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Northern Star (1837-1852), 30th August 1845, Edition 3 of 4, Page 6, TO THE VS1TED TRADES ASD TTOR K1XG CLASS...

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      $ - The Northern Star Ato^^J^^

      $ - THE NORTHERN STAR _Ato _^^ J _^^

      «Jhb Xettees Of A Sesac-Exasl4s To His S...

      « _JHB XETTEES OF A SESAC-EXASL 4 S TO HIS SOS . _ir-nxs i . SSstatisfadm at Jis ten ' s adopHm of Ot Clurtcr , < _C--j . Hv U _£ Aa Son-, —It is seldom tliat there is any sympathy between youth ond age _vifh respect _topoli-ical opinio : ' . ? . Erin where ticre is the greatest harmony cf gcnthr . er . t on most other subjects , there is often a total want ofit on this . There arc raaay ways by which this fflay bj _ararrnsedibr- but ia the case of persous placed in those _rsiuioas in which we stand to _encTi otber , it masts fro- * : tho _solicitude of a father regarding his sou ' s _proFpwc's anil _s-ireess in life , _casiHnad witli a _linowledge of tbe fact that in early life our political viev . -s are often of a liberal cast , and that youth is liable to be betrayed into _tisscasoaable _c-xpresdon and maintenance of iiicin .

      In ray young days there was so much darner in certain _tlews and conduct of a political character , not only to _TForldly Tirosptct _* , but to the enjoyment cf the ordinary _Wesan'TS and advantages of home and _friendship—certain oi-. _inions were so connected with proscription , _cxpairianon , aud death itself , tiiat even now , when the fear of fhese things has iu a great measure passed a war , a parent of ordinary solicitude must still regard the inclinations of his son , in this respect , witii a degree of _appre-Iter-skm . _Jleiylas on your prudence , however , as to how you _sfBow your opinions to influence your conduct , I may state _ifcat your profession of political faith has , to a great extent , ray approval .

      Though I have _lori-jceasea to taM any active interest Ca political afiairs , I am hy no means a :: indifferent obser-¦ Cer of what is going on in the world . It was not , as you _Imow _, any part of my parental X'raclice to introduce _political topic * , much les 3 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 < Jone all tliat a father legitimately sat do—given them ihst education , and trained _thc-si in these habits of reflection which my means aud opportunity permitted ; cut I Ofl not , on that account , now feel tlie less anxiously con-Genua ? your views on questions of public interest .

      Jam pleased with your letter , asfanuslring evidence feat you do not class lac among those narrow-minded tinni-Sram sort of persons who flush that the adoption of political views on the pari of a son should bc a matter of _finprane indifference to a parent , or among _tliosc 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 weV-beiug of the commurdty , as soon as he becomes a free member of if , and takes upon him those other duties and _rcsponsihiliiies of a social character , whicli _areuioreimperativoonJy because their necessity is more obvious and ordinary , aud "because tlie policy of Government iu withholding or denying political power to thc people , has invested such watfcrs with a veil of mystery . It is as much the business j fg _aywing man to form political opinions as to learn a < ra 2 e or _profession .

      lam also glad to perceive that you attach a proper * alne to principles , and that you can distinguish between ( Q agitation for these aud an agitation for objects oa _Sfblch they are to no extent involved . Your adoption of the Charter is precisely what I was _Jtepared t _* expect ; and knowing as you do tlie nature of aisy own predilections , you will not be surprised to hear _$ mtit _hes given me satisfaction . Eat I do not agree With you on many minor points ; and your views , in reference to the character and sources of certain movements and events , are widely at variance with my own . 3 _Jpt dis is not much to be wondered at There are two special reasons why an old and a young _tfian _, whose political opinions , though harmonising _wonderfully on simple abstract points , should assume a different coinplexien as regards the character and tendency < jf certain questions and current topics of public interest —tbe degree of success likely to attend flick * agitation , $ _id thc amount of good , success is calculated to effect .

      Thc first reason is to he found in thc universal characteristics of tlie two periods of life . Youth is enthusiastic , eangulne , 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 think and feel alike in reference to such matters ? But another reason is to he found in the old man ' s enlarged experience of life . Ah , my dear » n , under the stem revision of _thisnr . _impassioned chronicler , who walks calmly and rcrweatSy l _* y ihe side of time , taking note of all his doings , and treasuring the results of his unfaltering progress , our views Of men aad things undergo wonderful change . How many hopes and visions , which ardent feeling created aud Jouth cherished , are dashed and dissipated when the medium is removed which clothes with dazzling brightness all youth ' s pictures .

      Experience makes sad havoc of our early impressions . II may be compared to a stem Iconoclast , who strikes down the idols cf cur youthful hearts , and ruthlessly stripe f hem of the attributes which so endeared them to us . _Xhave a strong distrust of most ofthe plans ol political _tftift social amelioration which of late years hare attracted various degrees of interest , and a mean opinion of their _tfdthors . A striking proof of their unsoundness is tlieir palpable unproductiveness . 1 see tbe condition of tlie people getting daily worse , and no adequate or spirited efforts making—no proper direction of resources—and , with limited exception , no men possessing qualities capable of stirring the people . cither to reflection or action . Thl 3 comes of iudulgiug too many projects . "Why not let aU plans alone tin yon aeciare the power to turn them lo advantage—till you have procured the Charter . It is Trail enough to discuss them , hat not to allow them io engross attention or distract effort .

      I would not , however , bave yon io think tliat I am hopeless of human progress , or that I have not even _latterly observed a silent , though slow aad reluctant , recognition of the ultimate and great ends of social _combination , and of true and rational principles of government ; nut I would have you to place little reliance upon the nostrums of certain political speculators , aud to attach small importance to any plan of remote utility , and whicli can neither be very safe , practicable , or effective , uutil that power is obtained which is essential to thc efficiency of all projects of extensive application , or great and national benefit . The people ' s attention and efforts should "he directed to procure the practical recognition of great principles , which are alone enduring , and which will engross human interest when many of the vagaries which at _pressnt amuse the public mind have ceased to ha attractive .

