The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-05-24

In accordance with their policy OF
investigating every promising method
for reducing the risks OF mining, the
anthracite coal operators have just
made test OF new life-saving ap-
paratus. 1t is a German invention,
and its function is to keep the man
who wears it supplied with pure air
while he fights mine fires or rescues
comrades who have been overcome.
The test took place in one of the
mines near Scranton. About thirty
officials of the companies gathered to
witness it. A mine gangway was al
lowed to fill with gas, for the pur-
poses OF the test. Two volunteers,
fitted out with the helmets, explored
the gangway and chambers branch
ing out from it. Emerging from the
gas, they reported themselves none
the worse for the experience.
The chief part of the Draeger ap-
paratus, so called after its inventor,
is carried upon the back; it includes
cylinder-tanks of oxygen, and potash
cartridges for absorbing carbonic acid
gas exhaled from the lungs. The oxy-
gen, contained in the cylinder at an
initial pressure of 1000 pounds issues
to the helmet at the proper rate for
consumption by the lungs. The ex-
hailed air at the same time is purified
by passing through the potash car
tridges, and is used over again in con-
junction with the fresh oxygen from
the tanks. The apparatus will supply
air to the wearer for two hours with
out replenishing.
Recent disasters in bituminous
mines, in this country and abroad,
have aroused widespread interest in
the subject OF mine accidents. The
United States Government, even, has
conducted inquiries into the causes OF
accidents, with view to finding
means to prevent them. In the an
thracite mines of Pennsylvania mea-
sures for the protection of the miners
have been so perfected that fatalities
are practically limited to such as are
brought about by carelessness or deli
berate negligence.
This device now being investigated
is designed for use in either smoke
or in the deadly gas which occasional
ly fills sections of mines, The venti-
lating system installed by the anthra-
cite companies are so complete that
the gas is rarely allowed to form in
dangerous volume, but the companies,
nevertheless, provide the most mod
ern equipment for rescue work. Of
ficials are on constant watch for in
ventions which may reduce the dan
gers of the miners occupation.
Though they prepare thus for fire.
fighting and rescues, the companies
seek to put most emphasis upon the
prevention of conditions which lead
to fires and explosions. To this end,
they have thorough system of in
spection as we'll as thorough ventila
tion. The State Of Pennsylvania has
twenty inspectors in preventing ac-
cidents. Taking in the whole State,
there are more mine inspectors on
duty in Pennsylvania than in all Of
Great Britain and Ireland.
Examinations of mine employees,
in regard to protective measures, are
held by the companies, and these have
created much enthusiasm among the
men. One of the anthracite compan-
les, for example, gives trophy to the
district making the highest average
in the examinations, If the same dis
trict comes out ahead three times in
succession, it holds the trophy per-
manently. The spirit of rivalry
makes the men study the regulations
much more carefully, perhaps, than
thev otherwise woutd