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THE LAW
OF
PERSONAL INJURIES IN
MINES,
INClAiniNO AT.L CHARACTKR OF PERSONAL INJURIES,
HIOCIOIVKD IN AND AUOUT INIINIOS AND QUAlJKlKti,
TREATING OF INJUUIKS RIOCEIVKD BY EM-
I'LOYEES ; ACTIONS «Y THIRD I'EKISONS FOR
THEIR NEGLIGENCE AND INJURIES
FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF IN-
DEVENDENr CONTRACTORS.
By EDWARD J. WHITE,
Author of
Mines and Mining Remedies."
ST. LOUIS:
THE F. H. THOMAS LAAV BOOK CO.
1905.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1905, by
EDWARD J. WHITE,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
Press of
Nixon-Jones Printing Co.,
' St. Louis, Mo.
To Hon. Eichakd L. Goode,
One of the Judges of the St. Louis Court of Appeals,
as a tribute to his distinguished attainments, a recognition
of the obligations of the profession and an evidence of the
author's friendship, these pages are respectfully inscribed.
PREFACE.
The manner in which the profession received " Mines
and Mining Eemedies," published in 1903, notwithstand-
ing its many imperfections and the limited scope of the
subject treated, prompted the publishers of that work to
request a specific treatise upon ^^ Personal Injuries in
Mines."
On account of the hazardous nature of the business of
mining, a substantial per cent of the numerous decisions
in personal injury cases, handed down monthly by the
courts of appellate jurisdiction of the different States and
Federal Government, are for injuries received in and about
mines and quarries.
It is impossible to present, in a single text-book, the sub-
stance of " all " these decisions " from the earliest time,"
but a persistent effort has been made to outline the doc-
trines of the leading cases upon the subject, with the prin-
ciples underlying the decisions.
Lawyers, accustomed to brief complicated questions of
law, upon like issues, understand the impossibility, within
a limited time, of finding "all" the cases, upon a given
subject. The author has endeavored to cite all the leading
cases bearing upon the subject, but realizes that he has
no doubt fallen short of this aim.
Mr. Buswell's systematic work on " Personal Injuries,"
Judge Bailey's thorough presentation of the subject in his
" Master's Liability for Injuries to the Servant " and Mr.
Labatt's exhaustive treatment of the subject in his recent
two-volume work on " Master and Servant," have all been
freely consulted in the preparation of this work. To these
(V)
VI PREFACE.
authors the writer is indebted for many of the underlying
principles discussed, and to the publishers of the compre-
hensive Reporter System, of the different State and Fed-
eral courts, the author is indebted for a vast number of
decisions cited, to sustain the principles of the text, as well
as the text itself.
If any considerable number of the great army of busy
practitioners in the United States, engaged in the sturdy
struggle for the enforcement of the rights of citizens, and
a few of the more authoritative members of the profession,
whose province it is to decide in these conflicts, shall find
any assistance from this work, in the performance of their
exalted duties, the author will be satisfied with his under-
taking.
E. J. W.
Aurora, Mo.,
Sel^tember, 1905.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTBE I.
THE SUBJECT GENERALLY.
Section 1. Scope of the work.
2. Basis of the action.
3. What constitutes actionable negligence.
4. Same — Injuries from natural agencies.
5. Must be breach of duty by defendant.
6. Defendant's negligence alone insufficient.
7. Liability irrespective of negligence.
8. Violated right and injury essential.
CHAPTER 11.
PARTIES TO ACTION.
Section 9. Who entitled to sue, generally.
10. When authorized by statute.
11. Domestic and foreign statutory actions for death.
12. Parent and child.
13. Same — Under mining statutes.
14. Child's right of recovery for death of parent.
15. Infants and lunatics.
16. Statutes preventing employment of infants.
17. Same — How suits for are prosecuted.
18. Husband and wife — Action by widow.
19. Same — Statutory right of action by wife divorced.
20. Master and servant.
21. Independent contractor.
22. Lessor and lessee.
23. Same — Lessee's liability.
24. Defendants jointly and severally liable.
(yii)
y]]l TABLE OP CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
DUTIES OF MINE OWNER.
Section 25. Must furnish reasonably safe appliances.