      I am not impatient , however , and have too much experience to doubt that the Charter will soon become tie ob-% ect of ucitcd if not exclusive effort . The supposed ~ . S ! 1 in its agitation is more in appearance than reality . The Charier is an embodiment of grand principles ; it represents and embraces a change so extensive aad complete at to mark an era in political progress ; ond , therefore , Eke all movements of similar magnitude in the history of the Wiirld , it will be subject to many _appznut lulls ; but ft ean nevw become retrogressive—it will hold _whatever it has gained , and contiuue to receive fresh accessions of attention from time to time , until it becomes the object of public interest , anxiety , and effort

      It is well , and a proof of its genuine character , tliat the agitation for the Charter is marked by none of tke characteristics which distinguish movements for lesser objects . It cannot proceed hy partial or half courses _. The Charter must be acknowledged and adopted in its completeness , or not at all . Instalment—that rile word Which _AVhig agitators have borrowed from the peddlars with whom they aro identified , and which indeed is sprite expressive of all their agitations and objects—has uo meaning when applied to the Charter , ond , therefore , it is not to be expected that it will receive that transient attention which is accorded to the many ephemeral projects which start up and ara disposed of oue way cr another in less time than suffices for the due consideration of objects of actual public import .

      It should not bo lost si ght of that tlie labouring classes cannot i _* e kept at the point of tension continuously . Their habits and pursuits _render this impracticable , but there is no ground for believing that they have lost faith in the only remedy for tlie varied evils which oppress them , or that they bave lost heart or hope in the struggle to acquire possession ofthe only lever which can be used with a regenerative effect . "With _rtspect to the multifarious -nostrums whicli of late _j « ars have been put forth with the view of benefiting the people—of elevating their moral and social condition , as the cant phraseology of the day goes—a consideration of these will form the scope and subject matter of future letters . In the meantime , as your correspondence gives me great pleasure , I desire you will prepare yourself for its continuance . Yours , affectionately , * _Jacou _Tswrr .

      To The Vs1ted Trades Asd Ttor K1xg Class...

      TO THE VS 1 TED TRADES ASD _TTOR _K 1 XG CLASSES . Mr . EnrroB , —Allow me , through the ' medium' of your columns , to call public attention to a few observations , which , at this early period of the existence of the CxiTEn _Tbabes Association , may not be out of place . It has long been desirable that some national cooperative system should he established amongst the working classes whereby they eould command a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . This important object is now accomplished , and forms in itself one of tlie most noble featurei in the history of Trades' Unions .

      Hitherto our endeavours to obtain anything like a just remuneration for our labour has been but too often unsuccessful . We haY 8 had two powerful enemies to contend with—capital and competition . To onr want ofthe one , and the eril influence of the ether , we may fairly attribute our present deplorable condition . The mem " - bers of the Association being conscious of the evil , have therefore determined those obstacles shall no longer stand in the way to prosperity , hut by a wise discrimination and application of their funds , to establish _theinsdvesm agriculture and manufactures , and thus render powerless tboseevils of which we have so long and bitterl y

      Had to complain . Hitherto onr endeavours for the mancipation of labour has been but _Bectional ; and it _^ remains for the mra of England , of Ireland , and of _•^ _JO _Oana to gay whether we shall try what we can do Moonally . let no man forget the old adage— " That 3 X But SV _* ™ »« U il _*» a _-Sm-ltaneoiis _Mealculatedto _^!! . r _^" _8 and ; that which _WbXmZT _?* _* f S 0 Cial Md _» olitical eon - Boteand _™;»» £ _^ rt 0 feTei _** 7 n , an ' whowouldpro _. BOte and mu te las private interest with the public _^ .

      To The Vs1ted Trades Asd Ttor K1xg Class...

      It is _EEik-r those _isr _resj-o-s that 1 -. y . - _' _-to , ar . _u that t :: t bo .: y to which 1 k _*! y . ! g have determined , not oniy to unite in their eiToris , but to call upon the millions to rally around the standard that is now unfurled _. The objects cf the Association are , first , to giva employment tc that surplus labour that abounds , both in our _agricultural aau manufacturing districts-, thus placing themselves iu a comparative state of indepeuder . ee . Secondly , to secure as far as may be practicable , the full proceeds of industry ; whilst such proceeds , together with the capital invested , will be iho individual property of the shareholders .

      It is _prcs-juic-a no argmrents will be necessary to prove that labour is the source of all wealth—that it has enabled the _capitalisls of this country , not only to live ia ease and splendour , but to realise their princely fortune . * . Then , with a capita ! properly directed , aud having in tbe members of the Association all the labour and mecb . _ar-ical 3 Kill necessary to improve eucIi capital , ean we reasonably be afraid of success ? There needs but the co-operation of our fcllow-worklngmen to shew to the world , by a practical example , the operatives of tliis country are alive lo their true interests , and competent to cany on one of thc most gigantic movements that ever was undertaken hy _ai : y _a-je or nation . «" e look forward with hone aud with coimder . ee that the working men _geiK-K-Hy will see the absolute necessity of working for themselves , of reaping thc full proceeds of their industry , rather than giving it to those whose competitive selfishness has beta ever on tlie alert to reduce tlie price of labour , and thus consign their ftllow creatures to a state of degrsdation and bondage .

      'What would have been our present condition in _society if we had been working upon the outlay of our own capital for the last twenty years past ? "Would the union hsitiles have been called for , and ihe _( . _niartjement of cur prisons ? "Would thousands of the sons of ingenuity and vatlusrry have hadlo button a thread-bare coat mound a hungry belly , while their families have had to _participate of equal want and misery ? Would our political rights have been _tampered within tlie manner that tlicy have beeu , and our demands for redress hare passed unnoticed % Surely not . The wealth which the working classes of ibis country have been instrumental in pro . ducing , would , if applied to themselves , have enhanced ihe value of their labour , according to the various blanches of industry , from thirty to eighty or a hundred per cent

      This would have been a competence , and moro than sufficient to have placed tbciu above tlio fear of want . Under such circumstances fhe consumption would have bceu much greater throughout tho entire working population , and lbs demaud for labour considerably improvod 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 for labour is wade chiefly to depend upon our foreign markets , aud whenever there is a depression ia foreign commerce we arc uot only deprived of our small share of enjoyments , but of Ihe only means whereby we can support our existence—though we have within our own circles ail thc powers fur labour , aud all thc mechanical skill that is necessary to supply each other ' a - _iibysical wants aud necessities _.

