87 toNo. 86, therefore the sounding of this large hody of coal would be misleading to the most exjx'rienced miners.Onfree, a driver, aged 18 years, was working on the Ilazle minestripping, di-i\ ing a two mule team; he liad taken two dump cars outto the tip, had them unloaded and was returning with the emptycars, when suddenly the car upon which he stood jumped the track,thi-owing the victim to the ground; he landed upon his feet, fellbackward striking his head against the ear wheel. His skull wasfractured, causing instant death, which was due to the recklessnessof the driver himself.Heni'y AV^eaver, a laborer, working at keeping the tracks clear aboutthe coal shed, near the .Milnesville breaker. He had been employedat tliis occupation more than twelve months, thus becoming veryfamiliar with the place and surroundings, consequently few mengave him any further attention, and were very much surprised tolearn that he had been injured. No person saw the accident occur.A'S'eaver was 115 feet fro*.) the head of the slope when struck by aloaded car. Andrew Banker, a repairman, was the first upon thescene. He testified that he was attracted to the scene by the cries ofWeaver, whom he found doubled up under the car; he summoned assistanceand removed Weaver to his home as soon as it was possible,but he succumbed to his injuries before reaching his home, whichwas at Hazleton.Hiram Schrume, a laboi'er, working in west side gangway on Secondlift of No. 2 shaft. Tapper Lehigh colliery. He was laboring forhis father, Wm. Schi'ume, and they were engaged driving the gangwayat this particular place. The vein carries a top clod about eightto ten inches thick and it was their custom to take it down. Investigationshowed that they had undermined this clod and intendedto load two cars of coal before taking it down, when the fall occurred,killing Hiram instantly by crushing his skull; the miner, Wm.Wchrume, who was alone res])onsible for the accident, was also injured.James Boyle, a miner, employed as a battery starter in the No.5 shaft colliei'v, Summit Hill, was prei)aring a shot to relievethe battery before the driver came alongthe blocked condition ofw'th the empty cars, when suddenly a stick of dynamite exi)loded,Fevering his right hand at the wrist and injuring him internally, alsoinflicting scleral lacerations about his head and body. He was removedto the ^lineis' lI()S])ilal at Ashland, I'a., Avheic he died March12, 1808.Boyles' testimony aftei- the accident was that he did not knowwhat caused the dyiuimite to explode in his hands After a c-re-10—11—98

146 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.ful examination of the place, togetlier with the testimony ot someol" tile men employed at the work, 1 hnd that miners' squibs are toofrequently used in place of .the regular safety fuse in connection withdetonators. I do not hesitate to say that in this particular casethe squib was ignited prematurely by the victim's lamj). whichcaused the dynamite to explode with the above result.Stephen Leist, a miner, employed at Hazleton colliery >('o. 1, wasdriving an airway from the \Vest Diamond gangway to the surface.He wont to work at 3 P. M., was working at face of airway when asmall quantity of soft top slate fell, partially covering his body,killing him instantly by breaking his neck. An examination of theplace showed this to be another instance of ao experienced minerlos*ing his life by not giving the proper attention to standing props atthe proj^er time.Hugh Smith, employed as repairman on slope No. 1, Hazleton.was engaged in company with (ieorge Mantz at putting in pulleys oneast side of slope, 150 feet from the surface; at the same time threemen were loading cleanings from the west side of slope near the Fifthlift. The hoisting engineer and both parties had a proper understandingthat the men loading the coal were to signal for the regulatingof the movement of the car. About 9.30 P. M. the men at theI'ifth lift had the car loaded and gave the regular slope signal to lowerthe west side car; Mantz testified that he and Smith heard tliesignal and Mantz told Smith to "lookout." Smith was below Mantz,br-t Smitli did iiot heed the the waiiiing in time, and, us Mantz said,foi- the time being forgot all about the car being so near them, consequentlybefore they could avert it. Smith was caught between thecar coming u[) the slope autl the centre ])roi).He was injured inteinally :ind died at the colliery ollice at 10 P.M. of the same evening. For further investigation the case was''That Hugh Smith came to his death by being caught between acai and centi'e proi)S in No. 1 sh)pe, and (hat it was an unavoidableaccident due (o liis own neglect; and that tbey exonei-ate the Lehighturned over to the coroner's jury, which rendered the following verdict:^'alley (-oal ("omjjany from blame whatsoever."The Inspector was of the opinion thai this was not an unavoidableaccident, but one that could have been avoided had the viclini himselfwithdrawn to a i)lace of safety when the signal was given andnot waiting until the last possible minute, which is too frt'(|uentlythe case with many experienced men about the mines. Tliis w:is ucase wiiere a man recklessly threw away his life.Andrew Marosko, a miner, enii>loyed at Highland No. ~^ colliery,was busily engaged loading a cnr in the face of west It gangway,tunnel F, w'hen without a monn nt's warning a fall of toj) slate buried

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 147Jiim; he was dead when taken out. The investigation revealed theI'act that jNlaroslco had talcen the usual precaution in making a thorougliexamination before commencing work by sounding the top,but I am sorry to say he was deceived by a V slip running clear acrossthe gangway, which would have mislead the greatest expert.in the opinion of the wiiter, was an unavoidable accident.This,James* 0'r.iien, a miner, enijdoycd at kSi)ring Mt. Colliery No. 4,wixa istantly killed I)y a fall of rock in a breast. He, with his fellowminers had tired a })last, and n^ot waiting to even allow the smokeIf. clear away, O'lirien returned to examine the place as to what hadbeen done hy the shot or blast; he commenced to bar olf loose coalIvU standing by the shot when suddenly a large body of the rooffell, killing him instantly; his body was badly mutilated. This wasajiother instance of an experienced miner losing his life by beingloo hast,v in returning after a shot.Charles lleane}', laborer, employed at Jeddo No. 4 colliery. Theminer had just fired a shot in the bottom bench in the breast and whilehe and the laborer were putting down the coal into a chute, a smallpiece of bone coal fell on the laborer's head, knocking him forwardonto his pick. The point of the pick entered the right side of the noseand passing into the skull by way of the nasal passage. He dieda few minutes after the accident.Andrew Ferrari, a tunnel laborer, with three of his fellow workmen,employed at Spring Brook No. 1 colliery, was sitting downen the low side of the gangway west of the tunnel, also west of thefoot of slant. James J. J3oyle, a. laborer, and James Dougherty,the patchers, were running cars to head of slant; one car stood at thehead of grade with four si)rags in it, the two cars came down toofast, bumped into the standing car, and all three ran away downthe grade. Boyle and Dougherty tried to stop them, but failed toget the sprags in at the proper time;the first car stuck, and the other(ars not being coupled telescoped the middle car, which jumped thetrack, pinning Ferrari against the rib, fracturing his legs and injuringhim internally, lie was removed to the Miners' Hospital at Hazletonwhere he died,Boyle and Dougherty, who had undertaken to run down the carsin the absence of the driver, were jointly responsible for this accident,and as they had done this work without the knowledge of themine officials they were immediately discharged. This is one accidentwhich was caused by violaion of geneial rule of the mine laws.Frederick Feisner, assistant bi'eaker boss atthe Eckley breaker.This man was j»utting the egg coal jig scraper driving belt on the pulleywhile the machinery was in motion and his mitten was caught betweenthe belt and pulley which drew him over the guard rail intothe shaft where the revolving of the two guides which are used

148 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Oft. Doc.to keep the belt from jiiinping oil' the puUey cut hit^ both legs off, oneabout the knee and the other at the ankle. The unfortunate manlived about a half hour after the accident.This accident was due to the foolhardiness of the victim himself,was a difficult task to replace the belt on the smalleras he knew itpulley with the machinery in motion.Joseph lr^ymon Yori, a miner, was fatally injured bj' a fall of bonycoal; he was working in the east Fifth lift gangway, Primrose vein,along with Contractor Hannibal Eossi, and he was coming away fromthe face of gangway when a piece of the top bony bench, which liesbetween the vein and top rock, fell striking Yori on the back betweenthe shoulders and neck, knocking him down on a shai]) lumpof coal. The piece that fell was H inches thick, 20 inches wide and30 inches long; this in itself was not sufficient to cause the injury, but in the fall Yori struck the sharp piece of coal against thelower portion of his abdomen, causing internal injury; he died 24luturs later at the hospital. An examination of the place, togetherV. "th the testimony of the witnesses, showed that the victim hadneglected taking the usual ])recaution of sounding the roof; hadha done so, the accident Avould not have accurred, for he could havereadily detected the loose piece and taken it down. This is anotherexample of the carelessness of miners.Stephen Lowass, a timberman, employed repairing the No. 9, westgangway, (Jowan colliery. He, with several other men, were changingpoles at a i)oint on the gangway where it was proposed to makeroom for the tunnel. Foreman ^Morgans was with them until theyhad placed six poles and considered it safe. Before leaving, he toldLowass to be careful and not to pick down too much coal, but toput up a prop as soon as he had I'oom. They had put one more poleand Lowass was picking room for the eighth pole, when he was cautionedby his helper, Jos^^ph Denu'l, that it was working, to whichhe re]>lied that he had done such work before and ''that he shouldjust clean the road." Shortly after a slip of coal fell, killing Lowassinstantly.lie was alone resi)onsible for the accident having refused to takeheed to the warning given.Patrick Mahan, a miner, was fatally injured at the Spring MountainNo. 4 colliery. He was barring after a shot in the four foot benchof the Wharton vein, and while he was endeavoring to undercut thetop bench, a jtiece of bony coal dividing the top and bottom bench ofthe vein, 10 inches thick and of a two foot triangular sha]»e, fell, strikinghim on the back of the neck and head, crushing his skull, alsoinllicting a lacerated wound on the head and neck. He died wliilelie was being removed to the bottom of the slope.James Boden, a hitcher, employed at the bottom of No. 4 sloi)e.

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 149Jeddo, IVi., was instantly killed by being eruslK'd between an enii)tycar and the rib of tnrnout near the foot of the slope. He was as nsnal-talking beside the empty car for the i)urpose of unhitching the same,and when nearing the bottom the car jumped the track, pinninghis head between the car and the rib, crushing his skull and causingalmost instant deatli.John Dolan, oiler, age 17 years, was employed oiling machinery atthe Siu'ing Mountain colliery breaki'r No. 1. NVhile thus engagedon November 2S, 1S!IS, ho evidently had been oiling the journals ofthe pea coal jig and u](on returning slipiied and f(^ll, his clothingcoming in contact with the main line shaft, winding his clothingabout it in such a nuinner as to cause instant death. I'pon examinationit was found that his neck had been broken and his rightfeboulder dislocated. The exact cause will always remain a mystery,for in this case, as in many accidents about the mines, the only onet^iat could have thrown any light upon tlu' cause of the accident wasthe Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company at Tunnel No. 1,the victim himself.Evan L. Jenkins, mine foreman, age 34 years', was employed byNesquehoning.He was making a tour of the Mammoth workings and at 11.45A. M. he came to the bottom of a chute which had been rejtortedto him as being through to the surface, and being very anxiousto learji the condition of the top of said chute, he was met here byJohn McLaughlin, a miner, who remarked that he did not think ita very safe way to travel as yet; that the man who drove the holethrough to the surface did not care to risk it the day before, but wentu[) the regular traveling way and tilled the chute from the top down;still the only reply Jenkins made to McLaughlin was that he wouldrisk it anyway, and started up the chute, leaving McLaughlin on thegangway. The colliery being idle in the afternoon, Jenkins was notmissed until he failed to return to his home in the evening, when thefamily became alarmed and a party went in search of him; theywent directly to the place where he was last seen by McLaughlin;the party went up the chute; finding no trace of him in the chute,and seeing the chute filled with coal, concluded that he was in it. Soa plank was removed from the side of the chute, and when severalcars of coal was allowed to run down the manway his body wasdisc(>vei'ed in a standing position, he having been smothered in theloose coal.The exact cause of this accident will remain a mystery, but Ionly surmise from a practical standpoint that after Jenkins reachedthe head of the chute, he concluded to go through to the surface, andwhich making the attem]>t was carried by a rush of the gob or loosea victim to suffocation.coal back down the chute where he fellAnthony Peteoski, a miner, aged 35 years, employed at Harwoodcan

150 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.colliery No. 5, had been engaged on account of Lis experience andabilit}' as a miner at "robbing" for some time in a breast on No. 2blanch of No. 5 slope. He had fired a shot in the pillar and the powderblew out on the inside leaving the coal standing in a shatteredcondition. He went back to bar it off when a piece of clod whichhung over the end of the pillar fell upon him, killing him instantly.Jacob Plitnic, a miner, aged 28 years, was fatallj^ injured by a fallof rock in No. 5 Harwood colliery.He had been employed driving abi'cast in the Ganna vein on the No. 4 branch of No. 5 slope. TheGanna vein is capped with scleral benches of slate and bone from8 to 10 inches thick; above this clod is the hard conglomerate rock;which in places is broken up by slii)s or folds. The miner and his i)artner,Joseph Zueofski, had taken down the clod square with the face,but on the west rib of breast one of the slipswas undermined andthey noticed it beginning to draw. The miners in the next breast,Joseph Cogus and Ludwic Janatowski, visited this breast and noticingthe dangerous condition of the same, warned Plitnic and Zueofskito take it down, but, unheeding the warning given them, they decidedto fire another hole in the coal, and after doing so, Plitnicwent back to bar off the loose coal, and while at the face, the top fell,fatally injuring him. He was immediately removed to the hosj-ital,but died shortly after; he alone was responsible for the accident.William (Jarlow, a miner, aged 52 j^ears,was instantly killed by afall of coal. While pre[)aring a hole in the seven-foot bench on thesouth side of No. 2 stripping, a portion of the top bench of coal twofeet thick fell upon him crushing him to death. I visited the sceneof the accident and found that the victim had deliberately goneunder the overhanging two-foot bench to drill a hole in the sevenfoot,which was simply madness. He alone, through his own carelessness,was responsible for the accident.Frank Radashessky, a si)ecial labor(M% aged 26 years, who was employedbuggying coal in the rock chute of the Greenfield stri])ping, atabout 8.10 in the morning, while loading the buggy on the south side ofThe pit, a piece of slate about ;ix5x7 slid out of the rib on the southwide of stripping where the ])itch of the strata is about ()5 degreesand crushed him against the side of the buggy, killing him instantly. Ivisited the scene and made a cari'ful exaiuiuatiou of the place. Iconcluded, after listening to the testimony of the men working aboutthe ]»lace, that the only r(^ason that couhl be assigned for the suddenfalling out of said sli]> was the changes in tlie temperature, as noblasting had been done at this ])oint or near it for more tliau twoweeks.John Mealing, a miner, aged 48 years, was instantly killed by afall of coal in slope No. fi, Upper Lehigh colliery. He was engaged

No. 11. FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 151drawing back pillars and at this particular liiuc he Imd luidc^i'iiiinedconsiderable of the top bench, drilled and charged a hole in the(ueiiianging bench; about the time he was ready to tii-e the saidhole, he recommenced to bar out the bottom bench, when a smalljuece of the top coal fell upon him without giving a moment's wai-niug.killing him instantly. This nuin nuide a mistake in returningto barring the bottcnn coal whene he should have fired the shot, andthis mistake cost him his life beyond a doubt.William Keck, a driver, aged IG years, was employed on the nightsihift at East Crystal Ridge colliery. AVhile taking out two loadedcars from the gangway he forgot to fix or set the latclies for the loadedtrack so that the cars which were being brought out by him ran ontiie empty track, he being on the corner or side of the car, was caughtbetween the rib of tuinout and side of the car, causing instant death.I went to the scene, made a careful examination of the i)lace andfound that from the point of latches to the fjlace where accident occui-redwas 35 feet with two to four feet of clearance on the side,where he could have jumped from the car with perfect safety whenhe discovered that the car was on the wrong track. After hearingthe testimony of the workmen, I was led to believe that the boy hadfallen asleep on the car and was consequently unable to detecthis error, and was crushed by the car against the rib, as alreadysiated.Michael DuHy, a miner, was instantly killed by a fall of coal at theS]!ring Mountain colliery No. 4. He was working in the Whartonvein robbing pillars and was undercutting the top bench; he hadalready cut 20x22 feet of overhanging top bench, which was entirelynon-practical for a man of Duffy's experience; he had been cauti

152 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.John Norton came to his death by being smothered in loose coal inthe breaker pocket.Andrew Meas, a miner, aged 37 years, was reported to have beenkilled by a fall of coal at the Sandy Kun Colliery. An investigationof the accident showed that the coal was of a shaley nature and thatthe quantity was so slight that it was impossible for a man to bekilled by such a fall. He was engaged driving across headingthrough the pillar. He was at the time of the accident standing aprop wiien the slip fell out. He was immediately removed to hishome where Dr. G. O. Jarvies, upon examining the body, found thatthe vicitim had not been injured at all other than that he died fromshock. The writer is of the opinion that the inexperience of the minerhad a great deal to do with his death.

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172 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.tj

Official Document, No. 11.Sixth Anthracite District(SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.)Ildii. James W. l^atta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:Sir: 1 liave the honor of herewith submitting to you my annualreport of the Sixth anthracite coal district for the year 1898.The rei)ort shows a decrease of nineteen fatal and one non fatalaccident during the year, as compared with 1807. It also shows adecrease in the number of emi»loyes to be 897, and an increase in theproduction of coal of 37,22.5 tons, and a decrease in the railroad shijjmentsof 18.179 tons of eoal.Yours very i-espectfully,WILLIAM STEIN,Mine Inspector.Examination of Applicants for Mine Foreman's Certificates.The annual examination for mine foreman's certificates was held•n Pottsville, June, 1898. The examiners were William Stein, MineInspector; William H. Lewis, superintendent; James Powell andMichael McCarthy, miners.The following are the names of the successful candidates who weregranted certificate for mine foreman: Thomas Haley, Ellangowan;AVilliam Broderick, Yatesville; William Bradley, Park Place; WilliamH. Pierce, Frackville; David R. James, Shenandoah; EdwardJ. Ratchford, Shenandoah, and William Hewitt, St. Nicholas, assistantmine foreman.Tola! Number of Pei-sons Employed Inside and Outside of Mines,and Nature of Their Employment.Inside foi'emen, 54Fire bosses, 140Miners, 4,717Miners' laborers, 2,389IM'ivers and runners, 877Doorboys and helpers, 257All other employes, 2,837Total inside, 11,271( 173 )

174 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.Outside.Outside ioiemefi, 61I>lacksmitlis and carpenters, 291Engineers and tirenien, 758Slate pickers, 4,249AH other company men, 3,422Suj^eriiiteudents, bookkeepers and clerks, 107Total outside,S.SS8Total Inside and outside,20,159Table Showing the Quantity of Coal Produced and Shipped During the Years1897 and 1898.

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 175•pautiu [BOOJO suo} JO .laqiunu lu^ox

176 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.The Following Table Taking the Death Rate pei" Thousand as a Basis of ComparisonBetween the Different Companies and Individual Operators, Showsthe Ratio for the Tear.Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company,Lehigh Valley Coal CompanyI^ehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal CompanyLentz & CoSilver Brook Coal Company,William Penn Coal CompanyMill Creek Coal CompanyCross Creek Coal Company,Individual firms11,652

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 177I'^italAccidents and Their Causes.Iiom explosions of gas, 2From explosions of j>ovvder and blasts, 5l^oiler explosions, 2From falls of coal and rock, 25From falling down shafts and slopes, 1From mine cars and machinery, 10Fi-om falling down ( hutes, 1Squeezed between mule and car, 1Kicked by mule, 1jVliscellaneous, 6Total, 54Killed inside, 47Killed outside, 754Non-Fatal Accidents and Their Causes.I'rom explosions' of gas, 10From explosions of powder and blasts, 7From falls of coal and rock, 22From mine cars and machinery, 14Miscellaneous 13Total,Injured inside, non-fatal, 55Injured outside, non-fatal, 17(ZSummary Sixth Anthracite District, 1898.Total i)roduction in tons of coal, 6,513,155Tons of coal used for steam and heat, 815,350Tons of coal sold to local trade and employes, 90,200Tons of coal shipped by railroad, 5,607,509Tons of coal ])i'oduced from washeries which areincluded in total production 147,818Average number of days worked 155Number of persons employed, 20.159Number of fatal accidents 54Number of non-fatal accidents, 7212—11—98

178 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.jS'umber of fatal accidents inside, 47iS^nmbtT of non-fatal accidents inside 55Number of fatal accidents outside, 7Number of non-fatal accidejits outside, 17Number of wives left widows, 23Number of children left fatherless, 80Number of kegs of pow^der used, 132,752Number of pounds of dynamite used, 352.87(5Number of horses and mules, 2,125Number of steam boilers, 940Number of i>umi)s,Capacity in gallons per minute, 235,420Number of steam engines of all classes 465Total horse power, . . . : 28,862Nu]nber of electric dynamos, 1Voltage, 107Number of air compressors 21Number of air locomotives, 228GRemarks on Fatal Accidents.^\hile this report shows 26 per cent, fewer fatal accidents for theyeai- as compared with 18t»7, yet nmny of them should not have occuried.The grim reaper death is always an unwelcome visitoruLder any conditions, and especially so when one is killed while engagedat any description of service. For the purpose of showingbow 32, oi' tiraily (JO jier cent, of the fatal accidents occurred. I have,during the year, carefully noted the causes, and 1 trust sullicientlyintelligently to show to those acquainted with the details of anthracitecoal mining, who are responsible for the 32 deaths, and numberthem as they aic reported on Table No. 4.No. 3. Edward C. Davis, a miner, working in SiMiaiidoali (Mty colliery,fatally injured January 5 and died on the 12th.DaviM volujitaiily assumed the duty of running a car out of abreast, in the absence of the regular car runner, who was runninga ( ar ont of a neighboring breast, and in doing so, got on the wrongsi(i(^ of car to put the sprags in the wheels and was S(]ueezed betweenihe cai- and timber leg. The cause of his death was said by the attj'udingj)hysiciaii lo have bern appendicitis.No. 4. I'atrick Larkin, a miner working in Packer No. 4 colliei-y,killed 11th of January. He had fired a shot in a breast and afterwaiting a short time returned to dress off. The shot, however, didnot dis])lace the coal, and he commt'ucc^d to pick and bar out theshattered surroundings when a fall took ])lace killing him. The]tro]t('r and safe method wonld ha\'e been to drill another hole andblast the coal down.

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 179No. 5. Stephen Jorick, an outside laborer, in s(ripi)iiig pit HoneyKrook No. 5, killed January 12. This man with others was loadinga car when a stone about 1 pounds in weight rolled down the bank,striking him on Ihe head fracturing his skull. The pit boss, awas present at the time of thecountrj'man of his own (an Italian),accident and told him to get out of the way, but Jorick seemed astonishinglystupid or did not realize the approaching danger, as hedid not follow his companion to a place of safety.No. 7. John Davis, a driver, working in Buck Mountain colliery,was fatally injured on January 12 and died January 2(), Davis goton the upper side of gangway and was squeezed between the car andplatform. Had he kept on the gutter side where there is plenty ofroom, he would not have been injured.No. 9. Joseph Slofta, a miner working in Primrose colliery, killedJanuary 28. This man had fired a shot and returned to face of breastto put coal on the sheet iron. His "butty" told me that he advisedSJofta to bar the coal down which afterwards fell and killed him.No. 11. >Villiam Walacavage, breaker platform man, working atWest Shenandoah colliery, smothered to death January 31. Thisn'au went into the stove coal pocket to shovel the coal back, but didnot notify the car loader who was loading railroad cars, and Walacavagewas not missed until his body appeared at the lip of the chute.No. 13. Wllilam Gorman, an inside laborer, working in MahanoyCity colliery, killed January 31. This man was killed by a fall ofcoal on gangway through the neglect of the miners in not timberingthe work as they advanced, and such was the verdict of the coroner'sjury.No. 14. Albert Grouse, a miner, working in North Mahanoy colliery,killed February 9.Grouse, with three others was retimberinga gangwa}' which had been squeezing for s/ome time and which necessitatedthe suspension of all other work in this slope, until the squeezehad been arrested. Grouse went to the surface for timber and afterloading it, put the car on rope, pushed it over the knuckle, and jumpedon the loaded car of timber, and when nearing the bottom of slopewas killed by a car which ran down the slope. He left the switchopen at the top of slope and the car which ran down was being pushedto the shop for repairs.No. IS. Mike Moyer, a miner, working in Tui-key Run colliery,killed March 21. Mover put dynamite on a piece of coal to breakit down but it failed. His partner advised him to blast it downwith i)()wder,but he rather preferred to use the pick, and while soengaged a fall of coal took place, killing him instantly.No. 19. Michael Gorrigan. driver in Ellangowan colliery, killedMarch 25. Gorrigan Avas taking a trip of empty cars in and the switchboy misplaced the tongues, causing the cars to leave the straighttrack in tunnel and squeezing him between the cars and timber.

iSO REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.No. 23.xuorris Fitzgerald, car runner at top of plane No. 1 bottomsplit Maple Hill collierj^, killed May 11. The mule driver came outto the top of plane with a trip of loaded cars;he sat down and allowedFitzgerald to handle the mules and at the same time sprag theears, and in doing the work of both he fell under the cars and wasinstantly killed.No. 2-1. John Williams, car loader, outside at Packer No. 4 colliery,fatally injured on June 2, and died June 3. He was lowering railroadcars from under the breaker, and jumping from car to car, missedhis footing and fell to the ground, the cars running over him.No. 27. George Zarmotsky, a miner, working in Oneida No. 1 slope,Oneida colliery, killed June 15. This man was killed in a heading,the vein pitching f)2 degrees. 1 found the props on upper side ofheading were not stood at the proper angle to withstand the thrust.I also found a slip running diagonally across the pitch, which causedthe coal below this slipto press heavily against the props, displacingthem, and the coalsuddenly gravitating downward by weightcompletely covered the man and he was instantly killed.No. 32. Anthony Smolskus, a laborer in William Penn colliery,killed June 22 by a fall of top rock in gangway. The miner did notput timber up when instructed by the fire boss, Philip Jones, to do so.I found on the day of my examinatin that the timber had been sentin the day previous to the accident, and the only reason given me bythe miner was that he thought it would stand all right for anothershift.No. 36.Peter Yanskalis, a miner, working in Packer No. 4 colliery,killed on the Sth of July by a fall of top rock. His partner in thecontract testified at the in(|uest that he told deceased to prop the placeand he replied that it was all right, and not working on that side ofthe breast, he raised no objections to Yankales' decision. It was(juite evident to me that the top should have been supported bypropping.No. 37. Frank Santes, a miner, working in Shenandoah City colliery,killed July 8 by a fall of top rock. Santes fired a shot undera ledge of rock and returned to dress off the loose coal. He evidently,from the testimony given at the inquest, did not examine the overhangingrock, but went under it to work when it fell on him.No. 43.(icorge Motsee, an outside car runner at I*ai'k No. 2 colliery,killed July 20. Was engaged running cars down a gravity roadfrom slope to bi-eaker and jumj)ed on between the cars . and in doingS(> stumbled and fell, the cars running over him.No, 45. William Gunther, a miner, working in Tvawreuce colliery,was falally burned on the 22d of July by an explosion of gas anddied from his Injuries. He lighted a scpiib with a naked lamp andfired the gas. In this section of the colliery the men all work withsafety lamps.

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 181No. 49. Bartley J. Flaiiiieiy, a miner, working iu Taeker No. 2 colliery,was killed ou the 25tli of July. Flaimeiy was engaged drillinga hole when the top rock fell on him. I made an examination ofthe place where the accident occurred and found tw o very prominentdislocations or slips, and a smooth seam from which the pieces fell,showing conclusively that had the top been examined it would havegiven evidence of being ready to fall.No. 52. William Smith, a miner, working in Primrose colliery, waskilled August 2. Smith went to work in thisi colliery for a day inplace of a man who was sick.Mr. O'Donnell, the foreman, was notaware Smith was in the colliery until being notified of his death.shot had been fired in the breast, Smith and his "butty," AnthonySockalusky, proceeded to put the loose coal down to the gangway.Sockalusky saw that timbering was necessary and advised Smithto stand two props. He refused, saying, "Me only work one dayhere; stand props to-morrow," and while putting coal on the sheetiron, a fallof rock occurred, killing Smith instantly.No. 62. Patrick Barrett, a loader, w'orking in the Schuylkill sectionof North Mahanoy colliery, killed September 12. Barrett wasloading a car on the gangway from breast No. 22. The miners fireda shot in breast and a lump of coal was hurled down a distance of85 feet, killing Barrett. Joseph Moushisky testified that no warninghad been given to the neighboring workmen that a shot was to betired.No. 74. William Zoughka, a miner working in Park No. 3 slope,Park No. 2 colliery, was killed September 29. The breast where thisman was working was nearing the outcrop of the vein.ACoal veryslippery and easily mined. A shot had been fired which displaced0. great deal of coal, and also exposed three water cracks from threeto four inches in width, which w^ere filled with sand and fine gravel.Zoughka and his partner were loading a car when a fall of coal occurred,killing him instantly. If the men had put up two props whichAvere lying within twenty feet of the face of their work this accidentwould not have occurred.No. 82. Francisi Kiill, a laborer, working in Buck Mountain colliery,was killed October 0. This young man was laboring for PatrickCole in the W^est Skidmore gangway, Third lift, which carriesa false top.Cole was told to take this false top or "clod" down, but,according to his own statement, he thought he could load anotherCole was also seriously injured.No. SG. Edward Smith, bottom man, working in tin? Schuylkillcar.section of the North Mahanoy colliery, w^as fatally injured on the 11thof October and died on the 19th. Smith attempted to uncouple carsat the bottom of the sl

182 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.No. 89. Steve Samulskie, a miuei*, working in Ellangowan colliery,was killed October 18. This man was working in breast No. 34 eastbottom split gangway, Fifth lift. Mike Serlock was driving a headingfrom breast No. 33 to connect with breast No. 34, and tired a shotin the heading which blew through, killing Samulskie. The evidencegiven at the inquest proved that Serlock gave no warning that he wasabout to fire.No. 95. Matt Astrinsky, a miner, working in Knickerbocker colliery,was killed the 8th of November, This man lighted a shot andwent to a i)lac

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 183colliery, wjis killed on the 3d of Decembei'. This luau was killedby a fall of slate froiii high side of gangway. The miners, Victor andJgnus Capinski, did not secure the side of the gangway with props.The flre boss visited this gangway about 11 o'clock in the forenoonand told the miner to timber, which he promised to do, but insteadof doing so, he kept working in the face.No. 123. Jacob Ketzer, a laborer, working in Tunnel Ridge colliery,was killed on the 2Tth of December. Ketzer was employed inassisting to timber the tender slope. Tanner, the man in charge,sent Ketzer to the surface to put the boat on the rope. A platformwas built across the slope on which to stand while putting up a setof timber. Ketzer rode down the slope on the boat to about eightfeet from the platform when the signal was given the engineer tostop lowering which was obeyed. Ketzer was told to get out andcome down on the platform; instead of doing as he was told he jumpedfrom the boat on to the i)latform, broke through and rolled down adistance of over JToO feet on a pitch of 60 degrees.Mill Creek Coal Company.Compressed Air Haulage at Buck Mountain Colliery.New Boston, Pa., March 25, 1898.Early in 1897 it was decided, that owing to the long hauls, to adoptcompressed air locomotives at Buck Mountain colliery. The extremelylong gangways made transportation very expensive, and we couldnot get the coal out fast enough to supply the slope.Then, too, theaccidents to mules were becoming very numerous.The material was all received in about five weeks after the orderwent in, and in five weeks more the long pipe was laid and one locomotiveAvas in operation. Placing the pipe was rather slow workowing to the many bends necessary down the steamway and alongthe gangways. Since installing the plant it has given entire satisfaction,and everything has worked smoothly since and includingthe first trial. The locomotives can. if desired, do about double thework they are now doing.The plant consists of a "Norwalk" three stage compressor, 20x24inch steam cylinder, 11^ inch intake, double acting air cylinder com-I'ounded with two smaller cylinders. It has a caj)acity of '{T.") cubicfeet of free air per minute, the air being compressed to 700 pounds.The pipe line, diameter 4 inches, passes down the steamway to thethird level, thence to llie slo]>e. and from there down the sloj»e tothe fourth level gangways. There it branches east and west, and

184 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.up two breasts to the third level. On the fourth level there is acharging station at the bottom of the slope, and at one end of theinside turnout of oaeh side. On the third level, east, the line iscontinued 2,200 feet to the inside turnout where there is a chargingstation. There is also a charging station at the slope bottom and oneon the inside turnout, west. The pipe was made by the AmericanTube and Iron Company, and tested to 1,500 pounds pressure. Thejoints are made with extra heavy sleeves, counterbored to allow forcaulking. There is a number of flanged joints on the line, placedat intervals where the bends \N'ould not permit the pipe to be screwedthe sleeves.These flanges are extra heavy and made male and female, a leadiL'togasket being used.Total length of pipe line is 9,600 feet, which hasa capacity' of about" 800 cubic feet.The locomotives were made by H. K. Porter & Co.The gauge oftrack is 42 inches; cylinders, 7 inch diameter by 14-inch stroke;wheel base, 5 feet 3 inches; height, 5 feet 2 inches; Length over bumpers,19 feet; weight, about 8 tons. The tanks are 17 and 15 feetlong, and their capacity is 130 cubic feet. The pressure usuallycarried is from 500 to 550 pounds.The rail used weighs 30 pounds, except in the third level, eastgangway, where the road has been relaid with 50 pound rails. Thissize makes an excellent track and greatly reduces the wear and tearo?i the locomotives. The other roads are ordinary gangway roads,and inplaces wet and muddy, showing that while good roads aredesirable it is not absolutely necessary to go to the expense of relayingevery road in order to adopt mechanical haulage.The locomotive on the third level has 5.100 feet to run, each way,on the east side, and makes this round trip in 30 to 40 minutes; aftermaking the trip it crosses over the slope to make a trip of 2,500 feet,each way, on the west. It makes this round trip in 12 to 15 minutes.This locomotive hauls the cars to turnouts to the east and west fromthe slope, from which points, mules haul to the faces of the gang-M'ays and back to the turnouts. On the east side two charges arenecessary; on tlie west side one for the round trip. The grade isfrom .5 to 4.5 per cent., averaging .75 per cent, in favor of theload. This locomotive delivers 150 cars per day of ten hours to theslope, equivalent to the work of 15 mules.The locomotive on the fourth level has 3.000 feet to run each way,on the east and on the west side. It does the entire work, no muleswhatever being used. On the east side the locomotive hauls thethe face of the gangway light;enipty cars to a turnout, runs intobumping up the ears loaded by the miner; ])ulls them out to the turnout,and then pushes the empties into the breasts; comes back tothe turnout and takes the loaded cars to the bottom; and makes

No. 11. SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 185the 1-ound trip iii 35 iiiiiiutes. After bringing- a trip out of the eastHide it crosses over the slope to make a trip to the west side anddoes the same thing there, making the round trip in 30 minutes.takes two charges to each round trip. The grade is from .5 to 3.1per cent, averaging 1 per cent, in favor of the load. This locomotivedelivers 130 loaded cars to the slope, per day of ten hours, anddoes the work of 12 mules. The locomotive has ample capacity tobring out to the bottom 300 cars per day, and would, were it not forthe delay in waiting for the cars to be loaded, and shifting the carsti round the turnouts. If we had mules in the faces of the gangways10 collect the cars, it would bring out that number easily.Our mine cars weigh 3,400 pounds empty and about 10,120 poundsloaded (assuming three gross tons of stuff in each car), and arehauled in trips of 12 which can be increased to 20 if required.The mule exceeds its first cost in feed, harness, attendance, etc.,every year, leaving out the likelihood of an epidemic which occasionallyprevails. Of course, there is a likelihood of a ''smash up"v.'th the locomotives, too, which will cost a considerable amounto^ money; but the annoyance from delays, caused through balkymules, is overcome by the locomotive, and this, in itself, is a savingof a considerable amount of money, in course of time. It will benoticed in the table that the saving between the two powers is equalto 52.3 per cent, in favor of the locomotives, and the saving in the investmentper year is 27 . 7 per cent.F. C. JONES,Superintendent.It

186 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.Operating Expenses, Mule Powei*.Per Year of 180 WorkingDays.Third Level.Depreciation and interest on 15 mules, at 16 per cent, life time estiniated at 10 years is equal to 10 per cent, of first costFeed, harness, attendance, etc., 15 mules at 30 cents dayThree drivers at ^.70 day,Three patchers at 11.33 dayTotalFourth Level.Depreciation and interest on 12 mules at 16 per centFeed, harness, attendance, etc., 12 mules at 30 cents day,Four drivers at $1.70 dayFour patchers at $1.33 day,Tota 1$1 479 125 103 99$19 6S$1 177 306 805 32120 59$264 001,642 50918 00718 203,542 70$211 201,314 001,224 00957 60$3,706 80Total both levels, .,$40 27$7,249 50Operating Expenses, Compressed Air Liocomotives.Per Year of ISO WorkingDays.Interest on plant, 6 per centDepreciation, repairs and renewals, 5 per centSteam for compressor, about 100 H. P., at 1.8, including- coal, labor,interest and depreciation on boiler plant, etcCompressor engineer (n'achine is in hoisting engine house, no extrapay to engineer)Compressor, oil,Locomotives, oilTwo locomotives engineers, at $1.66 dayFour locomotives patchers, at $1.33 dayTotal both levels.$4 563 7816253 325 32$19 19$820 41681 8728 8045 00597 60957 60$3,455 28One-half to each level,$9 59$1,727 64Total cost of plant, $13,678.48.

