~6:00 pm, News Hour
Fairmont West Virginian:
Charleston postmaster, J.E. Dana, sends a check to the relief fund, “…and wish I could send ten times as much.” He also mails two phone books, one from Bell telephone and “one of our home phone. The latter I think contains some names not on the other phone you should have.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
“Being myself owner of mining interests and the pioneer coal man in this part of the State, if not in the State, spending 42 years of my life at that business, I am deeply interested and feel the greatest sorrow for all concerned.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
From Washington D.C.: US Gov. is recruiting teachers for Philippines. “Qualified school teachers who would like to assist in the civilizing of the little brown brother in the Philippines will have an opportunity this week…” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 3)
“Unmarried women who have no fiancés or male relatives in the islands will be barred from taking the examination, as it has been found that such ‘unattached females’ soon become homesick and have to be sent home before completing their contracts.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 3)
“1,000 American teachers are not maintained by Uncle Sam in the Philippines and as a result it is declared that English is the dominant language although Spanish was the language of the ruling rave in the island for two and a half centuries.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 3)
From Washington D.C. – Senator Scott introduces a joint resolution providing that congress should investigate the recent mine disasters in PA, WV, and AL and other States. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 7)
January 2nd is announced as the possible beginning of when the State and county will make the inquiry jointly. It will require several days yet for Mine Inspector Paul to finish his work and several of the men who will be called as witnesses have returned home for the holiday season. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
The Fairmont West Virginian includes and Extra edition dedicated to Monongah.
“Mr. Wilmot returned to Pittsburgh once committees were organized and consolidated. Mr. Campsey remained “until this morning”. He “kept in constant” touch with “headquarters at Pittsburg through the kindness of the Bell Telephone Company which generously donated the free use of its lines.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 4 – extra)
“When Mr. Campsey reached Pittsburg today he made report to the Commission through Mr. Wilmot and shortly before five o’clock this evening the glad news was telephoned to do whatever was thought best…” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 4 – extra)
Clarksburg Daily Telegram:
Richmond Palladium in Indiana:
Omaha Daily Bee in Nebraska:
The Sun in New York:
Madison Daily Leader in South Dakota:
The Evansville Press in Indiana:
“Then, after the first burst of sympathy had swept across the country, we said, ‘It was an accident. It was unusual, and not to be expected. Anyway, such things are rare.’ Ten days later, on Dec. 16, there was a second disaster, when 63 men lay dead in a coal mine at Yolande, Ala.
“’Singular!’ people said. ‘Terrible! What a coincidence!’ And we went on getting ready for the holidays. Human nature is strangely unsympathetic at times. This was only 63 men, and the first had slain more than 5 times as many.
“Then, before 80 hours had passed, there came a third flash over the wires into tens of thousands of American cities; ‘Mine accident,’ it said; Jacobs Creek, Pa,: some 256 killed.’” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“What are we going to do about it? Even the generosity of a nation cannot care for all the widows and orphans who may be made tomorrow—or today.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“In 1907 American mines have claimed nearly 1000 lives.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“We talk of model mines. We hear of fans and electric lights and safety appliances and government inspection. What does it amount to? The DANGEROUS mine kills 200 men, and the next day the MODEL mine kills 300.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“A woman kisses her man good-bye and the children wave their hands to him as he trudges away, over the snow with 500 of his kind. Will they ever come back? God knows!” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“All we know—and all you know, is—that death is lurking in the coal mines.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“We know in our hearts that ANY industry which claims a relentless average of 1000 human lives every singles year is either built upon CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE or demands that some provision should be made for THE WIVES AND CHILDREN OF ITS UNAVOIDABLE VICTIMS.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“The women and children at Monongah, at Yolande and at Jacobs Creek do not want investigation. They want BREAD.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“About once a year we hear of a conference between the owners of the coal mines and the representatives of the men whose labor actually provides this great human commodity. It is always the same story. The operators claim that the men receive too much pay for the work and the men demand more.”(TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“We know of no coal mining company that is not rich out of the production of the earth’s natural treasure.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“We know of no miner however hard he and his children may labor, who has more than enough food and a roof. We do know of hundreds and thousands of these men who live from hand to mouth, and who, when disaster comes, die to leave penniless wives and children facing privation.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
“If the states wherein Providence has stored our supply of coal will not provide adequate laws to protect the miner at his task and his family, if they must be kept poor, then let congress provide national legislation that WILL reach this SHAME OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY.” (TEP 12.23.07 pg. 2)
Cumberland Evening Times in Maryland:
“Manager Rutter, of the Maryland Theatre, suggested to the Times that Miss Belle Jeannette, a beautiful little girl, who plays at the Maryland on Christmas afternoon and night, in Hal Reid’s late masterpiece, ‘A Child Shall Lead Them,” would come here tomorrow especially to sell The Evening Times to help swell the splendid fund Cumberland has raised.” (CET 12.23.07 pg. 1)
“The Times at once accepted the proposition and will get out a specially early edition which will be given entirely to the petite actress, be her sold from the carriages or automobile as the weather permits. The entire proceeds go to the fund.” (CET 12.23.07 pg. 1)
“The papers will be on the street early in the afternoon and will be kept on sale until Miss Jeannette is too tired or the demand satisfied. Several prominent young men wish to buy the first paper from the little Miss. See who gets it. The line will be on Baltimore and Liberty, but the entire down town will be covered.” (CET 12.23.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. Scott Robb, who went to Fairmont some time ago to help to rescue the men in the wrecked mines at Monongah, has returned home.” (CET 12.23.07 pg. 2)
Dayton Herald in Ohio:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
Wilkes-Barre Record in Pennsylvania:
The Baltimore Sun in Maryland:
Evening
In Monongah:
The Monongah mines “continue to yield up victims.” Death list: 344 (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Electric Theater, which has been donating portions of its proceeds to the relief fund since the day of the disaster, tonight “produced before the eyes the various familiar scenes in General Lew Wallace’s famous history, Ben Hur. To those familiar with the book the pictures call to mind the scenes which made the blood tingle.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 4)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 