The funeral for David Riggins is “largely attended”. (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 1)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
New York Tribune:
NYTb 01.05.08 – pg 5
Evening Star in D.C.:
ES 01.05.08 – pg 12
Night
In Baltimore:
The Paint and Powder Club performers leave for Fairmont.
“For the last three weeks the members of the Paint and Powder Club have been holding three rehearsals daily and took their parts up until time of the train’s departure from Baltimore and no part of the programme has been scamped” (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 1)
“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…Sunday night on No. 3 and arriving in Fairmont, Monday. Returning, leaving Fairmont on No. 14, Tuesday.” (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)
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 Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: rain or snow and colder tonight; Sunday fair and colder
George Riggins, an electrician in the mines of the region, awakes after having dreamt for the past 3 nights about his brother, David, whose body is still in Monongah mines. David Riggins was one of the best-known miners of this section of the State. (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
George Riggins has some presentments as to where his brother’s body will be found. He starts to this remote section of the mine with a friend and the body was found in the exact spot where George dreamed David was lying dead. The body was badly decomposed but was fully identified by the clothing. (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 1)
This brings the number to 353. (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 1)
During the Day
Paul U. Kellogg publishes his article on the days he spent in Monongah after the disaster in the January edition of Charities and Commons.
In Fairmont:
The Grand Opera House produces a Matinee performance of “A Pair of Country Kids”; “…one of the best country comedies of the day…”. (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 2 & 8)
“By far the most pretentious entertainment ever attempted in this part of the State will be the performance of the Paint and Powder Club…The fact that Governor Dawson and the members of his staff are coming…and that tickets are being sold at most of the larger cities in the State is sufficient to prove the importance of it. With the box prices at $100 and the seats each $3, the P.P. Boys must put on a superb show or they could not get the patronage. Again, we all know that Mr. C.W. Watson, who spends much of his time in Baltimore, would not vouch for the show were it not strictly of high order; neither would the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company transport free of charge a troupe…” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 4)
FWV 01.04.08 – pg 1
FWV 01.04.08 – pg 1
“There are hundreds of people in Fairmont who have not yet contributed anything for the relief of the widows and orphans of the near neighbors at Monongah and this will give them opportunity to aid the sufferers and at the same time spend a most enjoyable evening. The entire receipts of the performance above the actual expenses will be turned over for the relief of the unfortunate people at Monongah, so this is a good way to turn in a small amount for their assistance.” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 4)
“Death in one of its most gruesome forms lurked in the Bernal mine of the Carthage Fuel company at Carthage during the losing hours of the old year.” (TSC 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“The cause of the catastrophe is believed to have been what coal miners know as a ‘wind shot’. This means that a shot put in to break down a quantity of coal for removal later did not explode in the usual fashion but merely fizzled, raising a cloud of highly combustible coal dust. This dust was doubtless ignited by the explosion of another shot and instantly death had done its gruesome work.” (TSC 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“On every hand were abundant evidenced of the terrific force of the explosion. The bodies of some of the dead were blown against the walls of the mine with such a force as to flatten them almost beyond, recognition. In one instance, at least, a dead body was identified only by particles of clothing adhering to the mangled flesh. The body of one miner who was coming out of the mouth of the mine was shot a hundred yards into the air as from the mouth of a cannon and nearly all the bones in it were broken by the fall. In the case of some of the injured, small stones were driven into their flesh like bullets and had to be extracted with the surgeon’s knife.” (TSC 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“Even the sound of the explosion spread terror throughout the mining camp. It must be left to the imagination to picture the distressing scenes which followed. It was no time for the useless wringing of hands, however, for the living in the mine, if any, must be rescued from the jaws of death. Heroic rescue work was done by W.L. Weber, mine superintendent, and by many others. Doctor Bacon, company surgeon, worked like a Trojan to save and relieve the injured, and women were not lacking to aid him heroically at his task. Willing hands and sympathetic hearts were everywhere to care for the dead, and minister to the necessities of the living victims of the awful disaster.” (TSC 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“The latest report from Carthage is to the effect that all the six injured miners will recover, except Villanuza, whose chances are not considered good. The company officials are doing all they can in caring for him and the other injured, and are sparing in no expense in providing for the future of the bereaved families. All the mines of the camp were shut down on New Year’s day on account of the funerals, but have since resume operations at the request of the miners themselves, who thin work the best means of relieving the nervous strain under which they have been since the disaster. The mine was not injured by the explosion.” (TSC 01.04.08 pg. 1)