No. 11.SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT.Comparative Cost Between Mules and Air Locomotives.187

188 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.MILL CREEK COAL COMPANY.Cost of Compressed Air Plant, Buck Mountain Colliery.Locomotives,

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No.Official Document, .11.SEVENTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT.^jsrokthumbekland, columbia, schuylkill and dauphin countie;s.)tSliamokiu, l*a., February -8, 18J)0.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg, l*a.:Sir: I have the honor to present herewitli my report as Inspectorvi Coal Mines for the Seventh antliracite district for the year ending-December 31, 1898.It contains tables and statistics showing location of collieries,tctal number of tons mined and shipped, number of days worked, numl.-erof employes, number of persons killed and injured, number ofkegs of powder used, etc.The total production of coal in tons for the year 1898 was .5,074,834tons, against 5,108,948 tons in 1897, a decrease of 34,114 tons. Thetotal shipment was 4,331,093 tons in1897, a decrease of 40,068 tons.1898, against 4,377,701 tons inForty-six fatal accidents occurred, being the same number as occurredin 1897;there were 112 non-fatal accidents, being a decreaseof seven from the year 1897.The general condition of the collieries in this district is good. Theventilation is ample; several new fans were erected during the year.The necessary improvements' are going on from time to time.Mine Foremen's Examinations.The annual examination of applicants for mine foreman's certificateswas held at I'ottsville, I'a., on June 17 and 18, 1898.The following constituted the board of examiners: Edward Brenuan, Mine Inspector, Shamokin; Andrew Kobertson, coal operator,Pottsville; Adam Bachman, miner, Ashland; Jacob Fleming, miner.Excelsior.The following were recommended foi- mine foreman certificates:Evan John, W. J. Kamsey, Sagon; John Costello, Locust Dale; Benjamin(Jriitiths, Mount C'armel; Thomas Thomas, Locust CJap; DanielD. Phillips, Wiconisco; Enoch Edmunds, W. H. Houghton, HarrySimmons, Shamokin; Patrick Kennedy, Ashland; Reuben J. Ball,Oentralia; Hugh Breslin, ^Vilburton.25Respectfully submitted,EDWARD BRENNAN,Mine Insoector.(207)

347.208 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Oft'. Doc.TABLE A- -Comparative Statement of Fatal Casaulties from Various Causeswhich Occurred Daring the Years 1896, 1897 and 1898.Falls and rushes of coal and slateMine ca:* and machinery,Kxplo.sion of blasting materialI'reniature explosions,Kxplosions of fire damp,Kicked by mules,Falling down chutes,Boiler explosions,Miscellaneous,Total,manways and breasts.TABLE B—Showing Number of Tons of Coal Mined by Each Company, Numberof Fatal Casualties and Number of Tons Mined for each Fatality.Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company 2,(173,777The ITnion Coal Company S16,S17Mineral Railroad and Mining Comijany1 440,076Summit Hianch Coal Company, l:njLykens Valley Coal Company, 330.329!Midvalley Coal Company 203.709I>chigh Valley Coal Company, ]2(!.799Miscellaneous 730,1915148,12774,2.-)663,72586,783165.16567, 90312C, 799145,836Total,fi, 074, S34TABLE C- -Showing the Comparisons of Non-Fatal Casualties for the Yeais1896, 1897 and 1898.Falls of coal and roofKxi'losion of fire dampMine cars and machineryKxpiosionrf of blasting materialPremature explosions of shf.tsKicked by mulesFalling down chutes, manways and breasts.By coal flying from shotsMiscellaneousTotal,16106

No. 11. SEVENTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 209TABLE D—Showing- Comparison of the Quantity of Coal Shipped, the EstimatedQuantity used and sold at the Collieries, and the Total Production for theyears 1896, 1897 and 1898.

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Official Document, No. 11.EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT,(SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.)Hou. James W .Sir:Pottsville, Pa., March 3, 1899.Latta. Secretary of Iiiterual Alfairs, Harrisburg, Pa.:I have the honor of herewith presenting my annual report asinspector of Mines of tlie Eighth anthracite district for the year(-nding December 31, 1898.Tlie total production of coal for the year was 4,158,651 tons, which\r 147,571 tons less than the total production for the year 1897. Theshipments, including the local sales, were 3,079,508 tons, which is171,860 tons less than the shipments for the year 1897.The number of fatal accidents during the yeav was 37, which isone less than for the year 1897. I am sorry tO' say that duringthe year there have been two serious accidents in my district. Thefirst, at Kaska-William colliery on May 26, by which six men losttheir lives b}' water breaking in from old workings; the bodies ofWilliam Morgan, W^illiam Derr and Peter Durkin, three of the victims',have not yet been recovered. The work of reopening the workings,which were greatly damaged by the rush of water, has beengoing on since the accident occurred, but there has not been theprogress made that should have been. The extent of the damage tothe lower workings cannot yet be determined, and it is hard to sayat this writing, when tlie bodies will be recovered and the workingsrestored.I have not found any reason to change my opinion that this accident,which caused the loss of six valuable lives and the destructionof a large amount of property, M^as the result of inexperienced management.Another accident occurred at the No. 8 colliery of the Lehigh Coaland Navigation Company, by which four lives were lost at one time,by an explosion of hydrogen gas, the result of water running on alarge body of fire, wiiile they were fighting a mine fire. An explosionof this kind, during the progress of a mine fire, is not an unusualthing, yet few, if any, have occui-red on such a large scale as to causeany los'Sto life.It is but Just to state that in this case the officials used every pre-( 227 )

228 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.caution for tlu^ safety of the men while fighting- the fire, and werealways present with them when any danger wais anticipated.Aside from these two accidents, those due to the usual causeswere greatly reduc ed, and while the number is one less than for thepreceding year, the result would li-ive been much more satisfactoryhad the two above named not occurred.In regard to the collieries, I will say that the majority of themare in good condition. Others that have caused some annoyancein the beginning of the year are somewhat improved, I send withthis areport of a board of arbitrators which has decided a case ofvital importance to the safety of mine workers and the protectionof property in this district, where sudden outbursts of large (luantitiesof explosive gas frequently occur, and w^hich is not providedfor in the mine laws. While this leport of the arbitrators only legallyatl'ects the colliery in (piestion, yet it fairly establishes a preced'^ntbased on the opinions of practical men who are familiar withthe conditions existing, that it is unsafe for tJie main upcast airwayto be used for any other purpose than as an outlet fpr the foul airand gases generated in the mine.As the year 1898 has practically been the first year of the existenceof the Bureau of Mines in connection with the Department of InternalAffairs, it may be proper in this report to say that while I considerits creation an improvement in the right direction, and whilesome good has biMm done, yet it cannot be expected that the work ofbi'inging its operations to perfection can be accomplished in thefirst year of its trial. My thanks are due to Mr. Robert Brownlee,Chief of the Bureau of Mines, for his assistance and the valuuableadvice rendered on several important occasions during the pastyear.Yours veryrespectfully,JOHN MAGUIRE,Inspector of Mines.Sumiuai-y Eighfli Anthracile District, 1S!)8.Tons of coal jiroduced 4,1.58,651Tons of co;il used at iiiines for sleaiii and heat 47!), 148IV-ns of coal s(»l(l to local ti-ade an*! listed by em])loyes, 8!), 194Railroad shijimenis of coal in tons 8.590,814Tons of coal produtcd by washeries, which are ineluded in total production 95,80r»K umber of fatal accidents 87Number of non-fatal accidents 119Number of wives left widows, 20

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 229Is'uinbt'i- of cbildreii left fatherless, 94Nuinber of persons employed, 12,965Total iiuinber of days worked, 0,011 .1K limber of kegs of powder used, 03,099Number of pouuds of dynamite used, 519,460. 245In umber of horses and mules, 1,294Number of steam boilers, 596Number of pumps, all classes,t'a parity in gallons per minute, 86,493Number of steam engines, all classes, 337Total horse power, 30,493Number of air compressors, 12Tons of coal produced per fatal accident, 112,396Tons of coal produced per each employe,320fImprovements Made at Collieries during 1898.L^'tleColliery.The new shaft which was started in 1897 had reached a depth of1,030 feet on December 31, 1898, having cut through several seamsof coal. The Diamond vein was cut at one thousand feet below thesurface', and is six feet thick having a south dip of 02 degrees. Aninside slope has been sunk on the Four-foot vein 321 feet below theFourth lift, and a tunnel started at That depth to be driven to thePrimrose vein. A new plane was made on the Billy vein 700 feetlong above the Fourth lift.Oak Hill Colliery.The south tunnel at the bottom of the shaft, of Fifth lift, has beencontinued from the AMiite Ash vein to the I'rimrose vein, cutting theHolmes vein 18(! fei^t from the White Ash, and the Primrose vein124 feet from the Ilolnu's. The Primrose vein is in good condition,12 feet thick, dipping 41 degrees south.St.Clair Colliery.The new slope which they started to sink in 1897 has reached adepth of 1,500 feet from the surface, and is evidently near the l>asin.Gangways are being turned at that point.Pine Hill Colliery.The slo])e was sunk 275 feet below the water level on the BuckMountain vein, which is in fair condition, and gangways are being

230 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.worked east and west. A new fan 20 feet in diameter, driven by adirect acting engines with 20-incli cylinder and 30-inch strolce, hasbeen erected, which improves the ventihition,Williams Colliery.At this colliery there appears to be a difference of opinion as to theidentity of the seams of coal being worked. The vein on which theslope was reopened and S'lmk deeper, was called the Spohn by theSecond Geological State Survey. Later developments have causedthe operators to think it is not the Spohn, and, for want of somethingbetter, have named the next nndei'lying vein, which, in myreport for 1890 was called the Tracy, Ihe ''Smyth vein." In1897 the tunnel was continued and at 2G0 feet cut a veinabout seven feet thick which they have named the "Griffith,"the above veins all having a south dip. During the year 1898the tunnel has been continued, and, at 159 feet from the south dipof the Grifiith, cut the- same vein three and one-half feet thick, havinga north dip of 70 degrees, and, at 104 feet from the north dip of theGriffith, cut the Smyth again 8 feet thick, on north dip of 70 degrees.The tunnel is being continued in north dipping measures'. Anew ventilating fan 20 feet in diameter, driven by a direct actingengine, with 10-inch cylinder and 20-inch stroke, has been installedon the Smyth vein on the south dip.Greenwood Colliery.An inside slope, single track, which was started 105 feet east ofthe water level tunnel, has been sunk eastward across the pitch ona dip of 32 degrees, on the "D" vein to a depth of 305 feet, and a gangv.ayturned to the east. A new ventilating fan 12 feet in diameter,c^riven by a direct acting engine with 9-inch cylinder and 12-inchstroke, has been put in operation near the mouth of the water leveltunnel.At tlieLehigh Coal and Navigation Company.No. 8 colliery, a slope 47 yards deej) below the water levelgangway has been completed, from which gangways are being drivento work the chain pillar below the water levr>l gangways on the Mammothvein.At the No. 10 colliery a trial slope in the top bench of the Mammothvein has been sunk to a depth of 422 feet below the present or secondlift slope level. At 380 feet below the Second lift a lest Innuel hasb< en driven south for 305 feet.At the No. 11 colliei'v a steam mine locomotive has been installedto haul the coal from the west side to the foot of the shaft. A sep-

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DIg1:'RICT. 231aiate air split is beiiig ariauged for the road used bj' the locoirotive.Improvements Made by the l*hiladelphia and Reading Coal and IronCompany.West Brookside Colliery.In the No. 3, No. 5 vein slope, the robbing of the pillars in thePlight h lift l)elo\v water level was finished and the pumps were takenout of that slope on February 15,1898, the water being allowed toraise to a point where it would run to the No. 4 slope. To get ridof this water, a duplex pump made at the company's shops, havinga SO-ineh cylinder, 12-inch plungers, and 4-foot stroke, with lO-inchtohimn pipe, was placed in the No. 4 slope. The sinking of the No.4 slope overlying the No. 3, No. 5 vein slope, has been continued andis now down to the Ninth lift.The East Brookside No. 4 vein slope has been completed to thelevel of the No. 5 vein slope.Lincoln Colliery.The tunnel connecting the Sixth lift of No. 1 vein slope and theSixth lift of the No. 2 vein slope has been completed, which is 915feet long. A tunnel is being driven from the No. 2 vein to cut theNos. 3, 4 and 5 veins, and is now 400 feet in. A new pair of hoistiugengines made at the company's shops have been placed on theNo. 1 slope to hoist from the Sixth lift, having 24-iiich cylinders, 48-inch srroive, and drum 7 feet 8 inches in diameter, direct acting.Phoenix Park No. 3 Colliery.An additional ventilating fan, 15 feet diameter, with direct actingengine, 14-inch cylinder, 18-inch stroke, has been placed on a newair hole east of the slope, which adds 65,000 cubic feet of air to thevontilating current.Eagle Hill Colliery,The new air shaft has been completed from the surface to theFourth liftI'rimrose vein gangway, the depth being 634^ feet.Glendower Colliery.The tunnel from the Daniel vein 181 feet long to the Buck mountainvein at the top of the No. 2 plane has been completed, and a slopemade from the surface to that level on the Buck Mountain vein. Aroad has been laid along the suiface to haul the coal from the slopeVG the breaker.

232 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Wadesville Colliery.The old shaft was sunk 97 feet deeper, bringing it to the level ofthe bottom of the new shaft. A tunnel has been driven connectingihe sumps* of the two shafts. In the new shaft a tunnel has beendiiven on the west side to the Mammotli and Skidmore veins, andis being driven on to the Huck Mountain vein. An overhead airtunnel is also iM'lng driven to these veins. A new ventilating fan,21 feet diameter, all made of iron, has betni installed, and a newbreaker is in course of erection.New Collier}^ lieing Opened.A new colliery is being opened by the Woodside Coal Companyon the site of the old Roliersville colliery in Foster township, whichwas abandoned many years ago. A double track slope, having agrade of 29 degrees, is being sunk on tlie Buck Mountain vein, whichhad not been worked at the old colliery. A drift gangway is alsobeing driven on the Buck Mountain vein, also a drift is being drivenon the "Billy vein," which is about four feet thick under the Danielvein, which has been worked out, the dividing slate being only 20inches thick. A new bieaker is in course of erection.Collieries Abandoned During 1898.The mining of coal was stopjied at the Thomaston colliery in March,and, after the loose comI h;id been tsikcn out, the jtuuips and machinerywere all taken out and the colliery abandoned and allowed to fillv.itli water.The Pine Forest colliery, Buck Mountain vein workings, and theHolmes and (M'chard vein workings in the Primrose vein slope, werealso sto]ti»ed in ^larch, the machinery taken out, and th

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. -^3r(» feet thick, and having an average pitcli of about 41 degrees.After drawing some coal out at the battery, it was found thattliere was a great deal of fire in tlie breast, and men commencedto reopen the inside manway of breast No. 23, and also to drive achute up in the centre of the pillar between breasts Nosi. 23 and24. These chutes were driven up IIG feet, and a heading was drivento No. 24, when it was found that the breast had run in the topof the vein, leaving some of the bottom coal, and that the fire hadreached that point. At the same time a cross-cut was being drivenwith all speed possible on the level above, or east plane level fromthe "Crack" vein to the Mammoth vein, at a point above the breaston fire, and a line of 4-inch pipe was being laid from the surface tothis point, so that tlie water could be put on the fire from above.The bottom of breast No. 24 was sealed as closely as possible to preventair from getting to the fire, and work on the short or westplane stopped. On September 28, the cross-cut on the east jjlanelevel, which had been driven 40 feet through slate and rock and 30feet of solid coal, with branch headings of 45 and 57 feet i-especlivelyinto the gob at the top of the No. 24 breast, had reached al»oint where it waw thought advisable to put the water on. A damhad been built on the gangway inside of the cross-cut, which wastilled from the j)ipes, and held about 210,000 gallons of water.On the above evening, after the workmen had all left themine, exce}»t those working at the fire, the sluice of the damwas opened, and the water caused to run through th(^ headings andinto the opening made in the gob at the top of No. 24 breast.After the water had run for some time, there was a slight ex-]ilosion, but no damage was done by it. The water had passedovrr considerable lire as it was scalding hot when it reached thefoot of the shaft, about one thousand yards from the bottom ofNo. 24 breast. On September 3(y fire was discovered in breastNo. 23, west plane level. On that evening the dam full of waterwas again emptied onto No. 24 breast, but this tune there was noexplosion, and the water was not as hot as it was the first time.The headings on the east or long plane level were then driven tocover the top of No. 23 breast, and on the nights of October 3, 5,fi, 7 and S, a dam full of water was let off each night. The men inthe day time, when the water was not running in,were employed atextending the headings, so as to change the course of the water asmuch as possible. During this time there had been no explosionsand the water was getting cooIcm' each time until on the eighth ofOctober its lem])erature was but slightly al)Ove the normal, andi.o heat was found in the headings which had been driven. Thiscooling process had caused the gases from the fire, which, whenheated, had risen to the highest points and out of reach, to drop

234 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.down, SO that it was necessary to tighten the batteries above thegangway and to connect pipes to them leading to the outlet airway,to carry the gas oil', so that it would not feed in to where themen were working and make them sick. After the dam had been(roptied on October 8, it was decided not to let any more water inuntil the heading had been driven to the top slate of the vein overKo. 23 breast, which was reached during the forenoon of October 13,and tire was found at that point. Instead of waiting until night torun the water on, it was decided to stop the colliery at noon on thatday, and, after all the workmen had been sent out, except thoseengaged in driving the headings and turning the water in, to runthe water from the dam down the new opening. The water wasti.rned on slowly for about twenty minutes, then the sluice wasopened to its full capacity. The inside foreman, Evan G Evans,V as close to the mouth of the cross-cut watching the water going in,T'hile the other men were scattered along the gangway outside,some getting their dinners, others smoking and chatting while waitingfor the dam to be emptied, so that they could I'eturn to workin the headings. After the water had been turned on full force,there were several slight explosions, of which the men took no notice.Then there was a heavy explosion, which blew out some of thegangway timbei', near where the men were waiting, and also blewout several of the batteries in the chutes above the gangway, andthe lights used by the men. Evan G. Evans, the inside foreman, beingthe closest to the cross-cut, was severely burned on the face andhands. James Powell, a miner, had his collar bone broken, and eightothers were slightly injured, but they all succeeded in making theirway out. When help arrived, it was found that Thomas Smith, fireboss; William Cook, William Reese and John Kanick, miners, weredead, having been smothered by the gases from the fire which droppedquickly onto the gangway after the batteries had been blown out.V>'lien the first dam of water was emptied on the fire, the precautionwas taken to have all the men out of the way for fear of anMessrs. Thomas M. Whildin, the genexplosion or other accident.eral inside foreman, and Baird Snyder, the assistant superintendent,were present with the men at each time the dam was emptied, excepton this one occasion, when they were on their way to the colliery,expecting to get there before the water was turned on. Themen who were killed and injured- were about 360 feet back fromwhere the water was going into the breast from the face of theheading, and as there had been no explosions of any account \\]tto this time, thought (hey were safe at that distance away. na the i»itch to try to get above the fire or find how far the

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 235fire had gone up. On Octobei' 29 it was found that there was alarge fire above Ihe tast or k)ng plane level, when it was decided toflood the mine. On Sunday, October 30, the water of Panther(reek was turned into the shaft, and continued until December 5,when tlu' water liad raised 549 feet up the shaft. The hoisting ofthe water out of the sliaft again began on the afternoon of December5, and and on L»eeeniber :J1 had been k)wered 10."> feet.Kaska-AMlliam CollieryDisaster.On May 2G, 1898, Wm. Morgan, a loader boss, Wm. Derr, a pumprunner, INfartinMolochus, Petei' Dinkin, ^'indle Proboiski and I'aulKatsouski, laborers, met their death atthe Kaska-William colliery,operated by the Dodson Coal Company, by water breaking in from oldworkings which had been abandoned many years before. A tunnelwas being driven fioni the iSeven-foot vein on the shaft level, south.The tunnel men were working by night, and the laborers were loadingthe j^tutf by day. The tunnel men had cut the bottom of theOrchard vein during the night of the twenty-fifth, with the lastround of shots fired, but had not gone into the face of the tunnelso that they did not know that the vein had been cut.after firing,The fire boss, in making his rounds in the morning, discovered thatthe vein had been cut, and so reported to the inside foreman, whotook some men with him and drilled a hole in the vein about sixfeet long to find its thickness. During this time the laborers abovenanu d were engaged in loading the stufi^' that had been cut by theshots fired during the night before. The colliery was idle on thetwenty-sixth, and no men were at work in the inside slope, whichiv about 'MA) feet deep below the shaft level, the tunnel being 400feet W(^st ot the top of the slope. About 11 o'clock in the forenoon,^^'m. Moigan, who was working near the top of the slope, was letdown the slope by Thomas Hawkins, the fire boss, to feed the mules,and \N'm. Derr, the ])nm]) runner, who had been up the slope duringI he forenoon, was k't down by Hawkins about 12 o'clock noon, to goto the pumi>. Hawkins remained at the top of the slope, expecting(hem to return soon, and was waiting to hoist them up. Between12 o'clock and 1, the water bioke in at the Orchard vein, which hadbeen cut at the face of the tunnel. Hawkins heard the water coming{Jid retreated toward tlu^ bottom of the shaft, and on the way metMr. Flannigan, the inside foreman, who had been at the pump roomat the bottom of the shaft, getting his dinner. They attempted toget back to the slope, but the water was rising rajjidly at the bottomof the shaft, and they had to retreat up the shaft. The water roseto the roof at the bottom of the shaft, cutting off all communicationV, ith the inside slojx'. and the tunnel where the watei- had come

236 REI'ORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.irom. The steam j;ii)('S were bi'okeu by the rush, and the piimi»sat the bottom of the shaft Avere stopped. The water from the shaftwas hoisted b}- tanks until the 28th, when one of the jiumps wasreached and started, the second i)um[» beinj;- started the foHowingday. On Ma}' 80 tlie shaft was ck'ar of water and the work ofclearing up tlie debris began. The top of the inside sb)[)e was closed,also the gangway between the top of the slope and the tunnel. Thetimber and track in the hoisting slope had all been washed down theslope, and the workings below were filled with water to within 100feet of the top of the slope. The pump sloj)e w'hich is 75 feet west ofthe hoisting slope, was filled tight with stuff that had been washedout from the tunnel. The hoisting slope was retimbered down tothe water, and the pumping of water out of it began on July 22.In the meantime, the cleaning up of the gangway from the top ofthe slope toward the tunnel was being done and the first l>ody wasfound buried in the debris on the night of July 2, and the secondbody on July 9. The mouth of the tunnel was reached July 14, andthe third body found on July 27 in the gangway west of the tunnel.The face of the tunnel w^as reached on August 16, when it was foundthat the old gangway on the Orchard vein, from which the water hadcome, was about 15 feet on a pitch of 50 degrees above the top ofthe tunnel. The body of the fourth man who was in the tunnel wasnot found and had evidently been washed down the slopes, alongV 'ill a mule and three mine cars that were on the shaft level whenthe water broke in. The Orchard vein slope, from wiiicli this waterbroke in, had been abandoned nmny years ago and was caved in atthe surface.In the latter part of ISIHj the company began to reoiu'nit and on PVbruary 10, 1807, got down to the water, which was 185feet from the 1o]> of I he slo]»('. The water was being pumped out.went down slowly and was finallybut tile slojic being full of debi'is, its(oi»i»('d. On Xdvciiibcr l:'., 1SII7, Mr. Thos. C. Keese, supeiinlendent(.f the colliery, called al my olfice in regai'd to letters I had writjent(i him on (he 8lh and 1 llh about the bad condition of the vent i hit i(Ui,and before leaving told me they were going to drive a tunnel from theSeven-foot vein on the shaft level to the Holmes and Vriiurosc veins,then drive holes uj) (»n these veins to the tunnel, that had been drivenfi-om the upper lift of the old Urchard vein slope and tajt the waterat that level, so that this lift of the Holmes and IM'imrose couldbe worked, leaving the lower lilt of (he (>r(liar

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 237plan was pcrlectl}- feasible, I could raise uo objections, and consideredit would not need much watching' until the Priinrose veinhad been cut and the holes were being driven up the pitch-, and onlythen after they had been driven up a couple of hundred feet, asthere was ground enough above that to allow for any inaccuracy inilie elevations which the Oeological Section had marked aw onlyestimated, and which could not be relied upon. During the followingweek I noticed an advertisement in the "Daily Republican," of Pottsville,inviting proposals to drive the tunnel, from the Seven-footvein to the Primrose vein, and on November 20, a contractor calledat my office with a proposal for driving the tunnel, and wanting myopinion as to prices. This proposal also plainly stated that the tunnelwas to be driven from the Seven-foot to the Primrose vein, and withthe advertisement agreed exactly with the plan that had been talkedof in my oltice. I visited the colliery on January 18, 1898, and foundthe tunnel had been started two days before, and had been drivenin len feet. 1 visited the colliery again on January 31, but wasnot in the tunnel on this visit. On March 23 I again visited the colliery,and was in the tunnel which had just cut the bottom of a vein,which I supposed to be the Holmes, and which it afterwards provedto be. During these visits, nothing was said of any change of plani>r intention to drive the tunnel farther than the Primrose vein.found that the tunnelAfter the water had broken in on May 26th, Ihad been driven beyond the Primrose vein and had cut the Orchardvein, which had come down below the level of the tunnel, insteadof making a basin above, as the Geological Section had shown. Thatthe Geological Section was not correct was plainly apparent after theHolmes vein had been passed and when the Primrose vein had beenreached, and the tunnel continued, it was plain that the Orchardcould be cut on this level, and the superintendent had been expectii-'git to be cut for several days before. Yet, knowing this, he failedto take the ordinary precautions which were necessary for the safetyoi the lives and projjerty under his charge. On the day before the accident,an official of the Lehigh ( -oal and Navigation Company, fromwhich the colliery is leased, knowing that the tunnel was being driven,but not knowing how far it was intended to go, wrote to the superintendent,Thos. (\ lieese, telling him that there was a section intliat office which showed that the Orchard workings were nearlydown to the level of the tunnel, and advising him that it were bestUt take no chances, but to keep a drill hole ahead after going in570 feet. This letter was received by Reese in the morning, beforethe accident occurred, but the tunnel was in farther than 570 feetand the vein had been cut. Reese went into the tunnel about 11 A,M., aleyig withInside Foreman Flanigan, and told him of receivinga queer letter, but did not say what it was about. The boss la-

238 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doe.I oier, it seems, had been in the liabit of tiring- any holes left unfiredby the tunnel men, during the day shift. That morning there hadbeen a toj> hole left untired. The contractor said he had put theblasting battery in the box and locked it before he left that morning,the boss laborer also having a key to the box. After the accidentthe blasting battery was found washed out near the pump room^vith the wires attached. The box in which it was kept has notbeen found yet, so that it is evident that after Reese and Flaniganleft the tunnel, the boss laborer had tired this top hole, and no doubtput powder in the hole that had been drilled to test the vein andfired that also, which broke the barrier of coal between the tunnelrmd the w^ater. This barrier had held the water back for ten oreleven hours, after the tunnel men had tired during the night, andboth Keese and Flanigan testified that when they were in the tunnellast, an hour before the water broke in, there was no sign ofwater more than usual, and even at that late hour, after receivingthe warning, had the men been taken out or prevented from firinguntil flank holes had been driven on both sides and up the pitch, theaccident could have been averted, as the coal between the tunnelai-d the old gangway would have held the water, if no blasting hadbeen done. An inquest was held on September 5th and the juryrendered a verdict that ''the accident occurred through the misleadingmaps and drafts whereby six men had lost their lives by drownirg."At this inquest, the superintendent, Thos. C. Reese, statedif) the jury that he had asked the Inspector, when he had told himc f the intention to start the tunnel, whether it Avould be necessaryto keep a drill hole in advance, and that the Inspector had said itwas not, and that all inipiiry possible had been made in regard tofinding the depth of the old Orchard workings, and from what hecould learn, the slope was not as deep as the tunnel.In regard tokeeping a drill hole ahead from the time the tunnel was started,nothing waw said about it at the time, l)ut had I been asked I certainly\N0uld have said llial it wns not necessary to keep a hole ahead untilthe Primrose vein had been reached, and had the tunnel been stopi)eda1 the Primrose vein, as I was informed it would be by the supertintendent,and by the printed notices, it is plain that there would havebeen no necessity for a di'illhole ahead, and the accident would nothave, occurred in the tunnel at least. That jtrojier intpiiry had notbeen made as to the ohl Orchard vein workings was evident from theletter received by the su]>erinlendent (.n the morning of the accident,which proved conclusively that such information was available, alsoshowing that the Orchaid vein woikings were near the level of thetunnel, if it had been sought. There were also sections in possessionof other mining engineers showing the mmv thing, from whomno information was asked.Even the company's engineei-, who migiit

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 2b9liave coiistnic'k'd a section as the veins were beiiig cut iu the timuel,which woukl have shown the error in the Geological Section andvery nearly the true position of the old workings, was not consultedother than to give a line for starting the tunnel.Isend with this report a sketch showing the ground plan of partof the colliery fiom the bottom of the shaft eastward to the tunnelfrom the bottom split of the Mammoth vein, on which the insideslope is sunk; also the gangway westw^ard on the top split from thetop of the inside slope to the tunnel driven south to the Orchard veinwhere the water broke in. The connections from the mouth of thistunnel to the pump rooms at each side of the shaft are also shownv'lXh the tidal elevations of the bottom of the shaft, top and bottomof the inside slope, and the south end of the tunnel and old gangwayabove. The Red Ash slope which is on the Orchard vein and the oldv.orkings from this slope on the Orchard, Primrose and Holmes veins,from which the water came, are shown by dotted lines, as taken fromthe colliery maps, indicating that their position could only be shownai)proximately. However, it can be seen by this sketch that the supl)osedposition of the lower gangways on the Orchard vein was veryclose to its true position, as the end of the tunnel is close to theMd gangway, the dilference of level between the bottom of the tunneland the bottom of the old gangway being less than 20 feet. 1also send on the same sheet a cross section of the veins from the bottomsplit of the Mammoth vein at the bottom of the shaft to theOrchard vein as cut at the face of the south tunnel. This sectionshows in heavy lines the position of the veins as they have beencut by the tunnel with the old Orchard vein gangway a few feet abovethe south end. The dotted lines show the position of the Orchard.Primrose and Holmes veins, as shown on cross section lineNo. 15 of the Second Geological Survey, from Avhich itcan plainly be seen that if the Geological Section had been correctit would have been useless to drive the tunnel further than the Primrosevein, as it would have reached the land line before any workablecoal of any account was cut. It can also readily be seen thatafter the Holmes and Primrose veins had been cut, any person possessedof ordinary knowledge of mining and a tape line and clinometercould readily have seen that the geological section was not correct,and knowing this, would have taken some precautionary measuresfor the protection of life and property.I do not hesitate to say plainly that this disaster was caused bythe misrepresentation and incompentent management of the superintendentincharge, whose previous training was not of such a charaiteras to qualify him to take charge of a colliery of this kind.Thecondition of the colliery had been i)Oor for two years before this accident,as is evidenced by records of my visits which have been frequcnt,and by correspondence relating thereto.27

240 REPORT OF THE Bl'REAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Injunction l*ioceedings.In order to enforce compliance with tlie mine law and on accountof the dangerous condition of the mine workings of the Marion colliery,which is situated in East Norwegian township, and is operatedbj the Marion Coal Company, of which Mr. J. N. Kice, of Scranton,is President, I was compelled to apply to the courts for an injunctionto restrain the company from working or operating the collieryuntil the danger was removed and the mine law complied with.The Marion Coal Company had been in possession of and operatingtlis colliery for about tw^o years prior to June, 1898, during W'hichtime the work of mining was carried on in a most reckless manner,regardless of the requirements of the mine law, and under theworst kind of management, the consequences of which were thatno attention was being paid to anything pertaining to ventilation,and the general condition of the colliery being neglected, it w^assoon in a bad condition. During these two years I had made many\isits to the colliery and had majiy times called the attention of the superintendentand the inside foreman to the bad condition of alTairs,and had several times requested that portions of the work be stoppedur-til it could be properly ventilated and placed in proper conditionto work.These requests were not only not complied with, but no attentionor answer Avas gi\ en to my written communicati

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 241tallied exjjlosive gas. Tlio Lewis vein slope, which was the only plaeewhere lueu could be lowered into or hoisted from the mine, was in badcondition as to timbering. The track was in such bad conditionThat the loaded cars were frequently leaving it, which preventedmuch business from being done, and there was danger of closing theslope by knocking out the timbers. The cars were leaving the trackv,hen the men were being lowered and hoisted, and many of themhad been pulled up ovei* 900 feet with the cars jolting over the Siillsand scraping the timber, greatly endangering their lives. The workingsof the Big Tracy vein on the third or "gate level," which covered alarge area, were nearly filled with explosive gas and in danger of beingignited by the pump men and others in the ui»cast. On getting outof the mine I immediately notified the President and superintendentthat I would apply for an injunction to stop the working of the collieryuntil the danger was removed and the mine laws complied with,at the expiration of twenty hours' notice, as required by law, andat once with my attorney I began to prepare the necessary papers,asking for an injunction, the specific chargesi in which were:''That the said Marion colliery is a mine generating explosivegases and is operated by a slope sunk on the Lewis vein, which saidslojte is used for hoisting and lowering the men employed and thecoal mined at the said colliery. That the said Lewis vein is connectedwith the Little Tracy vein, and an airhole in said latter vein isused as the main ui)cast airway, and as a pump way in said mine."That the slope at said colliery in said Lew^is vein is nearly 1,200feet in length and is the only way by which workmen can be loweredor hoisted to and from their working places. That the said slopeis in a very dangerous condition for the greater part of its lengthby reason of unsound timbers', the timbering not having been pro])-erly set when the slope was reopened, and there is constant, dangerof the timljers breaking, falling out and endangering llie lives ofthe men and boys employed in the said mines in passing up and downsaid slope."That by reason of the fault}' construction of the roadway or trackin said sloi)e, in the Lewis vein, the cars frecjueiidy jump the trackswhile passing up and down, thus endangering the lives of the workmen;that there is imminent danger of knocking out the timbers,breaking the ropes, chains and other api>liances, and of closing theslojie whih' tlic men are engaged at their work.That the defendants have neglected to jirovide ad

242 REPOllT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.the workings of the Big Tracy vein on what isknown as the Thirdlift or gate level, covering an area of several acres, are nearly filledwith ex4)losive gas, which is liable to be forced into the main upcastairwa}', which is also used as a pumpwa^^, and isliable to be ignitedhj the pumpmen and others working therein, thus greatly endangeringthe lives of the men and boys employed in the undergroundworkings of said colliery."That by reason of the inadequate ventilation of said mine or colliery,the said mine is not in a fit state for the men to work therein,and the said mine is dangerous to health and lives of said work-Uien."That 3^our orator has from time to time given notice to the saidAbednego Reese, superintendent of said colliery, to put said mineor colliery in a safe and proper condition by securing the properAtutilation thereof, and by retimbering the main slope on the saidLewis vein, but he has refused and still does refuse to comply withsaidrequests."Wherefore, your orator asks for equitable relief, etc."On June 17 an order granting a preliminary injunction was issuedby the Hon. O. 1*. Bechtel, judge of common pleas, and the collierywas stoj^jted. a ad Monday, June 20, fixed for a hearing on the motion1o coiitinue o."' dissolve the injunction. The hearing began on the20tli of June, before the Hon. R. H. Koch, A. L. J., and was continuedon the 21st, and finished on the 22d.In the meantime a largefoi-ce of men was being eni]»loyiHl night and day to remove the gasfrom the workings. Some of them, after being in the mine all night,fcnioving gas, were brought into court during the day to swear thatthere had never been any dangerous bodies of gas in the mine andthat the mine was ])erfectly safe. Exj)ert (?) witnesses, whom I doubtliad ever had anything to do with the slope before, were brought1(^ examine the Lewis vein slopes and, notwithstanding that manyof the timbers were from 25 to 80 degrees below a right angle, andhad to be held in jdace by other timbers, swore that the slo])e wasin good condition and better than the average slope of other regions,of \\liichthey ])rofessed to be familiar, and, although many ofI he timbcis wvve shattered and torn by the cars jumping the track,swore the track was ])erfect and could not be improved upon. Whilesome of the workmen fearlessly told the truth, many wtM-e afraid oflosing thcii- work and swoi'e that they considered the mine safe towork in. Notwithstanding tin' desperate efforts to prove that themine was safe, the honorable court continued the injunction and thelarge force of men was kept on to rei)air th*^ airways and remove thegas, until on July 1, the company made application to have the injunctionmodified so as to allow them to woi'k :i piii-t of the inine which theyclaimed to have ventilated, but did not want lo work the whole mine,

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTlilCT. 243as there were some places iiot readv. They also claimed that the BigTracy workings were clear of gas. The court theii appointed Mr.David J. Price, as a disinterested party to visit and examine themine in company with the Inspector and superintendent and makea report of its condition as far as ventilation was concerned. Thisexamination was made on the 1st and 2d of July. The Eig Tracyvein workings were found to be clear of gas but the work of ventilatingthe lower workings had not been completed far enough to warrantthem being started. On July 8, the Inspector, in company withMr. Edward lirennan, Inspector of Mines for the Seventh anthracitedistrict, and Mr. Isaac Waters, Inspector for the Philaderphiaand Reading Coal and Iron Company, made a careful examinationof the timbering and track of the Lewis vein slope and found thatwhile some little timbering had been done in the slope it was yetin a bad condition. The track which had been sworn to as being perfect,had not been touched, and was in a very bad condition to attemptto hoist a wagon of coal over, much less lower and hoist men,some of the rails not having a spike to hold them for their wholelength, but were hanging together by the fish plate bolts, the track outof gauge in many places and in others one rail higher than theother. That this state of affairs should have been found nearlyfour weeks after the injunction proceedings were begun was an outrageon the parties whose money was invested, as well as those whoselives were placed in jeopardy by having to ride up and down the slope.As soon as this was pointed out to the ofticials, a large party of menv»'ei'e put to work to repair the track and were kept on night and day,Sunday included, to get it ready to start to work on Monday morning,July 11, when permission was granted by the court to work part of thecolliery, the Inspector designating the number of men to work in eachgangwaj^ until tlie balance of the work could be got ready, providedthe defendant pay the expenses so far incurred, which was done.Work was continued in repairing the airways and on August 15, applicationhaving been made to have the injunction removed, after anexamination by the Inspector, the honorable court issued the followingOlder:^'And now, August 15, 1898, both parties to the above action beingpresent at Chambers and agreeing, the motion to dissolve the preliminaryinjunction granted on the 17th of June. 1898, is made absolute,without prejudice, however, to the right of either side to proceedto final hearing, and with leave to the complainant at any timebefore final decree, for cause shown, to ai)ply to the court to havethe injunction heretofore granted, reinstated."By the Court,(Signed.)*RICHARD H. KOCH,A. L. J.

244 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.The cofliery started to work again in full force on August 16. theventilation of the lower levels being ample if they were attended to,and kept up to the working faces as they were being advanced.At the same time that the injunction proceedings began, the Inspectoralso preferred charges against the superintendent, AbednegoReese, James Smith, the inside foreman, and John H. Russell,boss, as being negligently guilty of an offence against the provisionsof the sixth paragraph of section 2 of article 10, of the AnthraciteMine Law, whereby a dangerous accident might have resulted toihe persons employed at said mine or colliery, and warrants wereissued for their arrest.fireThese cases were brought before the courtat the conclusion of the hearing of the injunction case on June 22.The defendants i)lead guilty and recjuested to have the charges withdrawn,agreeing to pay the costs, and would promise the court thathereafter they would comi)ly with the mine law. The Inspector agreeingto this, the Hon. Richard 11. Koch, A. L. J., issued the foUow^ingorder:"And now, June 22, 1898, the defendants within named ap])earedopen court and agreed to comply with the mine lawsbefore me inof this Commonwealth, whereupon the prosecutor withdrew thecharge and the defendants wei'e discharged."The prosecution of these officials w^as the result of their neglectto comply with the mine law, for which in many instances they weredirectly responsible, and which could not be charged to their superiors,and, to impress on them that while not wishing to interferewith their duty to their employer, they also had a duty to ])ei'-form to the State and to the men under their charge, whose hcallhand safety tliej' were responsible for.ofArbitration.At the Marion colliery, shortly after ithad been taken possessionby the Marion Coal Company, the ventilating fan was connectedto the top of the Little Tracy vein slope to avoid repairing the upcastairway which is in the Little Tracy vein west of the slope, andwas then being used. This arrangement caused this slope to be\he main u])cast,and caused the i)umps and pumpmen to be in thereturn airway, the air cunciit iu wliich was traveling at a veryhigh velocity, and was liable (o l>e charged with explosive gas at anytime. I objected to this anaiigenienl, as I did not consider it safefoi- the men woikiiig in liic lower lills, as Ihere have been manyi?istances on record in liiis icgion where suddtii oulbursis of gas arefre(]uent, where explosions Iuinc occuiicd by the gas being ignitedin the upcasts or rehiiii airways, wliere safety lani]>s w

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 245attention was paid to these protests, but in the early part of theyear the pumps were taken out of tlie Lewis vein slope and withsteam and column lines were placed in the ui>cast, also the wire ropaused for hoisting from an inside slojje was run down this airway froman engine placed on the smrface, which necessitated additional menbeing kept in the upcast at all times to attend to repairs. Threenew lifts were also being prepared to start work in the Lewis vein,which was gaseous, and which would increase the danger in theupcast, which was the only second opening to the mine. 1wrote to the superinlvndent several times, protesting against it, andrequesting that the proi)er airway be repaired, which would not requirea very great ontlay of money, so that the pumpmen and otherscould be kept out of the return. No attention having been ]»aid tothese protests or answer made to any communications, I wrote to thePresident of the company, demanding that the unsafe conditions beremedied. He considered it perfectly safe, and as there is nothingin the mine law to prevent pumps or anything else being placed inthe main upcast of a gaseous mine, wrote me the following letter,requesting me to settle by arbitration, and appointing his arbitrator:The Mai'ion Coal Company,Mines at Pottsville, Pa.,Scranton, Pa., June 11, 1898.Mr. John Maguire, Mine Inspector Eighth District, Pottsville, Pa.:Dear Sir: Your communication of June 7 at hand and contentscarefully noted. Since I tirst became aware of your objection tothe location of the pumping plant at the Marion colliery, I have giventhe matter very serious consideration. Notwithstanding all you sayin your communication, 1 am still of the opinion that it is muchsafer and better for the health and comfort of the men employedtherein than if it would be located in the downcast. I have alsosought the advice of a large number of thoroughly competent mineforemen and have not yet found one whose opinion coincided withyours.Yesterday 1 took the general superintendent of a mine which isnoted as being the most gaseous of any in the United States, andprobably in the world, through the Marion colliery. After goingover the matter carefully, he fully coincided with my view that thepiesent location of the pumping plant is the projter one. In his(:]»inion it is absolutely safe and should remain in its ]»resent position.This being a mattcn* not covered by the mine law, I assume thatyou will have no objection to leaving it (o arbitrators as jtrovidedin cases where the Mine Insj)ector and the owner disagree as to anymatter not covered by the mine law.

