The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-03-31
HIS RARE HEROISM.

A rare act of heroiSm, such as de- selves to be recorded in history and song, was performed at Rossland, B. C., to-day, which saved the lives of two miners and proved plain Jim Hems- worth to be one of natures noblemen.
 The Victoria Cross has been bestowed on many less entitled to it than Hems- worth, and there Is no doubt that his brave deed of to-day will be recognized by the bestowal of a similar honor should the hero survive the injuries that he received in saving the lives of his comrades.
 It was at the shaft of the Young American mine at the Rossland camp that Jem Smith and Frank Conson came so near meeting with a frightful death, which must have been certain and swift but for the prompt and hero ic act of their comrade above, who in saving their lives did so at the risk of his own.
 Smith and Conson were working at the bottom of narrow shaft, at a depth of nearly one hundred and fifty feet, engaged in loading ore into an iron bound bucket, while Jim Hems- worth's duty consisted in hauling the bucket to the surface by means of a windlass.
 The heavy bucket, filled with ore, had almost reached the top of the shaft when the iron crank of the windlass suddenly snapped in two like a bit of pine, hurling Hemsworth to the ground. Springing to his feet half dazed by the t1n a Hoe whirling around at a frightful rate of speed as the loaded bucket shot down the shaft upon the men below.
 He had not second to lose. There was just one chance to save them, and he took that chance. Jumping for ward, he threw his body upon the cogs of the whirling windlass, thrusting his arms and shoulder between the swiftly revolving wheels.
 Their iron jaws crunched and tore the flesh, crushed nerves, bone and sinews, tore ghastly wounds from finger tip to shoulder, but the windlass stood still, With an awful jerk the loaded bucket stopped just above the heads of the two | terrified miners far down In the shaft. | Pale as death, and with the blood flow
 
 | intense agony, he never uttered a cry nor even a sound as the jaws of the | wheels pinioned him fast as in vice. Superintendent Shields witnessed the l accident from a short distance away, | but so mortified was he at the sight that 1 for moment he stood as if paralyzed. | Quickly recovering his faculties he rushed to Hemsworth's aid and in a twinkling had blocked the machinery and caused Hemsworth to be released from his perilous position.
 As Hemsworth staggered back and was about to fall, Shields caught him in his arms, at the same time exclaim- ing, My God, Jim, this is awful" "Oh, what's the difference" answered l the plucky fellow. "so long as l saved | the boys?'
 It was not long, however, before the | intense pain he suffered, together with the loss of blood, began to have their effect on Hemsworth's powerful consti- tuition, and he became too weak to stand. A litter was hastily formed by men who had by this time arrived. | Tenderly the wounded man was placed upon it. and with the utmost care Hemsworth was carried to Rossland, a mile away, and placed on cot in the l hospital.
 | His wounds were dressed and the in- | iured man made as comfortable as could be under the circumstances The attending physicians are at this time unable to state how serious Hems- worths injuries are likely to result but unless he Is hurt internally they hope to save his life. His arm, however in all likelihood will have to be amputated at the shoulder.-Spokane Correspon- dence of the San Francisco Examiner