      What advantages , then , may wc not expect from the outlay of our own capital , aud the employment of our _oivu labour thereon ; what may not be achieved by perscver ance , and the proper _direction of tho powers of tlie asso . elation . Machinery , which is superseding manual labour tu a very alarming extent , and thus working our destructicn , may be profitably employed , and made to contribute to our general welfare . Is it , then , too late to be wise , or shall it be longer said that thc working classes are too apatheiic to attend to their own happiness ? If ever you iiad an idea of bettering your condition , now is fhe lime to reduce tliat to practice , now is tho time your effort will

      be most availing , let no man say , I can ' t do it ; remember , " 1 caa't do it , " never did anything , " I'll 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 wort individually and collectively ; givo your support to the association by having your names enrolled as shareholders , and there cau be no doubt that prosperity will attend tlie cause , A _Woekikg Max . London , August 2 d , 1 S 15 .

      Tee Democratic Supper And Ilajou Bexiovr...

      TEE DEMOCRATIC SUPPER AND ilAJOU _BEXIOVrSKI . TO TEE EDITOa OP THE KOMHJlJX STAB . _Sia , —When I read , in your number of the 30 th inst ., a report of the Democratic supper which took place on the 11 th , to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of tho Democratic Association , I was much amused , but not surprised , that Major Denlowski appeared at the Democratic manifestation . Sot surprised , _indeed , because men of " modest assurance"can introduce themselves any and everywhere . Being myself a Democrat , and therefore sympathising with the true Democrats who got up the supper , I am anxious to show how far ilajor B . deserved to be " _warmly r & _xiccaVby them , aud also whether he ought to bc recognised by them as a " friend and comrade , " or a "brother Democrat , " and to be listened to , nay , tobe helicrcd and applauded for all the contemptible stiuTho delivers .

      Major B . is now , as he believes himself , to be " strcngei titan cttfr" { stronger , in what ?); most likely because , with " bag and baggage , " lie joined the Aristocratic party , ar . C thus naturally ceased to be a 6 _rolfter" and became a " Monsieur . " Here is the evidence : — I . _—TVhen a series of articles appeared in tlie various numbers of the Sun oi the 2 nd , Cth , aud !) th of September , 1 S 13 , about Major E . ' s aristocratic principles and views , the Coma-. une of a l _' oiish . Democratic association , culled " The Union" of which he was a member , finding that these articles were not disapproved of by him , called upon him on tlie Oth of October of the same year to declare whether he would publicly disavow their tenor 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 , and that therefore he must be struck ofi * from the list of the Commune . To thatapplication Major B , replied , by letter of the 11 th oi October , _ISi'd , us follows : —

      [ Translation . ] " At thc sitting ofthe Commune ou the 18 th of August , I expressed my convictions that " The Union" can do no good at all for _Toland ; and I endeavoured to persuade you that the only hope for Poland lies iu the talents , patriotism , and power of the friends ofthe dynasty of Prince Adam Czartoryski . Such ideas are opposite to your principles ; and , as I am disposed to carry out those ideas , I request you will strike off my name from the list of your members . * * * ( Si gned ) " £ . Besiowski . " II . —In a Polish aristocratic newspaper , entitled Tlie Tliird of Kay , appeared , under the date of thc 29 th of December , 1844 , a declaration , signed , in- common with others , by Major B _., containing , amongst _otk « r things , the following clauses aud resolutions *

      _"Srdly . —That iu the present state ( of Poland ) , we consider tho family of _JVijia : Adam Czartoryski alone to be able to realise our wishes ; and therefore wo consider this family to be invested with the supreme power for tho benefit of our couutry , _aslong as that family will repre . sent and endeavour to realise the hopes and wishes ofthe country , _"Itbly . —And as tho intentions of that personage ( Prince A . Czartoryski ) can never be realised , if aU true patriots will not implicitl y confide in him , our association solemnly declare that we will severalty and collectively most entirely submit to him for the salvation of our fatherland . "

      Besides these overwhelming undeniable proofs , tho fact is , that Major B . attends every monthly and other "knife and fork meetings" of the aristocratic party , and there he makes the most violent attacks upon his "brother Democrats" and upon their sacred principles . Of this , sir , you and your fellow-countrymen seem not to be aware , " although one of them , well known to you all for his devotion to _^ tke cause , «¦

      _paidJ _0 fra visit , and intended to shake hands with him , your countryman refused to do so ; and , when asked for the reason , he thus answered him : — "Why , when you wero amongst us , _jk _>« represented to us Englishmen , both privately and in your public speeches , Prince Adam Czartoryski and his supporters to be the greatest scoundrels that ever breathed ou earth , as the only cause of the present misfortunes of Poland ; and now , belonging yourself to them , bow can you dare to ask an honest man , who respects himself , and who sympathises warmly with the holy cause of your nation , to shake hasds with you V

      But perhaps Major B . ' s convictions are but , as your lawyers say , "inclinations of opinion , " and therefore he may change them like his coat , repudiate them whenever couvenientforhimso to do ; or perhaps he may hope to he successful in " seningbothGodand the derir # atfhe same time . If so , let him explain aU this double-dealing , and then the English Democrats will be able to appreciate his intrinsic value , and wUl not , I suspect , bc ever again de . ceived by him . Believe me , sir , yours truly , August 25 , 1845 . A _Pomsh Democrat .

