12:00 pm
In Fairmont:
Senators Thomas C. Gartlan and R.F. Kidd and Hon. GA. Mitchell, accompanied by D.E. Matthews and Mr. John Marshall, arrive to investigate the Monongah mine explosion. (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
They came from Clarksburg over the interurban line and “went immediately to the Tavern, being escorted by Host Williams.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
The committee will check into Skinner’s Tavern then continue on to Monongah where they “will investigate conditions as thoroughly as possible but will not take particular action until the evidence before the coroner’s jury has been given.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1) (Inquiry)
1:30 pm
Mr. Newton Rice, of Pharaoh’s Run had a narrow escape from death at the B&O depot when train No 71 was passing through the station at an unusual rate of speed and Mr Rice was struck by the cylinder on the engine and hurled to the platform. Bystanders assisted him to his feet and after a few minutes he was able to go his way. Beyond a few bruises he was apparently unhurt.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
During the Afternoon
In Fairmont:
Union Relief Association holds a meeting of the executive board the in lecture room of the M.P. Temple in order to make a report of funds collected. “Mrs. A.J. Ruckman, of Monongah, was present at the meeting by special invitation, and in a short talk told of the needs at Monongah and expressed the gratitude the Monongah people felt towards the citizens of Fairmont for the aid they had given and were still giving them. It was agreed that the Relief Association at Monongah and the Union Relief Association should work together and 6 Fairmont women went to Monongah today to assist in the distribution of clothing…(missing)…Relief Fund to be distributed at Monongah, it being a yearly institution for Hartley’s to distribute the Christmas baskets among the poor of the city. The remaining baskets as usual will be distributed among the poor by the King’s Daughters. A meeting which was called for Saturday has been postponed, date to be announced later.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 5)
“Damage suits are expected to come on behalf of the dead Italians. G.D. Caldara, the Italian consul here, said that personally he would prefer to settle all claims possible out of court but he could not say what his government would do.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“…the rescuing parties did not operate today.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“The search for dead bodies has ended in Mine No 6 and but little more is to be done in No 8. “ (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“It is thought that not much more work can be done in this direction without moving a lot of debris, which the rescuers say falls in some parts of the mines, particularly in No 8, are so bad that little or no progress can be made.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“Some falls in different rooms reach to the extent of 200 feet and the interior of the mine is in a badly torn-up condition. It is not likely that some of these falls will ever be cleared up, as it will necessitate a great amount of work and labor, and the rooms are practically exhausted of coal.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
The West Virginia Legislative Joint Committee visits the disaster site and does an inspection of the outside conditions of the mines. They “consulted State Mine Inspector James Paul regarding the explosion and its cause.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1) (McAteer) (Inquiry)
Paul reports to the committee that though they have finished their inspection of #6, they have not finished their inspection of #8 due to the condition of the mine, and therefore could not give any insight on the cause of the disaster. (McAteer) (Inquiry)
“Of the committee that went to Monongah, Senator Kidd was the only one who entered the mines. He accompanied the Inspectors into No.8. Speaking of this, Senator Kidd said the explosion must have been terrific as the wreckage in the mine is unconceivable.” (CDT 12.19.07 pg. 1)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 