1898 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

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