Scofield, Utah - History (part 3 of 4)

Camps 338 and 406, Woodmen of the World, were visited last night, where it was claimed that at most only four were Woodmen. It was stated that coal miners were ineligible to the order as a rule, but if exceptions were made, the insurance rates of such persons were doubled. Members of camp 338 said that some of their membership might go into coal mining after having joined the order, and they understood that G. L. Williamson, a member of the camp, was among the dead. There was no further information, but inquiries would be made to ascertain to what extent the order was represented among the unfortunates.

among' the dead. However, he was making inquiries. At all events, Eagle Gate lodge No. 10 was initiating- a movement for a benefit entertainment for the families of the dead, and Messrs. F. W. Dodge, Harry Brown and C. W. Caffall were appointed a committee to meet with committees from Salt Lake Valley lodge No. 12, and Temple lodg-e No. 15, tomorrow night in A. O. U. W. hall, to prepare for the entertainment.

eharles Edwards was born in England, July 27, 1856. He was married in London to Miss Sarah Jane Hollands, eighteen years ago. His widow alone, survives him.

He was one of the Card members who established Scofield lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F., he having withdrawn from Coalville lodge No. 28, I. O. O. F., for the purpose of organizing No. 32. He has served in the office of Treasurer, Right Supporter and Guardian.

Brother William Parmley, who lost his life in Number Four mine explosion, was foreman of that mine at the time of the accident. He had had charge of Number Four from the time of its commencement, and was considered by all to be one of the most able foreman in the State.

The men who died with him were all the immediate friends of the dead foreman and cherished a love for him that is rarely, if ever, seen between employer and employed.

He was a Charter member of No. 32, having withdrawn from No. 28, of Coalville, in order to make one of the five necessary to form a new lodge.

He was our first Noble Grand, and has been a member of the building committee. At the last regular election he was chosen as a County Commissioner, and has served with distinction on the Board of Commissioners.

Chomas H. Reilley was born at Wilkes Barre, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, on the fifth day of November, 1859. He was married to Miss Ada Hister, at Vanmeter, Iowa, and leaves a widow and four children, named respectively, Stephen, Earll, Mona, and a baby named Dorsey.

He joined Scofield lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F., at the time of its institution, by initiation, and has served the lodge as Chaplain, Treasurer, Vice Grand, and was, at the time of his death, Noble Grand of lodge No. 32.

Brother Reilley was among the most active members, never missing a meeting, unless his work made it obligatory. He was also a member of Myrtle Branch Rebekah lodge No. 12.

3ohn Wilson was the driver who took the empties from the top of the incline at Number Four, to the first switch inside the mine, where he would find a trip of loaded cars gathered from difl^erent parts of the mine by the other drivers. His duty vyas to bring these loads out to the incline and take the empties in. During one shift he would average thirty-five trips.

When the explosion took place he was just going into the tunnel with his empty cars, and the force of the explosion blew him eight hundred and twenty feet, by actual measurement, to the bottom of the dump. His skull was crushed and he suffered internal injuries, but owing to a strong, iron constitution he is recovering rapidly.

His brothers, James, Willie and Alexander, lost their lives, while his father is confined to the hospital, he having sustained serious injuries.

Brother Alexander Wilson, who lost his life in the mine explosion at Scofield, Utah on May 1, 1900, belonged to No. 32, having joined at the institution of the lodge.

He was unmarried and was the main stay in the support of his aged father and mother who were bereft of three sons Sam, David, and Thomas by this catastrophe. They were buried at American Fork, Utah where their parents reside.

He has served No. 32 as Vice Grand, Noble Grand, and trustee and is at present devoting his whole lime to the erection of the new I. O. O. F. hall. He is one of the members of the building committee.

He joined No. 32 as a charter member he having withdrawn from Coalville lodge No. 28, He is now one of the main stays of No. 32 and at last meeting of the Grand Lodge was appointed D. D. G. M.

Jl36 The Scofield

^JL^^ O. F., he being elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of T. H. Reilley, was born at Chickaby Palls, Massachusetts, September 5, 1862.

He was initiated ten years ago into Fidelity lodge No. 17, of Salt Lake and withdrew last year to join No. 32 as he was working in Scofield. He has rapidly advanced in the work of the order and is well posted on the degree work.

- rother A. J. Wilson was born in Scotland October 28, 1869. He was initialed in Scofield lodge No. 32 at the time of institution and was most active in securing names to commence the lodge.

He was the first Secretary, and has filled the oSices of Treasurer, Vice Grand, Noble Grand, and Past Grand, and is now Secretary. To know brother Wilson is to respect him for his untiring zeal, ane love of the order.

- He joined No. 32 at time of institution b}' initiation. He has served the lodge in different capacities and is now Chairman of Board of Trustees.

He is of a steady quiet disposition and has been working steadily looking after the widows and orphans ot our deceased members who look upon him as a true friend.

Mink Disaster

3'~'aines W. Dilley was born at Wilkes Barre, Litzerne Count j, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1861, and was educated at "Wyoming Seminary and Commercial College" of Kingston, Pennsylvania, and later graduated from the Bloomsburg State Normal School of Pennsylvania being a member of the class of '82.

He has followed the profession of teacher and is employed as principal of the Scofield Public School, having retained that position for three years. He is also Town Clerk of Scofield Town.'

He was delegated by the Fraternal societies of Scofield to compile a record from the papers etc., and to give as complete a record as possible of the brothers who met their death in the mine explosion of May 1, 1900.

He joined No. 32, I. O. O. F. at the time of its institution and was elected twice to the office of Secretary. On account of having so much to look after outside of his school duties it has been impossible for him of late to attend to the duties of the lodge.

It will be seen by the following- Resolutions that the work of Fraternity is of a substantial character and that the charge to bury the dead, care for the widows and educate the orphans is not mere babble.

The Odd Fellows from everywhere are hastening to our aid, and the brothers of No. 32 cannot find words to express their gratitude to these noble brothers, who have not waited for aid to be requested, but have given from their means with a liberal hand at the first news of the disaster.

In the name of Scofield lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F., the author desires to tender to each and every one of the beloved brothers who have by their means, and words of condolence, softened the grief of the widows and orphans of our beloved order, and who have helped them to bear their burden of grief more patiently, his hearty thanks, hoping and trusting that a similar fate may never be theirs.

At a regular meeting of the above lodge, it was unanimously Resolved; That we, as your Brothers, extend to you our sincerest sympathy in this terrible bereavement, that it has pleased an "All-wise Father" to send you. We also extend our sympathy to the families of those Brothers who were so untimely taken from them.

Kemerer lodge No. 31, has had but one month's existence and our financial condition is at its lowest ebb, otherwise we would extend our condolence in a more substantial form.

Hoping that your lodge will in time recover from this terrible disaster, and that by the softening influence of time the anguish of those who were near and dear to the departed may be in a degree mitigated.

Whereas, in view of the terrible catastrophe that has befallen the people of Scofield, by which Scofield lodg-e No. 32, I. O. O. F., has lost so many of its members,

Be it Resolved; That the heartfelt sj'mpathj' of Temple City lodge No. 23, I. O. O. F., be extended to Scofield lodg-e in their unparalleled affliction.

Whereas, by the unspeakable calamity of Scofield, an inscrutinable but all-wise providence has decreed that in our own community and throughout the state shall be heard the agonized wail and be felt the comfortless grief of those bereft of fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, and friends.

Whereas, by that unsearchable exigency, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Utah and especially of Scofield, is called upon to mourn the irreparable loss of dear brothers. Therefore to the widows, orphans, parents, husbands, and friends, so deeply afflicted, and to the Scofield Lodge of Odd Fellows, so irrecoverably bereft, the Richfield Lodge of Odd Fellows extends the heart-felt sympathy of men linked to all humanity by the lasting tie of an universal Brotherhood, and the deep condolence of weak mortals made strong by sworn belief in the Allwise Supreme Being.

Robinson, Juab County, Utah, May 7, 1900. Whereas, Robinson Ivodg-e No. 31 of I. O. O. F. in regular session has with profound sorrow learned of the shocking- calamity by which the mines of the Pleasant Vallej' Coal Co. at Scofield, Utah, have been overcome, and whereas, many Odd Fellows in the Scofield horror have lost their lives, and their familes have been bereft of their support,

Therefore belt resolved: That the heart-felt sympathy oi the brothers of Robinson lodge No. 31 be extended to the bereaved ones, and that it is the further sense of this body that it will do all possible in its power to ameliorate the sufifering of the aiflicted,

Resolved; That the Noble Grand and brothers of Mount Pleasant lodge No. 20, sincerely and most affectionately sympathize with the families of deceased brothers, and commend them for consolation to Almighty God.

Resolved; That while we deeplj' sympathize with the families of our deceased brothers, we share with them the hope of areunion in that better world where there are no partings.

Resolved; That the heartfelt sympathy of Mount Pleasant lodge No. 20, be extended to the families in their affliction, and these resolutions be spread on the record of the lodge and a copy be sent to the Noble Grand of Scofield lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F.

William Pugh, aged 43 - wife, Margaret, aged 43; David, aged 20; Mary Ann, aged 18; Thomas, aged 16; Debertha, aged 12; Elizabeth, aged 9; Alice, aged 5; Vivian, aged 2.

