Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 39, Number 145, 29 April 1914 — Page 1

RIG AND SUN-TELEGRAM VOL. XXXIX. NO. 145 RICHMOND INTX, WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 29, 1914

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65 COAL DIGGERS ESCAPE VVoipn and Children Crowd around Mouth of Mine Recording Worst Disaster in West Virginia's History

BY LEASED WIRE ECCLES, W. Va., April 29. Flame and great clouds of smoke pouring from Mine No. 5 and Mine No. 6 of the New River Collieries company today drove back heroic rescuers and all hope was abandoned of rescuing any of the 187 miners still entombed ' there as a result of the explosion that occurred yesterday afternoon. All are believed to be dead. A number of explosions were heard . during the night, indicating that "gas . pockets" bad been ignited by the fire 'that broke out soon after the explosion. One hundred and seventy-seven of jthe men given up for dead are In Mine No.. 5. Ten are trapped in Mine I No. 6, from which eleven bodies have I been recovered. Death List 198. All the bodies recovered are silent witnesses to the force of the blast that snuffed out the miners' lives. With 187 men still in the mines, given BP for dead, the total death list is 198, which Is, with one exception, the worst mine disaster in the state's history. Sixty-five who escaped by their own efforts from Mine No. 6, or who were ' brought out by ' rescuers before the flames checked further efforts, owe i their lives to the fact that they were near the surface when the explosion occurred. Governor Hatfield and other state officials are on the ground lending .'every aid possible. State Mine Chief ' Henry and a corps of assistants work- : ed all night in an attempt to pene- ; trate the wall of Shaft No. 5. They I were relieved at dawn by another I force. All these men had to work I with extreme care as any opening I might permit a rush of flames that ! would trap the rescuers. Story of Disaster. The first story of the disaster was j told by Steven Morowaskl, who was t a witness. His story follows: "We were working as usual, whispered Morowaskl in a voice that barely could be heard. "Suddenly there was a deafening roar, then a wall of flames swept through the shaft. It came without warning, but we instinctively threw ourselves upon our faces. The noise nearly burst our ears; our lungs were filled with fire it seemed. The air was so full of gas that we choked when we tried to breathe." As he whispered his story his wife sat swaying and weeping at the bedside, her three small children, wildeyed, frightened and wondering, clinging to her knees. The attending doctor had told Mrs. Morowaskl that her husband probably would not live until night, and her grief was overwhelming. ' Covered With Flames. Morowaskl feebly resumed his story. "There was a wave of fire," he said. "It seeemd to be coming right at me. Things seemed to be whirling around. My head was dizzy. My lungs were choked with fire and snspke. I thought my body was bursting. My last thought was, 'My God, it's death. Then I fainted. The next thing I knew I opened my eyes In here. I never knew such a blessed moment. "I don't know how many men were in the same chamber with me. I think there were twelve. Poor devils. I hope they are saved." Women Become Hysterical. Agonized women huddled in groups throughout the night behind the lines established at the mouth of No. 5 shaft. Little children, who knew of the extent of the calamity only from the grief of their mothers, sat in sleepy, silent wonder, asking occasionally whin "father would come Jiome." All night long in the glare of bon

FRIDAY Will Be Shopping Day FOR Clean-Up Week Watch the Palladium

fires and lanterns the work went on. Voices of prayer arose at intervals from the tragic squads of women. Some cast themeslves upon the ground in fits of weeping or screamed hysterically in their grief. Every call for help was immediately answered to fight the fire or trying to retrieve the bodies of the imprisoned coal diggers. Thomas Donaldson, superintendent of the mines, and H. C. Bayles, assistant general manager, were on the scene all night helping to direct the relief work. Upon their advice a number of special police were sworn in, for it was feared that the grief and excitement of the occasion might breed disorder. Establish Hospital. A morgue and field hospital were established, ready to care for the injured and prepare the dead for burial. Medical supplies and surgeons were rushed to the scene, along with special apparatus for carrying on rescue work in mine shafts laden with poison fumes. The mine rescue care of the Virginia Mine bureau in charge of Henry Johnson, and a car of the National Mine bureau from Bluefield, W. Va., are on the scene. The car from Bluefield carries apparatus which Is the latest word in equipment for rescue work in blazing coal mines. It consists of oxygen helmets and a specially designed outfit to ward off danger. It is believed that a pocket of gas was ignited by a miner's lamp, and that this caused an explosion of mine dust. - Clothes Burned From Bodies. The recovered bodies of the dead miners were nude and black as pitch. Their clothing had been burned or blown off. The first explosion occurred in Mine No. 5, followed by an explosion in Mine No. 6. One shaft of the latter mine was wrecked, but the other remained intact, and this was the salvation of the miners who escaped.