26. Duties imposed by statute.
27. Same — Means of ingress and egress.
28. Must repair appliances.
29. Same — Hidden defects and inappropriate use.
30. Should engage fit and competent employees.
31. Duty to employ sufficient number of servants.
32. Necessity for instruction and warning.
33. Neglect of warning by employee.
31. Necessity for established rules.
35. Same — Effect of rules.
36. Should make proper inspections.
37. Same — Statutes requiring inspections.
38. Employee not especially delegated need not inspect.
39. Must provide reasonably safe place.
40. Same — Duty cannot be delegated — Exception.
41. Same — Where work changes the place.
42. To wiom the duty as to a reasonably safe place applies,
43. Illustrations of unsafe places in mines.
44. Owner should provide reasonably sate passageways.
45. Same — Contributory negligence in use of passageways.
CHAPTER IV.
PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES.
Section 46. Complaint must show relation from which duty would
follow.
47. Pleading and proof should correspond.
48. Petition should show absence of knowledge, on plaintiff's
part.
49. Plaintiff need not, generally, deny negligence.
50. Failure to specify duties performed — Motion to make
more definite.
51. Necessity of pleading contributory negligence and assumed
risk.
52. Defense of fellow-servant need not be pleaded.
53. Pleading negligent order of foreman.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX
Section 54. Pleading superintending power of foreman or vice-princi-
pal.
55. Illustration — Explosion not alleged to be due to vice-
principal's negligence.
56. Pleading action for defective scaffold, under statute.
57. Pleading failure to give customary warning or notice,
58. Pleading injury from handling frozen dynamite.
59. Pleading action for willful violation of statute.
60. Pleading Injury in placing belt on pulley.
61. Action for injury from " ways, works and machinery."
62. Failure to make roof of drift safe.
63. Defective petition under Missouri " Prop statute."
64. Pleading failure to inspect and timber, under Illinois law.
65. Injury from defective bolster ring and coal bucket.
66. Injury in use of defective bolster rope.
67. Joinder of actions for common law and statutory negligence.
CHAPTEE V.
EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES.
Section 68. Injury must be connected with negligent act.
69. Plaintiff must establish relation of employ er and employee.
70. Proof of defendant's knowledge of defects.
71. Notice of defect sufficient to charge employer.
72. Evidence of plaintiff's ignorance of danger.
73. Evidence that appliances or place were reasonably safe,
sufficient.
74. When employee's reputation for care is admissible.
75. Burden of establishing relation of vice-principalship.
76. In Illinois defendant must prove relation of fellow ser-
vants.
77. Evidence that plaintiff acted upon a negligent order.
78. Burden of proving assumed risik and contributory negli-
gence.
79. Evidence of prior negligent acts, on plaintiff's part.
80. Evidence of conditions before and after injury.
81. Evidence of custom in other mines.
82. Opinion evidence as to safety of methods.
83. What promises exempt servants — Common tools.
84. Accident — What evidence of sufficient.
85. Doctrine Bes ipsa loquitur.
86. What evidence of necessity for timbering sufficient.
87. Evidence of competency of defendant's employees.
X TABLK OF CONTENTS.
Section 88. What sufficient evidence of failure to give warning.
89. Evidence of enforcement of rule.
90. Reasonableness and sufficiency of rule.
91. What evidence of willfulness sufficient.
92. What evidence of willful disregard of rule sufficient.
93. Employment of childj in violation of statute.
94. Defective bolster rope — Contributory negligence.
95. Negligence in drilling into unexploded blast.
96. Death from suffocation — Combustible material.
97. Proving notice of injury, when required by statute.
98. Failure to furnish screen for furnace, negligence, when.
99. Evidence that defendant insured incompetent.
100. Variance — Proof must correspond with pleading.
CHAPTER VI.
ISSUES PEOPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY.
Section 101. In general, all disputed questions of fact.
102. Nature and cause of injury.
103. When proximate cause of injury jury question.
104. Injury from act of vice-principal.
105. Capacity in which foreman acted.
106. Assumption of rislijury question, in Missouri.
107. Wisconsin rule, jury question, when evidence disputed.
108. Objections to this doctrine.
109. When contributory negligence a jury question.
110. When issue of fellow-servants should be submitted to
jury.