      P . S . —As the English public perhaps do not know what a part Prince Czartoryski played in our national causapart which Major B . himself frequently denounced before he entered his service—permit me to givehere acondensed account of the leading features ofit . Prince Adam _CeartorysU , Major B . ' s present patron , was for a certain period—when Poland had no political existence , having been despoiltd by Russia , Austria , and Prussia—Minister for Foreign Afiairs of the greatest foe of Poland , namely , the Czar of Muscovy , the late Alexander , the brother of the present Nicholas . When our last revolution—by which we endeavoured to shake off thc invader's iron yoke

      from our nation—broke out , en the 29 th of November , 1830 , he ( Prince Czartoryski ) , in a proclamation issued on the 30 th of the same month and year , called this struggle for emancipation , a " sad and unexpected event " and engaged that the people of Warsaw would " return to order and quietness ; " and expressed his wish "that the exasperation may be oter _vnth the night tehioh covered them witt its darkness . '' When , on the 25 th of January , 1831 , the Polish Diet—fulfilling an imperative act of duty—determined upon the extinction of the right to the throne of Poland on the part of her greatest enemy ( the present Czar Nicholas ) , Prince Czartoryski exclaimed , "by that

      Tee Democratic Supper And Ilajou Bexiovr...

      llty lavs mined Poland !? - Possessing- considerable _in-Sut-nte over many persoui who unfortunately had- the power to injure our cause , he proceeded to a corps of 'J _' - _' , G 0 O of our beat , troops , and prevented them rejoining the _re-tt ofthe _natioual force , at a critical moment ( when ths Russians surrounded and took "Warsaw ) , and obliged them afterwards to surrender their armsiu Austria . Thc Polish Emigration , well aware of all those facts , published iu 1 S 31 a protest signed by nearly the whole of thorn—for it contained abouMOOO signatures—iu which they solemnl y declared Prince Adam CsartorysM to-be the enemy of the national cause . This protest was published iu several French newspapers on tbe 12 tb of September , 1 S 34 .

      [ The writer of this letter has furnished ns with his name . He is , what ho represents himself to be , a Fdlish Democrat . He has given proof of his devotion to the sacred cause for whicli he is now an exile , even since ho landed on our shores . The letter , too , has been seen by another most distinguished object of Sir James Graham ' s ciiK ; and he vouches for tho facts therein narrated , Under these circumstances , wc feel ourselves called on to give it a publicity equal to tho declarations nnd representations that have called it forth . —En . A ' . S . \

      * By Astrange Coineidence, The First Fiv...

      * By astrange _coineidence , the first five letters of Prince Ceartorysia _' s name , Cxart , signifies devii _.

      Explosion At Jarrow Colliery. A Dreadful...

      EXPLOSION AT _JARROW COLLIERY . A dreadful explosion cf fire-damp occurred at Jarrow Colliery on Thursday afternoon , which had been attended witli a fearful loss of life and extensive destruction of property . __ The colliery is situate on the Durham side of the river Tyne , about nine miles below Xcwcastle , and is the property of Mr . Thomas Drewett Brown , of _Jarr-ow . It is a Very old colliery , and the shaft is of considerable depth ; forty-live men were at work in thc Bensham scam when the explosion took place , and thirty-live in the low main , the former being at the depth of 175 fathoms from the surface , and the latter 195 fathoms . The loss of life

      has been eliicflyin the low main , whore the explosion must have occurred , though its effects are visible in every other part of the mine . Before proceeding to give a narrative of tho circumstances attending tliis fearful event , it may be proper to state that thc colliery consists of one shaft only , which is divided into three portions by means of brattices . Thc 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 cental parts . The smaller segment ofthe circular shaft is used for the engine to draw water from the mine ; the western _, _raosfc division of _thelarger segment goes to the Bensham seamand the easternmost one to the low main .

      , The air to ventilate the workings descends the engineshaft and the east shaft , aud after traversing the galleries of the low main seam , it is conveyed through a shaft called the oval pit into the Bensham scam , after ventilating which it passes to the high main , and thence into the upcast of the west shaft . The entire shaft , as we have said , descends to the low main , but the west division is stopped by a platform at the Bensham seam , tho other divisions going all the way down . This explanation is necessary in order to thc understanding of what follows , as well as to coireet 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 dav , when every part of the mine was in a

      highly satisfactory state , there being uo foulness , and the air strong in thc courses . The first indication of au explosion having taken place was the ascent of dense smoke from the mouth ofthe shaft .. This was observed by Mr . Brown , the owner ofthe colliery , and Mr . Jobling , thc 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 . Tlie pit had fired with dreadful violence , andnearly 100 individuals were known to be below . The intelligence soon spread into the village , and in a few minutes several hundred persons had 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 _toba manned in order to decend , but finding that thc 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 Dcfty went down . On entering the Bensham seam , a few of tlie _nieuwhohadbcenat work there were found to have reached theshaft alive , whereupon Defty was ordered to bank to place waterfalls on thc two downcast divisions of tho pit . Here ail 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 seam , it was deemed advisable that the weaker of those who hadbeen found sliould 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 tor their comrades till Defty returned ; but such was the state of delirious excitement in which the men were , that on _« of them in the dark sprang to the rope in the centre of the shaft , and clung to it with the tenacity of despair . Had he missed thc 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 theshaft in safety , shouting in delirious excitement to be out of

      tiie place . The scene was an awiwlone to witness . Defty , after placing the watercourses on , descended in a ' cage , aud 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 the surface , then descended Ito the bottom , and was directed into thc workings of the Bensham seam , to ascertain the state of the communication with the low main by means of the oval jut , being cautioned by Mr , Jobling not to go too far if he found the air dangerous ; but , such was his anxiety to save tho other men , that he himself fell a victim to the choke-damp after being but a short time in the mine . The 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-damp , as they were not at all

      burnt . It having been ascertained that nothing 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 cany the air down , relays of men were ordered to proceed 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 ofthe oval pit , it was ascertained , in the course of the operations , that a current was ascending that pit , thus showing that the air-course in the low main was not entirely interrupted . Faint hopes were then entertained of finding somo ofthe men in the low main alive , more

      particularly if any should have got near thc air current , and that gave a fresh stimulus to the exertions of the men engaged in the tedious and difficult operation of replacing the brattic in the 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 ofthe men , directions were given to use canvas instead of wood , and an immense number of sheets and blankets were soon available for the purpose . At about half-past two _e'clock on Saturday morning the men reached thc low main seem , the workings of which are not of great extent , being in the solid coal , about 300 yards in one direction and 200 yards in the other . They immediately commenced exploring the drifts , under the direction ol

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

      The 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 ono of thc boards used as a receptacle for stones . That , however , is merely conjecture , and his own statement , when he is able to give it , will be more satisfactory . The following arc the names of those found in the low main seam on Saturday morning : — William Cranston , aged 35 , found aVive , as above described . Tho others were dead . William Walker , aged 39 , left a wife . He was much burnt and cut about the head . Thomas Liddle , 44 , wife and six children ; not much burnt . Thomas Wailes , wife and family ; his son Thomas not found .

