The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

This device now being investigated is designed for use in either smoke or in the deadly gas which occasionally fills sections of mines. The ventilating sys- tems installed by the anthracite com panies are so complete that the gas is rarely allowed to form in dangerous vol ume, but the companies, nevertheless provide the most modern equipment for rescue work. Officials are on constant watch for inventions which may reduce the dangers of the miners occupation. Though they prepare thus for fire fighting and rescues the companies seek to put most emphasis upon the preven- tion of conditions which lead to fires and explosions. To this end they have a thorough system of inspection, as well as thorough ventilation. The state Of Pennsylvania has 20 inspectors on duty in the anthracite region and they co-oper- ate with the company officials in pre- venting accidents. 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 re- gard to protective measures, are held by the companies, and these have created much enthusiasm among the men, One of the anthracite companies, for example, gives a trophy to the district making the highest average in the examination. If the same district comes out ahead three times in succession it holds the trophy permanently. The spirit of rivalry makes the men study the regulations much more carefully, perhaps, than they otherwise would.
 Tie early morning inspection by the fire bosses is perhaps the most valuable of protective measures Several hours before the miners go to work the bosses visit all the working chambers and test them for gas. If there is any reason why miner would not be safe in any chamber the boss indicates the danger by making conspicuous mark on the coal face Be- sides that he reports the dangerous cham bers to the foreman and the foreman does not allow anybody to enter them.
 In his last report, the chief of the Penn sylvania department of mines says that the great majority of the accidents are undoubtedly caused by the carelessness or negligence of the victims The miner, who is, in a way, an independent con tractor and employs his own laborers, is supposed to use ordinary intelligence in his operations. It is when he doesn't do this that an accident results. Then, sonie- times, rescue apparatus comes in handy.
 Hence the present test of a breathing apparatus for which important claims are made. The Draeger apparatus has been used III EurOpedH mines, though IL IS not yet widely known in this country |. was used in the rescue of miners at the tune of the disaster at Courrieres, France.
 One of it's principal advantages .s that the wearer can see and hear as usual and can be easily hea-d when he sueaks to companion rescuer The apparatus wa,Shs about 2S pounds and is simple in its op- eration.
 In addition to life gavlng appliances of this character, the arrhracittc companies all have frst-aid-to the injured corps in their mines. The men in these corps have regular drills, aud are instructed by physicians retained fer the purpose by the companies. The ''nliner- doctors'' have become remarkably skillful in applying bandages. making sp!,n.s and to;rniquets, and in other phases of the first-aid work Every year coL.r .tit;on drill between the corps in the nusnsfous anthracite col lieries is held at one If the towns in the region.
 One of the greater obstacles in the way of reducing the number of mine ac- cidents is the supplanting of the Anglo- Saxon miners by a miscellaneous foreign clement. These foreigners, speaking