Tag: Monongah Mine Disaster

Morning

In Carthage, NM:

“All of the coal mines in Carthage shut down yesterday and will probably not resume operations before tomorrow after which most of the bodies will have been disposed of. Several of the dead miners were buried at Carthage yesterday, with simple but impressive services. Others were embalmed and will be sent to their homes today.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“It is now asserted by Dr. G.H. Bacon that all of the wounded will recover with the exception of Refergio Villanuza, who is in a dangerous condition. However, his life will not be despaired of until the physicians have done everything in their power to save him. His chances, however, are not considered good. Much will depend upon careful nursing. Villanuza has a family in Guanahuta, Mexico.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“The body of ‘Charlie’ Wilcox, as he was familiarly known, will be embalmed and will be turned over to his father, who will reach Carthage today from Maffa, Texas. Wilcox came from a well to do family.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“Company officials have announced that no expense will be spared in caring for the injured and in providing for the future of the bereaved families. Everything that can be done, has already been ordered by the officials and the company is showing a disposition that is very credible.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“Outside of the killing and injuring of the miners caught in the mine, not ten dollars worth of damage was done.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 8)

“A few timbers were blown out of place but the mine acted much like a gun barrel and discharged the explosive dust into the air through the mouth of the tunnel. The workings were quickly cleared and as far as the damage is concerned, work could have been resumed within twelve hours after the explosion took place.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 8)

“A feature of the explosion was the fact that out of 150 native families, nearly all of whom have some member who has worked in the Carthage mines for the past twenty-seven years, not one was injured. Those who were caught were nearly all recent arrivals in the field.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 8)

All Day

In Fairmont:

Local elections are held throughout the area. (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)

The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: fair tonight and Friday.

“M. Chaffanel and M. Dunaine, the French experts who came to this country for the purpose of making an examination of the mines, have left for Jacobs Creek to examine the Dar mine. From there they will return to France as M. Chaffanel, national inspector, has to attend an important meeting of mine inspectors at Paris on the 10^th day of this month. He sails from New York in a day or so.” (CDT 01.02.08 pg. 2)

During the Afternoon

In Carthage, NM:

“The Bernal mine was thoroughly inspected today and it was found to be in good condition. The explosion did very little damage in the workings. U.S. Mine Inspector Jo Sherridan, Powell Stockhouse, Jr., president of the Carthage Fuel Company, and W.P. Thompson, of Denver, general manager of the Colorado Fuel and Iron company made personal inspections of the mine. They also investigated the cause of the explosion as far as possible but made no statement for publication.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“The Carthage Fuel company operated three mines at Carthage and it was stated that all of them, including the Bernal, will be working again by Saturday. This is made necessary by a rush to orders of coal.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“The miners are anxious to resume work as they have been suffering from a severe nervous strain for the past two days and desire to be actively employed again. There is no further danger in the Bernal mine.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

In Fairmont:

The Ladies’ Aid Society was to meet at the home of Mrs. Miles Prickett but instead had a “…very enjoyable meeting at the home of Mrs. John S. Scott on Columbia St….”.  (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 2) (FWV 01.03.07 pg. 2)

A long distance telephone call announces that Secretary of State Chas. W. Swisher and Governor Dawson will arrive on Sunday evening or Monday morning and will likely be in the city for about two days and will be present at the benefit to be given by the Paint and Powder Club at the Grand Opera House on Monday night. Gov. Dawson and Sec. Swisher will likely be in the city about 2 days. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

Senator J.H. McDermott will also be here and invitations were also extended to Congressman Hubbard and Sturgiss. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“Hon. Chas. Swisher has wired his intention to bring Governor Dawson and some of his staff in uniform and a box will be specially decorated for their use. Hon. J.H. McDermott has said he will bring a delegation of University boys.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“Prof. Omen has offered the services of his entire orchestra. The score will arrive today from Baltimore and he will immediately begin practice. It must be understood that this is not an opera but high class vaudeville produced by the stars or headliners of the club. The opera is what is expected to be brought here in the spring, as the costumes and scenery of the last one produced by the club have long since been disposed of, as a new and complete show is given each year.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