111. When negligence of defendant a jury question.
112. Same — When based upon statutory negligence.
113. Same — Injury from projecting set screw.
114. Injuries from failure to timber roof of mine.
115. Whether defendant's negligence caused rope to break.
116. Injury from brealiing of iron handle.
117. Warning of the plaintiff a jury question.
118. Safety of place a jury question — Peremptory instruction
regarding.
119. Reasonableness, promulgation and enforcement of rule.
120. Breaking of hook on cable, used to puU cars.
121. Issue as to proper construction of derrick.
122. Injury from slipping of earth and gravel bank.
123. Issue as to foul air and presence of gas .
124. Failure to discover unexploded blast.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi
Section 125. Shifting of belt, under foreman's order.
126. Safety of appliance causing injury.
127. Upon failure to inspect mine.
128. Jury issues in injuries from hoisting appliances.
129. Other instances of jury cases.
CHAPTER YII.
QUESTIONS OF LAW FOR THE COURT.
Section 130. Failure to establish ground of negligence alleged.
131. Defendant's negligence — Avoidance of injury — Direction
of verdict.
132. Injury by fellow-servant — Undisputed evidence.
133. Defendant negligent as matter of law.
134. When evidence shows defendant's freedom from negli-
gence.
135. Evidence showing want of contributory negligence.
136. Injury due to contributory negligence.
137. Injury from gas explosion due to lighting match.
138. Selecting more dangerous way — Kope and ladder.
139. Assumption of known or dangerous risks.
140. Falling objects — Cause unexplained.
141. Fall of earth bank assumed.
142. Dynamite explosions in loading drill holes.
143. Injury from unexploded shots.
144. Injury from set screws — Assumed as matter of law.
145. When safety of place a question of law.
146. Employment or retention of incompetent employees.
147. Failure to call for props — Knowledge of conditions.
CHAPTER YHI.
INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS.
Section 148. Burden of establishing defendant's negligence.
149. Charge should define degree of care required.
150. As to an obviously defective appliance.
151. As to open and visible risks.
152. Patent and latent dangers defined.
153. Knowledge of natural laws — Instruction imputing notice
of gravitation.
164. Upon duty to warn inexperienced exployees.
155. Instruction on dangerous properties of dynamite.
Xii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Section 156. Instruction should define fellow-servants.
157. In actions for failure to furnish props.
158. On failure to repair, as continuing negligence.
159. As to risks beyond scope of employment.
160. As to duty of inexperienced servant, after instruction.
161. " Reasonable care," the test of plaintifE's knowledge.
162. Erroneous instruction on promise to repair.
163. Injury on scaffold — Wrong submission as to contribu-
tory negligence.
164. On failure to furnish screen for furnace.
165. Assumption of risk — Servant's selection of tools.
166. On right te rely upon defendant's assurance.
167. As to reasonably safe place in which to work.
168. Charge referring to rope as •' appliance " proper.
169. Erroneous charge as to duty to warn employees.
170. Instruction withdrawing custom from jury, error.
171. Erroneous instruction on credibility of witnesses.
172. Erroneous instruction on shifting of belt.
173. Assumed risk — Limiting defense to danger threatening
injury.
CHAPTER IX.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS.
Section 174. Assumed risks in general,
175. Youth of employee immaterial.
176. Dangers from appliances and methods assumed.
177. Employer's methods — Obvious dangers from assumed.
178. Concurrent negligence of master and fellow-servant not
assumed.
179. Necessity for knowledge of danger.
180. Same — Known dangers are assumed.
181. Same — Obvious or threatening danger.
182. Risk not assumed when danger not appreciated.
183. Equal knowledge — Risk assumed.
184. Same — Dangers from unsafe roof.
185. Same— Dangers 'from natural sources assumed.
186. Same— Knowledge of scientific facts not presumed.
187. Extraordinary risks not assumed.
188. What exceptional risks are assumed.
189. Selecting more dangerous way to perform duty.
190. Negligence and incompetency of co-employees.
191. Dangers from latent defects not assumed.
192. Dangers frmm want of repair.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiii
Section 193. Promises or assurances of safety.
19i. Obeying orders of master or vice-principal.
195. Where work changes the place.
196. Dangers incidental to work assumed.
197. Dangers not incident to service not assumed.
198. Where no vyork expected at place of injury.
199. Employee injured while off duty.
200. Injuries from accidents are assumed.
201. Dangers from unguarded cogs and set screws.
202. What injuries from defective hoisting apparatus are
assumed.
