Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 32, Number 296, 7 December 1907 — Page 1

THE nic

MOND FA ,AJ3IUM A1MO SUN-TELEGRAM.

VOL. XXXII. NO. 290

RICHMOND, IND., SATURDAY EVENING, DECE3II$ER 7, 1907.

SINGLE COPY. 2 CENTS.

FOUR HUNDRED DEAD, IN

VIRGINIA

MINE

HORROR

SUPERINTENDENT MALONE OF CONSOLIDATED COAL COMPANY SAYS THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN THIS NUMBER.

ONE THOUSAND MEN ENTERED THE MINE

Only Thread of Hope Held That Any Will Be Rescued From the Hell.

HUNDRED BODIES FOUND.

IT HAS BEEN DEFINITELY DETERMINED THAT BLACK DAMP WAS THE CAUSE OF THE AWFUL CATASTROPHE.

Monorigah, W. Va., Dec. 7 At ten o'clock today, a total of one hundred bodies had beeu found in Monongaheia mines. These will be removed to morgues at once. Four hundred coffins have been ordered by the Fairmount coal company. All be used sooner or later, as it may be weeks before .nil victims of the explosion are recovered. There is no question whatever but tluit four hundred, possibly more, are dead, said Superintedent Malone this morning. Fifty physicians and a dozen undertakers are at the mines. Details Lacking. The living men are unable to give Hny detailed report of the disaster or 1o even explain how they reached the surface. They state that immediately back of them vhen they began their frantic struggle for liberty there were a large number of men engaged in a similar struggle, while still farther back in theworkings there was a large number of whom they knew nothing. It is tle opinion of the mine officials end others familiar with mining that these men had not penetrated the mine us far as had the majority of the day Fhift. when the explosion occurred, and that they headed for and reached

the main entrance before the heavy i

cavein that now blockades the entrance several hundred feet beyond the main opening of mine No. u. As to the miners referred to by the rescued men as having been alive when last seen, it is believed that they were taught back of the heavy cavein of coal and mine roof, and that they could not have survived more than a few minutes in the deadly gases with which the entry filled as soon as the ventilating system was interrupted. Slender Cord of Hope. There is more hope for those in more remote sections of the mine, as they may have reached workings where fresh air is supplied by other openings. Hut at best only the most slender hope Is entertained for the survival of any one of the men in the mine until the debris can be cleared away and communication with the outside re-established. The two mines regularly employ 1,000 'men, working in two shifts. r00 during the day and 500 during the night, and the best information obtainable at this time is that the entire day force had gone to work and that they were caught. It was shortly after

10 o'clock when the explosion occurred and at that hour even the latest of the straggling force is customarily at work according to mine officials. Beyond these figures the company offtcials do not . attempt to give estimates. The general opinion in the town is that the number of dead and imprisoned will reach TH. A few persons believe this number will be exceeded, claiming that more than half of the total force worked during the day, while on the other hand some think the number will be smaller. The m6st conservative estimate places the number of victims at GOO or more. Cause of Explosion. There is much speculation as to the cause of the explosion, but the most generally accepted theory is that it resulted from black damp, seientfically known as methane. It is believed that a miner attempted to set off a blast, which blew out and ignited an accumulation of this deadly gas, and this in

turn ignited the coal dust, a highly inflammable substance found in greater or less quantity in all West Virginia mines. The explosion affected both mines, and so far as known it has not been established in which mine it originated. Evidencing the terrific force of the concussion, props in the entry of No. 6 mine, supporting the roof, were not only shattered and torn from their position, but were blown out of the entry and to the opposite side of the river. Other evidence of the awful force is shown in every section of the mines that has been reached by the rescuers. Huge quantities of coal and rock have been loosened and hurled into every opening, and all of the underground structure is wrecked beyond semblance of its original shape. The entry of No. 6 mine, COO feet fMm the mouth, is piled high with wreckage of two strings of cars and

two electric motors. Some of the rescuers have climbed over this and found dead bodies beyond, but have made no attempt to remove these to the surface, partly because it would be almost impossible to carry the bodies over the debris, but more particularly they do not want to lotse any time in reaching other sections of the mine where it is possible men still living are entombed. Relief Band Organized. The American miners of the town have been placed in charge of the relief work, but the Italians and other foreigners are workig under them most faithfully. It is impossible for a man to remain long in the depths of the mine and the rescue forces are divided in relays with frequent reliefs. Many in the relief party have already become exhausted and been sent to the surface. Hospitals Made Ready. The rescuers include nine carpenters and superintendents headed by J. C. Gaskill. a superintendent. The coal company has its relief arrangement a down to a system and special trains are ready to bring the wounded to the miners' hospitals in this city as fast as possible. A hospital has been arranged at the opening of the mine, where the wounded will receive attention. Several men were practically blown out of mine No. " through an air hole. The mines did not work Thursday. From best estimates, 250 men were m each mine Friday. The scenes about the openings of the mines are impossible to describe. May Be Worst in History. It is feared that, the accident will turn out to be the worst in the history of mining in this country. Lee Malone, general superintendent telephoned that five hundred men were in the mine at the time, and the miners did not think any could escape from the force of the explosion. The fans were started at noon to clear out the foul air, and it was thought the rescuers might reach the men this aft

