Current:

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

Page 6
Page 6
6 of 8

On this page

  • Text (5)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Nu'oi.Tarr To All Who Sixc. From S. Reiw...

      1 ! _. . _¦ _***** = _» - _^~ — _£ HE 1 BTTEBS OF A _SEXAGENARIAN TO WIS SOS . 1 ETTEB I . _Sasatisfactioa at Us son ' s adoption of the Charter , * t » . Mr Deas _Sos , —His seldom _thjA there is any sympathy between youth and age with respect _topoli'ieal opinions . Even where there is the greatest harmony of sentiment on roost other subjects , there is often a total want of it on this . There are many ways by which this may be accounted for ; but iu the case of persons placed in those relations in which we stand to each otlier , it ¦ rises from the solicitude of a father regarding his son ' s prospects and success in life , combined with a knowledge ofthe fact that in early life our political views are often of a liberal cast , ami tbat youth is liable to be betrayed into unseasonable expression and maintenance of them .

      In my young days there was so much danger in certain dew-sand conduct of a political character , not only to -worldly prospects , but to the enjoyment of the ordinary _"blessJn-s aud advantages of borne and friendship—certain opinions wero so coauected with proscription , expatriation , and death itself , that even nor . * , when thefear of these tilings has iu a great measure passed away , a parent of ordinary solicitude must still regard tbe inclinations of his son , in this respect , with a degree of _appreiecgion . Belying on your prudence , however , as to how you _tfUow your opinions to influence your conduct , I may state that tout profession of political faith has , to a great extant , my approval .

      Though Ihave long censed 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 you know , any part of my parental practice to introduce political topics , much less to inculcate political doctrines xn ray family , couceiving it proper to leave my cliildren to 3 free choice in this , as in all other matters , after having ( done all tliat a father legitimately hav do—given them that education , and trained than 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 .

      I am pleased with your letter , as furnishing evidence { bat you do not class me among those narrow-minded "hum-drum sort of persons who think that the adoption of political views on tlte part ofa son should be a matter of Supreme indifference to a parent , or among tliose who _4 eny tlie right of a young man to form or hold such opinions . It is the duty of every man , however humble to 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 liim tbosc otlier duties and responsibilities ofasocial character , which aremoreimperativeonly because their necessity is more obvious and ordinary , and because the policy of Government in _withholding or denying political power to tbe people , has invested sucli matters with a veil of mystery . It is as much the business of a young man to form political opinions as to learn a _traflc or profession .

      I am also glad to perceive that yoa attach a proper _raluc to principles , aud tliat you can distinguish between aa agitation for these and an agitation for _objects on ¦ _R-lileh tbey are to no extent involved . Your adoption of the Charter is precisely what I was prepared t _« expect ; and knowing as you do the nature of my own predilections , you will not be surprised to hear thatit bas given me satisfaction . But I do not agree srithyouon 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 . Sat this is not much to be wondered at There are two special reasons why an old and a young man , whose political opinions , though harmonising _wonderfully on simple abstract points , should assume a different complexion as regards the character and tendency of certain questions and current topics of public interest —the degree of success likely to attend their agitation , S » _d the amount of good , success is calculated to efFect .

      Ilie Srst reason is to be found in the universal characteristics of the two periods of life . Youth is onthusiastie , sanguine , and hopeful : age , reflective , sober , unimaginative , and often , though seldom , without good reason , distrustful ; and bow , under the influence of these opposite and prevailing characteristics , can they think and feel alike in reference to such matters ? Bat another reason is to be found in the old man ' s enlarged experience of life . Ah , my dear * on , under the stern revision of _thisunimpossioneil chronicler , who walks calmly and reverently by the side of time , taking note of all his doings , aud treasuring the results of his unfaltering progress , our views erf men and things undergo wonderful change . How many hopes and visions , which ardent feeling created and youth 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 . It may be compared to a stern Iconoclast , who strikes _dotra _tlieidolsof our youthful hearts , and ruthlessly strips them ofthe attributes which so endeared tliem to us . I have a strong distrust of most ofthe plans of political and social amelioration which oflate years _luvre attracted various degrees of interest , and a mean opinion of their authors . A striking proof of their unsoundness is tlieir palpable unproductiveness . 1 see the condition of the people getting daily worse , and no adequate or spirited _efiorts making—no proper direction of resources—and , Kith limited exception , no men possessing qualities capa-We of stirring the people either to reilection or action . ! Ehis comes of indulging 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 is ¦ sell enough to discuss them , tut not to allow them to engross attention or distract effort .

      I would not , however , have you to think that I am _lopelass of homan progress , or that 1 have not even latterly observed a silent , though slow and reluctant , recognition of the ultimate and great ends of social combination , and of true aud rational principles c « f government ; Ittt I would have you to place Utile reliance upon the _nostrums of certain political _speculators , and to attach small importance to any plan of remotculility , and which < _sm neither he very safe , practicable , or effective , until that power is obtained which is essential to the efficiency of all projects of extensive application , or great and najtianal benefit . The people ' s attention and _oSfoxts should lie directed to procure the practical recognition of "rest principles , which arc alone enduring , aud which will engross human interest when many of tlie vagaries which at present amuse the public mind have ceased to ho attractive .

      I am not impatient , however , anil hnve too much experience to doubt that the Charter will soon become the ob-3 ect of united if not exclusive effort . The _supposad lull in its agitation is more in appearance than reality . The Charter is an embodiment of grand principles ; it represents and embraces a change so extensive and complete sn to mark an era in political progress ; and , therefore , Eke all movements of similar magnitude in the history of the w « rld , it will be subject to many _ayparent lulls ; but it can never be « omerotrogressive—it rill hold whatevtrit _htut gained , and continue to receive fresh accessions of attention from time io time , until it becomes the object of public _interest , anxiety , aud effort .

