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Northern Star (1837-1852), 30th August 1845, Edition 1 of 4, Page 6

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      Untitled Article

      I HB 1 ETTEBS OF A SEXAGEUBIAN TO HIS SON . IXITES I . Eiitatisfactio * at Us « m '( aioptoa 0 / tts CSarfer , 4 c . Mr Dmb Sox , —It is seldom that there is any sympathy between youth and age with respect to political opinions . Even where there is the greatest harmony of sentiment on most other subjects , there is often a total want of it on this . There are many ways by which this jnay be accounted for ; but in the case of persons placed in those relations in which we stand to each other , it arises from the solicitude of a father regarding his son ' s prospects and success in life , combined with a knowledge ofthe&cttbat in early life onr political views are often of a liberal cast , and that youth is liable to be betrayed into unseasonable expression aiul maintenance of them

      In my young days there was so much danser in certain tieirsand condactof a political character ^ not only to worldly prospects , bnt to the enjoyment of the ordinary KessJnjsana advantages of home and friendship certain opinions were so connected with proscription , expatriation , and death itself , that even now , when the fear of Ihese things has in a great laeasaie passed away , a parent of ordinary solicitude must still regard the inclinations of his son , in this respect , with a degree of apprehension . Belying on your prudence , however , as to how you allow your opinions to influenceyour conduct , I may state that your profession of political faith has , to a great extent , my approval .

      Though I have long ceased to take any active interest in political affairs , I am by no means an indifferent observer of what is going on in the world . It was not , as yon know , any part of my parental practice to introduce political topics , much less to inculcate political doctrines in my family , conceiving it proper to leave my children to a free choice in this , as in all other matters , after having done all that a father legitimately mat do—gi ven them that education , and trained them in those habits of reflection which my means and opportunity permitted ; but I do not , on that account , now feel the less anxiously concerning your views on questions of public interest . '

      lam pleased with your letter , as furnishing evidence that you do not class me among those narrow-minded ham-drum sort of persons who think that the adoption of political views on the part of a son should be a matter of supreme indifference to a parent , or among those who deny the right of a young man to form or hold such opinions . It is the duty of every man , however humble in rank or condition , to form decided views in reference to those matters which affect the interest and well-being of the community , as soon as he becomes a free member of it , and takes upon him those other duties andresponsi Klitiesorasocial character , which areraoreimperativeonjy because their necessity is more obvious and ordinary , and because the policy of Government in withholding or denying political power to the people , has invested such matters with a veil of mystery . It is as much the business of a young man to form political opinions as to learn a trade or profession .

      lam also glad to perceive that yoa attach a proper value to principles , and that you can distinguish between an agitation for these and an agitation for objects on which they are to no extent involved . Tour adoption of the Charter is precisely what I was prepared to expect ; and knowing as you do the nature of ay own predilections , you \ rill not be surprised to hear that it has given me satisfaction . Bnt I do not agree with jon on many minor points ; and your views , in reference to the character and sources of certain movements and events , are widely at variance with tny own . Bat this is not much to be wondered at There are two special reasons -why an olA and s young man , whose political opinions , though harmonising wonaerfnlly on simple abstract points , should assume a different complexion as regards the character and tendencv of certain questions and current topics of public interest —&e degree of success likely to attend their agitation , and the amount of good , success is calculated to effect .

      The first reason is to be found in the universal characteristics of the two periods of life . Youth is enthusiastic , sanguine , and hopeful : age , reflective , sober , unimaginative , and often , though seldom , without good reason , distrustful ; and . how , under the influence of these opposite and prevailing characteristics , can they tliluk and feel alike in reference to such matters t But another reason is to be found in the old man ' s enlarged experience of

      Ah , my dear ion , under the stem revision of thisunlmpa&doned chronicler , who walks calmly and reverentlv by the side of time , taking note of all his doings , and treasuring the results of hi * unfaltering progress , our views of men and things undergo wonderful change . How many hopes and visions , which ardent feeling created and jamb cherished , are dashed and dissipated when the medium is removed which clothes with dazdin" brightness all youth ' s pictures . Experience makes sad havoc of our early Impressions . It may be compared to a stern Iconoclast , who strikes down theidols of ouryouthful hearts , and ruthlessly strips them of the attributes which , so endeared them to us

      I have a strong distrust of most of the plausof political and social amelioration which of late years hare attracted var ious degrees of interest , and a mean opinion of their authors . A striking proof of their unsooudness is their palpable unproductiveness , l see tha condition of the people getting daily worse , nnd no adequate or spirited efforts making—no proper direction of resources—anfl , with limited exception , no men po ^ sessiiig qualities capa-Wc of stirring the people either to reflection or action . This comes of indul ging too many projects . Why not let all plans alone till you acquire the power to turn them to advantage—till you have procured the Charter . It U well enough to discuss them , bttt not to allow them to engross attention or distract effort .

      I would not , however , have yon to think that I am hopeless of human progress , or that I have not evon latterly observed a silent , thongh slow and rductant , recognition of the ultimate and great ends of social combination , aud of true aud rational principles of government ; but I would have you to place iittle reliance upon the nostrums of certain political speculators , and to attach small importance to any plan of remote utilitv , and which can neither be very safe , practicable , or effective , UHtil that power is obtained which is essential to the efficiency of all projects of extensive application , or great and jmtional benefit . The people ' s attention and efforts should Redirected to . procure th « practical recognition of great principles , which are alone enduring , and which will engross human interest when many of the vagaries which at present amuse the public mind have ceased to he attractive .

      I am not impatient , however , and have too much oxpeneace to doubt that the Charter will soon become the obj « ct of united if not exclusive effort . The supposed loll in its agitation is more in appearance than reality . The Charter is an embodiment of grand principles ; it represents ana embraces a change go extimsive mid complete » to mark an era in political progress ; and , th « refore , Bke all movement ! of similar magnitude in the history of the world , it will be subject to many apparent lulls ; " but it ean never become rotrogressiv » -4 t wUl huld whatever it has gained , and continue to receive fresh ai < ce « sions of attention from time to time , until it Iweonies the oVj « : t of public interest , anxiety , aud effort .

      It is well , nnd a proof of it * genuine character , that the agitation for the Charter is marked by now of the characteristics which distinguish movJmente for lesser objects . It cannot proceed by partial or half courses . The Charter must be acknowledged and adopted iu its completeness , or not at all . Instalnwnt—that « I « word which Whig agitators have borrowed from the peddlars with whom they are Identified , and which indeed is quite expressive of all th « ir agitations and objects—has uo meaning wiien applied to the Charter , and , tlierefore . it w not to be expected that it will receive that transmit attention which is acoordodto the many « ph « in « ral projects which start up and aro disposad * o ( oue wav cr another in less time than sufficwibr thediw consideration of objects of actual puWic import .

