The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-06-02
MINING PERILS.

Inc dangers OF mining are thus SET 1Ortn
in the narrative of a recent event near
Scranton. in this State:
"In calculating the cost of coal there is
one important item which is never taken
into consideration by capitalist or consumer,
and that is the loss of life and limb incur
red in the work of digging 'dusky dia-
monds and preparing them for market.
A glance at the list of deaths and accidents
published monthly in the local papers is
sufficient to send thrill of horror through
the stoutest heart; but familiarity soon
makes us partially Indifferent to such
matters, and it is only when some thrilling
calamity occurs such Ias the Avondale or
West Pittston disaster, that we are fairly
aroused to the perils incident to the work
of mining. The people of the metropolis
know but little of these things unless
when they see an occasional account of
some extraordinary catastrophe published
and even then they can but family realize
the mishaps that befal from day to day
in the way, of fre-damp explosions, falling
roofs and the innumerable other death deal
ing agencies that lurk in the depths of the
coal mine.
One of the most heart-rendering acct
dents of this character which has been re-
corded for some time, has just occurred at
the Empire mine, near Scranton. Two
men, named John Mooney and Patrick
Quinn, were employed in No. slope lay
ing track, distance of about two miles
from the opening and mile from the
other workmen. When they least dreamed
of danger there was sudden convulsion
overheard, and an instant later they were
overwhelmed by fearful fall of roof. The
terrible accident put out their lights, and
they were in utter darkness. Mooney, after
considerable difficulty, succeeded in extract
ders which fell about him in such way as
to form sort of a cave, and upon freeing
himself his first thought was for his COM
panion. He called aloud for Quinn, re-
ceiving no answer-enly the echo of his
own voice beaten back by the rocks. He
felt himself growing faint, and realized
that he was very seriously injured, but
was determined to ascertain the condition
Of his fellow miner. After calling aloud
in vain for some time, he grooped about in
the dismal place among the rocks, hoping
to find Quinn, and fearing that he was dead.
At length he touched him, but the poor
fellow was pinned fast by big boulder
which lay upon one of his mangled legs.
The other leg had been completely served
from the body by the fall. To release him
was hard task, but Mooney, forgetting
his own injuries, set about the work with
will and succeeded in setting Quinn free.
How to GARY him to the light of day
was the next trial, but he was determined
to do it; and taking him upon his back, he
begon cropping his way through the pitchy
darkness in the direction of what he consid-
dred was the foot of the slope. For two
hours he wandered about that living tomb,
with his dying comrade on his back, moan
ing in the most piteous manner. The sit
uation was awful, and after roaming thus
for long time poor Mooney was dishear-
very point from which he had set out, and
where the accident occurred. He summon
ed up his fast failing strength and made
another effort, still taking Quinn on his
back, but after proceeding short distance
he grew faint, and was unable to 60 further
with his burden. Then laying the dying
man down in as comfortable a position as
he could Mooney crawled on his hands and
slope. At half.past 6 o'clock party of
miners, while proceeding down No. slope,
were startled by the apparaton which their
lamps revealed. 1t was Mooney crawling
slowly up the slope on his hands and knees,
his face black and bloody, and his whole
tody sore from contact with the Jagged
pieces of coal and rock. His eyes were at
first dazzled by the light, he had been in
speechless with joy for some seconds to find
relief at last. This was eight hours after
the accident had happened, and they were
eight hours of awful mortal agony. AS
soon as Mooney found words to speak
he related the story in brief, and begged
the party to hasten to the assistance of
Quinn, who might yet be saved.
They hurried to the spot indicated, and
found the unfortunate man in the condition
already described, with one leg served from
his body and the other crushed to pieces.
He was still alive, and they took him up in
their arms to carry him to the slope, but he
never reached it alive. He died in the arms
of his comrades. Mooney, who is severely
wounded, is expected to recover. He play
ed the part of hero in the unselfish man.
ner in which he risked his own life trying
to save his comrade. But such acts are not
of rare occurrence among the miners. They
are most unselfish, brave lot of fellows,
and will face death in the mines at any time
to save one another. The men who met
Mooney crawling up the slope were moved
to tears by his haggard, woe-begone, aud
saddened looks, and they say they never
saw such pitiful sight BEFORE