      John Burdis , left five orphan children . He was very much mutilated , his entrails being protruding , and his body completely cut up . His son Thomas also much mutilated . m Mark Willis , wife confined a few days ago of the sixth child ; dreadfully mutilated , his head being completely 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 . George Crane , wife and two or three children . Much burnt . Robert Baird , a boy , and John Elliot , 14 , not much burnt .

      The above list contains the names of thirteen parties , ten of whom were found near Cranston , and the others some distance from liim in the workings . The following are the names of those supposed to be still in tlie low

      main;—- Thomas Low , 4 S wife ami faiaily . ' Joseph'Wanless , 55 , wife and family . Robert Arrowsmith , 24 , a wife . Joseph Scari ' ton . John Musgrave , 50 , and his sou John , 19 , wife and ' Joint and James Coburn _, thc former left a wife and six children . Cuthberl Bell , 2 i > , married only three weeks . Robert Ramshaw , a boy . Thomas Hills , a wife and fondly . Joseph Bainhridge , wife and family . Peter Feel , 50 , wife and family . William Weddlo , So , wife and family . James Hall , wife and one child .

      William Charlton , deputy , 40 , and his son John , IS , wife and several children . Another William Charlton , 50 , wife and family . John -M'Leoil , -10 , deputy . Joseph Bambiirgli , a boy . William Elliott , 15 . The explosion has done a great deal of damago __ to thc mine , and there are several falls ia the roof which impede the progress of the men exploring the works , as the rubbish must bc removed , nr _. d the _stoppings , all of which arc blown out , replaced as they proceed . No account can yet bc given of how the accident occurred . An inqnest has been held upon the body of Jacoo Duffy , and the jury returned a verdict—That the deceased had died from the effects of after-damp .

      SATiniDAY _filGUT . Workmen have been employed all day in clearing away the ¦ obstructions caused by thc explosion ; but tl ey have not yet succeeded in recovering the whole of tiie bodies . About seven o ' clock ' to-night tiie mutilated remains of Joseph Bamburgh , a youth , were brought to thc surface ; ami about nine o ' clock iho bodies of two others wcie brought up , but in such a dreadfully mutilated slate that recognition was ins . possible . The force of thc explosion must have been tremendous , _i'roin twenty-eight lo thirty bodies are yet iu the workings , and great difliciilty exists in reaching the place whore it is supposed they ave , from the damage done to thc mine . * It is thought they will be recovered through thc night , or in the course of to-morrow .

      John Adams , one of tlio men who was in tho Bensham scam , and for some time after he was brought out was not expected lo 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 , tho surgeon , and then ho replied with great difliciilty , and his answers evidentl y showed that his mind was deranged . Tke surgeon is apprehensive of congestion taking place . Ic is his intention to bleed him to-night , and should he go on favourably ho mav be able in a few 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 thc whole night .

      _Jahbow , So . vn . u- Nigut . The excitement prevailing here to-day has been greater than at any previous period since tho explosion . The bodies of about thirty of the sufferers were this afternoon consigned to the grave in Jaruow churchyard , the funeral being witnessed by upwards of 8 , 000 spectators , many of whom had come from a considerable distance . Tlie bodies were placed in decent coffins , which were waiting to receive them when brought to the surface , and were conveyed to the churchyard in carts belonging to the colliery . Some of the surviving relatives of each joined inllic melancholy procession , and , as usual in the colliery districts of tlio north of England , the Old Hundredth Psalm was sung on the way to tho burial ground . The scene was exceedingl y solemn . Unremitting exertions have been made by relays

      of men from tho 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 ofthe 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 so much disfigured that it was impossible to identify them . One body , thought to bc 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 upon 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 .

      There arc yet four bodies in the bowels of the earth . Oue , that of " a boy , is supposed to be under that of a horse , which he ' was employed in attending , and 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 arc supposed to be further in ; bat it is hoped that all wiil 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 thc way and replace the " stoppings and brattices" as they advance , to carry thc air with them .

      There havo been thirty-eight lives lost by this oxplosion , thirty-four in the Low main , and four in the Bensham seam , including Defty , thc 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 tho fetid atmosphere , was described in a former communication , still remains in a very precarious state . The bleeding last night lias had a salutary effect , and he lias 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 bo 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 thc Bensham seam are still suffering severely from thc effect ofthe choke-damp , though none arc in imminent danger .

      _couoseb ' s ixquEsr . J . vnnow , Moxday . Thc adjourned inquest on thc 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 Hylton Castle Inn , Three of the bodies remaining in the mine last night had been recovered , and one only , that of Robert Baird , is left . The coroner having opened thc proceedings , Mr . Browne , the colliery surgeon , delivered in a list of thc sufferers . He had examined most of the bodies as they were brought to the surface , but it was impossible , from the state in which many of them were , to state 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 Thursday afternoon , about half-past one o'clock , Iwas walking towards the colliery with Mr . Brown , when my attention was directed to a strong cloud of smoke issuing from thc 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 thc mine ; thc east , or downcast shaft , from which the coals arc

      drawn from thc low-main seam ; and Ihe west , or upcast shaft , the largest division of the three , up which the coals are drawn from the Bensham seam . The depth to the low-main scam is 195 fathoms , and to the Bensham scam 175 fathoms . The engine shaft is a downcast , as well as the cast pit . There is a very strong ; scaffold laid at thc Bensham scam , at the bottom of the pit . On finding the cages fast , I ordered the gin horses to be brought , which was done , and I descended the east pit by the gin rope . There is a gin always ready , and the rope may be put into any of the three shafts . Jacob Defty went with me . I went clown to the Bensham seam , where I found several men near the shaft . I went into the seam , and three of the men got into the loop I had left , and