      It is well , and a proof of its genuine character , that the _Station for the Charter is marked by none ofthe characteristics which distinguish movements for lesser objects . It cannot proceitd by partial or half courses . The Charter must be acknowledged aud adopted in its completeness , or not at all . Instalment—that rile word ¦ which "Whi g agitators have borrowed from the peddlars with whom they are identified , and which indeed is quite expressive of all their agitations and objects—bas no meaning when _applied to the Charter , and , 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 are disposed of one way cr another in less time than suffices for the due considaratlonof objects of actual public import .

      It should not be lost sight of that the labouring _classes cannot he kept at tlie point of tension continuously . Theu * habits aud pursuits raider this impracticable , but there is no ground for believing tliat they have lost faith in tlie only remedy for the varied evils which oppress them , or that they have lost heart or hope in the struggle to acquire possession ofthe only lever which can be used _irith a regenerative effect . "With respect to the multifarious nostrums which of late years have been put forth with tlie view of benefiting tiie 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 _irill pre _*> are yourself for its oontinuance . Yours , affectionately , Jacob _Thes-tv .

      Evidentioriginated In The Western ^Tt-N ...

      _^ TT-n _-n _v _on-w-n AUGUST 30 , 1845 . 1 _^ THE NORTHERN STAR _J _^^_^^_ _JaJ _»^^^ _BM _» i _^^ _MiM _^^ _M _»»^ _M _^ _B _^ _Ml _^^^ _MMM _^^ _t _*^ _M _« B _^ _M _^^ _Ma _^ _MJ _«^» _M _^ _Wtf * _'MWMtWM _^^^ _M _«^^ ' _^^^^**^* _^* _' _^^^****** l _^^^^^^^^^^^^^™*^ _' _^^*^^ _W _*^***^^ _M _* . ' _^^ ¦ ¦¦ - ¦ " .

      To The United Trades Asd W0rk1sg Classes...

      TO THE UNITED TRADES ASD W 0 RK 1 SG CLASSES . Mr . Ed'T 02 , —Allow me , through fhe _' meaium * of yom columns , to call public attention to a few observations , which , at this early period of the existence of the Uxwed Tbades _Association , may not bo out of place . It has long been desirable that some national cooperative system should be established amongst the frorking classes whereby they eould command a fair clay ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . Thi 6 important object 3 s now accomplished , and forms in itself one of the most noble features in tbe histoiy of Trades' Unions . Hitherto our endeavours to obtain anything like a just remuneration for our labour has been but too often unsuccessful . We have iad two powerful enemies to contend with—capital and competition . To our want of the one , and the evil influence of the ether , we may fairly attribute our present deplorable condition . The mem-, bersof the Association being conscious of the evil have !

      therefore determined those obstacles shall no _longer Stand in the way to prosperity , but by a wise discrimination and application of their funds , to establish themselves in agriculture and manufactures , and thus render powerless those evils ofwhich we hare so long and bitterly lad to complain . Hitherto our endeavours for the emancipation of labour has been but sectional ; audit OO Tremains for tha meu of England , of Ireland , ' and of Scotland , to say whether we shall try what we can do nationally . Let no man forget the old adage— " That ¦ Which cannot be achieved by tbe few , may be by the _-tany _. _- ana that » by an easy if it be a simultaneous Sort . . Bat , surely , that which is both great and good in oor _tLni _£ _T * _^ _^^^ _toKmoreaconsiderable _- _¦^< SSSSS « _SS _^ _"oMe efibrt-is wor thy _JWteandmtite _^ _£ _?«¦*¦»* whowonld _pro-« aue his _Pmatemterestwi _ththepubUcgood .

      To The United Trades Asd W0rk1sg Classes...

      It is under those impressions that I write , and that the body to which I belong , have determined , not . only to unite in their efforts , but to call upon the _millione to rally around tlie 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 thc shareholders .

      It is presumed no arguments wiil be necessary to prove that labour is thc source of all wealth—that it has enabled the capitalists of this country , uot only to live iu case and splendour , hut to realise their princely fortunes . Then , with a capital properly directed , and having in the members of thc Association all the labour and mechanical akill necessary to improve such capital , can we reasonably be afraid of success ! There needs but the co-operation of our fellow-workingmen to shew to tha world , by a practical example , the operatives of this country are alive to their true interests , and competent to carry on one of the most gigantic movements that ever ¦ was uwlert _& ken by any age or nation . _"VVe look forward with hope and with confidence that tbe working men generally will see the absolute necessity of working for themselves , of reaping the full proceeds oftheir industry , rather than giving it to those whose competitive selfishness has been ever on the alert to reduce tbe price of labour , and thus consign their fellow creatures to a state of degradation 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 tha union _bastiles have been called for , and the enlargement of our prisons . Would thousands of the sons of ingenuity nnd industry have had to buttou a thread-bare coat around a hungry belly , xvhile their families have had to participate of equal waut andmiscry ? Would our political rights have been tampered with in the manner 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 producing , 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 per cent .

