The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-25
THE BURNING MINE.
A cher's Warning Against Lawlessness-
The Appeal of Village Belle.

A Pocahontas. Va, special telegram OF
Sunday says: Sunday in this village mas
been day OF marked soemnity, and the
events indicated pretty clearly that II some
determined effort Is not made by the COM
papy to recover the remains OF the one
| hundred and fifty-two victims the miners
surviving will make the attempt on their
own account. Rev. Charles Ashley preach-
ed this morning IN the Union church, the
scene OF the ndignatlon-meeting FRIDAY
night. and addressed solemn words oil
warning to his congregation against any
| lawless demonstration.
The stormy weather OF yesterday hau
passed away and the day was bright and
pleasant. in striking contrast to the uni
yersal gloom pervading every quarter OF
the village. Facing his congregation,
which was sad and fearful, Mr.. Ashley
said he had heard with regret OF the vio-
lent sentiment which had been manifested
on Friday night at the indignation meet
| ing He thought 1t was reflection upon
the intelligence of the white men OF POGO
hontas that negro bad been the
only man present who had spoken
sensibly upon the rash project OF
forcing an entrance into the mine.
Standing here, with more than q nun
dred bodies Of your dead relations and
friends under my feet, tell you that you
have been unwIse. God will not prosper
the village where such lawless spirit pre-
walls. You must learn to look ut this affiic-
ton in a proper light. God knows your
burden is heavy, and God will aid you to
bear it," Mr.. Ashley then proceeded to
urge that no efforts be made TO interfere
with the company. "Even il we do not
credit them with Christian feeling. all prac-
tical men must admit that they have an in
terest in extinguishing the fire in the
mine"
The sermon was listened to with close
attention by the miners present, but 1t is
not believed that they took the warning
closely to heart. This afternoon the men
congregated around the mouth OF the main
drift to the mine. and for more than five
hours were closely engaged in consultation.
The strongest element which is urging the
opening Of the burning mines is composed
OF women. Young girls, principally
daughters and sweethearts OF the vie
tins, are continually circulating among
the men, and by taunts and plead
ings endeavoring to induce them to
make an effort to enter the mine. About
shutdown to-day hardy lass, tall and OF
magnificent physique, sprang upon horse
trough standing near the farmhouse and eX-
claimed II have n father in that mine,
boys; he is dead and know it, but l love
him and want to bury his body decently.
| will marry any man in this crowd who
will lead party into the mine" This sim
gular appeal met with no response, al
though the girl is quite belle in the vii
lage and the object Of admiration among
more than a score of young men,"
The desperate longing for the bodies Of
the dead has IN nowiSe been decreased by
the failure of the attempt to enter the mines
yesterday. The inhabitants apparently
cannot bring themselves to contemplate
calmly the dread reality that there is abso-
lutely no human power which can enter
the mines OF Pocohontas and rescue the
bodies. Superintendent Lathrop, who is
a man Of much quiet determination and an
experienced engineer, mean while is spar.
ing no effort to cut off ventilation in the
mine. To-day an extra force OF men were
put to work, who added coating Of &C.
ment and then a pile OF earth to each open.
ing OF the mine. which il is hoped viii
make it entirely air-tight. The fire in the
coaI-drifts shows some sign OF diminution
and it is thought an entrance can be effect
ed by Tuesday.