The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-05-23
Some Inside History Of the Recent
Fayette County Disasters by
Oak Hill Miner
READY MADE GRAVES FOR VICTIMS

The following letter appeared in
last weeks issue of the United
Mine Workers Journal, written by
w. F. Harrison from Oak Hill,
which furnishes some inside his
tory from the miners graveyard:
Once more have we to record the
wholesale slaughter of men in this
field, victims of the greed of the
White Oak Fuel Company. On
May 1 the Whipple mine let go at
$3.50 p. m. and so far sixteen dead
bodies have been taken from the
bottom. Fifty-three men escaped
up the air shaft, which is provided
with stairway, and by reason of
Stuart was not repeated. Reports
as to the number of men In the
mine at the time of the explosion
are conflicting, and it is impossible
to get accurate information on the
subject.
On April 80 there was a small
explosion at Oakwood, about one
mile from Whipple, and several
men were burnt. That accident
has been kept very quiet and no
news reached the outside world.
AS it is the policy of the White
Oak Fuel Company to suppress all
news as far as possible, fearing they
might be unable to get fresh vic
Tins to work in their various
slaughter pens.
The Whipple mine is one of the
best equipped in the state, and was
opened by the Collins Colliery
Company. Under their manage
ment it was run in an up-to date
manner. After becoming the
property of the White Oak Fuel
Company every effort was, of
course, made-as in all their oper-
ations-to cut out all expenses,
and the company has no regard
whatever for the safety of human
life.
The writer has seen cages run
ming at their operations with no
hoods or coverings on them, and
during the winter man s life is in
danger from falling ice when going
up or down the shaft. One man
was killed in this manner in Janu-
ary, 1906. A man dare not kick
to do so means walk to the office
We have heard nothing lately
about the Investigating committee
that was appointed last winter tC
inquire into the cause of the fire.
gent accidents in this state, which
are nothing less than murder. L
even ordinary precautions were
taken all such accidents could bt
eliminated in this coal field, where
natural conditions are favorable tt
the safe working of mines.
Whipple mine had fortunately {
second opening, and to that can b'
attributed the saving of fifty thre,
lives. At the Stuart mine, which
exploded on january %, ther
was but a single opening and not {
living thing escaped. We suppos
the company already has tn
coroner's verdict rendered. The,
have the same jury in all cases an,
the verdict is furnished the jur,
ready-made., They even keel
ready-made graves on hand. Fiv
were standing open ready to re
celve the victims of their lates
Dutchery. We suppose San
DlXon's next industry will be tn
operation of coffin factory, a
undoubtedly they could max
coffins cheaper than they coul
buy them.
Mr.. Dixon informed the write
some months ago that they had a
ways downed the q. NJ. w. of 4
and intended to continue to dow
H. True, they have in the pas
but at what fearful cost. Wi
these Loup Creek miners new,
realize that the price they are pa,
Ing for their s'personal rights h
not being dictated to by lab,
organization is too great? "
were at the inquest (so- called
heid over the victims of the Stua
olsaster-a public inquest whe
not a half dozen mon NOT Interests