TSC 01.04.08 – pg 1
The Labor World in Minnesota:
“During the month just closing two accidents about 100 miles apart, on the same river, fully 500 souls were launched into eternity in a twinkling of an eye by the lawlessness of mine authorities. There can be no doubt of this, the order of Inspector Louttit to Superintendent Morris of the Naoma mine proves one case and the fact that the mines at Monongah, W.Va., were operated without two openings, contrary to the laws of West Virginia, proves the other. In neither mine were the laws governing ventilation obeyed. On the contrary, the plainest and most self-evident necessities to secure proper ventilation were ignored. It proves nothing to say that the mines were finely equipped with machinery, etc. An elaborate and gorgeous palace is unsafe to live in when it has an open sewer in its cellar.” (TLW 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“The innocent public are called upon to succor the dependents of the unfortunate victims in every instance and especially is this so in the Monongah disaster. The public does not participate in the profits of this greatest of bituminous coal combinations. The Consolidation Coal company, the parent corporation of the Fairmont, Somerset combine, operates extensive mines in three states, under the fostering care of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad company, all of these corporate combinations have waged a relentless war of extermination against individual coal operators and labor organizations since the early forties.” (TLW 01.04.08 pg. 1)
“It is high time some radical steps were taken to safeguard life in the more dangerous occupations. If the mine owners had spent half the time and money at Monongah, W. Va. In making reasonably safe conditions that they have spent in fighting the labor unions that were trying to give the miner a dog’s chance, this nation would not be a byword as it is. Extract the last dollar from the business, never mind the human heart!” (TLW 01.04.08 pg. 1)
The Detroit Times in Michigan:
TDT 01.04.08 – pg 1
Evening Star in D.C.:
ES 01.04.08 – pg 9ES 01.04.08 – pg 11
Evening
In Fairmont:
The Grand Opera House produces a Night performance of “A Pair of Country Kids”; “…one of the best country comedies of the day…”. (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 2) (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 8)
FWV 01.03.08 – pg 2
The Electric Theater again presents “Passion Play”. “Misses Lula and Eva Barnes, of the Presbyterian Choir, will sing for this occasion.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 8)
Miss Zanie Martin, daughter of Mrs. Mary Martin, is seriously, possibly fatally, burned at her home on High Street by falling in the fire in a fainting spell. Miss Martin was subject to such spells and it had always been feared that she should fall into the fire at such a time. Medical assistance was rendered at once. (FWV 01.06.08 pg. 8)
Jack Wilson, an employee at the round house, lights a match and carelessly throws it down. The match falls into a can of powder. Jack is severely burned and taken to the Miner’s Hospital. It is feared he will lose his eyes. (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
Early Morning
In Elwood City, PA:
The dead bodies of Chris Evans and Bertha Gordon are found along the track of the B&O railroad. “The couple were on their way to the woman’s house when they became confused, a fast freight train coming out of the tunnel and running them down before they had an opportunity to escape.” (FWV 01.03 08 pg. 1)
Morning
In New York:
7 men who survived the wreck of the Germanic arrive and “told the story of the wreck of the bark Germanic, the captain drowning, and the disappearance of eight crew members. The horrors endured were terrible.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
In the Flemington/Grafton, WV area:
James Clevenger, of Flemington, is gradually losing his family to starvation. “It is said that the awful state of affairs was brought about by the extreme poverty of the family and the refusal of the father and husband to work.” Miss Cleveland Clevenger (aged 18) and Julia Clevenger (aged 14) die of starvation while “another is critically ill and the other five are eking out a bare existence.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
“The residents of the community in which the Clevengers live were ignorant of the awful state of affairs existing at their residence, which is a mere shanty, almost devoid of furniture, until the deaths occurred.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
“Since, the charitably inclined neighbors have furnished food and clothing and medical attention, so the surviving members of the family will fare much better in the future.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather will be: Fair tonight and Saturday; warmer Saturday
Misses Edith and Mabel Wise, sisters of Charles Wise, return to their home in Canton, Ohio. (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 8)
During the day
At the Alpha mine in Nevada:
AC 12.31.07 pg 1
“Advices from Ely, Nev., state that probably ten days more will be required before the rescuers reach Brown, McDonald and Bailey, the three miners who have been imprisoned since December 1 in the Alpha shaft of the Giroux mine at Ely. It is likely that the men will have been six weeks in their tomb-like prison before they can be freed.” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 2)