246 REPORT OF THE BUREAIT OF MINES. Off. Doc.J have therefore cJiosen Mr. .John P>. Law, of Pittston, Pa., as rayarbitrator. If \ou will kindly appoint an arbitrator, they will appointa third man and will settle this matter without any furthertrouble.(Signed.)Very truly,J. N. RICE,President.Having had Mine Inspectors "William Stein and Edward Brennanto make an examination with me of this return airway, tliej' coincidingwith my oi)inion, and knowing that I would be sustained byany thoroughly practical board of arbitrators, I at once agreed toarbitrate, and replied by the following letter, naming my arbitrator:June 15, 1898.Mt. J. N. Rice, President of the Marion Coal Company, Seranton, Pa.:Dear Sir: Your letter of the 11th inst. received last evening andcontents* noted. In regard to your request that the question as towhether it is safe and proper that the main upcast of a gaseouscolliery should also be used as a i)umpway, with the pumpmen midwayin said upcast and in an air current traveling at a very highvelocity, which is liable to be charged with explosive gas at any time,said upcast being in close proximity to large bodies of gas, be submittedto arbitrators. Your letter also names Mr. J. B. Law, ofPittston, Pa., as your arbitrator. In reply I will say that I am willingto arbitrate this (juestion as to the upcast being used as a pumpway,and name Mr. Matthew Beddow, of Minersville, Pa., as my arbitrator,and would suggest that Messrs. Law and Beddow meet atPottsville, on Saturday next, 18th inst., to choose the third man.Said arbitration to be independent of the injunction proceedingsnow pending.Yours truly,JOHN MAGUIRE,Inspector of Mines.The arbitrators met and after several consultations iinally decidedon the selection of Mr. Edward Reese, of Park Place, superintendentfor Lentz & Co., as the third arbitrator. The arbitrators, after makinga thorough examination of th(? upcast airway and its surroundings,agreed on the following report, which speaks for itself, as tothe able manner in which they covered the ground:To John Maguire, Mine Inspector, Eighth Anthracite District,Marion Coal Company, J. N. Rice, Esq., President:Gentlemen: We, the undersigned arbitrators selected lo dec idcthe point at issue between Mr. John Maguire, Inspcctoi- (»(' Mines

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 247for llic Eighth anthracite district, and J. N. Rice, Esq., Presidentui the JNIarion Coal Company, to wit:''As to the safety and propriety of using the main upcast airway ofthe Marion colliery, in East Norwegian township, Schuylkill county,Pennsylvania, as a rope way for an underground slope and for aluimp way/' report as follows:That on the 29th day of July, 1898, in company with Mr. John Maguireand Mr. Abednego Reese, the superintendent of the MarionCoal Comjiany, we carefully examined the upcast airway of theMarion colliery in which we found the velocity of the the return airto be not less than 800 feet per minute; we also find the renewal ofl)ulleys and making the necessary repairs, etc., requires the constant( are of at least one person. We further find that to run and carefor the pumps in this airway willrequire the constant attention ofa pumpman day and night, and to make repairs to the pumps andsteam and column lines will require the presence of several men inaddition to the pumpman, as the necessity may require.The only means of egress from the pumps stationed in this airwayliK' up to the fan a distance of over 000 feet on an average pitch ofabout 30 degrees, or down on the same pitch a distance of about 300feet and out by way of the main hoisting slope, which is in the Lewisvein. The main upcast airway of this colliery is in the Little Tracyvein, and besides being the only second opening to the colliery, is theonly place of escapement for all the gas generated in this mine, which,in addition to the present four workable lifts on the Lewis vein, includesseveral worked out or abandoned lifts of the Lewis, Little andBig Tracy veins, the main portion of which are now inaccessible, andtherefore cannot be properly examined. Having inspected and examinedthe main upcast airway, we returned to Pottsville and metill the office of Mr. John Maguire, the Mine Inspector, where, aftera careful examination of the maps of the Marion colliery, and havingcarefully examined the Mine Inspector's report of this district inreference to the terrific outbursts of gas which so frequently occurin the d(.'epmines of this region, we decided, that by reason of theclose proximity of this airway to the old and abandoned workings,and the liability of outbursts of explosive gas in the deep or newworkings of this colliery, that the return air in the upcast is liable tobecame explosiAe at any time.Wheras: In view of the above facts, we unanimously find that itis not safe or proper, even with safety lamps, to use the main upcastairway of the Marion colliery as a pumpway or ropeway for anunderground slope, with the conditions existing at the time thatthe (examination of the same was made, and would suggest that the:^farionCoal Company enlarge the return airway of the Tracv vein

248 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.snnicieiitly to proptrly ^elltilate the colliery without iisiiij;the presentTraey slope.During the progress of this work, we recommend that the collierybe allowed to coutiuue working, providing the velocity of the airthe portion of the Tracy slope traveled by the pump men be re-induced to below 450 feet per minute.The colliery oflicials are to use due diligencte in prosecuting the workof reopening and enlarging the Tracy vein return airway, the timeto be allowed for the completion of same to be not greater than threemonths from the date of this notice.I'ittston, Pa., August 15, 1898.Respectfully yours,JKO. B.LAW,MATTHEW BEDDOW,EDWARD REESE,Arbitrators.Shortly after this report was made, work was started to repairand enlarge the air hole on the Little Tracy vein, west of the slope,as recommended by the arbitrators, and could have been completedby November 1, but in the meantime there had been two changesn>ade in superintendents, and the work, when near completion, wasallowed to stand. On visiting the colliery on December 29, 1 found ityet unfinislicd and nolliing being done at it, and that the Big Tracyvein workings

No. 11. EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT. 249Table Sliowiiij^- (he Numbei- of Each (Mass of Employes in the EighthAuthracite District in ISOS.Inside.Iiiside foieineii, 57Fire bosses, 102Miners, 3,24(>IMiners' laborers 1,456Drivers and runners 518Door boys and helpers 190A 11 olher employes, 2,22STotal inside in 1

.250 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Classification of Fatal and Non-Fatal Accidents for 1898.Cause of Accidents.Explosion of gasExpliision of blastsExplosion of powderFalls of coalFalls of slate and rockFalling down chute, manways and slope,Smothered by gas after an explosion,Suffocated on burning ash banlvSmothered by rush of coal in chuteSmothered by coal in bin in breaker,Kicked by a muleCaught between cage and timberDrowned by a ru.sh of water from old working,By mine cars and dumpersBy railroad cars,By machineryBy flying coal from cars in slopeBy flying coal from blastsMiscellaneousTotal,Nationalities of those Killed and Injured in 1898.Injured.Americans,Germans, .English, ...IrishWelshHungarians,PolesAustrian,Italians, ...Total,Names of Collieries where Fatal Accidents Occurred.Total.West Brookslde, No. 3 slopeWest Brookside, No. 4 slope.West Brookside, East slopeEagle HillSilver Creek,^VadesvilleIjehigh Coal and Navigation, No. 8 colliery,I^iphigh Coal and Navigation, No. 11 collieryMoreaKaska-WillianiGreenwoodWest T.ehlgh.\!l)riKht,MarionAVilliamsIMne nil!Total

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Official Document, ^o. 11.FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT.(ALLEGHENY, PAYETTE. GREENE, WASHINGTON AND WESTMORE-LAND COUNTIES.)H(tn. JaiiM's \\ . L;i(ia, Scciclarv (W Inlciual AlTairs:Sir: I I'OspectfuUy sul)iiiit iiiv animal report as Inspector of Minesfor the First Ilituniinous coal 'li^^liict for the year endinjz,' DecemberThv total production of coal as reported by the oi)erators, to this office,was S,!)Ol), ;>;);> tons, beinj;- an increase of 2,450,130 tons over thatof the year ISDT. I am s(»rry to re]»ort an increase of 20 fatal and20 non-fatal accidents over those of the previous year.Two explosions ot firedani]) occurred in the district, resulting inIhv loss of nine lives. A detailed statement of them will be foundin the description of the JNlanown and tTin})ir(^ mines. In rejtoitinj;the non-fatal accidents, TInnc made note of them as they were transmittedto this oflice.The usual tables will be foiMid in the body of the i-ejxut, als

272 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.l.ut the eases were dismissed, as his houor held that the rule madeuo provision for any specific method of warning.Elijah Dainty, mine foreman of Vesta mine No. 1, was chargedwith making false reports in the mine foreman's report book andalso for failing to remove the source of danger after the fire bosshad reported the same to him.Another case w-as that of James Oraig, fire boss at the Eclipse mine,V. ho was charged with making false reports in the fire boss reportbook, and failing to examine the mine as recpiired by the act of May1.5, 1803, relating to bituminous coal mines. The cases were compromisedon payment of costs which amounted to |16.00 and |17.30i-espectively.Joseph Parton, mine foreman of the Rostraver mine, paid costs tothe amount of |4.20 for opening rooms in advance of the last breakthrough in violation of the bituminous mine act.Alonzo Evans, Isaac Watkius and James Jenkins, drivers in theabove named mine, paid the same amount for using impure oil as an 11-iifminant.Mining Statistics.Number of mines in the district, 79Number of mines operated during the year, 69Number of tons, run of mine, of coal mined, 8,909,339Number of tons of coal shipped, 8,826,690Tons of coal used for steam and heal iu and about themines, 57,412tiold to l

.No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 273Table showing the Causes of Fatal and I^ou-Fatal Accidents.Fatal. Nonfatal.1^ falls of slate, 19 45By falls of coal, 3 12i'.y falls of roof coal 3 DBy explosions of gas 9 4By falling fioni tipple, 1By being run over by a lailroad cai', 1I'-} blast through rib, 2 2By fall of rock 2 3By being struck b^' a post, 1 5By a fall of roof, 1 4By cars, .By mining machines, .JSliscelluiioous, . . 9143Total 42 110^^'hile the general condition of the ventilation and drainage of themines in the district is fair, there was, at the time of my last visit,some mines which required improvement so as to conform with the{.ct of May 15, 1893, relating to bituminous coal mines. When Ifound such conditions existing, I gave such instructions as wasdeemed necessaiy^ to have the above named act complied with, and.'ji this connection I am pleased to say that, in a great measure, (juitear improvement has been made.Monongahela, Pa., March 0, 1899.Respectfully yours,HENRY LOUTTIT,Inspector of Mines.Little Redstone. General condition of mini' on my last examination,Mines on the Monongahela River.fair.Gallatin. On my last visit to this mine 1 found the ventilationtind drainage below the requirements of the law.The cause, in i>art,V hich i)roduced the former was that a door which was located onthe main entry to course the air into the return had been brokendown by a dilly trip. An emergency door had been placed nearthe mine entrance, but at that time it was somewhat out of repair,thus allowing no less than 8,550 cubic feet of air to enter the returnwithout reaching the working faces. The slo])e mentioned in myreport for 1897 has been completed, thus giving the mine legalmeans of egress.18—11—98

274 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Cliff,the entire year.Abe Hays, Slonesburg, Stockdale and Vesta No. 3 were idleRostraver. ^^'lu'Il 1 made the last examination of this mine theyV ere employing three machine men, sixty-five loaders, twenty-fourl»kk men, seven drivers and seven other persons. Cubic feet of airat outlet, 17,040.Cincinnati.General condition of mine, fair.Caledonia. A\'lien I made the last examination the mine was infair condition. Tin- greater i»art of the mine has been abandoned,and the coal which remains will be taken out through the Championmine and passed over the hitter's tipple.IJlack Diamond. The mine was in a satisfactory condition whenlast insi)ected.Camden. Mine was in fair condition both as regards ventilationand drainage. Cubic feet of air in circulation at inlet, U5,400. Cubicfeet of air in circulation at outlet, 58,400.Christinia.Not in oi)eration when last visited.Catsburg. Cubic feet of air at inlet, 50,020; at outlet, 43,040.Number of persons employed, 150. Condition of ventilation anddiainage, satisfactory.Banner. When I examined this mine. 1 found the ventilation veryunsatisfactory. 1 suggested that cause of complaint be removedand I have since been infornu'd that my suggestions have been compliedwith.Apollo.Condition of drainage, satisfactory.General condition of ventilation and drainage, fair.Eclipse. When last visit was uuide, there were emjtloyed 115persons, classified as follows: 90 loaders,

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 275bcr of pt'i'soiis employed inside, 1(>2.In parls of the mine, tlie ventilatlon and diaina^e were not np to the legal requirements.Kock Kun. Mine not in operation when visited.Old Ea}.;l»'. When last examined the mine was found in fairlygood eondition.Fox. In op'eration ITT days during the year. Persons eini)loyedin and about the mine, (>;'>. (leiieral condition of mine, satisfactory.Fulton. This mine has had a precarious existence for a numberof yeai's. It has been leased by quite a number of [lersons. who,after producing a fi'w thousand tons of coal, vacated. On the 2M,of February, ISIXi, tlie tii>ple was carried away by higli water andice. In the latler part of 1S!)S it was leased by Barton & Son, whobuilt a temporary tijtple and operated the mine for a short time withvaried success. It is now idle.Ella, (ieneral condition of mine, fair.Blyth. In oj)eration 259 days. Number of persons employed, 196.The air curi-ent lure is continuous and is such as to be a matterof complaint. The drainage, in ]iarts of the mine, is also unsatisfactory.Amity, BulTalo and Anchor.Each of these mines were found infairly good condition when I made tlu^ last examination.A\'alton, Upper and Lower. At the time of my laf^t visit the lattermine was not in ojteration, but the forun^i- was in fairly good condition.Mongah. (Jeneral condition, satisfactory.IMilesville.In fair comlition as r(\gards drainage; ventilation satisfactory.Umpire. This mine is located near Brownsville. It is a drift openingand ventilation is ])r()duced by a boilei' furnace and a six-footjMurphy fan, the latter being i)laced on the to]) of a shaft, which is140 feet deep. On the 2.'>d of September an ex]»losion of tii-edami>occurred in this min5 years; .lames Ilall, miner, aged 2Tyears; John Bennett, driver, aged 22 yeais; Siilem Ilaiston, miner,aged 22 years, a'lhl llcnry Hager, driver, aged IT year. The locationof the explosion was on entry 10, and so that the reader can form anintelligent idea of The matter, it is necessai-y to state that two entriesknown as Nos. !) and 10 are driven parallel, the lower i»ai't ofllie former (Mitry having beeu cut oil', it was necessjiry to take (he coalfrom the upper pai*t through a "break through" onto eiitiy 10 andthence to the double ]>arting (vei- tlu' trnck of Xo. 10. Opposite thisbi-eak through, on No. 10, is located room \'-\. On tlu' fall of thisroom as well as those of rooms 12, 14 and 15, tii'ed;imi) was kno\vn

276 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.to exist since September 11, as on this date Fire Boss Henry FarrerImported to Mine Foreman James Broderick that he had found gason the falls, but it seems that the latter was trusting to luck, as noeffort was made on his part to remove the danger.On the morning of the explosion John Bennett and Henry Hager,drivers in 9 and lU entries respectively, moved their trips (two carseach),to a point near the entrance of the aforesaid break throughon both entries, and for some unknown cause, Bennett lefthis tripon entry 1) and passed through the break through onto entry 10,where his body was found, near where the turn rails of the trackhit ding from 9 entry joined those of 10. Hagers' body was foundi.i the entrance of room 13 with that of Bennet's mule, the headof each being toward the face of room. John Cartwright's body wasfound near room 14. Each of these bodies showed the effect of theflame—the others did not show any burns, which proves that theylost their lives through concussion or suffocation, or both. Thebodies of the others were found between rooms 14 and IG.Now we have reached a point where we can only surmise how thisunfortunate affair occurred. As stated heretofore, the body of Hagen,with that of Bennett's mule, was found in the entrance ofroom 13. The question is, how did they get there? After takinginto consideration allthe circumstances connected with this exj^losion,I have come to the conclusion that immediately preceding theigniting of the gas, Bennet passed through the said break throughU) 10 entry and while holding a conversation with Hager, a fall, onwhich the body of Bennett was found, to«k place on 10 entry. Thiscaused a current of air to strike the cars of Hager's trip, part ofwhich was forced into room 13, causing part of the gas to reach10 entry, where it fired on one of their naked lights. After becomingignited, the flame struck Bennett's mule, whicli in its frenzy brokeloose from the trip of cars to which it was hitched and ran throughthe break through on 10 entry and into the entrance of room 13.this supposilion is not correct, why did not the mule pass down 10 entry—theusual road for him to travel? Now, it is evident that thequestion will be asked, How is it that the body of Hager was foundin the room? JNIy opinion of the matter is that he was carried thereby the mule, as the position of the body would indicate. If Hagerwas in the room previous to the explosion, he would have beenthrown out by the force of the same, as were posts which liad beenset in mouth of room. U has been suggcsled that Hager slc]»pcd intothe entrance of room 13 to escape from the fall which look plac(»on the entry and that his naked light fired the gas. T cannot accejitthis theory for the reason stated above.Some falls on the entry had given trouble i)revious jo (his, as onMarch 3 I received a message from a committee of miners employedIf

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 277at tile niiue to come and make an examination of some falls on 10entry, as firedamp was present on them to such a degree as to makeit extremely dangerous. 1 visited the mine on March 5 and foundgas present on the falls of rooms 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 in such quantitiesas to verify the views expressed by the miners' committee. Aftermaking the examination, I had a conversation with Mr. John L).fc^impson, superintendent of the mine, in regard to the removalof the danger that menaced the min(% and in addition to this, I wrotethe company as follows:Messrs Umpire Coal Co.,Monongahela, Pa., March 5, 1808.Brownsville, Pa.:Dear Sirt*: On a visit to your Umpire mine to-day I found that somerooms had fallen in on entry 10; on these falls firedamp was presentin such quantities as to make it extremely dangerous to personswho had to pass the entrance to them. Your attention is respectfullycalled to article 5, section 1 of the act of May 15, 1893, relating tobituminous coal mines, which says among other things that "allunnes generating firedamp shall be kept free of standing gas in allworking places and roadways. No accumulation of exi)losive gasshall be allowed to exist in the worked out or abasdoned parts ofany mine when it is practicable to remove it, and the entrance orentrances to said worked out and abandoned places shallbe properlyfenced off, and cautionary notices shall be posted upon saidfencing to warn persons of danger."To comply with the above it is necessary to remove the gas mentioned above, which I hope you will do on receipt of this letter. However,I suppose you have made arrangements ere this, to remove theg&s, as per verbal suggestion. Please let the writer hear from youin regard to the matter and oblige.Yours very truly,HENRY LOUTTIT,Inspector of Mines.On March 7 I received information that my suggestions had beencomplied with.On the tenth of May I made a general examination of the mine andemong other places examined were the falls previously mentioned,but I could find no indication of gas on any of them. The roomsthat caused the disaster on September 23d were working at thetime of my visit, having afterwards caved in, consequently thetrouble of March T) had nothing to do with the exi^losion of September23.The investigation to place the blame was very thorough, 3>~)0 8x14inch i»ages of typewritten matter being taken. After hearing tlieevidence, the following verdict was rendered by the coroner's jury:

2?8 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES Off. Doc.Verdict.Brownsville, September 28, 189S.''We find that John Bennett came to his death by an explosion ofgas in entry No. 10 ot the Umpire mine on Friday the 23d of September,181)S, between the hours of 7 and U A. M., and our verdict is thathad the proper mine officials, whose duty it was to remove the dangerthat was known by them to exist, fulfilled theii' duty, the accidentvvGuld not have happened, and this is our finding."Jurors.P. F. SMITH,Coroner.E. L. MOOREHOUSE, (Seal.)W. N. FISHER, (Seal.)JOHN A. ROBINSON, (Seal.)W. L. LENHART, (Seal.)F. F. CHALFANT, (Seal.)H. E. LEONARD, (Seal.)In conclusion, I wish to state that on a visit to the mine previouslo March .5.(the date of visit made by recpiest of miners' committee),the mine was practically safe, no firedamp having been found onthe falls at that time.Washington. The drainage in parts of this mine is in very unsatisfactorycondition; the ventilation, however, is fair, except inthe new portion of the mine.CrowtluMS. The general condition of this mine is satisfactory.('hamouni. In opeiation :>()4 days during th(» year. Number ofpersons ciiiiiloy^'d.1.""»!». 'i'lic Ncnjilatiou and drainage was. at Ihctime of my last visit, in vei-y unsatisfactory condilion.Allecjuippa. On my last visit to the mine. I fonnd the generalcondition as i-egaids the ventilation anresent in abandonedworkings of this mine, I, under date of October 14, notifiedInspectors Blick, Connor and Callaglian to visit and examine themine in coni]>any with the writei'. On the 18th of October we madean examination of the mine and it being agreed thai there wasimmediate dangei*,^ we addresses tin* following letter \n the sniterintcndent.^li'.ilniry P. .lones:Monongahela, Pa.. October IS.1S!M).Mi. Hairy P. Jones, Snpeiintendeiit Ivill Mine, Monongahela. Pa.:Dear Sir: You are lieiel»y notitied that in i)iiisnaiice of the pro

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 279Aisious of article 11, sectiou 1, of the act of May 15, 18*J;>, lelatiugto bituminous coal niiiios and inovidiug' for the lives, health, safetyand welfare of [)ersons employed therein, we the undersigned Mineliispectors, upon notice from the Ins'pector in charge of this district,proceeded to the Ivill mine on Tuesday, October 18, 180S. and madean examination and full investigation thereof, and agreed in theopinion that there is immediate danger to the lives of the personsthere employed, b}' reason of large accumulations of explosive gasic such an extent that it is jeopardizing the lives of persons employedtherein, and in our judgnuMit it is im}>erative that the operations ofsaid mine shall cease forthwith until said danger be i-emoved andthe mine put in a safe condition for i)ersons to work therein. Thereforewe ask tliat you immediately cease .operation in said mine. Refusalon your i^art to cot to i»ermit or allow any jierson or persons to work or remain insaid Ivill mine excei)t persons employed in renu)ving the dangerliained above, and that no light other than alocked safety lamp l»ep< rmitted

280 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.a I our previous visit, October 18, 1898, is now removed, uud we considerit safe to resume and continue operations as long as presentconditions are maintained, but should the mine hereafter be foundto be in a dangerous condition you will at once notify the Inspectorof the district of the fact and take all necessary precautions to insurethe safety of your employes.(Signed.)Yours very truly,HENKY LOUTTIT,CHAS. CONNOR,JAMES BLICK,BERNARD CALLAGHAN,Active operations were commenced at the mine the day followingthe date of letter which the above is a copy. Subsequently I examinedthat part of the mine where the danger previously existed andwas of the opinion that as long as the pre{;ent conditions were maintained,there need not be any reason for other action to be taken.Champion. Not in operation on my last visit.Coal Bluff. Drainage fair. Ventilation required improvement inparts of the mine. In operation 1'2'2 days during the year. Numberof persons employed in and about the mine, 182.Clipper. A'entilation fair; drainage, however, reijuired improvementin the new })art of the min(^; this cannot be perfected, but itcan be made better than it is at present.Albiiny. General condition of mine, fair. Air measurementstiiken, inlet, outlet, entries 5, 7, 13, 9 and 15. Number of personsemployed inside, 159.Alice. This is a new drift opening lo'-ated on the east side ofthe river nearly opposite the borough of Stockdale. It is owned andoperated by the Tide Coal Com])any, of Pittsburg, Pa. The interiorof the mine is not sntticiently advanced for a general description,so I will Icaxe this jiart for a future report. The outside improvements—actualand prospective—consist of a 25-foot Guibalventilating fan, running at pi'osent, diiven by an engine of 100 horsepower. The haulage plant is of the endless rope system, with tractionwheels seven feet in diameter, of five grooves each. The ropeis of steel one and one-eighth inchesi in diameter, driven by a pairof engines capable of dfneloping 200 horse power. The engine andboiler house is of steel set on brick piers, covered with corrugatediron and roofed with slate; size, 30x80 feet. The crusher is of thetwo-process variety with rollers four foet in diameter and four feetlong, with inserted tool steel teeth, each roller containing 824 teethdriven through steel gearing by an engine of 100 horse ]>owor. Theelectric plant is under the same roof as the haulage ])lant; the generatoris of 250 volts, and is driven by a 15]xlG inch engine. Th«^

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 381tipple is double decked, all maehinerj being located on the lowerdeck. A cross over dump is in use, made by the Phillips Mine SupplyComi)any, of IMttsburg, Pa.Hilldale. Air measur(»ments taken, inlet, outlet, entries 3, 6 andKisher. The ventilation and drainage is not up to the legal requirements,in parts of the mine.Tremont. General condition of the venlilalion, fair. Drainage,in parts, not in satisfactory condition.Fawcett. In operation 170 days during the year. General conditionof mine S'atisfactory.Vesta No. 1. On one ol my visits to this mine I found firedampon one of the falls in such a (luantit}' as to be dangerous should anaked light come in contact with it, as it was likely to do at any time,as persons were passing the entrance to the place frequently. On examiningthe fire boss' record book I noticed that this gas had beenreported as being present on the fall since the 10th of October, thedate of my visit being the 26th. This book shows that the dangerwas reported each day from the former date, up to and includingthe latter, 16 days in all. The following record appears on the mineforeman's report book, viz.: "I have removed all dangers reportedby the fire boss, as far as practicable." Signed, IClijah Dainty, MineForeman. Being convinced that the above I'ecord was not borne outby the facts in the case, I made information against Mine ForemanElijah Dainty before Alderman W. P. AA'arne, of Monongahela,charging him with neglecting to remove dangers after they had beenreported to him h} the fire boss and also for making false reportsii the Mine Foreman's Record Book. The cases were compromisedby the defendant paying the costs, which amounted to |16.00.Faj'ette Cit}'. In operation 270 daj^s. General condition of drainage,fair.Ventilation requires improvement in parts of the mine.Riverville. General condition of mine fair. Number of personsemployed in and about mine, 113. Entries being driven, 3.Bunola. On each visit to this mine I had to call the attention ofthe management to the condition of the mine as regards ventilationand drainage, and, while improvement has been made, there is stillroom for more.Snow Hill. Not in operation when last visit was made. Previousvisit found the mine in fair condition.Ston}' Hill. Number of i)ersons employed, 87, as follows: 78 miners,5 drivers, 2 day men, and 2 other persons. This mine has beenso worked in the i>asl that it is nearly impoi*sil»le lo perfect eitherihe ventilation oi' diainage. The present royalty is about exhausted.Knob. This mine gives em])loyment to 10 machine men, 90 loaders.I) drivers aiid 11 other persons. INIine consists of 6 butts andtwo main lace headings. The method of working the coal is prac-

282 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.ticallv the single entry sy^item. The air current is split into twodivisions.Climax. (Jeneral condition of mine, fair.Little Alps. In ojieration 214 days. Number of persons employedi:> and about the mine, 35. The coal is nearly exhausted, and veryliLlle new work is being- oi)ened.Minerintendent was called to the matter and he promised to removellie cause of (((iiiithiiiil, but before anytliing of a piadical naturecould lie (l(»ne, the mine censed operations.]\!iaes on the Monongalichi Division of the P

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 283liiil," and tho crcctidii of a ll'-foot veiitilaling Ian at the "fii'st hill"to furnish air to the openings lying north of the main entries. Theworkings lying south of the main entry are ventilated by the "gratesurface" mentioned in my annual report for 1S!)7.Acme. Among other impiovenients nia(h' at this mine during theyear was the installation of a haulage plant of the endless ropesystem. The distance which it operates is about 8,400 feet. The machineryfor operating the ro])e is located at the mine uiouth and consistsof a pair of 80 horse i)ower engines coujjled lo adrums through coui])ouiid geaiiug; the com[)oundiug of the gearing[tair of groovedis done to enable the engines to run at an ecououiical rate of spetidwhen the roi)e runs at a v(M'y slow speed, which is in this case aboutJ)() feet per minute. The ^^hole machiue is contained on a set ofIveavy housings l)olted to a foundation of brick laid in cement. Theboiler is of the hoiiy-ontal return tubular type. The rope is seveneighthsinch in diameter, goes in one ])it mouth, ])assing all the sideheadings, returns by way of the other side of the mine, passing allside headings, and letuiniug by another mouth to the tii)ple andthence to the engines, making a com])lete circuit of 8,400 feet. Allthe cross headings are operated by this rope by a system of latches;the cars are passed over the rope at the mouth of each heading andare attached to the rojie at that point. The mine cars are hauled bymules only in the cross headings, and when brought to the main headingsare attached to the rope by hand grips in trains of any convenientnumber. The capacity claimed for this haulage ])lant over thepresent road is about 2,000 tons |)er day of eiglit hours. This machinewas built by the Robinson Machine Company, Monongahela,I'enna.Fidelity,(leneral condition of mine, satisfactory.Mines on the Belle Vernon Division of the IMttsburg and Lake EiieRailroad.Cleveland. On my last examination I found the ventilationand drainage in very unsatisfactory condition in jtaits of themine. The condition of the roads was also such as to give causefor complaint. I called the attentioH of those in charg?' to the uuitterand the result was a uiaiked iniju-ovenuMit.Arnold. Geneial conditiou of \-eiitilntiou satisfa

284 REPORT OF THE BTJREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.main body of this coal is 1,000 acres, which is partially separated fromthe auxiliary 1,500 acres hj a ravine. The 1,000 acre tract is openedon the face with three main entries which will have an ultimate lengthof 6,000 feet. The first pair of butt entries to the west of the mainentries break out to daylight at the dividing ravine, from the otherBide of which three main entries on the butts will continue to thewestern boundary of the field, a distance of 5,900 feet from the mainface entries. Owing to the partial division of the field, two fans willbe required, although the coal will all be delivered to the same tipple,V. hich is ahead}' built. A 15-foot Brazil fan directly connected anddriven by steam, has been erected at the pit mouth of the 1,000 acretract. With the general system of working which is in view and thespacious airways which are being driven, this willgive ample ventilationfor many years. Preparations are now in progress for theinstallation of a fan of equal size on the 1,500 acre tract.This fan willhe driven by electricity, and, if uecessai'y, can eventually be used toassist the fan first installed; as the two parts of the mine will havean underground connection within a year. The general system ofthis development is the three-entry system for all main entries, andallbutt entries except a few verj short ones which will soon be flni&'hed.Fifty-foot pillars are left between all entries. One stoneovercast has been built and it is intended to make all pei'manent oneseither of that material or of brick. Of the three main entries in the1,000 aci-e tract, the middle one is driven 12 feet wid(^ to be us(>d exclusivelyas an airway and a traveling way. The entries ])ai-allel withthis are driven 9 feet wide and will both be laid with 40 jtound steelrails and used as motor ways. In the 1,500 acre tract the middleone of the main entries is the motor way. The entire lay out of themine is planned with referense to elctrical haulage.Rooms are turned 3.3 feet apart and driven on sights 21 feet wide,leaving a 12-foot rib which, wherever possible, will be drawn. Themanagement proposes to drive every room to its desliiialioii audhave its rib withdrawn inside of a year from the time of the beginningof the room and give 90 per cent, of the coal in place as the minimnmof their expectations.The coal is undercut by elctrical machines, thi'( e of which are nowin use. The current used is direct at 250 volts and is generated bya 100 K. W. Morgan-Gardner generatoi- belldriven by a Skinner engine.Steam is fm-nished by a 15t) hoi'se power tubular boilcM*. \uothei-boiler of similar capacity is in i>lace ready foi' foundations.The power house is 50x80 fecH, built of brick and designed with referenceto future power requirenuMils. The lipjde is built of wood withone Phillips cross-over dnni]). wijli I'oom for anotln'!'. (Iround attliis de\'

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 285coiupanj's No. 1 iiiiiic and across eomiji'y a total distanceof one and one-ball' miles. Ten tlionsand feet of entries havebeen driven, rooms developed and the mine brought up to a dailycapacity of 1,000 tons run-of-mine.Arnold No. 2. This is a shaft opening. No coal as yet has beenshipped.North Webster. When I last visited this mine the ventilation and(iiainage re(iuired improvement.Manown. On the twenty-second of March an explosion, resultingin the dealh of Mitro Turko, miner, and the severe burning of AlexanderDundgeon and William Wilson, driver and hoolwr-on, resjjectively,occurred at this mine. On investigating this accident, I foundthat previous to the explosion a machine man, William Wilson, andhis helper, made a hole through room No. 2 to No. 8, and when theyv.'ithdrew the machine, gas followed, and fired in one of their nakedlights. This was immediately followed by the main body of gaswhich had accumulated in room No. 3 becoming ignited, the flameo! which reached quite a distance on entries 83 and face, Dundgeonbeing at work on the former entry and Wilson on the latter near themouth of 33. At the time of the explosion, Turko was at work atthe face of his room, No. G, and before he could reach a place ofsafety he was overcome b}^ the afterdamp.TTis body was found nearthe neck of his room on some debris which had been dislodged by theforce of the explosion.The fireboss, Ernest Mover, admitted that he had not examined thethe entrance to room No. 3 on the morning of the twenty-second,but intended to return and do so later. An inquest was held anda verdict returned charging Fire Boss Meyer with criminal negligence. The case is in the hands of thr> ]»roper authorities for adjustment.Sheppler. When Inst visited the ventilation and drainage of thismine wore inndeiiuate. TTave since be(m informed that n marlcedchango for the better has been made in tliis connection.Description of P'atal Accidents.On January 5, at the Allecpiiiqia mine, George Woods, a miner, wasinstantly killed by fnll of roof coal. Wood wns (10 years of age Mudleaves a widow.George TTackanmkic, Finhnider, it londcr afiei' Tiiacliines, wns fatallyinjured at the Knob n)ine on January 14, l>y a bins! Ihrough .nrib. He died at the Gottnge TTos])ital at GonnellsAillc^ on Jnnuary10. The decea?