203. Kisks obvious to one of employee's experience are as-
sumed.
204. Use of cars and tramways.
205. Dangers from breach of statutory duty.
206. When assumption of risk jury question.
CHAPTER X.
VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED.
Section 207. Scope of chapter.
208. Death of experienced miner by falling slate.
209. Fellow- servant's act in removing ropes.
210. Injury from falling iron, being hoisted.
211. Injury from falling between coal cars, in mine.
212. Drillmau, in mine or quarry assumes risk of explosion.
213. Danger of shaft caving in assumed by experienced miner.
214. Boiler inspector assumes danger from hot ashes.
215. Danger from protruding bolts and set screws generally
assumed.
216. Premature explosions from dynamite.
217. Violation of master's instruction.
218. Lifting heavy objects.
219. Dangers usually incident to employment.
220. Using known defective appliance, without complaint.
221. Injury from action of elements — Wind.
222. Obeying employee without power of control.
223. Dangerous position — On top coal cars.
224. Injury that experienced man could not foresee.
225. Danger from ore fumes assumed.
226. Slippery condition of floor or ladder assumed.
227. When danger from fire-damp or gas assumed.
228. Unfitness of tool, from use.
Xiv TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Section 229. Injury from sliding earth bank assumed.
230. Dangers from striking or chipping of hammer assumed.
231. Injury to minor servant from uncovered cogs.
232. Various incidents of risks assumed by infants in mines.
CHAPTBK XI.
RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED.
Section 233. Precedents for plaintiff's counsel.
234. Negligence of master not assumed.
235. Injury from statutory negligence not assumed.
236. Latent defect — Breaking of iron handle.
237. When breaking of rope not assumed.
238. Injury from breaking of board cover to pit.
239. Obvious risks, due to foreman's negligence.
240. Injuries while obeying master's orders.
241. Dangerous machinery — Promise to repair.
242. Flying particles ot steel or similar substances.
243. Incompetency of fellow -servant.
244. Injuries from failure to inspect roof.
245. Returning upon unexploded blast, under orders,
246. Other Injuries from powder explosions.
247. Breaking of appliances.
248. Injury from defective scaffold. .
249. Jury questions, unless risk obvious, or danger understood.
CHAPTEE XII.
CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER.
Section 250. What the term implies.
251. Distinguished from assumed risk.
252. Should be specially pleaded — Burden.
253. Doctrine of imputed negligence.
254. A defense to violation of statutory duty.
255. Miner must understand conditions and danger.
256. What degree of care exacted from miners.
257. Employer's performance of duty — Miner may rely upon.
258. Duty to discover and remedy defects.
259. Where duty of repair or fitness of tool, devolved upon
plaintiff.
260. Combined negligence of employer and employee.
261. Concurring negligence of fellow-servant immaterial.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. XV
Section 262. When effect of plaintiff's negligence avoidable.
263. Working under loose or dangerous rock.
264. Injury from roof of mine.
265. Same — Failure to f urnisU props.
266. Loading drill hole with dynamite.
267. Drilling into unexploded charge of dynamite.
268. Other acts of negligence, in handling explosives.
269. Detects in scaffolding and platforms.
270. In connection with hoisting apparatus.
271. Uncovered cogs, set screws and gearing.
272. Dangerous positions — Under rising bucket.
273. Injuries from ore cars.
274. Striking match, where mine contains gas.
275. Permitting clothing to catch on machinery.
276. Negligence In adjustment of belt.
277. Injury from defective ladder.
278. Falling into pit of mine.
279. Disobedience of rules constitutes,
280. Selecting more dangerous way to perform duty.
281. Frequenting unused portions of mine.
282. Acts in emergencies.
283. Youthful and inexperienced employees.
284. Orders and assurances of safety.
CHAPTER XIII.
FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES.
Section 285. Conflict of decisions regarding.
286. Doctrine of common law origin.
287. How status of employee is determined.
288. Burden upon plaintiff to establish absence of.
289. Dual capacity doctrine,
290. Master's and fellow-servant's concurrent negligence.
291. Illustration of the combined negligence of.
292. Grade of negligent servant originally immaterial.
293. Vice-principals and fellow-servants distinguished.
294. Same — Character of act the proper test.
295. Duties delegated by the master.
296. Vice-principals pro tempore.
297. Temporary superintendence of work as co-employee not
decisive.