“They are able to talk with their rescuers over the mine telephone and declare that they are very well satisfied with their quarters and that there is no particular hurry about getting them out. Water and food is sent down to the men through a six-foot pipe, and they have considerable room for exercise. Air is constantly forced in to them. To while away the time the men occasionally hold vocal concerts, singing over the telephone wires for the benefit of those above.” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 2)
At the Darr mines in PA:
TDT 01.03.08 pg 2MJ 01.03.08 pg 3
~6:00 pm, News Hour
Fairmont West Virginian:
FWV 01.03.08 – pg 1FWV 01.03.08 – pg 1
“The Paint and Powder Club plays for charitable benefits only and its appearance here is for the benefit of the Monongah sufferers.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
“This club is made up of the best talent in Baltimore. Its actors are artists and a first class show is assured.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
“…almost decided that Parkersburg would get it. But when the Monongah explosion came, the members of the club desired to assist in raising the big relief fund that will be required to take care of the sufferers. They wired people here and the arrangements were made for their coming.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
Avg. nightly receipts = $4,000 in most places (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
“The general committee composed of Sprigg D. Camden, Walton Miller, J.O. Watson, Brooks Fleming and Geo. A. Alexander have enlisted the services of a number of young men and women who are selling tickets in Wheeling, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Grafton and Morgantown.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 1)
The young ladies of the city give a Leap Year dance at the Tavern. “The invitations to the young men were extended through the young ladies who called for them at their homes.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 5)
“The young ladies will do the Leap Year act from start to finish.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 5)
“At the dance, dances were engaged by the young ladies and all the little courtesies heretofore confined to the masculine sex were performed by the hostesses.” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 5)
“The ballroom at the Tavern was in holiday attire and Omen’s Orchestral furnished an excellent program for the dancing.” (FWV 01.04.08 pg. 5)
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The Electric Theater again presents “Passion Play”. “Misses Lula and Eva Barnes, of the Presbyterian Choir, will sing for this occasion.” (FWV 01.03.08 pg. 8)
“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 10th 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)
FWV 01.03.08 – pg 6
“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)
FWV 01.04.08 – 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)
“’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 16th 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)
“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:
PT 01.02.08 – pg 6
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:
BDR 01.02.08 pg 1
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)
“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:
CDT 01.01.08 – pg 7CDT 01.01.08 – pg 7
Bisbee Daily Review in Arizona:
BDR 01.01.08 – pg 1
Daily Arizona Silver Belt:
DASB 01.01.08 – pg 1
Arizona Republican:
AR 01.01.08 – pg 2
San Francisco Call in California:
SFC 01.01.08 – pg 4
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:
OBD 01.01.08 pg 4
The Breckenridge News in Kentucky:
BN 01.01.08 – pg 7
Morning Astorian in Oregon:
MA 01.01.08 – pg 1
Topeka State Journal in Kansas:
TSJ 01.01.08 – pg 1
Evening Star in D.C.:
ES 01.01.08 – pg 18
Rock Island Argus in Illinois:
RIA 01.01.08 – pg 1
Evening Times Republican in Iowa:
ETR 01.01.08 – pg 1
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)
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)
“Rescuers are still searching the Bernal mine of the Carthage Fuel company at Carthage, N.M., for the five miners known to be still in the shaft. Eight dead miners and five seriously injured have already been taken out.” (BEL 01.01.08 pg. 1)
Fairmont West Virginian:
FWV 12.31.07 – pg 1FWV 12.31.07 – pg 1
The Fairmont Coal Company announces that it will purchase 2 bloodhounds which will be kept at Enterprise, midway between Fairmont and Clarksburg, partly in Marion County partly in Harrison County. “The dogs are Morrison’s famous hounds, so criminals beware.” (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 4)
FWV 12.31.07 – pg 4
Clarksburg Daily Telegram:
“A member of the house of delegates, whose name is suppressed for some reason, rushed into print at Charleston, through the agency of the Charleston Gazette, about the mining laws of West Virginia and makes some cracks so raw that they show ignorance, prejudice, or a lack of desire to be just to any one. The trend of his remarks convinces one that there is a deeper design than to be square with anyone—mine inspector, operator or miner. He talks like he is wiser, rather thinks he is, than other people. His very first sentence condemns his position. He does not want anyone to find the cause of the Monongah explosions. Every one who has any regard for human life does want the cause found. Every miner, every operator, every citizen wants the cause found. But, that this ‘wise’ sage, a member of the legislature, may not be misunderstood or misquoted, the Telegram gives at some length what he has to say on the subject, as follows:
“‘The work which the experts should now seek to do,’ said the legislator, ‘is not to find the cause of the explosion at Monongah, but to find and point out wherein if at all, our mining laws are defective, and if they are, as I believe, not defective, find where and why the laws are not being enforced. The Monongah explosion is now history and the cause of that is only important insofar as the knowledge of it might prevent future disaster.