286 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doct()ut in as an angle one.'Jhis exposed (piite a quantity of slate. Under this, wliicli was withoutsupports, the deceased worked the gi-ealei- jtarl of the day.Thcunas told Hays to i)nt a post under the slate during the day butthis he did not do. AbonI 1.30 P. M. Thomas Tioticed that the slatewas vciy dangerous and lold Hays lo come from nndei- it. Haysnot doing so, Tlnunas caughl hold of liini and inillcd Hays onl, butIk' (Hays) imn)edialely weni nndci- il again, ilic icsiilt being (halif fell and crnslied his life onl. Ha.vs was 21 years of age and leftawidow.-Mitro Tniko. a loader a tier niacliim'S, age

No. 11. FIRST BITTTMINOTTS DISTRICT. 28?Josejili Mc'Feel(\v, Aincriran, iiiiiuM-, nv;is instantly killed in N'estaNo. 1 juiiie by a fall of cdal and stale on iVlarcli -!•. The deceas(dleft a Avife and seven cliildi-en. (^\'illianl llakin, a scraper after machines, was instantly killedA]>ril 27, by a fall of slate in Albany mine, llakin was 20 years ofaj;'e and single.Charles Mahoin. niinei', a«;ed 21 years and single, was fatal 1}' injuredAjjril :>(), by a fall of coal in Coal Centre mine.Andrew Tiirko. a loader aftei- machines, an as instantly killed in.ManoAMi mine >]nuv 24 by a fall of slat(\ I)eceas>(Hl was 2S years ofage and single.Alfi-ed r>latchford. miner, aged :>4 years, was instantly killed in\'esta Ko. 1 mine by a fall of rock. The deceased left a wife and fourchildi-en. This accident occni-red on dune 24.Andi-ew -Jacus, loader alter machines, was instantly killed June27 by a fall of slate, in Arnold mine. i>eceas(Ml was 27 years of ageand single.Leon Krenelcher, eni]»loyed as a nuner at the \'igilaut mine, wasinstantly killed on June 28 by a fall of ro(;k. Krenetcher left a wifeand on(^ child.On July 11 John Gocry, a loader after machines, was instantlykilled in Knob mine by a fall of slate. (Jocry left a wife and twochildren.l*eter liafferty, a miner, aged 54 years and singl(\ was fatally injuiedJuly 11, in Cincinnati mine, by a fall of roof. lie lived aboutsix days after being injured.August 18 Adam Livingstone, aged 40 years, employed as rivermanat the Anchor nune, was instantly killed I>v falling from tlie tipl)ie.Deceased left a ^ife and eight childicii.At Acme mine, on Sei)tember 1, J'aul Cokan, a miner, aged 42years, was instantly killed by a fall of slate. Cokan left a wife andtwo children.Fraulc Kobei-, a minor, aged 40 years, was fatally injured Sej)-tember 8 in Somei'S No. 2 mine by fall of slate. Deceased left a wifeand four children.John IJennett. Salem ITaiston, John Haiston, Robert Davidson.James Hall, John Cartwright, Henry Hager and William Pritchai'dwertend)er 2.3 in T^m]»ire mine by an exjtlosionof (iredamp. For more definite^ infoiination in i-egard to this accident.See descrijition of Cinpire mine.liy a fall of slate in Climax mine Reptend)er 24 John Jushansh.a ndnei-, aged 24 years, was inslantly killed. Deceased left a wifeand four childi-eu.0

288 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.killed iu tSheppkir miue by a fall of slate. Lawsou was 30 years ofage and single.Charles Mota, loader after maeliines, was instantly killed October3, in Tremont mine, by a fall of slate. Mota left a wife andone child.John Schavitch, loader after machines, was killed at Manown miueOil October 4 by a fall of slate. Deceased was a single man.George Ketchner, a loader after machines, aged 30 years, and employedat the Catsburg mine, was killed by a fall of slate October21. Ketchuer left a wife and one child.John McJ^aiighlin, loader after machines, aged 4(J years, w\^s fatallyinjured iu Dunola mine October 1*8 by a fall of slate. McLaughlirleft a wife to mourn his loss.Zachariah Powell, loader after nuichines, aged 48 years, was instantlykilled by being struck by a post iu the Knob mine, November30. Powell left a wife and four children.December 17, Henry Wind, aged 20 years, a laborer, was killed atthe Tremont mine by being run over by a railroad car; left a wifeand two children.Michael Barrett, loader after machines at Cleveland miue, wasfatally injured by a fall of slate on December 19. Barrett left a wifeand one child.On December 2G Robert Gastkill and William Black, Americans,miners, aged 17 and 4.5 years respectively, were instantly killed bya fall of slate in Umpire miue. Gastkill was a single nuin; Blackleft a wife and five children. It is not known positively w'hat timethis accident occurred, a» the bodies wer

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Official Document,"No. 11.Second Bituminous District.(ALLEGHENY, INDIANA AND WESTMORELAND COUNTIES.)Greensburg, Pa., February 14, 1899.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:Sir: I have the honor to herewith submit my report as Inspectorof Mines for tlie Second Bituminous District for the year endingDecember 31, 1808, in compliance with section II of article X of theBituminous Mining Act, approved the 15th day of May, 1893.The coal and coke trade has been somewhat improved during1898. In 1897, the total production was 9,134,797 tons of coal and2,505,350 tons of coke, while this year the production is 9,820,673tons of coal and 3,049,-537 tons of coke, showing an increase of 685,870tons of coal and 544,187 tons of coke over the output of 1897. Therehas also been a small increase inthe number of persons employed.In 1897 the number of persons employed was 12,272, in 1898 thenumber was 12,501, an increase of 229.I am sorry to report an increase of nine fatal accidents over thoseof the previous year, there being a total of thirty. As a result of thesefatalities ten wives were made widows and thirty-seven childrenfatherless. The non-fatal accidents also show an increase of four-Of the fatal accidents one occurred outsideteen over those of 1897.of the mine, the unfortunate one being a child aged four and one-halfyears, an explanation of which appears in another part of this report.At least ten of the fatal accidents might have been preventfnl,if the unfortunate persons themselves had exercised ordinary care.The others were unavoidable. The same may be said of the non-fatalaccidents, (piite a large proportion being due to carelessness on thepart of the injured persons. The number of fatal and non-fiitalaccidents and their causes are set forth in the following table:flassification of Accidents. \Fatal.Xoii falal.By mine wagons 10 17By falls of slate, 8 24By falls of roof, 5 3Bj smoke from a mine fire, 3 1By falls of coal and slate, 2 320—11—98( 305 )

306 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF JMINES. Off. Doc.Fatal.Non-fatal.By falls of coal, 1 4By lailioad cars outside of uilues, 1 1By being stiuelc by haulage rope . . 4By being struck by post, . . :}By falls of 'iiorseback.'" . . 2B^' an explosion of powder . . 1By being struck by an overhead roller on in-line, . . iBy being caught by a revolving shaft . . 1By an exi)losion of gas, . . 1B}' being caught under a cage . . 1Total, ;J0 (it;Mine v/agons have caused the greatest nunibei of deatlis and alsoconies second in the causes of non-fatal accidents, as slutwii in theaboA'e table. Fast and reckh ss dri\ ing, jumping on and otf trips andcareless handling of wagotjs, are some of the causes. The minerules, if i)roperly enforced, would remedy tliis to a great degree.Falling slate comes next in the causes of fat;il, and first in the nonfjitallist. The slate in several mines in the district is very treacherousand at no time can it be dejx'nded upon.I urge up(ni the miners to be very careful and keep it well ])osteduiitil the projter time comes for taking it down, and then to takeit down ])rom]>11y and not j.'ut it off from time to time, as is sometimesdctne. which \-ery often lesults in accidents. I urge the mineb(»sses to l)e vigilantin this nuttter.Falls of roof come next; much cjitc should be taken with theroof. It should he ke]»1 well i»(.s|c(| ;it all limes, by placing a jiostas soon as theic is room lor it and not ]>uiiiiig it olV until anotherA\agon is loaded or something else of less imjiortance is done. A carefulexaniJDalioii should be made for slips, lioi'sebacks and other defe(ts in the root, in this way many acci

No. II. «ECO¥D BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 307to coinjdy willi jlu' mine rules and to enipldv all iiecessai y safei^uardsfor theii' own jd'olect ion. Mine ollicials can also have an inipoi'tantduty to pei'foiin in keei)ino; accidents (iown to the minimum if theywill but iHMlorm (heir duties faithfully, and see that the minje rulesare eoniplieinionthe number of accidents could be greatly reduced.Summar-y of Statistics, 1898.Number of mines in the district ToNumber of mines operated during the year,GONumber of mines idle during the year, 7Number of mines opened dui'ing the year, 1Number of mines dro]>ped from the re]>ort during theyear, 2Number of persons em])loyed inside the mines, 9,383Number of ]»ersoi!s emjdoyed outside the mines, .... 3,118Total number of ])ersons em}»loyed 12,501Number of tons |2.(MI() iiounds) of coal mined during theyearNumber of tons (2,000 j)ounds) of coal used foi- steam andheat9,S20.(;73I(i7,0r)7Number of tons (2,(!00 j»ounds) of coal sold to local ti'adeand used by employes 105,250Number of tons (2,000 jtonndsi of coal shii»pe(J during theyear5,008,;i7()Nnmbei- of tons (2.000 pounds) of coke produced duringthe year 3,049,537Number of tons of coal mined for each fatal accident, . . 327,355.7NuniV)er of tons of

ia^ REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. t)oc.Number of compressed air locomotives in use insidethe mines, 1iSTumber of coke ovens in the district, 7,G46Number of kegs of i)0wder reported as used in the mines, 559Number of pounds of dynamite reported as used in themines, 5,979Number of steam boilers in use 259Number of fatal accidents during the year, 30Number of non-fatal accidents during the year, 66Number of wives left widows by fatalifies, 10Number of orphans by fatalities, 37Number of days worked by all the mines during the year, 15,378%Average number of days worked by all the mines duringthe year, 233+The business done at the mines during the year has increasedconsiderably over that of last year, as is shown by the above statistics.,The coal tonnage would have been much greater if the operatorshad been supplied with railroad cars sufficient for the demand oftheir frade. Many of the mines have been idle quite a number ofdays owing to the lack of means of transporting their product.I am glad to report that the majority of the mines in the districthave been improved in their condition in a great many respects. Theventilation and drainage especially has received considerable attentionwith very gratifying results.Two mines have been dropped from the report owing to the factthat they have not been in operation for several years and not likelyto be soon, and one new mine was opened up during the year. Sevenmines were idle the entire year.The usual statistical tables, and a nuip showing ihe workingsof the Latrobe Coal Company's mine, accompany this report. Allof which is res])ectfully submitted.C. B. ROSS,Mine Inspector Second Bituminous District.•Description of Mines and Mine Improvements in the Second BituminousDistrict.Mines on and Near the River Division of the Allegheny ValleyRailroad.Lucesco Drift.— Idle the entire year.Brael)ui'n.—This is a new drift mine in the Upper Frccjjort scam,which has Iumc an average thickness of thre(> feet ei^ht inches. The

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 309piodiiet is used for supplying steam and beat for a large steel plantwhich has been erected near the mine, and operated by the BraeburnSteel Company. Mine foreman, William Bean.Valley Camj).—This is the first report I have made of this mine.It is a drift opening in the Lower Freeport seam. The product isu«ed princi])ally at a large brick works, which is located near by, andoperated by the Kensington Brick Company. I visited this mine onJune 9th, and found ten persons employed inside. This number beingsufficient to bring it under the requirements of the law, I insistedthat some artificial means be used to produce ventilation, also thata mine foreman be employed and placed in charge of the mine asrequired by An act relating to bituminous coal mines, approved May15, 1893.I was informed shortly afterwards by Mr. A. Thomas, the superintendent,that they had reduced the number of persons employed insidebelow ten and would not employ more than nine persons at anyone time. This having been done, relieves me of any further jurisdictionover the mine at present.Plum Creek Drift.—Is located near the Icrminus of the PlumCreek branch of the Allegheny Valley Railroad River Division.The mine has been kept in very good condition during the year,both in regard to ventilation and drainage. The coal is all mined byhand and hauled by animal power to a siding outside of the mine,from whence it is hauled by a steam locomotive through two hills(from which the coal has been mined) to ;i main ]»arting, and is therelowered down an incline by gravity to the lower tipple where it isloaded on the cars for shipment. Mine foreman, Robert Doak.Sandy Creek Drift.—This mine was in very fair condition duringthe year. The quantity' of air in circulation when last measured was28,980 cubic feet per minute. The mining is all done b}' hand, andcoal is hauled from the workings by animal j*ower to a point outside,from whence it is hauled by a steam locomotive (through three hillsfrom which the coal has been mined) to the head of an inclineand then lowered by means of gravity to the foot of the hill. 'It isthen hauled a considerable distance by animal power to the head of asecond incline down which it is lowered by gravity to the tipple locatedin the valley below, where it is loaded oh the cars for shipment.Mine foreman, Joseph Corbett.Mines on and Near the Pittsburg Division of the I*ennsylvaniaRailroad.Weinman Drift.—Is a small mine employing on my last visit onlynine persons inside.Quantity of air in circulation at inlet 3,200 cubic feet per uiinute.The product is consumed by local trade. Mine forenmn, Jacob AVeinman.

''§10 ilEPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Ocean Drift.—This miiio has never at any time tlnrin«»- tlie yearEmployed more than nine persons. The i»i-oduf't goes to snpply thelocal trade. Mine foreman, Gottleib Vogele.Hampton Drift.—The general condition of this mine has been veryfair dnrinji;- tlie year. Quantity of air jtassing through the furnacewhen last measured, 1(;,S00 cul)i]>le and then loaded on cars for shipment.The general condition of the mine is fair. On my last visit the ventilatingfurnace was jtroducing 25,000 cubic feet of air })er minute,which w'as being fairly well distributed around the workings. Mineforeman, Mark James.Spring Hill No. 2 Drift.—Has been kept in reasonably good condition.On my last visit I measured 44,000 cubic feet of air per minutepassing out tUJ'Ough the ventilating furnace; 23,400 cubic feet perminute of this quantity' was used alone for clearing the smoke froma steam locomotive from the tunnel, through which the coal is.hauled.The coal is hauled by this locomotive to the head of an incline outsidethe mine from whence it is lowered by meaus of gravity to thetippl(\The product is used principally for the coaling of engiucs on thePennsylvania Railroad. Mine foreman, William B. IVIorris.Oak Hill No. 4 Diift.—A new ventilating furnace has been builtand an air shaft sunk at this uiiuc during the year. I measuredSS.IUIO cubic feet of air per minute in circulation at the outlet, whichwas being well conducted to the face of the workings. The ventilationand drainage throughont the uiiue were good. The coal is allmined by hand and hauled by animal power froui the face of thewoikings to two side tracks, one on the north and the other onthe south si(fe of the mine, fron> whence it is deliveied by the tailro]K' system of haulage to the head of an incline (outside the mine)down which it is lowered by meau!^ of gravity t«» the ti|ti>le, licnnwhich it is loa

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 311the workings extend, and the number of Si»lils of the air eiirrent nowin use.Tile kirge number of si')lits, (12), reduces the velocity in manyentries near the face until it is not sufficient to keej) them clear ofthe powder smoke given otf by blasting. The improvement in theventilation is caused by considerable work having been done in themain inlet aii' way in removing falls, and enlaiging the area and alsoby increasing the si)eed of the fan. The fan is placed near the minemouth and has a considerable distance to force the air before itreaches the workings, and I am of the oi)ini()n that the ventilatienvill not be increased a great deal so long as (he fan remains so faraway from its work.The coal in this mine is all mined by hand and Wiuled from theworking faces to the bottom of the different Imtt entries, from whenceit is delivered to the tipple outside by the endless rope system ofhaulage. Mine foreman, John Williams.Peun (jias Coal Kun Drift.—All the coal here is mined by pick, anddelivered to the tipple outside by mule hanlage. The mine is keptin very fair condition both in regard to ventilation and drainage.Mine foreman, A\'illiam Kodgers.Penn Gas No. 1 Shaft.—This mine has been kept in very favorablecondition during th« year. The quantity of air measured at the inleton my last visit was 46,1G0 cubic feet per minute, which was well conveyedto the face of the workings. The tail rope system of haulageis used. Mine forenmn, John Bolam.Westmoreland Shaft.—The ventilation of this mine has been improvedduring the year b^ sinking three shallow air shafts near thehead of the workings, which are used for inlets; new air courses havebeen driven and others are now being driven for the purpose of splittingthe air current and improving the ventilation generally. Onmy last visit to the mine I measured 75,800 cubic feet of air perminute passing in at the inlets, Avhich was carried to the face of thew^orkings.There are 21 coal cutting machines of the Harrison type— punchers—in use in this mine, also one of the chain cutter type, or what isknown as the Jeffrey machine, has lately been introduced, all drivenby compressed air. The endless rope system of haulage is used.Mine foreman, James Thompson.Pleasant Valley Drift.—Has been kept in v(^ry fair condition duringthe year, both in regard to ventilation and drainage. Air in circulationwhen last measured, 17,:^60 cubic feet per minute passing atthe inlets. This was well conveyed around the workings. The coalis all mined by hand and delivered to the tipple outside by mulehaulage. Mine forenmn, Joseph H. Powell.Hemptield Slope.—The improvements at this nunc during the year

312 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.consist of a new brick engine and boiler bouse 32x07 feet. One125 borse power tubular boiler lias been added to the plant; alsoone 2()-inch by 30-incb first motion haulage engine has been erectedoutside the mine, which operates the tail rope system of haulageinside the mine, the ropes passing down a shallow shaft. These enginestake the place of a pair of 12-inch by 14-inch geared enginesformerly located in the mine. This tail rope system of haulagedelivers the coal from a main parting near the workings to the bottomof the slope, from whence it is hauled to the tipple up the slope bythe head line system of haulage, the grade being sufficient to allowthe empty wagons to take the rope back.The ventilation and drainage is in very fair condition.The quantityof air in circulation when last measured was 34. ()()() cubic feetper minute. Mine foreman, E. B. Davis.Monastery Slope.—The general condition of this mine has beensatisfactory during the year. Cubic feet of air in circulation whenlast measured. 38,400, which was well conveyed to the face of theworkings. The haulage is done by the head and tail rope system.The product of the mine is all shipped by railroad, the manufactureof coke having been abandoned some years ago. Mine foreman,Peter Lowther.Latrobe Coal "U'orks Slope.—Has been kept in good conditionduring the year, both in regard to ventilation and drainage. On theevening of June 17. a fire occurred in this mine by which three menlost their lives and one was injured. The fire occurred in a dryingroom which had been prepared for those employed in the main dipand parallel entries (they being very wet), to change and dry theirclothing, as described more fully in the account of the accident, givenin another part of this report.This mine has been free from explosive gas, none having beenfound, to my knowledge, until August 19th. when a small (]uantitywas discovered in the main dip entry, caused by a sjuall fall of roofforming an overhead pocket.The gas wiis first discovered by M. C. Loughner, night driver, whocaused the infoiiualion to be communicated to his mine foreman thefollowing morning. The mine foreman then came to my office andrepoiled the same. I advised that a fire boss be emi)loyed at once toexamine each place in the mine before the men were allowed toenter, as required by law, also that safety lamps be used in the ]»artof the mine where gas was ])eing generntf^l. I am i>lease(l to statethat my advice was followed fully and completely, and without anyhesitation.A maj) of the mine workings accompanies this report.Mine foreman,Stephen Arkwright.M. Saxman Shaft.— \N'as in fair condition, l)ut is not bcvoiul iui-

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 313provement in ventilation. Quantity ot air in circulation when lastmeasured, 1G,3G0 cubic feet per minute. Mine foreman, John C.Dovey.Loyalhanna Nos. 1 and 2 Shafts.—Has been foundi in very faircondition during the year, both in regard to ventilation and drainage.On my last visit I measured 69,300 cubic feet of air per minutepassing in at the inlet, which was fairly well distributed aroundthe workings. These mines are connected, and the one fan producesthe ventilation for both. The tail rope ^system of haulage isin use in No. 1 mine. Mine foreman, E. W. Altman.l*andora Shaft.—Very little work has been done at this mineduring the year, but when last inspected it was in fair condition.Mine foreman, Enoch Rowley.Derry Shaft.—Was found in very favorable condition when lastinspected), I measured 68,000 cubic feet of air per minute passingin at the inlet, which was very well distributed to the workings.The electric system of haulage is in operation. Mine foreman, H.L. Henderson.Atlantic Drift.—This mine is in fair condition. Quantity of airin circulation when last measured, 28,000 cubic feet per minute. Thetail rope system of haulage is used. Mine foreman, John Baker.St. Clair Slope.—On my last visit to this mine there was 24,990cubic feet of air per minute passing through the furnace shaft, andthe quantities of air as measured at and near the face of the differententries ranged from 4,680 to 7,560 cubic feet per minute. The haulageis by the tail rope system. Mine foreman, Richard Meagher.Millwood Shaft.—The condition of this mine is fairly good bothin regard to ventilation and drainage. The wooden cage& whichhad been in use have been replaced by new ones built of steel, whichare giving great satisfaction. Mine foreman, Thomas Thomas.Lockport Drift.—This is a small operation in the Lower Freeportseam of coal, employing nine persons inside when last visited. Theworkings were in fair condition. George H. Richards was in chargeof the mine.Export Drift.—Located at the terminus of the Turtle Creek branchof the Pennsylvania Railroad. The condition of this mine was favorablewhen last inspected. The ventilation is by a 10-foot modifiedGuibal fan, which i)roduced 58,800 cubic feet of air per minute, whichwas very well distributed around the workings. The endless ropesystem of haulage is used. Mine foreman, George Carroll.Mines on and Near the Youghiogheny Railroad, which runs fromIrwin on the Pennsylvania Railroad to Sewickley, on the Baltimoreand Ohio Railroad.Penn Gas No. 2 Shaft.—This mine was found in fairly good conditionon each visit during the year. The quantity of air passing at

314 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINEri. Off. Doc.the outlet when hist measured was 72,S0() cubic feet per niiuute,which \\as well cariied uj» to the face of the workings. A new aircompressor plant is Ix'inj; installed at this mine. Also coal cuttingnuichinery is being introduced. Mine foreman, William Jamison.Penn (Jas No. 4 Drift.— Idle the entire year.Mines on and Near the Manor Branch of IIk'Pennsylvania Kailroad.Claridge Drift.^The ventilation of this min,()()() to 11,400 cubic feet per minute weremeasured near the face of ditferent entries. The coal is hauled up theslope by means of the endless rope system. Mine foreman, EdmundWhitenum.Penn Maiu»r Shaft.—AN'as in o])eration only 24 days during theyear, but when last inspected was in fairly good condition. Mineforeman, Samuel Ferguson.Mines on and Near (he AlexandiiaKail road.P»ranch of the PennsyhaniaAlexandria.—Is a drift opening, but the main jiart of the workingsare now going to the dij*. On my last visit 1 measured 51,200 cubicfeet of air ]»er minute ]!assing in at the inlet, which was being cii--culated tlirougli (he mine in (wo si>li(s. The ventilation and generalcoudidon of (he mine was in fairly good con

No. n. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 315Mint's on and Xi^ai- llic Fnitv I'lanch of tin* Pennsylvania Railroad.Puritan Slope.—This mine is (onii)arati^ely new, and has beenkept in fairly good condition dnrini; the yea?-. The ventilation is producedby a 2()-fooJ (Juibal fan, which on my last visit was producing71,500 cubic feet of air ]»er niinnt

§16 REPORT OF THE BrfREAU Of MINER. Off. Doc.Mitchell Drift.—Idle the entire year.Graceton No. 1 Drift.—Idle the entire year.Graceton No. 2 Drift.—On the evening of May 12th the large coalcrusher and washer at this mine was destroyed by fire. This causedthe mine to lay idle about five months, during which time a newcrusher and washer were jerected.This opening is in the Lower Freeport seam and the product ofthe mine is principally used in the manufacture of coke. A self-actingincline by which t^ie coal is lowered by means of gravity from amain landing in the mine to the outside near the tipple is in operalion.The mine when last inspected was in fairh' good condition,with 2.">,4()() cwbic feet of air per minute in circulation. Mine foreman,James McKechan.Mines on and Near the Southwest Branch of the PennsylvaniaKail road.Greensburg No. 1 Drift.—The condition of this mine was satisfactory'.Quantity of air passing at the inlet when last measured was32,400 cuhrc feet per minute, which was well distributed around theworkings. From 8,000 to 10,800 cubic feet per minute was measuredat and near the face of the different entries. Mine foreman, DavidClarke.Central Slope.—The condition of this mine when last inspectedwas satisfactory. The (luantity of air passing at the inlet was40,760 cubic feet per minute, which was well conveyed to the faceof the. workings. Mine foreman, William I. Morgan.South West No. 1 "A'' and"B" Shafts.—These mines are in excellentcondition, and close attention is given to every detail by those incharge. The tail rope system of haulage is in use. Mine foremen,John L. Duncan and John Whitfield.South West No. 2 Slope.—This mine has been kei)t in good conditionthroughout the year. Mine foreman, William llowath.South West No. 8 Slope.—Is in very good condition. Quantilyof air in circulation when last measured, 39,420 cubic feet per minute.The tail rope system of haulage is used. Mine foreman, Robert Hare.South W>st No. 4 Slo])e.—General condition is very good, and it iswell ventilated in all ])arts of the workings. Mine forenuin, Jose])hLogan.Mines Sitnatc'tl near the TiM-minus of the Scoitdale Branch of thePennsylvania Kailroad and the Mt. I'hnisant Bramh of the Baltimoreand Ohio Railroad.Standard No. 2 Shaft.—This mine has been kept in good conditiondurin*'' the year. (Quantity of aii' in ciicnlation when last mensurc^d.

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 317163,450 cubic feet per minute, and same was well distributed aroundthe workings. Mine i^oreman, Robert Hay.Standard Slope.—Idle the entire year.Mines on and Near the Sewickley Branch of the South West PennsylvaniaRailroad.Mammoth Shaft and Slope.—These mines have been kept in goodcondition during the year. One fan ventilates both mines and wasproducing when last measured, 117,000 cubic feet of air per minute,which was fairly well conveyed to the face of the workings. Mineforeman, David P. Brown.Noticeable among the improvements made by coke companiesthe changing of the haulage arrangementsduring the year 1898, isat the bottom of the Mammoth Shaft mine, owned and operatedby the H. C. Frick Coke Company. Mr. J. P. K. Miller is the chiefengineer of the above named company, and furnishes the followingexplanation of the changes made:MAMMOTH IMPROVEMENTS.Mammoth Works.—Consist of a slope and shaft operation,withthe accompanying ovens and buildings. With regaid to the mineworkings the shaft is located on No. 1.5 face heading, 250 feet to theright of the main slope heading.This heading is also continued below No. 15 face as the main shaftdip heading. The coal is brought to the shaft by tail rope haulage.The engines operating which were upon th

318 REPORT OF THE P.TTREAIT OF MINES. Off. Doc.ri^ht and tlie same motlicd of protection is used for a distance of00 feet. Tlie shaft timbering is supported by Carnegie stet^l "Z" barcolumns, probably tlie first to be used in such a position.The haulage engines have been ]>laced back of the shaft, in anengine room of stone and steel, similar to the shaft bottom protection.The front of the engine room is 77 feet fi'om the shaft, and isapproached throngli a biick arch U!) feet long, opening from the stoneside wall ])rotection of tlu^ landing and llirongh which ro]»es I'un.The pulling rope inns between the guides, in (he center of theshaft, to a Vmll wIuh'1, 45 feet in front of the shaft, thence out intothe mine, while the tail rojte jkisscs back of the guides, along the sideof the landing, just below the roof beams and out into the mine.The landing accommodates 45 wagons ty track is stiai*;ht and ])aral]el to theloaded track, from which it is se])arated by a stone ri^taining wall.The em]»ties are pulled up the track on a two per cent, grade to theknuckle by a small endless rope engine, which is placed in a room50 feet in front of the shaft and ]»rotec(ed in the same manner as thehaulage engine room. This engine has a drum operated by a clutchso aiiauged that \\henthe front empty wagon reaches the knuckle,(he rope can be sto])i)ed until tlu' tiip is ready to be taken into themine, without stopping tlie (Migine. The return rope of this hauhigepasses along the side of the lauding, just below the roof Ix^ains.Mutual No. 2 Drill.— Was in good condilion when last examined,with 25,440 cubic f(('t of air ]tei- minute in ciicnlat ion. Miiu' foreman,Frank Kodgers.Mutual No. '.i Sloi)e.—Was in favorable

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOITS DISTRICT. ^9slandiiig this, the iiiiiu' has hccu kept in fair coiuiition both in icj^ardto ventihition aud drainage.The air in circulation when last measured was 58,000 cubic feet perminute. There is no machinery in the mine, the hauling being doneby animal power. Mine foreman, William D('several feet.JMine foreman, James Eaton.United Shaft.—This mine is in veiy good condition. Tlic workingsare well ventilated and receive i)'ro])(M' attention. The coal isallhauled by animal power.1 have been informed by those in charge, that mechanical haulagewill be introduced into the mine in Ihc near future, but tln^ systemto be adopted has not yet been decided upon. Mine foi-enian, PatrickKeynolds.lluhi)hreys Drift.—In good condition, both in regard to ventilationand drainage. The coal is hauled fi'om the workings of the mineto the coke ovens by animal power. Mine foreman, Harry (Jardner.Marguerite Drift.—A ventilating furnace has been built in thismine during the year, which on my last visit was i)roduciiig 11,070cubic feet of air per minute. The general condition of the mine isfairly good. The coal is delivered fi-om the face of the workingsI.) the ovens by animal power. Mine foreman, Kobert Cordon.]\rines on aifd Neai' the Hempfield Branch of the Southwesl PennsylvaniaKailioad.Cre

320 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Carbon Slope.—The general condition of this mine has been verygood during the year, both in regards to ventilation and drainage.Quantity of air in circulation at inlet when last measured, 52,620cubic feet per minute. The coal is mined by pick, and is hauled fromthe working faces by animal power to the main entry, from whenceit is delivered to the bottom of the slope by a compressed air locomotive.Mine foreman, Joseph Weightman.Aroua Slope.—The general condition of this mine has been verygood during the year. The ventilation is good in all parts of theworkings. Mine foreman, William Nesbit.Madison Slope.—This mine has been kept in fairly good condition.(Quantity of air passing in at the inlet when last measured was 5;i,760cubic feet per minute, which was veiy well conveyed around theworkings. Mine foreman, James Duncan.Ocean No. 1 Shaft.—The condition of this mine has been veryfavorable during the year. On my last visit J measured 125,600 cubicfeet of air per minute passing in at the inlet, and good measurementswere obtained near the face of the different entries. The system ofworking is double entry, except the main face entries, in which casetiiree entries are driven. Six Harrison, and lour Ingersoll miningmachines driven by compressed air are in use. The hauling is alldone by animal power at present, but j)reparations are being madeto inl reduce the tail-rope system of haulage. Mine foreman, Williaml^ainl)ridge.Description of Fatal Accidents which Occurred in the Second BituminousMine Inspector's District of Pennsylvania during the Year1898.Joseph Desylveater, an Italian nn'ner, was instantly killed in PlumCreek n\ine on January 2iMh by a fall of slate, in room ]>illar 2."^. on. .second No. entry. He was working alone and it is snijjtoscd that hewas knocking coal at the time, as he was foiind with a pick in hishand under the slate.The mine foreman stated at the investigation 'fiat he was in llicdeceased's place about onehalf hour l»efore the accident hapiicncdand oi'dcrcd him to set up a i»ost. This h.-^ failed to do, licucc (lieresult.Alter a careful cxaiiiinalion of the ])la('(' 1 am of the o|tinion thaihad he carried oiil the mine foreman's instruclious (ho accidcnl wouldnot have occuircd. The coroner held an iiKjuesi ;ind a >erdic( of accidentaldeath was rendered.De('eased was .')5years of age and single.Valiant P.alah, a Polish miiwi', aged 24 years, and single, was iu:slantly killed in Soiilh West No. 2 mine on March 81h, by a fall of roof.IJalah was at woi'k on No. 11 "Shintp," 6 entry, south, when Ihe-acci

No. 11. SECONt* BlTUMlNOtrS DISTRICT. 321dout occurred, and it is believed tliat lie was drawing timber at thetime. Tlie mine foreman stated at tlie investigation that he wasin Balali's place about two hours before the accident was supposed tohave occurred and was informed by him that he intended to drawhis timber, and he requested that he be allowed two wagons in orderthat he could get all the coal out.This the mine foreman agreed to,according to his statement. He also stated that he gave orders toJoseph P"'ranks, who worked near by, to assist Balah in loading thewagons and in drawing the timber. ITe left with the impressionthat his ordei's would be carried out, but they were not, as Frankswent home alter the wagons were loaded, leaving Balah to drawthe timber alone. Balah failing to arrive at home at the propertime, Andy Kozier, with whom he boarded, went in search of himand found his body lying under the fall.John Miiliron, an American miner, widower, aged 44 years, havingthree children, was instantly killed by a fal' of coal, while atwork on room pillar No. 12 on Jennings entry in the Isabella Furnacemine, March 12111, about 0.30 A. M.Miiliron was supposed to have been working on a stump of coalabout ten feet back from the face of the ])illar, as his body was foundthere by Noble Muir, who worked on 13 pillar, and also Charles Millironand Wm. Cuinmings, who worked near by.It is supposed that the roof fell on him before those who workednear by entered their })laces, as they did not hear the fall. Afterreceiving the evidence of those who worked near by where the aiicidentoccurred, the coroner decided tliat it was an unavoidable accidentand that a jury was not necessary.William Friend, an American miner, aged 34 years, and single, wasso seriouslj' injured March 21st, in Madison mine by a fall of coal andslate that death resulted about two hours thereafter. The deceasedwas at work in room 2G, oft' 8 entry, and at the time of the accidentwas ''bearing in" when a slab of coal and slate fell upon him. Aninquest was held and a verdict of accidental death rendered.Paul Wisdos, a Hungarian miner, aged 25 years, and single, wasinstantly killed in the \Miitney mine on March 22d by a fall of roofwhile at work on room pillar No. 10 on 7 Butt off 4 left face entry.At the time of the accident he was engaged in mining a small,stump of coal w liich had been left to help suj>poi't the roof until theywere ready to draw the timber, and while thus engaged the roofsuddenly gave way, crushing the stumj* of coal and also the timberaround it.I was informed by Steve Maholick and John Martinsko, whoworked with Wisdos, that he tried to escape but could not. Theyalso stated that they both reciuested him to come away fi-oni the21—11—08

322 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. n,.p.stuiiip in i)l

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 323OD the night of Juiu' 17th, by whicli John Angcrci-, an Ausliian miuer,aged 25 years; Albeit I'rybhx-k and Jolm W'illc, Polish miners, aged25 and 27 years respectiNcly. lost their li\erintend('Tit, andI'eter Lowthei-. mine feu'eiiKin, of the Monastery mine, who renderedvaluable aid. The work of rescue was kept nj) dniiug the night andon the morning of the ISth, about 5 o'clock, we had the fire well undercontrol and ju'oceeded to look for the men. Mr. A. F. Downing, superintendentof the ^louastery uiinc, Mr. Peter Lowther, mine foreman ofthe same mine, iMr. Stephen Arkwright, mine foreman of the Latrobemihe, and myself, constituted th(» searehing party. We went to theface of the dip entry and ]>arallel where the men had been working,but they were not thei-e. ^\'e then proceeded back, traveling the

324 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.parallel to main dip entry until we came to No. 13 "Butt" entryparallel. We traveled up this entry a short distance when we heardsome one ahead of us. On arriving at the place we found JosephMarch and John Augerer. March was still living. A short distanceabove we found Albert Pryblock, while John Wilk was found atthe face of No. 13 "Butt" entry. The bodies were removed to thesurface where medical aid was in waiting. March being still alive,was taken to his home and cared for, while the bodies of Angerer,Pryblock and Wilk were removed to the undertaker's where theywere prepared for burial.We then proceeded to ascertain, if possible, the cause of the fire,and the coal and slate which the fire caused to fall from the roofupon the stove were removed and the stove was found intact, thewick in the burner being practically level with the tube, which showedconclusively that the flame in the stove had been very small. Thosein charge of the stove stated that it had not been filled with oil duringthe day.After the stove and room had been carefully examined, the suppositionof those present w^as that the fire was caused by some person orpersons entering the said drying room with an open light(the employesall used open lights in this mine), which coming in contactwith the clothing and not being noticed by the party or parties onleaving the said room, the fire spread to the coal.A copy of the verdict of the coroner's jury is appended.Westmoreland County, ss.Inquisition indented and taken at Latrobe, in the County of Westmorelandaforesaid, on the 18th day of June, A. D. 1898, before me,J. B. Owens, coroner of the county aforesaid, upon the view of thebodies of John Angerer, Albert Pryblock and John Wilk, then andthere lying dead, upon the oaths and affirmations of John V. Toner,L. W. Fogg, John C. Stockberger, P. C. Toner, C. C. Albert andGeorge S. Owens, good and lawful men of the county aforesaid, whobeing duly sworn and affirmed diligently to inquire and true presentationmake on behalf of the said Commonwealth, when, where,how and after what manner the said deceased came to their deaths,viewed the bodies of the said deceased and having heard the evidence,hereby certify and return upon their oaths and atfirniationsaforesaid that the said John Angerer, Albert Pryblock and JohnWilk, came to their deaths by suffocation caused by the burning ofthe drying room in the mines of the Latrobe Coal Com])any. Thatthe fire originated through the carelessness of some employe or eml)loyesnot known to this jury, going through said drying room withlighted lamps on their or his head in violation of orders, and furtherwe, the coronei- and jury aforesaid, fully exonerate the Latrobe CoalCompany from all responsibility for said accident.In witness whereof, as well the said coroner, as the jurors aforesaid,

No. 11. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 325have to this inquisition set their hands and seals. Dated the dayand year and at the place first above written.^*J. B. OWENS, Coroner.JOHN V. TONER,L. W. FOGG,JOHN 0. STOCKBERaEK,P. 0. TONER,C. 0. ALBERT,GEORGE S. OWENS.Neils Sonneg, a miner boj', aged 14 years, and of Swedish jiarentage,was instantly killed in Carbon mine on June 2Sth, by a fall of dilate.]Ie was at work with his father at the time.James Tray, an Irish miner, aged 45 years, and having a wife andeight children, was instantly killed by a fall of slate on July 8th,'while at work in his room in Larimer mine.After a careful examination of the place, I am of the opinionthat he took all possible means to protect himself. At the time ofthe accident it was supposed that he was trimming the "rib," as hewas found near the same with pick in hand. I found the room ingood condition, everything indicating that he w^as a good and carefulminer.Alexander Szezepk, a ]*olish miner, aged 2.j years, and married, butno children, was instantly killed by a fall of roof on July 30th, whileat work in No. 1 "A" Shaft mioe.He was at work in company with Mike Kubulish, and was engagedin mining a small stump of coal preparatory to making a fall. Kubulishstated that there were two i:>osts standing near the stump, butthe roof suddenly fellthe deceased.crushing the posts and the stump of coal alsoB. Brindlinger, a German mine laborer, aged 68 years, and a widower,employed on the main haulage road in No. 1 ''A" shaft, wasinstantly killed by being struck by a trip of loaded wagons on August15th. Just how the accident occurred is not positively known, as noone was near at the time.Mr. Wm, Ramsay, the superintendent, passed down the haulageroad shortly before the accident and saw Brindlinger at No. 2 curverepairing a shicAe. The supposition is that he fainted and fell onthe road, as it was made kno^^n after the accident that he had forsome time ju'eviousi been subject to fainting spells when at home, butthis was not known by any of ihe mine otTicials until after the accidentoccurred.I was informed that he had been employed on the haulage road forabout eight years.Harry O'Heran, an Irish miner, aged 3G years, having a wife andtwo children, was so seriously injured by a fall of slate in PennGas No. 1 mine on August 23d that he died live hours later.

326 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Kodi N'auiick, an Austiiaii miiuT, aged li2 years, and single, wasinjured August 22d in Oak Hill mine by a fall of slate whieli resultedin his death some twelve hours after.John Hobret, a cljild aged 4| years, of Polish parentage, was instantly killed by being run over by a train of empty eoke ears on uside tiack at the standard mines on August 24th.Benjamin Clark, a Scotch miner, aged 41 years, and single, wasinstantly killed by a fall of roof while at work in the Standard mineson September M. Clark was engaged in drawing No. 4 "Butt" '^trystumjts oil D right. He went to Ko. 11 room pillar where a youngerbrother and Daniel McCarthy were at work, and commenced to assistthem in drawing their timber, and while so doing was caught, w'iththe above stated result.' On September Dtli i^'orman liarkley. an American trapper boy.aged 15 years, was so badly injured in the Oak Hill mine by IxMUgcaught betAveen a wagon .ind coal i»illar that death resulted sometwenty-four hours afterwards. This accident happened near theentrance to No. 4 "Butt" entry where the boy was engaged in trappinga door.Tlu're was a shel1(^r hole on tlu' left side of the road for protectionand safety while trips were passring. This it seems w.is used untilthis time, when he opened the door and remained on the narrow side.Shortly before the ti-ip rty wagon and the wagon runniiig u]Km him. Hisback was broken, and he was immediately sent to the West PennHositital at ritlsburg. where he died on Octobe?' ISth.Andrew Call, a driver, a Slav, was instantly killed Sej)lember 20lhby being caught between a wagon and coal })illai' in rinitau tuiue.(Jail had biought a wagon from the face of No. i;> room on No. 2 Buttoil 1st right face eiili-y. On reaching the mouth of the room hesto]>j»ed as usual to take the mule from in fituit of the wagon, as thegrade on this enliy is tcio lieaxy to all

No. 11, SECOi^b BITUMINOUS btSTRICT. S^Tbetwoon the wagon and coal pillar, and the icai' end ol the wagon wasotT tlio track. (Jail had placed himself between the rear end of thewagon and coal pilhir on th'e h)w side of (he ro;id to [)n!-:h the wagonfioni the parting, and in attempting to do so he fcrced it olT the tracld rJames Torrcnce, an American drivei*, was instantlykilled by a wagon running on him in >\0. 21) room on entryNo. 12,in the Millwood shaft mines.Just how th(^ accident occurred is not positively known, as no onewas present at the time. After a careful examination of the ]>lace,I am of the opinion that he was caught by a ]>ost which stood nearthe road side in the mouth of a cut-through, which caused him tofall from the end of the wagon. He left a wife and four children.John Korabbin, a Slav miner, aged 43 j'ears, having a wife and fourchildren, was injured in ^lammoth shaft mine, by being caught betweena wagon and ])ost while moving the wagon in his place of work.Tliis accident occurred on August 23d, and at the time it was not considered serious. However, his injuries took a dangerous turn andhe died on October Hth.By a fall of slate in Tenn Oas No. 1 mine on October 25th, ThomasI>avis«, a Welsh miner, was so seriously injured that lu died whilebeing taken home. He was 40 years of age and single.On November 2d Bernard Mullen, an Ti'isli miner, aged 45 years,and single, was so seriously injured at Alexandria mine by a fallof coal that death resulted some twenty minutes afterwards.Charles Smith, an American trapper boy, aged 1.5 ,Veai's, was fatallyinjured at the IMeasant Valh'y mine November 2d by l»eingrun over by a slate ear outside the mine.The deceased had finislied his day's work and got on a slate car,which was on the rear end of a trip, to ride out. On reaching theoutside, Smith stood upright on the wagon, which was cut loose fromthe tri]) near a switch used for a dirt dump. He jumped from th:^ carand in fi'ont of it and liefore he could I'ecover liims(df the slate carwas upon him.I was informed by persons who were near the car at tlie time thatthey tried to stoj) tlie car, but could not. He w'as removed to theGreensburg Hospital, where he died on the following da.\.Harry Mclntyre, an Ameiican driver, aged 30 years, and single, wasso severely injured at the Monastery mine on November 11th thai hedie

328 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.that the mule kicked him off the trip and in falling he was canghtbetween the wagon and coal pillar, receiving injuries which resultedin his death.Lindsay Pondexter, colored, a miner, aged ;'.7 years, was so badlyinjured by a fall of slate in the Hampton mine on November 21st thathe died seven days afterwards.This accident happened in room 16 on 14 entry and at the time thedeceased was engaged in "bearing in."I was informed by James Joice, who a.«;isted in removing the slatefrom him, that Pondexter stated on his way home that the accidentwas due to his own carelessness. He left a wife and two children.