      came to the surface with Defty . The cage was put down as far into the shaft as we could , and then a rope was let down from the cage to the seam to get the men up . IT'his witness was much affected in giving his evidence as to the finding of the men , and several times shed tears . ] - In the Dunkirk district ofthe Bensham seam tho men never felt the force of the explosion at all . After being informed that tho men in that district had been got out , I went into the north New-grove district , and found the men in that district had got out before I got there , [ Witness explained by reference to thc plan the relative positions of the districts . ] Returned to the Dunkirk district , having found the men had not come out , when I met them coming , and they asked what was the matter , they not having felt the slightest effect from the explosion , and wondered

      why the works had stopped . I then returned to the shaft , and near it found James Steward , who was quite dead . The after-damp was very strong , but I persevered and got further in . About a hundred yards from the shaft I found five or six men moaning and insensible , being quite unable to render themselves any assistance . I took hold of the first I came to , and dragged him to the shaft . I then returned for the others , and brought as many as I could find . I came to the shaft several times for air , but never returned to the surface . In about two hours and a half the men atthe surface had got the engine to work , and were pouring water down the shaft . All this time I had no other assistance than tho men themselves could render in the seam . The water is let down by tapping the tubbing . There were two waterfalls—one in the east , the other in the engine shaft . On the communication being made with the

      surface some fresh men came down , and assisted in getting the rest of tho mcu out cf tho Bensham scam . Robcrtsm and Fairgricve were alive when brought to the bottom of _tlufsbaft-, but they were in a very exhausted stats . I sent away to thc surface first those whom I ( bought wero suffering most , and in that was « rently aided by tliosc who were not so bad . Several attemp ts were made lo get into the westpit shaft . Isaac Weddlo and John Simpson succeeded , and there found James Spenee and John Adams , in a very exhausted state , the air being very bail . On Weddlo and Simpson shouting they had

      found two men aiive , I went round to the shaft and assisted in getting them out . All those found alive wore eventually sent up . Before I went to Urn surface , Defty came to me , along with Robert Fairly and _o'licrt . I . was about two hours and a half in tho mine before any of the men came down ; they were engaged in getting the ropes right . When Dcfty came down , I told him we had got all thc men out of the Bensham seam alive , except three , and cautioned him against going into tho seam , on account of the after-damp , which was stronger than I ever felt it . There was a drift by which 1 thought thc men _niidit have come from the Low-main to the

      Bensham , and Deity went to examine it . I here wore two doors which he had to open , and he was told to put the furuacc-lirc out at thc 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 tiie High-main to the Low-main is sixty-five fathoms . There arc two furnaces in the Bensham seam , one of which is placed at the oval pit , which forms the upcast from the Low-main workings ; the other is placed at Ihe west pit of the main shafts , and ventilates tiie workings in tho Bensham seam . Defty put out tho furnace at thc oval pit , lest , from tlio current being deranged , any of the gas should come iu contact with thc flame and cause a second explosion . Near to the oval pit , in the

      Bensham seam , there is a sloping drift driven down till it cuts the Bensham seam iu another place , where it is 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 from tiie coal by means of a staple to thc stone drift in the Low-main . I have known tlio people come from the Low-main by this communication into the Bensham scam , but it " is not generally used for that purpose . Defty , after putting the furnace out , proceeded i ' ui'tik'i _' , in thc hope that sonic of thc men might have come up that drift . I never saw him alive alter he went to the furnace . Fairly came to mc 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 ofthe men to go and assist liim , as 1 was quite exhausted . I c ; _-me to bank and sent fresh men down . I did not th ' nk that Deftv was so bad , as he had been but a short time in the mine . After all the mcu had been got out of Ihe Bensham seam , we commenced immediate ! v repairing the shaft , so as to enable us to _(" caceiid to the Low-main . Thc brattice was very much damaged , and took considerable time to repair , so that we did not get down to thc 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 lo the pit , in order to descend , when I met Mr . Johnson and Jacob Tate 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 he did not appear to be sensible . He walked away with assistance and is recovering . 1 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 thatscani . Great quantities of stone had been thrown from the roof . The on-sctter , Mark Willis , a boy , a horse , and several tubs of coal had been blown a considerable distance , ( be man and the boy , particularly the latter , having been very much mutilated . About this tunc Mr . Anderson , of South Shields , and Mr . Thomas John Tavlor , of Earsdon , viewers , came down , and we saw another body , that of John Burdis , which

      had been brought to the shaft . Wc proceeded to the West-way-ends , about eight yards north from the shaft , nnd at that point there were strong indications of five , the coal being considerably charred or burnt . We went further north , about sixty yards , and saw that flic force of thc blast had been exerted in an easterly direction , the blast having come from the west . The after-damp was very strong , and wc returned to the West-way-ends , which is a point where thc roily-way branches towards the north and towards the west . We then put up fresh stoppings , and repaired the old ones , to enable us to proceed to ihe West-flat . Ou reaching the flat wc found thc bodv of a horse , and a number of tubs in disorder . Also thc bodv of a roily driver , much burnt . W e

      proceeded about twenty-five yards further , and there found tho body of another boy , lying in one of the headway courses to the north . We proceeded to the west , but got slowly forward , the after-damp was so verv 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 and others then came to relieve us , and we left them endeavouring to remove the gas , and we returned to bank . I was about three hours at bank , and then went down again , and found that Mr . Clark had succeeded in getting two bodies from the west , but lie had found the gas so strong that he did not consider it prudent to persevere in that direction . Consulted with Mr . Clark , and wc determined to go

      north , andwc changed the current of air accordingly . Wcdid not think it prudent to explore in both directions atthe same time in consequence ofthe strength of the after-damp . There were some men working on the south side ofthe West-flat ; all the bodies were burnt , and , with the exception of two , covered with stones . The principalportion ofthe men were working in the North-flat Mothcrgate . There arc the West-flat , and iho West-flat Molhergate ; the _Northflat , and the North-flat Mothcrgate , and these comprise the whole of the Low-main seam . After remaining a few hours I gave directions to the parties , and again returned to bank . This was on Saturday evening . On Sunday morning I went down again , and found thc parties had got to thc northern extremity of tlie workings , and had got several bodies .