      This would have been a competence , and more than sufficient to lurre placed ihem above the fear of want . Under such circumstances the consumption would have been much greater throughout the cutire working population , and tiie demand for labour considerably improved thereby . Thus , our interests would havo been blended with , and augmented by our very enjoyments . The present system of employing private capital bas the very opposite effeet . The demand for labour is made chiefly to depend upon our foreign markets , aud whenever there it a depression iu foreign commerce wc are not only deprived of our small share of enjoyments , but of lhe 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 tliat is necessary to supply each other ' s physical wuut 6 aud necessities .

      what advantages , then , may we not expect from the outlay of our own capital , and the employment of our own labour thereon ; what may not be achieved by 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 be wise , or shall it be longer eaid that the working classes are too apathetic to attcud 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 the time your effort will

      ba most availing , let no man say , I can ' t do it ; remember , •« I can ' t do it , " never did anything . " I'll try to do it , " has worked wonders , and " I will do it" has performed prodigies . " Tbe wise nnd brave conquer difficulties by daring to attempt thein . " Then why fear to accomplish tliat which is practicable by every man . Set yourselves to the work individually and collectively ; giro your support to tlie association by having your names enrolled as shareholders , and there cau be no doubt that prosperity will attend the cause . A Wo & _xiso Has . London , August * 25 , 1315 .

      —"¦»¦¦—The Democratic Supper Axd Major B...

      _—"¦»¦¦—THE DEMOCRATIC SUPPER AXD MAJOR _BENIOWSKI . TO THE _JEDIIOtt OF THE _KOMDEHN * STAB . SlE , —When I read , in vour number oftlie ICth inst ., a report of the Democratic supper which took place on the llth , to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the Democratic Association , I was much amused , but not surprised , that Major Heniowsfci appeared at the Democratic manifestation . Not surprised , indeed ; because men of "modest assurance" can introduce themselves auy and everywhere . Being myself a Democrat , and therefore sympathising with the true Democrats who got up tlie supper , I am anxious to show how far Major B . deserved to he " warmly rcceived"by them , and also whether lie ou _> , * ht to be recognised "by them ns a "friend and comrade , " or a "brother Democrat , " aud to he listened to , nay , to be believed and applauded for all tbe coutcuiutible stuff he delivers .

      Major B . is now , as he believes himself , to be " stronger tlian ever" ( stronger , in what ?); most likely because , with " bag : and baggage , "lie joined the Aristocratic party , aud thus naturally _ccassd to be a "brother" and became a "Monsieur . " Here is the evidence : — I . —When a series of articles appeared in the various numbers of lhe Sun ofthe 2 nd , 6 th , and Silt of September , 1813 , about Major B . ' s aristocratic principles and views , the Commune of a _Folish Democratic association , called "Tlie Union , " of which he was a member , finding that these articles were not disapproved of hy him , called upon him ou the Jlth of October of the same year to declare whether lie would publicly disavow tlieir 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 olf from the list ofthe Conmiuue . To that application Major B . replied , hy Utter of the 11 tb ol October , 1843 , as foliows : —

      [ Translation . ] "At the sitting- ofthe _Commnne on the _l-3 ffi of August , I expressed my convictions that " The Union" can do no good at all for Poland ; and 1 endeavoured to persuade yon that the only hone lor Poland lies In the talents , patriotism , and power of the friends of the dynasty of Prince Adam Czartorjski . Such ideas are oppositetoyour 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 . . - « * * ( Signed ) « E . Besiowski . " IL—In a Polish aristocratic newspaper , entitled The Third of Ihy , appeared , under thc date of the 20 th of December , _ISii , a declaration , signed , in common with [ others , hy MajorB _., containing , amongst oth _» rtliiugs , the following clauses aud resolutions

      " 3 rdly . —That inthe _presentstate ( of Poland ) , we consider tiie famil y of Prince Adam Czartoryski alone to be able to realise our wishes ; and therefore we consider this family to be invested wilh tlie supreme power for the benefit of our country , as long as that family will repre . sent aud endeavour to realise the hopes and wishes ofthe country . " 4 thly . —And as the intentions of that personage ( Prince A . Czartoryshi ) can never be realised , if all true patriots will not implicitly _conBde in him , ouv association solemnly declare that wc will severally and collectively most entirely submit to him for the salvation of our fatherland . "

      Besides these overwhelming undeniable proofs , the fact is , that Major B . attends every monthly and other " knife and fork minings" oi the aristocratic party , and there he mahes 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 thero , well knonn toyou all for his aerotion to the cause , aad whom . 1 know , but who did aot attend the supper ofthe llth inst ., is well acquainted . I say , he is well acquainted , because some time ago , whtn Major 11 .

      paid him a visit , and intended to shake hands with him , your countnmau refused to do so ; and , when asked for tlie reason , he thus answered him : — " Why , when you were amongst us , you represented to us Englishmen , both privately and in your public speeches , Prince Adam Czartoryski and his supporters to he the greatest scoundrels tliat ever breathed on earth , as the only cause of tlic present misfortunes of Poland ; and now , belonging yourself to tliem , how can you dare to ask an honest man * who respects himself , and who sympathises warmly witli the holy cause of your nation , to shake ha * ds with vou ! ' *

      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 convenient for him so to do ; or perhaps he mav hope to be successful in "serving both God and tlie devil" _* at the same time . If so , let him explain all this double-dealing , and then the English Democrats will be able to appreciate his intrinsic value , and will not , I suspect , be ever again deceived by him . Believe me sir , yours truly , August 25 , 1 S _4-3 . A Polish Democrat .

