The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-13


gle had been made to gain entrance to the
slope from man-way, and one other was
found in the lower level with his face
buried in the floor close to the side wall.
The after-damp was sure and quick, how
ever, and their agony was short.
State Mine Inspector Edmunds wentinto
the slope at o'clock this morning, came
out at noon for lunch. and returned to re-
sumo his investigation. He refused to be
interviewed at this time, but gave assur-
ance that the matter would be subjected TO
g careful and rigid examination. This Is
Edmunds' second visit to the Rosiyn
mines. He was here two months ago,
shortly before the gas explosion which re-
suited in the death of George Gregory,
negro driver. His appearance Immediately
after that fatality was anticipated both by
the management of the mine and the en-
ployes. but his presence was not needed.
Roslyn is not blessed with the church
accommodations of some cities, and in
view of the fact that the dead included
representatives of almost all nationalities
and religious creeds, it was concluded to
hold but two services, those of the Catho-
lie and Protestant churches. The
former assembled in the Catholic
ter, of Ellensburg, performed the rites
in accordance with their faith.
At Unity hall an eloquent and appropriate
discourse was made by Rev. DR.. Davis. a
Baptist minister from North Yakima, the
Rev. DR.. Brown, of EIlensburg, assisting
In the service. The Masonic, Odd Fell
lows, Knights of Pythias. Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Knights
TnI IAAo
present. almost every one of
the deceased having belonged to some one
of these orders. Several private services
were held at the grave, the bur'als being
made in Mountain View cemetery. Every
business house in the town was closed,
and ali joined in paying their last respects
to the departed. On Friday and Saturday
also business will be suspended, and the
day given to interment of the remaining
bodies.
Ex-Superntendent Ronald, when Ques-
toned as to his theory of the explosion,
stated that he was fully satisfied as to the
cause. but prudence directed that he
should keep his opinion to himself at this
time. He will give his statement as a
mining expert when called upon by the
coroner. The report that he had resigned
the superintendency of the mines because
he considered the slope dangerous and de-
sired to shift the responsibility to other
shoulders. was emphatically denied, but he
ascribed his action to a misunderstanding
between himself and General Manager
kangley as to certain methods. The pres
ent system of ventilating the Roslyn
mines was introduced by Mr.. Ronald, and
he takes special pride in referring to the
plan as having no superior. Late this
afternoon, Notwithstanding that 10000
cubic feet of air was again forced into the
slope per minute, considerable after damp
was reported in the lower levels. The ven-
tilation was badly disarranged, and some
days will be consumed before it can be
placed in good working order.
While ten or twelve shifts Of courageous
miners were working away industriously
IL the slope to reach and remove their
deed comrades who still remained en-
tombed, another sad and distressing scene
Sas being enacted in the city. At the city
hall dozen or more men were engaged IN
washing and dressing the unfortunates as
they were brought in, and after the re-
mains had been viewed by the coroner and
his jury they were given in charge of rela-
tives and friends. On account Of the great
number Of casualties and the limited
means for caring for the dead it was de-
termined to make three burial days, those
vho were recovered on Wednesday being
first consigned to the tomb.
The coal company is doing everything
possible to alleviate distress in the desolated
households. Provisions and clothing are
transportation will be given the bodies of
h. h~ -; nf no
bury them elsewhere.
Some heartrending scenes were wit
messed at the services in Unity hall. The
wiv-s and children Of many Of the unfor-
tunate men were in attendance, and their
grief moved many strong men to tears.
More than two-thirds of the deceased min
ers were married. and while they never
permitted their families to want while
health and strength remained with
them. they were prodigal and
extravaganza, as is usually the
case with the miner. living I'D
TO their means and not infrequently in ex-
cess as they go along. About $50 children
have been made fatherless by the disaster,
and in the majority of instances these
children are not of sufficient age TO care
for themselves. Relief in numerous cases
no means of making livelihood here
other than by work in the mines.
The coal company issued notice 10.
night, inviting any of the bereaved fami-
lies who needed food or clothing to call nj
Their store and obtain supplies. Mayor
Miller today received notice that sub
scriptions had been raised in Seattle. Ia
coma, Portland. Spokane. North Yakima
n .Afh av .AfAs.. ~
provisions would be forwarded from FL
lensburg. Manager kangley is in recent
Of sympathetic mes sages from General
Manager Mellen. OF the Northern Pacific
railway, the Chicago Board of Trade and
prominent persons in Washington CITY
and New York. requesting him to draw on
them for financial aid to relieve the dis
tressed families. +. A. Aherne,hv. cashier
of Ben f. Snipes & Co.'S bank Of Roslvn
is chairman of the financial COMMITTEES
and will credit all contributions.
\ large force of miners will he kent
steadily at work until all the bodies are
recovered and the interior of the mine
placed IN proper shape The actual dam
age to the slope cannot he estimated. hut
IL will run mp into the thousands. Acting
Superintendent Harrison states that !.
Will be fully = month before all the a,sa-.
ranged timhers are replaced. tracks relaid
and ventilation restored. The miners are
working on short shifts, remaining in the
slope as long as they can, and are receiving
IS per shift, usually OF three hours.
A number Of especially bad features are
reported as the outcome of this CALAMITY
Mrs. Sidney Wright. whose husband was
taken out this morning in ,autigated
condition. lost her reason when she beheld
IL l. n,,I - th...-..t, =