ernoon. A Town of Six Thousand. v,e town of Monongah has a popu1. on of about 0.(hh, and while for

the most part the miners are of fore'n birth, there are still many American workmen. Possibly the largest steel tipple in the state is located at Monongah. The mines are both shaft and slope mines, being .worked by the rope and haulage system. They lie on both sides of the river and are connected by a steel pier bridge, owned and operated by the coal company. Until about ten years ago only American miners were employed. At that time the miners of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio were on strike. Capitalized at $20,000,000. The coal company is one of the largest companies of the kind in the country and is capitalized at about S'JO.OOO.000. The company has upward of 100 producing properties. Clarence W. Watson is the president, with headquarters at Baltimore. Lee Malone is the general superintendent of the properties, and is said to be one of the mont careful and competent and practical superintendents in the minftig industry. His position has been worked into from trapper boy, to which he has added a technical education. The principal offices of the company, aside from

the Baltimore offices are in Fairmount.

DIVORCE DISMISSED.

The divorce case of Eflie M. Ford against John T. Ford, was dismissed from the docket Friday.

MEN OF AFFAIRS IN RICHMOND

RESTING PLACE OF POOR WILL NOT BE SLIGHTED

HORRIBLE CONDITION OF POTTERS FIELD ADJOINING EARLHAM CEMETERY WHICH HAS BEEN A DISGRACE, IS TO BE IMPROVED.

E WHEAT YIELD

ANA PAST YEAR

D. L. MATHER, Manager Mather Bros.' Coal Co.

FRENCH TAKE MODE MOROCCAN SCALPS

Fighting Continues Along Moroccan Border Between French and Moors.

LYANTY SENDS DISPATCH.

HAS SLAIN EIGHT HUNDRED ARABS WITH SMALL LOSS TO THE FRENCH AND WILL COMPLETE BLOODY WORK TODAY.

Paris, Dec. 7. A dispatch from General Lyanty the French, commander in Morocco, says fighting between French and Arabs continues along the Moroccan border. Eight hundred Arabs were killed with but small loss to the French. Decisive results are expected today.

RIOT NG

AT

GOLDFIELD HAS BEGUN

Miner's Leader in Hospital With Gunshot Wound The Judge's Son Beaten Insensible by Strikers.

FEDERAL TROOPS ARRIVE; ESTABLISH MARTIAL LAW.

L

IS

FREED BY BONDSMEN

Eli West Gave Security for Appearance.

Residents Side With Miners Against Federal TroopsAttempt Made to Dynamite Electric Supply Line.

CHICAGO WILL HAVE NEXT CONVENTION

Republican National Committee Decided in Windy City's Favor.

FOR NEXT JUNE SIXTEENTH.

CHICAGO RECEIVED THIRTY-TWO

VOTES AND KANSAS CITY WAS

NEXT WITH SEVENTEEN -PLEASES ANTI-TAFT MEN.

Columbus, Dec. 7. Eli West signed the bond for Lawson Emerson, former clerk of the supreme court and now under the charge of contempt, today and Emerson was released. His hearing comes in January.

Long Death Roll Results From Mine Horrors of Past History

Dat

Trace

Number killed.

Mar. Dec. Nov. Dec. Dec. Oct.

Sept. July June July July Apr. Mar. Aug. Jan. July June June Mar.

2. 1S60. .Burradon, Eug "63 12. lSfG..Hoyle Mill. Eng 300 S. lSG7..Ferndale, Eng 178 14, 175. .Mons, Belgium 110 C. l!7r...Burnslee, Wales 140 22. lS77..Hia:;i Blantyre, Scot ' :.'J26

. 11. 1S78

Aborcarne. Wales

15. lSSO..Risca. Eng IS. 1SS3. Clifton Ball. Eng 4, 1SS7. ..Naraimo, V. I 3, lSS9...St. Ettienc, France SO, lS90..Ab-?rschan. Wales It, lS2..Mons. Belgium

26, 1892..Tondu, Wales llfi 10, 1893.. Como. Colo 27 4, 1S93... Thorn Hill, Eng 139 23. 1S93. Pontypridd, Wales 2S6 14, lS94.Karwin, Silesia 232 21, lS94..Red Canyon, Wyo 6S

.26$ .120 .177 .170 .is: .170 .153

Decad 1851-60

1861-70 2,227. 1S71-S0 2,650. 1881-90 1,661. 1891-00 1,024. 1901-03 402.