      P . S . —As the English public perhaps do not know what a part Prince Czartoryski played in our national causepart which Major B . himself frequently denounced before he entered his service—pelmit me to givehereacondenscd account of the leading features of it . Prince Adam Czartoryski , Major B . ' s present patron , was for a certain period—when Poland had no political existence , having heen despoikd by Russia , Austria , and Prussia—Minister for Foreign Affairs of the greatest foe of Poland , namely , the Czar of Muscovy , the late Alexander , the brother of the present _Nicholas . IVhcn our last revolution—b y wliich we endeavoured to shake off the invader ' s iron yoke

      from our nation—broke out , on the 29 th of November , 1830 , he ( Prince CzarforystiJ , in a proclamation issued on the 30 th of the same month and year , called this struggle for emancipation , o " sad and unexpected event " and engaged that the people of "Warsaw would " _rcfimi to order and quietness ; " and expressed his wish "that ihe exasperation may be over with the night which covered them with Us darkness . " When , on the 25 th of January , 1831 , the Polish Diet—fulfilling an imperative act of duty—determined upon the extinction ofthe right to tlie throne of Poland on the partof her greatest enemy ( thepresent Ciar KicholaBy , Print * Czartoryski exclaimed , "by that

      —"¦»¦¦—The Democratic Supper Axd Major B...

      ? By a strange coincidence , thefirstfiTe letters of Prisce _C-sartoryski ' s name , Ctart , signifies devil _.

      —"¦»¦¦—The Democratic Supper Axd Major B...

      they havt ntitwd .. Pound f '' . C '' _-Potsttsiag _considerable'influence over , many persons who-unfortunately . had . the power _' tb injure our cause , he proceeded to ft corps of 22 , 000 of _oujr best _troope _, and prevented them rejoining tbe rest oftlie national force , at a critical moment ( when the Russians surrounded and took Warsaw ) , and obliged them afterwards to surrender their arms in Austria . The Polish Emigration , well aware of all tliose facts , published in 1 S _31 a protest signed hy nearly the whole of them—for it contaiuedabout 4 Q 00 Bignatures—inwhichthey solemnly declared Prince Adam Czaxioryiki to be the enemy of the national cause . This protest was published in several French newspapers on the 12 th of September , 183 * .

      [ The writer of this letter has furnished ue with Ins name . He is , what he represent * _hinieclf to he , a Polish Democrat . He has given proof of his devotion to the sacred cause for which he is now an exile , even since he landed on our shores . The letter , too , has been seen by another most diuinguished object of Sir James Graham ' s cam ; and he vouches for the fads therein narrated . Uuder these circumstances , we foci ourselves called on to give it a publicity equal to tbe declarations and representations that have called itforth . —Ed . uY . S . J

      Explosion At Jarrow Colliery. A Dreadful...

      EXPLOSION AT JARROW COLLIERY . A dreadful explosion of five-dainp oeeu _rrctl atJarrow Colliery on Thursday afternoon , which had been attended with 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 Newcastle , and is the property of Mr . Thomas Drewett Brown , of Jarrow , It is a very old colliery , and the shaft is of considerable depth ; forty-five men were at work in the _Bensliam seam when the explosion took place , and thirty-five 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 chiefly in thc low main , where thc explosion must have occurred , though its effects are visible in 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 coual parts . The smaller segment ofthe cireular shaft is used for the engine to draw water from the mine ; the westernmost division ofthe larger segment goc _^ . to tlie Bensham scam , aud the easternmost one to the low main . The air to ventilate the workings descends the engineshaft and the east shaft , and after traversing the galleries of the low main seam , it is conveyed through

      a shaft called the oval pit mto the _Jiensham seam , after ventilating which . ' it passes to . the high main , and thence into the upcast of tlie west shaft . The entire shaft , as wo have said , ' descends to the low main , but the west division is stopped by a platform _attue"Bens \ mmse _*« ii , tiie other _dmsioriB 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 Srcvious day , when every part of the mine was in a iglily satisfactory state , there being no ibulncss , ami the air strong in the courses . The first indication of an explosion having taken

      place was the ascent of dense smoke from thc mouth of the shaft . This was observed by Mr . Brown , thc owner of the colliery , and Mr . Jobling , the viewer , who were _standing conversing together but a short distance from it , aud on their hastily approaching the pit they found their dreadful apprehensions realized . The pit 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 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 to be 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 horse 3 should be yoked to the jack , by which means he and an overman named Deity went down . On entering the Bcnsham seam , a few of the men who had been 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 tho pit . Hero an incident _^ occurred of a striking and peculiar character . The men when discovered were in a state of gi'eat 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 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 sueh was the state of delirious excitement in which the men were , that on * of them in tho dark sprang to the rope in Hie centre of the shaft , and clung to it with the tenacity of despair . Had 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 thc place . The scene was an _iuviVilone 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 heen some time engaged in the shaft , assistign in getting the men to the surface , then descended ! to the bottom , end was directed into tiie workings ofthe Bcnsham seam , to ascertain the state of the communication with the low main by means of the oval _jpit , being cautioned by Mr . Jobling not to go too far if he found the air dangerous ; but , such was his anxiety to save the othcrinen , 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 Bcnsham seam wero but a short distance from the shaft , and they had evidently been killed by the alter-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 thc low main till the brattices were repaired so ai to carry 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 , itwas ascertained , in the course of thc operations , that a current was ascending that pit , thus showing that thc air-course in the low main was not entirely interrupted . Faint hopes were then entertained of finding sonic of the men in the low main alive , more particularly if any should have got near tho 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 o ' clock on Saturday morning the men reached the low main seem , thc workings of which are not of great extent , being in the solid coal , about 800 yards in one direction and 200 yards in the otlier . They immediately commenced exploring thc drifts , under the direction oi Mr . A . Johnson , ohYillington Colliery , near Durham .

      Mr . Johnson gave a pit signal and was answered . _JIo asked if it was Liddle , 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 liis hands resting on his thighs , and ten others around him dead . Cranston was sensible when he was found , but unable to move from exhaustion . lie was immediately assisted to thc shaft , and conveyed to the surface , shortly after reaching which he became wholly insensible , lie 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 , lt is thought , however , that he will recover .

