28 Jan 1891
Page 1
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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Jan 28, 1891
Page
1
At Mammoth No.1 mine in Mammoth Pa on January 27 a catastrophic explosion and fire damp killed over a hundred miners. Rescue efforts followed as officials organized body recovery, doctors and undertakers arrived, and families waited beneath a grim, silent horizon.
A brief note mentions a walnut casket and a vacancy created by a new arrival, referencing FRANK JEYKS as part of the fragment.
At Mammoth No 1 24 of 58 identified as dead or missing after an explosion. Names listed include August Line Jr and Michael Yank among identified victims. Rescuers battled afterdamp fires and coal dust as volunteers surged to aid the relief effort.
A graphic report from Scortpasse on January 27 describes a disastrous Mammoth mine explosion that left about 100 widows and children dependent on charity. The Frick Company pledges broad relief as Master Workman Peter Wise calls Knights of Labor members to donate through check numbers, wagons, and daily contributions to aid the affected families.
Reports from Pittsburgh area observers describe the Mammoth mine as a hillside incline with multiple underground branches and 500 coke ovens near the mouth. The explosion occurred near a weak shaft at the head of a ravine, leaving homes desolate and families afflicted as miners recount the scene.
The Dunbar accident raised claims that the Connel region is stacked with old rooms where noxious gases collect. Miners say gas exposure is a constant risk, with a possible cause in old pinage firing. Mammoth works led by Keighley is cited as cautious but involved in the broader industry history.
B C Frick says Inspector Keighley ran the Mammoth mine with implicit confidence and fault cannot be blamed on carelessness. He notes 18 bodies removed and rescuers still at work. 500 workers employed but plant not at full run. Coffins sent to Mt. Pleasant for immediate use as relief and speculation roils labor circles.
Telegraph firms report partial recovery as 300 workers clear wrecked poles and wires. Fire department maintains lookout atop towers while city lights return below Fifty ninth street. Telegraph operator John J Murray surveys the horizon for ships as recovery continues.
In Columbus on January 27 the lower house defeated a bill to build a new governor’s mansion. Senate actions included proposed cuts to railroad passenger and freight rates and a plan to appoint a State Inspector of Building and Loan Associations. A push to abolish the State Board of Pardons was postponed.
New York dispatch reports Miss Tillie Myer a 23 year old Lloyds Neck resident with a $30 000 independent fortune and a love for fast horses. Her father C Myer oversees a Ruppert farm in Lloyds Neck. She was en route to Hauntington when she stopped at Gildersleeve s horseshoe.
Miss Myer met Charles Gildersleeve at a shop where he worked and visited often with him. She was seen driving with Gildersleeve after dusk in a dog cart. James Bingham, a traveling salesman and admirer, plotted to win her back as developments unfolded. Mrs Gildersleeve obtained a warrant for her husband to support their children, prompting his departure and Miss Myer’s disappearance.
In Torexa on January 27 the Alliance caucus finally chose Pfeffer over Elder after five ballots. The House read long petitions supporting Ingalls, and when Pfeffer won 96 to 23 for Ingalls, celebrations erupted. Senator Ingalls declined future plans, affirming his Kansas ties and intent to stay.
In Springfield on January 27 the Illinois House adopted a partisan resolution urging Senators to oppose the Federal elections bill to protect state funding for the World’s Fair exhibit. Representative Springer argued the bill would jeopardize Illinois’ participation, saying the state would not fund the fair if the federal measure passed. The result was 77 to 73 with three members not voting.
A braiding thief cuts the hair of 17 year old Gertrude Breast as she walks to Public School 15 near Fourth Avenue and St. Mark's Place. The man with a blonde mustache seized her braid and fled after the shears clicked. This marks his fifth attack on Brooklyn schoolgirls.
The Merchant Tailors Society with about 130 members plans to auction 100000 dollars in bad debts to speculators. Secretary Edwin N Doll says the sale will name debtors and expose deadbeats while not embarrassing those out of work. The first sale is set at the real estate exchange mid next month with about 5000 dollars in bills offered.
A Special Telegram reports 105 Portuguese passengers aboard the Vega reaching the Barge Office in New York. The men are described as broad-shouldered with beribboned guitars and many women as handsome. The arrival marks a notable influx from Portugal and the Azores, with origins traced to Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Washington diary reports intensified crossfire over the closure rule and the force bill. Senator Cameron endures isolation as Pennsylvania Republicans denounce him, urging resignation, while discussion of the election and closure measures stalls.
A government inquiry adjourns for the day with plans to resume on the following day. No further details were disclosed as officials prepared to continue hearings in the committee room.
Harrisburg January 27. Senator Cameron faces sharp criticism from Pennsylvania legislators three weeks after his re election to the U S Senate. Robins Gobin and others condemn his stance on the elections bill while supporters claim he acts for party interests. Some call for action or removal if Gobin is embarrassed and a later note hints at a possible motion to resign Cameron over the silver issue.
Harrisburg January 27 The Grangers support a proposed four mill tax on railroad cost and equipment for county purposes as part of a revenue effort. Ways and Means plans to hear objections from the Grangers while reform and treasury investigations proceed. The ballot reform bill faces committee scrutiny with possible amendments.
A Pennsylvania trio of state senators visited Washington to press appointments, reportedly earning a cold reception from President Harrison who allegedly challenged Pennsylvania’s Republican status. They later met Senator Cameron, who was said to have voted against Harrisburg pledges, leaving them with the impression of a humbling act.
Jan 27 report shows House and Senate committees advancing and stalling measures. Actions include an affirmative vote to ban liquor sales on Decoration Day, a bill to repeal Verona’s prohibitory law held, railroad fence bills referred for study, education bills on director compensation and literacy tests delayed, medical education reforms postponed for public hearings, a pollution prevention bill affirmed, and a bill shifting public control from sheriffs under study.
Harrisburg Jan 27 Hugh McGarvey of Beaver Meadows Carbon County is named messenger in the State Department replacing John R Parry whose resignation takes effect at month end Major John G Worman of Philadelphia is chosen as clerk in the Adjutant General s office Another Pittsburgh official is named as executive clerk by Gov Pattison continuation on sixth page
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