SAILORS TO REPAIR RAIL CONNECTIONS Thirty Bluejackets Leave Vera Cruz to Repair Damages to Mexican Railroad. BY LEASED WIRE VERA CRUZ, April 29. A detachment of thirty blnejackets with a machine gun, under Lieutenant Frank J. Fletcher, of the United States Dreadnaught Florida, left here this afternoon to try to effect complete restoration of railroad and telegraphic communication between Vera Cruz and Mexico City. The men were all heavily armed and rode in a special train on the Mexican railroad, which carried supplies for repair of the tracks eight miles west of this city. A white flag of truce was hung upon the locomotive and Lieutenant Fletcher was under orders to get In communication with General Gustavo Maas, the Federal commander, in an attempt to secure Mexican co-operation in the re-building of the railroad at points where it had been destroyed. Captain Huse, chief of staff to Rear Admiral ' F. F. Fletcher, announced that sailors would begin late today reloading the field pieces which were landed from the battleships last week. "The heavy equipment and light artillery will be taken on board the ships as rapidly as possible," said Captain Huse.

FREIGHTER SINKS WITH CREW OF 20 IN LAKE SUPERIOR

Storm Sweeps Lake Region Five Steamers Overdue Property Damage Reported to Be Heavy. BY LEASED WIRE DULUTH, Minn., April 29. The steam freighter, Benjamin Noble, sank off this port in Lake Superior during a storm today. Twenty men, members of her crew, were reported missing, and it was believed they were lost. Five other steamers are overdue and have not reported since the severe gale of yesterday and last night. The Noble belonged to the Capital Transit company. No vessels dared to leave the shelter of St. Louis bay today, owing to the storm. Huge waves pounded Park Point, a long and narrow strip of sand forming the barrier between Lake Superior and St. Louis bay, threatening the destruction of many homes there. For the first time in history, waves washed the floors of the aerial bridge, the only means of communication between Park Point and the mainland. People were marooned on both sides all night. About 1,500 persons live on Park Point. The storm has been raging for forty-eight hours. Dispatches from Sault Ste. Marie said the steamer Buffalo, which ran aground yesterday on a shoal between j Round Island and Point Aux Pines in the upper St. Mary's river, was leaking, but pumps had been able to keep her clean. The ' Buffalo, which was down-bound with flour, belongs to the Western Transit company. RLANQUET ORDERS REFUGEES MOVED TO COAST CITIES Brazilian Minuter Carries Order of Mexican War Minister to Consul Canada At Vera Cruz. BY LEASED WIRE WASHINGTON, April 29. General Huerta's war minister. General Blanquet, today gave orders to release all persons held by Mexican troops at Cordova and Guadalajara and expedite their movement to Vera Cruz, according to a dispatch to the st:Ye department from Consul Canada. This information was received by Canada from the Brazilian minister at Mexico City, who obtained the announcement from the Mexican minister of foreign affairs. Canada also reports that the Mexican government is willing to complay with all requests of this nature. No direct word' has been received from Tampico, Consul Canada further reported. On good authority, however, it is said that 2,200 refugees have been sent out of the city, including one hundred from the oil camps nearby. Refugees Leave Interior. A number have refused to leave. Another dispatch states that all is quiet in Mexico City, and that a train will leave there with American refugees at 4 o'clock today. A train from Mex ico City is reported to be due at Puerto Mexico with six hundred refugees. Consul Simpich at Nongales reports the arrival there of thirty Americans from Sinaloa last night. Word was received from the American consul at Eagle Pass that the advance guard of the Constitutionalists had arrived at the border. They have three hundred soldiers of General Guajhardos command prisoners. Report further says that Guajhardos was wounded but escaped to Rosalia. Huertistas Ask $125,000Ransom of 3 Americans BY LEASED WIRE VERA CRUZ, April 29. Three Americans are being held for $125,000 ransom by Huertistas at Aguas Calientes, according to an official report hecelved today by. Arnold .Shanklio. former United State's consul general at Mexico City. The prisoners are A. B. Emery, -a mining engineer; C. A. Smith, a mining engineer, and Walter Eikel, a hardware merchant. The report came to Mr. Spanklln by train from Mexico City. It has not been confirmed from other sources. Thirty other Americans are said to have paid the same amount to the Huerta troops and were allowed to go to Mexico City. .