George T. Watson is in charge of keeping the men of the theatrical company entertained and is “arranging a trolley trip to show points of interest and Mr. Brooks Fleming is going to show them the disrupted Monongah mines, take them on a trip into New England and give them an idea of the intricacies encountered in the mining of coal before it reaches their furnace doors, a lecture as only a Princeton man like himself can give.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Coal from the cradle of the grave as it were from Mother Earth to the ash heap after it has served its useful purposes for without coal the world would cease to move, and people should realize generally that no matter the amount of capital forthcoming we have got to have these humble sons of toil to get it out for that’s the only way it can be done and that is one of the best arguments we can use that it is the duty of the entire world to make these producers of sustenance for us all, feel and believe we are sincerely sorry and lament with them in their great loss and appreciate the hazardousness of their employment. The whole world is their servants—for without their aid the wheels of commerce and life would stop.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Dr. Hugh Carr, now of Fairmont, met many of these boys when he was a member of Cornell’s Silk Stocking Vendettas, an organization on the same lines, and the doctor now will be right on hand to give first aid to those of the boys who may perchance embibe too freely of the Monongahela river water and if any of them are stung by the snakes around the mines he has a barrel of a special rubber glove 3 ply killer variety locked up in his office which he will administer freely to those bitten only.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“The average nightly receipts are $4,000. They show each year in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington and Norfolk and it is their intention this year to place West Virginia on their itinerary. Quite a few places in this state have made requests for the to use their cities, but Fairmont at present has the going next to the pole as so many of her boys are familiar in Baltimore and made themselves so well liked and have always taken big delegations to the shows in both Baltimore and Washington and have come so much in contact with the P. & P. boys that when this Monongah explosion occurred and the world was hastening tot eh relief of the unfortunate, the officers of the Paint and Powder Club telegraphed to a few of her members who are now natives of Fairmont if it would be acceptable to the citizens of Monongah to permit a performance of their club in Fairmont.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“The Fairmont members went back and said they would be received with open arms, and aside from the Relief benefit it would give Fairmont an opportunity to show the class of audience she will turn out to see the show when it comes here in the spring, and also to show just how up to date and modern Fairmont is, and have them see the marks of advanced culture and class that are supposed to exist universally only in big cities.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“George Malls Wilshire will wear his long coat just from Bells and take all credit to himself for bringing the ethics of Fairmont ‘dressers’ up to the standard of Fifth avenue.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Mr. Robert Nelson will sing his new song ‘Beat me to it Kid,’ accompanied by Mr. C.W. Watson’s valet, Monsieur Micham, formerly of Paris but now a proud citizen of Fairmont on a bass drum.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“President Murray, of the Baltimore and Ohio R.R., through his assistant, Mr. Geo. M. Shriver, has tendered to the committee free transportation and special cars, leaving Baltimore next Sunday night on No. 3 and arriving in Fairmont, Monday. Returning, leaving Fairmont on No. 14 Tuesday.” Instructions have been given to “division superintendents along the line of route to instruct their forces to do everything possible to make the trip pleasant, to even putting on extra air on the curves and not bantering loud words with passing crews as that tends to make the ‘girls’ hysterical and unfit for work.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“The general committee here is Sprigg D Camden, Walton Miller, J.O. Watson and Brooks Fleming and W.A. Alexander, and they have enlisted the aid of dozens of hustling men and women in Fairmont, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Morgantown and Parkersburg for the sale of tickets and the soliciting of advertisements for the souvenir programme in the club colors—Pink and White of the P. & P. The committee has asked about twenty-five of Fairmont’s pretty younger Misses to assist in selling these programmes and acting as ushers and the color scheme of the club will be carried out even to these dainty little Misses. The blondes will dress in white and wear a big red rose and the brunettes will dress in pink and wear a big white rose. Miss Ida Watson will be very glad to have the boys go over her farm and see her cows and dogs.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Mrs. Clarence W. Watson and Miss Lucy Watson have been asked to carry out the decoration of the Opera House, streamers of bunting in the colors of West Virginia, Maryland and the Paint & Powder intertwined symbolic of the two States being bound closer through the medium of the Paint & Powder.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Miss Virginia Fleming, Mis Elizabeth Watson and Miss Jean Fleming will arrange the fernery around the Opera House.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Mr. Rathburn will give them his little well known drawing room talk on how to remain beautiful. He generally charges for this but has agreed to make exception, considering how well versed these ‘girls’ will be in this theme.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Mr. Clarence Watson will be asked to allow an exhibit of his world famous show horses now stabled at his Fairmont Farms, as until the even of Mr. Watson settling in Fairmont permanently, Baltimore always claimed these horses as her own, but the honor has now passed on to Fairmont Farms.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Mr. Zack Robertson on Monday afternoon in the Masonic hall will deliver the last of his series of lectures ‘No matter how many you skin alive just so the company gains.’” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