298. Miners engaged in same common work, fellow -servants.
299. Common law rule followed in Colorado.
Xvi TABLE OP CONTENTS.
Section 300. Mine superintendent and miners.
301. Conflict of authorities regarding mine foreman and
miner.
302. Employees and foremen of different shifts.
303. Relation of pit boss and miners.
304. " Mining captain " and miners.
305. Inspector vice-principal of miner.
306. " Underlooker " and miner fellow-servants,
307. Holsterman or " eager" and miner fellow-servants.
308. Blacksmith and miner fellow-servants.
309. Employees using same scaffold fellow- servants.
310. " Timber man " and miner.
311. Statutory " fire boss " and miners.
312. Workmen upon same machine or drill, fellow-servants.
313. Same — " Crusher feeder " and miner.
314. Track layers and miners.
315. Engineer and miners.
316. Tramway operator and miners fellow-servants.
31 7. " Tub-hustlers " fellow-servants.
318. " Trimmers " and miners fellow- servants.
319. " Driver -boy " and miners fellow-servants.
320. Miner and employee on surface, fellow-servants.
321. Quarry laborer and operator of cars, not fellow-
servants.
322. "Powder-man " and miners fellow-servants.
323. Substitute for fellow -servant is also fellow -servant.
CHAPTER XIV.
STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS.
Section 324. Objects and general nature of such statutes.
325. Chapter devoted to constructions of statutes.
326. Such statutes constitutional, as police regulations.
327. Statute does not abrogate common-law liability.
328. Violation of statute constitutes negligence.
329. Right not affected by subsequent repeal of statute.
330. Violation of statute must occasion injury.
331. Same — Statutes respecting "ways, works 'and machin-
ery."
332. What constitutes "plant," within meaning of statute.
333. Statutes requiring ventilation of mine.
834. Same — Compliance with statute test of liability.
335. Same — Construction of ventilation statutes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. XVll
Section 336. Same — Status of " Fire boss "
337. Statutes requiring escapement shafts.
338. Statutes requiring mine to be fenced.
339. Statutes against employment of children.
340. Statutes regarding scaffolds.
341. Statutes requiring " props " and timbers.
342. Same — The Ohio and Illinois statute-*.
343. Same — The New York and Indiana act-^.
344. Same — When willful violation of statute necessary.
345. What evidence of willfulness suflScient.
346. Willful violation of Illinois mining act.
347. Statutes requiring safe passage-ways to and from mine.
348. Statutes requiring certificates of mine managers.
349. Statutes requiring lights and signals.
350. Signaling — Hoisting apparatus.
361. Statutes requiring inspections.
352. Statutes providing means of ingress and egress.
353. Assumption of risk from breach of statutory duty.
354. Contributory negligence a defense, under statute.
355. Pleading violations of statute.
356. As to the contributory negligence of infants under.
CHAPTEE XV.
INJURIES FROM POWDEE EXPLOSIONS.
Section 357. Highest degree of care exacted from employer.
358. When skilled employee assumes the risk of.
369. Neglect of precautions — Careless storage of dynamite.
360. Substituting more dangerous explosive, without notice.
361. Employees injured by delayed shots.
362. The rule as to, in Missouri and Kentucky, distin-
guished.
363. Same — Ordering employee to return too soon.
364. Warning to Inexperienced employee handling dynamite.
365. Failure to give warning of blast,
366. Same — What warning is sufficient.
367. Same — Where foreman fellow-servant, no liability.
368. Same — Injury to adjoining property owner.
369. Persons warned, deserting safe position.
370. When blasting violates law or ordinance.
371. Excessive amount of explosives in blast.
372. Blasting injuries by independent contractor.
Xviii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTEE Xyi.
INJURIES FBOM GAS AND IMPURE AIR.
Section 373. Duty independent of statute.
374. Same — Test what reasonable man would do.
375. Statutes upon the subject.
376. Breach of statutory duty actionable negligence.
377. Statutes requiring " Are boss."
378. Same — Neglect of '' fire boss."
379. Courts judicially notice generation of gas.
380. Violation of statute must occasion injury.
381. Constitationality of ventilation statutes.
382. When willful violation of act necessary.
383. Examination of mines daily for — Missouri statute.
384. Assumption of risk by employee.
385. Same — Concurrent negligence of master and fellow-servant.
386. Contributory negligence bars recovery.
CHAPTER Xyil.
FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS.
Section 387. Frequency and cause of accidents from.
388. Statutes providing safe- guards against.
389. Neglect to timber roof.
390. Failure to inspect roof.
391. Failure to trim roof .
392. Duty to warn inexperienced servant concerning.
393. Employee not heeding warning of.
394. Contributory negligence of employee.
395. When injuries from are assumed.
396. Same — Knowledge of danger bars recovery.
397. Same — Knowledge of natural laws presumed.
398. Effect of master's orders or assurances.
399. When assumption of risk from, jury question.
CHAPTER XVni.
INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF.
Section 400. Employer's duty regarding roof.
401. Newly excavated portions — Duty varies with.
402. Duty cannot be delegated.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xix
Section 403. Employer's knowledge of defect.
404. Employee's knowledge of defect.
405. Same — How affected by character of work.
406. Negligence of " pit boss " or foreman.
407. Employer's assurance of safety.
408. Removing pillars — Failure to warn.
409. What dangers from are assumed.
410. No liability when injury incidental to work.
411. Instructions regarding safety of roof.
412. Failure to inspect roof.
413. Failure to furnish props for.
414. Pleading actions for injuries from.
CHAPTER XIX.
INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES.
Section 415. Statutes regulating such appliances.
416. Evidence of negligence and contributory negligence re-
garding.
417. Miner failing to signal assumes risk.
418. Miner should look for descending cage.
419. Failure to repair hoisting apparatus.
420. Mine should be free from obstructions for.
421. Breaking of bolster rope.
422. Same — When miner assumes risk of.
423. Negligence of fellow-servant operating.
424. Same — Negligence of superintendent and foreman.
426. Incompetent " hoister-man " or "eager."
426. Independent contractor operating.
CHAPTBE XX.
INSUFFICIENT NUMBER AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES.
Section 427. Scope of chapter.
428. The duty a continuous one.
429. Same — No personal supervision required .
430. Actual or constructive knowledge essential.
431. Same — How establi.=hed.
432. Certificate of examining board not conclusive .
433. Employment of infant not necessarily negligence.
434. InsuflBclent number of employees.
435. Reckless employees placed with inexperienced miner.
XX TABLE OP CONTENTS.
Section 436. Vigilance increases with hazards of service.
437. Same — Employee handling dangerous explosives.
438. Employment of intoxicated servants.
439. When risk of assumed.
CHAPTER XXL
RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS.
Section 440. When mine owner should establish.
441. Act of co-employee must cause injury under.
442. Reasonableness and sufBciencyof rule.
443. Usage and custom as affecting.
444. Employees must have notice of.
445. Rule must be enforced.
446. Must be definite aud certain.
447. Rules for signaling must be provided.
448. No rule required for handling ore cars.
449. Handling ore in bins does not require.
450. Drilling for powder does not require.
451. When violation of contributory negligence.
452. Same — Violating rule requiring props.
453. Same — Rule requiring report of dangerous places.
454. Same — Rule regarding hoisting of miners.
455. Rule need not be pleaded.
CHAPTEE XXII.
WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES.
Section 456. To what employees warning is due.
457. Same — Youthful employees.
458. What warning is sufficient.
459. Same — Warning by fellow-servant.
460. Fellow -servant's negligence combined wilit failure to
instruct.
461. When danger was not anticipated — Employee's negli-
gence.
462. Ordinary obvious dangers — No warning required.
463. Increased risks — Dangerous roof— Excavations.
464. Exceptional dangers known only to skilled employees.
465. Warning of dangerous properties of dynamite.
466. Same — Explosions from giant powder.
467. Use of dangerous machinery.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. XXI
CHAPTEE XXni.
INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT.
Section 468. The duty, independent of statute.
469. Necessity for inspection must appear.
470. Purchased and manufactured appliances.
471. Ordinary common tools — No duty to inspect.
472. As to latent defects in appliances.
473. Roof of drift should be inspected.
474. Inspection of scaffolds and derricks.
475. Powder and similar explosives.
476. Ropes and cables should be inspected.
477. Inspection of boilers.
CHAPTEE XXIV.
FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE.
Section 478. Under common law duty as to place.
479. Where work is to make a dangerous place safe.
480. Distinction between mine already timbered and mine
untimbered.
481. Duty to timber mine cannot be delegated.
482. Mine owner cannot place danger from breach of statute
upon employee.
483. What constitutes breach of promise as to.
484. Assumption of risk from failure to prop roof.
485. Assumption of risk, as to props, in Utah.
486. Assumption of risk, under Washington statute.
487. Promise to furnish props.
488. Contributory negligence — Failure to use props furnished.
489. Miners contributory negligence as to, as viewed by the
United States Supreme Court.
490. The Colorado statute and construction.
491. The Illinois statute as to.
492. Indiana statutes and constructions.
493. Reasonable care the test in Indian Territory.
494. The statute of Iowa.
495. The Kentucky statute and constructions.
496. Miner assumes risk, in Michigan.
497. The Missouri statute and constructions.
Xxii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
SbctiojST 498. Pleading injury from, in Montana.
4:99. The New York statute and constructions.
500. Under Oliio statute, reasonable care, the test.
501. The Pennsylvania statute and constructions.
502. The statute of Tennessee.
503. Absence of props assumed by experienced miner, in
Virginia,
504. Employment of " mine boss " relieves employer in West
Virginia.
CHAPTBE XXV.
INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES.
Section 505. Infancy as afCecting master's obligation.
506. Infant falsely representing himself of age.
507. Employment in violation of parent's instruction.
508. Unlawful employment of child in mine — Illinois statute.
509. Damages for death of infant child.
510. Measure of parent's recovery for injury or death of minor
child.
511. Employment of in and about dangerous machinery —
Statutes against.
512. Warning to infant employees.
513. Sufficiency and extent of warning.
514. Assumption of risk by infants.
615. Same — Dangers outside scope of employment.
516. Injury to, from fellow servant's negligence.
517. Placing infant under care of experienced employee.
518. Responsibility tor accidents to infants.
519. Contributory negligence of infants.
520. Instruction on contributory negligence of infant.
521. Infant trespasser burned in ash pile.
522. Appointment of guardian to bring suit for.
CHAPTEK XXVI.
INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES.
Section 523. The principle, respondeat superior.
524. Act must be within scope of employment.
525. Same — Common law and statutory negligence,
526. Assumption of risk by third parties.
527. Contributory negligence a defense — Injury to striker.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. XXIU
Section 528. Willful, malicious act of servant.
529. Incompetency of servant.
530. Liability does not extend to acts of substitutes.
531. Injury to trespassers.
532. Same — Infancy of trespasser immaterial.
533. Injury to licensee.
534. Pleading injuries to.
535. Joint liability of master and servant.
536. Jury questions in actions for.
CHAPTEK XXVII.
ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.
Section 537. Who is an independent contractor.
538. Non-liability established by early English case.
539. How issue as to determined — Court and jury.
640. Joint undertaking, employer liable.
541. Employer's interference witli work of.
542. Contractor for excavation of mine.
543. Appliances furnished by employer.
544. Contractor's failure to guard excavation.
645. Statutory control of.
546. When danger to public imminent.
547. Mining coal by ton — Supervision and control.
648. Employee unloading coal by the car.
PERSONAL INJURIES IN MINES
CHAPTER I.
THE SUBJECT GENERALLY.
Section 1. Scope of the worK.
2. Basis of the action.
3. What constitutes actionable negligence.
4. Same — Injuries from natural agencies.
5. Must be breach of duty by defendant.
6. Defendant's negligence alone insufficient.
7. Liability irrespective of negligence.
8. Violated right and injury essential.
§ 1. Scope of the work. — Many general text-books have
been published upon the civil liability, resulting from negli-
gent acts, inflicting personal injuries. Lawyers, generally,
are familiar with the standard works pertaining to such
liability, some of which are limited to some of the peculiar
relations of the parties interested. No treatise has here-
tofore appeared, devoted entirely to personal injuries
received in any particular vocation of life. The object of
this work is to treat specifically of personal injuries, from
negligence, and injuries charged to have been due to negli-
gence, received in and about mines and mining property
only.
