~6:00 pm, News Hour

Fairmont West Virginian:

“Mr. James Davis of Helen’s Run has accepted the position of principal of the Monongah school for the remainder of the term.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 2)

Clarksburg Daily Telegram:

On page 4, an editorial confronts and criticizes the Wheeling Intelligencer:

“It goes off half-shot, really drunken in its gibbering about the terrible disaster at Monongah.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 4)

“…to state to the public that Governor Dawson and his mine inspection in this state is lax, and just as insistent is it that it absolutely controls Governor Dawson and that he shall not turn a hand without its approval.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 4)

“Produce the goods upon which you make your assertions and charges, else keep your mouth shut. Down this way we are not taking things for granted and you can not fool us.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 4)

“Mention was made in the list of contributors who sent supplies for the Monongah mine sufferers to the mayor’s office of the Hornor-Gaylord Company with credit for a barrel of flour. This was a mistake as the Hornor-Gaylord Company sent a large quantity of supplies direct to Monongah immediately after the disaster, included in them being six or seven barrels of flour and many other things.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“The barrel of flour sent to the mayor’s office was likely sent by some one else and credit was given to the Harnor-Gaylord Company probably because the firm’s name was the only one on the barrel.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“The company is preparing 1,000 sack of candies and other goodies to be sent to the children of the mine sufferers for Christmas.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“…J.J. Connell was appointed by the lodge to look after the distribution of a shipment of clothing and supplies to Monongah…” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6

“…so we have this day started forward the boxes of clothing of different descriptions (a list of same is here attached), billed to the Mayor of Monongah and realizing that both the mayor and relief committee have all they can attend to and desiring our mite to do as much good as possible, we hereby ask 182 to send a brother to Monongah to look after this contribution and to use his own judgement as to the proper course to pursue.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“Mr. Connell has been at Monongah nearly every day since the accident occurred and is familiar with the relief work being done there.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“The shipment of goods has not arrived at Monongah from New Philadelphia you but Mr. Connell will attend to its distribution as soon as it arrives.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 6)

“The box supper to be given in the school house in the Industrial addition Saturday night of this week at 7:30 o’clock will be under the auspices of the Union Sunday school there, the Young People’s Christian Union and the Epworth League of Ash chapel.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 12)

“The various denominations there are urged to take part in the supper and every one is cordially invited.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 12)

“The young ladies will prepare dainty boxes of eatables and these will be auctioned to the highest bidders and after the sale is completed the supper will be indulged in.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 12)

Washington Times in D.C.:

“Two more bodies have been taken from the Monongah mines, making the total list of bodies recovered 337.” (WT 12.18.07 pg. 11)

Gainesville Daily Sun in Florida:

“The permanent relief committee, headed by Governor William O. Dawson, to provide for the widows and orphans in distress through the recent explosion at the mines of the Fairmont Coal company at Monongah has prepared an appeal for funds that is being sent to chambers of commerce and kindred organizations all over the country.” (GDS 12.18.07 pg. 1)

Richmond Palladium in Indiana:

“Two more bodies were taken from the Monongah mine today, making a total recovered of 337.” (RP 12.18.07 pg. 1)

Wilmar Tribune in Minnesota:

The Western News in Montana:

The Forest Republican in Pennsylvania:

Times Dispatch in Virginia:

Cumberland Evening Times in Maryland:

The News-Palladium in Michigan:

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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)

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“There are no new developments at Monongah today. A rescue party worked last night but found no more bodies, the total remaining at 337.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

Morning

In Yolande, AL:

“The Yolande mines were among the model collieries of the Birmingham region. Non-union men were employed exclusively, but everything possible had been done to insure the contentment of employees. Yolande is situated on a beautiful hill and all the houses are painted white with green trimmings, giving it an air of picturesqueness and healthfulness unusual in mining quarters.” (TFR 12.18.07 pg. 1)

In Clarksburg:

Manager of Clarksburg Amusement Company, George A Murray, turns over to Rev. Father Reynolds a check for the sum of $25 to go to Monongah relief. “It will be remembered that the company volunteered to give the net proceeds of the Odeon and the Bijou Family Theater during last week to this worthy cause.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 2)

“By reason of the inclement weather which prevailed last week the proceeds of the popular play houses were not nearly so much as the company hoped to tender for this worthy cause.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 2)

A meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee has been called to gather at the Hotel Waldo in Clarksburg by Senator Thomas C. Gartlan of Parkersburg for the purpose of making an investigation into the Monongah disaster. The Joint Legislative Committee “made a tour of the coal fields of the State and visited the Monongah mine in October and were seemingly impressed with the good and favorable conditions that obtained there.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)

This Committee, appointed by Sen. McDermott, is composed of Senators Gartlan and Kidd, Delegates Duty, Strickling and Mitchell as well as John Marshall, Sargent at Arms, and John T Harris, secretary and stenographer. (Inquiry) (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)

However, Harris as well as Delegates Duty and Strickling have not arrived and, therefore, do not attend. (Inquiry) (CDT 12.19.07 pg. 1)

Committee members Gartlan, Kidd, Marshall, and Mitchell depart Clarksburg for Fairmont on the interurban line. (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)

In Fairmont:

The Fairmont West Virginian reports that the weather will be: Light snow, colder; Thursday, fair.