. Single - David Padfield, aged 25; Joe Delclift, aged 40: George Coultbard, aged 23; Roger B. Davis, aged 22; Peter Sutherland, aged 21; Wm. Goode, aged 38.

In Scofield up to the time of the explosion no town in Utah could boast of a better or more progressive lodge than was Myrtle Branch Rebekah Lodge No. 12, I. O. O. F.

They have proven a powerful aid to Scofield lodge No. 32, in assisting in the care of the sick. Man}' of our deceased brothers were members of the Rebekah Lodge, and their widows are now leaving Scofield and going to their relatives so that the Rebekah Lodge will almost be deserted.

nig^hts, who helotiyed to Rathbone lodg'e No. y, Kniifhts of Pythias, who f^ave up their lives in the mine explosion on May 1, 1900. at Scofield, Utah.

Rathbone lodge No. 9 Knights of Pythias, at Scofield was one of the most flourishing- of the Pythian Lodges of the State. It had forty four enthusiastic, big hearted fellows with funds for its ordinary needs.

A number of its members had just formed an incorporation, the Fraternal Building Association of Scofield and Winter Quarters, and had completed arrangements to erect a handsome two story building-, half way between the railway station at Scofield and the company store at Winter Quarters, between which two points nearly all the cottages of the mine and railway employes are situated.

The building was arranged for entertainments on the ground floor, with ample stage room for the ordinary play. The upper floor was arranged for a lodge room with ante rooms, reception rooms and a banquet room. The building completed would have cost about three thousand dollars. Two thirds of this amount was subscribed when the awful accident occurred, which not only took away some of the biggest subscribers, but also many of the most active in all the affairs of the lodge. Fourteen of its members, loyal hearted and kind, were swept away in abreath leaving many widows and orphans. The grand lodge officers came at once with words of sympathy and hope; The lodge by-laws provides for f60 benefit to be paid in case of death which alone amounts to S780 and that amount is increased almost as much more by the needs of widows and orphans. The Grand Chancellor Fred W. Gardiner, addressed a letter to the other lodges in the domain and is assured that this money will be supplied at once by them.

Four of the dead brothers, John Webber, John Hunter, William C. Reese, and James J. Jenkins were members of the endowment rank of the order, with five hundred dollars in the case of Brother Jenkins, and one thousand dollars to each of the other three.

The other dead are Robert Ferrish, John Lloyd, Daniel Pitman, John Pitman, John R. Price, William Parmley, Frank Strang, Joseph S. Thomas, and Jas. Ferrins. There were three other Knights of Pythias killed who were not members of the local lodge.

Saturday from early nu>rniii;,' they be^an cwnveyinf,-- the dead to the busy cemetery on the hill, and the beautiful Pythian service was repeated around the g^raves many times, both morning- and afternoon.

Strong Appeal Issued To Kxights By Grand Chaxcellor

Grand Chancellor Gardiner ot the Knig-hts of Pythias, has issued a strong- appeal to the Pythian lod<^es of the domain of Utah, to contribute to a fund now being- raised by the order for the relief of the widows and orphans of the Kniifhts of Rathbone lodge No. 9, who were killed at Scofield. A number of Knights from Og-den, Salt Lake City, Bing-ham, Park City, and Provo -will go down to Scofield on this morning's train to represent the order at today's funerals, and Grand Chancellor Gardiner said last night that it was his understanding that there would be a union service, in which all of the fraternal orders which had members among the dead, would join.

Rocky Mountian lodge No. 2, K. of P., Salt Lake, which met last night, raised $150, thus heading the K. of P. contribution. This lodge also appointed a committee consisting of William Hearst, George Yedder, John Heil, T. M. Patton, Frances Mitchell, Thomas Hobday, and Sig Simon to solicit subscriptions from its members.

The grand chancellor said the information furnished the press that there were no lodges at Scofield and Castle Gate was incorrect, and that at Scofield there was a lodge of forty-five members, sixteen of whom are reported among the killed by the explosion.

Salt Lake Valley lodge No. 12 of the A. O. U. W. at last night's meeting appointed A. J. Young, E. J. Petty, and George A. Tuckfield as tne committee to represent their lodge at tonight's A. O. U. W. conference, and Temple lodge No. 15 which meets tonight, will appoint its conference committee the first thing so that the committees of the three lodges will be able to act together.

A prominent member of the Woodmen said yesterday, that he knew of none of his order among- the killed, and that if a member of the order went into coal mininof he ran the risk of invalidating his insurance.

frank Mereweather, Past Chancellor of Rathbone Lodge No. 9 Knights of Pythias was born in England May 1, 1864. He is at present the managing partner of Mereweather and Earll, and although he has been a miner for seven j'ears, he has made his business, second to none in Scofield. He is also Vice Grand of No. 32 and has served as R. S to N^ble Grand and Conductor. Having joined No. il at the institution of the lodge he has filled his different offices with credit to himself and to his lodge.

Brother Mereweather has filled nearly all of the responsible positions in the communitj' and has given the best of satisfafction to the people of Scofield. Being a member of the Board of School Trustees, he has by the judicious handling of the school fund, placed the district out of debt, and has assisted in placing the public school of Scofield upon a higher plane, and raising the standard of education until Scofield now boasts of her public school.

^ohn R. Price a young member of Rathbone Lodge No. 9. was I a driver in the mine at Winter Quarters. He was a son of Marhsall John L*. Price and was much respected in the community on account of his genial disposition, always having a smile and a word of joy for everyone.

Jones, son of Lewis Jones of Winter Quarters is a member of Rathbone Lodge No. 9. When the call for volunteers was made, Evan was one of the first to respond from this place. He enlisted in "Torrey's Rough Riders," but was sent home sick. His two younger brothers were killed in the explosion.

It was of such brave men as Evan that the Army of the United Stated was composed, and not alone on the battle field did his heroism take place but in the annals of history no braver or more raanlj' deed was performed than was performed by this brave boy. At the time of the explosion being in the mine and realizing the danger, he gathered the body of his best friend, David Padfield, who had already succumbed to the deadly gas, upon his shoulder and his younger brother Willie Jones under his arm and started for the mouth of the mine where thej- might be resuscitated. In the hurry and excitement of his flight, his lamp became extinguished and catching his foot in one of the rails, and stumbling forward lost his gr^^sp upon the bodies he was carrying. His ankle was wrenched ^and not being able again to resume his load staggered forward alone, now suffering from his injured limb, and feeling the effects of the deadly damp upon himself. By frantic efforts he overcame the damp, reaching the mouth of the mine, alive where he was assisted by loving hands to his home.

The Board of Control herewith submit a synopsis of the business of the Endowment Rank transacted during the quarter ending- December 31, 1899, and showing the membership and Endowment in force, cash balances and investments.

Mtne Disaster

The new business obtained during- the closing- quarter of the year 1899 shows a decided iiiiprovement over the preceding quarter, while the year's results evidence that in the march of progress the Endowment Rank has kept pace with the best of fraternal institutions.

During the quarter, new sections numbering one hundred and seventeen were organized, distributed throughout thirty-fniir States and the Province of Ontario.

Thirtj'-one hundred and seven members were admitted and four million three hundred and fifty-one thousand (iollars endowment issued - an increase over the preceding quarter of furt)'-tv*'o sections, six hundred and sixty-four members and seven hundred and eighty-eight thousand dollars, endowment.

The death claims adjusted during the period number one hundred and fifty-nine, amounting to three hundred and eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-two dollars, which was paid the beneficiaries.

The work accomplished during the past year shows most gratifying results. Three hundred and sixty-nine sections and eleven thousand and thirty-four members were added to the roll. The certificates issued to this membership aggregate fifteen million seven hundred and seventeen thousand five hundred dollars.

Comparing this work with that obtained during the year 1898, an increase is shown of twenty-six hundred and fourteen members, and three million six hundred and seventy-six thousand dollars endowment.

-One million two hundred and two thousand dollars was disbursed during the year 1899 to the dependents of five hundred and eighty-nine deceased members.

The beginning of the current year shows thirty-nine hundred sections in operation, a membership of sixty thousand three hundred and nine, and the endowment in force one hundred and eight million ninety-eight thousand five hundred dollars.

The investments and csah on hand ag-gregate four hundred and eig-hty-eight thousand four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and sixty-nine cents, and the total amount paid for death claims fourteen million two hundred and twenty-six thousand and seventy-seven dollars and sixty-eight cents.

While the labors of the past j'ear have been most fruitful, the results fully meeting our expectations, your Board believe that a united effort on the part of the raembersip of the Rank, its officers and organizers will show the work of the vear 1900 to have exceeded all records of the past. Attest: Fraternallj',

The world was horrified at the terrible news that came from the little town of Scofield, Utah, May 1, The first report that a mine explosion had occurred there and fifteen men killed was serious enough. But when later reports came telling- of the awful fate that had overtaken the unfortunate miners working there and that two hundred of them had either been killed by the explosion or from the effects ot the af ler damp, it shocked the people throughout the country. Manj' from Salt Lake and citizens throughout the state hurried to that stricken town to render what assistance possible to the unfortunate ones. For two or three days a large force of men worked to get the dead from the mine. Salt Lake City was unable to furnish coffins enough and a large number were expressed from Denver, Colorado. The scene around the mine as the dead were brought out cannot be described, hundreds of women and children stood awestricken, waiting husband, father, or brother to be brought out a mangled corpse and strong men broke down with grief as some one dear to them was carried out and placed among the dead, and hundreds of women and children were weeping aloud as they discovered some of their dear ones who had left home only a few hours before in the full vigor of life, now cold in deatlj; how miserable and gloomy were the surroundings.