      It should not be lost si ght of that the lal » ourir . g classas cannot be kept at the point of tension continuous * . Their habits and pursuits r-nder this impractieabk , but there is no ground for balieting that they have lost faith in the only remedy for the rarM wife « Kch oppress tftem , or that they have lost heart or hope in the struggle to acquire possession of thc only Uvw whi « h © an be used vvb a regenerative e&ct . With r ^ pect to the multifarious nostrmn * which of Uta years have been put forth with the viow of b * ntfitii ) g tlie people-of elevating their w > wl and total condition , -. s the cant phraseology of the day go ** - * oonsid-ratiou of these wiU form the scope aud subject matter of future lexers . In the meantime , as youv correspondence giws me great pleasure , I desire you will pre , ww vourwlt" f « r itseontinuance . Tours , affectionately , * Jacob Tepht .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE C-VITED TRADES AXD WOR K 1 XG CLASSES . Mr . Editos , —Allow mo through ttitfnwdW of voav columns , to eall public attention to ' a few 0 Wrrations ^ which , at this early period of the existence of tite 0 »**» t ^ hm Assocutiox , may not -be out of place . It has long been desirable that seaie national cooperative system should be established amongn ilw working classes whereby they eonld command a fair days wage for a fair daj ' s Work . th « important olj « t unow accomplished , and forms iu itself one of the most " * te * atn » in tteh . story of Trades' Ui

      nons Hitherto our endeavours to obtain anvtbi , ! - Lice a inst zssfvr fr boenkt ^ ££ ? z OTeeessfnl . VTe hare had two powerful enemies to con teno . mth-capital and competition . To our want ofX Ot ^ aud the evil influence ov the ether , ZmT' ££ sttafeute our j ^ ent deplorable condition . The £ 2 Jw « f the : Assodatioul , ^ c&lisdous of ^ ™»^ therefore determined those obstacle shall v . o 1 ™ tf ^ tbeway to prosperity , but bya wised " riX ** and apphcauon of their funds , to establish th , Ll sebw m agriculture and manufactures , and « nuder ^^ tboseenU ofwhich we luvo . olon . aud bS . ^ d to lain Hithert of

      comp o our « £££ " £ " £ ^ 'Pation fabow has be . n but sectional ; and t « ow « nuuns for the m * . of Engiwd , of Ireland , a " d of ScodanMo say whether we shall try ,, h . t we can do ^ oa y . Let no ra an f ^ agcl ^ 2 S ~« 2 J ? XW 5 t h >* Sth ^ S ^ ^^ -- ~ fe calculated to hm * rt : : T ana . ^ ery : that which ^^ an < . mion \ : a : ns " Ti i > owctff - ^ « rt *

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      It is under those impressions that I write , and that the body w ¦ which I belong have determined , not only to unite in their efforts , but to call upon the millions to rally around the standard that is now unfurled . The objects of the Association , are , first , to give employment to that surplus labour that abounds , both in our agricultural and manufacturing districts ; thus placing themselves in a comparative State of independence . Secondly , to secure as far as may be practicable , the full proceeds of industry ; whilst such proceeds , together with the capital invested , will be the individual property of the shareholders .

      It is presumed no arguments will be necessary to prove that labour is the source of all wealth—that it has enabled the capitalists of this country , not only to Uv « in ease and splendour , but to realise their princely fortunes . Then , with a capital properly directed , and having in the members of the Association all the labour and mechanical Aill necessary to improve such capital , can we reasonably be afraid of success ! There n « eds but the co-operation of our fellow-workingmen to shew to the world , by a practical example , the operatives of tliis country are alive to their true interests , and competent to carry on one of the most gigantic movements that ever was undertaken b y any age or nation . We look forward with hope and with confideneo that the working men generally will see the absolute necessity of working for themselves , of reaping the full proceeds of their industry , rather than giving it to those whose competitive EelfishneBB has been ever on the alert to reduce the price of labour , and thus consign their fellow creatures to a state of degradation aud bondage .

      n hat would have been our present condition in societ y if we had been working upon the outlay of our own capital for the last twenty years past i Would the union bastiles have been called for , and the enlargement Of our prisons ? Would thousnnds of the sons of ingenuity and industry have had to button a thread-bare coat around a hungry belly , while their families have had to participate of equal wantandmisery ? Would our political rights have been tampered with in the tnannor that they have been , and our demands for redress have passed unnoticed ? Surely not . The wealth which the working classes of this country have been instrumental in pro . ducing , would , if applied to themselves , have enhanced the value of their labour , according to the various branches of industry , from thirty to eighty or a hundred percent .

      This would have been a competence , and mow than sumcUatto toeplaeeu them above th « fear of want . Under such circumstances the consumption would have been much greater throughout the entire working population , and the demand for labour considerably improved thereby . Thus , our interests would have been blended with , and augmented by our very enjoyments . The present system of employing private capital has the very opposite effect . The demand tor labour is made chiefly to depsnd upon our foreign markets , and whenever there is a depression in foreign commerce we are not only deprived of our small share of enjoymentsj but of the only means whereby we can support our existence—though we have within our own circles all the powers for labour , and all the mechanical skill that is necessary to supply each other ' s physical wants and necessities .

      What advantages , then , may we notexpeet from tlie outlay of our own capital , and the employment of our own labour thereon ; what may not be achieved b y perseverance , and the proper direction of the powers of the association . Machinery , which is superseding manual labour to a very alarming extent , and thus working our destruction , may be profitably employed , and made to contribute to our general ¦ welfare . Is it , then , too late to b » Wise , or shall it be longer said that the working classes are too apathetic to attend to their own happiness ! If ever you had an idea of bettering your condition , now is the time to reduce that to practice , now is tho time your effort will bi most availing . Let no man say , I can ' t do it ; remember , " I can ' t do it , " never did anything . " Til try to do it , " has worked wonders , and " I will do it" has performed prodigies . " The wise and brave conquer difficulties by daring to attempt them . " Then why fear to accomplish that which is practicable by every man . Set yourselves to the work individually and collectively ; giva your support to the association by having your uamus enrolled as ihareholders , nnd there can be no doubt that prosperity will attend tho cause , A Wobkino Mas . London , August 26 , 1815 .