“‘I believe that the law passed at the last session of the legislature, if enforced to the letter, would prevent mine explosion entirely. The law is complete, covering the ground thoroughly, I think, and if this provision, (here he read section 16 of the mining law) be enforced, there would be no disasters.’” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 4)
CDT 12.31.07 – pg 4
“’Now,’ continued the legislator, ‘the question which remains to be solved is: Is miner, operator, or the department of mines responsible for the non-enforcement of the law?’” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 4)
“The mine is doubly good as far as it goes and to the general run of mine operations is doubtless sufficient, but it does not cover sudden happenings. Suppose the rules and regulations were strictly enforced at Monongah, and, so far there has been nothing to develop showing that they were not, how would the mine laws have prevented the explosion? Certainly, the mine inspector is not expected to be at a single mine every minute in the year. Surely, the operator himself can not be there at all times. And it is not reasonable to believe that the miner himself would snuff his life out. Indeed, there is no credence to be put in the assertion that operator, mine inspector or miner would knowingly cause such a disaster as that at Monongah.” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 4)
“Again, it is strange that there should be an epidemic of carelessness and indifference spreading over the vast territory, in which four bad mine horrors occurred within a single month.” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 4)
“All-wise legislator needs more knowledge on the subject than merely to assert that a new mine law observed would prevent horrors which the best experts of the country have thus far failed to account for. And, it is conclusive that he does not know very well what he is talking about, when he says it is of no concern that the cause of the Monongah disaster be learned. All other men believe it is important to mining in West Virginia that the cause should be ascertained, if possible, but, if legislator wants to be in a class by himself let it be so. All others are not satisfied to content themselves thus.” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 4)
Waterbury Evening Democrat in Connecticut:
WED 12.31.07 – pg 9
Rock Island Argus in Illinois:
RIA 12.31.07 pg 7
New York Tribune:
“The total number of killed and injured in the principal accidents during the calendar year 1907, as chronicled in The Tribune, reached enormous proportions. If the killed had been concentrated in one day at Elmira that city of politicians and prosperity would have been wiped out of existence as completely as was Pompeii or Herculaneum.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
“Aside from earthquakes and similar upheavals of nature, practically all of these accidents were in the United States.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
“The great disparity between the total of killed and injured—the latter usually more than doubling the former—is due to a number of causes.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
“Mine explosion and various kinds stand second in the totals for the year. Moreover, the killed in the month of December through this agency aggregate more than one-quarter of the total for the entire year.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
“Close scrutiny into the causes of these disasters tends to place the responsibility in great measure on the contributory negligence of the employees. Investigation in some cases has revealed almost criminal carelessness in the carrying of lighted lamps in the danger zones, despite the most stringent regulations prepared by the officials.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
“The noxious black damp, though, is the deadliest foe of the miner, and both state and national governmental investigations are now under way to ascertain how the fatal power of this noxious underground ruler can be curbed. In December alone its irreversible fumes killed more than five hundred coal diggers in Fayette City, Penn,; Monongah, W.Va., and Yolande, Ala. The explosion at Jacobs City, Penn., in which nearly two hundred and fifty men lost their lives, was merely a trifling variation of this cause of disaster. A miniature mine is to be constructed in or near Pittsburgh by the United States authorities, and experiements on an exhaustive scale are to be conducted in order to ascertain how these dangers can be best avoided. Both miners and mine owners look hopefully to this source for relief from present perils.” (WED 12.31.07 pg. 5)
Bismarck Daily Tribune in North Dakota:
BDT 12.31.07 – pg 2
Wilkes-Barre Record in Pennsylvania:
WBR 12.31.07 pg 5
