The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1908-03-19
ANNUAL REPORT OF
STATE MINE INSPECTOR.
An Interesting Resume BY Thomas
Murphy of Maryland Coal
Operations.

Homecoming, March 10. Spe-
cial)-State Mine Inspector Tho
mas Murphy, of Midland, has just
issued his annual report for the
year from May I, 1905, to May I,
1907.
The report, at once concise and
comprehensive is one of the best
and most complete ever issued by
a state mine Inspector either in
this or any other state.
In his review and recommended
tons Inspector Murphy gives the
following figures concerning the
industry in Maryland; The year
1906 has been one of the most
prosperous in the history Of coal
mining in the state, both in point
Of tons mined, and in number of
fatal accidents. In 1906 there was
mined in the state ! $50, $50 long
tons or 5,49I294 short tons; of
this tonnage, 4,49L59o were min
ed by pick, and 3SI,236 tons were
mined by the use of machine.
Allegany county produced 4,ISI,-
65S tons pick mined, and all of
the machine mined coal for the
year. The increase in coal mined
in Allegany was 21S,521 tons and
arrett, II,2IO."
states that Garrett is rapidly
ing to the front as a coal pro-
er and in few years will come
z to Allegany in total tonnage.
he number Of persons employ
ed in coal mining in the state is
given as 6,2oI miners, 4,4I2 dri-
vers. 4OI inside laborers, 62S out
side laborers. This is a de-
crease from the figures of years
ending May I, 1906.
In the matter of recommended
ions for the passage of laws look
ing to the safeguarding of lives
and persons Of the men engaged
IN the business of getting out coal
he says: The safeguarding of
the lives and health of employees
should be the paramount object
and that form of government or
law that comes nearest to that end
IS the one that we should all aim
10 reach" He further states; 81
do not believe it should be neces-
sary to have great calamities be-
fore we take the proper precau-
tons
He deprecates the fact that
politicians sometimes befog the
public mind in regard to mining
laws and legislation
Mr.. Murphy goes into the sub
jeCt of using powder and dynamite
in the mines. He argues that no
one, miner or company men should
be permitted to use powder to
blast the coal until the coal has
first been prepared, that is mined
and cut This would give a more
economical system Of mining the
coal. He also urges special pro-
visions on the subject of ventila-
ton, such as slowing down of fans
when shot firing is being done.
The subject of the use of cleo
tricity in coal mining is also given
considerable attention by the in
spector, who IS anxious to see the
mining laws amended to meet this
comparatively new and highly
dangerous Improvement III mine
methods" He also wants the
coal operating companies to be re
quired by law to file maps and
+racings Of their operations at the
office of the mine inspector. He
advocates the modification of that
section Of the law referring to the
kind of oil to be used in the mines,
bringing the law to conform to
the Ohio mine law in that respect.
Provision should be made for
the employment of and examina-
tion of fire bosses. as there are
sevaral mines in the state where
explosive gas is found in small
quantities. The applicant for the
office Of mine inspector should be
required to pass an examination
beCauce the du+iae nc Tho oAica o,o