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Official Document, No. 11.THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT.(ARMSTRONG, BUTLER, CLARION, INDIANA, JEFB^ERSON, LAWRENCE,MERCER, WESTMORELAND AND BEAVER COUNTIES.)Mercer, Pa., February 8, 1899.Hon. James ^\^ Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:Sir: In complijince with Section 2, Article X, of the Bituminousmining act, approved the 15th day of May, 1893, I hereby submit myannual report of the inspection of mines of the Third Bituminousdistrict for the year ending December 31, 1898.There has been a great reduction in the number of fatal accidentsduring the year; there were ten fatal casualties in the year 1897, butonly three during 1898. This is certainly a very gratifying report.Two of the three accidents were, practically speaking, unavoidable,while the other one might have been prevented had ordinary carebeen exercised by the victim. In fact, the place where Morgan wasinjured was one of the safest to work in I ever saw in a mine. He receivedhis injuries in a very unexpected manner, and at the time hesustained them it was thought that they were not of a vei*y seriousnature; however, he died in four days thereafter.Although many of the mines were entirely idle for two or three(uonths during Ihe year, I find that the production of coal has increased by 363,783 tons over that of last year. The mines in Mercercounty were idle for three full months, which was the result of adisagreement between the miners and mine (>perators as to the pricesto be paid for mining in accordance with th(; Chicago agi'eement, and(he mines in Butler, Lawrence and Beaver counties experienced muchbroken time from a similar cause.The following table sets forth the number and causes of the fataland non-fatal accidents during the je^r:Classification of Accidents for 1898.Orphans.Falls of roofFalls of coalBy mine wagons, ...Miscellaneous causes.Total(343)

344 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.In the following table will be found u summaiy of the statisticsgathered from the official returns sent to this office by the coal companiesof the district for the year:

No. 11. THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 345Moditiciilioii of the Single Entry System of Extraelinj;;- the Coal Seamsand the Adoption of Fans Instead of Furnaces for VentilatingPurposes.As a necessai-y evil, tlie single entry system of extracting the coalseam has been adopted at a very large number of the mines in thisdistrict. Its sujtposed cheaimess has been (he great considerationin favor of the adojition of this system and no amount of argunu'ntadvanced to disi>r()ve of this eri-oneous method seems to have mucheffect on the mine managers who cling to the old nu^hods of theirforefathers, rather than fall in with the moic modern and economicones. If this system cannot be eliminated entirely, tlien the nextbest plan would be to oHer some suggestions relative to its modificationor imi)ro\('nient.1st. I would saggiest that wherever the single entry plan has beenadopted, that the entry be driven to its boundary line, followed withan air course, befoie any rooms are allowed to be turned tlierefrom.This work being completed, then begin atthe boundar^^ line to extractall of the coal by sections worked on the retreating system.This can be done either by the pillar and room method, oi' by a modificationof the long wall plan. Ky the adoption of this methodscpieezes would be avoided and efficient ventilation maintained atthe face of the workings.2d. If the above method was too long a st(^p to take for a beginning,they could uu)dify the |)lau and still make a gr^Nit improvement on thepresent one, as follows: Drive the entry with a solid air course on oneside of it as before mentioned, making cut throughs no oftener thanthe extreme limit of the law (as to distance) required, having saidcut throughs so i)laced as to serve the purpose of a room neck whenthe coal would be taken from that side. As the entry w as advancingturn rooms on one side of it only. Before turning any rooms, drive theentry at least one hundred feet. The rooms turned off' the entryshould be driven in couplets or 'triplets, that is, the entry pillarshould only be cutat such distances apart as to serve the purposeof a room neck and as an exit for the wagons to the eiitr}- for thesegroups of rooms, instead of cutting the entry pillar so many timesor making a neck for each room. By this method the entry pillarwould be strengthened very materially, thus avoiding annoying andexpensive scpu'ezes and insuring a greater ^illars would have to be determined by the surioundingnatural conditions. After the coal had all been worked out on theone side of the entry, then the other side could be attacked beginningat the boiindiiiy line and working on the retreating system inlimitedsections until all of the coal was secured. This modification of thesingle entry svstem has in a limited way been tried and it has proven

346 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.to be very beneficial in insuring a greater degree of safety to theworkingmen, and much better sanitary conditions in the mines havebeen secured. With careful and methodical managers in charge ofthe mines there should not be any necessity for leaving any of thecoal seam go to waste in them after all the narrow work has beendriven and paid for. The system which prevails now at some of themines in the district of carrying the room road up the center of roomsAvitli the idea of not recovering the room ribs, thereby leaving atleast from twelve to twenty-five per cent, of the coal seam go to wasteis certainly an outrageous mining method. All room roads should bekept close to the room ribs with the view of extracting all of thecoal. If improved methods of working out the coal seam wereadopted and good drainage maintained, all room ribs (unless in a fewexceptional cases) could be taken out safely and economically, especiallywould this hold true in mines where the coal seam lies abovewater level.Ventilation.In order to maintain good sanitary conditions in mines at allseasons of the year, even after a change in the system of workingout the coal seam has been inaugurated, where air courses of largearea have been driven and the great multiplicity of doors, which arenow in use by reason of working by the single entry system eliminated,it is still necessary to substitute reversible fans in the placeof furnaces at the mines in order to secure efficient ventilatingpowers. At present nearly all of the drift mines are ventilated byfurnaces and in nearly all cases the furnace shafts are shallow withthe top of them located on the side of the hill from fifty to sixtyfeet higher than the mouth of the drift openings or inlets, and owingto this difference of elevation between the two openings at someseasons of the year the natural forces (difference of pressure andother agencies) are acting entirely "against the furnaces, thereby almostdestroying or at least greatly reducing theii- efficiency. If, however,reversible fans were used, these natural forces could be utilizedand made to assist, at all times, the mechanical power of the fans.If all these enumerated improvements were accomplished facts at themines, there is still another important factor to be considered in connectionwith this problem in order to secure the beneficial results weall so much desire, and that is, the mine foreman. In order to obtaingood results, the mine must be in charge of a conscientious, intelligent,active and methodical nune foreman, who shall attend strictlyto duty, attend to all of the details of the mine, such as kee]»ing agood sujiply of materials in the mine for necessary use; keepingthe aircourses and ditches clean, seeing that he brattices for guidingthe air currents are kept in good condition and that strict

No. 11. THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 347discipline is maintained among the men under his charge and thatall rooms and entries are being driven according to plan.All this,however, cannot be done by the mine foreman sitting outside of themine the greater part of the day, nor when he acts in the capacity ofa mule driver or a weighmaster or by sitting around working out hisplans on paper. Tlans to be of any value must be executed, notsometime in the future, but when necessary. Very much dependson the mine foreman wlu^thcr or not the mine is in a good, bad or indifferentcondition.Description of MinesMines Situaled along the Allegheny Valley Kailroad in Armstrongand Clarion Counties.There are eight mines along this railroad in active operation at thepresent time—three of which (Riverview, Pine Creek and Beale No.2), have experienced much broken time during the year while theother five (Glen, Monarch, Catfish Run, Eagle and Mineral Ridge)have been in operation nearly full time. The Hardscrabble, Mahoningand ( 'hurch Hill mines are not now in operation. The BealeNo. 2, Glen and Pine Creek mines are opened on what is known asthe Upper Freeport coal bed and the other five aic o])ened on theLower Kittanning seam. Roth coal seams range in height fromabout three feet to three feet six inches. They are also overlaid witlia very strong, compact strata, thereby insuring to the miners reasonablysafe ])laces in which to labor. The mining of coal in this regionis all done by pick except at the Monarch mine, where two Sullivanmining machines have been put in operation to do part of theundercutting of the coal. The system adopted in working out thecoal at these mines is that of single entry except at the Riverviewand INIonarch mines, where they are worked by the double entryplan. The furnace is the prevailing ventilating power in this portionof the district, excejjt at the Riverview mine where a sixteen footdiameter fan is used for the purpose. Excellent sanitary conditionscan be maintained in all of tliese mines at a very trifling cost per tonof coal ]ti()(luce(l. Nature has been lavish in her contributionstowards making it possible for sanitary conditions to jtrevail at alltimes in tliese mines, jaovided the officials having charge of the miningoperations have the necessary knowledge and will contributetheii' share to obtain this very desirable end by doing their duty.During my last visit to the mines in this region I found in all of tliema lawful suppl}' of air in ciiculat iou, with !lie distribution of it verygood. The drainage in nearly all of these mines was faultless. Duringthe sumnu'i- months at such mines it rcipiires extreme vigilanceon the part of the ollicials in cliarge to keep the sui)i>ly of air up tothe legal retjuirements owing in a large measure to the natural forces

.348 REPORT OP THE BLfREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.at that season of the year being against The ventilating fninace.This difSculty could be obviated by the operators substituting reversiblefans for furnaces, as by this means the natural forces could bemade to assist the artificial power at all seasons of the year. Adetailed report of each mine in this region need not be given, as theconditions existing in each are almost identicsil only that the quantityof air circulating in each varies.At the Glen mine a ventilating shall sixty feet deej) and five feetin diameter has been sunk and a six foot fnrnace has been built atthe bottom thereof. The furnace at the time of my last visit Avasproducing -14, 000 cubic feet of air per minute.At the Monarch mine a compressed air ]>!ant has been installeddui-ing the year and they have now two Sullivan coal cutting machinesin operation.At the Eagle mine the tail rope system of haulage has been ad(>i>tedduring the year. The coal is hauled from a station inside of the mineto the check house, a distance of IJOO feet. This new [tower will

No. 11. THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 349the summer months for such a mine, but in (he winter season it willgive more efficient results. I found a sufficient volume of air in thismine at my last visit.Fairmount JNIines Xos. 1 and '.^, 2 and 4, are very large operationsand extend over a very large area. The underground workings ofthese mines are all connected, and from the extreme side of theworkings of Nos. 1 and :> mine to the extreme boundary of No. 4workings cover a distance of at least three miles. In the Nos. 2 and4 mines I found ample ventilation in all i»arts and the' greatest ofcare was being exei-cised by the undergroinid officials to protect thelives and health of tliosc employed thcrc^in. I did not tind as largea volume of air in the Nos. 1 and 3 workings as I had found there onprevious visits. The shortage of air at the face of the workingswas caused no doubt by changing the course of (he ventilation andthe reversing of the fan. JNIuch is being done to maintain gooddrainage in these mines. The total volume of air circulating in allof these mines was 84,00t) cubic feet per minute. At No. 4 minean additional air compressor has been added to the air compressorplant and eight more mining machines have been put in operation,making a total of tifteen machines now at work. Most of the coalproduced here is being mined by these machines.At the Oak Kidge mine much broken time was experienced duringthe summer months owing to the lack of tsade. During my visitsto this mine I measured a sufhcient quantity of air in circulation butI found some of the hauling roads very muddy.At the Carrier mine I measured a sufficient volume of air circulatingin the inner workings. The drainaue was reasonably good.A new ventilating furnace was built during the year.Mines Situated in the Keynoldsville llegion, Jetferson County.There are eight mines in this r(^gion, all in oi>"ia(ion.These minesare opened on the Lower Freeport coal seam.Big Soldier Run and Sprague are the large coal ])roducing minesin this division of the district. They have, practically speaking, beenin operation full time during the year and have been giving employmentto about 1,000 workmen of all classes. There are 2(;2 cokeovens in full o]>eration at this jdant now, and they ar

350 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.powder smoke to a very great extent.only produce from eighty toInstead of having fans whichninety thousand cubic feet of air perminute, one with a capacity of two hundred thousand cubic feet of airper minute will be required to keep the mine in a healthful condition.Although the lawful quantity of air was being produced here at theinlets, yet I cannot say that these two mines were well ventilatedowing to the excessive amount of powder smoke that is allowed tobe in them at all hours of the day. I find (in order to have efficientventilation) there is too much open or broken work now at thesemines, making it extremely difficult to properly ventilate all portionsof them when such conditions exist. The company has donewell along the lines of keeping these mines in reasonably healthfulconditions in the past, but the older the mines get to be, the moredifficult will it be to ventilate them properly. I trust that tin- niiucofficials will ever keep in view the sanitary conditions of tlie uiiiicsas well as that of keejung up the output of coal. The drMiuagc ofthese two mines is very good.At Hamilton mine, since my last report, oiining m.-uhincs havebeen introduced to undercut the coal. Although tlic mine has uotbeen in operation very steadily during the year, it has been crowdedwith men, whereas about one-half of them could do all the work thatis to be done. A six foot Clark fan has been erected to produce ventilationand an attempfis being made to construct two air splits, butfor lack of material they were not comi)leted at the time of my lastvisit.This fan has not the capacity to produce sufficient ventilationfor such a large mine. In fact such a fan is not designed to domuch work. They may ventilate the workings of a small minewherein fewer than one hundred men are employed and the coal territoryof very limited area, but they are practically useless for extensiveoperations.Maplewood and Virginia mines are both new drift openings andare both operated by the Jell"erson-( Uearfield Coal and Iron Company,with John II. Bell as superintendent for both mines, .lohn Ward ismine foreman at the IMaplewood mine, while Peter Kob( rison acts ina similar capacity at the Virginia. The undercutting i.f the coal atboth places is done by Harrison iiiacliines. There is an air comjH-essorand two boileis at each iiiiiic The coal is hauled by th"tail rojie system at each opei-ilion and Ihe mines are ventilatedby ChirU tans aiiles. chutes and otheroutside sIriM Miles at holli phices aic all of a very substantial character.I tnniid tlic mines in good coinlitioii both in regaid to \eiitilation and drainage.The Henry and Sherwood mines wei e both ininvery good conditionregard to ventilation and drainage.Bloomington mine has been ojierated very unsteadily dniing the

ThisNo. 11. THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 351^Li.v. 1 aid not tiiul it in operation at eitlioi' of tlie last two visits Imade. The company has erected a Stine fan, ten feet in diameter,and it was producini>- ?.(),()00 cubic feet of air per minute and the mostof it was being carried to the face of the workings m two splits.At the last examination I made of the mine I found it in excellentcondition generally.Mines Situated inBeaver and Lawrence Counties.There are eleven mines in this division of the disti-ict and all arein active operation at present except the l*enn, which has done nobusiness since last February or March.Thompson Kun mine is in very good condition, except that theair current was not quite strong enough at the face of No. 4 buttentry. The lawful amount of air was measured near the face of theprincipal parts of the mine, liowever.Sterling mine was very well ventilated. At one point in theworkings the drainage was somewhat defective but this would beremedied a few days after my visit. The tail rope system of haulagehas been introduced at this mine during the year.The Butts Cannel Coal mine was in excellent condition l»oth as regardsventilation and drainage.At State Line mine there was a large volume of air being producedwhich was fairly well distributed to the different portions ofthe mine. Some of the air courses were not kept as clean asi theymight have been. .mine was reasonably well drained.Mehard mine w\as in very fair condition. There w^as more thana sufficient volume of air being produced but much of it was lostthrough leakage at defective brattices before it reached the men atthe face of the workings. The drainage except at one point ofthe mine was reasonably good. Some mud was allowed to accumulateon the hauling roads, however.Excelsior No. 2 is a small operation. There are only a few acresof coal to be taken out of this opening. I found the mine very Avellventilated. The nuiin hauling road at one or two i»oints was verymuddy.Rock Point mine was found in very good condition generally. Theventilation was in sullicient volume which was fairly well distributedto all parts of the mine. The drainage was good.Beaver mines Nos. 1 and 2 were in excellent condition. A sulhcientquantity of air was being produced in each mine and the aircurrents w?.There are twelve mines, xr/.: PJackstoiie, Bagdad No. 2, West34

352 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.1 eiiii, Iviveiview. Leechbui'ji Xo. 4, Pine Riiu, Avoiunore. Bealc Xo.1, Kiik]fatii(k. Haddon, Ken- and (Jil|»in, located along this railroad.They are all opened on the f^anle seam of coal (Upper Freei>ort) exceptthe Avonmore mine, which is opened on the Pittsburg coal bed. Thesame general system (single entry plan) of v^orking ont the coal preyailsat all of these mines except at the Avonmore, where the doubleentry system, has been adopted. The power used ar al lof themines for producing yen(ilati(ui is the furnace. ^Vt eleven of thesemines the existing natuial conditions are all fayorable to insuringsafety to the workingmen enijdoyed therein.At the Ayonmore minethe natuial conditions are unfavorable. In the former the seam isnot thick and it has an excellent roof, while at the latter the seamIS high and it is oyerlaid by a poor roof; however, owing to' theextrcMue caic taken by both miners and ofticialsvery few accidentsoccur in Avonmore mine. At all of these mines I found exctdlentsanitary conditions i>revailing and the law being comitli'Ml with.The only exception was jiossibly at the Beale Mine No. 1, where theywere short of air at the face of the main entry but tiiis defect hasbeen remedied (1 am informed) since my last visit to it. The coml»anyoperating the Beale mine has sunk a new air shaft and buillfurnace thereat, which is located near the very face of the workings.In fact the air shaft A\as about completed at the date of my lastvisit.Mines Situated along the P>essemer, Pittsburg and Lake Erie Kailroadand in other parts of llutler and INIercer rounties.There are at present foui-tceu mines in ojx-ratiou in this ]»art of thedistrict. P^nteijMise mine, ol I'utlci- county, and Spears mine, ofMercer county, are not now emjdoyinjj a suHicii'ut number of personsto bring them undei- the i)rovisi(»ns

No. 11. THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 353JMiziKH' luiiic had a sutlicient (inantUy of air iu circnlatiou. Muchof the ail- was losi lluoii^h k^akaj^'e before it reached the face of theworkings. Tlie total volume of aii- was being conveyed to the worklagsin two separate ciirients, whereas one current would ha\'ebeen more ehectiv*'. Owing to the leakage of the air I found it weakat some of the inner workings. The drainage at one point was defective.This defect would be remedied forthwith.The Stage nun

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Official Document, No. 1Fourth Bituminous District.(TIOGA, POTTKK, BRADFORD, LYCOMING, CLINTON, CAMERON, Mc-KEAN AND ELK COUNTIES, AND ALL THE MINES IN CLEARFIELDCOUNTY ADJACENT TO THE LOW GRADE DIVISION OF THE AL-LEGHENY VALLEY RAILROAD; ALSO THE MINES ADJACENT TOTHE CLEARFIELD AND SUSQUEHANNA I'.RANCH OP THE PENN-SYLVANIA RAILROAD; ALSO THE MINES ADJACENT TO THE BUF-FALO, ROCHESTER AND PITTSBURG RAILROAD IN JEFFERSONAND CLEARFIELD COUNTIES.)Hon. James \N'.Ulossbuij;, Ta., Fcbiuaiy 14, 1891).liaUa, Sccretaiy of Internal Affairs:Sir: I liei'ewitli submit my annual report as Inspector of Mines forthe Fourth Bituminous District of Pennsylvania for the year endinjjfDecember :>Ist, lS!),s, tojiether with statistical tables compiled fromthe operators' repoits returned to my ottice. The r(^turns show anaggregate increase of !)!"), 001 tons over that of the preceding year,which is due largely to steady emjiioynu'iit thi'oughout the district.The total number of fatal casualties were greater than during thepreceding year. Five of these can be chissed as purely accidental,and the others were largely due to lack of proper care on the part ofthe A'ictims. The number of non-fatal casualties is less than for thepreceding year. (Mie additional ventilating Ian was erected, and thegeneral condition of the mines continues to be imi)roved throughoutthe district. The nature and cause of the several accidents will befound more fully described in the table of accidents appended to thisre])ort.Kesjtectfully submitted,.lAMFS N. PATTERSON,Insi>ector.Mining Statistics.Number of mines in dish'ict 68Total |»roducli(tu in tons of coal, 7,r)l(i.!)44Total production in tons of coke 5T.'>,.')4!)Quantity of coal in Ions used for steam and heal !)(;,:>82Sold to local trade and used by emjiloyes 40,958Kailroad shipmeiils in tons of coal 5,!)()5,S7!)Number of days worked 7,574Number of j)ersons emjdoyed, 9,962Number of fatal accidents,X535( 367 )

368 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. DocNumber of non-fatal accidents, 28Number of kegs of powder used as per operator's report, . . 46,154Number of pounds of dynamite used, 30,995Number of steam boilers, 132Number of horses and mules, 932Number of 'mine locomotives, 25Number of coke ovens, 1,519Number of tons produced per each fatal accident 409.809Number of tons produced per each non-fatal accident, . . . 268.462(Jlassitication of Fatal Accidents.By falls of coal 3By mine cars, 3By falls of roof 8Powder explosion, 2Total, 16Classification of Non fatal Accidents.By falls of coal, 11By mine cars, 5By explosion of i)owder, 5By falls of roof, 6By bull wheel, 1Total, 28JetTerson ( 'Oiinty.(Marion Nos. 1 and 2.—Were closed during the year from exhaustionof available coal.\>'est Clarion.— Located about one mile west of BrockwavN illc, is anew mine ojK'ned up by the North Western Mining and KxchangeCompany during the year, which commenced loading c(>al about thetiist of March. This mine is equii>ped with a complete electricaliiiiiiing mnchinc plant, the machines being of the cutter chain \\]h'.made by the -letTrey Manufacturing Company of Columbus, Ohio, ol'which there are nine in use at this mine. The production of coal at thismine is about one thousand tons daily, which is being increasedas fast as developnuMits can be made. Ventilation is produced bya furnace at i)r('sent, which is to be changed to a fan as soon as themine has been sufficiently developed.Clarion No. 4.—Owned by the same comjiany, located at the Elkcounty line, was found in good condition. John Cunningham, mineforeman.

No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 369Claiioii No. 5.—Owned by the same eonipaiiy, was found in faircondition as to ventilation. Archie Donaldson, mine foreman.IJrotk Mine.—Leased and operated by Joseph Reily & Co, wasnot found in very satisfactory condition as to ventilation and drainage.Henry J. Thomas, mine foreman.Kurtz Mine.- -The coal of the front hill is exhausted and they arenow mining from the second hill. The coal is hauled by steam locomotivepower through a tunnel in the front hill. The ventilation isproduced by furnace power at present, and the mine was found ingood condition.Walston No. 1.— lias been idle for some time, and recently theymade a 20 foot rock tunnel in order to reach new territory. Ventilationat face of workings was not good.Walston Nos. 2 and 3.—At these mines they have made a newmanway, erected a new fa'n and a shaft 116 feet in depth. Headingsare being driven to connect with the Elk Run shaft for drainage.Four tubular steam boilers have been added to the compressorplant, making 17 in all. The ventilation in some parts of these minesis not good. John Lowther, mine foremUn.Walston No. 4.—Is a new mine opened ujj during the year with acapacity of 800 tons daily. They use an Ingersoll compressor todrive the coal cutting machines; roj)e haulage and a A«entilating fanhave been installed. It was found in good condition.Coal Glen Nos. 2 and 8.—Were found not in good coiulilion as toventilation at the face of the workings.Coal Cilen No. 4.—Was found in good condition.mine foreman.Adrian Mine.—This mine was in fair condition.John M. Jones,During the yearthey have consolidated the haulage of two principal headings, the()tli and 7th left, by means of a road diiven at an angle of 45 degreesthrough the pillars between these headings, enabling a com])ressedair locomotive to haul coal from both headings to (5tli left side trackat main slope. The^' have also placed in position one 24x12x18 JeansAille pump (capacity 1,200 gallons per minute) at foot of main slope.This throws all surplus water to surface by means of a bore hole310 feet deep. There is at present under construction at Elk Runa large drainage shaft, which when comi)leted will diain a large pereentage of water from both the Adrian and \\'alst()n mines. Theyare now driving what is known as the shaft heading, and will probablyconnect with the shaft by the end of the year. Twenty-six newcoke ovens have been built, making a total of 470. Thirty others havebeen rebuilt.Adrian No. 4.— Is a new ojjening made during the year by S. A,Rinn, and is still in process of development,24-11-1)8

370 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Eleaiifna No. 4.— Is now coiitiucd to pillar work, and was fonndin ^(K)d condition.Eloanora Nos. 2 and .S.—At No. 2 o]»onin}i' tlie rojx^ lianiaji'o wasextended 1.200 feet, niakinj;' the total length of rope 12,r)0() feet. Theovercasts and stoppings in this mine are bnilt of stone. The piiin])-ing station is near the bottom of the slo])i' where they have placedtwo new pumps. At Xo. llu^v also use •"> tail rope system of haulage.The A'entilation was found in fair condition. Alexander IM-ide ismine foreman, and his assistant is .James ^loran.I>each Tree Xo. :> Mine.— Is exhausted.r>each Ti(H' No. 2 Mine.— >Vas in faii-ly good conditi«»n as tovenlilalion.London Mine—At this mine ( wo supjdemeutary tail r(i])e haulageshave been i»laced, one pair of Kobiuson Machine Company's engines7x10, and another pair of the same manufacture 10x12. The enginesare used to work the branch ropes and haul the coal from the face ofthe workings to the main haulage rope, and thereby reduce thenumber of miles to the lowest pctssible Hunt. The ventilation isfair.Klondike ^line.—Has 1 ecu o|icimm1 and is now pioducing 200 tonsof coal daily. A small comiucssor has been set up, and the comjiressedair is used to run a fan. one i>umi) and two mining machines.Cleartield County.Rochester Mine.— \\'as in faiily good condition as to ventilation.At the foot of the drainage shaft they put in a comi)oundJeansvilh Duplex ]uimp 14x2.')x20x;5(;. This i>umit has a capacityof 5,000 gallons ]»er minute. Tliei-e are now four i»um]»s at workin this shaft Avitli a combiufd capacity of lo.OOO gallons perminute. To conduct tho steam fi(!m the boilers on the surface tothe iiunips at the b(»Hoin of shafts two twelve inch holes wci-c drilledand lined with ten inch pipe, ami between the i»ipe and side rcnk a(•(Muent ];acking was used. One six inch steam jtipe is placed insideof each of the ten inch pi]ies foi' exhaust steam.Three (d" the ])umits are connected with each of the ten inch pijtesbelow, so that as tlie exhaust s'eam escajies to the surface, it jtasseson the outside of the six inch stean. jupes, keeping them h(»l andand thereby saving steam, labor and fuel.Sandy Lick .Mine.— Was in fairly good con(liti«»n both as toventilation and drainage. One Ingersoll-Serge;:nt straight line aircomi>i-essoi- 2lx2(51x:50 has been placed at this mine. The lope haulage has also been extended 2.000 feet.W'illianisiiort Mines.—The xciit ilat ion h:is been fonnd (piile good.During the year one ele

No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 371to run at 240 revolutions per- minute at 90 pounds initial pressure,one 150 K. W. Multipolai* "Mine Type"' generator, willi all necessaryinstruments and connections for running electric motoi-s and miningmachinery inside, and lighting outside; two 00 horse power electricmotors in use to haul coal from the mines to the haulage ropes,and thi-ee link belt chain breast machines, only one of which is now atwork. This electric ]»lant has so far been very satisfactory. Theyare also woiking on im])rovements to the ventilation, which whenco)U]»lete will reduce the length of airways by (I,L'.~)t) ^Vet, and haveextene.—A new man-way has been

272 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. DoC.stoppings and overcasts have been i-eplaced by brick work, and takenaltogether the mine has been greatly improved.Noble No. 1.—Was exhausted during the year.Noble No. 2.—Was not in good condition as to ventilation anddrainage.Tioga County.Antrim Nos. 1 and .5.—Were both in good condition.Maple Hill.—Was in good condition.Bear Kun.—They sunk a new shaft near the face of the workingswhich has greatly improved the ventilation.Arnot No. 3.— \A''as found in good condition.Arnot No. 5.—They sunk a new shaft during the year for the purposeof improving llie ventilation. L>rainage in many parts of themine is not good.Fall Brook No. 2.—Is nearly worked out.Klondike Mine.— \\'as in good condition. Robert Kussell, mineforeman.Bradford County.Long Valh^y Mines Nos. 1 and 2.—Were in good condition both as todrainage and ventilation.Lycoming County.Red Run Mines.^Three in number: No. 1was in fairly good condition;No. 2 is nearly worked out, and No. 3 was in good condition.Clinton County.Kettle Creek Mines.—Two in number, were in good conditionthroughout the workings.McKean County.Instanter Mine.—Was ingood condition.Lyman Mine.—Was also in fairly good condition.Inipiisition Indented and taken at Cartwright.In the county of Elk on the 12th day of April, A. D. 1898, before W.A. McCoy, justice of the peace, the county aforesaid, upon the Aiewof the bodies of Joseph CJoodyear and James Goodyear, then andthere lying dead; upon the oaths of William liarclay, Moses Manghan,John Black, John Larson, Nels Paulson, Theo. Coon, six good andlawful men of said county aforesaid, who being duly sworn andcharged on the part of the Commonwealth to incjuire when, where,how, and after what manner llic said Jose])h Coodyear and James(Joodyear came to their death, do say upon their oaths lluit thesaid Joseph (Joodyear and James Goodyear came to their dcntlia fall of i()

No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 373Hoi'ton township. Elk county, Pa. And we also find that all theproper precautions have been taken to avoid accidents by the minesuperintendent and mine foreman, and on the part of the deceased,and it was an unforeseen accident and not due to negligence on thepart of anyone. Said accident occurred on the 11th day of April,1898.In witness whereof, as well the aforesaid justice of the peace, as theaforesaid jurors, have to this incjuisition set their hands and sealsat Cartwnglit this 12th day of April, A. D. 1898.W. A. McCOY, J. P.,1. WILLIAM BARCLAY,2. JOHN BLACK,3. MOSES MANGHAN.4. JOHN A. LARSON,5. THEO. COON,G. NELS J. PAULSON.

3?4 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.d 01tf.S

No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 375• • •. .2

376 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Ufl. Doc.xQa

No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT 377

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No. 11. FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 381HC4 •Csie^KMCMC'i 'C^ • ^IM• ^ CM eo eoos. CO CM .H ic tfs . :w r;^, -K, S t.Q Q o d o£ci-cC;c=Oc5 >rtr «;^i;K «^.5tn t/3 ts p: ? |5 ]S c; -^

: : :1.382 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.•suBiidjo JO jaqiun^j"SAiOpiAl.apBui saAjM. JO jaqiunN•aiauis JO paujBj^•aav°2o o cC 13°wS3:S E•a j:oo•a >? beJS c c i-o „ btCo oSSJJ .^V^=cc-•g O G* £ 5 o coS.2^ O - _ V^ ^ XJ'^C" W' t£p ^ ;; O•- ,:i ^ '— t- cc cc ri: v- c; n; '*^c22o a; ojc c; c c :::SaB '° P Bc 5 5'^cSi< ^ < tsC CB C8s o c3 . T=OiKoS;£•^UaptOOB JO S^BQ

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Official Document, ]S'o. 11.Fifth Bituminous District.(FAYETTE, SOMERSET AND BEDFORD COUNTIES.)Uniontowu, Pa., March 1(1, 1899.Hon. James W. Latla, Secretary of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg, Pa.:Sir: I herewith submit my annual report as Inspector of Mines ofthe Fifth Bituminous District for the year eliding December 31, 1898,in compliance with section 2, article 10 of the act of Assembly approvedMay 15, 1893.I am pleased to report that the number of accidents, both fataland non-fatal, have decreased this year, the number last year wasfatal, 25; non-fatal, 71. This year the number is, fatal, 14; non-fatal,62. The tonnage produced and the number of persons employedbeing greater, makes the percentage of fatalities very much less.Last year there were 6,501,545 tons of coal produced, and 8,650 personsemployed. This year tliere has been 7,754,835 tons produced and9.321 persons employed; wliich shows that for 1897 one fatal acicdentoccurred for 260,062 tons produced and one ])erson was killed ofevery 346 employed; while this year 553,916 tons were produced andone person of every 666 was killed. Which shows in roundnumbers that about fifty pei' cent, fewer accidents occurred during1898 than in 1897. The decrease can be accounted for from the factthat the persons employed, exercised moi-e care and that perhaps themine officials have also enforced stricter discipline. Whatever thereason is. it is very gratifying to be able 1o submit so favorable areport.Isend with this report the' usual statistical tables.All (»r which is respeclfully submitted.CHAS. CONNOR,Mine Inspector Fifth Bituminous District.25-11-98( .*?85 )

—I386 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. Doc.Summary of Statistics.Number of mines in liistrictNumber of mines operaled during: the year.Numljer of mmes idle during Die yearNumber of mines opened during tlie yearNumber of mines abandoned during tne yearNumber of persons employed inside of minesNumlier of persons employed outside of mines'lutal numbkr bf persons emiiloyedNumber of tons (2.100 i.ound.s) of coal produced during tne yearNumber of tons (2,(l0o j.uunds) of coal shipped during the year,Number of tons (2,000 jjounds) of coke produced during the yearNumber of tons of coal produced for each fatal accidentNumber of tons of coal produced for each non-fatal accidentNumber of persons employed for each fatal accident.\umber of persons employed for each non fatal accidentNumber of pounds of powder rei)orted as used in minesNumber of tons of coal produced for each pound of powder u.sedNumber of pounds of dynamite reported as used in minesNumber of tons of coal produced tor each jjound of dynamite usedNumber of tons of coal produced for each person employed in mines,.Number of persons emjjloyed digging coal in minesNumber of tons of coal produced for each person digging coalNumber of days worked by all the mines during the yearAverage number of days worked by all the mines during the year,Average number of tons of coal produced per day for each personem)iloved in mines.\vorage number of tons of coal produced per day for each persondigging coalNumber of horses and mules in use about the minesNumber of coke ovens in districtNumber of coke o\ ens built during yearNumber of coke ovens abandoned during yearNumber of locomotives in useNumber of l;egs of powder reported as used in minesNimiber ot steam boilers in useNumlier of mine pumps in useNuniber of steam engines in use,Number of fatal accidents during yearNumber of non-fatal accidents during yearNuniber of widows liy fatalities during year,Nimiber of orphans by fatalities during year66633245,6S82,9628,6506,501,54.5l,4y7,7808.493,209260, 06291,8.53346122209,27522.411,434.568.61,125.55,5521,17115,013238.34.74.97678,39011!12.61166642446,1113.2109,3217,754.8351,923,2343,964.669553,917125,078666150376,62520.611.3796S1.51.2695.0351,54015,717245.55.26.28908,1203S308IS15,06520112411114621032Classilication of Accidents.I'iy falls of roof or slate)iy fulls of coalBy mine wagonsI5y larries on coke ovensi;y explosions of gasRy machinery and ropesBy iiremature explosions of i>owder and dynamiteblastingRy mules or horsesFrom miscellaneous causesTotals,roiulil i

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 387i'oi- a (iiiic (lici-c was no second openinj;-. llowcvci-, (lie new ojx'iiiiiei'ate a hoistinj;' enj;ine un

^8« REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.employes, is being- done by the officials in charge. If there was thesame care exercised at all mines that there is at this one, there wouldbe no necessity for a Mine Inspector. Mine boss, David Walters,Cheat Haven.—This mine has at no period during the year em-ployed a sufficient number of persons. to biing it under the sujjcrvisiouof the Mine Inspector, although visits have been made to itregularly. It is, upon the whole, in good condition.Edna.—Has employed only two persons during the entire year, whodig coal for domestic purposes.Elm Grove.—This mine is in good condition. The ventilation isample and well distributed around the working faces. The imuvis being developed with a view of reaching the boundary lines.^A'ilhthis end in view, the headings are pushed night and day, and onlyenough i-ooms are worked to supply coal tor the ovens, the objectbeing to work most of the coal in coming back. The mine will notsuffer for lack of attention on the i)art of the mine officials. Mineboss, James Exton.Elenora.—Owing to the ventilating power being weak on accountof the shallow shaft and small furnace, tht^ ventilation during thewarm summer months was not what could be desired. During theremainder of the year, however, it was very satisfactory. The airwas well conducted up to the face of the workings and the best useof the ventilating power available was made by the mine boss. Hereas in other shallow mines, the ineffectiveness of furimce ventilationis demonstrated. Much more satisfactory results could be obtainedby the use of a fan. Mine boss, John Harley.Ferguson.—At the beginning of the year a fire occurred in thismine. Being notified of this I proceeded to the mine and found thatthe fire was located in the old workings. Upon examination I foundthat it was the result of spontaneous combustion, caused by exhaustingthe steam from the mine pump into an old abandoned room whichw^as filled with water. The steam having no means of escape, heateduj) the water, producing intense heat, which caused the roof to fall.The steam being confined in this room became sujterheated, whichill (urn heated the fallen coal and slate in the room to such an ex(('III that chemical action was produced, whereby the sulphur andpyrites of iioii in the strata and coal were decomposed, as were alsothe oxygen an

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 389lion was vci-y difficult to manage, as it could ncithci- be ll