TROOPS STOP STRIKE FIGHT IN COLORADO

Z Miners Hold Forbes District and Fall Back at Walsenburg After 48 Hour Battle. WIVES AND CHILDREN SENT FROM DISTRICT Peace Seems Short Lived As Strikers Prepare to Make Final Stand - for Civil Rights. BULLETIN. NEW YORK, N. Y.t April 29. ' "Mourning pickets," led by Upton Sinclair, paraded before the Standard Oil building at 26 Broadway today In a demonstration of protest against the killing of strikers In the Colorado coal fields. Mrs. Newmann-Zilberman, one of the pickets, attempted to see John D. Rockefeller in his office, but was denied. The pickets were arrested and marched to the station while the police reserves dispersed the crowd. While Sinclair and his followers were being held at the police station, Mrs. Sinclair and a number of men and women Socialists renewed the demonstration. The members of the second band were crepe around their left arms. The paraders marched up and down before the Standard Oil building, two abreast. Mounted police wero called out to keep a narrow lane open for trolley cars and vehicle traffic. BY LEASED WIRE DENVER, April 29. The entrance of federal troops into Colorado today has temporarily, at least caused a cessation of actual combat in a majority of the mining centers. At 10:30 o'clock the only battle In progress between strikers and nonunion miners and guards was at Forbs, 140 miles from Trinidad, and only a short distance from Ludlow, the scene of the tragedy which Inflamed the strikers throughout the strike. The details have not been learned, but it is understood the strikes have been victorious. At Walsenburg, where a battle had raged for more than forty-eight hours, both sides this morning fell back upon their bases. In the northern field, near Louisville, where a fierce battle was fought last night, the state soldiers are in supreme charge. This was not accomplished, however, until late In the day. Every miner has deserted the Hecla mine, and all the women and children have been sent to Boulder and to Denver. Despite the apparent peace that has prevailed, it is considered doubtful whether it can endure throughout the day. The federal troops do not take actual charge of the situation until tomorrow. Two troops from Fort D. A. Russell are now in the edge of the strike zone. Their base is at Canon City in the northern edge of the southern field. Canon City Is near the center of the dissatisfied region, which extends more than two hundred miles north and south. Troops from Fort Leavenworth will arrive tomorrow. Until then the plans of the federal cavalrymen will not be known. Telephone advices shortly before noon said that fighting had been resumed at Walsenburg. Mine guards and militia were said to be defending the Walsen mine from Water Tank hill against strikers who were firing at long range. EIGHT PERSONS KILLED. TRINIDAD, Colo., April 29. A telephone message this afternoon says thaf eight persons were killed in today's battle between strikers and mine guards and militia at Forbes camp. WARSHIPS THREATEN ULSTER VOLUNTEERS BY LEASED WIRE BELFAST, April 29. The cordon of warships thrown around Ireland by the English government to check the operations of "gun runners" smuggling guns and munitions of war to the Ulster volunteers was strengthened today when eleven vessels of the British navy arrived In Bangor Bay and dropped anchor. Six regiments were ordered to leave Dublin for Belfast today. This fleet was the most imposing that England has yet sent to curb the hostile Ulsterites. The squadron included fleet cruisers that can run down the fastest smuggling ship afloat, and gunboats that can operate on shore and capture contrabands supplies. Wild excitement was caused here by the news of the arrival of the warships. Reports were circulated that the vessels had brought: troops who would be landed in case the soldiers of Ireland refused to take action against the people of Ulster. In the meantime the news was flashed to all the Unionists' headquarters in Ulster to guard against seizure of the arms that have been Imported,

