General News Items

Tlilrty-three Hlnen Killed. The Osceola copper mine at Calumet caught tire, and 33 miners were imprisoned far below the surfaee of the earth. There was little hope of their escape, and in all likelihood most, if not all of them, were dead within a few hours. The fire started in Xo. 3 shaft, and investigation showed that the blaze coinmenced at the twentyseventh level. This shaft contained more woodwork than any other shaft of the üsceola mine and this, together with the fact that the blaze started in spot where it was scarcely possible for it to be accidental leads many to believe that some tiend started the fire in order to cripple the mine. Something over 200 men were at work on the day shift when the fire was discovered. Of this number the greater portion escaped in safety, although some of the men who were last to reach the surfaeeclimbed out of the other shaf ts on ladders and yj a fainting condition. A number were half carried out by their companions. Kescuing parties were sent down the other shafts but without avail and escaped themselves with difficulty. It was judged impossible to quench the fire by ordinary means, and the buildings at the mouth of the shaft were torn down and heavy tiinbers placed across the mouth, over whichdjrt was throvvn and clqijely packed. This work was very difncult beeause of tne great voiume of smoke pouring out. As the natural vent was stppped; tho rfjokê and hot air forcéd lts way along the connecting ilrifts to the main mine, and soon began to emerge from them jn great cloud.s. It was now out of ojuesílon o enter the mine through aaj" shaft CoJliicting with the main workings. The pei-son attempting it would be s-uffocated before he liad descended fifty feet, it will be impossible to enter the mine until the fire has burned out which will require several days. The Oseeola fortunately has a smaller amount of tiinbering underground than almost any other copper mine in the district, neing very little wood except in the shafts. The outlook for the :v. missing men is now most gloomy. lt is probable that most if not all of them were overeóme by the srooke while attempting to üght their way out of the mine. If they are on any level above t)ie twentyseventh it is certain that they are dead. Jf, however, all nr a portion of the number descended to the levéis below the twontv-suventh they are doubtless still alive. If they are still living they can survive in the lower levéis íor several days. The scène about the niouth of 'the shafts begg-ared description. Wivesandchildren of tlie unlucky miners, fathers and mothers of the "poor little drill boys, relatives and friends, are crowded about, weeping and wailiüg. Noblame can be attached to the mine owners or managers.