Reports of the Inspectors of Mines of the anthracite coal regions of ...

Ex. Doc
- No- 10-
FIRST OR POTrSVILLE DISTRICT.
Office of Inspector of Mines, First District,
Mining District of Schuylkill.
PoTTSViLLE, March i, 1878.
To His Excellency, John F. Hartranft,
Governor of the- State of Pennsylvania
Sir: In accordance with tlie requirements of the act of Assembly, I
have the honoj- of submitting to j^ou my annual report of tonnage of coal
shipped, condition of the collieries, accidents, and general information
conceruing the collieries in this district during the 3'ear which has jus
closed.
The number of accidents that have occurred during the year is somewhat
greater in the aggregate than for 1876, but in proportion to the
quantity of coal mined, it is a source of gratification to me to be able to
report that the casualties are considerably less.
I am also happy to have the honor to report that the collieries in this
district are in a much better condition than at the date of my last report.
This fact, taking into consideration the rigid system of economy rendered .
necessary b}^ the depressed condition of the coal trade, shows that the
present owners and operators of collieries realize the advantage of keep-
ing them in good working condition, and have become satisfied that the
money expended in improvements, is the most remunerative of any por-
tion of their investments.
With the revival of trade, and consequent prosperity which we all antici-
pate with so much confidence, I have no doubt, with the cooperation of all
parties engaged in this necessarily hazardous business, that we shall arrive
at that point which we are gradually, but surely approaching, when the
mining accidents will be reduced to the lowest mJnimum which can be at-
tained under the naturally dangerous character of the occupation.
By the courtesy of Messrs. Stranch and Cochran, mining engineers of
Pottsville, I am enabled to furnish a map of the anthracite coal region,
and, as I think it will be instructive and interesting to our miners, I append
it to m}^ report.
The information alluded to, is herewith submitted to in detail.
Yery respectfully, 3'^our obedient servant,
SAMPSOX PARTON.