DEATH LIST BY DECADES. Killed. 2,441..

Average per year. 44 .. -.227 .. ..26S . . . . .166 102 . . . SO

Goldfield, New, Dec. 7. Federal troops arrived today and the town is under martial law. Residents sympathize with the miners and showed their displeasure by closing all stores, drawing blinds and ignoring the presence of the troops. Lawlessness has already begun. President McKinnen of the local miners' union is in the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound received in a dispute with another labor leader. Herbert Balford. son of Judge Belford, was set upon by a gang of strikers. He was beaten and left for dead in an alley where he was Irter found unconscious. He was accused of "scabbing" at Cripple Creek. An attempt was made to wreck the, electric power line which furnishes Goldfield with light and power. The dynamite used was frozen and refused to explode. Sheriff Ingalls, who said the governor went over his head in reauesting troops, left town, leaving Goldfield at the mercy of striking miners until the troops arrived. Governor Sparks is on his way to Reno to meet Colonel Reynolds and command, enroute to Goldfield. Excited groups of miners are assembled here. and there. aoparently plotting for tlje storm which is expected to break. Leaders and officials of the Western Federation of Miners are

Washington, Dec. 7. The republican

national committee today decided that

the next national convention of the party should be held in Chicago on next June the sixteenth. The vote 3f the committee stood: Chicago, oti; Kansas City, 17: and Denver I. A flood of oratory was presented in behalf of each city. President Roosevelt refused to be drawn into the tight on behalf of Kansas. City and it lost. Senator Dick, John Malloy and other anti-Taft leaders fought for Chicago. Vory, 'laffs campaign manager, says the choice does not weaken Taft's chances in the least.

Decrease of Fourteen Million

Bushels Over Last Year.

WORK FINISHED FRIDAY.

Indianapolis, Dec. 7 The compila

tion of wheat crop reports, which was

finished today by the state bureau, shows the total yield in this state the

past year was 33, 306. 184 bushels, which is u decrease of fourteen million bushels over last year.

CHICAGO IS AGAINST CHANGE IN RULES Will Insist on Retention of a Five-Game Schedule.

NOT THOROUGHLY TRIED.

WAYNE

T

WILL AID

OWHSHP

III WORK

This Was Decided by the Advisory Board After Consideration.

CITY TO DO ITS SHARE.

TECHNICALITY IN LAW REGARDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS, MAY PREVENT IMMEDIATE ALLEVIATION OP CONDITIONS.

Chicago, Dec. 7 The University of Chicago will stand uncompromisingly for the five-game rule in football, and all the other reform measures adopted by the conference two years ago. Coach Stagg has been given to understand that he must stand out for this at the meeting of the conference In January. He received a letter from President Harry Pratt Juduson yesterday, informing him that the faculty does not wish tho reform rules changed at this time, as they have not been given a thorough trial.

AGREE ON METHODS FOR STANDARD OIL HEARING

Dissolution Suit Will Be Heard On January 6.

WILL TAKE TWO MONTHS.

INTENDS TO SHOOT MILLIONAIRE GOULD

Husband of Howard Gould's Housekeeper Is on the War Path.

AFTER BLOOD AND GORE.

THOMAS DUFFY DECLARES HE IS BARRED FROM GOULD'S HOUSE AND PREVENTED FROM SEEING HIS WIFE.

New York, Dec. 7. Thomas Duffy, whose wife conducts the apartment house in which Howard Gould lives,

swore today he would shoot Gould. He

pleading with the mn to avert diot- blames the millionaire for being barr

ing and possible bloodshed when the j ed out of the house.

troops arrive. Feeline against Governor Sparks and President Roosevelt is growing more bitter every moment That the trouble between the miners and operators, which sta rled over the payment of wages, justified the sending of soldiers is emphatically denied by the labor leaders. Governor Sparks is the target of the bitterest criticism because, the miners say. he has over-

ed by radicals into a frenzy of hatred for the operators, who they also held accountable for the false picture held up to the governor and in turn pictured to the president by Sparks. Meetings Shrouded in Secrecy. At this hour members of the miners" union are gathered at union headquar-

New York, Dec. 7. The hearing on the suit to dissolve the Standard Oil company was adjourned until Jan. u, by Special Examiner Franklin Ferriss yesterday at the custom house, where the hearing was scheduled to go on. It was declared by counsel for both sides that the adjournment will materially shorten the hearing. It was arranged that counsel for both sides will submit the transcript of testimony taken in other proceedings affecting the Standard Oil company, notably that before the interstate commerce commission and the Findlay, O., case. If the various records were read in the record in the ordinary wa', it was said, it would take a couple or years, while the arrangement agreed upon will enable it to be done in two months.

