, 1890-05-16

WlLKEsBARRE, May IA cave-in
occurred today neal Ashley in a mine op-
Grated by the Lehigh & Wilkesbarre Coal
company and twenty-five men are en-
tombed. The scene of the disaster is
one of intense excitement. Not only the
relatives of the imprisoned miners, but
thousands of others gathered upon the
spot discussing the best methods of eff
fectng their rescue Things are in such
a chaotic condition that results are BY no
means certain. Many believe that rescue
is well nigh impossible, while others, as
they watch the continual movement o!
the surface and the extensive workings of
the mines, shake their heads in grave
doubt. The present cave immediatcl,
adjcins u mine in which an extensive
cave occurred twelve years ago, imprison
ing ten men over week, but who were
finally rescued alive. The present cave
extends over half a mile square and in
cludes a portion of a thickly settled vii
lage called Maffetts Patch. A large
number Of houses have gone down with
the surface. but only a few are badly
damaged. The following are known to
be imprisoned; John Hanton, Anthony
Fraen, Michael Schally, John Schaly v.
John Allen. assistant fire boss; Michael
Henry, Charles James, Frank Gallagher,
Robert Roberts, Harry Jones, Ellis vii
liams, Daniel Sullivan, Owen Williams.
Thomas Williams, John Penning. An
thony Frale, Harry Perry and son, Owen
Perry. Thomas Clauss, John James and
four Hungarian laborers.
Later-1t is now known hat there
Wara tWentv-aayap niparo aptnp,hal q,
the mine. The cave occurred at 9 O'Clock
this morning in No. 6 c%olliery, covering
an area of more than ten acres. The sur
face, almost as Tar as the eye can reach,
was scanned and cracked with long irregu-
lar assures. some of which we're over two
feet wide. Thousands rushed to the
scene OF the disaster and the lamenta-
tions of the wives and little ones were
heartrending. Rescuing parties immedi-
ately organized and gang after gang re-
lieved one another until 5 o'clock, when
the new passed that they had succeeded
in breaking through the chambers be-
meath the cave. About $50 the charred
and blackened form of Anthony Froyne
was hoisted to the surface. He was still
alive, but his injuries are considered I ,tal
Old miners said that the fact OF Froyne
being go badly burnt shows there are
very little hopes for his companions.
Wreck and ruin was wrought on the
surface of the earth as well as in the fatal
pit. Nearly a score Of houses were shat
tered and destroyed and families were
compelled To fee for their lives.
Up to ii O'Clock two men have been
taken out besides Froyne-Fre Boss John
Allen and Robert Roberts. Both are
alive, but terribly injured. 1t is asserted
that Aliens lamp caused the explosion.
At midnight the rescuing parties were
driven out of the gangway. The place is
full Of black damp and further approach
IN the direction OF the victims was impos
sible, even with safety lamps. A vigor-
Gus effort is now being made to change
the air current so as to drive the gas
back from where the victims are supposed
to be.
The scenes around the mouth OF the
pit are sorrowful and impressive. The
space in the immediate vicinity oil the
opening is lighted with locomotive head
lights turned into the yawning cavern
where details of miners have been labor
ing. Outside this small circle all was
darkness. Hundreds Of men, women