The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-08
LOSS MAY BE $50.
Number of Dead Found To Be Greater
 In Checking Up.


 Monongah, W. Va, December B. Twenty-nine bodies had been brought from the mines up to 12:30 this morning and word comes from the rescuing parties that many others are ready to be brought out from mines No and 8 of the Fair- mont Coal company at Monongah.
 Late yesterday and tonight the deadly black damp became more pronounced as the further recesses of the mines were approached. It was physical impossi- bility to go faster than the air, which travelled slowly on account of the men having to brattiee many old entries as they worked forward. It was stated to- night by General Manager Leo l.. Malone of the mines that 47S actual miners were checked off as entering the mines yester day morning.
 This number, 1t was further stated, did not include fully 100 trappers, mule drlv CTS, bumpers and boys who are not under the check system Should these figures be correct the death list will be over 550 persons. The condition of the bodies thus far recovered is horrible. Many are dis membered, some are fearfully crushed and the rest are blackened~ and burned beyond recognition. The body of J. M. McGraw pit boss and one of the best known mining men in West Virginia, was recovered tonight in mine No. 8. He was headless and otherwise disfigured, Identification having been made by the clothing and shoes.
 People Are Dazed.
 The accident, the greatest in the history of American mining, has dazed the peo- ple of this vicinity.
 Tonight the streets of both this town and Fairmont are crowded with people, while the hills in the vicinity of the mines are thrOnged
 Every barroom in Fairmont and~Monon- gah is closed. There is both precaution and respect in the closing of the saloons. throughout thel territory over 60 mines have suspended operations temporarily, and about 5000 miners are visiting here and in Fairmont.
 Starting tomorrow morning a new sys- tenn of rescue work will be 1naugurated at both mines, the intention being to dis pense with the services of miners who have been employed in either of the mines.
 In their places there will be about 200 expert mining men from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, all of whom have volunteered. These men, under the direction of Chief Mine Inspector J. w. Hull of West Virginia, who arrived to- day from Charleston will be more fitted to render effective service In the recover ing of the dead The reason for this is that conditions now existing in the mines are extremely dangerous, and it is feared should inexperienced men make an in- correct move second explosion would oc- cur, which would completely wreck the mines.
 It Is estimated that 2250 families are des- titute. In many places relief funds have already been started for the widows and children. Tomorrow in all the churches of Fairmont, Clarksburg and Monongah special service will be held, and it is prob able collections will be taken.
 Relief Fund Proposed.
 It is the purpose of the ministers to es- tablish permanent relief fund. A score or more of men of the rescuing party are in a critical condition tonight from inhaling black damp. Several of them are expected to die One of these men, John Gabbert, was carried from the mine tonight almost raving maniac. His lungs were filled with black damp, which produced a condition of one insane, and the services of four men were necessary to hold Gabbart while doctors attended him.
 Up to late hour today many enter tained hopes that some of the entombed men would be taken from the mines alive. As the bodies were brought to the surface horribly mangled all hope was dispelled, and distressing scenes followed The