KING OSCAR NOW SINKING RAPIDLY

Wayne township has been called upon to assist in improving conditions at the potters field at Karlham cemetery and the township has expressed a willingness to take su h action. With this end in view Township Trustee Charles Potter, Councilmeu A. C. Ogborn and W. If. Hart el. and C. W. Mrrill, B. B. Johnson. W. P. O'Neal of the board of public works, called upon the county commissioners this rnorniug. The potters field Is the joint property of Wayne township and the city of Richmond, therefore the city doesnot want to meet the entire expense of improving the burial ground, estimated at $.hi.m.

When Towiikhip Trustee Potter was asked .by the city officials to lend financial, assistance in improving the pottersfield, he called together the township advisory board and put the proposition before them. The advisory board, arter estimating that the city received taxes on $13,X.taxables and the township only received taxes on $2,f)0o,0i iO taxables, authorized the trustee to use out of the township fund for putting the potter's field in good condition. Township trustee Potter figured that it would be fair for the township to pay $300 of the estimated $S0O expenses for this purpose, so with the city officials he called upon the, board of county commissioners this mornin,-; and asked the commissioners to approve of a proposed action of taking 18 from the township poor fund to be used with the $12 authorized by the advisory board, to be used toward defraying the expense of Improving the burial ground for the ixor. The commissioners were not sure that there was any law which would sanction such action on their part and County Attorney John F. Robbins was consulted. Mr. Robblns searched diligently through the statute books, but failed to discover any law under which the commissioners could act. He stated that in his opinion the township's share of the expense would have to be paid out of the poor fund alone. Trustee Potter stated that notwithstanding the fact that the potters field was owned jointly by the town

ship and city, he did not think that the township should be called upon to meet half of the expense of placing the field in good condition, owing la the fact that it was a rare event when a township pauper was buried there." The potters field in Its present condition is a disgrace to the community. Nearly all the bodies buried there are now under water and it is imperative that the field be so filled that.tbls condition will be remedied.

Sweden's Aged and Beloved Monarch Will Soon Answer Last Call.

PARTIALLY UNCONSCIOUS. DEATH EXPECTED ANY MOMENT WORRY OVER SEPARATION FROM NORWAY THOUGHT TO BE CAUSE OF ILLNESS.

: tora wT-iila srnrps nf Imnrnmntn mpp.

drawn conditions in his letter to j ing3 are being beld at nifferent points Roosevelt, wnich was made public to-in the city Around -these meetings ........ , 'has been thrown a wall of secrecy n,8J b!f?0r Poland it is practically impossible to ed Golfleld as a hotbed of conspiracy ; learn what action the men are tokln& and prayed for immediate relief. The; Despite the Intense excitement dramatic assassination of Governor which followed the announcement that Steunenberg, the miner, declare. i j the regulars are on their way the men being held up to the president as a

warning and the men hare been goad-J

Stockholm, Dec. 7. A bulletin this moTning says that King Oscar Is sinking rapidly. He is only partially unconscious and death is expected at any moment. The king does not show the recuperative powers he has displayed in his former periods of serious Illness and it is felt that worry

land humiliation over the disruption

of the union with Norway is causing hi3 death.

THE WEATHER PROPHET.

WORK ON STONE PILE

T A RECESS

WITHOU

So Wrote Judge Converse on Commitment Today.

A HEAVY FINE ASSESSED.

IContinued on Page Fire.)

INDIANA Fair Saturday and Sunday, fresh southwest winds. OHIO Fair and slightly warmer Saturday; Sunday fair, fresh southwest winds.

When Dick Fitzgibbons was escorted to the county jail this morning to serve out a fine of 25 and costs, the officer having him In charge, bore a commitment on which Judge Converse had written, "work on the stone pile without a recess." Dick Is an old offender. When Fitzgibbons was fined this morning he turned to the officer who sat next to him and asked in a surprised and disappointed tone, "Didn't the court give me thirty days besides the fine?" Richard was figuring on spending the entire winter at leisure in the county jail.

ADMINISTRATOR NAMED. Letters of administration have been issued to Alexander B. Luse In the estate of the late Hannah Spinning.