The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-06-07

EAGLE Pass. Tex, June Full partic-
ulars of the Fuen,e coal mine difaster as
nearly as can be learned are as follows
The Mexican international railway,
which recently came into the possession
of the mines. Is operating a narrow gauge
road with small engine, which pene-
trstes the main entry, hauling in empty
and bringing out loaded cars. The main
entry is lined on the side and at the top
with creosoted lumber and three air
shafts from which to supply the mines
with ventilation. The entrance Of the
track is on the north side of a range Of
hills through which il passes down an in
cline to the mouth Of the tunnel on the
banks of the BIO Escondido river The
workings are al to the east OF the main
entry and some fifty men were employed
taking out coal.
spread of the Fire,
At 1 o'clock yesterday evening, shortly
after the locomotive lefs. tho mine was
discovered to be on FIRE aud smoke and
flames were seen issuing cut of the air
shafts. About one hall Of the miners
were working near toe main tunnel, and
these made their escape, leaving twenty
SIX of their number 10 perish from heat
and smoke aud from the poisonous gases
which spread like lightning 10 every por-
tion OF the mines. When il was seen that
all efforts were useless to rescue the i'm
prisoned miners every energy was direct
81 to saving the property from destruc-
ton 4 hand pump WAS placed in posi-
ton on the Escondido river. Pipes were
laid into the mine as far as any work
could be done and the hose attached and
water poured into the burning timbers.
A portable engine was speedily obtaine ed
from Pidras Aegras and in three hours
the fire was under control.
Taking out the Dead.
There are twenty-four chambers in the
mine and the dead miners are supposed
TO be well TO the front OF the mine. At12
o'clock today when your correspondent
reached the scene one body had been re-
covered from the seventh chamber and
shortly after another fearfully scorched
and blackened was brought to the surface
The tenth chamber has been reached and
men with ropes tied to their bodies to Of
feet the rescue. II overcome by heat and
smoke. are fighting their way to where
the bodies of their dead comrades
are lying. superintendent George Spence
ventursd in too lar and was overcome by
heat and smoke. lie was prOstrated, but
was rescued. Ii is believed that by tofnor-
row the mine will be cleared OF the heat
and smoke, which at present it is imDossi-
bic 10 cope with. and that ell the bodies
will be recovered. All the miners en-
plOyed were hlexicans and most OF them
have left destitute families. IL IS reported
that ali the parties responsible for the
management OF the mines have been
placed under arrest pending an investiga-
lion OF the cause OF the disaster.
Prompt Work Done.
But for the prompt action of the officials
of the Mexican international and their
heroic efforts, the mine would have been
destroyed and none of the bodies would
have been recovered. This is the first
disaster in the history of coal mining in
Mexico. Large numbers Of the friends
and relatives of the unfortunate miners
are now here at the mouth OF the mine
mutely awaiting recovery Of bodies of
their sons and husbands. When a hodv
8 taken out there Ia no outburst of grief
but look of quiet resignation and deep
grief appears on every countenance
Hundreds OF people from Eagle Pass and
Piedras Negras have visited the scene to-
lay and the smoke is still issuing from
he air shafts imprsssing on all the folly
Of hoping any of the i'm mprisoned miners
are vet alive.