The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-22

Fate Of the Nanticoke Miners Still Secret.
Wilkesbarre (Pa) special.
The published story that one Of the men EN-.
ployed in clearing up the workings at No. 1slope
at Nanticoke, where the twenty-six men are en-.
tombed. had seen a light behind the cave-in. Gre
ated much excitement and interest in this vicln-
ity, but proved to be absolutely without fouuda-
ton. The workmen have encountered no sign
or sound that their imprisoned comrades are liv-
ing and their tomb holds its secret as closely as
ever.
Nanticoke also had been greatly excited by the
story Of the light 1t had spread with lightning
rapidlty through the vicinity. and hope famed
up again in the hearts Of hundreds who had long
ago given UP all thought of ever seeing their
friends or relatives again. The workings of the
shaft and slope were again surrounded by large
numbers OF anxious inquirers. but the officials
in charge said in the most emphatic manner
that there was no truth whatever in the report
From conversation with some of the men who
have been working down below it was learned,
however, that some important features had
manifested themselves within the last day or
two which seem to give some hope that some of
the men may be still alive. 1t has now been de-
cided beyond doubt that the workings beyond
the cavern are to some degree open and contain
pure air. The excavations have reached a point
in the gangway where it is not blocked up to tho
roof. and through this narrow passage between
the debris and the roof strong current of pure
air has commenced flowing Experienced
miners are working day and night in relays
driving towards their imprisoned comrades.
Every twenty four hours the three shifts PEN
citrate more than fifty feet of the solidly packed
quicksand and debris which fill the gangway fol-
lowing the fourth counter, and now only about
600 feet intervene between the burrowers and
the roadway that leads to the fifth counter. If
the force of the cavern lies over this counter as
appears to be the case, there can be no possible
n n ha oil Ari
preston is gaining ground. however, that the
force OF the collapse was thrown into the fourth
counter and if this be true it is just possible that
some OF the prisoners. provided they killed the
ing can determine the fate of the buried men
except the clearing out Of the slope to the very
foot of the cavern.
The wife Of Oliver Kivler, an experienced
miner, whose breast was very close to the point
where the base of the cave-in is believed to be
located cings persistently to the belief that her
husband 10 alive, and that under his direction
the other miners subsisting as best they can
upon mule meat There have as yet been very
few articles found belonging to any of the men,
Those discovered are chiefly buckets, coats and
mine shoes. 1t is believed that some of the bod
les will be found in day or two. consider
able stream OF water is now running
along the eangway, and another rush
of sand is feared The rescuing party
have arrived at a point just inside the fourth
counter door and are about to round the curve
leading to the fatal chambers. This is the very
point that is most feared. If there is another
cavern it will occur here But every possible
provision has been made to preserve the lives Of
the rescuing party. Stout partitions and safety
doors have been erected along the cleared out
gangway at frequent intervals to check the rush
of sand and culm. should another fall take place.
If the explorers meet no other unlooksd-for OBJ
struction or interference, it is highly probable
that the fate of the entombed men will be finally
decided within the next five days