The Lambertville Record

SUPERSTITIONS OF MINERS

The foreign iron miners in the Pennsylvania coal mines believe that whistling in a mine is absolutely certain to be followed by some calamity and they cite several stories of disasters which have happened to unbelieving Americans who have defied fate in that way. Over forty years ago a shaft which was not properly supported by timbers was, on account of the danger, about to be abandoned. As the miners were quitting work for the last time one of them began whistling, and as his companions remonstrated he only whistled louder and faster. In the midst of it a dull roaring sound was heard and the whistler stopping bade them all run for their lives. In spite of the warning, they were imprisoned by the falling walls, but were all rescued alive except the whistler who was crushed to death instantaneously. This incident has stood for many years as a warning against all whistling in the mines which drives away the "good spirits." About ten years ago a mine boss imagined he heard somebody whistle, but investigation proved that he was mistaken. He was assured, however, that it was very ominous, and that he might expect some trouble to befall him. That night he was shot dead by a "Molly Maguire," and the miners believe that it was the whistle of the fatal bullet which he heard in the morning