390 REPORT OF THE BITREATT OF MINES. Off. Doc.siipcriiiteiKlciil, and touial said iiiiiic in a dan^crons coniiil ion, in sofar as a portion of said mine is on tire; and knowing lliat explosivej^ases exist in close j(roxiniity to said tire, to sncli an extent as tojeopardize the lives and health of the ]»eisons eni]»lo\ed therein.Therefore, in accordance with Article XI. Section I of the act ofAssembly relating; to bitununons coal mines. a]>i>roved May 15, ISIKJ,yon are hereby notified to remoxc snch dauy,erons conditions fortliwitli.In the meantime you will allow no j)erson or |teisons to workin said mine, other than those necessary to remove said danj;-erousconditions. In case this request is not complied with as aforesaid,we shall consider it onr duty at once to apply for an injunction inaccordame with the article i-eferred to above.^'ours respectfully.(HAS.COXXOU.Mine lnsi>ec(or Fiflh Hituminous Disti-ict.IIEXKY LOITTTIT,Mine Insjx'ctor First Bituminous District.B. CALLAGHAN,Mine Inspector Ninth Bitunnnous District,rpon the receipt of this notice, operations were at once sns])ended,exce]»t as provided for in the notice. (Sreat care was exercised tol)rotect the persons eni|»loye(l in erect inj; the stoi)pin^s. Daily tesitsof the air behind the stoppings were made on Ihe Slunv j;as testing;;machine (which I loaned to the oHicials for that purpose). The firsttests showed the existence of explosive ^'i*^ mixed with the air. Thesucceeding tests jj;ave evidence of a less explosive nuxture fromday to day. until linally there was no evidence of its presence.Fui'ther tests showed that the air had become heavily charged withblack (lamj); conseipu'utly. the likelihood of an explosion occurringunder lliese circnmslances was icmoie. \N Oik ujxin the stoppingswas i)rosecuted with the utmost dispatch until ihe tests showed thatit was comitaratively safe to employ a larger force of nu'U. At (heend of thirty days (he s!oi)pings wei e all comjileted. Having l)een infoiined of this factby (he mine ollicials and of (heir desir

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 391WluMi ojK'iations were i-esumcd n jmm-sou wjis specially cnjiaf^t'dto look af'ici- the sto]>])iiijis and attciwl (o the water j)lniii}:is in llie vicinity of the lire. Thesewater plnj;s were connected with a ^^ater line with a head of 200potmds per stpiare inch, and weic so airani^t d that shonld any heatbe developed at any of these stoi)pinj:s tluy coiiis have been installed anda new 14-incli bore hole (billed. thi'onjj;h wiiicli the mine water is deliveredto the surface, a heij^ht of about 700 feet. The exhaust steamis also allowed to esail at this mine, as com-1-ared with formei- conditions, are a striking' co-umentary on the i-esultsobtained from comi>etent as com]>ared with incom]>etentmanagement. both as regards economy and safety. JNIine boss, .los.Taylor.Fairview.—This mine is being rajtidly exhausted. The woikingsare all contiiu'd to i-emoving the ])illars

392 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.law. Ventilation was being produced by natural means, and it wasby no means satisfactory. An ^ir shaft is now being sunk and asmall furnace will be built, which will no doubt improve its condition.Grassy Run.—During the year the ventilation of this mine has beenvery materially improved. A new air shaft was sunk near the faceof the workings, which has given excellent results. This mine hassplendid natural advantages and can be kept in good sanitary conditionif care and attention are exercised by the officials in charge,which I have reason to believe will be done in the future. Miningboss and superintendent, John Meagher.Hocking.—This mine is in pretty fair condition generally. Theair current is conducted up to and around the workings fairly well.From the peculiar location of the furnace the best results are notobtained from it, on account of it not always being able to overcomenatural ventilation during all periods of the year. Upon the whole,liowever, the mine is fairly well ventilated. Other conditions aregood. Mine boss, li. A. Winters.Hamilton.—(Considerable trouble has been experienced to keepmine foremen employed at this mine. There seems to have beena disposition on the part of the superintendent to obstruct and hinderthe mine foremen in the discharge of their duties by not furnishingthem with the necessary supplies to keep the mine in a lawful condition,in consequence of which they have become disgusted and left.I hav

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 393for the purpose of furnishing power to operate tlie mine pumps, alsoto run mining niaeliines. Tliese improvements liave contributed tothe efficiency of the mine. Mining boss, llobert W. Lightbourn.Juniata.—Tliis mine maintains its usual good reputation. Theworkings all being near the outcrojjs and under light cover, permission was given during the year to use open liglits instead of safetylamps, by the persons employed in the mine. Mining boss andsuperintendent, Adam Nicholson.Kyle.— Ventilation, drainage and general conditions good. Miningboss, I.\V. Ileckard.Leith.—This mine is in its usual good condiiion. Nothing is leftundone to secure protection to life and health. Its condition in thisrespect is commendable. The natural conditions of bottom and roofmake it difficult and dangerous, but desi»ite these adverse circumstancesnot a single accident oc(Mirred during the year. Mining boss,W. J. Callaghan.Leisenring No. 1.—This mine is being gradually imi)roved ealaces. The other conditionsare good. Mining boss, John W. Foster.Leisenring No. 3.—This mine is in excellent condition throughout.Preparation is being made to introduce mechanical haulage to supersedemule haulage. Mining boss. John Boylan.Lynn.—This mine is in good condition in all respects. Mining boss,John A. Carrol.Laughead.—This mine is being rapidly worked out, the workingsbeing confined to ribs and entry stumps. The general condition isfairly good. Mining boss, Allen Cam]>.Lemont Nos. 1 and 2.—These two mines a!e in excellent conditionand well cared for. The ventilation is ample and well distributedthroughout the mines, Mine bosses, John IIigs

394 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.fined to miiiiii*; out entry and slojx' ])illais. The ventilation is .u,ood.As the sloi)e pillars are taken out faster than the water fills u]) theexcavated ])art of the di}), which has fallen, there is no ti-oiible aboutdrainaj^e. .Mining- boss, Heinian Sti(kl(4)a(k.Mahoninji-Atlas.—This mine is in j^ood condition, bein^ well ventilated,drained and looked after. INlinin^- boss, Edward Mooney.]Mt. liraddock.—The vcMitilation, drainaiic and j^cncral conditionsas to hcalt lifuhicss and safety arc n'cxxL JNlinint; boss, -lohn P.itz.Alt. HojK'.— This mine is in its usual good condition and docs noilack attention. Alininj;' boss, (ii'ge Armstrong.Nellie.—A tire was discovered in the gob in one of the rooms wherethe ribs had been diawn out in No. lo butt I'utiy of the above mineon .Tun«^ Sth. On b

No. 11. B^IFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 395iviiclu'd wliicli (Iccoiuposcs llic siilpliui- in tlic cojil thai is Icll in tin'ji'ob, wliicli in turn jn-odnces more heat, nnlil the ijinitinj; jxtint isrcacln'd and atire inisnes.Tlu' othci- conditions of the niiiu' arc j^cxtd, so far as hcaltiifulncssand safety are i-o\ided ai;ainst.Mininj*- l)oss,David ^'onn^.Nellie.—This mine has been idle all year.Niverton.—This is a new mine which has been oitened dnrini;"the year. It is located at the extrenu' southern end of the .Meyersdalebasin of the IMttsburj;- vein, indeed a small jsart of the ]»i(>]»ertyextends into the State of Maryland. The mim' has heeii ojxMK^dup with a view of mininj^- the coal by machinery. To this end a lar^cair comjtrc^ssor has been ei-ected to furnish power to ojteiale coalcuttinj; niachim^s. The IniicMsoll "jmnchers" are the machines usedand they have been

396 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.duetioii of automalie doors in the mines, which gives niucli moresatisfaetoivv i-esults than by having boys to attend them.These mines have nearly reached the extremes of their boundarylines, and ar(^ now being worked largely on tlie retreating system. Anew system of working has been adopted, with reference to therooms and ribs, which has given snch excellent resuKs that j)erhai>sa greater percentage of the coal seam is being recovered than in anyother mine in the Connellsville region. Actual results show thatabout 13,000 tons per acre have been obtained.An extension of the present system of endless i-ojx' haulage isbeing projected, w^hlch when completed will compai-e favorably inpoint of efficiency and economy with any now in ojxMalion in thisdistrict. During the year an electric plant was installed for thepurpose of furnishing light at the bottom of the shafts, stables andpump room, also for the outside plants, stores, offices, etc. Miningbosses, Albert J.AA'illiams and Chas. M. Porter.Paul.—This mine sustains its former good reputation.Everythingis being well looked after; no cause of comidaint can be found, butrather words of commendation for its excellent condition. Miningboss, Robert Nelson.Percy.—The workings of this mine are confined to the drawingof the ribs and pillars. It is in good, healthful condition. Miningboss, Everhart Shipley.Pine Hill.—At no lime during the year did this mine employenough persons to biing it under the i-equirements of law. It is in afairly good condition.Ponfeigh.—This mine li;is not been running full handed, as for thegreater part of the year less than the lawful number of jx^rsons wereemployed.The mine is located on the bank of a creek. Two openings intothe mine are made so near to the creek level that danger was a])i)rehendedthat water from it ^vould enter the mine and Hood it (all theworkings being to the dip), thereby endangering the persons employedtherein. This was more to be feared from the reason ofThe existence of two large dams built across the stream above themine which held back a large body of water. These dams were notin a safe condition, and in the event of their giving way, would allowa ton-ent of water to rush down the-stream, which would undoubtedlyentci- the mine, as one of the openings was only four feet above theoi-dinaiy level of the creek, and the other ten feet. In order to giveprotection to the persons em]>loyed in the mine, orders were given toclose up the lower opening by building a masonry dam in the driftand to raise the walls of the shaft ten feet higher above the creeklevel, thus making it twenty instead of ten feet above. Objectionto this was raised on a

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 397two other Iiispectors, Messrs. Ross and Callaghan, who visited themine and agreed with me that dangerous conditions existed. Noticewas served ni)on the superintendent to remove the dangerous conditionsforthwith. The dam was built in the drift, but the shaft wallshave not yet been raised, and they are not likely to be raised for sometime to come, if ever, as the owners reduced the number of ])ersonsemployed in the mine so that less than ten are employed, therebymaking it impossible to compel them to remove the dangerous conditions.Should the lawful number be emi)loyed at any time in thefuture, prompt and energetic measures will be used to insure complancewith law. Mining boss and superintendent, William Mc-Dowell.Rocks.—This is a small mine which has b

398 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES; Off; DoCerable tini«\ llowtner, jiii juljustniciii of iniccs lias been clVccteil,and the mine is in operation a

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 399eciually satis-cised in the future as in the past by tlie mine officials,factory results will be obtained. Mining boss, James S. Connor.^A'ashington Nos. 1, 2 and 3.—These mines are all in excellent conditionin every respect. Nothing is left undone to secure safety toperson or property.At No. 3 mine a new steel tipple has been erected that for completenessand efficiency will rank with any in the State. Large engineshave been put in place to haul coal out of the new slope. Thedevelopments in the mine have been rapidly and extensively pushedconsequently, a large number of working places are ready, fromwhich, when all the improvements contemplated are completed, alarge output of coal will be produced. It is expected that from3,000 to 3,C()0 tons of coal i)er day can be handled at this mine. Theventilation will be produced by a Capell fan fifteen feet diameter andtwelve feet face, double inlet. It is expected that this will producea greater volume of air than was ever circulated in any mine on thiscontinent, if not in the world. The conditions are certainly all favorablefor such a result. The airways are numerous and being of largearea will offer comparatively small resistance, so that a large volumeof air can be circulated with a very small water guage. Mining bosses,George Santimeyer and John Bell.Walker.—The condition of this mine has been very much improvedsince my last report. It has passed into other hands and great improvementshave been made in the ventilation and other conditions.In connection with the Statler mine, an electric plant furnishes powerto operate mining machines of the Jeffrey type.Owing to the prolongedstrike due to the re-adjustment of mining rates, the efficiencycf these machines to mine coal successfully has not yet beendemonstrated. There are peculiar conditions connected with thisparticular coal seam that may militate against machine mining bythe type now being used. The results will be watched with interestby the producers of coal in the neighborhood of these mines. Miningboss, Archie Cochrane.Yoder.—Idle all year.Youngstown.—This mine is in good condition. The ventilation,drainage and general conditions are good. The mine is in good handsand well taken care of, and will not suffer for lack of attention. Miningboss, John Gibson.37

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Official Document, No. 11.Sixth Bituminous District,(CAMBRIA, SOMERSET AND INDIANA COUNTIES.)Hon. James AV. Lai (a, Sci relaiy of lutenial AlTairs:Sir: I have the honor of presenting herewith my annual rejxnt forthe year ending December 31, 1898. In addition to llie usual tablesI liave formulated a new one, giving the name of )nine. of theforeman in cliarge, the method of haulage, how ventilated (fan orfurnace), whether drift, slojte or shaft, also whethei- pick or machinemine. This will give in a condensed form infoiniation that may beof value to a great many persons connected with the nunes.The total (]uantity of coal mined in the district for the year is7,161,333 tons, an increase of 1,0.59,722 tons over that of last year. 1regret to say that the number of accidents during the year increasedin greater proportion than the quantity of coal ])roduced. I attributethis to sevei'al causes, some of which have been refei^red to in thecomment on the accidents in the district, and in my remaiks on thegeneral condition of the mines. To these we wish to add here anotherprobable cause for the large accident record. It exists in the verylapid increase of operations in the district, in\(il\ing li'e 0])ening upof new fields and the danger consequent to such work until thecharacter of the coal veins and overlying strata has been ascertainedby actual experience. The fact of this great increase can be readilyseen from thped by railroad 0, .).")], 754Tons of coal mined ])er fatal accident .322,787Number of m-'n employed per fatal accadent, 470Total number of men employed, 10,488Total number of mines, 91Tidal number of coke ovens 001Total number of men employed in the mines, 9,021Total number of men emplojed outside, 86738( 415 )

416 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.By this table it will be seen that there has been an increase of 30per cent, in the quantity of coal mined over that of last j'ear and anincrease of 17 per cent, in the number of men emploj^ed in the miningindustry in the district.Yours respectfully,Accidents and their Causes.J. L. EVANS,By falls of rockBy falls of coalBy falls of rock and coalBy electric shock,By electric machine chainBy electric motor,By dilly tripsBy dynamite explosionBy falling into shaftBy falling into coal chuteBy mine wagonsBy machinerySlight accidents, miscellaneous causes,Total,It will be noticed that of the twenty-two fatal accidents that occurredduring the year, thirteen were caused by falls of coal and slateand these falls generally took place in the miner's own working room,where he is supposed to protect himself from such dangers by the aidof materials which are supplied by the operator. This he will do ifhe is careful and qualified by experience for his work. Of the thirteenaccidents that occurred from falls of coal and rock, only fourwere really unavoidable, the others having been caused either by(carelessness of the unfortunates or incompetency. I found the lattercauses to be in the majority, the experience of many of them in miningbeing so limited that they were not aware of the dangerous conditionswhen they existed and therefore did not protect themselves by propping up the roof or spragging the coal, and J have reason to believe,from careful observation and inquiry made in the past few years, thattoo many accidents are attributed to the carelessness of miners whichshould be ascribed to a lack of knowledge and incompetency to detectdanger. No one can doubt the statement that never in the history ofmining in this State have there been so many inexjx'ricnccd minersnni»lyed as at tlu^ present time, and no nunin^ man willassnl tliatsuch men ciui iiiiard against danger as well as expcvicnccd ones.I have long uiniiitaincd that the accident lists of our mines arc higher

No. 11. SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 417tluiu they olliei'wise would be, lluougli tlit' increased iiuiuber of iiioxperieucedmen employed therein, and now !iave conclusive proofof this in my possession.Notwithstandin*;;- the foregoin

418 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.instead of the old wooden one that cost \^^&s than a cent a foot; afan costing from |2,000 to $4,000, instead of a furnace that costfrom |100 to |200; a drain put in at an expense of from 50 cents to |1a 3'ard, to convo}' the water from the mine instead of allowing itto run in the middle of the road; large roomy headings, driven from10 to 12 feet wide where the conditions will warrant it, instead ofnarrow roads from G to 7 feet in width. The foregoing are some ofthe changes that have been made in our up-to-date collieries, and yet,despite the high priced ventilating macliines, steel rail tracks andexpensive drain ways and hauling roads, tliese are the very minesthat ])rodn(e the cheapest coal, but in the face of all this there remainsome operators who are apparently unconvinced.There is in no (ailing a better class of men in general than thosewho are connected with the mining industry, yet they are only humanand liable to err and occasionally relax in their duties toward theirfellow men; and if perchance here, as in nil other dejjartments oflife's activity, an unscrupulous one should be met with, he iseasily discovered as in most other lines of business,not sofor the reasonthat his work is carried on in the deep and gloomy caverns of themine, and not in the open light of day. How necessary it is, then,that only men of the best type s^hould hold positions of responsibilityin this work. At one of our institute meetings recently a superintendentexpressed the proper idea on this nuitter when he said thathe felt himself morally responsible for the health and safety ofevery man under his charge. With such men in all positions of trustand responsibility, the lot of the miner, which is not easy at best,would have many of its hardshijis softened and much of its dangerremoved.As suggested above, the conditions confronting the men inthe mines are quite different from those which any other classof the world's workers must encounter. One of these is the lack ofgood light, and this is a very difficult matter to contend with, surroundedas the miner is by innumerable dangers in the narrow i)assageways through which he must grope his way by the feeble lightof a lamp, and in an atmosphere that sometimes suddenly becomesan agent of death to him. In addition to these natural conditions,there has been introduced into the mines a new source of danger inthe railroi.ding which is done on quite an extensive scale by meansof compressed air locomotives, electric motors and cnble system; sothat we can hear llic wliisllc of the locomotive, the gong of the electricmotor, or the whirl ot tlic rolieis on the cable line nlniosl asIhongli on the streets in liie lieart of one of the large riiies. P.nltliere is not the light of the sun, as on the surface, to see tlie dangerapproaching, noi- the room to get out of the way.Notwithstanding the dangers of mining increase as mines ])ene-

No. 11. SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 419tnilc deeper into (he bowels of the earth, I am enabh^d to saythat the abilities of our luhiiiig eii^ineeis, superintendents aid foremenof to-day, upon whom rests the responsibility of eopinj;- withthese danjiers, are (juite e(inal to the task, so that it is possibleto make a very favorable report on the general safety and sanitarycondition of the mines of the district. It is true that (juite an increaseis found in the number of fatal accidents during the year,which I attribute to several causes, chief among them, [)robably, beingthe unusual activity in the mining business, ever^ one trving to makeallpossible out of their work, and some not even taking the time tojtrotect themselves from danger. Another noticeable tact was thefatal results of many accidents that were seemingly slight andwere reported so, but in a day or two were followed by fatal consequences.The variety of causes of accidents is really remarkableand the more surprising when we know that many of the mishapsoccurred at platens and times where not even the least suspicion ofdanger existed. In summing uj), 1 am bound to admit that theyear has been a rather disastrous one in these particulars, andthe accident list, considering the character, circumstances andcauses shows like a great streak of misfortune through the record.But it must be stated in justice to the operators and the men inauthority in the various collieries that many of the mishaps w^eredue, as always, to the carelessness or incompetency of the unfortunatesthemselves, who failed to provide for their own protection withthe means at hand, such as spragging the coal or propping up theroof. Therefore, while I repeat that the condition of the minesis good in regard to safety, yet the very act of providing the improvementsthat brought about this condition has produced newdangers that must be met, and it cannot be denied that more could,and perhaps should, lie done to insure greater safety in this age ofmachinery for mining, haulage, etc.

420 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.air bridges or crossings, with good aiitiglit stopping on the route toprevent leakage. I am warranted in saying that this is the onlyway, because the law retjuires that the air currents be split, so thateach division of work shall have a fresh current, and experience hasdemonstrated that, except in very rare cases, this can be accomplishedin no other way. This system does away with doors, which havebeen the cause of more suffering in the past and present, than anyother one source, because they are not attended to properly.In factthey are often left without an attendant, or get out of repair and arepermitted to stand oi)en, thereb}' cutting oft" the air supply from themen.The draiimge of the mines throughout the district is exceptionallygood upon the whole, as special attention is paid to it in most ofthe mines. Yet there are some few workings that require more careupon that subject.Report of Mines by Groups.Somerset County Mines.—Five of the mines in Somerset countyare located on the Somerset and Cambria branch of the Baltimoreand Ohio Railroad. Four of these are ventilated by furnaces andkept in a very fair sanitary condition. The fifth, located at Listie,is now ventilated by a fan, which, on the occasion of my last visit,had just been put in to re])lace a furnace and which had wroughtsuch a change that it seemed like a new mine. The air was crisp andclear all through the workings, making it healthful and comfortablefor the employes. There is another mine on the S. & C. branch, butit is located in Cambria county. Ventilation there is by furnace,which is adequate for the work if properly attended to as only abouttwenty-five men are employed. The remainder of the mines in Somersetcounty ai'e located at Seal]) Level or "SMndber, and are operatedby the Berwind-White Coal Mining Company. At present thereare six in operation. A general description of one of these workingswill suffice for all, as tlie same methods of mining and haulingare used in each. The mining machines are driven by com]»ressedair, and electricity is used for hnuiing. For each heading in the minethere is a separate current of air produced by fans, all being of the"Capell" type but one, that being a ^'Stine.'' Each main heading isdriven 16 feet wide, giving room for iwo roads, one for empties, oringoing trips, and the other foi' fiill loads, or outgoing ones. Themotors run in each cross heading and collect the coal a( liie mouth ofeach room, thus doing away with mules entirely. Two of the mineshave a capacity of fiom 70 to SO railroad cars per day each already,and yet the first coal was shipped from this new field only a year agolast September. In and about these mines the company employs

No. 11. SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 421from 1,500 to 1,700 men. Beyond donbl there is at this {(oijit the bestequipped mining plant to be fonnd in tlie State.In and About Johnstown.—The mines of the Conemaugh valley inand about Johnstown are all in excellent sanitary condition. Thereare five located at this point, three of which are ventilated by fansand the others by furnaces. All are worked on the most improvedplan, thereby insuring the greatest possible safety, and providinggood ventilation. In the Kolling Mill mine compressed air machinesare used for mining coal, and compressed air locomotives dopart of the hauling. For the first two miles the coal is hauled byrope, then one mile by compressed air locomotives, and about a halfto three-fourths of a mile by mules, the distance being from three andone-half to three and three-fourths miles from face of mine to tipple.South Fork Mines.—There are seven workings at this place, all excepttwo being ventilated by fans and in fiv(^ of them coal is hauledby machinery. The condition as to ventilation and general safetyhas been very satisfactoiy except as to our^ mine, which has beenfar from that condition during the ])ast year. This operation isopened up by two slopes, starting from a common point and runningapart until separated by about two thousand feet. In each of theseslopes was a steam line, which completel}' ruined the ventilation byheating the air and causing it to rise so that the fan was almostpowerless to force fresh air in, and besides it made walking in andout of the mine almost unbearable by reason of the high temperature.The steam line in one slope has now been taken out and Iexi:)ect to find the condition of the iiune greatly improved in consequence.The other mines at this point are conducted satisfactorilyas regardsf safety and sanitary condition.Duulo Mines.—There are three mines here, two of them being veryextensive collieries, employing from 250 to oOO persons each. Theyare ventilated by fans and the hauling is done by machinery. Eachis opened up by two slopes from the bottom of the shaft and twosystems of rope haulage also from the bottom of each shaft. Thegeneral condition of the mines is satisfactory. The third mineat this place is a new slope, just being opened up, and is not yetfully developed.Lloydell.—This is a new mining town on the Duulo Branch Railroad.There are two new mines here, Lloydell and Alton. Thelatter is ventilated by a 7-foot '^Stine" fan. w^hich throws a goodvolume of air, that is well distributed and carried to the face of theworkings. Lloydell mine is ventilated by a furnace, which is onlytemporary, however, as the present opening is to be abandoned anda new one made at another point more favorable for development.Ventilation is in fairly good condition.Portage Mines.—Six mines are located on the branch railroad here,

422 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.all ventilated by fans, and in three of them < oal is hauled by electricmotors. The safety and sanitary condition of these mines is becominji^more satisfactory each year, inasmuch as greater efforts arebeing' made to keep up good drainage and ventilation, v/hich is thesecret of economy in mining, a fact which I am glad to note more ofthe mining people are ascertaining each year.Bens Creek Mines.—About the oldest collieries on the Alleghenymountains are at this ]»()int. Of the live workings only two of themare of long life, the others being nearly worked out, most of theadvancing work being done. All of the miues except one are ventilatedby fans.Lilly Mines.—Four in number, arejill ventilated by fans exceptone, Avhich is a small operation, employing from 25 to 30 men, andnot having a very favorable system of mining for conducting airthrough the workings, the ventilation is Tiot up to the standard.The other three mines have in operation the most improved plansfor conducting air through the workings, and, with fans to produceventilation, are of course in very satisfactory condition as tothe state of the atmosphere in the working quarters, as well as todrainage.At Cresson.—There is but one mine, that being a shaft, which isthe deepest in the district—:5()0 feet—and is now being sunk stilldeeper from the bottom of the air shaft to the lower coal bed, theB, or Miller seam, which is 200 feet below llie bottom of the presentshaft. As will be seen, this will have the great deptJi of 500 feetwhen completed.CJallitzin Mines.—There are located here a slope and a shaft, bothlarge operations, employing over 250 men each inside the workings.They are operated on the most improved plans of hauling, ventilationp.nd drainage, and consequently are in very satisfactory condition.The slope is a comi)lete machine mine, all the digging being doneby machinery driven by electricity, which also does the hauling.The shaft operators contemplate i)utting in the same power.Patton Mines.—In two of the six collieries in operation at or nearthis place, the coal is dug by electric machines, in one by compressedair, while the others aic ])ick mines. Ventilation is ])roducedin three of them by fans and in the rest by furnaces. Thesanitary condition of all is vciy lair, except that some of them havenot split the air ])roi)erly, thereby causing the current in some]*arts of the work to be rather impure, as the splits -mm allowed tocome together l)efore they get to the main return, thus giving some ofthe men imjiure air, although there may be plenty of fresh air passingover them. This evil is being corrected slowly by better systemsof si>litting the air, which I ex])ect soon to see universally adoptedin the district. This criticism can be applied to a few other minesas well.

No. 11. SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 423Barnesboi'o.—lu and about this place there are ehneu mines, theSevenhirgest number clustered about any one point in the district.tf them are machine mines, four using compressed air and theother three elec(rici(y. In only one is the coal hauled by machinery,an electric motor. Two are ventilated by fans, the othersby furnaces. It is certainly a great mistake to use furnaces wherethe power for machine ventilation is available, as 500 ])ounds ofcoal additional burned under the boilers would jModuce more air witha fan than two tons of coal consumed in a fuinace. Thus there wouldbe a very considerable saving in a year, without taking into accountthe labor necessary to attend the furnace. The sanitary conditionof the above mentioned mines is quite satisfactory, exce])t in the''Delta'' mine, which has grown bej'ond the capacity of the furnaceand should now have a fan.Amsbry.—There is one mine at this place, and another on the samebranch of the railroad, at Dysart. Tlie latter is not a very largeworking. It is ventilated by a furnace, and wlien examined lastwas not in very satisfactory condition eithei- as to ventilation ordrainage. The former is ventilated by a fan and when last visitedwas found to be in good condition.Spangler Mines.—All of the three mines located here are ventilatedby furnaces, which, being large, give satisfaction, as the mines arecomparatively small. In the largest of the three workings not morethan 00 men are employed. Ventilation and drainage are good inboth.Elmora.—One of the two mines here opens on the P>, or Miller vein,and the other on the 1), or Moshannon bed, both being operated by thesame linn. A\mtilation and diainage are in fair condition, bothmines using furnaces.Hastings.—Two of the six operations are ventilated by fans andfour by furnaces. The latter are comparativel}^ snuill workings,none of them employing more than 50 men; cousequeatly furnace ventilationis adequate. All are i)ick mines except one, where the coalis dug by machines driven by compressed air. The condition of themines is very satisfactory on the whole, as those in charge lookafter them well and take particular care that each one shall havegood drainage.Frugality.—Two mines are operated at this place. One is ventilatedby both fan and furnace the mining being done by compressedair. The other is a pick mine and is ventilated by a furnace only. Inboth the sanitary condition is satisfactory in every respect.Vintondale.—Fans ventilate the two collieries in Ihis place and inboth, the hauling is done by machinery, electric; motor being used inone and rope haulage in the other. Electiicity is the power used

424 REPORT OP THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.for running mining machines in both. Drainage and ventilationare satisfactorA' in both, and general conditions are good.Twin Rocks.—The one mine at this place uses compressed air in thedigging machines. Ventilation is produced bj fan, and if the air isproperly conducted around the workings it is sufficient for all purposes.Nant-y-Glo Mines.—Are two in number, l>oth being ventilatedby furnaces, and the sanitary condition is fairly good.

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Official Document, No. 11.SEMTH BITOMINOl'S(ALLEGHENY AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES.)DISTRICT.Idlewood, l»a., February 2.3, 1809.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:Sir: In compliance with Article X of the Bituminous Mining Lawof the State, defining the duties of Inspectors of Mines, I herewithsubmit for your approval my annual report for the Seventh Bituminousdistrict for the year ending I)ec

:444 ftfiPORf OF The bureau of mines. Off. Doc.Number of mines in the district, 74Number of employes inside, 8,802Number of employes outside, 854Total number of employes, 9,656Number of persons killed in and about the mines, 26Number of non-fatal injuries, 66Number of wives made widows by above fatalities, 14Number of orphans from same cause, 29Number of tons of coal produced per life lost, 228,599+Number of tons of coal produced per person injured, .... 90,054+Number of persons employed per life lost, 371+Number of persons emploj'ed per non-fatal injury, 146+Number of horses and mules in use, 641Number of steam boilers in use, 161Number of steam locomotives used in the mines, 2Number of electric locomotives used in the mines, 16Causes of Accidents.Orphans.By fall of slate and roof, ..By falls of coalBy explosions of gas,By mine carsBy machinery,From miscellaneous causes,Total,Embodied in this report will be found a brief description of thecondition of the several groups of mines in the district; also a briefreview of the improvements made in the mines during the pastthirteen years, and other matters of interest connected with miningand mine inspection, together with the usual tabulated statements.All of which isrespectfully submitted.Yours respectfully,JAMES BLICK,Inspector.Copy of Decision given to Operator James Fox, upon a Point of Law.Idlewood, November 28, 1898.James Blick, Inspector of Mines, to James Fox, Esq.Dear Sir: Having received information from you to the effect thaiyou have employed Charl(;s Warner to act as mine foreman atyour mine, I will say that I have grave doubts as to whether you canlegally employ him for that position, and I consider it to be my dutyt(t take exception to his employment in that capacity. The said

No. 11. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 445Charles Warner has not been granted a eertiticate of competencyby any of the Examining Boards appointed for that purpose; but hedid during the year 1885 receive a certificale of service giving himpermission to continue to act as mine foreman at the mines of Hartley& Marshall, where he was then employed in that capacity, and hedid continue to so act until, I think, some time during the year 1886,since which lime he has not acted in that cai)acity. The act of May15, 1893, gives to persons holding service certificates (granled underthe act of 1885) permission to act as niin(? foreman at mines otherthan those where they were acting when said certificates weregranted, but in order to take advantage of that privilege, Section 3,Article XV, of the act of May 15, 18!)8, would seem to imply that aperson leaving the employ of one firm to Jiccept a ]>osition as mineforeman for another person or firm, must have been acting as mineforeman for the firm whose emi)loy he left, iind up until the time heleft such employment, or in other words that he must have been incontinuous service in the capacity of mine foreman. The conditionof the mine does not enter into the question, for the condition ofyour mine is much less dangerous than that of the mine where he wasemployed when his certificate of service was granted. The only pointat issue is, as to whether he can be legally employed by you to act asmine foreman, seeing that he was not employed in that capacity byhis previous employers immediately before you employed him. Myconstruction of the meaning of the law may be wrong, and underarticle 14 of the act you have the right to appeal to court against mydecision as noted above, and I think that may be the }>roper courseto pursue, and the court will then place a right and proper constructionupon the language used in that part of the act above quoted,and thereby remove all doubts on the subject.Yours respectfully,JAMES BLICK.Copy of Affidavit filed in Court in Support of the above Decision.In the year 1885 the Legislature passed an act providing for thehealth and safety of persons employed in Bituminous coal mines.Among its provisions was one requiring Ihat persons aspiring tothe position of mine foreman should i)ass an examination before aboard of examiners ai)pointed for that purpose, and obtain a certificateof competency before they could become eligible to fill suchposition. The act of Assembly also directed the board of examinersto grant certificates of service, without an examination, to personswho were then acting as mine foreman, but said service certificatesonly gave the holder of the same the privilege to act as mine foremanfor the same person or firm by whom he was employed at thetime of the enactment of the law under which such certificate was

446 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.granted. The act of 18!)3, which repealed that of 1885, provides thatpersons holding certificates of service granted under the act of 1885,may act as mine foreman at mines other Than those whereat theywere employed when said certificates were granted. The languageof the act of 1893, granting this privilege, would seem to imply thatthis provision is only ajjplicable in such cases where the person wasemploj'ed as mine foreman at the time the law was enacted, and alsoat the time of leaving the employ of one lirm to accept a similarposition at the mines of another person or firm. As stated in thedecision given to Mr. Fox, Mr. Warner has not obtained a certificateof competenc}^ But he did receive a certificate of servicegranted to him in the year 1885, and he continued to act as mineforeman for about one year after receiving said certificate, sincewhich time he has not acted in that capacity. The point in disputebetween the plaintitis and defendant is simply as to whether thelanguage of the act does or does not permit Mr. Fox to employ Mr.Warner to fill the position of mine foreman, seeing that he ceased toact in that capacity from about the year 1886, until employed by Mr.Fox in the month of November, 1898.The mine operated by Mr. Fox is a small operation, employing notmore than about thirty (30) men, and is remarkabh' free from dangersor diliiculties of an unusual character. There is no questionraised affecting Mr, Warner's ability to manage such a mine. Allwe ask is that the court i)ut a construction upon the language of theact, so as to remove all doubt on the point at issue.Copy of affidavit in No. 49 September Sessions, 1898.Mis, Docket.JAMES T. FOX & CHARLES "|WARNER,Ivs.INo.COMMONWEALTH EX REL TJAMES BLICK, MINE IN|49 Sept. 1898.Mis, Docket.SPECTOR.jThis case comes before us upon appeal by James T. Fox and CharlesWarner, from a decision of the Mine Inspccior of the I'ittsburgdistrict, under the act of Assembly relating to bituminous coal minesof May 15, 1893, 1'. L. 52, Pnid. Dig. 1370, l\\ 295.The facts as set forlli in I he decision of ilie Iiis|)ec(or and thestalement lih'd by him are admitted to be true. Fiom these it appearsthat James T. Fox is the owner of and is operating a mine in thePittsburg district, and has lately enii)l(>yed Charles NNurner iis forenuin.At the time of the passag

No. 11. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 447receiving sueli cortilicate, siiice which time he has not acted in thatcapacity. The mine operated by Mr. Fox is small, employing aboutthirty men, and free from dangers and diflticnlties of an nnnsualcharacter, and the general conditions aftectiug the health and safetyof the persons employed do not differ materially from those at themine in which he was woiking when said certificate was granted.No question is raised affecting Mr. AAarner's ability to manage sucha mine.The only question therefor is as to the legal right of Mv. Warnerto act as foreman under the act of 1893.To properly understand the act of 181)o, it is necessary to examinethe corresponding provisions of the act of 1885, which it supi)lies.The fifteenth section of the act of 1885, P. L. 210, provides for theappointment of examining boards, the examination of api)licants forposition of mining boss and the granting of certificates to all personswhose examination shall disclose their fitness for the duties of thatoflSce, ^'provided, that any person who shall have been employedas a miner at least five years in the bituminous mines of Pennsylvania, and as a mining boss continuously by the same person or firmsfor the period of one year next preceding the passage of this actshall be entitled to a certificate without undergoing said examination,but he shall not be employed by any other person or firm withouthaving undergone such examination."It will be observed that there is a marked distinction between ''acertificate of competency," after examination and "a certificate of service"under this act. The first might be granted to any person showingproper knowledge and capacity at any time, and authorized hisemployment at any mine. The second could only be granted toone then actually emplo3ed as a mining boss, and did not authorizehis employment in any other mine than the one in which he wasthen engaged. It w'as evidently intended merelj' to prevent the displacementof a person then emploj^ed.It is clear that when Mr. Warner gave up his employment in 188G,the certificate which he held did not authorize his emph)yment inany mine and that he continued ineligibU' for api)oinlment to anysuch position, unless the disability was removed by the act of 1803.We think that the same distinction between certificales of competencyand certificales of service is found in the act of 1S!>:'>, Art.15, of act of May 15, 1803, P. L. 52. i'ur. Dig. 1370, 208. provides forappointment of examiners and examinalions and issuing of certificatessubstantially the same as in the act -tf 1885 and then piovided"that all ]H'rsons holding certificates ol ((Hiipetency giaiiled underthe provisions of the act to which this is a siipi)lemeiit shall continueto act under this act. and piovided t'urther. that any personacting as iniue foicniiin upon a certificate of ser\ice under the act of40

-448 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.which this is a supplement may continue to act in the same capacityat any mine where the general conditions affecting the health andsafety of the persons employed do not differ materially from thoseat the mine in which he was acting when said certificate was granted."The difference in the language used in these two paragraphs isvery significant. The first gives the right to persons holding certificatesof competency, without regard to the question of employment;the second limits the right to one acting as mine foreman upona certificate of service, unless otherwise indicated. An act of Assemblymust be regarded as referring to the time of its passage and thenatural application of the word acting would be as of that time.But the change of language clearly indicates this intention. If it hadbeen intended to give effect to a certificate of service which had beeninvalidated by removal from the mine to which it had alone appliedunder the act of 1885, the appropriate language would have been thesame as that referring to certificates of comi)etency, viz: That allpersons holding certificates of service might act as foreman. Asidefrom this there is further indication of the limitation to persons thenacting in the language of the proviso itself,in the words "may continueto act," which is inapplicable to one who wishes to resume employmentpreviously discontinued, and the same idea is found in thenext proviso, which provides for the case of y foreman who leaves hispresent employer.In our judgment the language of the act ])]ainly prohibits theemployment of foremen not holding certificates of competency whowere not then so employed under certificates of service granted underthe act of 1885. And this accords with the spirit of the Legislature,which is intended to secure competent foremen by means of criticalexamination as to knowledge and fitness, and merely makes an exceptionin favor of those at the time employed as such. It may bethat this construction of the act will exclude the employment ofsome competent foreman—as it ])!(>lijibly dot^s in this case but nopermanent injury can de done as a person wishing to resume employmentas mine foreman can do so by undergoing the examinalionprovided by the law.The api)eal in this case is therefore dismissed and tlu' decision ofthe Mine Inspector is affirmed.The costs to be paid by appellants.Inspectors—Their Legal Duties iind (iualificalions.TJie law, as far as possible, has very wis

No. 11. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 449mining, sbowing to the satisfaction of ilie oxaminors that tlieypossess both practical and theoretical knowledge fitting them forthe position. All of which qualifications are absolutely necessarybefore they can efficiently perform the duties required of them. Toillustrate this more fully, I might say, that because certain methodsmight be successful in overcoming ditliculties and removing dangersat one mine on any particular occasion, is no criterion that thesame tactics will prove successful in the removal of the same classof dangers and difficultiesat another mine, but attended with dissimilarconditions, requiring dillerent; merhods of action, that canonly be determined after an examination of the surrounding circumstances,hence the reason why a varied experience in diiferent classesof mines operating under dittei'ent systems of working becomes anecessary part of the qualifications which an Inspector should possess. Of course every one will agree that the most urgent duties tobe performed by an Inspector is that of tlm inspection of the mineworkings, and as much of his time as possible should be devoted tothis particular duty. Any new or additional labor placed upon himwhich curtails the actual inspection of the mines will detract fromthe efficiency of the service. The benefits to health and safety tobe derived from mine inspection will largely depend upon the mannerin which the Inspector perforins his duties. When he finds that thelaw is being violated, either wilfully or through carelessness, heshould not hesitate to prosecute all such cases; but difficulties areoften encountered in mining operations which no law may be competentto deal with, and such difficulties may produce conditionsdangerous to health and life, unless skillful management and soundjudgment is displayed by the officials in charge; in cases of thisnature the Inspector should not stand by, awaiting an opportunityto prosecute any infraction of the law, that may result throughmistakes or lack of judgment in dealing witli such conditions, buthe should rather act as an adviser, and give what assitance hecan to overcome the difficulty and so avert the necessity for prosecution.An official co])y of the maps of all mines in the district are now furnishedto the Inspector to be kept in his office, and he can spendconsiderable time in the study of such maps to good advantage, asby so doing he can familiaiize liiuis^li'with all details of the s^'stemsof ventilation, drainage and other uiatters relative to healthfulnessand safety, and thereby be in a position when visitiug the luines toknow just where defects are likely to be found, and (he nature ofsuch defects. In previous years I spent suffici.nt time in studyingthe nmps to have, at all times, a good, geneial idea of the methodsbeing pursued at the diiferent mines, but during the past year thismatter has been somewhat neglected, for reasons before mentioned.29—11—98

450 REPORT OF THE BTTREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Improvements in the Methods of Mining Since the Year 1885.When I came to this district in the year 1885, I found that at amajority of the mines the methods of mining were crude and veryimperfect, niost of the mines were then operated on the old timesingle entry system, very little thought being given to the size ofpillars necessary to be left to prevent the mines or parts thereoffrom being overrun with creep or crush. Where the coal was easyof access it was mined out, and where difficulties were in the waywhich required skillful management to surmount, the coal was oftenleft in the ground to waste.In fact, at that time, a large percentageof the coal in most of the mines was left unmined and so lost. Ifsuggestions were offered recommending a change or improvement ofthe methods in use, with a view to the recovery of a greater percentageof the coal, the parties offering such suggestions would morethan likely be met with the answer that "coal was cheap and plentiful,and that it would not pay to incur much expense to recover it,"and there seemed to be a general desire to continue along the lineof the easy going slipshod, wasteful methods of the past. If theparties operating the mines were asked how many tons per acrewere being mined out, only very few could give the desired infornuition,or even an approximation. In fact, I tind some operators at thejtresent time who are not in a position to impart this infornuition.In many cases tracts of coal had been purchased and worked out,without any thought or preparation to maintain permanent passagewayy with the view to the recovery of the solid coal lying in theiiills beyond, and to day the coal in some of our mines is beinghauled long distances tliiough passage ways which are difficultto maintain, and the mines are being ojjerated finder difficulties whichentail considerable expense, over and above what it would havebeen had those mines in the years ]tast been operated and managedwith a view to future re(iuii-eiii('n1s. Soon after the passage of theact of June 30, 1885, a marked improvement began slowly to manifestitself, the old single entry system was gradually retired intooblivion, and the double entry method introduced into generaluse.i^s fast as cir(;umstances would permit; more r.ttentiou being givento the size of pillars necessary to preserve the roadways and a general desire evinced to mine out a larger percentage of coal. It maybe said that in mining operations, old meiliods cannot be reidacedby new and improved systems at will, on the conliaiy it oftenre(piires many years of time to overcome tli

No. 11. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 451effective, still we must not l"oi'i;et ihat we have not yet arrived atthe goal of jx'rtVetion, We must also admit that some of ouroperations lune shared in tho ini]»rovemen(s of the jtast only to avery limited extent, and in the matter of mining out the greatest possiblepercentage of coal, and leaving as little as possible to waste,I must confess that in some instances I notice indications of retrogression,but this I believe to be only spasmodic, and do not thinkthere will be any general backward move along this line, but ratherlook for a general advance towards greater perfection.Improvement inA\'ntilatiou.I make no claims that the ventilation at all mines is perfect atthis time, ])ut I do maintain that there have been remarkable improvementsalong this line since the enactment of the law of 1885.At tliat time a host of small mines and a number of large operationswere not supplied with artificial appliances to produce ventilation, consequently it was a common occurrence for me to go tosuch mines and find no perceptible air current in motion, and beforea person could complete an inspection of the workings he wouldbe overcome with a desire to get outside for a breathing spell inthe fresh air, while at other times if the direction of the wind andthe outside temperature were favorable, a leasonably fair quantityof air could be measured on the main passage ways, but very littlecould be found in the working parts of the mines. The averagequantity' of air produced in all of the mines in the district combined,in the yenv 1885, the air currents being measured under the mostfavorable conditions, was 130 cubic feet per minute for each i)ersonemployed inside. In the j^ear 1898, the average quantity for eachemploye was about 350 cubic feet per minute, which amounted inthe aggregate to 3,200,000 cubic feet per minute, equal in weight toabout 123 tons. The greatest total quantity of air volume measuredin one mine in the year 1885 was 40,000 cubic feet per minute. In1898 the greatest total quantity measured in one mine was 220,000cubic feet per minute; but it should be remembered that the airwaysin the mines of this district are limited in area, which makes it moreditficult to obtain as large air volumes as in districts where the coalis thicker and the airways of laiger dimensions. During the aboveperiod of time there has been ])rovided in the district 47 ventilatingfurnaces and 40 ventilating fans. Six of the furnaces and six fanswere provided without any solicitation on the part of the Inspector,and 41 furnaces and 43 fans were jjrovided on his request. The abovefacts need no comments, and 1 will only add that many of the fansare among the most costlv of aiiv in use.