      Untitled Article

      • w THE DEMOCRATIC SUPPER AXD MAJOR BEMOWSEI . TO THE EBIIOK OF IHE NOBTDEKS STAB . Sis , —When I read , in your number of the ICth inst ., a reitort of the Democratic supper which took place on the 110 ) , to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the Democratic Association , I was niuch amused , but not surprised , that Major Beniowski appeared at the Democratic manifestation . Not surprised , indesd , because men of " modest assurance" can introduce themselves any and everywhere . Being mjself a Democrat , nnd therefore svmpathising with the true Democrats who got up tlie supper , I am anxious to show how far Major B . deserved to be « mmly weetW by them , and also whether ha ought to be recognised b y them as a "friatd and comrade , " or a "brother Democrat , " and to be listened to , nay , to be believed and applauded for all the contemptible stuff he delivers

      Major B . is now , as he believes himsolf , to be " stronger ttan ever" ( stronger , in what *); most likel y because , with " baS and baggage , " he joined the Aristocratic party , aud thus naturally <* as « d to be a "brother" and became a "Jfoneitur . " Here is the evidence : — *• —Wljei » a series of articles appeared in the various numbers of the Sun of the 2 nd , Cth .. and 9 th of September , 1 S 43 , about Major B . ' b aristocratic principles and views , the Commune of a ToUsli Democratic association , called "The Union , " at which he was a member , findingtiiat these articles were not disapproved of by him , called upon lum ou the 9 th of October of the same year to declare whether he would publicl y disavow their tcuor or not ; for , if he did not disavow them , it could could only be inferred that he had renounced his Democratic opinions , and passed over to the opposite camp , aud that therefore he must be struck off from the list of the Commune . To thatapplication Major B . replied , by letter of the 11 th oi October , 1 S 4 S , as follows : —

      [ Translation . ] " At the sittiug of the Commune on the 13 th of August , I expressed my convictions that "The Union" can do no good ut all for Poland ; and I endeavoured to persuade you that the only hope ior Poland lies in the talents , patriotism , and powerof the friends of the dynasty of Prinm Adam Czartoryski . Such ideas ara opposite to your prin . ciple *; and , as I am disposed to carry out those ideas , I request you will strike off my name from the list of jour members . * * * < 3 iene ( 1 ) " E < Bestows *! . " U . —In a Polish aristocratic newspaper , entitled The rhhrd of ITav , appeared , under the date of the 29 th of Uetumbur . lSU , a declaration , signed , in common with TT « bj - J ° - ' containing , amongst otlur things , the following clauses and resolutions _

      3 rdly . _ Hint mtlie presentgtate ( of Poland ) , wa cousioer the family of 1 ' rince Adam Czartoryski alone to bt . able to realise our wisheg ; and therefore we consider this taunly to bo invested with the supreme power for the benefit of our couuti , as long as that family will renrawuntr eUd * aV 0 Ur * ° r € aliee the boP ** a « d wishes of tho " 4 thl y —And as the intentions of that personage ( Prince A . Czartwyski ) can never be realised , if all true patriots will not implicitly confide in him , our association solemnly declnre that we will gcrerally aud collectively SLTT ^ £ Ubmit * ll ! m te tbe saWaUon of our

      Beside * these overwhelming undeniable proofs , tlio faot is , that Major IS . attends evsry monthly and other knife Mdjork awtafw - « f the aristocratic party , and there he niakw the most violent attneks upen his «• totter Demo-«*« aud upon Uitir sacred principles . Of this , sir , you and your fdlow- «) un trymen s « em not to be aware , although oae of then ., well known toyou all for his aevotion to the cause , and whom I know , but who did not attond tlie supper of the II ti , inst ., is well acquainted . I say . ha is well acquaiatcG , because somo time ago , when Major 11 . nsit

      paw mm a , an » i intended to shake hands with liim your coumnman refused to do so ; aud , when asked for tl . « reason , he thus answered him : — "Why , when you w « re amongst us , you represented to us Englishmen , both privately and in jour public gpeeohes , Prince Adam Czartory-ki and his superiors to be tho greatest scoundrels taut ever breathed on earth , as the only cause of the present unsfortunes of Poland ; and now , belongingyourcelt to Onm , uow can you dar « to ask an hmiest man , who respects himself , and who sympathises warmly with tho holy caiife of jour nation , to shake hands with ' vou V

      hut perhaps M : ijor B . ' s convictions are but , as youv lawyers say , " inclina tions of opiuion , " and therefore he may change thtjn like bis coat , repudiate them whenever couveuiwitfovuiinso to do ; or perhaps he mav h .-pe to t > tt successful in " Knii , g both God and the dead" * at the same time . If so , let him esplain nil this double-dealing , and then the Inglish Democrats will be able to appreciate his in tniisic value , and will not , I suspect , be ever again deceived by him . Believe me , sir , yours truly , August 25 , 1845 . a Polish Democrat .

      1 . & . —As the English public perhaps do not know what a part Prtnw Czartorvski played iu our national causepart winch JUjor B . himself frequently denounced befovo He entered Jus service—permit me to ghehero acondenscd amount of Hie leading features of it . Prawe Ad < m Czarwrjrrfa , Majur n . « present patron , was for a certain Ptnod-wheu Poland hftd no political existence , bavinbeen dequd d b y Husan , Austrin . and Prussia-Minister tor Foreign Aftairs of the greatest foe of Poland , namely , -he Cwir of Muscovy , the ! ate Alexander , the brother of tne present Sicholas . Wlien our laet revolution—bv ^ ^!! ^ " . tosl ' ^^ « ' «^ to ' siron , ok ; 1 i 0 I 1 - '

      : ^ r r ! * <»* , on the 29 th of XovemW , x&oO hejlr , nce tortoryski ) , in a proclamation issued on the -, 0 th of tlie sa . no month and year , called this struggle . or emanci pation , « « tad < wi wmtptaid omit * anu engaged that tliu « ople of Warsaw would " ref « ni to or&r ait < i Quietness ; " and expressed IiU wish "tltat the mtiiUidarineu . " \\ Um , on the 25 th of Januarv , 1831 , tne 1 o . lsh J ) i et-fulfil ! in an imperative act of du ' ty-dewraincd u ^ n the extinction of the ri ^ ht to the throne of lu . and on the part of l ^ r greatest enemy ( the present r Ichljla s ) . PrhK-t Czartorysld exclaimed , "& «<; , oi

      Untitled Article

      they have ruined Poland ! " Possessing considerable in . fluence over many persons who unfortunatel y had the power to injure our cause , he proceeded . to a corps of 22 , 000 of . our best troops , and prevented them rejoining the rest of the national force , at a critical moment ( when the Hussions surrounded and . took Warsaw ) , and obliged them afterwards to surrender their arms in Austria . The Polish Emigration , well aware of all those facts , published in 1834 a protest signed by nearly the whole of them—for it containedabouUOOO signatures—inwhich they solemnly declared Prince Adam Czartoryiki to be the enemy of tlie national cause . This protest was published in several French newspapers on the 12 th of September , 1834 .

      [ The writer of this letter lias furnished u » with Wb name . He is , what he represent * himself to be , a Polish Democrat . He has given proof of his devotion to the sacred cause for which lie is now au exile , even since he landed on our shores . The letter , too , has beeu seen by another most dUtinguished object of Sir James Graham ' s cam ; and he vouches for the fact 6 therein narrated . Under these circumstances , we feel ourselves called on to give it a publicity equal to tlie declarations and representations that have called it forth . —Ed . N . ' s . ) EXPLOSION AT JARR 0 W COLLIERY .

