The Washington herald., 1907-12-23
Prevention of Mining Accidents.

prevention or Mining Accidents
Senator Scott. Of West Virginia, has
introduced a joint resolution for the ap-
pointment of a Congressional commission
Of six members TO investigate recent min
ing disasters and report such conclusions
and recommendations as may appear
proper. In introducing the resolution,
Senator Scott said he had received n great
many letters and kilograms relative to
these disasters, from which he gathered
there was a good deal Of public sentiment
favorable TO an inquiry with a view TO
discovering where the blame lay for the
heavy loss of life due TO coal mine ex-
plosions.
While such an inquiry might be pro-
ductive Of good in several ways. It is
difficult TO see how any practical results
in the way of Federal legislation could
flow from il. save legislation affecting
the territories, for the regulation Of coal
mining is function naturally and con-
stituuonally pertaining wholly TO the
States. The supervision Of coal mine
inspectors in New Mexico and Indian
Territory is in charge Of the technoIogic
division Of the Geological Survey. and
this division has undertaken also, in con-
nection with its general investigation of
the waste and destruction OF coal in
mining operations. an investigation Of the
nature, extent. and causes Of a number
Of disastrous coal mine explosions in sew
eral Of the States. In addition, inquiries
were made into the methods employed
bap Nd fFa
mine disasters. As a result Of these in
quiries. preliminary bulletin was pub
lished last week on coal mine accidents.
containing some startling facts as 10 the
hazardous nature Of employment in coal
mines. It was stated in this bulletin
that
The increase both in the number and in The
seriousness Of mine explosions in the United States
during past years may he expected 70 continue un-
less. through Investigations made in the United
States, such have proved effective in other coal
producing countries. information be obtained and
published concerning the explosives used the con
ditions under which they be used safely in the
presence Of coal dust gas and the general coudi
tons which make for health and safety in mining
operations Such information, obtained through
comprehensive and impartial Investigations may
serve in this as in other countries as an intelligent
basis both for legislative enactments and for agree
ments among persons associated with mining opera
tions"
The Geological Survey is well fitted to
make such Investigations along the lines
of its present inquiries, and its functions
may well be enlarged so as TO permit Of
greater usefulness in conducting the tests
and experiments required 10 determine
the safety Of methods and appliances.
Great Britain. Germany. and Belgium
maintain well-equipped testing stations.
where questions relating to explosives.
safety lamps, rescue devices. and similar
matters are submitted to experimental
studies. The experiments conducted at
these stations have resulted in an ap-
preciable reduction in the number Of ac-
cidents. The President has recommended
the creation of a bureau Of mines to
study mining conditions, but as an alter
native It will be possible to give the Geo
logical Survey an additional appropriation,
as the President suggests. to carry for
ward the work il has begun for the miti-
cation of mining dangers.
The prevention of mine disasters is a
subject which ought TO engage the atten-
tion of State legislatures from a more
scientific standpoint than formerly and
the scientific bureaus of the Federal gov
ernment If properly equipped and sun
piled with the funds needed, may do a
useful and appropriate work in furnish
ing the technical information required as
basis and a guide for State legislation.