Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1875-09-25
THE MINING CONTROVERSY.

Editor Mining Journal:
In the last issue of the JOURNAL l find
two correspondents, "EyMiner" and
"Americus,' commenting on the plan rec
commended in my letter of the 18th inst,
for the purpose Of enabling Us to mine
more tons Of coal per acre of onr big vein
| have no intention of taking up the
columns of the JOURNAL simply TO pro-
long this discussion, but there are some
points upon which "ExMiner' wants to
get information in regard to the large pillar
system adopted by the Superintendent of
the Consolidation Coal Company.
First, he will find this system adopted at
New Hope, and at the new heading now
being driven at Ocean Mines, and it will
be carried out in all new work opened on
the company's property while under his
charge.
Second, as to the shoycling Of coal at
which "EX-Miner' thinks there will I've
small pay made. He proposes to remedy
this by enabling the miner to carry for
ward his track in the usual way, by pro-
viding him the material for so doing.
Thirdly, he wants to know about the
ventilation. In answer we have to say
that the gcn.leman's achievements in this
science during the last two years is sure
guarantee for the future that he is able to
overcome all obstacles that may arise in
that part of the programme,
Your correspondent also wants to know
if a hundred-foot pillar is left between each
room. Yes sir; and if you want informa-
ton that official will be pleased to give it
to YOU and of the practicablity Of h $
methods there can be no doubt, and he will
receive the credit due him by an intelligent
public.
Your other correspondent. "Americus,"
brings up the bottom coal with all its states
and other impurities as the only question
that was under discussion and points to the
stoppage Of the mining Of the six-foot vein
at the lower end Of the basin as an argu-
ment that TX of Barton and Messrs. Doug
las We're right in saying that the benches
Now this trying to throw cold water on
the slX-foot vein is mean and contempt
bic and unworthy of the notice of any man
having the interest of our coal trade at
heart. 1t can be impelled only by prejudice
or some selfish motive, for il has no bearing
on the subject at issue. The six-foot VEN
when properly mined and cleaned is as good
coal for steam purposes as can be gotten,
and all the Standings in the back that
"Americus" can give it cannot affect its
reputation. No doubt it would give him
great pleasure if he could point to the stop
page of our Mines where the benches are
properly cleaned and sent to market Let
us ask him why the mines where nothing
but the magnificent coal is taken out are
not working to their fmll capacity? The
answer is Vkknown-trat it is the dcpres-
sion of trade that is the cause of the stop
page of some of our mines, and of others
running half time
By Tough for the present of the bottom
CoaSWhich is not the only question in dis
pute, for the thousands of tons of coal that
FIX Miner has seen lost in one day" was
was not only bottom coal bat that portion
of it that is termed magnificent" 1t is
for the saving of this part of the vein that
larger pillars are recommended
In conclusion let me say, that in reading
this discussion have found great deal o.
bombast about the qualifications of the Su.
pcrintcndents and boss miners of Georges
Creek. | am willing to give them credit
for all that they have done, and to place
them on an average with the rest of the
race of mankind. Bus we have failed to
sec any improvement they have made in
the science of mining during the last TWEEN
ty years. Put your brains to work, gen
tlemen, and find out some other mode of
mining by which more Of our coal can be
saved. Remember your present mode of
gouging 1000 tons per acre out of an II
foot vein is too thia' for the Arabs not to
see Though. To cali it scientific mining"
is putting it on entirely too thick
Cor I-NpI-S