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LODGE DENOUNCES AID OF FOREIGNERS TO U, S, REFUGEES Senator Excoriates Withdrawal of Battleships from Tampico When U. S. Citizens in Danger. BY LEASED WIRE WASHINGTON, April 29. Vigorous criticism of the withdrawal of American warships from Tampico when American citizens in that place were in danger from Mexican mobs, was made in the senate today. The fact that these Americans were allowed to be rescued by British and German warships when American vessels lay only nine miles away was severely commented. The debate followed the submission of telegrams from refugees now in Galveston. "I cannot help feeling that it is a good thing to protect our own citizens ourselves," said Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts, who pointed out that American gunboats had been withdrawn from Tampico because it was feared that their presence might inflame the Mexican mob against Amer'can citizens In Tampico. "If we had landed men from the American warships, Instead of withdrawing those ships, we could have protected all Americans there, and there would have been no need of rescue by the German and British," stated Senator Lodge. The telegrams from refugees were offered by Senator Fall from New Mexico. Attacks Department. One dispatch from J. B. Wood read: "There would be but few refugees safe today, had it not been for the Intervention of German and British gunboats, which is, no doubt, a disappointment to the state department." Senator Reed, of Missouri, and Senator Stone, chairman of the foreign relations committee, declared that such reflections upon the state department should not be permitted to stand in the congressional record. "This statement," said Senator Stone, "is so wicked and contemptible as to destroy itself. It practically says that the secretary of war and his representatives would have rejoiced if the Americans had been killed. I cannot understand what is the matter with some of the senators on the other side of the chamber." HOLZAPFEL AVOIDS BANKRUPTCY PAPER Junk Dealer Arranges to Settle With Creditors for Thirty Per Cent. It was learned today that Henry Holzapfel, a Richmond junk dealer and cold storage operator, under an arrangements practically completed with his creditors, who number about forty, probably will not be compelled to file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy in the federal court at Indianapolis. It Is understood that nearly all of Mr. Holzapfel's creditors have agreed to accept a settlement of their claims against him on a basis of more than 30 per cent on the dollar. Those who have not yet agreed to such an arrangement are expected to do so for, it is believed, they can obtain a better settlement of their claims than if he is not compelled to go into bankruptcy. It is understood that friends of Mr. Holzapfel have agreed to advance funds to him to meet claims against him on the basis decided on. It was learned also for the first time today that Mr. Holzapfel's liabilities will approximate $30,000. He, it is said, claims his assets are in excess of $25,000, but a conservative estimate is made that his assets will total between $15,000 and $17,000, providing he is not forced into bankruptcy. Under the arrangement for the settlement of Mr Holzapfel's affairs, It is understood, ill mortgages given by him the last few weeks as security for claims against him, are to be waived. These undoubtedly would have been set aside in the event of bankruptcy proceedings. ASKS ANNULMENT. NEW YORK, April 29. Claiming she thought their marriage was a "bethrothal ceremony," Mrs. George Hutchins asks annulment of her marriage to George Hutchins, who, she says had wed again. WEATHER FORECAST FOR INDIANA Cooler and generally fair tonight and Thursday; probably frost tonight. TEMPERATURE. Noon 69 Yesterday ; Maximum ..." 84 Minimum ...... .... ... .... .... . . 69

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Peace Harbingers Evasive Tactics The Revolution BY W. N. TAFT. Staff Correspondent of the International News Service. WASHINGTON, April 29. Victoriano Huerta, dictator of Mexico, is pursuing bis usual tactics. His policy of deceit and evasion is unchanged. The envoys of Argentina, Brazil and Chile who proffered mediation to bring peace In Mexico are therefore the most puzzled diplomats In Washington today. Huerta has had his foreign minister announce in Mexico City that he will accept mediation by the "A. B. C." nations of South America, provided they act with England, France and Spain and elect a seventh nation to act as umpire to decide disputes that ! may arise. He has notified the Span ish ambassador at wasnington mat ne will "accept mediation." To his notlflcatldn to Ambassador Riano, the dictator attached no strings. What Huerta's real plan is the envoys of the Latin-American nations do not know. They admit this. Nevertheless they are proceeding with their plans for affecting peace. None will predict that these plans will be successful. Tentative Peace Plan. The diplomats of the great European powers are watching developments closely. They are understood to have given their approval of this tentative program of the representatives of Argentine, Brazil and Chile:

