St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-02-22
THE MINE EXPLOSION.
The Situation at Uniont0wn To-day
Among the Bereayed Families.
The Cause of the Explosion Very Hard to
be Ascertained.

UNIoNTowN, Pa, Feb. q The scene of
Yesterdays terrible disaster was visited by
large numbers to-day. The majority were
simply curious, but many came with an
earnest intention Of investigating, and if
possible, ascertaining the cause of the explo-
sion. Heretofore the gas has not caused
much trouble in the Western Pennsylvania
mines, but it is evident a vast quantity had
generated in a short time without being dis
covered. The majority of experts who examin-
ed the mine this morning incline to believe
that the explosion resulted from the falling
of a portion of the roof Of one of the cham
bers, and explosion crevice filled with fire
damp, etc. None, however, are willing to
stake their reputation on this until a more
thorough examination has been made. The
cotfins for the nineteen victims arrived from
Pittsburg this morning, and all will be buried
from Uniontown tomorrow. Two-thirds of
the victims are Catholics, and it has not yet
been decided whether union services
bury their own dead. The ConnensviIle
mine, pay all funeral expenses. There are
none here who censure the company. The
opinion is universal that the explosion can
not be charged to their neglect, as the shaft
was model, and the most approved ap-
rliances were used for safety, and greater
precautions taken than was required by law
The families of the dead miners are not in
immediate destitute circumstances, but the
sudden withdrawal of support caused by the
taking off of the husbands, fathers and broth
ers will be seriously felt in the near future
Many had their lives insured. Only last
week an insurance agent circulated among
the mines and miners, and large number
availed themselves of the opportunity, among
them several who were killed.
A closer examination of the mine leads
many to believe the disaster resulted from
improper ventilation. Air doors were lack
ing in places where, if they had been erected,
would probably let off foul air and prevented
| the explosion. This afternoon, mine inspec-
tor Steiner, made a thorough examination of
the mine, and also made chart showing the
| different apartments, which he will present
at the coroner's investigation. He would
| not say directly what he thought caused the
explosion, as he preferred giving
his testimony first before the coroner, but said
he was convinced that the heavy gas must
have come from a break in some vacant
room, and the room filing up, ran over, and
miner, perhaps John Murray, touched it off
with his head lamp. These facts came out
by the fact that only four men killed by the
explosion bore marks of its violence. The
air channel showeda good current, and if
the men had been in the current, or its dis
tribution had been somewhat equalized by the
erection of doors at proper places, the proper
ton of the smotherets To- the killed ought
not to bo so great. The coroners jury also
went through the mines this afternoon and
examined the apartments, the means of ven
tilation, ETC., very closely. The company
are doing in their power to alleviate the suf-
ferings Of the wounded, and the sorrow of
| afflicted. The former class are now able to
| be about, as most Of them we're merely pros
trated by the after damp. jOne was painfully
bruised and burned, but he will get well.
The funerals take place from here tomorrow,
and the coroner will begin his investiga-
ton on Saturday.