      A dveadfulexplosion of fire-uamp occurred at Jarrow Colliery on Thursday afternoon , - which had been attended with a fearful loss of life and extensive destruction of property . The colliery ia situate on the Durham side of the rher Tyne , about nine miles below Newcastle , and is the property of Mr . Thomas Di ewett Brown , of Jarrow . It is a very old colliery , and the shaft is of considerable depth ; forty-five men were at work in the Bensham seam when the explosion took place , and thirty-five in the low Biain , the former being at tlie depth of 175 fathoms from the surface , and the latter 195 fathoms . The loss of life has been chiefly in the low main , where the explosion must have occurred , though , its effects are visible iu every other part of the mine .

      Before proceeding to give a narrative of the circumstances attending this fearful event , it may be proper to state that the colliery consists of one shaft only , which is divided into three portions by means of brattices . The shaft is circular , and is sunk to the low main , 195 fathoms . It is fourteen feet in diameter , and is divided into two unequal segments , the larger of which is subdivided into two equal parts . The smaller segment of the circular shaft is used for the engine to draw water from the mine ; the westernmost division of the larger segment goes to the Bensham seam , and the easternmost one to the low main . The air to ventilate the workings descends the engine * shaft and the cast shaft , and after traversing the galleries of the low main seam , it isconveyed through

      a shaft called the oval pit into the Bensham seam , after ventilating which it passes to the high , main , and thence into the upcast of the west shaft . The entjre shaft , as we Lave said , descends to the low main , but the west division ia stopped by a platform at the Bensham seam , the other divisions going all the way down . This explanation is necessary in order to the understanding of what follows , as well as to correct one or two errors which have crept into previous accounts . ^ The colliery was considered well ventilated , and it had only been examined on the previous day , when every part of the mine was in a highly satisfactory state , there being no foulness , and the air strong in the courses . The first indication of an explosion having taken

      place was the ascent of dense smoke from the mouth of the shaft . This was observed by Mr . Brown , the owner of the colliery , and Mr . Jobling , the viewer , who were standing conversing together but a short distance from it , and on their hastily approaching the pit they found their dreadful apprehensions realized . Tfcepit had fired with dreadful violence , and nearly 100 individuals were known to be below . The intelligence soon spread into the village , and in a few minutes several hundred persons haa collected round the mouth of the pit , principally women and children , who loudly bewailed the supposed loss of parent , relative , or friend . The scene was deeply affecting , Mr . Jobling , with praiseworthy promptitude , ordered the machine to bo manned in order to decend

      , but finding that the ropes of both pits were fast being crushed by the broken brattice , he immediately directed that horses should be yoked to the jack , by which means he and an overman named Dofty went down . On entering the Bensham seam , a few of the men who had beeu at work there were found to have reached the shaft alive , whereupon Defty was ordered to bank to place waterfalls on the two downcast divisions of the pit . Here an incident occurred of a striking and peculiar character . The men when discovered were in a state of great exhaustion , but one or two recovered speedily when placed in the current of fresh air , and as there were several other men in the workings of that scam , it was deemed advisable that the weaker of those who had been found

      should go up the shaft with Defty , while the stronger remained with Mr . Jobling , the viewer , to render him any assistance they might be able in searching for their comrades till Defty returned ; but such was the state of delirious excitement in which the men were , that one of them in the dark sprang to the rope in the centre of the shaft , and clung to it with the tenacity of despair . Ilad he missed the rope he would have fallen a depth of nearly twenty fathoms , and must inevitably have perished . He was fortunate in retaining his hold , and he ascended the shaft in safety , shouting in delirious excitement to be out of the place . The scene was an awful one to witness . Defty , after placing the watercourses on , descended in a cage , and remained in the shaft some time assisting the other men .

      Defty , who had been some time engaged in the shaft , assistign in getting the men to tlie surface , then descended 'to the bottom , and was directed into the workings of the Bensham seam , to ascertain the state of the communication with the low main by means of the oval . " pit , being cautioned by Mr . Jobling not to go too far if he found the air dangerous ; but , such was his . anxiety to save the other men , that he himself fell a victim to the choke-damp after being but a short time in the mine . Tlie three bodies found dead in the Bensham seam were but a short distance from the shaft , and they had evidently been killed by the aiter-dauip , as they were not " at all burnt . It having been ascertained that nothinsr more

      could be done to reach the men who had been at work in the low main till the brattices were repaired so as to carry the air down , relays of men were ordered to procoed with that work as speedily as possible , and thus they were engaged the whole of Thursday night and Friday . Though the foulness of the air prevented the possibility of communicating with the low main by means of the oval pit , it was ascertained , in the course of the operations , that a curront was ascending that pit , thus showing that the air-course in the low main was not entirely interrupted . Faint hopes were then entertained oi finding some of the men in the low main alive , more particularly if any should have got near the air current , and that gave a fresh stimulus to the exertions

      of the men engaged in the tedious and difh ' oult operation of replacing the brattio in tho shaft . To replace it with wood two or three days might have been consumed , and , as there was a possibility of saving the lives of some of the man , directions were given to use canvas instead of wood , and an immense number of shoots and blankets were soon available for the purpose . At about half-past two e ' clock on Saturday morning the men reached the low main scorn , the workings of which aro not of great extent , being in the solid coal , about 300 yards iu one direction and 200 yards in the other . Th # y immediately commenced exploring tho drifts , under the direction oi Mr . A . Johnson , of \ Tillington Colliery , near Durham .

      Mr . Johnson gave a pit signal and was answered , lie asked if it was Liddlo , and was answered " No , Cranston ; " on which he proceeded in the direction of the voice , and near the oval pit found William Cranston sitting with his hands resting ou Iub thighs , and ten others around him dead . Cranston was sensible when he was found , biit unable to move from exhaustion . He was immediately assisted io the shaft , and conveyed to the suifaoo , shortly after reaching which he became wholly inseHsible . He was promptly attended to by Dr . Browno , tho colliery surgeon , who was present to render every assistance as speedily as possible , and ou being conveyod home was put to bed , where he yet remains . It is thought , however , that lie will recovor .

      Hie bodies of the other men found near Cranston were brought" to bank" on Saturday . Several of them were dreadfully mutilated . It is " supposed that Cranston , who has a wife and four children , escaped the -violence of the explosion by his having been in one of the boards used as a receptacle for stones That , however , is merely conjecture , and his owii statement , when ho isablo to give it , will bo more satisfactory . f lhe following aro the names of those found mtue low main seam on Saturday mornin » — William Cranston , aged 35 , found alfve , as aU described . The others were doad . William Walker , aged 39 , left a wife . He was much burnt and cut about tho head . Thomas Liddle , 44 , wife aud six children : not much burnt . Thomas Wiles , wife and family ; his son Thomas not found .

      John Burdia , left fi > e orphan children . He was very much mutilated , his entrails being protrudiu tr and his body completely out up . His son Thomas also much mutilated . . . . Mark Willis , wife confined a few davs ago of the sixth child ; dreadfully mutilated , his head being completel y blown off . George Willis , -wife and several children . Some legs and arms , and the mutilated trunk of a body , supposed to be his , were collected together , and wrapt up in flannel . The stench from these mutilated remains was horrible . John and Robert Forster , orphans , both young men . Robert burnt severely , George Atchieson , 12 , much burnt and mutilated . beorge Crane , wife and two or three children . Much burnt . Robert Daird , a boy , and John Elliot , 14 , not much burnt .

