The Express.
London, England, 1862-12-12 00:00:00

THE WORS'BOROUGH DALE CATASTROPHE.

The engineers having decided to let in water, it was re-
solved also to see a deputation of the workmen, and
explain to then, the position of affairs. Six men, represent-
ing nut only this colliery, but also other collieries in the
distract, who had volunteered to go into the pit, were as-
coidingly introduced to the gentlemen in consultation.
The* were told that it was quite impossible for soy human
being to proceed to a greater distance from the bottom o:
the shaft down the engine plane than about 150 yards, in
consequence of the ventilation being destroyed and the exist-
ence at that point of smoke and after-damp. Any attempt
to restore the ventilation until the fire is extinguished
could only have the effect of producing another ex-
plosion more violent than the previous once' for the
current of air would fan the fire into a flame, and
would also drive the explosive gas upon it. In an
attempt to restore the ventilation on Monday several lives
were lost, and that circumstance made the engineers very
unwilling to risk the recurrence of a similar catastrophe.
The men, after hearing these explanations, left the office,
apparently better satisfied to abandon any attempt to go
down the pit, and they promised to explain matters to the
men outside. The female relatives of those in the pit
thereupon became extremely excited, and would have urged
on the men to acts of violence. Fortunately the crowd
were divided in opinion as to the propriety of allow-
ing an exploring party to descend. There were, how-
ever, mutterings of discontent to be heard among
the spectators throughout the day, but the ex-
citement that had marked the morning rapidly rub-lido&
About 1 o'clock Mr. Morton left, and as threats hsd bees
used towards him, it was thought prudent to escort him to
his carriage by a body of police, but Ili) attempt was made
to molest him.

The work of cutting the trench is proceeding as fast as
possible, considering the nature of the ground, and was ex-
pected to be completed yesterday morning. When thin is
accomplished the water will be tweed into the mine, and the
shafts closed and made air-tight. Already wooden platforms
have been prepared to cover the mouths of the shafts, and on
them will be placed clay and other things to keep out
the huh air. The engineers are decidedly of
opinion that the fire is still smouldering, and may
continue to do so for a considerable time, and
as it is in a porition where no current of
air is passing over it, no smoke would be apparent. During
Tuesday night the temperature in both shafta was oh creed
from time to time. In the downcast it was about two
degrees lower than at the surface, and in the upeast it yeti: i
from 54 to 55 degrees. On Wednesday afternoon at two
o'clock it had risen to 59 degrees.
. . . . .

Several additions have been made to the lint of men in the
pit. which brings the number of dead up to 59 or 60.
With a view of relieving the distress that has been occa-
sioned by the calamity the Rev. Mr. Benham has milled a
meeting of the gentry of the neighbourhood to originate a
subdeviption. The proprietors of the colliery have promised
to give The necessity for immediate assistance is
evident.

NINETZVNIII Sußanr Ripe,—The members of
this corps who have paused Into the first-class proceeded on
Wednesday to the Tower Hamlet. range at Phdatow
Marshes, to compete for the marksmen's badges. The
shooting was excellent, despite the weather, which was
such as to operate against good shooting, being very dull,
with a perfect gale of wind across the range. Nine com-
peted, and the following were the successful competitors:
Lieutenant Brown, Dr. Ladd, Sergeant Wright, Corporal
Shell, Private J. Toniliuson, and Corporal Hart. The firing
party was commanded by Sergeant-instructor Walker, a
the Scots Fusiliers. _ _ _ .

Tug STEAMER HERO. —Thin vessel, which Rome
time since successfully eluded the vigilance of the Federal
cruizers, and got sate into Charleston with a large and
valuable cargo, is, according to the very latest news received
at Nassau from Charleston, completely cooped up in the
latter port, and has not escaped to Nassau. as reported a
few days since. The Hero draws a large draught of water,
and can only come through one charnel. The cruizers know
this, and ter ultimate escape is rather problematical.
SHOOTING A FEDERAL Palsotinit.—A Southern
journal, the New Ortrane Drleu. contains the following
'• A correspondent, writing about matters in Richmond,
says Lieutenant Bliss. of the 2nd Michigan Artillery,
was shot by the guard under the following circumstances.
He was buying milk at the limits of the prison, when he was
ordered back in a moment. He answered, As soon as my
bowl is filled.' As he turned, the guard shot him dead.
• Pretty well for •-- old shot gun,' shouted the fellow."
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