“Clarksburg will likely send a good delegation and a record breaking audience will see the big performance.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“When the curtain rises on Monday we will all see as fair and fine and well garbed audience that has ever graced the Auditorium of any Metropolitan house.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

 

Rev. C.L. Orbach, president of Slovak Press and representative of the Slavic Evangelical Union, of NYC, registers at the Tavern. Rev. Orbach came to the city to inquire into the conditions here and will work with Slavonic Catholic Union representative, Jacob Vrostek of Braddock, PA, to find out the true conditions.

He will attend the coroner’s inquest over the Monongah victims and  Rev. Martin Tomoski, of Connellsville, and Edward F Duffy, an attorney of Pittsburg, will also be here to assist in the inquest. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

~6:00 pm, News Hour

Fairmont West Virginian:

Several days ago, Charley Davis’ horses drowned in the river at Everson and are still in the river, polluting the water. Mr. Davis notified officers that one of the horses is lying along the bank of the West Fork river just above the New England railroad bridge, the other horse is in the river somewhere. The horses will have to be removed and buried. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

Labor Argus in West Virginia:

“’Some of the hideous facts are coming to light at Monongah. The Journal is creditably informed that the air fan had been idle for twenty-four hours previous to the explosion. Also that there are nearly two hundred men whose bodies lie under masses of slate and rock, and that no effort will be made to recover them. Also that the Cumberland (Md.) News of Monday, the 16^th contained an article stating that $100 will be paid to any man marrying of the widows at Monongah. As the News is owned by the Lowndeses, who are heavy stockholders in the Fairmont Coal Company its significance can be realized. A healthy colored slave woman sold in Maryland prior to the war at from $1,000 to $1,500!’” (TLA 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“’It is also stated on the authority of a correspondent to the Pittsburgh Dispatch that the Fairmont company has retained or will retain, every lawyer in that vicinity. Again, we are creditably informed that the state officials are using all of their power to suppress the details in order that miners can be retained or secured elsewhere. The effect of the original negligence of these sworn to uphold the law can be seen in the fact that West Virginia dropped from second to third place in the production of coal, as her miners—those who know the dangers of the mines and see the shameful conduct of the law’s servant’s—are leaving the state in droves.’” (TLA 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“’In contrast with this miserable conduct on the part of the West Virginia authorities and the Fairmont company is that of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, at whose mines the latest accident occurred. There under its former president, Francis Robbins, Superintendent Schludenberg and others, a system had been provided whereby a decent Christian funeral was provided for such occasions. In addition each widow received $150 and a small pension. Compare that with the sordid conduct of the Fairmont company, where the widows and orphans of its victims are to be sold for $100.’” (TLA 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“The Journal does not desire to minimize in any way the horrors of the Darr mine, it merely contrasts the conduct of two corporations under similar circumstances.’” (TLA 01.02.08 pg. 1)