“The recent and frequent disasters in the coal fields of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Alabama have served to call the attention of the public in a tragic manner to the immense loss of life that occurs in the coal mines of the country and have resulted in starting a great wave of popular sympathy for the families of the victims of these terrible disasters.” (WBR 12.31.07 pg. 5)
Pittsburgh Daily Post in Pennsylvania:
PDP 12.31.07 pg 6
Albuquerque Citizen in New Mexico:
AC 12.31.07 pg 1AC 12.31.07 pg 1
Ely, Nevada—“What will day light look like to men who have been imprisoned for a month and a half in mine darkness so impenetrable, so dense, so blanket-like that it seemed one could almost reach out and seize it?” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“Will they be totally blind? Will their hair be white and their nerves shattered?” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“What will the fresh, invigorating ozone of the mountains feel like to lungs that have been weakened and clogged by sucking in so long the dust-laden stifling, befouled air of a shut-in cavern 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the earth?” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“And what will be the reactionary effect of the absorption of so much poison from the noxious, fume-laden atmosphere? Will it be typhoid fever, jaundice, or what racking disease?” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“These are the questions that stand out first when you consider the plight of three men entombed in the most remarkable mine disaster of a generation. These men, R.A. Bailey, Pete McDonald, and Fred Brown, were imprisoned by a cave-in Dec. 1. They were caught on the 1,000 foot drift of the Alpha shaft of the Girous gold mine here with hundreds of feet of almost solid debris above them.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“They are still there. There is little prospect that they will be reached before January 15th.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“Waiting a few minutes after the accident Bailey communication with the upper levels by telephone, giving instructions that probably saved their lives. Then the wire was broken by another cave.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“It was three days before communication was reopened by means of a six-inch water pipe.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“Imagine the horror of that desperate wait. Imagine if you can the terrible apprehension which has enshrouded them ever since, knowing as they do that at any moment many come another slipping of the drift that may crush out their lives in a twinkling. This is the menace both prisoners and rescuers fear most.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“The best progress yet on the filled in mines shaft lying between their place of refuge and the feverishly working rescue party has been only 25 feet a day. Over 400 feet of debris remains.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“Food is let down to the men daily through the six inch water pipe. A chain of metal tubes in two-foot lengths, connected by wire couplings is used for this. Food and water fill the tubes. The telephone is repaired and they talk to friends and relatives.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“The men display wonderfully good spirits; they joke with their friends and jibe the rescuers for their slowness, and Mrs. Bailey talks hours each day with her husband.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
“Yet the terrible nervous strain must tell, the horrible uncertainty, that day and night fear, ever present that something may happen at the last moment.” (AC 12.31.07 pg 1)
AC 12.31.07 pg 1
Night
At the Bernal mine in New Mexico:
“Nine dead bodies have already been taken out. Although the mine is still filled with gas, it is believed that no more victims remain in the workings. All the men had apparently been killed instantly and some of the bodies were mangled beyond recognition.” (BDR 01.01.08 pg. 1)
“…communication is difficult.” (BDR 01.01.08 pg. 1)
SLH 01.01.08 pg 1
“No cause for the explosion is assigned.” (BDR 01.01.08 pg. 1)
“The explosion resulted from ignition of coal dust by a windy shot.” (BEL 01.01.08 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
FWV 12.31.07 – pg 5
In Wheeling, WV:
Miss Elizabeth Watson, Dr. Hugh Carr, Sweeney Fleming and Carney Carpenter attend the New Years assembly ball. (FWV 01.02.08 pg. 5)
In Clarksburg:
“The last car to be sent out by Parkersburgers with provisions and clothing for the Monongah sufferers will arrive here late tonight and be transferred to the river division and taken down to Monongah.” (CDT 12.31.07 pg. 1)
This concludes the posts for Bloody December of 1907. However, this does not conclude the Monongah Timeline as the Coroner’s Inquiry for the Monongah Disaster begins January, 6.
