The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-12

TESTIMONY BEFORE THE CoRoNER's JURY-GAs
THROWN UPON THE OPEN LAMPS 81 FALL
OF RocK-FUNERALs or THE VICTIMS.
~ TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
PorrsvILLE, Pa, May IL, 1871
Tho inquest Of tho victims Of the explosion at tho
Vaudeville shaft resumed ths morning and
number OF witnesses were examined. They all agreed
that the the mine has been purcr and more free
from gas within the last three months than at any
previous time since opened ten years ago. THIS
improved condition OF the air duo an enlargement
OF tho main air way.
FALLEN ROCK REPORTED.
Edwin Herbert, the inside superintendent, had just
come from thorough examination OF the scene of the
explosion, tho after-damp and gas having been driven
so to make the place safe, and reported that
within twenty-five feet of tho breasts whore Moore
and Mosely were at work he found an immense fall
OF rock and slate in an abandoned working. lilo had
no doubt whatever that this fall forced gas down
tho naked lights. This report confirms tho theory
before advanced as to tile cause OF the accident
x OPINION or THE NINE INSPECTOR
Samson Parton, Nine Inspector Tor this strict, was
called and examined. Hts opinion was that there was
no gas IN the breasts or gangways In which the mon
were at work, and that gas was thrown into them by
the tall OF reported by Herbert and that this gus
came In contact with Moore's naked light took fire and
exploded. His testimony showed pretty plainly that
his oaico IS merely ornamental and OF no praci.
has sixty-six coeres 10 inspect task 10 which no
man is equal Since September, 1875, he has only
visited this coery seven tines though II Is the
gcst in tie district, and thon only after accdcnta
lie gave Instructions Oh those occasions, but never
TO II they were followed His last visit
within The mine was paid In october, after fatal
accident Hc swore that the Vaudeville SHAFT was as
safe any mine IN tho dstrct that 80 800 cubic feet
OF air minute passed through tho coiory.
AN INDIGNANT OFFICIAL
He was nPkod for list oil tho killed and manned In
this since his appointment 1875 and refused
give II, on tho ground that II had and could have
bearing The question OF how tho last accident hap
pcncd very warm discussion arose, and ut one timo
jury not holding an inquest on him, aud that IL
they wanted 10 Try him they must to another
lie had told them all he know, and would not submit
any and all questions As II was impossible 10 pro-
coed further with him under the circumstances, the
jury adjourned until Monday.
IMPOSING FUNERAL RITES.
The funerals OF Moore, Durkin ana Qulrk, three OF
the victims OF the accident took place Ia ST. Clair this
afternoon. Never In tho history OF tho town has II
such Of gloom and mourning business
entirely suspended, and the streets crowded
with people, who numbered thousands. Durkin and
Quirk buried with military honors and
snroudcd in tho American nag The former had
splendid record soldier snd had suffered tho hor
McEnroo, OF the Catholic Church, delivered euogos
on tho soldiers and the people responded TO them
heartily, for they were good citizens
Moore was buried by the knights OF Pyth!as and tho
Independent Orucr OF odd Follows, the Methodist
minister performing tho servioca
Conner viii be buried IN Potisvlle tomorrow. and
Milward and Moscly In 81. Clair on sunday.