This has probably been one of the hardest weeks ever experienced by the majority
of Providence's citizens.  The disaster at the Duvin Coal Company mine was a
terrible shock to everyone.  But the strain of wondering whether the last nine
men were alive or not was the hardest.
* * *
The enormous crowds that gathered at the mine, however, was a revelation in
itself.  Usually such crowds are hard to handle.  But this one wasn't.  They
appeared to realize the seriousness of the situation and all were anxious to
cooperate in every way possible.
* * *
Newspaper reporters and photographers, men and women, were present from the
major news services and most of the area's leading newspapers.  They all
received splendid cooperation in their efforts to present to the world just what
had happened.  No effort was made to restrain them.
* * *
An interesting note is that the Associated press had a portable wirephoto
machine set up and in operation at the Enterprise office by 6 a.m. Saturday
morning and the first picture was sent over the telephone wires to Louisville
and the associated hook-up before 9 a.m.  These same pictures were transmitted
as far away as San Francisco in 8 minutes.  This marked the first time such a
machine has ever been in operation in this section.
* * *
Thanks of the community go out to hundreds of people who offered to aid in every
way possible.  And commendation is deserved by so many individuals and
organizations until it is impossible to enumerate them.
* * *
My deepest sympathy goes out to the bereaved families and I am sure that the
citizens of this community, as well as in many other communities, are willing to
do anything they can to help them alleviate their loss.  But let us not be too
harsh in criticising anyone for the accident.
* * *
A splendid editorial in the Louisville Times says: "Apparently someone's mistake
caused a premature discharge of Government-approved explosives in the Duvin Coal
Mine at Providence.  The result was comparable with the disaster of the
submarine Squalus.  The preliminary investigation is to be followed by further
investigation by the State Bureau of Mines and Minerals.  Apparently the net
result will be the conclusion that the human factor in the problem of safety of
miners was responsible for the tragedy.  No system for safety, upon railroads,
in the air, in mines, at sea, under the sea, is without the defect that the
variable quality of the human factor exists.  In mines and under the sea results
of error are more appalling than they are on rails, on the surface of the sea or
in the air."
* * *
It is to be regretted that the Duvin Coal Company felt that they could not carry
compensation insurance because of the high rate as the bereaved families are
entitled to the money this would have brought in.  Presuming that some person
might suffer, the citizens of this section hurriedly selected a committee to
secure funds so that undue suffering would not be necessary.  The American Red
Cross has assured us that they will cooperate in every way possible pending any
final arrangements by the coal company.
* * *
It is to be hoped that the coal company can adjust its finances so that it can
resume operations and yet pay the families the money that is rightfully due
them.  Just how this can be worked, I do not know.  but I do know that the Duvin
Coal Company needs the support of Providence's citizens in their hour of need
and we, as citizens of Providence, need the Duvin Coal Company.

The Providence Enterprise
Providence, Kentucky
Thursday, July 20, 1939
used with permission