Brothers Sonnedecker and Harrison from Salt Lake City, representing the Pythian Order were early on the scene, to do all they could to aid those in dire distress. On Friday the following grand lodge officers went to Scofield to assist in burying our dead and to offer our sympathy to the bereaved ones: Grand Chancellor Gardiner; Grand Vice Chancellor Jennings, Grand Prelate, Stoney; Grand R. R. S., Wardleigh: and Knights McGill, Hobday, and others.

Rathbone Lodge No. 9, Scofield, was one of the most flourishing of the Pythian lodges of the state. It had forty-four enthusiastic, big hearted fellows with ample funds for its ordinary needs.

A number of its members had just formed an ii] corporation, the Fraternal Building Association of Scolield and Winter Quarters, and had completed arrangements to errect a handsome two story building halfway between the railroad station at Scofield and the company store in Winter Quarters between which two points nearly all the cottages of the mines and railroad emplo3'ees are located.

The building was arranged for entertainments on the ground floor, with ample stage room for the ordinary play. The upper lioor was arranged for a lodg-e room with ante rooms and a reception or banquet room. The building completed would have cost about 53,000. Two thirds of this amount was subscribed when the awful accident occurred which not only took away some of the biggest subscribers, but also some of the most active in all the affairs of the lodge. Fourteen of its members, loyal hearted and kind, were swept away in a breath, leaving many helpless widows and orphans.

The lodg-e by-laws provided S60 benefit to be paid in case of death, which alone amounts to S780, and that amount is increased almost as much more by the needs of widows and orphans.

Grand chancellor Gardiner issued the following circular to the lodges of this domain, which has been responded to most nobly and generiously.

Circular Letter

To all lodges. Knights of Pythias, Grand Domain of Utah. Greeting. The appalling- disaster which has befallen our sister lodge Rathbone No. 9 at Scofield, Utah, by which that lodge and our order has lost a large number of its membership, call for our deepest sympathj- and the tears of these widows and orphans thus bereft of their natural protectors admonish us to our duty. The occasion is one that requires that substantial aid be furnished at once; and I therefore call upon all lodges in the domain to appropriate for the benefit of the afHicted families of our deceased brothers such sums of money as they can aiford (making the amount as large as possible,) and recommend further that each lodge appoint a committee (of workers) to solicit subscriptions from the members of the Order individually. The committee so appointed will remit all sums so collected to Bro. L. H. Farnsworth, care Walker Bros' Bank, Salt L,ake Ctiy, who will see that the same is promptly forwarded to our brothers at Scofield for distribution.

The awful catastrophe and the deep distress resultinp;- there from must appeal to every Pythian heart, and I confidently submit the matter tn you. with the assurance that your response will be both g-enerous and prompt. I direct that the charter of each lodg-e be draped in mourning- for the period of thirty days.

As soon as full particulars are obtained information as to the full extent of our loss will be sent to each lodge. At present writing-, twelve members are known to have lost their lives, and it is feared that many more have perished.

The following- are the names of the brothers of Rathbone lodg-e No. 9, killed: Robt. Parish, V. C; James Jenkins, Prelate; John Webber, M. of F.; John X. Ivloyd, Trustee; S. W. Clark, John Hunter, W. C. Reese, Dan Pitman, John Pitman, J. R. Price, Wm. Parmley, Frank Strang, James Ferrins, Jos. S. Thomas.

The fifteen widows and fifty-one orphan children left by our deceased brothers, who meet such an untimely death in the mine, and we extend to them our sincere sympathy in their sad bereavement.

Whereas, on the first daj' of Maj-, A. D. 1900, a terrible mine explosion occurred at Scofield, Utah, thereb)' causing- the death of one hundred ninety-nine men. The most heartrending' disaster that ever occurred in this great commonwealth.

Whereas, it has pleased the Almighty God in this terrible sacrifice of human lives to remove from our midst eighteen loyal, brave and true Knights of Pythias, men worthy of esteem, confidence and love of our brethren, men who have so lived that the world is better for their having- lived. Their lives were a shining^ example of industry, frug-ality, love, and devotion to humanity.

Resolved, That to the widows and orphans of our deceased brethren we offer our prayers and sympathies. That while their grief and sorrow is almost unbearable, we urge them to bear up bravely. That the trials and vicissitudes of life are burdensome almost beyond human reasoning, but through all the pain, sorrow, and suffering, there appears the bright star of hope, a happiness in the great bej'ond, a meeting where there is no parting, no pain, no sorrow. Rest eternal.

We offer them our protection. We claim them as our own and will guard their homes against the ravages of want and need. Their joy is our joy, their sorrow our sorrow.

Resolved. That the resolution be spread upon the pages of our minute book and a cop)- forwarded to Rathbone Lodge No. 9, with instructions to forward a copy to the family of each deceased

B. F. Caffey, J. A. Harrison, T. T. Lamph. Committee. Unanimously passed by Eagle Lodge No. 13, Castle Gate, Utah, this 18th, day of May 1900.

The grand lodge of the Utah Kiiighis of Pythias closed its labors with the session of yesterday afternoon, and last evening was given a banquet by the Salt Lake lodges of the order that started the visiting delegates tor their respective homes with high ideas of the hospitality and good fellowship of the brethren in Zion. It was the general opinion at the close of the grand lodge that this was one of the very best meetings ever held by the order in this state. More seems to have been accomplished and with less friction than has been the case hitherto.

The first business of the morning session was the election of officers for the ensuing year, and the following is the result of this election:

Handle Kei,Ief Funds

The next matter taken up was the appointment of a special committee to handle and distribute the special fund being contributed by the Knights of Pythias of the entire country for the assistance of those left helpless b)' the Scofield mine disaster. The committee appointed is C. I. Duglas of Salt Lake, president; J. M. Beatie of Scofield, secretary; L. H. Farnsworthof Salt Lake, treasurer; J. A. Harrison of Castle Gate, first vice-president; F. H. Merevceather of Scofield, second vice-president.

There were seventeen Knights of Pythias killed in the Scc= field disaster. There are fifteen widows and fifty orphans left as a result; in one family there are a widow and seven children. An appeal was sent out to all K. of P. lodges to help these unfortun-

At the afternoon session a uniform code of laws was adopted for trials in the subordinate lodges, and this, it is thought, will dispense with much confusion.

The grand tribunal was given authority to henceforth take part in grand lodges and act as an advisory committee to the Grand Chancellor in all malters of law and the application of law.

At Afternoon Session

There was much oratory at the afternoon session. Judge H. H. Rolapp of Ogden delivered the principal address, a very fine one, dealing with the general good of the order.

The reports submitted and accepted show the order to be in first-class financial condition and the membership reports showhealthy and growing conditions.

In the evening- Myrtle lodge of Salt Lake, in special session, conferred the esquire and knight degree on a candidate for the entertainment and instruction of the visiting brethren, and the ritualistic work of the order was exemplified by the grand officers.

Knights At A Banquet

After Ihe work of the evening- was finished the fun began in a banquet given to the Grand lodge officers and delegates by the local lodges associated. The spread was a good one and the Knights had done enough hard work in the evening to cause them to enjoy it. When the cigars were lighted, W. P. Cooper was made toast master and punished everybody in sight by calling upon them for some performance. David Doty gave "The Alderman From the Fifth" in fine style; C. P. Jennings spoke briefly; Johu S. Lindsay recited "The Archery of Tell;" A. A. Buckler recited a medley of stock school pieces; J. J. LaBee told all about the Chinese troubles in the Chinese language; and A. M. Ashby every visitor to Scofield is impressed bj the fraternal relations of employer and employed. They were pleasant before the disaster, and calamity has only served to show them in a stronger light. Any eulogy, however eloquent, would be inadequate as a tribute to the bravery, the generosity, the self-sacrifice shown by everj' official of the Pleasant Valley Coal Company and the Rio Grande Western Railway Company, who has been called into service for the sufferers. Their devotion has been unlimited, ungrudging; it is a perfect refutation of the belief so often expressed that 'corporations have no souls.'

"Nor has the demonstration of corporate humanity been confined to these two great companies. The local companies that have contributed to the relief funds and the foreign aggregations of capital that have responded so generously, deserve the thanks

The Coai. Mine Catastrophe

"The calamity at Scofield grows in horror the more it is contemplated. Our country has been in war for two years past. In no battle have there been so many killed and so few wounded. Some who had faced death in battle repeatedly and came out unscathed, went down to death in a moment in that terrible pit. Men stand benumbed in the presence of such a catastrophe. In the horror only one thoug^ht fills the mind, that is, that those who are left must feel the loving- arms of the State around them; they must have the comfort which the full spontaneous sympathy of the State can g"ive them and their material needs must be ministered to. When one among the poor dies all others carry comfort to the stricken ones.

