The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-01

of the various wells and tanks on the hill,
and in a sensational letter warns the pub
lie of the danger that threatens. He ac-
cuses the well owners of selfshness, and
declares that the present conditions are
the result of a willingness on the part of oil
men to regulate their neighbors, but with
the proviso that they themselves be granted
immunity. Mr.. Hill takes the position that
he predicted just about what has come to
pass, and he declares that worse things are
,et to happen.
There can be no question that the condi-
ion at the field is serious. although there
are many well-informed men who declare
that Mr.. Hills statement that 100 men are
overcome by the gas every day is greatly
exaggerated. There can be no question that
many people suffer daily from the gas, but
it is the general belief that comparatively
few are so greatly affected by the gas as
to be classed as overcome"
1.-THE conditions on the hill are alarming
in the extreme" declares Mr.. Hill. 1.-The
gas is so thick that you can almost cut it
with knife. and so dangerous to the lives
of the opera tors that over 100 are overcome
by it daily. These conditions have been
brought about by the persistent importuni-
clamorings for interference and aid at the
hands of the safety committee. They want
relief, and yet they do not sanction the only
act that will actually give them relief
Nothing less than moving every tank off
the hill and centralizing the boilers will
give anything like the relief and safety
that are imperatively demanded. If I
should report all violations of the safety
committees rules ii would become neces-
sary TO arraign nearly everybody on the
hill. What each one wants is to have his
nalC Tod
munity.
Gas vents run up near the top of the
derricks virtually protecting the men on the
ground near those tanks but for those
whose duty IL requires them to go up i'm the
derrick IL is periIous in the extreme and
only the intervention of Providence pre-
vents them from being seriously injured.
for the gas overcomes to insensibility with
out moments warning. Again, this gas
is heavier than air, and will reach the
ground and affect others, according to the
atmospheric conditions and velocity of the
wind.
Parties who represent the largest in
terests on the hill did everything that they
could to bring about the present dan
gerous and chaotic condition of affairs
We shall do everything in our power to
preserve the field from fire and make it
possible 10 DO business there; but l am
frank TO say that nothing but united action
and broad-gauged compre hensive stand
backed by public sentiment and ignoring
petty selfishness, will bring permanent re-
There is no doubt in the world that the
conditions at Spindle Top are very bad. and
that something must be done to make Ia
boring in the vicinity of the wells at least
as safe as is the task of digging in coal
beds. At present 1t is almost impossible
for a man TO do full days work on the
hill: for, between the heat and the gas
the chances are that he will have to
knock on and take rest before the end
OF his day has come around
Aside from the sentimental phase of the
nj finld
tors heavily. They are compelled TO nav
enormous prices for the little labor that
they are enabled to secure: and much OF
are wholly idle.