      The above list contains the names of thirteen parties , ten of whom were found near Crawsto'i « mt \ the others some distance from him in tucworkinss I ho fallowing are the names of those supposed to be still in the low main j—

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      Thomas Low , 48 , wife and family . Joseph Wanless , 55 ; wife and family . Robert Arrowsmith , 24 , a wife . Joseph Scarfton . John Musgrave , 50 , and his sen John , 19 , wife and family , John and James Coburn , the former left a wife and six children . Cuthbert Bell , % , married only three weeks . Robert Ramshaw , a boy . Thomas Hills , a wife and family . Joseph Bainbridge , wife and family . Peter Peel , 50 , wife and family .

      William Weddle , 35 , wife and family . James Hall , wife and one child . William Charlton , deputy , 46 , and his son John , 18 , wife and several children . Another William Charlton , 30 , wife and family . John M'Leod , 40 , deputy . Joseph Bamburgh , a boy . William Elliott , 15 . The explosion has done a great deal of damage to the mine , and there are several falls in the roof which impede the progress of the men exploring the works , as the rubbish must be removed , and the stoppings , all of which are blown out , replaced as they proceed . No account can yet be given of how the accident

      occurred . An inquest has been held upon the body of Jacob Duffy , and the jury returned a verdict—That the deceased had died from the effects of after-damp . Saturday Night . Workmen have been employed all day in clearing away the obstructions caused by the explosion ; but ttey have not yet succeeded in recovering the whole of the bodies . About seven o ' clock to-night the mutilated remains of Joseph Bamburgh , a youth , were brought to the surface ; and about nine o ' clock tlie bodies of two others were brought uo , but in such a dreadfully mutilated state that recognition was impossible . The force of the explosion must have been tremendous . From twenty-eight to thirty bodies are yet in the workings , and great difficulty exists in reaching the place where it is supposed they are , from the damage done to the mine . It is thought they will be recovered through the night , or in the course of to-morrow .

      John Adams , one of the men who was in the Bensham seam , and for some time after he wns brought out was not expected to live , is gradually recovering , and is now considered beyond danger . William Cranston has scarcely ever spoken since he was put to bed , except when spoken to by Mr . Browne , the surgeon , and then he replied with great difficulty , and his answers evidently showed that his mind was deranged . The surgeon is apprehensive of congestion taking place . It is his intention to bleed him to-night , and should he go on favourably he may be able in a low days to give some account of the dreadful event , so far as witnessed by himself . Great crowds of people continued at the pit mouth up to a late hour , and some would probably remain there the whole night .

      Jarrow , Susdat Night . The excitement prevailing here to-day has been greater than at any previous period since the explosion . The bodies of about thirty of the sufterers were this afternoon consigned to the grave in Jarrow churchyard , the funeral being witnessed by upwards of 3 , 000 spectators , many of whom had come from a considerable distance . The bodies were placed in decent coffins , which were waiting to receive them when brought to the surface , and were conveyed t » the churchyard in carts belonging to the colliery . Somo of the surviving relatives of each joined in the melancholy procession , and , as usual in the colliery districts of tho north of England , the Old Hundredth Psalm was sung on the way to the burial ground . The scene was exceedingly solemn .

      Unremitting exertions have been made by relays of men from the various collieries in the district , directed by many of the principal viewers , who relieved each other at intervals , to penetrate the workings of the mine in quest of the bodies of the sufferers . Sixteen had been recovered last night , and 15 others were found to-day , all sadly mutilated by the explosion . Indeed , many were s o much disfigured that it was impossible to identify them . One body , thought to be that of George Cram , found yesterday , was to-day discovered to be that of Thomas Love , Cram having been found this afternoon . Love , who had been conveyed to Cram ' s house , was accordingly removed to his own , and Cram placed upen the vacant couch . In several cases the surviving friends have had to mourn over a heap of mutilated remains , without even the melancholy satisfaction of knowing with certainty they were those of their deceased relatives .

      Ihere are yet four bodies in the bowels of the earth . One , that of a boy , is supposed to be under that of a horse , which he was employed in attending , anil which is still partially buried in the rubbish blown down from , the roof and sides , so as nearly to block up the way . The three other bodies are supposed to be further in ; but it is hoped that allwi . l be got at before the morning . The damage done to the mine is very great , and the roof has fallen in several places , so that the workmen have to clear the way and replace the " stoppings and brattices" as they advance , to carry the air with them . There have been thirty-eight lives lost by this explosion , thirty-four in the Low main , and four in the

      Bensham seam , including Defty , the overman . William Cranston , the only survivor of those at work in the Low main , and whose miraculous escape , after being upwards of thirty-six hours in the fetid atmosphere , was described in a former communication , still remains in a very precarious state . The bleeding last night has had a salutary effect , and he has been sensible at intervals during the day . When the funeral procession was passing his door he heard the singing , and was much excited ; but his excitement was somewhat allayed on his being told it was a prayer meeting , he being entirely unconscious of the real state of matters . He has never once referred to the accident , and , of course , it would be imprudent to mention it to him under present circumstances .

      John Adams , who was in the Bensham seam , has been worse to-day than yesterday , having had a slight relapse . He is not , however , considered in immediate danger , and hopes are entertained of his recovery . Several of those taken from the Bensham seam are still suffering severely from the effect of the choke-damp , though none are in imminent danger .

      COBOSSll ' s INQUEST . Jarhow , Mondat . Tlie adjourned inquest on . the bodies of the unfortunate men killed by the recent explosion at Jarrow colliery was resumed this morning , before Mr . Favell , the coroner for this division of the county , at Mr . Hunter ' s , the llylton Castle Inn . Three of the bodies remaining in the mine last night had been recovered , aud ou « only , that of Robert Baird , is left .