"For all the poor are piteous to the poor," but in this case every humble home has its dead, and the spectacle is pathetic enough to dress all the State in mourning-, that those poor people who are left may know that "The whole wide State weeps with their woe and the grief which all hearts share grows less for one. "

There is no reconcilement for sorrow that comes by such a stroke. When disease steals in and tortured souls from couches of pain take their flight, there is the poor comfort that their sufferings are over. But only the well and the strong are engaged in the work that these men were engaged in, and from the robustness of their manhood in a moment without notice, they were translated; the prop of many a family was broken, and around the desolation that follows, all po&sible comfort and sympathy must be drawn. We have read of such calamities in foreig^n mines. W.e nave read when the fishing fleets of New England come home in the autumn and report the number of lost, what the sorrow is; but these have seemed faraway calamities tons, such as could not afflict Utah. But these dead and this sorrow are at our ver^' doors, the tfuth is forced upon us that Utah is not exempt; that she must bear her part in the world's industrial trag-edies. It ought to soften all our hearts toward our fellow men; it ought to cause the whole state to draw its arms around the stricken ones who are left, with a tenderness that will be as a balm to the hearts that are breaking' and to the eyes that have grown wearj' with weeping.

Fok The Children'

The two orphan asylums of this city have been opened to the homeless children deprived of paternal care by the Sco field disaster Bishop Scanlon's generous tender of the orphanage accompanied by a statement in which was the genuine ring of true philanthropy and Christian Charity. No questions are asked no conditions imposed except these - Do these little ones need a home. Will they come to ours.

The ladies in charg-e of the orphans Home and Day Nursery, where so many helpless children have been befriended and started upon careers of usefulness have announced that they will look after such of the Scolield children as may be needing a shelter.

This is the help that counts. Tears may be wiped away by sympathetic hands. Suffering may be relieved with food or medicine. And these are the immediate needs of the hour. But a roof for the homeless, a chance for the fatherles^s, a refuge for the friendless will be provided by ministering angels long after the shock has been forgotten and the tragedy has faded into history.

Investigate

We think the state authorities, especiall)' the Governor, and if possible the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House, with the Attorney General should so soon as the immediate work at ScDtield is finished, undertake the investigation of the great disaster. One of two things is evident on the face of things. Either there was something wrong with the conditions something that human foresight ought to have avoided, or else it is a clear case that every man who goes to work in a Utah coal mine absolutely takes his life in his own hands. The proper way to ventilate the mines at least the most perfect way vet devised is not by blowing air into a mine, but by suction; the attachment of blowers on the outside that will draw from the mine its foul gases and permit the vacuum to be filled with a current of atmospheric air, because when a blast of pure air is driven into coal dust, it of it- self is sometimes enoug-h to cause an explosion. If this mine had suction blowers on the outside which were at work, and there were connections which permitted the drawing' of the foul yases from all p irts of the mine to the outside, and if the machinery was in order and working that would dera )nstrdte that the mine was too dangerous a place for men to work in. If, on the other hand, those gases had been alio A^ed to accumulate for days, then there was either gross carelessness or gross incompetency in the handling of the property, and thc:>se facts ought to be brought out, whatever they be, because coal mining in this state is still in its infancy. There are coal measure almost all the way from Wyoming to Saint George, and the amount of coal that will be taken from those mines, ten, fifteen or twenty years hence \\'\\\ be as g-reat probably as the amount now taken from the Pennsslvania mines. And this accident ought to be enough to determine not only the corporations, but the state authorities to see that such regulations are made as will draw every protection possible around the miners in the depths.

There ought to be a most rigid examination to see if the mining inspector has been performing his duty, and insisting that mDdern precautions should all the time be taken; that the appliance which science and experience dictate were all in working order in that properly. It is a fearful thing-. While in the pursuit of honest toil, there were in a moment so many men killed as would cause a shudder if the same record of death came from a battlefield, and if this catastrophe results in drawing such protection around miners hereafter as will most effectually protect them, then it will not have been altogether in vain. It is a frightful calamity. In the presence of it men are apt to be impatient and fault finding. There should be nothing of that, but there should be a calm and thorough investig"ation, and the truth should be known so that if any added precautions can be taken, they will be insisted upon.

Act With Wisdom

sympathy which should be felt for the bereaveri. The ^iflow and orphans now in the throes of auLruish if not despair, are ever before the mental vision of the humane. Aid for the afflicted s offered from all quarters. The rich are coming- forward with their larye donations, the poor with their smaller offerings as to amounts, but in many instances g-reater when g-aug^ed by their financial abilities. This is the only pleasing- feature in palliation of the horror, the magnitude of which has startled the whole civilized world. The movements of the municipal authorities in this, and a number of other cities in the State and of various associations, societies and firms for subscriptions for the re'ief of the suffering-, is laudable and encouraging, and the responses are instant and g-enerous. All this is gratifying in the extreme.

But there is a possible danger in the excitement of the hour to which we direct attention. That is, unwise distribution of tie means gathered from the benevolent. The circumstances of the families in distress are no doubt various, and require difference in the amounts and manners of help bestowed. Indiscrimitinte giving of alms would be unwise and might be unfair. Immediate relief is no doubt necessary in man3' cases and ought to be extended. But the funds that are now being raised ought to be discreetly handled. If each city or individual contributing expends its own means, it will be easily seen that confusion and duplication will be the result, and the most solutary benefits will not be obtained.

We advised that a Central Committee be appointed by the Governor of the State, to whom the various committees throughout the Utah shall report and send the contributions so collected, and who shall supervise the bestowal of that permanent assistance which will be necessary, according to the needs and circumstances of the bereaved. This suggestion has been adopted and it will prevent that confusion and the many mistakes which would be occasioned by the indiscriminate distribution of help from a number of different sources. Let the good work of subscription go on with energy and as rapidly as possible, while the warmth of the present sympathy remains at its greatest heig-hth and its wide spread extent. The mtssag^e of sympathy and condolence from President McKinley is ffratifying- and timely. It is a token of the universality of popular feeling- over this terrible calamity, unparalleled ill the history of the nation, and new to this ordinarily much blesi-ed commonwealth. Gather in the means as quickly as possible, but by all means org-anize a State committee for the wise distribution of the funds of sweet charity.

There is a manly tone in Superintendent Sharp's official statement printed in yesterday's Herald. He expresses the warmest sympathy for the bereaved families, and no man doubts that he feels the effect of the disaster as keenly as any who have suffered because of it. He mourns the death of his men and his heart goes out to the orphans. But what concerns him more than it concerns almost anyone else connected in any way with this trag-edy is its cause.

There will be no end of the investigation, he asserts, until the cause is determined beyond the shadow of a doubt. And his interest may be understood by his statement that "No mine in the United States was considered safer than Winter Quarters No. 4," and it is generally agreed that this is true. - i

The cause of the explosion is, therefore, a m3'stery. But Mr. Sharp declares that it will have to be solved. There must be no repetition of this May day horror.

The suggestions offered by Mr. B. L. Ldoyd published j-esterday, concerning the disposition of the Scofield Fund are worthy of serious consideration. Mr. Lloyd's idea is that it would be unwise to distribute at once among the afflicted families the large sum of money sj generously contributed, but that it would be far better to establish a permanent fund, for the support and education of the orphans. He believes this is the wisest solution of the problem that confronts the committee. Sufficient funds have not been sent direct to the scene of the disaster to remove for some time to come all danger of distress among the bereaved families. There will remain in the hands of the committee appointed by the

Governor a very large sum, posiibly one hundred thousand dollars. Each dependent widow and orphan might receive an equitable share eacii year, the system being so adjusted that the fund would not be exhausted until the last orphan became capable of support. Of cjurse the number of pensioners would rapidly diminish as widows become reuiarried and orphans become of age.

The equitable distribution of this inonej' will involve the preparation of a complete record of those who have been left without means of support, and this record, it seems to us, cannot be prepared too soon. The families are even now scattered all over the State of Utah, and some have gone to distant States. It would be unfortunate if some should be lost from view and thus fail to receive their just share.

These ideas are merely put forth as suggestions. The committee selected to administer the fund is composed of capable and conscientious gentlemen who are fully able to decide what is best to be done.

Symp.Athy And Sxggestions

The horror of a tragedy like that which accompanied the mine explosion at Scotield reaches farther than the community where it was enacted. It affects the entire state, becomes national in its scope and appalls the civilized world. It spreads as fast as the electric current ma3' run, and extends as far as the wires bear messages to mankind.

The sickening story which has thrilled Utah for two days is a subject for general discussion in eastern cities and European capitals. Messages of condolence and regret were received from President McKinley and from President Loubet of F" ranee, almost simultaneously-. Offers of assistance pour in from every distance and direction. Generous contributions have been telegraphed by Utah men, temporarily absent from the State, and by business men in many places. Raphael, Wiel & Co., wholesale clothiers of San Francisco, wired S250. The Brandenstein Tea Company of the same place, SIOO. Henry Phipps, of the Carnegie Company, SlOO, and so on through the list which is printed elsewhere in this mornings "Herald."