“’Again, the necessity of complying with President Roosevelt’s recommendations is emphasized with horror. The things he recommends are an imperative necessity and the blood of these slaughtered miners calls like the blood of Abel from the ground of remedial measures, for measures that are based on common sense. These things can be prevented. The one needful thing is sufficient fresh air, air distributed where it is needed, namely, at the face of the workings. That is all there is to it. There will be a thousand and one remedies and scientific theories offered, but they all will resolve themselves into the one thing—plenty of fresh air at the proper place.’” (TLA 01.02.08 pg. 1)

Clarksburg Daily Telegram:

Albuquerque Citizen in New Mexico:

“The Bernal mine was the last of the coal mines in the Carthage district opened by A.H. Hilton, of San Antonio, together with the Hilton mine and the Government mine, the last of which was opened up before the war and is the oldest coal mine in New Mexico. It furnished coal for the government at old Fort Craig and Fort McRae. Mr. Hilton sold the mines to the Carthage Fuel company about three years ago.”  (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1 & 8)

“In speaking of the mines in the Carthage field, Mr. Hilton said they were always considered safe because they were known to have no dangerous gases such as are found in so many mines. The explosion which was occasioned by the dust, was one which no human agency could foresee and which might occur at any time in any mine.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 8)

Plymouth Tribune in Indiana:

Los Angeles Herald in California:

“Another mine horror is added to the list of casualties of this class. Although the New Mexico disaster did not approximate those of West Virginia or Pennsylvania, so far as loss of life was concerned, it was of sufficient gravity to direct attention once more to the great menace to life accompanying carelessness or neglect in the operation of theses subterranean industries.” (LAH 01.02.08 pg. 4)

“Several hundred men have gone to their death in coal mines in America during the past month or so.” (LAH 01.02.08 pg. 4)

“Soon after the catastrophe at Monongah W.Va., about a month ago, charges were made by writers in a number of eastern papers that the companies operating the mines in the Allegheny fields were criminally negligent by reason of their having failed to take the most ordinary precautions to insure the safety of their employees. Whether this charge is well grounded or not investigation will prove.” (LAH 01.02.08 pg. 4)

“In this country there appears to have been conscientious effort to reduce the hazard to human life in this direction, but if some investigators, whose studies necessarily have been of a more or less superficial character, may be relied on certain of the more important corporations operating big mines in the Appalachian fields have thought more of producing dividends than of attempting adequate protection to the lives of their employees. The mater certainly is one which demands a careful inquiry; and it should be made by scientists whose efforts shall not be impeded by politics.” (LAH 01.02.08 pg. 4)

Bisbee Daily Review in Arizona:

Evening

In Fairmont:

Rev. Orbach leaves Fairmont for New York and will return Monday morning. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 1)

Electric Theater presents the “Passion Play”.

“…everyone was loud in praise of the picture representing the sacred production.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 8)

 

More on the Monongah Disaster of 1907

Introduction

Disclaimer and Guide

How Death Gloated!: A Timeline of the Monongah Disaster and Bloody December of 1907

Who is Guilty?: A Timeline of January 1908 and the Coroner’s Inquiry

Issues with the Monongah Timeline

Bibliography/Resources

About the Author

Contact Information

Morning

In San Antonio, NM:

“Eight new coffins formed part of the express of a special train which was run from this place to Carthage…carrying U.S. Mine Inspector Jo Sheridan, William Lane, an undertaker of San Marcial and several trained nurses who will care for those injured in the explosion in the Bernal mine…” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

In Carthage, NM:

“All of the coal mines in Carthage shut down…and will probably not resume operations before [Friday] after which most of the bodies will have been disposed of.”

“Several of the dead miners were buried at Carthage [today], with simple but impressive services. Others were embalmed and will be sent to their homes [tomorrow].” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)

Afternoon

In Fairmont:

Morris Beetle dies at Cook Hospital after illness of pneumonia which he contracted while aiding in the rescue work. “Mr. Beetle was another member of the Monongah rescue band to succumb to pneumonia.” He was a pit boss at Riverdale, 57 years old and is survived by his wife and children. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 4)

Newspapers

Clarksburg Daily Telegram:

Bisbee Daily Review in Arizona:

Daily Arizona Silver Belt:

Arizona Republican:

