Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-16


Another fearful mining disaster occurred at
the Eagle shaft, about mile south of Pittston,
Pa, on Monday forenoon, occasioned by an eX-
plosion of fire damp. Eighteen men are known
to have been at work in the chamber in which
the explosion occurred, five of whom have been
brought out dead, and there is no hope nut that
those remaining in the mine have met with
like fate. Meantime large force of volunteer
workmen are using efforts TO reach them.
In going to and from their work the miners
used an air shaft, which they assembled aud de-
seconded by means of a ladder, the main opening
not being provided with a safety car, and there
fore considered unsafe. 1t is supposed that the
explosion blew away the props, and a conse-
uuent fall of the roof followed, completely block
ing up the passages and cutting off the means of
escape, should the men have escaped death from
the explosion, which is not probable.
At the present time it is not easy to estimate
the amount of damage, but experienced miners
say that ii is not possible that any of the men
will be got out alive. The mine boss, Henry
Harris; Thomas Tucker, acting footman; Jas.
Jones, driver; John Merridith miner, and
Robert Davis, his laborer, were working in a
slope running in different direction from the
one in which the accident happened, and es-
capped unhurt. The two latter, on hearing the
explosion, FASTENED to the foot and hearing a
man groaning called for assistance. Volunteers
at once proceeded in the direction of the noise,
without lamps, and, in about three-quarters of
named Benjamin Davis Scores ofwilling hands
proceeded to repair the brattice, board parti-
ton used to keep the fresh air from rushing into
the worked-out chambers, so that it will enter
only to those where men are working. AT about
three O'Clock the body Of Evan E. Jones was
found and brought up. During the afternoon
the dead bodies of Thos. Leyshon, James Nor
gan and David Harris were found and brought
up.
On entering the chamber in which the explo-
sion occurred, u fall of rock was first found,
which laid partly upon a car, completely block
ing up one side, and leaving place on the other
lust sufficient for man to force himself through.
Some distance further in there was another fall,
which completely filled the passage, and behind
this the men are walled so completely that it
will take hours of the most persistent labor to
reach them. Volunteers are now at work en-
deavorng to get around this fallen rock, so that
they can reach the entombed miners, but the
density of the black damp prevents them from
prosecuting their work with full effect They
are continually being broughtup in an exhausted
condition, but their places are Immediately sup
piled by other volunteers, and 50 the work goes
on unremittingly. Ali that mortas can do is
doing to rescue the unfortunates, but only black
ened and disfigured remnants of mortality have
thus far rewarded the toilers.
Outside, the scene is heartrending in the eX-
IRENE. Thousands of sympathizing citizens,
miners and Others are present, and rendering
cumstances. Women and children are weep
ing wringing their hands, and mourning aloud
for the loved and lost, and waiting in anxious,
hopeless expectation for each new report from
the poisonous pit. Words of sympathy fall
like empty sounds upon their anguished souls,
and nothing can still the aching void within.
Women are everywhere doing what they can to
minister to the wants of the exhausted volun-
teers, as they are borne like helpless children
back from the mouth of the pit. Great caldrons
of steaming coffee are ready, and all the known
restoratives are at hand Women's hearts and
women's hands are first in the work, and where
brave men falter and turn pale, they neither
mission. Sad hearts are everywhere tonight;
some in sympathy with bereaved friends, and
in mourning Tor their dead.
This mine has been nearly exhausted and
was known to be filed with the black damp,
and yet it was considered safe, and has been
constantly worked since the conclusion of the
strike, although not to its full capacity. 1t is
owned by Mr.. J. Schooley, of Wyoming, and
worked by MIR. A. Tompkins, who is extensively
engaged in the businers of mining coal, and
owns and operates several other openings.
Twelve feet of gas was found in a heading just
off the gangway, which had been traversed all
day by explorers with q naked light, and the
merest accident,w o1ld have caused another and
a worse explosion, Involving a loss of at least
fifty lives. During the fore part Of the night
those assuming control have ordered the pumps
reversed, and water has been forced down the
shaft, thus hoping to increase the volume of
pure air and expel the foul. At this hour,
eleven O'Clock, Superintendent Kendrick and In
spector Blewitt are preparing to descend into
the mine, but even should they find their eX-
pectations of replenishing the avenue with pure
air realized, they will hardly be able to draw
away the debris necessary to reach the impris-
Oned miners before morning.