452 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Mine Maps.Previous to the law of 1885 anything approaching a perfect minemap could rarely be found. In very many cases there were no mapsfrom which any information whatever could be derived regarding thedevelopment or general condition of the mine workings. With fewexceptions the services of an engineer or surveyor were seldom calledinto requisition, and in very many instances money spent for the servicesof an engineer was then looked u])on as a useless investmentfrom which no returns could be derived, and, as a natural result, therewere few men possessing ambition to become conversant with thescience of mining, and competent mining engineers were not sonumerous as at the present time. While the conditions as abovedescribed do not speak well for the past, I am in a position to reportthat present and future prospects are encouraging. The mine mapsare now made complete and kept up to date, and at large operationsespecially, the engineer is now .ihvays called in consultation regardingthe best methods to be adopted for the proper development andsuccessful operation of the mines. The importance of engineeringwork cannot be over-estimated, and money spent for this purpose isnow properly regarded as a profitable investment, and only in thecase of a few small operators is there any difficulty experienced inhaving the provisions of the law complied with relation to mine mapsand engineering work in general.Mine Foremen of Former Years, and Mine Foremen of To-day.When I first became acquainted with the Pittsburg district Ifound a number of competent mine foi'emen employed, I also foundvery many who were incompetent, who did not understand and couldnot intelligently discuss the science of mining as applicable to theproper methods of working and ventilating of coal mines, and theproper way to deal with and render harmless or expel from the minesthe noxious and dangerous gases generated therein. It can nowtruthfully be said that there has been a great improvement in thisrespect. The clause contained in Ihe act of 1885, requiring that allpersons aspiring to the office of mine foreman or fire boss shouldundergo an examination and obtain certificates of competency beforebeing eligible to either position, had an instant effect in stimulatingthought on mining subjects among the practical miners; and menof ability but whose intellectual faculties were lying dormant havecome to the front and are to-day numbered among our most successfulmine managers, and as a rule there are at this time in charge of themines men capable of either offering or receiving suggestions onmatters relative to healthfulness, safety and other subjects pertainingto successful mine management. I do not wish to be understoodas saying that all persons who pass an examination will make

No. n. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 453j^oud mine foreiiicii. On the contrary 1 have in mind persons holdingcertificates who cannot pnt their knowledge into practice, and willhardly ever become good managers, while, on the other hand, I haveyet to find a good all ronnd manager who couid not pass a creditableexamination. Before closing this subject I wish also to say thatthere are persons holding certificates who disijualify themselves bytheir own acts, and whose certificates should be cancelled, but thiscan only be done through the action of the superintendents, and ifthey fail to take such action as directed by law the Inspector ispowerless to interfere.Mines on the Monongahela Eiver, on the Wheeling Division of theB. & O. R. R., and on the Little Saw Mill Run R. R.There are sixteen mines located in this territory, all of which, withone exception, have been operated during the past year. Some ofthese mines have not experienced much idle lime, while at othersvery little work has been done. I may sa.> that at all of theabove mines the health and safety of the employes are fairly wellprotected, and the sanitar}^ conditions existing in the workings ofthe various mines are, generally speaking, above complaint. At theFirst Pool No. 2 Mine a shaft is being sunk for ventilation, and apowerful fan of the Capell type will be placed on top of this shaftready for operation early in 189!).Hitherto this mine has been ventilatedby a division of air currents produced by a twenty-five footVulcan fan, located at No. 1 mine. This is an extensive and valuablecoal property, and the company operating the mines is alwaysup to date with all improvements in the interest of healthfulness andsafety, and in other matters necessary for the successful operation ofcoal mines. Explosive gas is generated in nine of the above mines.Mines Situate on the Moon Run Railroad, on the Montour Railroadand West of the Allegheny River.There are twelve mines in this division of the district, all of whichare in operation but in one case, namely, at the Freeport mine asufficient number of persons aie not now emploj'ed to bring themine under the provisions of the mining law. During ui}' last tourof insi)ection I found most of them in reasonably good condition.While in a few instances I found it necessary to suggest imi)rovementsin matters relative to ventilation and drainage. The ventilationin the West Tarentum mine, while it is considerably abovethe maximum amount specified by law, still Iconsider that the conditionsof the mine call for a more liberal supplj', and I have advised theowners of this fact and shall expect them to take action in the matterwith a view to an increased air volume.

454 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.The Partridj»e mine is a new openilion, looated at Imperial, onthe Montour Kailroad. It is a drift opening, and the main and severalcross entries are advanced forward into the hill for a distance ofabout a thousand feet, and the territory will be sufficiently developedto insure a large output by the time that lake shipments begin nextseason. A shaft has been sunk for ventilation and a fan will be usedto produce the necessary supply of air. There are only two mines outof the above number that generate ex]dosive gas.Mines Located along the Main Line of the Pan Handle Kailroad.There are eighteen mines locite*! in this part of the distrirogress or under coiitcmjihition, among which may bementioned a new ventilating furnace at the Cheny mine and an airshaft at the Laurel Hill No. 1 Mine. North of the railroad the minesare working under a very shallow cover, and during the rainy seasonthe drainage becomes a very difficult matter as it is almost im[»()ssibleto keep the roadways clear of water; these mines are remarkably freefrom explosive gas, but large voliniies of black-damp is generatedfrom the overlying strata, and difficulty is sometimes experiencedin keeping the workings free from this noxious gas. South of therailroad the mines are working under a higher cover. The drjiinageis rather less difficult. The volume of carbonic acid gas is not soprofuse, but all of the mines, with one exception, generate explosivegas.Mines Situated Along the Chartiers Valley and Miller's Run Branchesof the Pan Handle Railroad.There ai-e nineteen mines located in this division of the district.Operations have been carried on with more or less activity at allof these mines during the year, with one exception, but in mostii stances much idle time was ( \]»ei'iem-ed. In my exaujination duringthe year I found the conditions in a majoi'ity of (lie mines to bereasonably satisfactory from a sanitary standpoint, while in othersimprovements were i-eipiired. In the Laurel Hill Mines Nos. 2, 4 and5 the method of conducting the ventilation through the w

No. 11. SEVENTH BITUMINOUS I51STRICT. 455ae(inaiiit('d witli tlie condition of the mines, or to iindcitake andcomplete needed imitiovements; in fact the constant change of foremenis the main reason why the condition of Hie mines is nearlyalways fonnd Ix'low the standard of other large oi)ei'ations locatedin the same neighborhood. I visit these mines frefpiently, hnt rarelyever find the same foreman iu charge on any two visits. HenceI otter snggestions or give instructions on one visit as to how necessatyimi»rovements should l)e made to give the best results with theleast cost, and when a return visit is made expecting to find previousdefects remedied, I often find the conditions about the same as beforeand a stranger in charge, with no knowledge of previous arrangements.Under a system of management of this character no oneother than the owner has any permanent interest in the property andI am not surprised when I find sanitary requirements imperfect andthe l)usiness of operating the mines unprofitable.The North Western and Boon mines are both in need of more powerfulventilators to produce the adequate amount of air. I havemade representations to both firms on the subject, and received assurancesthat the matter will receive attention. During the formerpart of the year the ventilation in the Summer Hill mine was inadequate,but they have now provided a new and powerful fan. Ihave not visited the mine since this fan was put in motion a fewweeks ago and know nothing of its ca])acity from personal observation.A new shaft mine has been opened at Hill Station. The coalat this point being about 150 feet below water level. As yet the workingsare only advanced forward a short distance from the shaftbottom, but Hie coal is of excellent quality. Nearly all the minesin this section of the district generate explosive gas.Mines Situate along the P. C. & Y. R R.There are ten mines located along the above railroad, one of whichhas been idle for the past two years, the other nine have been operatedsomewhat irregularly during the past year, and three of thenine are now closed and will likely remain inactive until the openingof the lake trade in tlie spring. With one or two exceptions 1 havenot found much cause for com])laint in regard to the managementor condition of the iibove mines in matters relative to healthfulnessand safety duiing the past year. At the Lake Superior mine theventilation during the summer months was rather below the requirementsbut they have ])romis

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)Official Document, No. 11.Eighth Bituminous District.(CLEARFIELD, CENTRE AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.)Philipsburg, Pa., February 14, 1899.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs, TlMrrisbiirg, Pa.:Sir: I have the honor of presenting to you my fourth annual reportas Inspector of Mines of the Eighth Bituminous district forthe year ending December 31, 1898, in compliance with Section elevenof Article ten of the Bituminous mine law, approved May 1.5, 1893.The report contains the usual statistical tables relating to thenames of coal companies and location of the mines, the total productionin net tons of coal, the number of each class of workmen employedin and about the mines, each fatal and non-fatal accident,together with the responsibility and remedy where needed.Some of the accidents show rather poor judgment on the part ofthe unfortunates themselves, but one instance shows that the foremanused poor discretion in jilacing an incompetent person in the mostdangerous position, and while I mention it here I also notified thecompany of the foreman's incompetency to oversee the mine underthe existing conditions, and they removed him and ])ut a more competentperson in charge. While my report shows a slight decreasein tonnage over the preceding year the total number of fatalaccidentsremains the same, but the number of non-fatal cases isless byseven than of the i)receding year, which is a fair showing for thissection of the State, but among the number of non-falal casesthere has been gross carelessness displayed, and it was not due to thegood judgment or energy on the part of the men that the list of fatalcases is so small, for some of the most reckless acts were committedthat it was possible for sane men to commit.The mines have been kept in very fair condition as a whole, but Ihad occasion to make information against three small coal fiinis forviolating the law, after giving them plenty of warning to desist, butsuch disobedience always comes fiom peojtle with a small amount ofcapital invested, who are a liindrnnce to the uiiniiig business by tryingto get out coal without rcgnrd lor llicthat are toiling foi- them.health and safely of llioscVery respectfully yours,JOSEPH KNAPPER.( 46y

4?0 REPORT OF THK BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Table ' A."Sliowing- the (]uantity of coal mined, coke produced, number of personsemployed in and about the mines, (foreman not included), numberof net tons of coal ]>roduced, per each fatal and non-fatal accident,together with tiuantity of powder consumed, number of daysworked, ^c.Total number of tons mined'.'i,8o2,S40Total number of tons sliii)ped :;},233,57!)Total number of tons of coke shipped15, GO:}Total nuuiber of Kms mined ])er fatal accident^ 4TS.

No. 11. EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 471I'oiviiiaii believing; thai he would do wlial lie said, Ict'l (lie ]ilac(',and was gone only a lew minutes wlicn llic miner miisl haveattenii)ted 1o undcrcnt the coal deeper, when Ihe whole cut of coalrolled over on him; lie survived sixteen liours.Elijah Owens and bis son William were instanll.v killed by a fall ofsand rock roof, while withdrawing cross heading pillars, and accordingto evidence, the foreman had left the place only fifteen minutes,and had not noticed any unusual conditions, but the firing of a sho(must have loosened the roof. The miner and his boy went immediatelyback into their place and commenced loading a car, when wilhoutwarning the whole jjlace caved in, crushing both Ix'ueath (hf fall,causing instant death.Simon Fihim was mining out,and withdrawing heading pillars,a section where there was a heavy S(iueeze on tlie place, extendingout beyond the place fifty feet, where other gangs of men were at work,and while the deceased was undercutting the coal, the crush causeda i»iece of slate to be liberated, striking him while lying on his side,]»ro\ ing fatal in eight hours. The deceaserag the coal with tinibei-. w hidiis provided for that ]>urpose.Cliiford Reynolds was fonn

472 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.fifteen ^venrs old and liad only been in eluiige of a niult' and ears afew days when the aecident oecnricd. It seems as thongh the boyinnst have been trying- to get past tiie ears in order to hnrry the muleup, Avheu he missed his footing and fell and was struck by thecars.Report of Mines in Clearfield County and the Condition of Ventilationand Drainage, with Descriptions of Violations and Pi-osecutionsbefore a Justice of the Peace.Acme No. 1.—On my visit in October there was 36,800 cubic feet ofair in circulation in three currents, the main currents were welldivided, but there were too many subsplits and overcasts whichdivided the air current until when it reached the working face it didnot have the necessary volume and force to keep the working placesclear of noxious gases. Drainage good. Foreman, D. Philips.Acme No. 2.—Is a new slope opening and is at present ventilatedfrom the fan of Acme No. 1, and by the same current; but it is notyet comj)lete, owing to excessive volumes of water to be pumped atthis oi)ening. Foreman, ^I. Walker.Atlantic No. 1 Mine.—Had 04,000 cubic feet of air in circulation inthree currents, which keeps the workings in good condition and theroads are fairly well drained. Foreman, Benjamin TJadman.Atlantic No. 2 Mine.—Had 14,000 cubic feet of air circulating in onecurrent and is in good condition; drainage v/as also good. Foreman,William A\'illiams.Alexandria Mine.—Has been idle /or several years, but during thepast 3 ear the operator has opened a new drift, built a substantial furnace,sunk a furnace shaft and built a new tipple, which indicatesmore steady operation than in the past. Foreman^ Wm. S. Blythe.Baltic Nos. 1 and 3 Mines.—Had 4,800 and 9,100 cubic feet of airin circulation in sei)arate currents, which kept the mine in a healthfulcondition. The drainage howevei- was defective in haulage ways.Foreman, C. H. Milsom.Belsena No. Mine.—Has 10.100 cubic feet of air in circulation in.'?one current, which keepts the mine in a healthful condition. Thedrainage has 1>een greatly imjirovc^d, but there is still room for impi'ON'euienton haulage ways. Foreman, Daniel Cam])bell.Belsena No. 4.— Would have been exhausted before the close of1898 but for the scarcity of cars. \Vlien in operation there was 0,000cubic feet of air in circulation in one current, which kept the minein very fair condition; drainage fair. Foreman, James McAlarney.Coaldale Nos. 3 and 5.—Were worked out and abandoned duringthe year, both having been in fair coiidiiioii when in oiicralion. Forenmn,David Philips.Colorado No. 2.—This mine had 10,500 cubic feet (»f air in circula

No. 11. EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 473tion in oiii^ cuireiit llironyli the mine, wiiicli kept it well veutihitGd;the drainage was also good.Colorado No. 8.—Was iiiulei-Foroman, .laiiics (Jates.the provision of the law only a fewdays in December, and was idU> on every one of my visits, but itseems to have better prospects for the futur(\ The trouble seems tohave been in getting railroad cars, according to (he statement of thepresent operator. Foreman, James -lennicks.Cuba Mine.—Has either been idle or working but nine men on myseveral visits during the year, exce])t in Decendjer, when I calledwhen they did not expect me and found them working thirty fivemen with no mine foreman, contrary to Article G, Section 1, of theBituminous Mine Law, and after I had sent them word two weeks previouslywhere they could get a foreman. I at once made infornuitionbefore Squire Gearhart, and at the lie.ning I had fifteen minersas witnesses; the operator i)lead guilty and the case was dismissedon his paA'ing the costs.(Columbia No. 5 Mine.—Was either idle during my several visitsor else working fewer than ten men. Foreman, William Fitzgerald.Decatur No. 1 Mine.—Had 25,500 cubic feet of air circulating intwo currents; ventilation was in good condition. Drainage fair.Foreman, John Hawkins.Decatur No. 2.—Seems destined to remain idle, the coal in the mineis now being taken out of Decatur No. 1 opening.Donegal Mine.—Has not been under the provisions of the lawduring the year, sometimes working from two to five men, and forthe greater i>art of the time it was idle.Eureka No. 5 Mine.—At times gives off a slight (piantity of firedamj) C. H. 4, but is well cared for, having 42,000 cubic feet of aircirculating in four currents throughout the mine; the ventilation anddrainage were also in good condition. Foreman, Thomas Forsythe.Eureka No. 7 Mine.—Had 5o,040 cubic feet of air circulating inthree curients, and it is well conducted throughout the mine, theroads and workings are also well drained. Foreman, John Carlan.Eureka No. 12.—^Vas worked with only nine nu'U in the early partof the year, at which time the coal was all taken out as expected bythis company and mine was abajidoned.Eureka No. 13.—Is being rapidly exhausted, only a small sectionof the mine is solid coal. The ventilation is only fair lor number ofmen employed, while the drainage is defective on haulage ways.Foreman, M. Blythe.Eureka No. 14 Mine.—Has been idle for several months, but whenlast in operation the Aentilation was in good condition, there havingbeen 23,700 cubic feet of air in circ ulatiou in two currents. Therewere defects in drainage on nuiin haulage way. Foreman, Wni. Fitzgerald.

474 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doo.Eureka Xo. l«i Mine.— A'entilat'oii was In fair condition on myvisit in September, there having been 2(5,400 cubic feet of air circulatingin two currents; drainage was defecti^t^ on main lianlage ways.Foreman, E. F. Townsend.Eureka No. IS Mine.—Was not in operation at my hist visit.Foreman,James lihide.Eureka. No. 19 Mine.—Is well diain»'d and ventilaied, having had28,800 cubic feet of air circulating in three currents throughout theroads and working places of the mine. Foreman, James Delves.Eureka No. 20 Mine.—Had 18,000 cubic feet of air in circulation inone current, which was fairly conducted tliroughout the mine, thedrainage was also in fair condition, but the mine has since beenabandoned by the Berwind-White Coal Mining Com[)any. Foreman,Grant Watkins.Eureka No. 22 Mine.—Had 71.800 cid)ic feet of air in circulationin four currents, which was well conducted throughout the min

No. 11. EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 475had lu^ai'ly fiiiislicd a lunv air shaft iicai- the woikiiij:- face wliichwonhl put the air siij)i>l,y in ^ood condilion, but foi- the constant fallscaused from the setllinj^' of the strata in th'' seam below. Foi-eman,W. Wood.Henderson's Nos. 1 and 2.—Enqdoved only nine nn-n each, and donot come under i>ro\isions of the iaw.Highland ]Mine.—On my last visil had (;,:',()(l cubic feci of air in circulalionin oiu' cuirenl, keejdnj;' tlu mine in very fair condiMon foinumberof men em})loyed. Di-ainage had only local def(M-ts.Imperial Mine.—Had S,4(K> cubic feet of aii- circnialinj; in one current, which kei)t the mine healihfnl foi' nnudx-r of men employed.The drainage was fair on my last visii. Foreman, -John Tate.Jefferson Mine.— Had S,4U0 cubic feet of air in circulation in onecurrcMit, which kept the mine in a heaKhful (ondition for the numberof men emi)loyed; drainage v(n'v good. Foreman, J. (\ .Johnson.Kentuck Mine.—A\'as idle on my last visit, but in .luly only 4,420cubic feet of air was entering the mine, Avhich was not sufficient tokeep it in good condition; drainage was however in fail' condition.Foreman, James Dunsmore.Leader Mines Nos. 1 and 2.—Have been worked alternately duringthe year. No. 2 being a new opening on "D"' S(^am of coal to tak(^ outsome ci-o]) coal left by other operators, having no detinite volume ofair. but receiving air through broken strata and hoh^s made to thesurface at several points, which keejts the mine in healthful condition.A new diift and incline ]»lane have been built and opened on "pyseam, which is ventilat

476 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.foot t:5tine fan had been brou^^ht on the premises but was not yet inoperation. Foreman, Charles Rodden.Loraine Nos. 1 and 2 Mines.—Had 6,800 and 5,800 cubic feet of aircirculating in separate currents, which kept the mines healthful fornumber of men employed. The drainage Jiad some local defects.Foreman, George Gould.Morrisdale No. 2 Shaft.— Is a new mine opened during the year,having been laid out for electric haulage and compressed air miningmachines. This is a permanent operation with modern equipmentboth inside and outside of the mine, having self dumping cages andtemporary ventilation furnished by a seven foot Stine fan. The sinkingand equipment was under the immediate supervision of the minesuperintendent, James StalTord.Mabel Mine.—Had 7,200 cubic feet of air circulating throughout thew^orkings and is in very fair condition for (he number of men employed;the drainage also is very fair. No foreman on my last visit.Morrisdale No. 4 Mine.—Has not had a good volume of air in circulation,it having been deficient on my two last visits, having only 2,400cubic feet of air for the twenty-one men emploj^ed; this was caused bythe contractors not keeping the small furnace in operation. The superintendentwas notified of his negligence and promised better arrangementsfor the future. Foreman, eTames McCann.Mt. Vernon No. 4 Mine.—Has not been under the provisions of thelaw during the year, and on my several calls had only from five tonine men employed.Mt. Vernon No. 6 ]\Iine.—Has 29,400 cubic feet of air circulatingthroughout the workings in two incomplete splits, and while the workingsare in a healthful condition, the current is not properly conductedin separate currents for men employed. Dininagc is veryfair. Foreman, J. Hutchinson.Mt. Vernon No. 7 Mine.—Had been poorly ventilated duriug theearly part of the year, and ventilation is still defective in one section,owing to imperfect airways and brattices. Drainage has some defectswhich are local. Foreman, A. P. Iseuburg.Mt. Vernon No. Mine.—Is well v«'ntihited for the number of menemployed, having JJ,GOO cubic feel of air in circulation in one current.Drainage was in fair condition. Forenmn, p]dward Hughes.Meadowbrook Mine.— Did nol come unch r I lie piovisiou of \\wlaw during the year.Mapleton Mine.—Had 10.2(l() cubic feet of air going Mirongli I homine from several openings which is prodsiced by natuijil means,which kept the mine in fairly good condilin for number of men employed.The working [daces wore fairly well drained. Foreman,Thonuis Duggan.Old Mosluinnon .Mine.— Had 2,7(10 antl 1,.~0() ( iibic IVcl of nil- circn

No. 11. EIGHTH BTTTTMTNOTTS DISTRICT. 477lating in separate cnrreiils in earli drifl. II is in very fair condition.Foreman, Paul Hyde.Lancashire No. 1 Mine.— lias been abandoned by Thomas Barnesand Brother, but a contract has been (mterc d into by a miner 1o talceout the remaininp: crop coal witli nine men, but in December I gavehim a call and found a sullicienl number oT men to require him tocomply with Article 6, Section L of llie law, so I made informationagainst him before Squire (learbarl, wIkm'c he i)lead guilty, and onpayment of cost I abandoned the case.Morrisdale No. 1 Shaft.—Had a volume of 94,000 cubic feet of aircirculating in six currents throughout tlie mine, keeping the workingswell ventilated except main "A" heading. The condition of drainagewas fair, but some local defects existed owing to the numerous localswamps in the seam in this section. Forenum, Robert Cole, F. Pilkingtonand p]ugene Marks. Mine supei-intcndent, James SlafVord.Mocks Mine.—Has two openings, one a drift, the other a slope, justbeing opened. The former has been opened for three years, but wasnever worked very extensively, (),!)00 cubic feet of air having beenin circulation by natural means but was poorly conducted owing tothe loose methods in vogue when only nine men were employed,which has been the case ever since it has been opened until lasiOctober. I, however, expect an improveuient on my next visit.Foreman, George Minds.Midvale Mine.—Has been fairly well ventilated for the fifteen menemployed and for the area of the mine, there having been 4,100 cubicfeet of air in cii'culation. There were defects in drainage on haulageways, which the foreman himself hnuled the coal through. Foreman,John Farrel.Banion Mine.—Is a new slope opening on "B" seam of coal, 300feet long driven through the strata above the coal and striking theseam of coal at an approximate angle of 12 degrees i)itch, having anatural current of air of (5,401) cubic feet. The ventilation and drainageis in a very fair condition for number of men employed. Foremanand operator, James (Jatehouse.Osceola No. ^ Mine.— Had r),400 cubic feet c-f air circulating throughthe workings, which keeps it in t';iir condition for number of menemployed. Drainage was in fair condition. Foreman, Thomas Estep.Parks Mine.— Is operated for the i»urpo^'e of sui»]ilying the comj)any's brick woi-ks with coal, which has kept a few men steadilyat work during the year, tlu're having been (5,900 cubic feet of air incirculation in two curi-ents throughout the mine, whicli is in f;iirdition in other resyects. Foreman, John l>aker.(^ueen Mine.—Employs only from nine to twelve men. and is alwaysin fair condition for the numlx r of men employed, having liad .'>.0(HIcubic feet of air in circulation. Foreman, E. Briibaker.con

478 REPORT OP THE RUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Reading Xos. 1 and 2 Mines.—Had 5,400 and 10,000 cubic feet of airin separate currents circulating tliroughout the mine, which keeps themine healthful for the number of men employed; drainage has localdefects. Foreman, C. Maher.Sterling No. 3 Mine.—Has 0,240 cubic feet of air circulatingthroughout the workings. The drainage was in fair condition. Foreman,M. Craig.Schwinn Mine.—On my last visit in December, had neither secondopening, ventilating ai)paratus, safety holes, apparatus to relievethe injured, nor a mine foreman, and had seventeen men at work withno safe waj' out of the mine, the main drift liaving caved in. In onesection after I got the operation stopped, wiiich 1 did by makinginformation before Squire Mcdrath, and at th(^ hcaiing dcfendatiiplead guilty and paid the fine, and the case was droppinl on his promisenot to operate the mine again until it was in a safe and healthfulcondition, according to the re(|uirements of the Bituminous MineLaw.Staffordshire Mine.—Had been idle for several years, but duiingthe month of December commenced oi)erations again on a smallscale, and has not yet been visited. Foreman, John Todhuntei-.Troy Mine.—Worked only Avith from five to nine men during theyear, therefore it did not come under ju-ovisions of the law.Webster Xo. 4 IVIine.—Has two drifts, and has 85,770 cubic feet ofair in one drift in three currents, and 7,200 cubic feet of air in theother drift in one current, being fairly well conduded through thenunc. The drainage in Xt). 1 mine is fairly good, while in No. 2it is defective on the main haulage. Foreman, John Stoker.Whiteside No. 1 Mine.—Had only 4.400 cubic feet of air in circulationon my visit in October, but ihe ])laces were in a healthfulcondition for number of men employed. Drainage fairly good. Foreman,.Jos. Wlieatley.Mines inCentre County.Pdack Diamond Mine.—^^'as not in ojxM.ition on my \isil, and wasabandoned in the iuitumn by K. A. Jackson, owing to lease havingexpired, and has since been idle.IJeai- Kun Mine.—Was in oi»e!a(ion only a few weeks during theyear, the comi)any having been busy in prospecting tor another seamof coal, which tliey I hough! miglit i)rove of more value. Superintendentand I'orenian, Jolin (^ninn.Kleclric .Mine.— Had 21,000 cubic I'eet of air circnlaling in llircecurrents. The veiitilation and drainage having been in good conditiontor Ihe men in llieir pi-esent locati(tns. I^^oreninn, W. S. l

No. 11. EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 479tliree ciiireiits tlirou^lHUit llu* ininc. but soinc local (Ici'ccts existed inthis connection wliicli 1 directed to be leniedied. l)i'iunaj;e had somedefects which were unavoidable, o\vin

480 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.West Eureka No. 10 Mine.—Had a volume of 70,800 cubic feet ofair circulating in four currents. The mine being well ventilated anddrained. Foreman. John Reese.West Eureka No. 12 Mine.—Had 41,200 cubic feet of air in circulationin two currents, but it was not ])ro])erly conducted throughoutthe workings; the foreman's attention having been called to the defects,I directed him to remedy the same at once. All material thatwas necessary to imjirove the conditions weie on the premises, and Ithink they will receive prompt attention. Drainage was unavoidablydefective in places. Foreman, Wm. W^ood. -\^'est Eureka No. 12 Mine.— Had (J7.200 cubic feet of air in circulationin two main splits, which kept the ventilation in good condition.Some local defects exist in drainage on main haulage rnad. Foreman,Elijah Higgins.West Eureka Nos. 1 and 1?> Mines.—Did not come under the ])rovisions of the law during the vear.

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( 41)8 )

Official Document, No. 11.Ninth Bituminous District.(ALLEGHENY, FAYETTE AND WESTMORELAND COUNTIES.)ConneUsvine, Pa., February 28, 1899.Hon. James W. Latta, Secretary of Internal Affairs:Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as Inspeetor of Mines of the Ninth Bituminous District for the year endingDecember 31, 1898.I have to report that this has been a very prosperous year at themines; the quantity of coal mined was 6,625,788 tons, or 1,5.51,853 tonsmore than was mined in 1897. The (luantity of coke was 2,528,177, oran increase of 934,8.52 tons as compared with 1897. The number ofpersons employed during the year was 8,152, or 357 less than in 1897.I have also to report that 28 fatal accidents occurred during theyear, while there were only 19 the previous year, but a lesser numberof non-fatalities compared with 1897, there' being 7 less.A brief description of these accidents is given, and how they occurred,which will explain where the fault lay. There were 11 wivesmade widows and 24 children made orphans by these casualties. Thehealthfulness and safety of the mines are in a very satisfactory condition,especially the great gas producers, as the dangers would b

500 RErORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES.Off. DOC.Accident Table of 189S.

No. 11. NINTH BTTlTMINOtlS DISTRICT. 501the original inlet and lianlage way, they then opened at a differentplace and had a little tronble with the same smoulderingfire, which caused them to uncov

502 REPORT OF THE BtJREAtT OF MINES. Off. Doc.Port Royal No. 1.—In describing this mine I have to say that it isreplete with trouble and difficulties. Their system of mining so farhas been not to take out pillars, which compels them to extend theworkings more rapidly than if they mined all of the coal. They areputting in an electric motor and have made an excellent hauling roadwhich will give good results. Mine foreman, William Goodfellow.Euclid.—Considerable improvements have been made in this mine,first by widening the shaft throe feet on one side from bottom totop also in putting up a new derrick with self dumping cage; andin changing the fan from hoisting shaft to the air shaft, whichdoubles the air current; they also intend to put in an electric motorto haul the coal, instead of a diily, which will be a great improvement.Mine foreman, Michael Roy.Yough Slope.—There has been a good deal of trouble at this mineon account of bad roof and local swamps, but they still hold on to thesystem of short and wide rooms for machines and are very fortunatein extracting all of the coal in ribs and pillar work. Ventilationand drainage is good. Charles K. McCaffey, mine foreman.Amyville.—This mine was worked more steadily this year than last.I cannot say much for its condition as to ventilation and drainage,especially drainage. Mine foreman, Samuel Jones.Ocean No. 1.—This mine has done very well considering the numberof Tocal dips they had to contend with; they have graded the haulingroad so that the electric motor can reach nearly the far end of theworkings; ventilation and drainage is fairly well looked after. Mineforeman, William Goldsboro.Shaner's No. 2.—They have done fairly well here both in ventilationand drainage, although they were compelled to put in a six inch pipeline and take out the four inch line. They are now busy putting inan endless haulage system, which makes it difficult on account of theslope, which although short, dips 60 feet in a distance of 300 feet.Walter O'Malley, superintendent and mine foreman.Guffey.—Mine is in good condition as regards ventilation and drainage. Mine foreman, Edward Bell.Big Chief.—Mine is now operated by the Youghiogheny River CoalCompany. It is in fairly good condition both as to ventilation anddrainage. Mine forenuui, William Barker.Osceola.—This mine has good furnace ventilation but it is onlyat the furnace; the (piantity at the entries is not very great. Thedrainnge in some places is not very good. Mine foreman, MauriceBeadle.Mines on the Mount Pleasant Branch.Rist.—Conditions of mine, as well as ventilation ;nul drainage isgood. Mine foreman, (Munles W'iningroth.

No. 11. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 503Wliit(\—This iiiino is in good coudition botli as to vcntilalioii anddrainage. IMine forenian, Jacob Houser,Morgan.—Considering the troublesome ways of getting out coalwhere it is nearly all stumps and juliars, this mine is in good condition.Summit and Eagle.—These mines are ingood conditions and upto the requirements of law. Mine foreman, .1. F. Andei-son.Franklin Mine.—Every requirement of the law is well observed andalthough it has only fupuace ventilation, it gives sufficient venlilalionall through the mine. Mine foreman, William Muir.Tip Top.—Mine has been working steadily all the year and is ingood condition.Valley.—Mine in good condition in all particulars as required bylaw. Mine foreman, James Jackson.Scottdale Iron and Steel Company.—Mine has started to workagain after being idle over a year on account of company usingnatural gas instead of coal.Dexter.—Mine although having trouble yet with slate in the middleof the coal, will soon be through it. Ventilation and drainage isfairlj' good. Mine foreman, S. K. Fairchild.Painter.—They have had a good deal of trouble with thedrainage in cutting through to adjoining mine. The ventilation couldalso be improved.Diamond.—Mine has started to worl^ after being idle for over oneyear; ventilation and drainage ])romises to be good. Mine foreman,John Boyle,Emma.—Mine istotally exhausted, but they are opening anotherpiece of coal across the railroad, which will supi)ly the ovens forsome time. Mine foreman, Adaui Whitehead.Rising Sun.—Mine can be worked without either fan or furnace onaccount of light surface, which allows quite a number of falls to opento daylight; ventilation also good.Bessemer.—Mine has now a fan which has improved the ventiliitiongreatly; everything else is also in good condition. Mine foreman, J.A. Trimbath.West Overton.—Mine i^ completely exhausted and there is no morecoal to work.Buckeye.—A great many improvements have been made during theyear both in drainage and by opening new territory. Mine foreman,George Burns.Mullen.—Mine is in good condition both in regard to ventilationand diainage. Mine foreman. Edwin AVilliams.