      " lhe bodies oftlie otlier men found near Cranston were brought ' * to bank" on Saturday . Several of them were dreadfully mutilated . It is supposed tliat Cranston , who has a wife and four children , escaped the violence of thc explosion by his having been in one of the 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 are the names of tliose found in thc low main seam on Saturday morning : — William Cranston , aged 35 , found alive , as above described . The 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 . Hewas very much mutilated , his entrails being protruding , and his body completely cut up . His son Thomas also much mutilated . _% 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 . Tho 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 _, notmuch burnt .

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

      Explosion At Jarrow Colliery. A Dreadful...

      _> -Thomas Low , 48 , wifo and family . -Joseph Wanless , 55 , wife and family . Robert Arrowsmith , 24 , a wife . Joseph Scariton . : John Musgrave , 50 , and his son John , 19 , wife and family . John and James Cohurn , the formerlcft a wife and six children . Cuthbert Bell , 25 ; married only three weeks . Robert Ramshavr , a boy . Thomas Hill *) , a wife arid family . Joseph Bainbridge , wife and family . Peter Peel , 50 , wife and family . William Weddlc , 35 , wife and family .

      James Hall , wife and one child . William Charlton , deput * , _* _, 46 , and his son John , IS , wife and several children . Another William Charlton , 30 , wife and family . John M'Leod , 40 , deputy . Joseph Bambai'gh _, a boy . William Elliott , 15 . , _, - , Thc explosion has done a great deal of damage to the mine , and there are several falls inthe root which impede the progress ofthe men exploring tlie worhs , as the rubbish must be removed , and the stoppings , all ofwhich arc 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 . _Satuudat Night . Workmen have been employed all day in clearing _avray the obstructions caused by the : explosion ; but tl . cy have not yet succeeded in recovering tlie 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 the bodies of two others were brought up , but in such a dreadfully mutilated state that recognition was impossible . The force of the explosion must have boon tremendous . From twenty-eight to __ thirty _boilips are yet in the workings , and great difficulty exists in reaching the place where it is supposed they arc , from the damage done to the mine . It is thought they will be ' recovered through thc night , or in the course of to-morrow .

      John Adams , one of the men who was m the Bcnsham seam , and for some time after he was brought out was not expected to Jive , 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 _cvidsntly 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 lie go on favourably he may be able in a few days to _ give some account ofthe dreadful event , so far as witnessed by himself . Great crowds of people continued at the pit mouth up to a late hour , and somo would probably remain there the whole night . _Jakrow . Suxdat Night .

      The excitement prevailing here to-day has been greater than at any previous period since the explosion . The bodies ' of about thirty of thc sufferers were this afternoon consigned to thegravo iu 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 to the churchyard in carts belonging to the colliery . Somo of the surviving relatives of each joined in the niclancholv 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 waa exceedingly solemn .

      Unremitting exertions have been made h . v relays of men from the various collieries in thc district , directed by many of the principal viewers , who relieved each other at intervals , to penetrate thc work ings of the mine in quest ofthe bodies of the _siifterci's . 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 be that of George Oram , 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 thc melancholy satisfaction of knowing with . certainty they were those of their deceased relatives .

      There are yet four bod ics in the bowels of thc earth . One , that of a boy , is supposed to be under that of a horse , wliich he ' was employed in attending , and which is still partially buried in thc rubbish blown down from thc roof and sides , so as nearly to block up the way . The three other bodies are supposed to be furthei-j . il ; but it is hoped that all will be _gotat before thc morning . The damage _doue to thc 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 Bcnsham seam , including Defty , the overman . William Cranston , the only survivor of those at work in tho 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 bo imprudent to mention it to him under present circumstances . John Adams , who was in the Bensham seam , has been worse to-ihy than yesterday , having had a slight relapse . Ho is not , however , considered in immediate danger , and hopes are entertained of his recovery . Several of those taken from the Bcnsham seam are still suffering severely from the effect ofthe choke-damp , though none are in imminent danger .

      coroner ' s ixquest . Jaiuiow _, Monday . The adjourned inquest on thc bodies of thc unfortunate men kilicd by the recent explosion at Jarrow colliery was resumed this morning , before Mr . Favell , the coroner for this division ofthe county , at Mr . Hunter's , the Hylton Castle Inn . Three ol * the bodies remaining in the mine last night had been recovered , and one only , that of Robert Baird , is left . The coroner having opened the proceedings , Mr . Browne , tlic colliery surgeon , delivered in a list of the sufferers . He had examined most of tho bodies as they were brought to the surface , but it was impossible , from the state in which many oi them were , to state whether tliey had been burnt to death or kilicd by the after-damp .