Two men are injured in a coal mine accident and sent to the Allegheny General Hospital. “One had his leg torn off, the other was severely injured.” (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 1)
In Carthage, NM:
“A terrible explosion of either fire damp or dust occurred during the noon hour in the big Bernal coal mine of the Carthage Fuel company at the little mining town of Carthage, N.M., western Socorro county, in which anywhere from ten to twenty miners were killed, wounded or buried in the mine.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“The force of the explosion was terrific. It blew the men a distance of five hundred yards, carrying them from where they stood clear to the tipple of the mine.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“…James Richardson, the pit boss who has been mining in New Mexico for over 25 years. He had just left the mine and his feet had barely touched the ground to the side of the slope when the force of the explosion reached the mouth of the mine. Richardson had just calmly walked from in front of a terrible death. Charles Wilcox, who was following Richardson just a few feet behind, stepped to the mouth of the mine just as the escaping gas emerged. He was tossed like a feather fully three hundred feet in the air and every bone was broken when he fell.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)
“The ground was shaken for miles in the vicinity and window glass was broken all over the mining camp.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“The rush of gas from the mouth of the mine was accompanied by a spurt of flame, a roar and a great mass of coal dust. This dust shot out across space and let a deep black stain on the side of a hill near the engine house a thousand fee from the mine. Another miracle was that no one was in the path of that flame and dust, although men crossed and recrossed that space many times daily.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)
“Refegio Villanuza, who was so badly injured that his death is hourly expected, had not been at work in the mine twenty-four hours when the accident occurred. He had just been employed and had only a few days ago, bade his family farewell in Mexico. He was just preparing to leave the mine for his noonday meal and the force of the explosion hurled him along the narrow track and threw him with terrific force against the mine timbers.” (AC 01.02.08 pg. 1)
“The miners at dinner rushed to the mouth of the mine and the wives and children of men in the mines crowded about weeping hysterically or calling pitifully for their loved ones.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“W.L. Weber, the mine superintendent, headed a heroic little rescuing party and with his men risked his life in an effort to penetrate the workings to the succor of any men who might be imprisoned there.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
During the next few hours
At the Bernal mine in New Mexico:
“The scene following the explosion was one of terrible confusion and grief.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Parties of rescuers are relaying each other in an effort to reach those still in the mine.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“The wildest excitement prevailed in the mining camp while the rescuers were at work and the greatest heroism was displayed, not only by those who went below but by the women and children and men who waited above for news of the missing miners.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Deadly gases in the tunnels, it is said, are preventing the rescuers from advancing far into the workings.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
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~3:00 pm
At the Bernal mine in New Mexico:
“The mine is said to still contain dangerous gases so that the work of rescue is difficult and very dangerous.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“At 3 o’clock a telephone message to The Citizen from Socorro, stated that the rescuers had removed eight bodies of miners and that six wounded miners had been brought from the mine—probably none of whom will live.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“A short time later, a special to The Citizen from San Antonio, a town about twelve miles from Carthage, stated that seven bodies and three injured miners had been removed from the mine. The special said it was believed that the explosion resulted from dust in the tunnels.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“At San Antonio it was stated that seven men were still in the mine entombed in the lower workings or dead.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
Google maps location of Carthage, New Mexico
~4:00 pm
At the Bernal mine in New Mexico:
“At 4 o’clock it was stated that the following had been identified among the dead:
L. Wilcox, an American mine boss.
Angelo Ligorno, an Italian miner.
T. Nasterson, an American miner.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“It is not known at 4 o’clock this afternoon just how many men are still in the mine but a conservative estimate places the number at not over ten. The rescuers say they do not believe any of those still in the mine can be alive.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Dr. Bacon, the company physician, worked strenuously caring for the injured and those suffering from hysteria. He soon had all as comfortable as it was possible to make them. He was ably assisted by a number of brave hearted women in the camp who made bandages and took up the work of nursing as soon as he had dressed the wounds of the injured.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Despite the prompt medical assistance, it is feared that a number of the injured will die.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Among the most dangerously injured are the following:
Barnedino Vavaretta
Benito Cuchildessa
Max Walker
Mat Brooks
George Jockocich” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
“Five other bodies had not been identified. Their remains were horribly mangled and burned and it may be impossible to ever identify with any certainty. In some instances, the limbs were separated from the trunks.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
~4:30 pm
In New Mexico:
“At 4:30 this afternoon the following special was received by The Citizen from its correspondent at San Antonio:
AC 12.31.07 pg 1
“In the work of rescuing those still in the mine and caring for those injured, no attempt had been made to ascertain the damage to the mine. It is probably considerable and will no doubt entail a severe loss.” (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
During the afternoon
In Rivesville, WV:
A Box social is held at Pharaoh’s Run school house. “Proceeds for the benefit of the distressed of the Monongah disaster.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 3)
In Kenova, WV:
Jennings Adams, 12 years old, is on one of the tracks at the Kenova railroad bridge over the Big Sandy, just outside of Huntington, WV. Jennings “stepped off onto another (track) to dodge an approaching freight train, when he was struck by the engine of the (C&O) passenger train and hurled more than thirty feet landing on the foot of the embankment which leads up to the approaches of the bridge.” He was killed instantly. (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 2)
At the Bernal mine in NM:
“Superintendent C.F. Wesser, with a party of rescuers, numbering several dozen, has been busy working all the afternoon, in spite of the gases.” (BDR 01.01.08 pg. 1)
“Women and children are with difficulty kept from the mouth of the mine and scenes when bodies of the dead were brought up were most harrowing.” (BDR 01.01.08 pg. 1)
Steve Duma and Mike Hazugo were arranging to fill the powder flasks for the days work, when a spark from the miner’s lamp held by Duma was dropped into the keg of powder. Powder explosion wrecked 2 houses. “Both men were lacerated and burned…brought to hospital in serious condition.” (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 4)
In Fairmont:
Earl Fluharty, the 15 year old son of Jefferson Fluharty of Monongah, dies in Cook’s Hospital after an illness of typhoid fever. “He came to the hospital on Saturday of last week and at that time his condition was serious.” His remains are taken to Cunningham’s morgue. (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 4)
~11:50 am
In Carthage, New Mexico:
“Carthage is a small town on a branch line, twenty miles from San Antonio, on the Santa Fe railroad…” in Socorro county New Mexico. (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1) (TSJ 01.01.08 pg. 1)
It’s time for lunch break at the Bernal coal mine in Carthage, New Mexico which is owned and operated by the Carthage Fuel Company. “The greater part of a force of fifty men” begin to leave the mine for lunch while several others stay behind and continue to work. (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
The Bernal mine is about to become #5 on Bloody December’s list.
