Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-22
STILL IN MINE TOMB
BouIders Block Way Of Men
Seeking to Save Hicks.
RESCUERS FACING DANGER
Delicate Timbering to Prevent Earth
From Gazing.

BAKERSFIELD, Cal, December 22-The
entomber miner, Hicks, was not released
during the night. Boulders were again en-
countered and soft dirt made 1t necessary
for the rescuers to protect themselves 1t
is believed that not more than an inch was
gained during the early hours of the morn
Ing. Delicate timbering il also necessary,
and this work in the dr.ft, which i, close
to the miner. is hard 60 perform. Hicks
is still in good condition.
; Such progress was made yesterday that
Hicks was not only on speaking but on
touching terms with his rescuers. Enough
of the way was cleared SO that he could
extend his hand, and for the first time since
his Imprisonment he had the pleasure of
tasting solid food This was given to him
sparingly, on theory that his stomach and
weakened condition might rebel and compli-
cate matters. Hicks was in fine humor and
said he was going along famously. When
he was told that the diggers would have to
give up their plan of going after him from
beneath the car he experienced a moment
of manifest disappointment, but he then
took the part of the joker. so long appro-
priated by the men with the picks, and did
the best he could from his vantage point
to give directions regarding future opera
approach the victim from over instead of
from under the protecting car.
Expect Rescue Soon.
Messages have been sent to the Office of
the Edison Company that Hicks may be
taken out any time, but the work is uncer-
tain, and the best calculations as to time
may be wrong. According to the diggers
they are now building passage braced
with thinkers
take Hicks out by that route. Hicks jests
like man too greatly stimulated, but
the workmen who have talked and ioked
back with him believe his mental faculties
are all right and that he will have passed
through the whole terrible ordeal in good
shape.
1t is picturesque scene at the mouth
of the tunnel. If Hicks is taken out alive
the Christmas celebration hereabout will he
the most joyful in the history of the re-
gion. Every man of the camp, when not
taking rest in sleep, is on hand, impatientIy
awaiting the moment when Hicks shall be
brought forth. These rough but true-heart-
ed men of the hills are determined that
there shall be nothing lacking in the recep-
ton.
Whistles and bells have been rung fire.
quently the last few days as a signal to
the community that Hicks is still alive
and that the work of rescue is going on sat
release Of the man is received there will
be a grand chorus Of shrieking of whistles
and ringing of bells. 1t is to be the official
Christmas carol of Bakersfield and all the
country round about.
Old Jokes for Prisoner
Old jokes in new clothes went down the
iron tube to Hicks all day long. Hicks ac-
copied the bantering in the spirit it was in
tended and gave his men as good as thew
sent.
These old legs of mine are all jammed
up in a heap" he said. Il don't know
whether they will ever straighten ont
again. If there is ANYTHING in kickine
against mans luck, l guess these under
pins have had enough exercise. If l have
to learn to walk all over again I'll be game
and undertake the job"
By direction of DIR. Steinchfeld who is
in almost constant attendance at the
mouth OF the pit, Hicks Is wearing a cloth
something over his eyes to protect them
against possible injury by too sudden ex-
posture to the light, which Is expected to
reach him at any time. Hicks is chatting
under the necessity of wearing this band
age in place that is already dark, but
he is following directions stocally.
The change in the digging plans was
caused by the fact that the decomposed
granite shifts like sand and that the rescu-
ing party is having the greatest difficulty
In preventing it from crowding the drift
away from the proper course The utmost
care is being taken that there may be no
accident at the last minute which shall
crush out the life of Hicks.
1t seems that all the nation is waiting
breathlessly the fate of this man and the
fun telling OF his story. kilograms by the
hundred are pouring in from everywhere.
It is said that Hicks has received offers
from several managers Of museums to ex-
hibit himself as one of the luckiest unlucky
men ever heard Of These are being with
held from him until he shall have been
taken out.