      Thomas William Jobling being sworn , said , —I am principal viewer of Jarrow colliery . On Thursday afternoon , about half-past one o ' clock , I was walking towards the colliery with Mr . Brown , when my attention was directed to a 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 thc shaft . We have two drawing engines , tho shaft is fourteen feet in diameter , divided by a strong wood framework or brattice into three compartmentsname ]}' , ihe engine pit , in which the pumps are placed for drawing the water from the mine ; the east , or downcast shaft , from wliich the coals are

      drawn from the low-main scam ; anil the west , or upcast shaft , the largest division of the three , up which the coals are drawn from the Bcnsham soam . The depth to the low-main scam is 105 fathoms , and to the Bensham seam 175 fathoms . The engine shaft is a downcast , as well as the cast pit . There is a very strong scaffold laid at tbe Bensham seam , at tbe bottom of the pit . On finding the cages fast , I ordered tlie gin horses to be brought , which was done , and I descended thc cast pit by thc gin rope . There is a gin always ready , and the rope may be put into any ofthe three shafts . Jacob Defty went with me . 1 went down to tbe Bensham seam , where I found several men near the shaft . I went into the seam , and three of the men got into thc loop I had left , and

      came to thc surface with Defty . The cage was put down as far into the shaft as we could , and then a rope was let down from thc 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 shod tears . ] In the Dunkirk district of the Bensham seam the men never felt the force of the explosion at all . After being informed tbat tbe 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 the plan the relative positions of the districts . ] Returned to the Dunkirk district , having found the iuen had not come out , when I met them coming , and they asked what was the matter , tliey not havingfelt the slightest effect from the explosion , and wondered

      why the works had stopped . I then returned to thc 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 ov six men moaning and insensible , being quite unable to render themselves auy assistance . I took hold of the first I came to , and dragged him to tbe shaft . I then returned for the others , and brought as many as I could find . I came to the shaft several times for air _/ hut never returned to the surface . In about two hours and a half the men at the surface had got the engine to work , and were pouring water down the shaft . All this time I had no other assistance than the 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 mth . tlie

      Explosion At Jarrow Colliery. A Dreadful...

      surface some fresh men came down , and assisted in getting the rest of the men out of the Bensham seam . Robertson and Fairgrieve were alivo when brought to the bottom of the shaft , biit 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 tbe westpit shaft . Isaac Weddlc 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 gettiug them out . All those found alive were eventually sent up . Before I went to the sur-1

      face , Defty came to mo , along with Robert < airly aud oi here . I was about two hours and a half in . the niino before any of the men came down : they wore engaged in getting tbe ropes right . When Defty camo down , I told him we hail got all the mun out of the Bensham scam alive , except three , and cautioned him against going into the seam , on account of the alter-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 Iligh-maia through the Bensham scam 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 . Tliere are two furnaces in thc 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 thc west pit of thc 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 ofthe gas should come in contact with tlic flame and cause a second explosion . Near to the oval pit , in thc Beusham seam , there is a sloping drift driven down till it cuts the Bcnsham scam in 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 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 tliis communication into the Bcnsham seam , but it is not generally used for that purpose . _Deftv , after putting tbe furnace out , proceeded further , inthe hope that some of the men might have come up that drift .. ' I never saw bim alive alter be went to the furnace . Fairly came to me and said

      that Defty was overcome with the after-damp , but I _thought he would come round , as wc had all been much " affected , and I accordingly directed some ofthe men to go and assist him , as 1 ivas quite exhausted . I came to bank and sent fresh men down . I did not think that Deity was so bad , as he had been but a , short time in tho mine . After all the men liad beeu got out of tho Bensham seam , we commenced immediately repairing the shaft , so as to enable us to _o ' _eacend to the Low-main . The brattice was very much damaged , and touk considerable time to repair , so tbat we did not get down to tbe 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 thc pit , in order to descend , when I met Mr . Johnson aud Jacob Tate who had found one man alive , named William Cranston . Cranston was lifted from the ccrf on to the surface , when he spoke to me , but be 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 that seam . Great quantities of stoue had . been thrown from thc roof . The on-setter , Mark Willis , a boy , a horse , and several tubs of coal had been blown a considerable distance , the man and the hoy , particularly the latter , having been very much mutilated . About this time Mr . Anderson , of South Shields , and Mr . Thomas

      John Taylor , of Eavsdon , viewers , came down , and we saw " another body , that of John _Burdis , which had been brought to tbe 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 . Thc after-damp was very strong , and we returned to the West-way-ends , which is a point where tlie roily-way branches towards the north and towards the west . Wc then put up fresh stoppings , and repaired the old ones , to enable us to proceed " to the West-flat . On reaching the flat wc found thc

      body of a horse , and a number of tubs in disorder , Also thc 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 ot tlie headvtay courses to tbe north . "We proceeded to tbe west , but got slowly forward , the after-damp was so very strong , and we had te carry the air along with us . Abont 160 yards from tho West-way-ends we fouud a large body of gas . Mr . Clark and others then came to relieve us , and wc 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 he had found the gas so strong that ho did not

      consider it prudent to persevere in tbat direction . Consulted with Jir . Clark , and we-determined to go north , and wc changed tho current of air accordingly . We did not think it prudent to explore in both directions atthc same time in consequence of thc strength _tf the after-damp . There were some men working on the south side ofthe West-flat ; all thc bodies were burnt , and , with the exception of two , covered with stones . The principal portion ofthe men were working in the North-flat Mothergaic . There are thc West-fiat , and the West-flat Motbergatc ; the Northflat , and tbe North-flat Motbergatc , and these comprise the whole of the Low-main seam . After remaining a few hours I gave directions to thc parties , and again returned to bank . This was on Saturday

      evening . On Sunday morning I went down again , and found the parties bad got to the northern extremity of the workings , and had got several bodies . Those found in the flat were not much burnt ; but those found in thc boards north of the flat were burnt severely . Mr . Johnson went down with me . We went to thc west , aud came back over tbe south , anil found several bodies , the position of which showed that the parties had been coming in an easterly direction from the flat . Wc found the bodies of several hewers , and thc place where wc found them showed that they must hare been leaving their work after tbe explosion , with thc exception of one , _whoappcnreil to have been struck dead where he stood . Wc then went into the West-flat Mothcrgato . All thc bodies

      had been then discovered except four , one ofwhich we supposed to be under a fall of stone , and we knew where the three others 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 tho " blower" had abated . Thc first time I was there I heard the gas or blower issuing from the West-flat Mothergate , either from the stone or the coal . I heard it more distinctly on thc second day , as I got nearer to it tlianlwas before . Mr . Anderson and I then returned to thc North-flat , and went to the West-way-ends . All the bodies wc had found had been then got out . Wc returned to the West-flat Mothergate by a shorter course , and there found Mr . Clark and Mr . Taylor removing the stone . We

      returned and came to bank about five o ' clock last uiaht . I have not bee n there since , but I understand tliey have found the three bodies , and that one only , that of a boy , now remain ? in the mine , under * a fail of stone near thc shaft . In the eastern district of thc mine there are about twelve acres of solid coal , which are not worked ; in thc west district about seven acres . The waste was gone through twice a week , andthe 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 the 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 . The i ' onr men were not , in mv

