The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-09-29

IN'tna shows the reservation pillars the
III. between them, and also the final
IIF from the barrier pillars west towards
'Iit 'I& II will be noticed that each lift
NJ back, one a little in advance Of the
4 WI fuA#l against and prevent repetition
|4I .7n Madents as that at the Twin Shaft,
f0t1 4QnN respectfully suggest for your
fcohsfderation the following:
First That reservation pillars Of coal be
left unmined sectionally throughout each
colliery, of such dimensions as will form tbe
position OF two breasts or chambers and two
pillars with group Of not more than ten
(l0) breasts or chambers between two reser-
vation pillars
Second Where more than one seam of
coal is in operation reservation pillars of
coal shall be formed in each seam one YER
tiCally over the other, and whore such reser-
vation pillars have not already been formed
in collierios now in operation, the Mine In
spectOr shall have power to enforce the same
and no openings other than transportation
and ventilating avenues shall be driven
through these reservation pillars unless by
permission of the District Mine Inspector
Third The coal may be mined from these
reservation pillars on giving notice TO the
Mine Inspector, but not until final robbing
may be begun, and only where the surface
conditions will permit Of such mining.
The reasons in favor of the three foregoing
! suggestions are
1. Should a squeeze occur it would be con
! fined TO one group Of breasts of chambers.
2. Should an explosion occur, the effects OF
1t would be confined TO ono particular group
| Of breasts or chambers.
| 3. Each group could be ventilated sep
srstely and the impurities from combustion
and otherwise generated in each group could
IL 'scharged into the return air-way, which
| W give purer and safer atmosphere fol
the Nn TO breathe.
! 4. Where reservation pillars are left under
surface streams of water they should be left
unmined unless it has been proved beyond
the question Of doubt that it is safe to do so
Second Suggestion :-Reservation pillars oi
| coal should also be left unmined under sur
face streams and rivers the width of the
pillar to be in proportion Of the width Of the
stream or river and depth from the surface
TO the top of coal scam.
The reason for giving the second suggestion
Is that the pillars left large under streams o.
water will prevent the surface or bed of the
stream from frHoturing and flooding the
colliery, which has happened in the history
! of coal mining.
Fourth Suggestion A skeleton map O.
each vein mined in each collery shall bt
furnished by the owners, operator or Superin
tendent, to the Mine Inspector, showing tn,
course of Ell the DIR currents, intake anC
outlet, also oil the main and distributing
doors, and overcasts, and should any import
ant or permanent change be made in The
course Of the air current, tho Inspector shall
be notified so that the change may be pu
upon his map.
The reason for giving the fourth suggestion
is that, should all the officials lose thoir live
by accident, as at the Twin Shaft, those whit
might volunteer to assist in rescuiug thu
entombed mon would be better able to do 81
with tho aid of such a map.
Fifth Suggestion In collieries generating
explosive gas where the workmen alternatel!
use naked and safety lamps, they shal
absolutely use safety lamps.
The reason for giving the fifth suggestion
is that nearly all accidents from explosions 0
gas fatal and non-fatal occur in colliorie
whore this practice is in use, and not il
collieries where the workmen absolutely us
the safety lamp.
We have the honor TO be
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM STEIN,
EDWARD RODERICK,
EDWARD BRENNAN,