“John Neary, a miner of Uniontown, Pa., who helped with the rescuing parties at Monongah after the mine disaster died in Cook’s hospital here this forenoon.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)

“He contracted pneumonia while working with the rescuers and this caused his death.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)

“Neary went to Monongah as a volunteer to help in the rescue work and assisted at both mines No 6 and 8. He was a middle-aged man.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)

“Mr. Neary’s home was Latrobe, PA, and relatives will arrive from here today to take the remains home for burial.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

Monongah Mines Relief Association begins operation in the Masonic Temple under direction of Frank P. Hall. Postmaster A. Howard Fleming is secretary of the Association and will have oversight in the work. 4 stenographers are employed to send out 50,000 copies of an appeal for aid for the miners’ widows and orphans; “The stenographers are Misses Walsh, Gaskins, Leora Abbott and Elizabeth Stone.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

In Monongah:

“Conditions at the mines are becoming normal.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)

“The mine inspectors spent another day in their investigation.” (WT 12.18.07 pg. 11)

“Chief Paul and his force of investigators are continuing their work of gathering data to present before the coroner’s jury.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

“The slowness with which the work is proceeding makes it likely that the coroner’s inquest, which will take the added importance of a State investigation, will not begin until after Christmas.” (WT 12.18.07 pg. 11)

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Evening

Near Barrackville:

Mr. M.D. Toothman walked to the cut near Barrackville which has been made by the street car company and, in some manner, slips and falls 25-35 feet down an embankment. Toothman sustained serious injuries but no bones were broken and he managed to remarkably narrowly escape instant death considering the distance he fell and the fact that his head missed two big rocks but by a few inches. (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

In Clarksburg:

“The legislative mine investigating committee called by Chairman Thomas Gartlan to meet here today to investigate the mine horror at Monongah has not yet come together, the members not having arrived.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)

“Judge D.E. Matthews, of Charleston, assistant attorney general, and John Marshall, of Parkersburg, committee clerk, arrived last night and today and Senator Gartlan this evening from Grafton but the majority of the members of the committee have not arrived.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)

“It may be the meeting will be called off until next week as the coroner will not begin his work until next week according to advices of the hour.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)

In Fairmont:

Irene Meyers & Company opens at the Grand Opera House with “Ruled Off the Turf”. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)

During the first week of the disaster, a regular performance of “The Arrival of Kitty” had been cancelled early and rescheduled for the spring on account of low attendance. This low attendance wasn’t due to the quality of the show, nor directly to the disaster, but rather due to the venue’s delay in offering to contribute some of their proceeds to the relief fund; patrons had chosen to spend their time and money at other venues through the week which were donating to the fund.

“Mr. J.E. Powell, manager of the Grand Opera House, and Mr. Will H. Meyers, manager of the Irene Meyers Stock Company, have kindly volunteered to contribute to the relief committee 10 per cent of the gross receipts on the week, and also the entire gross amount of a special matinee to be given on Friday afternoon.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)

“The theater management and Mr. Myers requested the committee to have someone present to look after its interests and Col. W.H. Brand has kindly offered his services in this capacity.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“The theatre goers of Fairmont will be given opportunity of not only witnessing first class plays produced by an unusually good company, but will be contributing their mite to a good and needy cause.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)

“…all who were present were a unit in agreeing that Miss Myers is entirely worthy of all of the good things that were said about her in advance of her coming.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“Her style is highly pleasing and the role of jockey which she assumed last night was interpreted in a most intelligent and natural manner. Besides her really clever acting she sang some good songs which were enthusiastically encored.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“Her supporting company is the strongest ever seen here in a repertoire organization.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

J.E Lessig, the heavy, came in for much favorable criticism. Marty Woodworth furnished some good comedy while Joseph Lawrence was very clever as was also Miss Edna Macbeth. “Notwithstanding the excellent cast the vaudeville features were highly entertaining.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“The Century Comedy Four was the best male quartette ever heard on the local stage…” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“…the Marvelous Vade, the magician, put on some exceedingly clever tricks which were done with a neatness that is rarely seen.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

“Marty Woodworth’s black face specialty was also very good.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 8)

Night

In Monongah:

“No bodies were recovered today and with the two taken out last evening late, the number recovered to date is 336. Those taken out last evening were beyond identification.” (CDT 12.17.07 pg. 1)

“The carcasses of several horses and mules have been brought out of the mines during the past few days. There was a report current that no horses or mules had been found, but that was false.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)

Rescue crews work but find no new bodies. (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)

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