      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 tliem . ] Two of tbe 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 , aud the direction of the air courses which could not be understood without reference to _theplan . _l Sometime ago the quantity of air descending the mam shaft was measured and found to be 40 , 000 cubic feet per minute , excluding a certain portion which wa « not measured . I have no

      hesitation in saying that up to the time ofthe accident thc air entered tbe mine at tbe rate of 50 , 000 cubic feet per minute , about one half of which went tothe Low main . The oval pit has been used as an air course about two years . About six years ago the whole of thc brattice in tho 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 . Deftv when iu tbe Bcnsham seam , not more than half in hour before his death , said to me , that lie could list account fw the accident _^ as he had been throueh the _wiioieoi

      _xncwpi'iungs with a candle the day before and found all right , no gas , and the returns perfectly clear . He said he never would wish to see the pit in a better condition . I never heard any report of thc pit being man unfit state that morning , or at any other time ; onthe contrary the men c _ontained If the strength ot the current of air " swealing" ( wasting ) their candles . I cannot state positively thc cause of tbe explosion . but my opinion is there has _fcnfTh / f _t _fr ge of _8 as ator _^ ar the face of the western district . The direction of the 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

      Explosion At Jarrow Colliery. A Dreadful...

      south It has evidentiy originated in the western district , as the clothes of the men arc much burnt there , and some of them are wrapped round thc posts , in the direction of the blast . .-By a Juror —Tliere arc two shifts , one called the fore shift , and-thc other the back shift . The men killed were working in the back shift , lhe men that were working in the tore sbitt are ready to describe the state of the mine when they left it . By the Coroner , —My only reasons ior thinking the explosion originated in the western district aro that the direction of the blast is indicated by its effects , and hearing the gas issue from the lace of tho western district . Did not hear gas issuing from , * . l _^_ _-il » _AniniHnfnfl IM _^ llA _DfAC _^ _ftHn

      any other part . ., The Coroner then read over the evidence of Mr . Jobling , aivA asked if auy of tbe jury \ fisucii tiny 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 tlie deceased , requesting him to attend and ask the coroner to adjourn the inquest , until Sir James Graham sent down a commissioner to _assist in the investigation . The Coroner said , ifc 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 thc whole

      case , and 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 atthc close cf the day ' s proceedings he saw it was desirable to adjourn for further evidence , lie would do so , but otherwise he should close the proceedings . Any particular question that Mr . Jude , or any " other gentleman , might wish ( o be put to the witnesses , he ( the Coroner ) would ho ready to put it . Mr . Horn , of Newcastle , wished to bo allowed to ci'oss-examino the witnesses on behalf of the relatives of the deceased , but the Coroner would only permit him to put his questions through the Court .

      Mr . Browne , surgeon of the colliery , _wasre-callcd , and he related a conversation he had had with Defty , thc overman , just before his death , as to tho state of the ventilation , lt ivas in substance the same as stated by Mr , Jobling in the course of bil evidence . John Bainbridge , a hewer , was next sworn and examined . —I have been a workman at . Jarrow colliery upwards of nineteen years . Was at work in tho pit on the morning before she fired . Was at work iu the second wall from the north " hitch , " whicli is in the western district . The pit was in a good state , and my brother , who was there , said to mc the air was so strong that we could scarcely carry candles to serve us . There was nothing amiss in the ventilation

      when 1 left * , hut 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 , ] iiaTe lost a brother by the explosion . Have seen some of the men that were employed in the West _iMelhei' _* _'ato flat , but have not heard them complain of flic state of that part of the mine . The brattices wer _« well kept up to the face of the coal , and my brother ha _* complained of it being carried too close . _llayo never complained of the brattice not being carried up ( o tho coal since I went to work in thc Low-main , which is about six weeks ago . If more brattice had ken

      required , we could have got it for the asking . Emmanuel Defty . —I am a deputy-overman at Jarrow colliery , and was employed in the fore-shift on Thursday morning up to half-past eight o ' clock , when 1 left . Am brother of Jacob Defty , who xnl killed . When I left the pit , from the south end ot our workings to the north end , I think J never . * aw her cleaner . Considered her perfectly safe . The brattices were well up . The air good . Never _licird complaints of the air being had , but have heard il _;« men grumble at the brattices being put ? o well up to the coal that it wasted their candles . Have not been in thc Low-main since she fired .

