Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1877-02-03

ending With the Hampshire and Bal
timore Company's mine.

1
l then proceeded to Garrett coun-
ty, the mines Of which visited, end
ing with the Ofutt mine, located
about fsur miles west of Oakland.
In visiting the mines, l 6rst called
upon the agent, mining boss or other
officer in charge of the mines and stat
ed to them my object in visiting them.
I then entered the mine, noting the
condition Of the main opening or
heading and cross-headings of the
mine-whsther properly ventilated
and free from noxious gases; also OBJ
serving the character of support to the
roofs Of the opening and chambers,
the drainage and such other matters
as go to make up, when properly car
ed for, safe and healthy condition Of
the mine in which men could advan-
tageously work.
During such inspection. wherever
it was apparent that a change ought
to be mnde in any particular in the
mine, either Of placing props, chang
ing water courses or adjusting any
apparatus connected with the mine,
the officers in charge acted promptly
upon my suggestion and set about re-
moving the Objectionable matter or
making the correction suggested.
These requests, so made, wsrs, | am
pleased to say, with but two excep-
tions, cAserfully complied with.
In regard, however, to obtaining in
formation as to neglects, abuses and
needed reforms, l found that the
miners were somewhat timid and dis
posed to evads giving to the Mine In
spector information Of irregularities
or defects SO existing, through fear of
being discharged from employment.
l nevertheless repeatedly requested
them to report to me any matter oc-
curing or existing in the mines, affect
ing their health, their interest and the
safe mining of coal, etc.
Nothing new in the mode of vsntil-
alton heretofore used in the mines Of
All legany and Garrett counties has
been used or adopted. The system at
present in use now and for years past
is found to answer all necessary pur-
poses and secures proper ventilation.
At the Ocean No. 8 mine of the
Consolidation Coal Company, to in
crease ventilation, the company has
added many feet to the length Of its
air shaft, thereby securing improved
ventilation for that mine.
In most of the mines on Georges
Greek there are headings that run en-
tirely through the mountain, entering
it on one side and coming out, SO to
speak, to daylight on the other side,
In such mines ne air shafts are need
ed, the headings affording an ample
current of pure air, sufficient for
thorough ventilation.
There are, however, some mines in
the region that require air shafts and
furnaces, to secure proper ventilation;
but the number is small compare
lively.
1t affords me pleasure to say here
that l was courteously received by
the officers in charge of the various
mines, and aided in every way l could
desire in the discharge of what, at
first, seemed to me would be all un-
pleasant and an unwelcome duty.
But the alacrity with which the COM
panies opened their mines and prof
fered their services and information
when applied to by me, satisfied me
that 60 far from being avsrse to the
inspection provided for in the act
creating the Office fill, they express
ed satisfaction Herewith, and were
ready and willing to remove every
obstacle that might, in any way, i'm
peds me in the discharge of my
official duties. In every instance l
was furnished with lamps, guides
and such officers as I suggested it
would be desirable to have with me,
in order to thorough inspection of
the working and safe condition of each
mine.
The great coal basin Of Allegany
and Garrett counties is traversed by
the Cumberland and Pennsylvania
railroad, the Eckhart railroad and the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, which
roads furnish the transportation for
the coal mined throughout the region.
Entering the coal field at Mount
Savage, nine miles west of Cumber-