The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-03-12
REPORT OF CHIEF
MINE INSPECTOR
The Explosion at Slope No, 2 at Bloc
ton Investigated.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT
Explained by the Inspector OruerS to
Prevent Recurrence Issued.
THE DISPENsARY IN CONVENTION
Citizens of Montgomery Petition Candi-
dates for Delegate to Oppose Any At
tempt to Establish Dispensary by
Constitutional Enactment.

Age-Herald Bureau, MADISON Hotel, Mont
gomery, March 11.-(SpeciaL)-Th report of
Chief Mine Inspector Hooper for February
was filed in the office of the governor TO-
day. The report includes the statements OF
Assistants Duncan and Culverhouse on the
investigation of the explosion which oc-
Cured in slope No. at Blocton, which
caused the death of l.. H. and w. w. Da-
yenport, white miners, and Robert Cureton,
Mark Dooly and Joe Carpenter, colored.
The report says the explosion was prima-
riy caused by blown-out or windy shot.
1t is the inspectors opinion further that
this shot, with the gas liberated by it, the
heat causing a chemical change in the air
nearby, which was impregnated with gas,
but not to an explosive degree, is what
caused the accident. For the prevention CT
such accidents in future, the chief inspector
has directed that shooting the solid be
stopped; that all dusty entries be watered
until they are thoroughly dampened; that
the entry shall not get more than sixty feet
ahead of the air. The report further shows
that the convict mines, shaft No. l and
slope No. 2 of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and
Railroad Company, are shown to be In ex-
celent condition. The mines of the Sloss
Iron and Steel company were found in a
similar condition, with few exceptions, in
which cases instructions were given to have
them remedied. One colored convict named
John Jackson was killed at the shaft during
the past month, making two killings that
have occurred at the shaft during the pres
ent year. Jackson was killed by falling out
-
shaft.
Commercial Treaty With France
Governor Johnston received today copy
of the resolutions adopted by the chamber
of commerce of Paris, asking that a COM
mercial treaty be formed between the
United States and France. The full text OF
the resolutions is given below: =
"Whereas, The American Chamber of
Commerce, now assembled at its general
meeting, is an organization formed for the
purpose of facilitating commercial inter-
course between France and the United
States, and protecting and promoting the
interests of those engaged therein; and
which embraces among its membership
nearly all the important houses established
in Paris or represented here which are en-
gagged in such commerce; and,
"Whereas, 1t considers the conclusion of
treaty of commerce between the United
Stasas and France of supreme advantage
to the development of the commerce and
friendly relations between those two coun-
tries; and,
Whereas The Dingley tariff bill confers
special power upon the president of the
United States to conclude such a treaty in
accordance with section thereof with
France and other countries; and,
whereas, Said powers expire on the
oath day of July, 1899; now, therefore, be 1t
"Resolved. That this American Chamber
of Commerce expresses the earnest hope