Ever3' mail brinj^-s in a rich freightag-e of donations and expressions of sympathy from this and surrounding states, intermingled with which are inquiries concerning the cause of the disaster and theories fixing the responsibilitj'.

At this time the cause is only problematical. To fix the blame is out of the question now. It is in poor taste for a newspaper to pass judgment upon such cases while the public is under the influence of sudden shock and bereavement.

The Herald believes there will be an early investigation and that it will be thorough and searching. More lamentable than present death and suffering would be the failure to learn from this disaster, something in the direction of preventing such tragedies in the future. Some explanation must be found. Some responsibility must be fixed, either upon the victims, the Company, or the system under which coal is mined. For it will not do to go on taking chances with cheerful optimism while such calamities are not only liable to occur again at any time, but in any mine where similar conditions prevail.

This, however, is a time for sympathy and succor. When the dead are buried and the immediate wants of the survivors attended to, it will be time for the serious consideration of precautionary measures or measures calculated to at least minimize the danger of such wholesale destruction of human life.

Equals Ashtabula Horrok

Hardly a family is free from the touch of the angel of death. Nearly three hundred brave miners lie wrapped in the habiliments of the grave, awaiting the sepulchre. On that day, the first of May, memorable now as one of horror and gloom, men kissed their wives and little ones and went into the mine. No warning voice whispered aught of coming doom. Without, fair nature smiled, the bird's song thrilled the air with music, and myraids of flowers flung their fragrance to the passing breeze. There was a rumble as of distant thunder, clouds of smoke and dust and the hearts of those men were stilled forever. (Jf all who went into th'at mine not one escaped to tell the sad sstory of suffocation and death. There were shrieks and smothered cries and trembling^s of distress and runnings to and fro. Such scenes of agony as transpired in those tunnels beggar the pencil of a Raphael to picture; defy a pen like that of Hugo to describe. Fathers and sons were locked in each other's arms. The whole mine was a raging inferno. The men were burned and scarred and wounded, many of them beyond recognition. Many of them had their feet and hands burned awa}', some were decapitated, many were roasted alive. Whole families perished --locked in one another's arnjs and silent in a last embrace."

No such disaster has ever before happened in Utah. It is one of the horrors of the century and will go down in histury hy the side of the Ashtabula disaster and that of the death bridge of the Lay. All that human sj'mpathy and help can do is being done for both the dead and the living. All hearts go out in sympathy for the stricken wives and children who sit and weep beneath this awful cloud of sorrow.

(Los Angeles Herald.) The mine explosion in Utah last Thursday was probably the worst disaster of the kind that has taken place in this country. Such things seem to be almost periodic, and all the ingenuity and precautions seem futile to eradicate all danger. If nothing has been left undone in the way of safety precautions, the men themselves grow careless. Coal minin<^ is an extra hazardous occupation at the best, and it has been degraded in more ways than one. To begin with the coal resources of the country are practically in the hands of a monoply that is able to control the output and to raise or lower prices as it sees fit. Its power is almost as great in the matter of wages, but the federation of miners has been able to make some headway against it. The importation tirst of contract labor and then of the woi'se offscourings of Europe to take the place of intelligent, civilized labor in the mines, has almost driven American labor from the field, more especially in the East.

In the West the conditions are not quite so prorotinccd, and the lon^ list of the butchered in the Utah disaster indicates that many Americans were employed.

Doubtless the conditions are very much better than they used to be, but it has been a hard tight to secure the chanties. Ordinary precautions are no certain protection. In addition to the Utah calamity yesterday moriiini^'s papers reported mines afire in two other localities' The coal miner takes his life in his hand every time he g-oes down iuto the bowels of the earth, to earn his daily bread by the sweat of his brow.

Necessary Precautions

(Pittsburg- Dispatch.) \The Utah mine disaster is the worst of its kind for many years. The death list is simply appalling. Like the explosions which have occured in Pennsylvania mines it is difficult to determine the immediate responsibility. But like the similar disasters of this state it may be assumed that lack of proper precautions is at the bottom of it, and probably insufficient safeguards. Whether some incompetent or reckless miner took liberties with doors or lamps is a matter for the Utah authorities to determine. Yet there remains for all the lesson that mining- laws should go beyond the perfunctory examinations of working-s to secure the safety of human life. The requirements reg-arding- ventilation and safety appliances should be of the strictest. In addition, the qualifications of miners should be fixed by law. Irresponsible persons ought not to be permitted to jeopardize the lives of their fellows. '

Protection For Miners

(Park City Record.) There will be no immediate suffering for lifes necessities by the stricken families, for generous hands and responsive hearts, will come to their relief and minister to them. Few, indeed, will hesitate to contribute their mite for such a worthy cause. We hope that there will be no omissions, that each sufferes may be given every aid and consolation that can be extended to the broken hearted. There is but one good, that can result from the horri- ble trag-ed}', and that is it will cause better protection and more safe guards to be thrown around thpse who toil in such places, so that tliere can be no recurrence of such a disaster, no more blottin;? out of lives that have not even the enjoj'ment of God's sunlight in their labors.

We hope there will be a thorough investigation as to the cause, and that the blame, if there be any placed where it belongs. The truth should he known, and the responsibility, heavy as it is, should rest on the shoulders of ihe guilty ones, if guiltj' there be.

What Wilt- Malad Do

(Malad (Idaho) Enterprise.) Down in Scofield, Utah, in one of the mines of the Pleasant Valley Coal Company, an explosion occurred on May 1 and every man employed in the mine, numbering about three hundred was killed. Three hundred men killed; two hundred wives made widows and probably six hundred children left fatherless. This is by far the most terrible disaster which has ever occurred in this intermountain region. There are today in Scofield, about eight hundred women and children left entirely alone without any visible means of support absolutely destitute. Subscriptions are being raised in every town in this country to relieve the terrible distress and we believe Malad should do something and do quick. Ivet the maj'or take hold of the matter and send out soliciting- committees. The Enterprise will start the ball rolling with five dollars, and will receive contributions which the people feel disposed to make until such time as some other arrangements can be made. The names of contributors and the amount will be published in these columns.

Manti Generosity

To think of the terrible fate of the miners in that explosion and then to remember the families left in almost destitute circumstances IS enough to make any able-bodied man contribute to the relief of these heart broken families.

Thi& terrible accident is certiinly a very sad affair as many of the tatnilies are rep;.>rted to be almost destitute and we hope our citizens will open their pocket books as wide as possible and donate liberally, as the means will be ^iven to the families of these unfortunate miners who were burned, smothered, and cruelly killed while performing their duty.

Help The Bekeaved Ones

The Democrat extends its deepest heart felt sympathy to those who lost their dear ones and friends in the Winter Quarters mine disaster. Humanity stands appalled, man j^azes blankly at his fellow man and the tong'ue is dumb tc' utterance when death snuffs out the light of so man_v lives. But though we are help'less in the presence of death, though we cannot ease or resuscitate those who have departed into eternity, who are happy now in the midst of a fuller life, still let us give a word of cheer and a helping hand to the bereaved ones.

The manner of their death was sad, but nearly all passed away without experiencing pain; the greatest sorrow and sadness is for those who will no more know the loving care of a father, the love of a husband or brother. Those who died are in the presence of the Almighty'; trust Him, they are content.

Kock Springs Will Help

The explosion at Scofield, Utah, is the worst in the histor3' of the west. Two hundred and fiftj' dead bodies have been recovered, and there are more in the mine. In every house in Scofield there is a vacant chair and poignant grief overshadows the town like a cloud. It is awful, awful. Many of the victims are known here. Words are useless. Sympathy we extend, but it seems only mockery. L,et us do more. Rock Springs ought to organize a committee for a relief fund. Who will lead? The Miner columns are at the service of the people and the Miner is with any movement to temporarily ameliorate the sufferings of the distressed.

Mine Inspectors Kkpokt

Gomel" Thomas, the State Coal Mine Inspector, on Janmry 1, 1900, made to Governor Wells the following- report on the condition of the Winter Oiiarters mine:

Winter Quarters mine is the property of the Pleasant Valley Coal company, and is situated about sixteen miles up a canyon off the main line, on a branch of the Rio Grande Western railway from Colton.

The mine is under the supervision of T. J. Parmley and is one of the oldest mines in the State of Utah, and the largest producer, producing- in 1899, 438, U)7 short tons, using 4,-lCO kegs of powder, an increase of 123,256 tons. It employes 342 men. Average number of days worked 305 in 1899.

The mine is artificially ventilated with a Guibal exhaust fan, running at the rate of tifty-five revolutions per minute, producing 45,000 feet of air per minute, which is distributed to all the working p'aces in the mine. All coal is hauleci on main haulage waj's by a Thompson, Houston hoist.

The improvements made at this mine during 1899 are: Lar.,'e side tracks inside of mine, one new chute, three 77.\'16 b(jilers, powder line, stokers for each boiler house, large boarding house and one larye bunk house.

\My first official visit of inspection was on January 9th to 13tl'. The mine was working full time with good ventilation. On the 12th of January was our first experience with trouble with the eight hour law. The drivers came out dissatisfied with going out and in on their own time. They demanded 25 cents of advance per day, or go in and out on the company's time. They were out one day. They decided that they go in on the company's time and come out on their own time. On this visit I found lots of room in the manway making- it inconvenient for the men to go and come from their work. I sug-gested to T. J. Parmley that this be fixed at once, which was done immediately.

