Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-17
Result OF the Action of
Water Upon the
Burning Coal.
WILL OPEN AIR SHAFT
Three Companies of 9th Regi-
ment on Scene but Find
Little to Do.

Cherry, ILL.,, Nov. 1.-THE heat in
the mine was found too intense today
to permit of entrance. This means the
bodies of the men entombed will re-
main there at Least another "a hours.
The fire is believed to be worse than
ever. Many bodies, it is believed, have
been burnt beyond hope of identifica-
ton.
Explosion Feared.
Cherry. Ill. Nov. 17.-Gas is forming
rapidly in the mine this morning
caused by the burning coal and the
action of fire and water. An explosion
is feared.
In an effort to rid the mine of gas
the air shaft viii be opened today and
the big ian turned on. Upon the sue
cess of this action will depend the inn
mediate plans of the men trying TO
bring the fire under control and to en-
ter the mine.
State Troops on Guard.
State troops arrived during the
night. Hints of a possible demonstra-
tion against state officers or mine Off
Gals reached the ears of States AT
torney Eckart yesterday and troops
were sent in. All night they did SEN
tinel duty about the mine and the st.
Paul cars containing mine inspectors
and nurses and reaching the private
coach of President Earling of the St.
Paul. During the night tons of water
were forced into the burning mine un-
der the supervision of the expert fire
fighters from Chicago.
--sss-a~- Hotter Than Ever.
The fire is now hotter than it has
been at any time and the chances are,
it is said. no one can enter the mine
for week. If such proves to be the
case upon Investigation the mine will
be- sealed again and not opened for
days.
Temperature 115 Degrees.
The temperature in the main shaft
was taken at 10 o'clock and showed
IFS degrees. This was an indication
less favorable than last night. when
the authorities determined to open the
mine if it possibly could be done with
safety. During the taking of the test
appeals from the unfortunate women
Of Cherry for the shaft to be opened
were SO pathetic as to force officials
to turn their heads.
No Need of Troops.
Captain Hall in command of the mil
itia, now on ground, found no evidence
of trouble when he arose today. "The
troops here?" he asked as he watched
half a dozen sobbing women approach
the shaft muttering pathetic appeals
to the men on guard. 81 can't see any
need for troops here. There seems 70
occasion for it in my opinion"
Sheriff Asks for Troops
Cherry, ILL.,, Nov. 17.-Troops
we're called for yesterday afternoon
to prevent any untoward demonstra-
ton at the st. Paul coal mine when
the bodies of the 800 men entombed
by last Saturdays disaster, are
brought to the surface.
Sheriff Skoglund of Bureau coun-
ty, with authority from States At
torney Eckhart. telegraphed to
Springfield, ILL.,, asking Governor De-
neen to send several companies of
state militia and orders were given
for the Kewanee, Galesburg and Mon
mouth companies of the 9th regiment
to proceed to the scene. So far there
has been no violence displayed as a
result of the disaster and States At
torney Eckhart hopes by the presence
of a small guard to prevent any i'll
advised movement on the part of the
miners whose feelings have been
wrought up by the loss of their com
rades.
eve want the troops at once;
that's all there is about it. We will
take no chances" declared the states
attorney.
Might Get Beyond Control
'"The decision to call for troops was
agreeable to all parties concerned
here" said Sheriff Skoglund 1T was
thought that when they began to
take out the bodies confusion might
ensue. Members of some of the dis
tressed families might become excit-
ed and the situation might get out
Of control of the local authorities.
Conferences were held between
the local and state officials already
here and officials connected with the
mine. 1t was agreed the presence of
militia would not be a disadvantage.
The coming Of troops really does not
change the situation, for the mine al
ready is practically in the hands of
the state owing to the presence of the
state mine inspectors.
we do not expect trouble, yet, if |
anything should hRnnen we don't