A simple frame dwelling occupied by two families at Bryant street catches fire. Leopold Wollack is “aroused by the cries of the children, hurried to the room and found it a mass of flames.” Wallack, “seized the children and carried them down the stairs safely, despite the fact that both were suffering from measles. All were cared for by neighbors.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
Early Morning
In Clarington, OH:
Edward Hutchinson, B&O railroad agent, is overpowered, robbed, murdered, and the train station burnt to the ground. “Hutchinson was overpowered, bound and gagged and valuables taken from his person, then the money drawer was broken and the contents taken. Hutchinson was left on the floor and fire was set to the station. He was left helpless.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
“The murderers escaped with a considerable sum of money.” “No clue has been obtained to the perpetrators of the triple crime.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
Morning
Near Monongahela, PA:
At the Ellsworth Mine, a young Slav, John Omillian, is released from being trapped underground and comes out “a raving maniac”. He is taken to the county home in Arden. Omillian last Thursday, Dec. 26, set off a blast which “blocked effectively all exit from the room where he was working.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
“Yesterday a number of mine officials who were inspecting the mine accidentally found Omillian and dug him out. They were astonished to find him completely mad with hunger and thirst. He knocked two men down but was overpowered and cared for.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
In Fairmont:
Frank Higginbotham is at James Higginbotham’s house. The coal fire is “being replenished with a fresh bucket of fuel when an explosion occurred driving a short tack into the eye” of Frank Higginbotham. Frank was taken to Cook’s Hospital where an operation was performed in which the eye was removed. (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 3)
Fairmont West Virginian:
The Col. A. Howard Fleming Lodge No. 595, B. of R.T., donates to Darr mine sufferers (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
Philip Biglioni (14 years), Angelo Talmeiri (16 years), and Peter Falconi (17 years) are skating on a pond near Bangor when the ice gives way. All 3 boys are drowned but the bodies are recovered. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
In Stroudsburg, PA:
Mrs. Geo. Hoonshilt is talking to a friend over the telephone while her 8-year-old son, Lewis, had been “shooting at a mark with a flobert rifle”. At one point, her son “came into the room and pointing the weapon at her pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Mrs. Moonshilt in a vital spot and she lived but a short time.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
In Pittsburg, PA:
Miss May Messmer, a school friend of Stella Hartzell, calls and spends a pleasant afternoon with Stella and her husband George. George was “27 years old and for a number of years had been employed as a brakeman…at the Piticarn yards of the PA Railroad Co.” Stella was “15 years old May 23, 1907, and was married to Hartzell August 14, last.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
“After their marriage Mrs. Hartzell complained of being lonely and afraid to remain alone at nights” while her husband worked. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
“On several occasions she went during the night to the office in the railroad yards and sought her husband with tears in her eyes, declaring she was afraid to remain alone.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
Her husband was unable to secure a position which kept him home at nights, “so she gradually grew despondent and often declared she hated to see the approach of night.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
Ms. Messmer remained for supper and after the meal was over Mrs. Hartzell asked her friend to remain and keep her company so she would not be lonesome but Ms. Messmer was unable to stay longer and left for home. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
The Tombstone Epitaph in Arizona:
“Phoenix is raising funds for the sufferers of the Monongah mine disaster.” (TE 12.29.07 pg. 2)
Los Angeles Herald in California:
“LURAY—The mass meeting of citizens of Luray held in the Main Street Baptist church to raise a fund for the relief of the Monongah mine sufferers resulted in securing about $100. A committee was appointed to get further subscriptions from the citizens of Luray and it is thought about $200 will be realized. A resolution was passed directing that the money be forwarded to the Red Cross society.” (LAH 12.29.07 pg. 11)
Omaha Daily Bee in Nebraska:
ODB 12.29.07 – pg 2
“The rescuers believe they are within reach of all of the bodies that will be recovered and as air is now being forced to the most remote workings it is hoped to have the work practically completed early tomorrow.” (ODB 12.29.07 pg. 2)
ODB 12.29.07 – pg 2
Salt Lake Herald in Utah:
SLH 12.29.07 – pg 2
The Boston Globe in Massachusetts:
BG 12.29.07 pg 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