My second visit of inspection was on March 14th to I7th. I found the mine working full time with the usual number of men, with mine working two .shifts. On this visit I found a iiumLerof stopin^s on the main entry leaking-, which caused a scarcity of air in the working places. I took the foreman and showed hi.n this and he had it repaired at once.

On my third visit of inspection to this mine, June 9th to 12th, I examined the mine inside and out. I found it in g-ood condition but not working full time. I found plenty of prop and cap pieces placed near the working places in accordance with the law. The fan was running at the rate of a little less than fifty-five revolutions, producing 4v^.0C0 cubic feet per minute. The mine was drained properlj', with all working and traveling places dry.

My fourth official visit of inspection was July 12th to 14th. ' On this visit I inspected the mine inside and out. The mine was working one shift and not on full time. The superintendent was making lots of repairs, preparing for the fall trade. I found the mine in general in a verj- fine condition.

My fifth visit of inspection was July 28th to 30th. On this visit I examined the mine inside and out. Thej' were working two shifts with 375 men.

All the miners were getting all the work thej^ could do. and the Company could not fill all its orders for the want of more miners. The ventilation was fairly good, considering the amount of powder used in the mine. All shots are fired in this mine by the miners at any time.

My seventh official visit \i as December 2Tid to 6th. On this visit I inspected Winter Quarters Numbers One, Two and Four. All the miners were working full time, and all the men they could get, and all in good condition, with good air and all drainages were in good shape, and all employees working eight hours. The run of the mine Number One on this date was 2000 short tons.

1507. State Coal Mine Inspector, Term. The Governor with the advice and consent ot the Senate must appoint a State Coal Mine Inspector, who shall hold office for the terra of four years and until his successor is appjinted and has qualified; Provided, that such Inspector may be removed at the pleasure of the Governor. The present incumbent shall hold office for the period of his appointment unless sooner removed.

1508. Id. Qualification; The Coal Mine Inspector shall be a coal miner of not less than five years practical experience, and he shall have been a coal miner in this State for at least two years prior to his appointment. No person interested in the operation of a coal mine in this State, nor any emploj'ee of a coal mining company, shall be qualified to hold such office.

1509. Id. Bond. The Inspector shall give bond to the Slate, in the sum of five thousand, conditioned for the faithful discharfre ot his duties.

1510. Id. Duties: It shall be the duty of the coal mine inspector, to make careful and thorough inspection of each coal mine operated in the state, at least quarterly; and to report to the Governor at least once a year upon the condition of each coal mine in the state with reference to the appliances for the safety of the miners, the number of air and ventilating shafts, slopes,or tunnels, the number of shafts, slopes, or tunnels for ingress or egress, the character and condition of the machinery for operating, ventilating and draining of such mines and the quantity of air supplied to the same.

1511. Id. Residence Apparatus. The inspector shall reside in the state, and shall devote the whole of his lime to the duties of his office. He shall purchase by and with the consent of the Board of Examiners, such apparatus, as may be required by him to properly discharge his official duties, and the auditor shall issue a warrant foranv such bills when certified bv the Board of Examin- ers. All instruments, plans, maps, books, memoranda, noles, and other propert)' pertaining- to the office shall be the property of the state and shall be kept b_v the inspector, and shall be by him delivered to his successor in office.

1512. Id. Inspection of Mines. It shall be lawful for the inspector to enter and inspect at any time any coal mine in the state and the working's and the machinery thereof, without, however impeding- or obstructing the working- of the mine, and to make inquirj' as to the condition of the mine, works, machinery, ventilation, and mode of lig-hting, and into all matters or thing-s connected with or relating- to the safetj' of the persons employed in or about said mines. The owner or manag-er is hereby required to furnish means necessary for such entr}' inspection or examination, and inquiry and to paj' the fee therefor as provided by law. The inspector shall keep a record of each inspection and of the material facts connected therewith.

1513. Unsafe Mines, Notice. Penalty. In case the inspector shall find that a mine is not properly worked, or is not furnished with proper machinery' or appliances for the safety of the mines and all other employees, it shall be his duty to give notice to the owner or manag-er of such mine that it is unsafe. The notice shall specify in what particulars the mine is unsafe, and shall require the owner or manag-er to provide the necessary additional machinerj', shafts, slopes, tunnels, entries, means of escape or ventilation, or other appliances, within a stated period. If the improvements are not made as required in the notice it shall be unlawful, after the time fixed therein fur the owner or manag-er to operate such mine.

1514. Id. Injunction to Restrain Operation. As a cumulative remedy in the case of the failure of any owner or manager of any mine to comply with the requirements contained in the notice of the inspector, given in pursuance of this chapter, any court of competent jurisdiction, or judge of said court in vacation may, on the application of the inspector in the name of the state, supported by the recommendation of the governor, issue an injunction restraining the operation of such mine, until the requirements are

1515. Plans of Working's to be furnished. The owner or manager of each coal mine in the state shall make or cause to be made an accurate map or plan of the workings of such mines, on a scale of one hundred feet to the inch, which shall exhibit all the openings or excavations, shafts, tunnels, slopes, planes, g'angways, entries, cross-headings, rooms, etc. of such mine, and show the directions of the air currents therein; and shall accurately show the boundar3' lines between slid mine and adjoining mines. Such map or plan or a true copy thereof shall be furnished to the inspector, and another CJp}' slall be kept at such mine for the inspection of employees therein. The owner or manager shall at least once in every six months, place or cause to be placed on the map or plan and on said copies thereof, an accurate showing of all the additional excavations which have been made during said six months in the mine. The several maps or plans of mines in the state which are furnished to the state inspector shall be transferred by him to his successor in office; and in no case shall any copy of any of them be made without the consent of the owner or manag-er who furnished the map. If the state inspector shall find or have good reasons to believe that any map or plan of any coal mine made or furnished in pursuance of the provisions of this chapter, is materially inaccurate or imperfect, he is authorized to cause a correct plan or map of said mine to be made at the expense of the owner or manager thereof, the cost of which shall be recoverable by law: Provided; that if the map or plan which is claimed to be inaccurate, shall prove to be practicall)' correct, then the state shall be held liable for the expense incurred in making attempted correction.

1516. Penalty for Unlawful Operation. Any owner or manager who shall continue to operate a mine, in violation of any provision of this chapter, after the expiration of the period mentioned in the notice hereinbefore provided for, shall upon conviction be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.

1517. Escapes, Shafts. In each coal mine in the state, the owner or manager thereof shall provide at least two shafts, slopes, tunnels or other outlets separated by natural strata or formations of not less than one hundred and fifty feet in breadlh, by which ingress and egress shall always be available to the persons employed in the mine, wherever two or more veins of coal shall be worked in any mine, an escapement shall be made between each of them. In no case shall a furnace shaft be deemed an escape shaft.

1518. Ventilation. The owner or manager of every coal mine, of the depth of one hundred feet or more, whether the mine shall be operated by shaft, slope, tunnel or other outlet, shall provide an adequate amount of ventilation of not less than one hundred cubic feet of pure air per minute, for each person at work in said mine, and three hundred cubic feet of pure air per miuute for each animal used therein, which air shall, by proper appliances or machinery, be forced through such mine to the face of each, and every working place, so as to dilute and render harmless and expel therefrom the noxious or poisonous gases, and all workings shall be kept clear of standing gas; Provided, that in all mines wherein fire damp or other explosive gases are known to exist, double the quantity of pure air hereinbefore mentioned, shall be provided.

1519. Props and Cap Pieces. The owner or manager of any coal mine operated within the State shall keep a sufficient supply of timber on hand to be used as props and cap pieces, so that the workmen employed therein may at all times be able to properly secure said workings from caving in, and it shall be the duty of said owner or manager to send down into the mine such props or cap pieces and place them not more than one hundred feet from the place of such workings.

1520. Speaking Tubes. In shaft or slope mines where persons are hoisted by machinery', a metal speaking tube or other suitable appliance shall be provided in all cases so that conversation may be carried on through the same from the top to the bottom of the shaft or slope.

1521. Shafts and Hoisting- Apparatus. In shaft mines shall be provid* d an approved safety catch and sut'ticient cover overhead on every cag-e used in lowering- or hoisting persons, and there shall be provided at the bottom of every hoisting- shaft at the sides thereof a traveling- vs-ay, which shall be sulficiently hig-h and wide to enable persons to pass the shaft without having- to go over or under the cage or hoisting- apparatus.

1522. Eng-ineers Hoisting- men. Only experienced, con - petent and sober men shall be placed in charge of hoisting- apparatus or engines, and the maximum number of persons who may ascend or descend upon any hoisting- apparatus at one time shall be determined "by the inspector.

1523. Report of Accidents. In case of fatal accident, a full report thereof shall be made by the owner or manager to the inspector. The report must be made in writing- within ten days after such accident shall have occurred. Any case of non fatal accident that has been sutficientlj- serious as to prevent the injured person from continuing"- his reg- »lar employment for one week, shall likewise be reported to the inspector.