      The coroner having opened the proceedings , # Mr . Bvowne , the colliery surgeon , delivered in a list of the sufferers . II « had examined most of the bodies as they were brought to the surface , but it w ? s impossible , from the state in which many of them were , to stato whether they had been burnt to death or killed by the aiter-damp . Thomas William Jobling being sworn , said , —I am principal viewer of Jarrow colliery . On Thursdn ) afternoon , about half-past one o ' clock , I was walking towards the colliery with Mr . Brown , when my attention was directed to si strong cloud of smoke issuing from the pit . My first impression was that the brattice was on fire , but on arriving on the pit heap , I discovered that an explosion had taken place , and

      found that both cages were fast at the bottom of the shaft . We have two drawing engines , the shaft is fourteen feet in diameter , divided by a strong wood framework or brattice into three compartmentsnamely , the engine pit , in which tho pumps are placed for drawing the water from tho mine ; the east , or downcast shaft , from which the coals are drawn from the low-main seam ; and the west , or upcast shaft , the largest division of the three , up which the coals are drawn from the Bensham seam . Ihc depth to the low-main seam is 195 fathoms , and to the Bensham seam 175 fathoms . The engine shaft is a downcast , as well as the east pit . There is a very strong scaffold laid at the Bensham seam , at the bottom of the pit . On finding the cages fast . 1

      ordered the gin horses to be brought , which was done , and I descended tho east pit by the gin rope . There is a gin always ready , ami the rope may be put into any of the three shafts . Jacob Defty went with mo . I went down to tho Bensham scam , " where 1 found several men near the shaft . I went into' the seam , and three of the men got into the loop 1 had left , and came to the surface with Defty , Tha cage was put down as far into tho shaft as we could , and then a rope was 1 st down from the cage to the seam to get the men up . ( This witness was much affected in giving his evidence as to the finding of the men , and several times shed tears . ] In the Dunkirk district of ths Baneham seam the men never felt tho forc « of the explosion at all . After

      being informed that the men in thfit district had boon got out , I went into the north New-grove district , and found the men in that district had got out lefore I got there . [ TTitness explained by reference to the ukn the rolaUt « noritioiw of t \ i « tt ' istricts . j Returned to the Dunkirk district , having found the ucn had not come out , whe » I met them coming , and they asked what was the matter , they not having feli the slightest effect from the explosion , and wondewd why the works had stopped . I then returned to tlie shaft , and near it found James Steward , who -was quite dead . The after-damp was <» ery strong , bat I persevered and got further in . About a huaured yards irom the shaft I found five or six men moanin "

      and insensible , being quite unable to render themselves any assistance . I tookhold of the first I came to , and dragged him to the shaft . I then returned for the others , nnd brought » s many as 1 could find . I came to tlie shaft several times for air hut never returned to the surface . In about two hours and *» half the men at the surface had got tlie ewnno to work , and wore pouring water down the shaft . All this time I had no other assistance than the men themselves could vender m the senm . The water is let down by tapping the tubbing . There were two wsil erialls—one m the east , the oilier in the engine shaft . On the conimuniciitiou being maic . with tli

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      south . It has evidently originated in the western district , as the clothes of the men are much burnt there , and some of them are wrapped round thepqsts , in the direction of the blast . ' . ; By a Juror . —There are two shifts , one called the fore shift , and the other the back shift . The men killed were working in the back shift . The men that were working in the fore shift are ready to describe the state of the mine when they left it . \ By the Coroner . —My only reasons for thinking the explosion originated in tho western district are that the direction of the blast is indicated by ita effects , and hearing the gas issue from the face of the western district . Did not heav gas issuing , ivom any other part . The Coroner then read ovor the evidence of Mr . Jobling , and asked if any of the jury wished any * further questions to be put to him . None having been put ,

      Mr . Martin Jude , of Newcastle , said he had received a note from some of the friends of the deceased , requesting him to attend and ask tho coroner to adjourn the inquest , until Sir James Graham sent down a commissioner to assist in the investigation . The Coroner said , it was clear the commission could not interfere with this proceeding . If a commissioner were appointed , he would have power to summon witnesses and examine into the whole case , aud if any neglect occurred in the present investigation , he would have an opportunity' of discovering it . He was desirous to investigate the matter fully , aud if at the close of the day ' s proceedings he saw it was desirable to adjourn for lurther evidence , he would do so , but otherwise he should close the proceedings . Any particular question that Mr . Jude , or any other gentleman , might wish to be put to the witnesses , he ( the Coroner ) would bo ready to put it . _ . . . . .

      Mr . Horn , of Newcastle , wished to bo allowed io cross-examine the witnesses on behalf of tlie relatives of the deceased , but the Coroner would only permit him to put his questions through tho Court . Mr . Browne , surgeon of the colliery , vrasve-called , and he related a conversation he had had with Defty , the overman , just before his death , as to the state of the ventilation . It was in substance tho same as stated by Mr . Jobliug iu tho course of kis evidence .

      Jolni Bainbridge , a hewer , was next sworn and examined . —1 have been a workman at Jarrow-col . liery upwards of nineteen years . "Was at work in the pit on the morning before she fired . Was at work in the second wall from the north " hitch , " which is in the western district . The pit was in a good state , and my brother , who was there , said to me the air was so strong that wo could scarcely cany candles to serve us . There was nothing amiss in tho ventilation when I left ; but when 1 heard of the explosion I thought it would have occurred in the Stone-drift

      and not wncre the pit seems to have lircd . I have lost a brother by the explosion . Have seen some of the men that were employed in the West Mothergate flat , but have not heard them complain of the state of that part of tlie mine . The brattices were well kept up to tlie face of the coal , and my brother Las complained of it being carried too close . Have never complained of the brattice not being carried up to the coal since I went to work in the Low-main , which is about six weeks ago . If more brattice had been required , we could have got it for the asking .

      Emmanuel Defty . —I » un a deputy-overman at Jar row colliery , and was employed in the i ' ove-shift on Thursday morning up to half-past eigiit o ' clock , whfin 1 left . Am brother of Jacob Deity , who w ; i 3 killed . When 1 left the pit , from the south end of our workings to the north end , 1 think I never saw her cleaner . Considered her perfectly safe . Tiie brattices were well up . The air good . Never heard complaints of tlie air being bad , out have lieju'dtiie men grumble at the brattices being put so well up to Uie coal that it wasted their candles . Have not been in the Low-main since she fired . 13 y a Juror . —It is my duty to examine the work , ings to see if all be right before the men go to work . Have not been in the back pillars lately . Consider

      it the wastman ' s duty to examine the back pillars , But it is the overman ' s duty to see that the pillars are examined by some one . Never heard any con £ plaints of the pit being in an unsafe state before site lired . jTliis witness appeared to be still labouring under the effect of the choke-damp ; he was very weak , and gave his evidence with difficulty . ] llobcrt Fairly , the wastman , on being recalled , stated , that he had examined the back pillars on Thursday morning , in company with Emmanuel Deity , the son of Jacob Defty , who was killed , ' and a boy named Foster , who attended upon him . The

      back pillars were quite clean . Had a lamp with us . Ihc return was capital . I examine it every day . Have been a pitman fifty-eight years , and forty-two at Jarrow colliery ; considered the Low-main perfectly safe that morning . Jacob Defty had his candle in the return that morning . I was with Jacob Defty 0 U Ihursdiiy , in the Bonsham seam , after the } it likd , near the oval pit . Defty observed to me that the pit had not tired in the Low-main ; that was his opinion . We looked at the stoppings / and when we saw how they had been blown , lie was convinced it bad nrediu the Low-main ; JJefty assigned no reason , for thinking it had occurred in the Low-main .