San Francisco Call in California:

New Ulm Review in Minnesota:

“A half-century of progress and this is what we have to show for it! Is it strange socialism grows; socialism, which hurls its challenge in the face of the system that has given us this sorry product? Is it strange that, despite its fundamental fallacies, it appeals to the fathers and mothers of the poor when it can launch, with justice, the terrific indictment against a ‘capitalist civilization’ that’ the march of its conquest is stained with the blood of infants and paved with the puny bones of children?’ People were poor enough, God knows, in the dark ages of medieval ignorance and in the still earlier days of paganism; but never, till modern industrialism joined hands with Christian civilization, did they have to send their children to work as children are sent today. Ancient greed held its hand in pity or shame, and spared the child. The greed of today knows neither shame nor pity and in children it finds succulent morsels.” (NUR 01.01.08 pg. 4)

Omaha Daily Bee in Nebraska:

The Breckenridge News in Kentucky:

Morning Astorian in Oregon:

Topeka State Journal in Kansas:

Evening Star in D.C.:

Rock Island Argus in Illinois:

Evening Times Republican in Iowa:

The Adair County News in Kentucky:

“Life is cheap. If you doubt it look at the stories of disaster in the mines of this country during the past three weeks. Over 500 men have perished in the recesses of the earth as the result of explosions in three different coal mines. Can you think of what suffering that means? Five hundred men represent probably at least 2,000 dependent upon them, who are thus suddenly robbed of their bread winners, and whose homes are darkened with the terrible shadow of tragically sudden death.” (CAN 01.01.08 pg. 2)

“Life is cheap. It is probably true there will always be danger in mining, that risk cannot be wholly eliminated; but it is not conceivable that in this Twentieth century of invention and discovery it is necessary to supply the nation with coal at such tremendous cost. We are forced to the belief that many such disasters might be averted if proper precautions were taken, and all mines were properly equipped with the best safety appliances.” (CAN 01.01.08 pg. 2)

“Unhappily, while this is a century of invention and discovery, it is also a century of indifference to human life in the pursuit of the dollar. Life is cheap. It will be easy to find 500 more men to take the place of those who died at Monongah a week ago, and Monday at Yolande, near Birmingham, Ala. It is cheaper to hire new men than to install safety appliances and take the necessary care to prevent accidents.” (CAN 01.01.08 pg. 2)

“The Government ought to interfere, you say. The Government does interfere. It requires certain things to be done, and it appoints inspectors and officials to see that they are done; but the field to be covered is wide, and there are many ways of escaping from strict obedience to the law for the man who wants to. Not until the mine operators are made to feel their personal responsibility for the safety of the men whom they employ, will it be possible to secure a full measure of protection. That realization can only come in one or two ways. Either by a sudden development of the altruistic spirit to a degree not usually found in mine operators; or by a campaign of prosecution on the part of the law against all men on whose property accidents happen that can in any way be subscribed to negligence. The latter will probably prove to be the quicker and more effective under present circumstances. —Louisville Herald” (CAN 01.01.08 pg. 2)

Salt Lake Herald in Utah:

Bluefield Evening Leader in West Virginia:

Mt. St. Clair Advocate in Kentucky:

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

In Fairmont:

The Women’s Club of Fairmont hosts “At Home” at the Masonic Temple. Invitations were sent to members of the club with a card enclosed which announced that each member was entitled to bring 3 guests. “Omen’s Orchestra will furnish music throughout the evening.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 5)

“After the guests had passed the receiving line they were invited to the punch bowl.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)

A “delicious luncheon” was served in the dining room which was decorated in the “club colors of red and green… the table being very effective in its decorations of asparagus, fern and many red candles.” (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 5)

 

More on the Monongah Disaster of 1907

Introduction

Disclaimer and Guide

How Death Gloated!: A Timeline of the Monongah Disaster and Bloody December of 1907

Who is Guilty?: A Timeline of January 1908 and the Coroner’s Inquiry

Issues with the Monongah Timeline

Bibliography/Resources

About the Author

Contact Information