1898 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

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.