      Air . William Anderson , viewer of St . Hikle colliery . —Had examined the mine , and concuired in opinion with Mr . Jobling that the explosion had originated near the westway , semewhure between where Bainbridge was working and the Mother-gate . It must have arisen from a sudden escape of » as , which probably came from a blower . Don't sec howit could arise from any fault in the ventilation , tlie air has so little to do , the extent of the workings being bo _ small . Live at South Shields , and have boen a viewer forty years . Mm M ' Lcott —1 am a deput y at Jarrow Colliery , and was in the Bei . sham seam when it fired . Jly father was killed by the explosion . 1 was in what is

      called Luidle ' s-way , and the lirst I observed was a draught as if from a fall . I enme out nnd was examining my stoppings when a door flew open and I lost my h slit . Went to my box and got my lamp , f fi i ; t ; then 3 " ffcllt t 0 8 ct out mv ni '' > aml to tell them to put their lamps out , and aftoi-wanls proceeded to the shaft . Knew then that an explosion had taken place , and heard two men luuamng , but did not sec any killed . It was about threequarters ot an hour before any one came down from the buriace , when Mr . Jobling came , and I .-. ssisiul him in getting the men to the shaft . The afterdamp whs very strong . Never heard any m-ort iif Ul S . K . t . beul « unsafe Won the explosion .

      flillinm Waddcll .-I am a hewer at Jarrow cot licry . H as at work in the fore shift , and Irft tl \ c pit on J huiulay morning about ten o ' clock . Worked in the ninth board in Uie north flat . The pit was m a very good state when I left it . Tlie air was so strong that I had to put a screen up to protect inj caudlft . I myself complained that inorninc of tlie deputy putting the brattice up too far . The hewer that took my plnee when I ieft was killed . Jiy a Juror . —The nir eamo to me from the west flat , ami it there had been any foulness in that part , I should have felt it . llobert Blackey , a hewer in Jarrow colliery . - ! was at work in the Low main , and left the pit about half-past eight o ' clock on the morning she fim .. >\ as wnlkiny at the south wall in the west flat , Mothergate . The nir was uncommonly good .

      lhe Coroner then put it to the jury whether they required any more evidence , and being answered in ths jicgatire , he proceeded to remark that the inquiry ior the jury was , Low these people came to their death . There was uo doubt thev came to tlieir death by the firing of the pit . It was their duty , if possible , to find out . vhere the pit fired . They had the ovidenco of Mr . Jobling , confirmed by Mr . Anderson , that the fire had originated in a pivrtitalar district , as far as they were able to judge from tlie indications observable in the works ; but in all probability the exact spot would never be discovered . If they were satisfied on that point , and thought it was not necessary to . hcnr a » y further evidence , then they would have to say whether the fire avoso from accident , or from negligence on the part ot those entrusted with the management of the works , or whether it was impossible to sav how it had arisen .

      1 « e jury then retired , nnd , after ft brief consultation , returned with a writtea verdict as follows : — " we have considered the evidence brought liofore w , touching tli » death of James Ste » y « rd » nd other * , and wo find that they came io their dcaih by afterdajnp , caused iy a fire in Jarrow pit , » n th e 21 st »» t ., but whare or from what cause Li ori . uiiiat cti we are not abk to show , aixi our verdict is Accidental « S « ih . " Th « CoroH » r .-By whifri you mean jou attach a * 5 »!\ m « to xay one ? The Fore »» n . ~ Yes .

      lh « lijqjareition wns ftenmade eat nmUisiwd in the uanal Una , and tln *» the proceedings tcrmsaatwl . It is pro $ * r to atat * that the T . 'iin « BS « s «* roi « e " were brought up projaiBcuously f 3 om the crowd th »* liad ass « Bnblcd in M * vicinity ci the inqutst-rMK ^ There was no marshalling of ' tie evidence , it l » iu ? the wish of the owsers of the wlliery , nn ^ ever ; on » concerned in the melancholy , affair , thai tho lullc « mt estigation shwihl bo inst iliiitcd . 'ifh « Coroner bitimnted in respect to llobert D » w ' » wao had not been recoveicd when ilit proceedi "!! terminated , that on receiTing a certificate from tn > , mettteal officer of the body having been found in t ' Low-main , ? md his opinion that his death had 1 ) ccn caused by the snmo explosion , h » would isstio a ff « r * rant for his interment , nnd include him in th » jnq « ' sition with the others who lmd lost their IWos ftt w ™ same time .

      It is thought the body of Baird will be got at tonight or to-inorvow morning . Cranston continues )« an almost unconscious , state . Adams is slow . y n ' covering . The exact number killed is now asecitnhicd to bo thirty-niuo .

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      surface some fresh men came down , and j » rfisted'in getting the rest of the men out of the Be » sham seam . Kobertson aud Fairgrieve were alive vhen brought to the bottom of the shaft , but they were in a very exhausted state . I sent away to the surface first those whom I thought were suffering most , and in that was greatly aided by those who were not so bad . Several attempts were made to get into the westpit shaft . Isaac Weddle and John Simpson succeeded , and there found James Spence and John Adams , in a very exhausted state , the air being very bad . On Weddle and Simpson shouting they had found two men alive , I went round to the shaft and assisted in getting them out . All those found alive were eventually sent up . Before I went to the

      surface , Defty came to nie , along with Robert Fairly and o : herf . I was about two hours and a half in the mine before any of the men came down ; they were engaged in getting the ropes right . 'When Defty came down , I told him we had got all the men out of the Bensham seam alive , except three , and cautioned him against going into the seam , on account of the after-damp , which was stronger than I ever felt it . There was a drift by which 1 thought the men might have come from the Low-main to the Bensham , and Defty went to examine it . There were two doors which he had to open , and he was told to put the furnace-fire out at the bottom of the oval pit . The oval pit is sunk from the High-main through the Bensham seam to the Low-main , about

      150 yards south of the main shaft . The depth of the oval pit from the High-main to the Low-main is sixty-five fathoms . There are two furnaces in the Bensham scam , one of which is p laced at the oval pit , which forms the upcast ffum the Low-main workings ; the other is placed at the west pit of the main shafts , and ventilates the workings in the Bensham seam . Defty put out the furnace at the oval pit , lest , from the current being deranged , any of the gas should conic in contact with the flame and ciiuse a second explosion . Near to the oval pit , in the Bensham seam , there is a sloping drift driven down till it cats the Bensham seam in another place , where it i 3 thrown down by a dike . Tho drift is then continued for some distance in the coal ( upwards of 500

      yards ) , where a communication is formed irom the coal by means of a staple to the stone drift in the Low-main . I have known the people come from the Low-main by this communication into the Bensham seam , but it is not generally used for that purpose . Defty , after putting the furnace out , proceeded further , in the nope that some of the men might have come up that drift . I never saw him alive after he went to the furnace . Fairly came to me and said that Defty was overcome with the after-damp , but I thought lie would come round , as we had all been much affected , and I accordingly directed some of the men to go and assist him , as I was quite exhausted , Iearno to bank and sent fresh men down . I did not think that Defty was so bad , as he had been but a