      By a Juror . —It is my duty to examine the workings to sec if all be right before the men go to work . Dave not been in tbe back pillars lately . Consider it thc _wastmaii ' s duty to examine the back pillars . Bnt it is the overman ' s duty to see that the p _illare aro examined by some one . " Never heard any complaints of the pit being in an unsafe state before she fired . [ This witness appeared to be still _lafcourins under the effect of the choke-damp ; he wns very weak , and gave his evidence with difliculty . ] Robert Fairly , the wastiuan , on being recalled , stated , tliat lie had examined the hack " pillars on Thursday morning , in company wilh Emmanuel Defty , thc son of Jacob Deftv , who was killed , and a

      boy named Foster , who attended upon liim . The back pillars were quite clean . Had a lamp wilh us . 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 tbat morning . Jacob Defty bad his candle in the return that morning . I was " with Jacob Deity oft Thursday , in the Bensham scam , after the ; it fired , near the oval pit . Defty observed to me ihat ilio pit had not fired in the Low-main ; that was his opinion . Wc looked at the stoppings , and when > c saw how fhcj had been blown , Jie was convinced it had fired hi toe Low-main ; Defty assigned no reason for thinking it had occurred in the Low-m _,-ii ; _i .

      __ Mr . William Anderson , viewer of St . lliklc _collici'y . «* _--IIad examined thc mine , and _conemreil in opinion witli Mr . Jobling that . tlic explosion had originated near the westway , somewhere between where Bainbridge was working and the Mother-gate lt must have arisen from a sudden escape of gas , which probably came from a blower . Don't sec howit could arise from any fault in the ventiliiiion _, tlic air has so little to do , tlie extent of lhe _workJiigs being so small . Live at South Shields , ; : nd havo been a viewer forty years .

      John M'Leod . —1 am a deputy at Jarrow Colliery , and was in the Bensham seam when it fired . Mv father was killed by the explosion . 1 was in what ia called Liildle ' s-way , and the first I observed was a draught as if from a fall . 1 came out and was examining my stoppings when a door flew open audi lost my light . Went to my box and got my _hxHyt and lighted it ; then 1 went to get out my men , awl to tell them to put their lamps out , and alievvtiui _" . proceeded to the _ghaft . Knew then that an explosion had taken place , and heard two men _inotuiing but did not see any killed . Ifc was about threequarters of an hour before any one came down fioni the surface , when Mr . Jobling came , and I assisted him in getting . the men to the shaft . The afterdainiMv . _™ very strong . Never heard any report of the pit _bcinp unsafe before the explosion . '

      William Waddell . —I am a hewer at Janowcolliery . Was at work in thc fore shift , and left dm pit on Thursday morning about ten o'clock . Worked inthe ninth board in the north flat . The pit « 3 in a very good state when I left it . The air was * _¦> strong that I had to put a screen up to protect my candle . I myself complained that morning _<*• ' t ! lC deputy putting thc brattice up too far . Tlic _hevret that took my place when I left was killed . By a Juror . —The air came to mc iVom the west flat , and if there had been anv foulness in that part , I should have felt it . Robert Blackcy , a hewer in Javvow n ) _HifiT- -J was at work in the Low main , and left ( lie ! _'' * } 1 ,, on , half-past eight o ' clock on the morning slic _''f ' Was walking at ihe south wall in the west flat , Motbergatc . The air was uncommonlv

      _nooil-The Coroner then put it to thc jurv whetk ' . '* hoy required any more evidence , and being ans wered m thc negative , he proceeded to _remaik that _'•¦** inquiry for the jury was , how these people came to then * death . There was no doubt thev eanie to tlieir death hy thc firing of the pit . It wns their i »' . _; ' possible , to find out where the pit fired . Tliey nad thc evidence of Mr . Jobling , confirmed by Mr . Anderson , that the fire had originated in a _iiartieti'j" district , as far as thev were iible to ludnc from tne indications observable in the works ; but in an pro bability the exact spot would never be discovered ' If they were satisfied on that point , and thong" * it was not necessary to hear anv further evidence , then they would have to sav whether the lire a' ' * from accident , or from negligence on tiie _l' « . those entrusted with the management of ihe m '** \ or whether it _Avas impossible to sav how ** m arisen .

      . The jury then retired , and , after a brief consultation , returned with a written verdict _asfoho" _- ' _- '" " Wc have considered the evidence brought before us , touching the death of James Steward and others _, and wc find that thev came to their death bv afterdamp , caused by a lire in Jarrow pit , on tne ' - " ? inst ., but where or from what cause it orie , ' « aIC _" wc arc not able to show , and our verdict is Accident *" death . " The Coroner . —By which vou mean you attach a * blame to any one ?

      The Foreman . —Yes . The inquisition was then made out ami sign ™ . m theusual form , and thus the proceedings terminate " : It is proper to state tbat tbe witnesses _exatnua- " were brought up promiscuously from the croud ina had assembled in the vicinity of the in < l « csW ' _„^ There was no marshalling of the evidence , it * «»"•' the wish of tho owners of the colliery , ami cvcry o » concerned in the melancholy affair , that the luu »» investigation should he instituted . . , The Coroner intimated in respect to Robert Baird . who bad not been recovered when tbe _procMd-n _^ terminated , that on receiving a certificate Irom i medical officer of thc body having been found m' " Low-main , and his opinion that his death httd _«* caused by thc same explosion , ho would issue aw . rant for bis interment , and include bim m . tuo ni _* i « sition with the others who had lost their lives at w . same time

      . Itis _thoucht the body of Baird will - _^ S night or to-morrow morning . Cran stoii . _eontintics _^ an almost unconscious state . Adams is si . covering . The exact number killed _u *«» v ascw tained to be thirty-nine . ¦ _uuu _^ — ... _J _. _^ _y- _^*"

      . . - Fasniok.-The Voluntary Slavery ^"T...

      _. . - _FAsniOK .-The voluntary slavery _^ _"tJiTof think , act , and dress , according to the judgmflttt ° I fools and the caprice of 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/ns4_30081845/page/6/