1525. "Owners"' includes lessees, etc. Whenever the term "owner or manager"' is used in this chapter, the same shall include lessees or other persons controllings the operation of any mine, and in case of any violation of the provisions of this chapter by any corporation, the managing- officers and superintendents or other managing- agents of such corporation shall be personally liable to puni-hment as provided in this chapter for owners or managers.

1.S26. Examining Boards, Mine and Fire Bosses. On the petition of the mining- inspector the District court in any county in this State shall at the first term after January first, eig-hteen hundred and ninety-eight, appoint an examining board for such county, consisting of the State Inspector of coal mines, an operator of a coal mine and a coal miner who shall be citizens of the United States, and the latter two of which board shall have at least five years of experience in the mines of the State, whose duty it shall be to examine any person applying thtjreto as to his c -mijetencv and qualifications to dischar«-e the dutifs of miningboss, said board of examiners shall meet at the call of the inspector, and they shall g^rant certificate to all persons whose examination shall disclose their fitness fur the duties of mining- boss. And such certificate &hall be sufiticient evidence for the competency and qualifications of the holder for the duties of said offlce, provided: - that any person who shall have been emjl lyed as a miner at least five years in the coal mines of Utah and as mining boss continuously by the same person or firm or corporation, for the period of one year preceding^ January first eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, may be entitled if in the judgment of the inspector, he be qualified to a certifidate without undergoing such examination; but he shall not be employed by any other person or firm or corporation without having undergone such examination. The members of the examining board, other than the inspector, shall hold the office for the period of two years from the date of their appointment, and shall receive five dollars per day for each day necessarily and actuall)' employed, and mileage at the rate of fifteen cents per mile for each mile necessarily- traveled, to be paid by the State. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled by the court of the proper oounty. except the vacancy in the ofifice of the inspector. Sessions of the examining board shall not exceed three days in each quarter, and for any certificate granted the board shall receive the sum of one dollar, the same to be paid into the State treasury. No person shall act as fire boss unless granted a certificate of competency by the State inspector of coal mines. After January first eighteen huncred and ninety-eight, no owner, operator, contractor, lessee or agent, shall employ any mining boss or fire boss who dcjes not have the certificate of competency required. Said certificate shall be posted up in the office of the mine, and if any accident shall occur in any mine in which a mining boss or fire boss shall be employed who has no certificate of competency as required by this chapter, by which any miner S'hall be killed or injured, he or his estate shall have a right of action against such operator, owner, lessee or agent, and shall recover the full damage sustained; in case of death, such action to be broutfht by the administrator of his estate, within three years from the date of accident, the proceeds recovered to be divided among- the heirs of the deceased according to law.

1527. Stretchers. It shall be the duty of the owners, operators, contractors, superintendents, lessees or agents of coal mines to keep at the mouth of the drift, shaft or slope and such other places as shall be desig-nated by the mine inspector, stretchers, properly constructed for the purpose of carrjing away any mijier or employee working in or about such mine who may in any way be iniured in and about his employment.

1528. Coal mines hereby affected. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to or affect any coal mine in which not more than six men are employed in twent^'-four hours, provided that v.'hen considered necessarj' by the inspector he shall make or cause to be made an inspection of such mine and direct and enforce any regulation in accordance with the provisions of this chapter that he may deem necessary for the safety, health or lives of the miners.

Chaptek I. - Fees Of State Officers

1336. On Public Works. Eight hours shall constitute a day's work on all works or undertakings carried on or aided by the State, County or municipal government.

1337. In Mines and smelters. The period of employment of working men in all underground mines or workings, and in smelters and all other institutions for the reduction or refining of ores or metals, shall be eight hours per day, except in cases of emergency where life or property is in imminent danger. Any person, body corporate, agent, manager, or employer, who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

The Body Of Thomas Padfield Found

recovered this morning'-. It was not so badly mutilated as many others, the timbers having- in some way protected it. The deceased was married and leaves one child. His widow has been prostrated ever since the accident and the recover)' of the body will be a j^reat relief to her.

Padfield was a partner of Edwin Street, the last man recovered, and the two were working^ tog^ether in the room when struck by the after damp.

A'o trace has yet been found of John Pitman's body, and in all probability it is in another part of the mine. It can only be a few davs at most now when every body is recovered and then the Compar-y will be prepared to resume work at Number One.

WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE? (San Francisco Chronicle.) All the mine disasters that have heretofore occurred in the western states cannot be compared with that which happened on Tuesday through an explosion at the Pleasant Valley company's collieries at Scofield, Utah. It is represented that from 300 to 400 miners lost their lives in it. The cause of the explosion is not known, as the livini^ who were brought out were not near the scene when it occured. The mine is claimed to have been well ventilated and it had the reputation of being free from gas. Similar conditions A'ere supposed to exist in other collieries where fatal explosions took place, which were traceable to an overconfidence in these fancied conditions of security. As a matter of fact, no colliery is absolutely safe from explosion. Even though the seams of coal worked be free from gas or fire damp, the atmosphere of the mine becomes in time thoroughly impregnated with fine coal dust, which is as combustible as gunpowder. In many colliery disasters the main damage follows the gas explosion through the ignition of the dust in the air of the mine.

If the Pleasant Valley colliery was really free from fire damp it may be revealed later that the explosion was due to the firih^' of the coal dust throug-h the indiscreet handling of lights or the reckless use of powder. Miners grow careless, almost to recklessness in their operations if they become impressed with the belief that the ground is safe and comparativel3' free from the greater perils incident to the business of mining. But there was another danger menacing the miners employed in the Pleasant Valley colliery which might have been avoided. Mine Number Four is said to have been used as a powder magazine, and the levels of that mine communicated with others on the vein. One survivor intimates that the explosion was in the direction of the magazine. This fact seems to imply that it was the powder stored in the underground magazine which exploded and that the coal dust in the air of the drifts was ignited by it. Clearly, then, the disaster comes under the head of those which could with ordinary care and rational regulations have been prevented. If so, seme one in authority is criminally responsible for the catastrophe and should be held accountable for it.

The Utah Disaster

To those who are accustomed to the ordinary risks - or the absence of extraordinary risks - that attended the usual occupations the terrible disaster in the Scofield mine in Utah will serve as a reminder of the daily and hourly danger surrounding the men who delve in the bowels of the earth for mineral wealth that nature has stored there. Over 400 lives ended in a flash - that is the story. It is a loss nearly equaling that of the one great battle of the Spanish- American war; one that has scarcely been excelled in the battles of the South African war now raging.

It is such disasters as this that appall - hundreds of men in a maze of workings, hundreds of feet below the surface of the earth, cut off Irom all possible hope of rescue or escape, teeling death stealing upon them with the absolute certainty that it is but a question of minutes when the)' must yield up their lives - it is a

AfiFairs of this kind, involving such enormous mortality, are more liable to occur in mines like that at Scofield than in those which serve to make up Butte's greatness. For it is in coal mines where the deadly fire damp and the almost equally dangerous black damp are to be found. In the mines where the more precious minerals are found these elements of danger are missing. There are always risks, to be sure, but these are minimized by the exercise of precaution in the way of proper timbering, air shafts, and other things the law calls for.

Strung out over the course of the year the fatalities in the mines of Butte are numerous enough. But the conditions fortunately, are such that no approach to the horrible affair that took place in Utah is within the range of probabilities.

A prosperous mining camp has been lurned into a place of woe and desolation. Pale-faced and hollow-eyed women walk the streets in silent grief or rend the air with pitiful cries, bewailing the loss of a husband, son or brother, and consoling words but serve to intensify their awful grief. Children sob and look at the cold, dead face of father or brother, whose blackened lips cannot respond to the endearing words of the household pet. It is pitiful 1 We, here in this thrice blessed valley, can not realize the depth and horror of this awful disaster but a hundred miles distant. No pen can portray the appalling scenes enacted there. Even angels would turn aside to weep.

Scofield is full of desolate homes. Hundreds of children are fatherless and bereaved wives there are by the scores. Soon gaunt poverty will walk the streets, for few of these dead miners were men of means. Women and children must not be permitted to suffer. Undoubtedly aid will be solicited. And we believe the broad minded people of Utah will give ear to the cry of distress. company's burden heavy. (Provo Enquirer.)

assuaged, their desires will be for a most complete investigation of the disaster that the blame of the whole affair maj- be placed where it properly belongs. In this they will be joined by the rest of the citizens of the State. And if it shall be found that the P. V. Coal company has not used due precaution to prevent the terrible catastrophe, something will at least have to be paid for the support of the manj' widows and orphans that have been made through the many deaths in their mines. On the other hat:d, if it be one of those calamities that will overtake men in the coal mines, even though every precaution is taken to guard against them, then the harsh criticism of the company should cease, for its burden is heavy and losses already great.

Time For Deeds Of Mekcy

The Scotield disaster can be placed with the greatest disasters known to mining. Under such circumstances the souls of men should be stirred to deepest compassion and a spirit of charity should take hold of our purse strings that the dollars, which will be dropped into the lap of distress in Scofield, may in a measure provide the women and little children against heartaches and worriments that want and poverty can add to their present sufferings.

Those who have should give. freely and we believe that those who do give will bring to themselves the sweet consciousness of a duty performed that will carry with it the prayers of thankfulness of the widows and orphans of Winter Quarters.