      slort time in the mine . After all the men had been got out of the Bensham seam , we commenced immediately repairing the shaft , so as to enable us to i- ' escend to the Low-main . The brattice was very much damaged , and took considerable time to repair , so that we did not get clown to the Low-main till between twelve and one o ' clock on Saturday morning . On learning that the communication had been effected with the Low-main , I went to the pit , in order to descend , when I met Mr . Johnson and Jacob Tato who had found one man alive , named William Cranston . Cranston was lilted from the corf on to the- surface , when ho spoke to me , but ho did not appear to be sensible . He walked away with assistance and is

      recovering . I got into the corf with Johnson and Tate , and went down to the Low-main , when I found a severe explosion had taken place in thatfeam . Great quantities of stone had been thrown from the roof . The on-setter , Mark Willis , a boy , a horse , and several tubs of coal had been blown a considerable distance , the rn'in and the boy , particularly the latter , having been very much mutilated . About this time Mr . Anderson , of South Shields , and Mr . Thomas John Taylor , of Earsilon , viewers , came down , and we saw another body , that of John Burdis , which had been brought to the shaft . We proceeded to the West-way-ends , about eight yards north from the shaft , and at that point there were strong indications of fire , the coal being considerably charred or

      burnt . We went further north , about sixty yards , and saw that the force of the blast had been exerted in an easterly direction , the blast having come from the west . The after-damp was very strong , and we returned to the West-way-ends , which is a point where the roily-way branches towards the north and towards the west . ^ Ye then put up fresh stoppings , and repaired the old ones , to enable us to proceed to tlw West-flat . On reaching the flat we found the body of ahorse , and a number of tubs in disorder . Also tho body of a roily driver , much burnt . "We proceeded about twenty-five yards further , and there found the body of another boy , lying in one of the headway courses to the north . \ Ye pvoeecded to tl . c west , bnt got slowly forward , the after-damp was so

      very strong , and we had to carry the air along with us . About 1 G 0 yards from the West-way-ends we found a large body of gas . Mr . Clark aud others then canie to relieve us , and we left them endeavouring to remove the gas , and we returned to bank . I was about three hours at bank , aud then went down again , and found that Mr . Clark had succeeded in getting two bodies from the west , but he had found the gas so strong that he did not consider it prudent to persevere in that direction . Consulted with Mr . Clark , and we determined to go north , and we changed the current of ah- accordingly . We did not think it prudent to explore in both directions at tho same time in consequence of the strength of the after-damp . There were some men workimr

      on the south side of the West-flat ; all the bodies were burnt , and , with the exception of two , covered with stories . The principal portion of the men were working in the . North-flat Mothcrgaie . There are the \ Yest-flat , and the West-flat Mothergate ; the Northflat , and the North-flat Mothergate , and these comprise the whole of the Low-main seam . After remaining a few hours I gave uirectious to the panics , and again returned to bunk . This was on Saturday evening . On Sunday morning 1 went down agnin , and found the parties had got to the northern extremity of tho workings , and had got several bodies . Those found in tlie flat were not muck burnt , but those found in the boards north of the flat were burnt severely . Mr . Johnson went down with me . We

      went to the west , and came back over the south , nnd found several bodies , the position of which showed that the parties had been coming in an easterly direction from the flat . Wo found the bodies of several hewers , and the place where we found them showed that they must have been leaving their work afte the explosion , with the exception of one , whoappenred to have been struck dead where he stood . We then went into the West-flat Motuergato . All the bodies had been then discovered except fuur , one of which we supposed to be under a fall of stoue , and we knew where the three others were , but could not get at themThere

      . was much less gas in this part than there was bofore , which I account for by sunposiii " the " blower" had abated . The firsttime I was there I heard the gas or blower issuing from the West-flat Mothergate , either from the stone or the coal . 1 heard it more distinctly on the second day , as I got nearer to it than 1 was before . Mr . Anderson and 1 then returned to the North-fiat , nnd went to the West-way-ends . All thebodies we had found had been then got out . We returned to the West-flat Mothergate by a shorter course , and there found Mr Clark and Mr . Taylor rem oving the stone . We returned and came to bank about five o clock last niMit

      1 have not beai thero since , but I understand thev have found the three bodies , and that ono only , that ot a bor , now remain * in the mine , under a full ot stone nearthe shaft . In the eastern district of tho mine there are about twelve acres of s < lid coal , which are not worked ; in the west district about seven acres . Tho waste was gone through twice a v . eek ami tho returns wero examined every day . From there being no pillar working , there was no goaf in the Low mam . In addition to the men working in the Low main scam , there were four men woi-foii * on the stone drift , and one of these men was found alive . 1 hey were all found within a short distance cf each othor . The four men wtro not , in mv opinion , burnt . The one found alive had been working in the Stow board . [ This witness was very imperfectly understood , from his modu of referring tn

      t io plans , and pointing out places " horc" and there , " without sufficiently describing them" ! iwo ot the men were found wifli their months in a P ?] ° f * » and tue ° " « fowwl alive , whose name is Vi jUiam Cranston , was sitting beside them . [ The ttLtness then proceeded to describe the mod * of venti latins the mine , and th « direction of the , w courses ' winch could not bo understood' without reference to the plan /] Souks time ago the quantity of air descending the mam shall waa measured aad found t » be 40 , 000 cubic feet per mmto , excluding a ZVm portion which wa « not measared . I haro no hesita ton in sayin ? that up to tha time of th » aoeident th » mr e "» terod tho mine at tb » rate of SO . SSdO cubic ifcoi per minuto , about one half of which wit to tho Low mam . Th&walpit lias , been used as an air couw © about two years . About six years »»»' the whole- of the brattice , in the main shaft was jenowed & « £ a

      great increase in tho quantity of air was the ceasequence . It was entirely owing t& lhe existeaw of the oval pit that Cranston was g&S out alive 'W © should act have been able to L-yre penetrated the mine yet had it no \ tee » for tv » oral pit . Defty when in the Bensham seam , noi moro than half ail hour before his deaHi , said to m » , that he could B !» t ' account for the aeeitlont , as ha had been through the ¦ whole of the workings with a candle tha day beforeanu lound all right , no gas , »« d tho returns pcrfecUT ; ctenT . He said he norer would wish toaec the nitin » better condition . 1 never heard mrt report of tho pit being in an unfit state that morning , or at mt other time ; on the contrary , the men compl ained of lu

      estrengtuot ue current of air " sweaVmg" ( wastmg ) then- candles . I cannot state positively the cause of the expos . on , but my opinion is there has been some sudden discharge of « svS at or near tic face of the western district . The direction of the blast can be traced along the headways courses north thence to tbo enst ; then it has returned out towards the shaft , Another current may bo traced to tin .

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      Si :

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      Fashion-. —The voluntary slavery which lends ifc ¦ think , net , and dress , : icco ' rdin . a to the juus u ! C ! lE fouls aud the caprice of coxcombs .

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  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 30, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1330/page/6/