WILSON DECLINES TO RECOGNIZE HUERTA'S CLAIM TO PRESIDENCY

BY CHARLES J. DALY. Staff Correspondent of the International News Service. WASHINGTON, April 29. That President Wilson never will recognize General Huerta and will make a great display of the military and naval strength of the United States throughout Mexico, If necessary, in an effort to break the dictator's power and force him to retire, was asserted today by a high naval officer in the confidence of the administration. "The peace program of the president as outlined by the officer, who for obvious reasons would not permit the use of his name, is about as follows: "President Wilson never will recognize Huerta. At the same time be wants peace with Mexico and the only way to get peace is to deal with the dictator; that is, if present conditions don't change. Uses Diplomats First. "But President Wilson in an attempt to change present conditions first will use the "good offices' of the diplomats from . South America who have offered to mediate the differences of the two countries. The president will demand that Huerta, Carranza, Villa and Zapata and any other MOBILE, Ala. The British steamer Wolf, with twenty-three refugees aboard from Progresso, Mexico, arrived here today. RUSH TO COAST. MEXICO, CITY Two hundred and forty-six American refugees left here for the coast on a special train at 10 o'clock. The train was made up in two sections and all cars were filled, the Americans having been warned that this might be their last chance to get out. It was announced that the destination of the train was Coatzacoalcos. Hitherto all trains have gone to Vera Cruz, and It is believed that the change in routing is due to another large section of the railroad between J here and Vera Cruz having been torn up. 57 MEXICANS ESCAPE. - SAN DIEGO Tunneling seventy yards, fifty-seven Mexican refugees who have been held at La Playa detention camp for some time, made their escape during the night and appeared In San Diego this morning. Eleven of the refugees were re-captured and returned to the camp. . TORPEDO BOATS ARRIVE. VERA CRUZ The liner Morro Castle arrived here today from Philadelphia with 900 more marines to re-enforce the men under Major Butler, ocupylng Vera Cruz and the surrounding country. Four more torpedo destroyers also reached port. v - ? WASHINGTON 8 AILS. NEW YORK The armored cruiser Washington, one of the fastest ships in the United States navy, left Brooklyn nary yard today to overtake -the

I 1 I War News in Brief

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Unable to Pierce' of President of Wrecked Republic 1. Declaration of an armistice to stop fighting between the various Mexican factions, pending the outcome of the nations. 2. Conference of the re pre- J sentatlvee of Huerta, Carranza and Zapata at the Mexican capital at the end of the warfare. 3. Rules of The Hague Tribunal to govern this conference. The Latin-American nations will not accept Huerta's plan, announced exclusively by an International News Service dispatch from Mexico City, to have the European powers represent ed on the mediation board, thus raising it to an international arbitration board. Triangular Dispute. Huerta will reject the mediation plan for a conference that has for ita aim his elimination. Carranza will iOt fuse to declare an armistice while h? is In a favorable position, and Zapata, murderer and looter, probably will refuse to enter any negotiations that are likely to interfere with his main occu pation brigandage. This is the situation so far as it can be analyzed today. Sir Cecil Spring-Harris, the British, ambassador, is keeping in as close touch as possible with Sir Lionel Carden, the British minister at Mexico City. Senor Rlano. the Spanish ambassador. Is endeavoring to learn from Minister Cologan what position Huerta finally will take. leader of a faction in Mexico be brought on the same plane. "It is, of course, expected that Huerta will object to this plan. The president then will ignore Huerta and deal with the other leaders as the true representatives of the Mexicanpeople and ask these men to remove Huerta, using the forces of the United: States to aid them if it be required." Will Keep Civil Officers. As evidence of the statement that the United States is not going to re-i move her forces from Mexico, and) that an armed truce will be established, the navy department is making preparations to keen, the civil government set up at Vera Cruz in force for more than six months and probably a, year. Captain Commander Leahy, who was one of the lirst naval officers to establish civil government in South. America, commenting on this, said: "The civil government as establish ed by the United States navy in Vera Cruz Is more of an educational institution thany anything else. Its primary principle, of course, is to quell disorder, but in the long run it will be a means of teaching the Mexican people the freedoms of civil government. To this end It is likely it will be continued for quite some time." battleship New York aad join Rear Admiral Winstow's speoial service squadron in Mexican waters. LOST! MEXICAN BOATS. WASHINGTON Lost, the Mexican gunboats Zaragoza, Progresso and Bravo! Tney have not been heard from for several days. The navy department today ordered Admiral Badger at Vera Cruz to locate them. No opportunity will be given the Mexican gunboats to cause trouble. THREE MEN ESCAPE I Prisoners Working on Road; . Flee. Three more ' prisoners doing road work escaped at noon yesterday from Constable Ben Abbott, the guard, while they were doing work on the Greensfork-Webster highway. Sheriff Bayer re-captured Arthur Huddleston a short time after Abbott had notified him of the escape. Another prisoner escaped abost two weeks ago and has not been found. : The two men escaping yesterday of. whom no trace was found, are Lewis French. Hungarian, sentenced from , the city Jail for rioting, and John Schuman, sentenced, from city Jail for drunk. . .- Both the men made out of the county at once and probably win not re-, turn. Although every effort was made to re-capture them; Sheriff Bayer con-' . Biders the county rid of two undesir-t ables. Three other prisoners at work r on the roads made no attempt to ea- j capo, - .1

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