PPG 12.29.07 pg 7
“The question of undercutting coal in mines before blasting it is an important one just now between the coal operators and mine inspectors of this region; and is, therefore of interest everywhere in the bituminous districts of this state. Particularly in this case since the recent great mine catastrophes have raised into prominence the matter of making such provisions as will insure the miner’s safety.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“The law says the coal shall be ‘properly’ undercut before blasting. But nothing is said about the reach of the undercut. Mine owners insist that the extent of the undercutting is thus left to the discretion of the mine boss.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“The effect of blasting after deep undercutting is that the coal comes away in large blocks. In this region, where the coal is soft, the more it is broken up by the blast the better it is for coking.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Undercutting is done by miners both with picks and by machines. The miner cuts away about a foot thickness of coal at the bottom of the vein. The distance of this cut must be the same as that of the hole bored higher up into the body of the coal in which the explosive is placed, usually about six feet. When the blast is effectively set off it dislodges the entire six feet of coal that has been undercut. This mass comes away in blocks. And it is this fact which is said to have been potential in securing the enactment of the undercutting law for the benefit of owners of river mines, where the coal is hard. These owners want their coal in lumps.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Owners of coking coal mines want their coal crushed and this is better accomplished by abolishing undercutting.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Coal mine owners do not want the undercutting law strictly enforced in this region. They say it adds nothing to the safety of the mine, and that it is burdensome to them in its application. But mine inspectors and mining engineers think differently. They insist that it tends to the safety of the miner and should be enforced by law.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“What is regarded by some as an objectionable feature of the coal mining business in the bituminous region is the facility with which mine owners can get rid of mine foreman who, for any reason whatever, may become obnoxious to them. Such a foreman is an officer of the state. He has to pass an examination by the state and get his certificate from the state. Yet when appointed to the foremanship of a mine he is subject to dismissal at any moment, without knowing why, by the superintendent of the mine, who may or may not be a practical foreman, and who is responsible only to his employer.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“A well-known and thoroughly capable local mining engineer is authority for the statement that the mining laws in Pennsylvania are largely farcical, and ineffective in practical application, and have been moulded and managed for years, in some localities, with the express purpose of putting moral responsibility for disasters upon the state, so far as possible.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Experts regard the most dangerous active mines in the gas coal region as really the safest in which to work, because knowledge of the danger has made both miners and operators very cautious. An expert said yesterday that it had been so long since there had been an explosion in a so-called dangerous mine that he could not recall it. But he could recall many, and all of the later ones in mines accounted safe—so safe that it was not thought much worth while either by miners or operators to take any particular pains against disasters. The Naomi, Monongah, and Darr mines were all known as ‘safe’ mines.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“One of the great mines near Uniontown is known as ‘dangerous’ yet there never has been a serious accident in it. Great fans are not alone relied upon for ventilation. Holes or wells have been drilled at eight widely separated spots over the surface of the mine down into its heart and cased with iron tubing, like oil wells. An additional well is sunk whenever its need has become apparent. The tube reaches up about 10 feet into the air and through this vent an immense quantity of gas escapes unassisted from the mine. The natural draft thus created is very strong. A man with a torch passing within 50 feet of one of the tubes recently ignited the gas flowing from it. This indicates the volume coming from a single vent. What must it be from all?” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
Mrs. Messmer has left the Hartzell home and Mrs. Hartzell packs her husband’s dinner bucket. She again asks him not to go to work. “He explained that he must be at work, and his wife grew despondent because he insisted, he must leave her.” Stella hands George his packed dinner bucket then, “shot herself behind the right ear with her husband’s revolver…She died instantly.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg.5)
