Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-01-12

renders our mining system worse than that
OF any other country, whilst our mining in
terests are unequalled by those of any other
part OF the world.
The most appalling accidents on record
have been traced TO unsafe me, hods of ven
tllatioh, aud more especially 10 the employ
meut of furnaces at or near the bottom of
the shafts. Where the furnace is used, aud
the smoke carried through wooden Chin
ney, it seems almost certain that, sooner or
Later, by the inevitable accumulation Of SCOT
or carbon upon the frame work IL must ig-
nlte from the ascending sparks or from the
heat OF the furnace. and a contiagration en-
sue. To guard against this it should be
made obligatory, if the ventilating furnace
b. still allowed. to build the chimnies, the
sides of the shaft, and the buildings sur
rounding 1t at the top with incombustible
materials. But even this precaution is not
q sure safeguard, for the fire is liable, at any
moment, to Communicate with the Ere
damp or other gaseous vapors, that, des-
pite of all known means of prevention, viii
generate III the best regulated mines. The
pFopriety of dispensing entirely, therefore,
with the furnace. has received the serious
consideration OF scientific miners and en-
glneers, and the tan In many instances, has
been substited, which being worked By ma
chlnery al the sIrtace, produces more con-
slant current of air, dispenSes it more freely
through the gaDgways and chambers, and,
in all respects, accomplishes the object de-
sired with better effect and when the
shat g and surface buildings are fire proof.
WITHOUT the possibility of danger. This
system Of ventilation, with advantages SO
paipably obvious will, no doubt, be nniver-
sally adopted. But the very nature of
mining. operations subjects them to other
dangers. The walls aud roofing of the
mines, from the effects of blasting and 9TH
er causes, frequently give way and fill up
the gangways to render them i'm passa
| ble, - "a the more recent calamity at Stock
ten, which resulted in the death of ten per-
sons. Hence ii Is absolutely necessary, and
should be imperatively demanded, that eve
ry mine should have more than a single
avenue of iisgress and egreSs. Whatever
SYSTEM of ventilation may be approved, or
safety lamp adopted, the means of escape
from the mines, when danger occurs, viii
depend very materially upon the provision
for the exit of the miner.
The best method of constructing, ventia-
ting and working the mines, should he un-
heStatngly adopted and the system a
jopted rigidly enforced The inquiry, there
fore into the causes which. produced this
Shocking cataStrophe-tbe various theories
that have been pr ,mulgated concerning 1t,
the remedies for the prevention OF similar
occurrences hereafter, the construction and
ventilation of collieries, and the modes #
conducting their operations hat the op-
eratlves may prosecute their labor without
imperiling their lives, are proper SUBJECTS
for legislative consideration,
Such laws as you may enact can most
certainly be enforced by competent inspect
ors in the mining districts, who should be
chosen with strict regard to- character,
/ l.
| lge; and whose du les should be so specif-
icaly defined that they cannon be misunder-
stood
|. therefore, most resi- ectfully and earn
esily recommend that this whole subjec:
receive the attention It's Importance de
mands. and that law be passed, so general
Ill its character and 20 stringent In its pro-
visions, that the p,ople of this Common
wealth will never again be appalled, by
calamity. within her limits, so sad as that
of Avondale.
BOARD OF PUB BIC CHARITIES.
In accordance with an act of the last
Legislature, Board of Public Charities
has been appointed, consisting of the fol
| lowing gentlemen, viz: Gen. Thomas L.
Kane, for FIVE years; T. b. Penniman, Esq,
three years; George l.. Harrison, Esq, two
I y
| toard organized hv elneting Gen Kane,
! President, and Hon. Wilmer Worthington,
Secretary and General Agent. From the
establishment OF this board, and especially
from the high character and qualifications of
the gentlemen who have consented to as
sumo It's important trusts aud responsible
ties, We have reason to hope for the most
beneficial results. This change in the man
agement of our charitable affairs is deem
ed OF the highest Importance by many per-
sons intimately conversant with the work :
ings and management of these institutions.
a thorough review of all the establish
ments receiving appropriations from the
State by this board, will give an assurance
to the Legislature and the people, which
they have never heretofore possessed, that
their benefactions will be wortbily bestowed
and properly employed.
Some time during the present session, the
board will present to the Legislature, re
port of the condition and reqnire ments ut
the various institutions that have been re-
cipient- from tie State, with such recon-
mendations may be deemed necessary
and, therefore, no information concerning
them. except the annual reports of the SUI
perintendents Will at presen, be laid before
you.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Many prominent citizens have represented
:hat there exists great necessity for a more
complete geological and neurological survey
OF the State than now exists.
There is no doubt but the Developments
Of mineral wealth that would result from
such a survey would be immense. and the
beneficial returns to the State would many
times more than reimburse the Treasury for
the expenses attending it, including the
printing of reports, maps, &c, sufficient for
the information of the people.
Should the Legislature concur in these
views, and pass law authorizing such sur
vey, it will meet with Executive approval
INSPECTION OF GAS
At the last session law was passed crea-
ting the Office of Inspector of gas metres for
the county of Allegheny and in accordance
Herewith, | have appointed an inspector
possessing the necessary scientific qualihca-
tions
The necessity for such law has been long
and extensively felt, and it has been ear
nestly demanded by large number OF high
" respectable citizens. whose opinions are
emipently worthy of consideration. | there
fore respectfully recommend that the just
and equitable provisions OF the Allegheny