Thousand Children Fatherless

The explosion at Scofield is too horrible for the mind of man to grasp. Two hundred human beings were hurled into eternity in a moment. Two hundred cold and mangled bodies were brought to the surface, where a vast crowd of wailing women and children met their lifeless loved ones. Dark despair holds sway in hundreds of homes. A thousand children are left fatherless.

tion of the scene. It is more Americans than were killed in the Spanish-American war. May the God of the fatherless comfort the hearts of those who mourn, and let every hand in the State join to provide for their needs.

Destitution And Gkief

It is a fearful calamity which has overtaken the little town of Scofield; and not onlj- that town, but many others in the State. Probably 150 families were in one fell moment robbed of their protectors and providers. The coal miner and his family usuallylive from hand to mouth, and destitution will be added to grief unless the people of Utah come to their relief, as we hope and believe they will. When the list reaches Cache valley we trust that the response will be as general and liberal as the cause is deserving.

Whole State Mourns

(Lehi Banner.) The calamity of the explosion at Pleasant Valley coal mine is one which causes the whole people of the state to sorrow in their very hearts for those 300 who have suffered so cruel a death, and for relations and friends who have so suddenly been robbed of their fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands. The explosion is the worst known in the west.

Helena Independent: The Mining horror strikes home to Montana hearts. Thousands of our worthy citizens are exposed to similar dangers by reason of their occupation. Those who go down to the depth to toil are continually in the presence of calamity which appalls the heart.

The Ssofield Mine Disaster

kO sooner had the Salt Lake dailies heard of the disaster, and knowing well the condition of laboring- men's families when the Bread Winners are taken away, called for relief, which has since been of such benefit to the families of the deceased, that they and their relatives cannot find words to express their thankfulness to everyone who has assisted them in their hour of desolation and need.

Treasurer A. L. Thomas, of the Salt Lake Relief Committee, announced the following- places where funds for the Scofield sufi^erers would be received and where the subscription papers bearing the sig-nature of the treasurer would be placed. Number 1. Wells, Farg-o & Co. " 2. W. S. McCornick & Co.

I'He Sco Field Mine Disaster 199

Number 42. Henry Dinwoody Furniture Co. 43. P. W. Madsen. " 44. National Biscuit Company. " 45. Geo. Mullet and Co. " 4h. J. P. Gardner and Co. " 47. Siegel Clothing- Co. " 48. Salt Lake City Brewing Co. " 49. Henry Wagner Brewing Co. " 50. A Fisher Brewing Co. " 51. Barton and Co.

67. Salt lyake City Post office. Never before in the annals of history did the people of the United States answer to a call of distress with more alacrity than did the people of Utah, and in fact all of the States, respond to the appeal for help for the widows and children of the miners killed at Nunber Four. Many of the families had been left with- <jut any support and the funds that were so generously contributed will be of great help to them in their distress.

coal mine, on the first of May have stunned our commonwealth with horror and plunged all our citizens in deepest grief. Of some 300 men who went into the mine on that fatal morning more than 225 at this hour have been brought to the surface dead, while the search for and recovery of others certain to have perished is still going on. A disaster so awful staggers comprehension. It has fallen upon the community like a deadly pall. It is a shock that blows the spirit of those most easily moved and chills with sickening gloom, the stoutest hearts. In the sympathy which swells from every soul in the civilized world toward us in this hour of supernal sorrow, there is also a prompt and generous tender of material aid and comfort from the public spirited citizens of our state toward the familici? .s(j suddenly and cruelly bereaved. The readiness and magnanimity with which these offers of assistance have been made are at once creditable and characteristic. But in the presence of a mortality so enormous the means already subscribed, though reaching many thousands of dollars, can but suffice for the needs of the moment. To the paralyzing sadness which enshrouds the widows and orphans there cannot be added, doubt ordesp.iir as to the means of satisfying daily wants.

The consolation that sooths and binds up the bleeding heart, must come from a higher source. Let ours be the duty to administer human succor till every afflicted one shall have passed safely through this period of crushing distress.

It is therefore most earnestly enjoined upon all who have thus far interested themselves in this direction and upon all the people of the State to continue without relaxation the work of relief so well begun. It is improbable that the actual needs of the bereaved families will fall in any measure short of the aid that can be extended. All mayors of cities and presidents of town boards throughout the State should immediately take steps, where this has not already been done, to have the work of collection performed in a thorough and systematic manner. It is suggested that this be done by the appointment of trustworthy and energetic committees who will conduct the canvass among their

And with a view to establishing a responsible central repository for the fund so collected and providing- a competent and equitable method of distribution to the sufferers, I, Heber M; Wells, Governor of Utah, reposing special trust and confidence in the following named citizens, do hereby appoint them a central relief committee, requesting them to receive all contributions that have been or shall hereafter be made, and to apportion and distribute the same to those entitled to receive them, as their best judgment may dictate: J. T. Hammond, Ezra Thompson, E. W. Wilson, of Salt Lake City; Lafayette Holbrook, Provo; John Jones, Spanish Fork; O. G. Kimball and T. J. Parmley, Scofield.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 3rd day of May, A. D. 1900.

"I mourn deeply with Utah's people in this sorrowful hour. Express my sincere sympathy to the sorrowing families. All classes here sympathize deeply with the bereaved ones. The j^'z/^w/w^i,'- 5'^'t7;' offers to accept and transmit contributions. Can we do anything else?"

Governor Wells' being thoroughlj- conversant with the condition of affairs at Scofield, and realizing that there were many persons outside the State who were desirous of contributing to the relief fund issued the following: disasters throughout the world has fallen upon the people of Utah. On the morning- of May 1st, over 300 men went calmly to their work in the Winter Quarters mine at Scofield. Within a few short hours their dead and mangled bodies were being brought to the surface \>y heroic hands of rescuers. At this writing the exact number of the killed cannot be given, but when alj the bodies are recovered the death list will probablj' include 250 names. A large proportion of these were heads of families, and to the awful horror of the disaster itself are added the tears, the cries, the misery, of widows and orphans. An entire community stands stricken and benumbed in the presence of the appalling visitation.

Many thousands of dollars have already been contributed to the relief fund by municipalities, corporations, and individuals within the state, while many thousands more will no doubt be collected by the various committees and agencies having the work in hand. But the magnitude of the disaster and the large number of women and children who have been solemnly rendered helpless and dependent upon the charit)- for the means to supply their daily wants constitute a problem to the solution of which our utmost willingness and resources will hardlj' prove adequate.

Now, therefore, in view of these conditions, and to the inquiries from cities, companies and friends outside the state, indicating the splendid sympathy and magnificent generosity of the American people, 1 deem it my duty as Governor of Utah, to issue this statement to the people of the United States, inviting them, as they may feel disposed, to assist in the relief of the bereaved and heartbroken and dependent families.

Contributions maj' be sent to J. T. Hammond, secretary of State, and chairman of central relief committee, Salt Lake, or if more convenient, to Spencer, Trask & Co., of New York, who are appointed and designated the eastern collection agency.

with sincerest gratitude whatever aid their fellow citizens throughout the Union may be able to extend in their period of deepe.st distress. Heber M. Wells,

Intermountain Catholic

The terrible calaniit_v that has fallen upon the poor people of Scofield, although apalling in itself and wide reaching in its woeful consequences, is not, however, without its wholesome lessons and good effects.

It will serve to teach the owners and workers of coal mines, however careful they may have been in the past, to redouble their watchfulness in the future, and to employ ever^' best means known to science and experience to make impossible a reptition of Tuesday's horror, at least on so large a scale. It may be, too, that this hecatomb of human lives offered at the shrine of capital amid the tears and lamentations of helpless widows and fatherless children, may touch and soften its heart, so it may, at least, realize how much it owes to labor and the great sacrifices the latter has, sometimes, to make in order to serve the former and promote its gowth and interests. This thought, too, may lead not only coal, but other companies or corporations to treat more justly, considerately and kindly those fellow men who, bj' reason of their circumstances, are obliged to work for them, and by whose labor, sweat and eve» blood they are being enriched.

Then, again, this terrible disaster at Scofield should teach us how much we are indebted to those brave men who descend, day after day and night after night, into the black, hideous dungeons of the earth, there to delve and di^, in order that they may honestly win bread for themselves and their families and, at the same time, keeping us fromfreezing to death in winter. How few there are, who, while seated before the blazing grate, reflect that the coal therein ablaze has been probably watered by the tears and sweat of their fellow creatures, and that the comfort and cheerfulness that they so much enjoy come to them through, perhaps, the blood and sacrifice of human lives. Calamities on a broad scale, like .that of Sco field, have also their good effects. They briug us all closer to one another. They touch and stir up and soften the heart of the most selfish and greedy, and develop the grand and «oble instincts of generosity, sympathy, compassion and charity in all; as the present disaster has so manifestly accomplished, as is evidenced by a very liberal and cheerful manner, in which the people of Salt Lake and of the State at large have contributed to the relief of the bereaved and suffering. What an encouragement this is to the poor workingmen and their families of the State! When people of other places will hear of the noble and charitable actions of the citizens of this State they will exclaim, "Utah is the State for the poor working man to live in."