      Those found in the flat were not much burnt ; but tliosc found in the boards north of the flat were burnt severely . Mr . Johnson went down with me . Wc went to the west , and came back over the south , and found several bodies , the position of which showed that thc parties had been coming in an easterly direction from thc flat . Wc found the bodies of several hewers , and thc place where we found them showed that they must have been leaving their work after the explosion , with the exception of one , who appeared to have been struck dead where he stood . Wc then went iuto the West-flat Mothcrgate . All the bodies had been then discovered except four , one of which we supposed to be under a fall of stone , and we knew where thc three 011101 * 3 were , but could not get at

      them . There was much less gas in this part than there was before , which I account for by supposing the "blower" had abated . The first time I was there I hoard the gas or blower issuing from the West-flat Mothergatc , cither from the stone or thc coal . I heard it more distinctly on the second day , as I got nearer to it than I wa 3 before . Mr . Anderson and I then returned to the North-flat , and went to the West-way-ends . All the bodies we had found had been then got out . We returned to the West-flat Mothcrgate by a shorter course , and there found Mr . Clark and Mr . Taylor removing the stone . Wc returned and came to bank about five o ' clock last night . I have not been there since , but I understand thoy have found the three bodies , and that one only , that

      of a boy , now remains in the mine , under a fall of stone near the shaft . In the eastern district of tho mine there are about twelve acres of solid coal , which aro not worked ; in tho west district about seven acres . The waste was gone through twice a week , and the returns were examined every day . From there being no pillar working , there was no goaf in the Low main , In addition to the men working in thc Low main scam , there were four men working on the stone drift , and one of these men was found alive . They were all found within a short distance of each other . Tho four men were not , in my opinion , burnt . The one found alive had been working in the Stow board . [ This witness was very imperfectly understood , from his mode of referring to

      the plans , and pointing out places "here" and "there , " without sufficiently describing them . ] Two of the men were found with their mouths in a pool of water , and the one found alive , whose name is William Cranston , was sitting beside them . [ The witness then proceeded to describe the mode of ventilating the mine , and the direction of the air courses which could not be understood without reference to the plan . ] Some time ago the quantity of air descending the main shaft was measured and found to be 40 , 000 cubic feet per minute , excluding a certain portion which was not measured . I have no hesitation in saying that up to tho time ofthe accident the air entered the mine at the rate of 50 , 000 cubic feet per minute , about one half of whicli went to the Low

      mam . The oval pit has been used as an air course about two years . About six years ago tho whole of the brattice in the main shaft was renewed , and a great increase in the quantity of air "was the consequence . It was entirely owing to the existence of the oval pit that Cranston was got out alive We should not have been able to have penetrated the mine yet had it not been for the oval pit . Defty when in the Bensham seam , not more than half an hour , before his death , said to me , that he could net account for the accident , as he had been through the whole of the workings with a candle the day before and found all ri

      ght , no gas , and the returns perfectly clear . He said ho never would wish to see the nit in a better condition . I never heard any report of the pit being man unfit state that morning , or at any other time ; on the contrary , the men complained of the strength of the current of air " swealing" ( wasting ) their candles , I cannot state positively the cause ot the explosion , but my opinion is there has been some sudden discharge of gas at or near the face of the western district . The direction of tho blast can be traced along the headways courses north , thence to the east ; then it has returned out towards the shaft . Another current mav be traced to the

      south It has evidently orig inated in . tho western Sr t is the clothes of the men nre much burns _tlicre , _aVd soinc of them arc topped rouud the posts , iu the direction of the blast . ,. ,,, Bv a Juror . —There are two shifts , one ca led tke _fovelliift and the other the back shift . Tho _njcj killed were working in tho back shift , iiicnicn . that were working in the fore sin mo . ready to describe lite slate of the mine when they leit it . _, Bvthe Coroner . —My oulv reasons lor _tliinKi _.-g the explosion originated in the western uislyict are that the direction of the blast is indicated by its effects , and hearing the gas issue iron ; tho lace ot the western district . Did uot- hear gas issuing _n-oiu

      any other part . _, ,, . ,, The Coroner then read over tho evidence o _» Mi . Jobling , aud asked if anv of the jury w : sl ; e <> any further _questions to be put to him . None having been put , " Mr . Martin Judo , of Newcastle , said ho had received a note from some of tlie friends ot tho deceased , requesting him to attend and ask the coroner to adjourn the inquest , until Sir _Janica Graham sent down a commissioner to assist in tiio investigation . . . .

      Tlie Coroner said , it was clear the commission could not interfere with this proceeding . It a commissioner were appointed , lie would havo power to summon witnesses * and examine into tho whole case , and if any neglect occurred in tlie present investigation , he would have an opportunity ot discovering it . He was desirous to investigate thematter fully , and if at the close of thc day's proceedings he saw it was desirable to adjourn for further evidence , ! : c would do c . o , but otherwise lie should close the proceed ires . Any particular question that Jlr . Jude , ov any " other gentleman , might wish to be put to the witnesses , he ( tho Coroner ) would ba ready to put it . Mr . Horn , of Newcastle , wished lo bo allowed to cross-examine thc witnesses on behalf of tho relatives of the deceased , but the Coroner would onlv permit liim to put his questions through the Court .

      Mr . Browne , surgeon ef the colliery , was re-called , and he related ; i conversation he had had with Defty , the overman , just before his _dt-fiih , as to tho state " of the ventilation . It was in substance the same as staled by Mr . Jobling in tho course of his evidence . John Bainbridge , a hewer , was next sworn and examined . —1 have been a workman at Jarrow colliery upwards of nineteen years . Was at work in tho pit on the morning before she fired . Wus at work in the second wall from the north " hitch , " which is in the western district , Tho pit was in a good state , and my brother , who was there , said to mc tho air was so strong that we could scarcely carry candies to

      serve us . There was nothing amiss in thc ventilation when I left ; but when I heard of the explosion I thought it would have occurred in the Stone-drift , and not where the pit seems to have fired . I havo lost a brother by the explosion . Have seen some of the men that were employed in thc West Mothergato flat , but have not heard them complain of the state of that part of thc mine . The brattices were well kept up to thc face of thc coal , and my brother lias complained of it being carried too close . Have never complained of the brattice not being carried up ; o the coal since I went to work in the Low-main , which is about six weeks ago . If more brattice had been required , wc could have got it for the asking .

