, 1876-06-24
visit 10 tho Mines Of the BEL
bingham hay C8nt CompnpV,
At aEnoME, wnATcoM corNTrj ", +

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While in Whatcdm Co. during our
recent visit there, We found it convenient
to 20 into the mines Of the Bcllingham
bay Coal Company, and examine them
thoroughly,
These mines are situated within few
rods OF the shore line of Bellingham
Bay, at the town of Srhome, built up by
these mines, and about Il miles from
Whatcom, the county seat Of Whatcom
county
The company first began work there
some eighteen years ago, have worked
the mines continuously since that time.
except when prevented by fires in the
mines. These broke out from spontane-
Gus combustion about every year and
half, until some tour years or more ago,
since which time there has been no
trouble that way. While the fires were
raging, regular work would be partially
suspended until by flooding the mines,
&C., the fires could be brought under
control.
VIM. p. Jones the present general
agent and superintendent has been in
charge of the works there for the past
four and half years. While there hc ex'
tended every courtesy to us. Took us
over the premises occupied by him,
His grounds around his residence are
laid out with taste and judgment,
Within bis residence and around it, we
every where saw marks indicative of a
love for the beautiful in nature and art,
Our thanks are due to him, and his
lnly like house keeper for courtesics re-
ccived at his residence.
On indicating our desire to examine
the work under ground, he caused Mr..
David Lewis, the foreman Of the work
going on in the mine to 90 with us, over
the mine, who showed every possible
care and attention, and gave us all the
information within his power relating to
the mine. We prepared to descend by
putting on suit of clothes over our
others, designed to protect us from the
dirt of the mines. Then we passed by
the engine house, where all the steam
used in working the mines is generated
above ground by four very large boilers
and carried in pipes to where it is needed
for use. Two engines now do the main
work of the mines, one OF 20, the other
Of 30 horse power.
The mine has been worked upon two
levels. The coal is hoisted in cars upon
an incline by the hoisting engine, in the
engine house above ground. Each car
contains something over ton Of cleaned
coal. The coal is cleaned after coming
from the mine. The cars are hauled
along the gangway to the foot OF the in
cline by mules.
The depth of the incline to lower
ganyway is S75 feet. Vertical d pth to
lower gangway AIS feet. Work for the
present is abandoned ON this level.
This part of the mine is full of water.
The depth on incline to new gangway
is 725 feet. Vertical depth to new gang
way, (present workings) 347. Length
of new gangway 2,l50 feet.
The entrance Of the mine is not over
so feet above sea level, 80 that the level
of new gangway is not far from 300 feet
vertically below the level of the sea.
When ready to descend into the mine,
Mr.. Lewis signaled for the stopping Of a
car descending into the mines. The
car stopped. He lighted the lamp at
tached to his cap, Each of us, placed
our feet on bumper at the upper end
Of the car this bumper being squared
timber some or inches square project
ing some 8 or inches beyond the bot
tom Of the car box. With just room for
our feet upon this bumper, holding by
our hands to the top of the car box,
keeping our heads down low enough so
we would not hit the timbers over our
head. We were gradually lowered to
the levelof the new gnngway 300 feet be.
low the level of the sea. We sat down on
a pile of lumber until VIC were some what
accustomed to the intense darkness of
the mine. Then with lighted candle in
hand, Mr.. Lewis taking the lead, we
started to explore the mine. Turning to
the left we went short distance to
door across the gangway, this we opened.
The draft of air was too strong for q tai
low candle. We found ourselves gazing