Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-02-06

ne inverted over the bubbles the gas
issues from the hole and can BIZ ignited
This is regarded as sure sign tina,
natural gas exists under the place, and
nothing is more likely than it should
find its way through the fissures in or
between the various strata of the
mine which is 300 feet below the sur
face of the earth.
The jury investigating the cause of
the deaths of the thirty-nine miners
found that they were caused by ex-
p.osion of fire damp, which accumu-
lated by reason of door, or stop, being
open and changing the air current
from its proper course, thereby de-
priving large portivn of the mine of
sufficient ventilation. The jury also
find violation of the first paragraph of
section 6 of chapter 70, act of 1888 !;
also find that the instructions of the
Inspector of Mines were being disre-
garded at the time of the accident. In
addition TO the foregoing verdict we
would say that we regret to find that
the statute of our State contains no
adequate law for the protection of the
lives of that portion of our population
engaged in mining. The rapidity with
which our vast mineral resources are
being developed, and the large and
constantly increasing number of per-
sons engaged in mining, and the
dangers to which they are subject in
the pursuit of their personal calling,
would appear to be ample argument
for the enactment OF laws that would
insure, as far as possible, their health
and safety. On the contrary, we find
upon our statute books a law profess
ing to regulate the working of mines.
bnt containing only nominal penalties
for violation. 1t provides for the ap-
pointment of State inspector of
mines, while under its provision he
can do but little more than advise and
entreat those who disregard the act.
| w " 'iSeh Nv lVlCCtlOu upOu luOS6
gentlemen through whose efforts the
law was enacted, for they encountered
difficulties which prevented them
making it what it should be, and we
congratulate them that they were at
least partially successful. 1t is, how
ever, to be hoped that our next legis-
lature will give us a law governing the
working and management Of mines
that will in its provisions commensu-
rate with its Importance, and that
other horrors such as we have Just
witnessed will not be required to
awaken them to a sense of their duties.
| And while we feel that the duties of
| the State inspector of mines are we'll
defined and in this case have been
faithfully discharged, yet unless ad
ditional power or authority be given
him by law to be enforced by in
junction or otherwise to promptly re-
strain the owner or operator of mine
from further prosecution of the work
or failure to obey his orders, or when
his suggestions are disregarded when
in his judgment there is danger of an
accident, the law creating his Office
can be of little benefit to those en-
gagged in the dangerous calling, and
we feel it to be our duty to thus pub
licly urge upon our law makers the
necessity of radical change in our
mining laws
Jacob H. and Albert Weaver,
brothers, and victims of the Newburg
horror, We're first cousins of A. A.
Rogers. of this place. They had just
obtained employment in The mine and
were killed at their second days work.
Mr.. Rogers returned this week from a
visit to their families. He reports
generally frightfully distressing sit
uation, as none of the dead miners
We're men of any means.
Legislative NOtes.-In the Senate
Thursday of last week MIR. McKaig
introduced bill to revise and amend
the testamentary laws so as to better
protect the administrations on the es-
tates of deceased parties, by requiring
creditors of the estate to properly
prove and have audited their claims
against the estate, as is now the prac-
tice it equity.
In the House leave was granted Mr..
Hole 70 amend the charter of the
Thomas mining company, and bill
relating to the incorporation of the
town Of Westernport was read first
time.
DR.. Gaskill secured leave Tuesday
to introduce a bill to protect the pub
lie against medical impostors. 1t pro-
vides for the appointment of inspectors
in each county who shall inspect the
diplomas of all persons practicing
medicine.
Also a bill to prevent the purchase
of intoxicating liquor to minors.
Wednesday the same gentleman Of
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