      Lmmanuel Defty . —I am a deputy-overman at Jarrow colliery , and was employed in the fore-shift on Thursday morning up lo half-past eight o ' clock , when I left . Am brother of Jacob Dcfty , who wag killed . When I left the pit , from tho south end of our workings to the north end , I think I never ;; a \ y her cleaner . Considered her perfectly safe . Tho _lattices were well up . The air « iod . _Never heard complaints of the air being bad , out have heard tha men grumble at the brattices being put so wcJl up to thc coal that it wasted their candles . Have not been in tho Low-main since she fired .

      By a Juror . —It is my duty to examine the workings to see if all be right before thc men go to work . Dave not been in the back pillars lately . Consider it thc wastman's duty to examine the back pillars . But it is the overman's duty to sec that the pillars arc _^ examined by someone . Never heard any complaints ofthe pit being in an unsafe state before ska fired . [ This witness appeared lo bo still labouring under the effect of the choke-damp ; ho was very weak , and gave his evidence with difficulty . ] Robert Fairly , the wastman , 011 _being recalled , stated , that he had examined the back pillars on Thursday morning , in company with _Emmnmit-l Defty , thc son of Jacob Defty , who was killed , and a

      boy named hostcr , who attended npon him . Tlio back pillars were quite clean . Had a lamp with v . s . The 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 _cq Thursday , in the Bensham seain , after the pit fired , v _. carthe oval pit . __ Dcfty observed to mo that tha pit had not fired in ( he Low-main ; that was liis opinion . We looked at thc stoppings , _? and when ' wo saw how they had beeu blown , ho was convinced it had fired in the Low-main ; Defty assigned no reason foe thinking it had occurred in ilie Low-main .

      __ Mr . William Anderson , viewer of St . _Dilde _col-Hery . « -IIad examined the mine , and concurred in opinion with Mr . Jobling that the explosion had originated near the westway , somewhere between where Bainbridge was working and the Mother-gate . It must have arisen from a sudden escape of gas , which probably came from a blower . Don't see iimv it could arise from any fault in the ventilation , iho air has so little to do , the extent of thc _workiny being so small . Live at South Shields , and have been a viewer forty years . John M'Leod . —1 am a deputy at Jarrow Colliery , and was in the Bensham seam when it fired . . My father was killed by the explosion . 1 was in what ii

      called Liiklle ' s-way , ami the first I observed was a draught as if from a fail . I came out and was examining my stoppings when a door flew open and I lost my light , Went to my box and got my lamp , and lighted it ; then 1 went to get out my men , and to tell them to put tlieir lamps out , and afterwards proceeded to the shaft . Knew then that an explosion had taken place , and heard two men nioaniiiL ' , but did not sec any killed . It was about threequarters of an hour before any one came down 1 ' iom the surface , when Mr . Jobling came , and 1 assisted him in getting thc men to the shaft . The _afterdamp was very strong . Never heard any report of the pit bciny unsafe before the explosion _.

      William Waddell . —I am a hewer at Jarrow colliery . Was at work in the fore shift , and Mt ( fa pit on Thursday morning about ten o ' clock . Worked in the ninth board in the north flat . The pit was in a very good state when 1 left it . Thc air was so strong that I had to put a screen up to protect my candle . I myself complained that morning of the deputy putting the brattice up too far . The hewa that took my place when I left was killed . By a Juror . —Thc air eamo to mc from the vest flat , and if there had been any foulness in that part i I should have felt it . ltobcrt Blacker , a hewer in Jarrow co ! li _«' , ' _- was at work in the Low main , and left the pit _Mf half-past eight o ' clock on the morning she livco . Was walking at the south wall in the west _lM Mothcrgate . The air was uncommonly good .

      The Coroner then put it to the jury whether the ' required any more evidence , and being answered 111 tlio negative , he proceeded to remark that tM inquiry for the jury was , how these peop le came to their death . There was no doubt they came to il : e « death by the firing of the pit . It was their duty , » possible , to find out where the pit fired . They the evidence of Mr . Jobling , confirmed by Jlr- _> derson , that the fire had originated in a paiW' _*" district , as far as they were able to judge from t » ° indications observable in the works ; but in all l" _'*] liability the exact spot would never bo diseovciW j If they were satisfied on that point , and tlw « _pit was not necessary to hear anv further evidence , then they would have to say whether the fire an- * from accident , or from _negligence on the part 01 those entrusted with the management of the wo *' . 01 _^ whether it was impossible to say how it *

      arisen . _. The jury then retired , and , after a brief consul " ' turn , returned with a written verdict as follows _" _* "We have considered the evidence brought Mi- * - us , touching the death of James Steward and _otli" _- ' and we find that they came to theft- death by alt" ' damp , caused b y a fire in Jarrow pit , on th c _^ inst ., but where or from what cause it origin * _*^ we arc not able to show , and our verdict is _Aceidenw death , " Thc Coroner .-By which vou mean you attach _« blame to any one ?

      Tho Foreman—Yes . The inquisition was then made out anil si ? _" _^ _? the usual form , and thus the proceedings tcrnim _* ' . It k proper to state that the witnesses cxani ' _, were brought up promiscuously from the orowu _" had assembled in the vicinity of thc _inqiH » _- |™ _L llierc was no marshalling of the oyidence . it _» the wish of tho owners of the colliery , cvMi . j concerned in the melancholy affair , that _M •••" investigation should bo instituted . - o The Coroner intimated in respect to Robovt h » ' who liad not been recovered when the' _prdccwi _^ terminated , that on receiving a certificate _froia _^ medical officer of the body having been _fo-uno _" _^ , Low-main , and his opinion that his death na « p caused b y the same explosion , he would _wa-ae _« rant for his interment , and include him m «» " _M sition with the others who had lost their bus a-

      same time . _. _^ It is thought the body of Baird will t » _S ° Jlii > night or to-morrow morning . Cranston coniw , _$ . an almost unconscious state . Adams is s _»¦ ' et _, covering . The exact number killed is " " _" tained to be thirty-nine .

      Fasmos.-The Voluntary Slavery Which Tajj...

      FAsmos .-The voluntary slavery which tajj * l t think , act , and dress , according to the _jadfiow fools and the caprice cf coxcombs ,

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 30, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_30081845/page/6/