The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-10-14
WEST SIDE EVENTS.
Terrible Experience Of Edmund a. bnru
and X. A. Phillips in IN Abandoned
Mine Workings saturday.

Over ten hours underneath the
ground, without food in a dangerous
abandoned mine working, ana tWo-
thirds of that time spent In the uarh-
ness of the tomb, is the experience that
Civil Engineer Edmund "A. Bartl. ac-
commanded by Inside Foreman X. a.
phiiiIns of the oxford mine, passed
through Saturday in the old Diamond
vein of the abanoned Cork and Bottle
mine.
The two men entered the mine at lo3O
a m. their lamps went out at l.3O p. M,
and they were rescued by party at
e.l5 in the evening. Mr.. Bartl, in the
interest of the family of the late Will
lam Robinson, of Seventh street, was
investigating the scene of the recent
cave-in with the intention of placing
pillars in order to guard against fu-
ture settling and consequent damage
to property.
The two gentlemen entered, the OK
ford mine. by way of the regular shaft,
at 7 O'Clock and after few hours work
came out, going to Seventh street,
where the settling occurred. Mr.. Bartl
announced his intention to enter the old
working by way of narrow shaft
which pierces the earth in the street
opposite the Robinson brewery, for a
distance of thirty feet to the old Dia-
mon vein beneath. Mr.. Phillips vol
unteered to accompany the civil en-
gineer, and both descended through the
opening at 1880 o'clock. Before going
in, however, the men secured supply
OF oil in a pocket canteen, although
they intended to be only short time
underground.
Bartl Lost the Oil.
Upon reaching the vein it was de-
cided to cross the "fall' to the other
side. This was done, the men crawling
on hands and knees over the fallen
rock. Nearly an hour had passed when
they reached the objective point, and
after investigating the premises, they
decided to return by the same route
BY this time the oil supply of their min
ing lamps was exhausted and the blaze
became fainter and fainter as the dry
cotton burned. Mr.. iBartl, noticing this,
reached to his hip pocket for the can
teen Of oil, but it was not to be found.
1t had dropped out and was lost.
The truth flashed across the mind of
each that immediate escape must be
made, or they would be helplessly con-
fined in the mine until help came. Has
tily. by the dim light of the dying lamp
blaze, the men retraced their steps. but
in the excitement of the moment the
wrong cut was made and. as frequently
happens under like circumstances. they
unconsciously walked in a circle, and
finally found themselves where they
had started from. AT that moment
both lights went out and total darkness
made the position more terrible.
CMr. Bartl broke the crystal of his
watch and felt the position of the
hands. 1t was 1.30 o'clock. Nothing
could be done but wait. How long
neither could tell. but Mr.. Phillips
knew that his fellow-workmen would
find them as the locality is we'll known.
Both sat down and discussed the situa-
tion.' A few feet away was a narrow,
30-foot air shaft connecting the Dia-
mond and Rock veins.
Proposed to Make a Rope.
If this latter vein could be reached,
they could easily find their way to the
surface. But there was no ladder at
hand, and no other means to descend.
Mr.. Phillips suggested that a rope be
made Of the clothing Of both, and in
this way descend to the lower vein.
This was to be done at o'clock in the
evening, II help had not arrived. The
first hour passed slowly on and the sue
ceeding minutes brought new discom-
flture and more agony. The cold draft
Of the mine chilled the men to the mar
row. AFTER the exertions OF the morn
ing's trip over the rocks. the perspira-
tion dampened their clothing. and both
were violently attacked with chlls.
Mr.. Phillips Is a sufferer from rheu-
matism and the cold air brought on an
attack. little walking could be done
Tor exercise Seven o'clock came, but
no rescuers had arrived.
It was decided to wait a few hours
longer. and then, IL help did not come.
an effort was to be made to enter the
Rock vein. This In itself would be a
hazardous performance, as both men
are heavily built and fall to the bot
tom would mean death or serious in
jury. Shortly after 0 o'clock, voices
were heard. An answering 'halloa"
was given, and in a few minutes City
Engineer Phillips. Will Phillips and
Fire Boss Benjamin Griffith discovered
the men. The meeting was a Joyous
one. and Mr.. Bartl and Mr.. Phillips tell
OF II as the sweetest moment in their
lives. Not long afterward the entire
party came out and the two unfortun-
ate members were greeted by a crowd
Of friends. 49,
Caused Great Excitement. =.
On the outside the greatest excite
Ment prevailed. Mime officials gathered
ano discussed the best means to reach
the men. Several parties were organ
lied. one Of which met City Engineer
Vhillips and party after the men had
been found. A crowd of anxious
driends surrounded the Seventh stree
opening during the entire evening and
loud cheer went up when the rescu-
ers and rescued came out of the mine.
Those who formed parties were.
Thomas Richard, viii Lewis. David
Evans, John Thomas Richard Thomas
and John A. Richard.
Surprise Party for Miss MAYNARD.
The many friends of Misc KI+t,e
Maynard rendered her a surprise marty
Friday evening at her home. on Chasf.
nut street. Among those present were.
Misses Frances. Jones, Of Forty Fort:
Maggie Jones. of Spring Brook: Annie
6tarns, Lille Warner, Gertrude Peet'
Edna Meyer. Abbie Lanning. Verge
Bird, Bell Widenor, Susan Lewis,
Rachel Gill, Cora Turner Bertha
Smith, Lissie De Pew. Charles Bone.
Sam Wlthers, Jacob Moser, Frank P'
Carpenter, Herman Frutchey, Elmer
Widsnor, VIII sWidenor, WIN Hall.
Duncan HAL, George Roe, George Nor.