The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-11-04

when a coal mine is being worked
large masses Of coal, or pillars, are
left at intervals to support the roof
and after mine is worked out
these pillars are minded away. The OPP
GRAFTON of removing them is technical
ly called ''robbing the pillars" and it
is the NEST dangerous work. known to
the miner; for the roof caves in as the
sustaining columns are removed, not
unfrequently burying the miner for
ever beneath mountain OF rock and
earth. With this brief explanation OF
our title we will proceed to narrate an
incident of thrilling nature that oc-
Cured noticing ago in Pennsylvania
coal mine.
The night is bitterly cold, and the
singing north wind bowls and whis-
ties about a miners hut in the Penn
sylvania coal regions. Ever and anon
violent gust drives the drifting snow
beneath the door, and through the
many crevices Of the rudely construct
ed cot, and each wild blast seems to
shrek in the ears CT those within that
abode of poverty the dread words:
Famine! famine! famine!"
A man and woman are crOuching be-
side smoldering fire, and in cradle
between them an infant is sleeping
Hunger and want have stamped their
dreadful signs upon them. Their faces
are thin and pale, their eyes are hol-
low, and the wolfish glare of starvation
flashes in their glance. The mans
head has sunk upon his breast, and
his attitude is that of sullen despair;
his long, slender fingers, which he eX-
tends over the por fire. work ner-
vously, and dark frcwn rests upon
his brow.
The woman rocks the cradle. and in
a weak, plaintive voice chants nur-
sery hymn yhile, with a look OF agony
and yearning such as only the devoted
mother can bestow, she gazes upon
the skeleton face Of her starving
child.
The infant awakes from it's troubled
sleep, and its cry of hunger breaks
upon that poor mothers ears, and
wrings her heart with anguish, for she
has no food to give it. Mechanically
she. takes the baby to her breast. and
strives to give it the nourishment for
want Of which it is perishing, but the
fount is dry, and the little one looks
up into it's mothers face with piteous,
wondering eyes. Then that mothers
fortitude gives way, and she sobs
aloud in despairing burst Of awful
grief, while to her breaking heart she
clasps the furnishing babe.
In silence the man has looked upon
the heartrending scene, but all the sa-
cred emotions of the husband and OF
the father%are stirred within his breast.
Can he calmly look upon the awful
grief OF the woman? No, he springs
to his feet, and standing erect, he
smites his clinched hand upon his
breast, and fiercely cries;
by Heavens, will have food fer
you this night The good God never
made man to starve in this land or
plenty if he is willing to work. Wife,
/ am going forth to seek food, and I'll
get it. Yes, III get it, and if in no
other way then I will steal it! | am
desperate: | am wolf now, and |
would tear the throat of him who
dares to come between me and the
food seek for my starving family"
AS he spoke he drew his thin and
tattered clothing mere closely about
his emaciated form, and strobe toward
the door.
ooh, John, john" cried the woman,
rising and following him. Where are
you going? What are you about to do?
Stay, do not go forth into the storm
tonight. Wait until morning comes"
wait! tell you Mary, the babe is
starving. No, NO, l must go now.
But, John, help may come tomor-
row. I have written to my father.
| have told him that THAT l and
my babe are starving, and he will not
cannot refuse to help us now"
"Ah, Mary, when you became my
wife he drove you from his home, dis
owned you. because ] was poor. He
wished YOU to become the bride Of
wealthy man; he is a hard, a cruel
father, and your hopes will prove
groundless. Mary, l would work un-
til fell dead at my task, rather than
accept his charity. But there is no
work, the mines are idle, and day after
day have sought in vain for some la
Dor by which | could earn our bread"
"Oh. if my father does not aid us.