504 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Do--.Mines aloiij; the Soutlnvesi Peiinsvlvaiiia Kailioad.riuiner.—This mine alth()U5.;h it was not expected to, will last anotheryear. It is ke])t in good condition. Mine foreman, DanielAlsop.Coal IJrook.—Mine system, ventilation and drainap^ are «;ood.Mine foreman, John Nolan.Grace.—^No comitlaints regarding- ventilation and drainage. Mineforeman, B. S. Kaygor.Pennsville.—Mine has always been found in good condition, bothin regard to ventilation and drainage. Mine foreman, WilliamKooser.Enterprise.— Is a small mine and will never be a large operationas all available coal will soon be worked out; it is easily kept in goodcondition.Union Mine.—Has made improvements during the year with regardto haulage roads; it is a small o]>eration and easily kept ingood condition. Mine foreman, William Duncan.Maytield.—Has not worked any this year.Donnelly.—lias not Avorked any during the year but is ready tostart at the beginning of next year.Mii'es along the Tittsburg and Lake Erie Railroad.Adelaide.—This mine is quite extensive, with slope and cross entryhaulage ; ventilation and drainage both good. Mine foreman, ThomasHarris.Moreland Slope and Fort Hill.—These mines are in good conditionboth as to venHlarion and drainage. Mine foreman, William Sloan.Rainbow.—This mine is doing very yveU all through, although itsometimes gives off gas in large (piantities; the ventilation is welllooked after; they have two small fans but one good one would bebetter than both. Mine foreman, Dennis \Vordly.Wick Haven.—Coal mining machines have been installed and aredoing fairly w

No. 11. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. f,U5they slill liiivc (r

506 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.which have been very successful before iu their short,Mine foreman, John Besenthener.wide rooms.Accident List.John Shina, a SL^vish miner, aged 43 years, was fatally injuredon January 13th, in Darr mine. This accident happened in a verystupid manner. He was working in No. G entry but went aroundto see some men he was acquainted with in No. 5 entry; in doing sohe chose an easy place to rest himself, and lay down ])artly on someslack close to the face of cut through. The men who worked in thecut through told him to watch the slate; his answer was after lookingup at it, "That is all right," and kept his position for nearly ahalf hour, when the slate fell on him injuring him so badly that hedied five hours afterward. He leaves a wife and two children inAustria.Edward lioth, trai)per boy, age 14 years, was instantly killed atDarr mine on February 9th, by being run over with the front wagonof a two wagon trip. This accident occurred by reason of the boyleaving his door and going in with the driver, then waiting for anotherto come out at No. 2 right off No. 21 face entry.He was standingat a curve and when the driver cami- along he stepped on frontwagon of trip and in turning around to face the road he missed hishold on the wagon and fell, the wagon passing over him on the lowerpart of the body and hip joint; he had only rime to say ''I am killed."This happened 1,000 feet from his door, and shows the risk whichboys run in going in with the drivers.George Mickes came by his death at Fort Hill on February 2.5th,by being caught by an empty wagon on No. 5 flat. It was the lasttrip and they expected to load their wagons quickly and go home,so they were out inthe entry when the empty trip was coming in.(leorge was in a man hole, and hearing the wagon coming pre-])ared to i>ut in a sprag, but the front wagon got oft' the track beforeit i-each where he was standing, and ran toward him and caughthim between the rib, fracturing his skull; he never regained consciousness;he died next day, 24 hours after the accident.INIike Patsco. Slavish miner, was instantly killed by a fall of roofin (Jrace mine March 2d, No. .'> room on No. 7 butt. This accidentoccurred by taking unnecessary risks in knocking out posts on ribs.The distance fioni the face to the last post was over 20 feet and inknocking out the fouith one they nearly all fell suddenly, coveringhim. This was about one o'clock, afternoon, when the men whowere working in adjoiuing rooms and ribs, who were also Slavish,saw what happened, they all ran out of th(? mine and told the mineforeman; he went inside took the road men with him and cleanedthe fall off" to get his body out, and it took them over two hoursto do it.

No. 11. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 507Owen W. Perry, miner, was fatally injured by a fall of coal inOcean No. 2 mine on March 15th.This happened while he was underminingalong the face of his room; he had cut only in a depth of eightinches and about four feet long when part of ithim so badly that he died five hours after.fell on him, injuringThe strangest part aboutthis accident was, that so little coal and such small pieces fell onhim as to hurt him fatally, but he was 55 years of age and was poorlylooked after, which was partly the cause of him not being able tostand much.Primo Gevenardi, Italian miner, was almost instantly killed bya fall of slate in GutTey mine nn March loth. This accident happenedwhile he was knocking down coal under the slate; he had onepost under it, and there was not much room for more posts at thetime, but there was an unseen slip behind the coal and as soon as thecoal fell it released the slip and all fell together.after.lie died two hoursMartin Hawk, Slavish miner, 82 yc^ars old, was instantly killed by afall of slate in Darr mine on 19th of April, in No. 24 entry. Thecause of this accident was that he was in too great haste to load hiswagon after he fired a shot. 'J'his happened in entry driving aftermachines. It was a butt shot and knocked the coal down before theslate, so in his haste to load the car he did not examine the slate to seeif it wks safe to work near it, and in taking this risk the slate fellwith the above result.This man was in this country only about oneyear; he leaves a wife and two children in Austria.At the Horner & Roberts mine on May 19th Josei>hHiryok wasinstantly killed by a fall of slale in No. 1 room II entry. This happenedafter firing a shot in the middle of room, the other jiait nextthe road not being undermined. He and his partner coninicncedto make ready for another shot and having slate from cut uj» yet withtwo posts under it, they thought it safe to work under, but tlic othershot loosened a piece large enough which when it fell rolled over onHiryok, striking him on the abdomen, killing him instantly.. Thisis a usual occurrence with people that are caught with slate, tlii-nking they are always safe if posts are under it. This man was a Slavand had not worke

508 REPORT OF THE BUREAtl OF MINES. Off. Doc.caix-lessiiet^s iii not luuing aiKJlhci- jio^t nwAov (he .slale. This couldeasily have been avoided, a.s the coal was all lyiu«;- loose and he wentiiiider it, thinking it was safe enough with the two posts that wereunder it.He was working here only three months, after the machines,and was not very well acquainted with the condition of the slate.Steve Caniss, Slav, driver, was almost instantly killed in Adelaidemine on June 2(1. This accident ha|ii)"i!ied rather stiangely. Theroom wliich he was hauling an empty wagjui into, had a \m'vv of hadroof by leason of a clay vein ciossing it, and it had plenty of postsalong it, also one cross piece. In going in with empty car it went otfthe track and the horse he wiLs driving was called to stop, but wenton hiuiling (he wagon otf the track until ii came to the post on rib.-ide which was holding u[» the cross-piece ami knocked it down, theroof falling suddenly on him with above results.John (Mmhrun, Slavish, miner, was instantly killed by a fall ofslate in his i-ooni in lianning mine on June 22.This happened throughno' putting posts under it, or in taking it d(nvn instead of shovelingcoal from under it. The testimony showed that they intended totake it down as soon as the coal was cleaned back and when all butthe last shovelful was cleaned back, the >late fell on (Miuhiiin. He\ias only a short time working in this vein and seemed not to realizethe danger from the slate.Paul McChando, Italian, machine helper, was fatally injured by afiiece of coal and slate falling on him whih' making his last cut inroom. He did not discover any danger until it was too late to getaway from under it. He was injured internally and died three daysalter. This ha]vpened in Tort Koyal No. 2 mine, June :>().Lewis Cramer, a boy, who was working with his father, was fatallyinjured by a small piece of slate falling on him while in a stoopingjxisition. If there is any blame to be attached to any one for this accidentil should be his father, b(M-aus(^ he told the boy to go and cleanthe slate that had already fallen, without looking to see if it was safe,he being in a hurry to load night wagons, and he had not i)ul in morethan 10 bushels of coal when a small piece of slate fell on the boy. injuringhim internally so that he di(Ml three hours after. This ha])-pened in Smithlon No. 2 shaft, July 1.('harles Fazenbaker, American, miner, was instantly killed by ala!l of slate in Valley Mine on July 2. This happened on a rib, andn't( nding lo draw out the posts to'make it fall, he called (he manwho worked next to liim to come and help him. The man came immediatelyto his assistance and his testim!)ny was that havijig a smallsh.mp of coal he commenced (o cut it vi'it, and the first stroke hegave the whole roof fell, coveiing him so that it took four liouisto get his body out. This looks strange fVu- a good ]n-ac

No. 11. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 509thick was Hic sliiini) of ctjal, when lie would knock out I he posisthat were uiuhn- it. The roof woukl have faUoti in liiuc cnoujiliavd ho wouUl have been away from uiKh'i- il. bu( it seems vvei-y oneJthat draws lilis likes io see the roof fall before lie leaves it, and a«;r> at many fatal accidents hiive Ifecn cau.sed by thismethod.fJolin Fiakovsky, Polish, miner, was insi

510 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Do.-.tetere Saltes, Hungaiian, was instantly killed by a fallof slate inIs'o, 5 room, 2 butt, 25 Hat, Darr mine, on September 13. Tills accidenthappened by the coal knocking out a post that was holding upthe slate and instead of Saltes replacing it up again he kept on shovelingcoal to load his wagon until it fell upon him with aoove results.This was taking a risk that was foi-biddc-n by his partner, it beingcnjy eight minutes after the post was knocked out until the slate fell.This man had worked here about six years and thought he knew allabout slate.September 24th, Germano Kosetti, Italian, was fatally injured bya fail of slate at Ocean No. 4, in No. 11 room, No. 3 entry and died 30minutesi after. This is another case of carelessness on the partof the deceased. He had hred a shot in the coal which brought itdown but left the slate up, he then commenced to put up a post to theroof a short distance from the slate and in doing so it fell on him withabove result. This man had only been a few weeks digging here.He leaves a wife in the old country.Francisco Polo Paligge, Italian, miner, was fatally injured by afall of slate at Smithton No. 2, September 20, in No. 2 room No.• '., south entry. This happened by risking his life where dangerwas apparent. He was digging a piece of coal under the slate andhad no posts under it; he released it at tlie place where it was sup-I'orted and ran the risk of his life in doing so. He lived five hoursafter the accident. This man has a wife and small family on theocean coming to this country. It is a sad affair, but he was oftenw arned before of the risks he took with slate.^Michael Sargot, American, miner, was Instantly killed by a fallslate in Painter mine on October 4. He and another man named K.F. Willtoup were taking out a pillar and to make a fall, commencedtb draw out the posts and when they had drawn allofof them but one,they knew it was not safe to knock it out, but in spite of advice ofWilltoup, Sargot said he could take it out, .niid in doing so the rooffell on him, as above stated.Lawrence Graboski, Polish, miner, was killed almost instantly inI'ort Royal No. 2 mine, October 17, in his room by a fall of slate.This happened when he was shoveling the last wagon of coal fromunder it and he had neglected to put a sufficient number of jwstsunder it.October 10 Ed. Prico, boss driver, was instantly killed by beingrun over by part of emi)ty diliy trij) in Yough sh.pe. This ha])penedthrough his having stepped across the track, thinking he had plentyof time to do so before the ti'ip would rr-ach him, and so lie wouldhave had but 12 of the wagons of the trip had cut loose by the hitcherpalling out. which caused them to run pt an enormous speed andI'rico not knowing this, thought the rope was attaclK'd (o Ihcni and

No. 11. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 511ll'.at lie had plenty of time to cross ovei- the track as he was in (hehabit of doing, but it cost him his life this time.Alexander Moore, Irish, was fatally injured in Yough slope onOctober 22. This hap[.

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'Official Document, No. 11.Tenth Bituminous District.(HUNTINGDON, BEDFORD, FULTON AND BLAIR COUNTIES, ANDTHOSE PARTS OF CLEARFIELD, CAMBRIA AND INDIANA COUNTIESLYING ADJACENT TO THE BELL GAP liAILROAD, AND THOSE PARTSOF CLEARP^IELD, CENTRE AND CLINTON COUNTIES LYING ADJACENTTO THE BEECH CREEK RAILROAD.)Altooaa, Pa., March 1, 1S!>!».IIuu. James W. Lalla, Secietaiy of luterual Affairs, llariislnir};, l*a.:Sir: In accordance with the provisions of tlie liituniinoiis Mine Law,I have thu^ honor to submit the annual report for (his district for theyear ending Decembei- 31, 18JJ8.There was a slight increase in the production of coiil, and in thenumber of men employed, over the previous year, and the gi*neralcondition of the mines was about the same as last yeai-. 1 am sorryto say that the number of fatal accidents this year was eleven, ascompaiied with seven for the previous year, iind of this number, eightwere due to falls of coal and slate, and the other three, to havingbnvn crushed by cars.The number of mines reporting was 65; no new mines were oixnied,and at two mines, mining machines have been installed, and one ventilatingfan erectii'd during the year. The luines have worked aboutthe same as last year, and there is nothing special to record of (hedistrict. The r(^port is respectfully submitted.Summary of Statistics.K. HAMrSO.X.Nwuibcr (li mines in (he (listiic(, reported (IS,'jn(lAmount used for steam ainL'l."»,«..»:'.Total number of persons employedAggregate number of days worked during (lif yeai- 11.4."4^Xuinber of fatal accidents^' umber of non-fatal accidents -

526 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Niiinber of kegs of powder used, 20,233Number of pounds of dymi mite used, 19,800Description of Mines.Gazzam Mines,These are drift mines owned and operated by the Clearfield BitumjcousCoal Corporation, and they have woiked very well duringthe past year. No. 1 mine is a long distance in, and the generalcordition of the mine was very good at the different visits made duringthe year.The coal still continues very low, which makes this a difficult mineto work. They have put in a new drift that will intersect with theV, crkings on the south side of No. 1 mine in a very short time, andhave graded the main railroad to near the new drift, and put upa tipple; this will cut off the long haul from No. 1 mine to the oldtipple and will concentrate the work more at one point, and itwill be a decided improvement over the presf^nt system of working.At the No. 4 mine the work has been confined mostly to pulling outthe heading pillars. They put down a bo"e hole to the right of thedrift and found good coal beyond the fau't at that point, and nowfhey have cut through the fault, and have got into good coal, andwere making a connection with a shaft they had sunk down to the coal.The prospects of a large body of coal beyond the fault are very good,and if this proves correct it means a new lease of life for this driftthat was supposed to have been worked out. The condition of themine was good.O'Shanter Mines.No. 1 mine is located about one mile from Mitchel Station and isoperated by Weaver & Ettla, and the work has been confined to workingout the heading jwllars, and it will soon be finished.At my last visit they had again commenc(-d work at the PlanemJce close to Mitchel Station, and they will now make this the principalwork. The coal is of the same thickitess as at the other minesand the general conditions are similar. The mine is ventilated byfriT.ace and the condition was fairly good, but the brattices willneed good overhniiling, as they are very much decayed and notof much use in their present condition. A new opening has beenput in that strikes near the face of the workings, but this is only usedat present for an airway and to make of it ;: new hauling way wouldnecessitate a tram road being built outside to the head of the plane.Eloomington Mines.These mines are operMt(>d by the TJlooTuington Mining Company vnndare working on the same vein as the mines last m(Mili(ii\ed. In No.

No. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 527o uiiiie the licadiiijis to (In: dij) have been i-lraicd of watci- and pnslu'doil fai-tliei- and the vciitihition was found good in this i)art of llic mine,as the workings aie not very far away from the fan. In (he upperI^u't of tlie mine (he work lias been mosdy pilhir wcnk, and (lie conditionwas very fair in this portion. As they are now about towork out a small iiiece of coal they have leaded adjacent to this bodyof coal, they will start up the headings again and this will last fora while longer.In No. 4 mine they are digging most of (he coal by machines, andas the mine is g"elting a long dislance in, (he ventilation a( the backfuii-t of the work was not as good as in the other portions. The coalis hauled out by means of a tail rope, and one branch of it runs downNo. 3 right, and brings out all the coal from that por(ion of (he mine,and the main rope runs up (he main heading and brings out the coalfrom back part of the workings. They liave several pumps in thedip which are worked by compressed air, rnri they all do good work.This mine is about at the limit of profitable haulage, and the headingswill not be pushed much farther, but a new opening will be putin to cut off all the present workings.In the new slope, connection has been made, and they can nowopen up this mine and soon make it a very productive one, as theyLave room for a good many headings on the right and left, and asthey will go a long distance it will make a l^ig mine.Koyal Slope.This mine is operated by O. P. Jones Co., and is located near MunseuStation. They have worked fairly well during the .>ear, and their.ine was always found to be in good condition and every attentionis paid to the keeping it in good sanitary condition. Th(\v stillhave trouble with water in the dip workings, and as tbey have hada great deal of trouble with the old pumps, but they have been replacedby new ones which are fully caiiabl^ of taking care of allnater now made in that portion of the mine.They are stilland in a short time will be far enough to start a heading totlivpushing the headings from (he dip towai-d the noiihthe easttliat will liberate a body of water lying at tJie face of the main heading;which will allows this portion of the mine to be worked again.Harts.This is a small mine operated by Thomas Hart, and sometimes ith;i > enough miners (o come under the provisions of the law and sometimesnot, but I have visited it once or twice during the year andfound it in good condition at each visit, and as they are workinga narrow strip of coal it will not Iflst long.45

iiui.5:28 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.Kyler.Operated by W. G. Fisliburn and located at Muusou Statiou. Themine has worked reasonably well during the year, and its generalcondition was good at the different visits. The work has been eonfinedmostly to room and pillar working, and the headings have notbeen driven very far.Forest.This mine is operated by O. P. Jones & Co., and adjoining theKyler mine. The workings to the right of the main heading haveall run into the big fault that is on that side. of the work, and itwas also struck in the main heading, an dso the work is nowcotitiued to the upper left headings, and as these places will runagainst the fault, the coal will soon be exhausted, and to get at thelarge body of coal on the other side of the fault a new opening wilihave to be put in at some point near Winburue. The condition of(be mine was fair at the two first visits, but on the other visits wasnot very good as the work is all getting crowded up into a corner,and as the coal sticks so much, it nt ^^ds a ^i-eat deal of blasting fortilt quantity mined, so that the mine is in a smoky condition all thetime.Summerville.This mine is operated by Summerville & Buchanan. During I heyear mining machines have been put in to do rtie undercutting, andllu' mine has worked very well during the year. They have i)ul ina big waterway to drain one portion ot I he mine, and in the o(herI»arts of the mine below the le\elthey have electric pumps at work,wliicli do I he work very well. The fan has also been removed (o theshaft neyr the drift mouth; the ventihition was good during the year.Ogle.This is Summerville mine No. 4, but (lie iiujiroNX-menLs were |iurchased by the Bloomington Mining Company, so as to get at a latgebody of coal they have, immediately adjoining Summerville No. 1.so they have changed the name to Ogle mine and have made m;myini{;rovements since taking possession of it.They have pu( in a largeIngesoll-Sargent compressor and haVe mining machines of the punchertype. They have also installed an electric plant for haulage wliidiwas put in by the Independent Electric ('ompany, and a Sdne fatifor ventilation was also erected at the shaft near the drift mouth.E^verything was in good condition about the mine, while inside (heventilation was very fair, as tliey had no! yvi got tilings in propereii'er, bill wluii (bis is done tlu- iiiiiie will Ik in good coiidiItliev will soon be iible to pill out a large (oniiage.and

No. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 529Grass Flat.Work has bceu vei'V

530 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.tb? condition of tlie mine was j^ood. No. '} niiue is contined to pullingoat the headiu\'ork was very good here during the year,and the ventilation and drainage were also good.They have jMit in a new opening on the Miller seam, and tlu^ coalwill be used in the coke ovens.A shaft was being ]»ut down for ventilation,and a furnace will be built..Horse Shoe.This mine is operated by Ihe Altoona G(»al and C^oke Gompany. andluis woiked veiv well during Ihe year. They have worked around (he

No. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 531sqiicv/c wliicii IkuI cIosihI sonic nl' die In*a«liiigs uad arc now get lingalong very well. The new opening iias been counccted with thelaine, and this will serve fof drainage and give Iheni another body ofcoal to work below the pre-s^nt level. The ventilation was good.I^elaney.This niiue is opciatcd by the Altoon Coal and (Joke Comjiany,and has worked very steadily during the year, and the ventihitioni'lid drainage of (he dirterent openings has been very good, and everythingwell looked after by those in charge. A new opening has beenput in during the year, which will take the place of one of (he otherparts of the mine that is [(laying out.East End.Operated by the East End Coal Company; liic condition of themine was good during the year. Tlney still have trouble with clay\eins in the mine and tliis makes the cross cuts in the rooms irregularand is a drawback to keeping a mine in good condition, but everythingis properly kept inside the mine. The rope was extended downto another lift during the year and consideiable work was done inthe low'er level, but at my last visit the mine W'as being abandoned,owing to the lease having expired.Lemon.This mine is or was

532 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OP MINES. Off. Doc.Tliey have got into a body of vei-y good coal whicli runs nearly fivefeet bigh, and the quality is good.Frieks.Operated by Max Frick and working on same vein as Bland's.Thein"ne has been kept in very good condition uuting the year. A connectionhas bieen made into the old mine above this which will helpthe A-entilation of the mine and also give them a chance to get atcoal they left in the dip of the old mine.Great Bend.This mine adjoins the one last mentioned, is operated by the BellwoodCoal Company, and during the year ti.ey have got into a betterroof, so that the mine is safer than last year. The rick in the middleoi" the coal still holds its thickness. The (•'Fidinon of the mine wasvery fair, both for ventilation and draina'; -.Eldorado.This mine has not done very much business during the year, andthey still have (ronlde with poor coal, but are trying to get beyondit and into good coal. The condition of the mine was fair.Mountaindale.This mine is operated by the Bear Ridge Coal and Coke Company,and they have worked very well during the year, and made many improvements.A new opening has been put in and a furnace shaft sunkend furnace built, and the tail rope has been extended from the tippleto the turnout inside the timbers of the new mine. Changes have beeni.'iade in and around the tipple and a brnncii railroad has been builtfrom the main line, which has abolished the hauling of coal and cokeover the hill, so that matters look much better about the mine thisyear than they did last. The ventilation of the old mine was onlyfair, while the new mine was in very good condilion. The men willall soon be at work in the new mine.Pennsylvania.This mine was opei;ated by Thomas Barnes & Co.,and they onlyworked a portion of (he year and then for some cause abandoiu'd it.The vculilalioii was good at the visits made during the year.Oakland.This is a small mine operated by S. TTegarty's Sons, and (he numberof men employed has been small. The condition o.f the mine was fair(luring (he year.

No. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 533[rvomi.This mine is operated by (lie Irvona Coal Company and they haveworked very steadily and have opened up a j?.reat deal of

S34 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.covers all the country, and as it is below u ater level we hope- it maj}>rove of good (inality, and if suitable for coking, ovens will be builtfor coking the product.Burnside.This mine is operated by the Burnside ('oal Company, and theyhave worked fairly well during the year and have done considerablework inside the mine. The condition was very good at the differentvisits made during the year.Doiighei'ty,Operated by the Dougherty Coiil Company, but the number of menemployed here is not large, as the coal is sold for domestic use. Thecondition of the mine was good.Durham.This mine works verj- regularly, is operated by the Kemble IronCompany, and the fnoduct is used for maki, j;: coke for the furnaces ofthat company. Considerable new work has been opened up, and theventilation and drainage was always good.Delta.Very little work has been done here duriiig the year as the partieswho leased the mine soon gave it up. The condition of the ventilationwas not very good.Harvey Slope.This mine was operated by the Harvey ('oalMining Compan,\, andduring the latter part of the year it went inro the hands of a receiver,by whom it is now being operated. The ventilation was not verygood, and the managers have promised to put in a fan in a shodtin'e,Cunard.Operated by the IMorrisdale Coal C^ompany, and has worked very irregularlyduring the year, owing to disputes between the miners andoperators. They still have much trouble with rolls and dii)s, andtlie mine is very liard to keep in I'casonablv good condilion.The ventilationon the whole was good.New Hampshire.The Crescent Conl Mining Company leased this min-.' during (heyear, and it lias worked fairly well. Not nnn-li iniitrovenient lia^;been made, as the work piogresses slowlv in these miners, but the

(heNo. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 535toiiditiou of (he vi'iitilalioii w«s good. They iiavo lioublc like allmines in this region with lolls and dips, wliicli makes (lie minelook very irregular.Warner.Oporated by Iho Lambirdi Coal Mining Company. TluM'e is notniin-h change^ to report from last year, as they are still trying (o workiireund the rolls as best they can. Tiie condition nl' the mini' is good.Kearney.This mine is opei'aled by Joseph Thropp, ;;?id tlie coal is all usedfor coking i»nr[iosies ami then goc^s to (lie fin-nace owned \n .Mr.Thiopp.The Plane mine was not in good conditio!)^ but in the Slope minetiiecondition was better, as they have the mine in better order thanI he plane, and the rooms and the lueadings arr- di-iven in n more systematicmanner than inthe plane workings.Cambria.These mines are operated by the United Collieries Company and\ery little work has been done in the way of driv ing headings in No. 1mine, as the dip of coal is so narrow. These workings are connectedwith the Plane mine at Kearney, and the ventilation was good when.'he mine was visited. At the shaft or Xo. 3 Cambria, little workwas done during the year, but at my last \isit (hey were starting upwork there and now expect to run steadily. The ventilation of Xo.;> was good, the drainage also.This mine isCrescent.operated by the Crescent Coal Mining Company andthey have worked very well during the year: TJie headings are gettingpretty close to the property line, and unless a new lease is madethey will soon have the mine on the retr'jit. The ventilation anddiainage of this part of the mine was good.In the Chevinglon portionthe ventilation in summer was not very good, but since that(ime (hey have put down a shaft at the fr-e of the woik which hasii:. proved the ventilation very nnich.Robert sdale Slope.This mim' and the >\'

536 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.a (urmel has been driven through the measures and the lower seamhrs been opened up, which shows a good woilvable seam; which willnow be worked in conjiinction with the upper one. The generalcondition ofthe mine was good.U'oodvale Shaft.Connection has been mnde with tlie slope mine, and it is the intentionas soon as possible to turn all the watcH- from the slope workingto the shaft and pump all water from this one point. Mining machinesare used in this mine; the}' are now uuiking a level roadfrom n«U' the foot of the shaft across the (Id workings and will thenput on electric haulage and dispense with ;! great many mules. Theystill have trouble with i-olJs and dips, which makes haulage ditlicuU.The ventilation was good.Benedict.This mine is operated by D. C. Reed nnd il has iu)i been worked toihefuU capacity dtiring (he year. They 'iive abandoned (lie lowerI'line and put the men in the upper one ami have now cu( inio (heold Benedict workings and have a large body of coal to work, butthey had trouble during the summer with one ofthe airways beingclosed up with water, and until this was drained off, the ventilationv»'as poor, but now it is in better condition.Huntingdon.There has been little if any change at this mine during the yearTiiough they have cut into the old Huntingdon mine at ditTerent |)oin(s;itiT'ventilation and drainage were very fair.Ocean No. 1.Tliey have worked very well at this mine rluring (he year, and haveput down a shar( at (he (are of (he workings. The ven(ial(ion wasreasonably good at the dilVerent visits.Ocean No. 2.Work has been very steady at this mine and during the latter ])artof the summer (hey made a connection with the Fisher mine (hatadjoins the |)roper(y, and as the working fac(^ of the mine is n(\irlyall on a straight line, tlie ventiladon on (he whole was good.A new tipple has been built and (he distatice and grade (romthe drift mouth to the tipple has been nuiterially lessened."Carbon.A new drift has been ftut in on the BanT^t seam, bu( like (he onebeh;w it is ve^^ much disturbed bv rolls. In (he lower miin' (hev

No. 11. TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 537iiave been and ai-e s(ill woikin-; aromul (!i. rolls. The vciiCiladoiiwas gond. These four mines ar«' opcraicd Itv \\'. H. Sweel.Fisher.aiiis mine is oi)eriif

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Official Document, No. 11,INDEX.Page.Communication to the Governor,iLetter of transmittal,ijTable of contentsvIntroduction to report viiReduction in number of accidents, viiiNew method of mining- in bituminous region xiiiAbstract of contents of reports of bituminous InspectorsxviThe Cor nellsville coke region, history of xxViolations of mine laws,Injunction proceedingsx.x.xiixxxiiiDefendants' request, finding of facts, xliiiFinding of la \v , xlviCommonwealth vs. Elk Hill Coal and Iron Company, s.^SrT^/yf.^/^f/X'.c^ IviiNarrow escape at Richmond mine,IviiiFire in Ferguson mine lixCave-in at Hallstead mine,IxDisaster at Empire mine , near Brownsville IxiReport of Anthracite Miners' Examining Boards,IxivFatal accidents per each 1,000 employes about anthracite and bituminousmines for a series of years,IxixProduction of coal and coke in tons,IxxNumber of employes, fatal and non-fatal accidents IxxiProduction of anthracite coal and numl)er of employes in and aboutmines, by counties IxxiiQuantity of coal shipped by rail, used for steam and heat, kegs powder,pounds of dynamite, etc., used in and about anthracite mines, IxxiliProduction of bitumint.us coal and coke and numlier of employes, l)ycountiesIxxivQuantity of coal shipped by rail and river, used for steam and heat, kegspowder and pounds of dynamite, etc., used in and about bituminousmines,IxxviAverage thickness of coal seam, tons secured per acre, etc., in bltuminnusregion,Ixx viiTable showin.g cause of accidents, etc., anthracite region lxx\iiiNationality of persons killed and injured in and about anthracite collieriesTable shewing causes of accidents, etc., bituminous region IxxxiNationality of persons killed and injured in and about bituminous collieriesIxxxliiLaws relating to coal mining Ixxxv( S.Sl )Ixxx

552 INDEX. Off. Doc.Page.An act to protect miners in the l)ituminous coal region of the Commonwealth,approved June 1, 1883 IxxxviiAn act to provide payment to the miner for all clean coal mined Ijy him,approved June 13, 1883 IxxxixAn act to provide for the recovery of l)odies of workmen enclosed, buriedor entornbed in coal mines, approved May 9, 1889 IxxxixAn act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in andabout the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protectionand preservation of property connected therewith, approved June 2,1891 , xcAn act relating to bituminous coal mines and providing for the lives,health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein, approved May15, 1893, cxxiAn act equalizing and fixing the c Dmpensatinn and mileage of membersof the several examining boards, etc., etc., approved June 26, 1895 clviiAn act for the better protection of employes in and about coal mines,by preventing mine superintendents, mine foremen and assistants fromreceiving any sums of money or other valuable consideration from menwhile ill their employ, and pro\iding a penalty for violation of the same,approved June 15, 1897, clviiiAn act establishing a Bureau of Mines in the Department of Internal Affairsof Pennsylvania, defining its purposes and authority, providing forthe appointment of a chief of said Bureau and assistants and fixing theirsalarier and expenses,clixAn act requiring the weighing of bituminous coal before screening, andproviding a penalty for the violation thereof clxiiiAn act to protect the lives and limbs of miners from the dangers resultingfrom incompetent miners working in the anthracite mines of this Commonwealth,etc., etc., approved July 15, 1897. clxivAn act to amend the tenth section of an act, entitled "An act to providefor the health and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracitecoal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and pereservationof property connected therewith," approved the second day of June,A. D. 1891, providing that self-acting doojs are used^ approved April 20,1899 clxviiiAn act to amend section four of article eight of an act, entitled "An relatingto bituminous coal mines and providing for the lives, health,safety and welfare of persons employed therein," approved May 15, A.D. 1893, permitting the use of mineral oils in Intuminous mines whenused in ajtproved safety lamps, appioved April 28. 1899 clxviiiFIRST ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:L'^iter of ti'ansmittal 1Tible "A," showing i)rodu'tion of cual and number of employes ftireach compan.v in district 4Tabli- "P.." number of fatal accidents and quantity of coal producedper life Inst 5Table "C," number of fatal and non-fatal accidents and tons of coalproduced per accident 5Tablo "D," occupations of persons killed and injuredCTable "E," classification of accidents. .* 6Table "F," nationality of persons killfil and injiind 6

No. 11. INDEX. 553Page.Table No. 1, with map, showingr location, etc., of collieries 7Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc., in each colliery, etc.,9Table No. 3, numbei of each class of employes and number of daysworked each month by each breaker, 14Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents, ISTable No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents, 27SECOND ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal3;^Table "A," showing- production of coal l)y each company in the district,number of employes, etc ;j6Table "B," showing- num))er of fatal accidents, and tons (if coalproduced per each fatalityTable "C," showing number of fatal and non-fatal accidents and tons:•(;of coal produced for each accident;i7Ta1)lo "D," classification of accidents 37Table "E." occupati(ms of persons killed and injured .38Table "F," nationality of persons killed and injured, 38Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of collieries 39Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc. , 41Table No. 3, number of each class of employes and numl>er of daysworked by each breaker, 47Tablo No. 4 , list of fatal accidents 53Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents, 60THUiD ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal 67Number of fatal and non-fatal accidents and tons of coal producedfor each accident 68Number of persons employed by each company and number of employesfor each accident, 69Annual examination for mine foremen, 69Recapitulation of fatal accidents 70Table showing numlier of each class of seiious ncm-fatal accidents,number of each class of employes and their nationalities 71Colliery improvements for 1898, 72Mine accidents 76Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of collieries 78Table No. 2, showing number of tons of coal mined, number of daysworked , etc SOTable No. 3, number of each class of emiiloyes and numlier of daysworked by each breaker, 84Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 88Tal)Ie No. ."i, list of non-fatal accidents 91FOURTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal 09Production of coal by each company during year 100Table "A," showing number of lives U)st and tons of coal produced foreach accident b'l

S54 INDEX. Off. Doc.Page.Classification of accidents, 102Description of a fire in Alden colliery, 102Lessons derived from mine fires in district, 104Examination for mine foremen and assistants 107Table No. 1, with map, showing location, etc., of collieries, 109Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etcTable No. 3, number of each class of employes and number of days-worked by each breaker, 117Tabl" No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 122Recapitulation of fatal accidents, causes, occupations and nationalitesof victims 126Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 127FIFTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal, 129Production of coal for each company, 129Number fatal accidents and tons of coal produced per life lost, 130Number non-fatal accidents and tons of coal produced per personinjured 130Number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, and production of coal foreach accident, 131Comparative statement showing- number of tons of coal produced,number of fatalities, etc., for ten years, 131Natif nality of persons killed and injured, 131Comparative table showing causes of fatal accidents in the district« for ten years 132Recapitulation of fatal accidents as per Table No. 4, 133Recajiitulation of non-fatal accidents, as per table No. 5, 134Examination of applicants for mine foremen and assistants, 135Colliery improvements during 1898 135Remai ks on fatal accidents, 144Table No. 1, with map, showing location, etc., of collieries 153Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc. .Recapitulation, Table No. 2 156Table No. ?>, number of each class of employes and number of daysworked by each breaker, 160Recapitulation, Table No. 3, 165Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 166Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 170SIXTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal 173E.xamination of applicants for mine foremen's certificates 173Nun ber of employes and nature of their employment, 173Comparison of production of coal between 1897 and 1898 174Table showing numbci- fatal accidents and quantity of coal i)roduccdper life lost 174Comparative table for five years, 175Table of comparison of death rate per thousand, etc 176Fatal and non-fatal accidents and nationalities of victims 176Illin4

No. 11. INDEX. 555Page.Fatal and non-fatal accidents and their causes, 177Summary of district for 1898, 177Remarks on fatal accidents 178Comi-.ressed aid haulage at Buck Mountain, 183Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of collieries 189Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, numl)er days worked,etc 191Table No. o, number of each class of employes and numbt-r of daysworked by each breaker 195Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 199Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 203SEVENTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal, 207Table "A," comparative table of fatal accidents for 1896-97, 98 208Table "B," production of coal by each company, num])er of fatalitiesand tons mined for each fatality, 208Table "C," comparisons of non-fatal casualties for 1896, 97 and 98 208Table "D," quantity of coal shipped, used and sold at collieries for1896, 97 and 98, 209Table "E," general comparisons between years 1896, 97 and 98 209Table "P," number of employes of the several companies and numberof fatalities, 209Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of collieries, 210Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 212Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes and numberof days worked by each breaker 216Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 220Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents, 222EIGHTH ANTHRACITE DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal 227Summary of production , etc. , 228Improvements during 1898 229Collieries abandoned during 1898 232Description of a mine fire 232Kaska-WiJliam colliery disaster 235Injunction proceedings, 240Arbitration , 244Examination of candidates for mine foremen and assistants 248Table showing number of each class of employes 249Classification of accidents, nationalities of killed and injured, namesof collieries where accidents occurred, 250Table No. 1 , with map showing location, etc., of collieries, 251Table No. 2, numl)er of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc - 253Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes and number ofdays worked by each breaker, 257Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 261Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 263

556 INDEX. Off. Doc.FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Page.Letter of transmittal 271Mining- statistics, 272Condition of mines 273Description of an explosion at Umpire mine 275Description of mines continued , 281Descriptions of fatal accidents, 285Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of mines, 289Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc., 291Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month, 294Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 298Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 300SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal 305Classification of accidents, 305Summary of statistics, 307Description of mine improvements, 308Description of fatal accidents, 320Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of mines 329Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 331Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month ZMTable No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 338Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents, 340THIRD BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal, 343Classification of accidents 343Tab]-? of comparison between 18137 and 1898, 344Modification of the single entry system, etc., 345Ventilati(m , 346Desci'iption of mints, 347Table No. 1, with n;ap showing location, etc., of mines 354Table No. 2, num))er tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 356Table No. 3, showmg number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month, 358Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 362Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 365FOURTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:^Letter of transmittal 367Mining statistics 367Class-ification of accidents, 368Description of m.ines 368A coroner's inquest 372Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc.. of mines 374Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 376

No. 11. INDEX. 557Page.Table No. :>, showinK iiumhfi- of each class of ciniiloyfs, iiuiuber ofdays worked in each month 378Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 382Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents, 383FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal , 385Suminaiy of statistics 386Classification of accidents 386Condition of mines, 386Description of a mine fire 388Condition of mines, continued 389Another mine fire 394Condition of mines, continued 395Table No. 1, with map, location, etc., of mines, 400Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 402Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month 404Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 408Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 410SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Lettei' of transmittal 41.'jStatistics of production, etc., 41.^Accidents and their causes, 410General condition of mines, 417Report of mines by groups , 420Table giving- name of mine, method of haulage, ventilation, etc 425Tal>li- No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of collieries, 427Taljle No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 430Table No. 3, showing the number of each class of employes, numl)er ofdays worked in each month, 432Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents 436Table No. ,", list of non-fatal accidents 440SEVENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRUST:Letter of ti-ansmitlal 443Mining statistics -143Copy of a decision 444Copy of an aflidavil 445Inspectors' duties and qualifications, 448Improvement in mining methods since 1885 450Improvement in xcnlllation 451Mine maps 452Mine foremen of foi mer years and those of to-day 4.52Descj'iption of mines 453Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc.. of mines 4.56Tabl- No. 2, number tons of

5"'8 INDEX. Off. Doc.EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Page.Letter of transmittal 469Table "A," statistics of district 470Classification of accidents, 470Report of fatal accidents during year 470Report of mines in Clearfield county; 472Report of mines in Centre county 478Report of mines in Jefferson county 479Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of mines 481Table No. 2, number of tons of coal mined, number of days worked,etc. ,484Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month, 487Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 493Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 495NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Letter of transmittal , 499Table of accidents, 1898 500Summary of statistics 500Mines on the B. & O. Railroad 500Mines on the Mount Pleasant Branch,502Mines on the P. & L. E. Railroad 504Mines on the Belle Vernon Railroad , 505Description of accidents, 506Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of mines, 512Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 514Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes, number ofdays worked in each month, 516Table No. 4, list of fatal accidents, 520Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 522TENTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT:Lettei of transmittal 525Summary of statistics , 525Description of mines 526Table No. 1, with map showing location, etc., of mines 538Table No. 2, number tons of coal mined, number of days worked, etc., 540Table No. 3, showing number of each class of employes; number ofdays worked in each month , 542Tabic No. 4, list of fatal accidents 546Table No. 5, list of non-fatal accidents 548

REF TN805.P1A3 1898Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Depiiv. of Scranton/Alumni Mem, Lib,3 T3M7 00157231 2