The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-24
OUR NARROW ESCAPE
Kansas Came Near Losing a Part of
Her State Administration.

Attorney General Boyle, G. c. Glenn
ems, State Auditor Morris and Secretary
W. Z. Bush, while visiting the scene of
the recent mine explosion at Chicopee
one day last week, had an experience
which was even more terrifying to them
than the horrors OF the first disaster
These distinguished gentlemen were
in the bottom OF the mine, riding peace
fully along in a small car, examining
the mines.
Suddenly the car stopped and the at
mosphere became greatly disturbed.
"Whack, Whack," were the sounds
which echoed through the mine, as the
gentle mule kicked first the car and
then the overhead timbers.
The driver yelled and piled the whip.
Hold on; hold on" shouted Secreta-
~ Bush as he attempted to clear the
car, but fell forward on his hands, his
feet clinging to the edge of the car
Before Mr.. Bush could release himself,
Mr. Clemens tumbled out on the other
side while Auditor Morris fell out on
top of Secretary Bush. Mr.. Boyle saw
an aperture in the wall and being small
took possession of it
The driver continued to lash the mule
which by this time had succeeded in
demOlishing the car in which the visi-
tors had been riding The spIintered
timbers were flying about, but the min
er'S lamps had gone out in the excite
ment and the abandoned mine was in
utter darkness. Each member of the
party declares that he was not disturb
ed, but each says, privately, when
speaking about the exciting incident
that Nessrs. Morris, Bush, Boyle and
Clemens dropped down upon the floor
of the mine and attempted to crawl
away.
The darkness prevented them from
doing more than to run into each other
while the driver continued to beat the
Another driver approached and lent
his assistance to the chastisement Of
the mule. This was too much for
Clemens, who is ever the champion OF
the oppressed. He rose up in remote
corner of the mine into which he had
craWled and exclaimed:
If you fellows don't stop beating
that quadruped there will be an incipi-
ent riot, headed by myself, in the bot
tom of the mine"
That's right. Glen, make 'em stop"
ventured Mr.. Boyle mildly from his
hiding place. Mr.. Boyle wanted to get
out.
IF I knew how to get out of this
place you could stay here and quarrel
with those drivers all year, if you want
ed to-" said Mr., Bush striking a match
to take a look at the surroundings.
When the glare from the match light
ed up the deserted chamber an amusing
situation was revealed. Mr.. Boyle Git
is said) was crouched under an over
hanging piece of wall; Captain Morris
Git is said) was glancing furtiVely about
the mine, nalT-lednlnS, hdIT-SJOOplng,
under the wall. Mr.. Bush Gt is said)
was sitting on the ground while Mr..
Clemens Git is said) was a sight to be-
hold. His hat was gone; his hair was
dishevelled and his necktie was stand
ing on top of his OvercOat collar.
With the aid of another match the
miners lamp was relighted and the
party proceeded to gather its belong
ings, making ready for a hasty depar-
ture The unruly mule which was
making its first trip into the mine, had
been beaten into submission and evinc-
ed a disposition TO proceed towards the
interior.
Come on; let's finish the trip said
Mr.. Bush bravely.
Clemens took a long, steady look at
Bush and exclaimed:
DO you think am insane?"
Bush is a little out OF his head, be-
cause he has been smoking too many
stogies." said Morris.
Where's Boyle?' inquired Clemens.
He went up the track said the
driver.
I have got to get out in the sun
shine" said Clemens.
They soon found the shaft and were
elevated on the ground above. They
walked to the depot, a mile distant, and
found MI. Boyle sitting in the waiting
room.