“News from the mine explosion so far as the Monongah end of the line is concerned will not amount to much any longer. The search for bodies has ended in No 6 and not much more will be done in No 8.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
Morning
In Yolande, AL:
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: Cloudy tonight. Wednesday, snow.
Prof. Schef gives a talk on “Mine Explosives” at Fairmont Normal School. He discussed “at first, the chemical relationship of one element to another and then spoke of the recent mine disaster at Monongah and the one in the Birmingham field. He advanced many ideas which were new to the students and as he continues his remarks he will have a question box.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 4)
In Monongah:
“Several cases of scarlet fever are reported among the children at Monongah, but the best of medical attention will be given them and a spread of the disease is not anticipated.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
At the mines:
Most of the recovery efforts which can be done are done. Rescue crews are not working today. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
“At the instance of State Mine Inspector James W Paul the work of cleaning out the mines that were wrecked week before last by explosions was virtually suspended today, though a small amount of work was done in No. 6.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. Paul finds the condition of No. 8 so bad that further work might destroy the evidence that the mine inspectors seek and for that reason the work has been entirely suspended there.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)
“State Mine Inspector Paul doesn’t want any more done than just has to be until he had made a thorough investigation, and for that reason the rescue crews are not working today.” Only 2 bodies have been found since Monday and “it is not thought any more can be found without removing much debris. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
“One of the rescuers had a narrow escape from death and he hardly knows why he was saved. He was standing at one place directing the work and for some reason stepped away a short distance when a 2 ton fall came down at the exact spot where he had been standing. It almost makes the cold chills run over one to hear of such experiences.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
One of rescue workers from No 8 “says falls 200 feet long have occurred in some of the rooms which are nearly worked out and that it is not likely that they will ever be cleaned up. Should there be bodies under those large falls they would be beyond recognition and the work would be useless.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
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The Monongah Disaster 