§ 2. Basis of the action. — The two things that must
always exist to constitute a cause of action for personal
injuries are a wrongful act by the defendant and a resulting
injury to the plaintiff. From these concurrent elements
the resultant damage, in the eye of the law, flows, as a
necessary concomitant and compensation from the one
(1)
2 THE SUBJECT GENERALLY. § 4
causing the injury, to the injured member of society, is
exacted, as a matter of simple justice. The breach of
some duty that the defendant owes the plaintiff is the
measure of the defendant's accountability. ^
§ 3. What constitutes actionable negligence. — It is
not always an easy matter to determine just what acts or
omissions will, or will not, furnish a cause of action to one
injured as a result thereof. Always relative to the circum-
stances of each particular case and variable, likewise, by
the facts connected therewith, actionable negligence is a
difficult term to define. The test, by which to judge
whether a given act is, or is not negligence, is what a
"reasonable man" under the circumstances would or
would not do.^ The negligent act may be either one of
omission or commission and where there is also a correlat-
ive duty owed to the injured party, the negligent act,
causing the injury, would sustain an action therefor.*
§ 4. Same — Injuries from natiiral agencies. — Where
an injury results from a natural cause, beyond the control
of man, there is no responsibility on the part of the owner
of the property where the injury was received, even though
1 Buswell Law Per. Inj., § 3, p. 3; Watson Dam. Per. Inj. 2; Armour v.
Galkewska, 93 111. App. 492. There can be no negligence, without a
breach of legal duty due the injured one. Kennedys. Chase, 119 Cal. 637.
2 This " reasonable man " o£ the negligence case reports, frequently
makes his appearance under as varied circumstances and with as many
different characteristics as Eugene Field's many sided "John Smith."
Being a creature ol the Imagination his acts are as dissimilar as the
dispositions and views of various judges throughout the country and this
is why we find so many inconsistent holdings as to what constitutes
negligence in different sections of the country.
8 Negligence was recently defined as "the failure to observe, for the
protection of another's interest, and safety, such care, prudence and
vigilance, as the circumstances justly demand and the Wint of which
causes the injury." Downey o. Gemini Mining Co. (Utah, 1902), 68 Pac.
Kep. 414; Richardson u. Kier, 4 M. M. R. 613.
§ 4 THE SUBJECT GENERALLY. 3
his acts may have conduced to produce the injury, if his
conduct could not be characterized as negligent.^ But to
exempt a property owner on this ground, the direct cause
of the injury must have been some natural force, with a
knowledge of which all men are equally chargeable.^ And
if the mine owner, or operator, had himself been guilty
of some act or omission, but for which the injury
would not have resulted, from the natural causes alone,
then negligence might, in such case, be imputed
to the author of the injury, notwithstanding the
presence of natural forces contributing thereto.'* An
illustration of this rule would be an injury from falling
rock or dirt, precipitated upon the plaintiff, without
defendant's fault, on account of a removal of the superin-
cumbent stratii, by which it was subjected to the law of
gravitation. In such case, the plaintiff could not recover.*
On the other hand, if a knowledge of the unsupported
roof or wall could be brought home to the defendant and
the necessity of proper support therefor, then his negli-
gence in failing to properly retain the same would furnish
a cause of action to the one injured as a result thereof,
and the mere fact that a natural force combined to occa-
sion the fall of the object resulting in the injury, would
not relieve the defendant of liability.^
1 Fletcher v. Smith, 6 Mor. Min. Rep. 78; Olson v. McMuUen, 24 N.
W. Hep. 318.
2 Olson «.McMullen, 24N.W.Eep. 318; Bradley©. Ey. Co., 138 Mo.293.
3 Robinson v. Blacli Diamond Co., 14 Mor. Min. Rep. 93.
< Olson V. McMuUen, 34 Minn. 94; Rassmussen u. C, R. I. & P. Co.,
65 Iowa, 236; Finalyson v. Utica M. & M. Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 507; Curley
V. Huff, 5 Am. Neg. Rep. 668.
6 Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 234; Smith v. Coal Co., 75 Mo. App.
177; Himrod &c. Coal Co. v. Clark, 99 111. App. 332; 197 111. 614;
Wahlquist v. Coal Co. dowa), 89 N. W. Rep. 98. A servant held to
have known that, If he got underneath an overhanging rock and struck
it with a sledge hammer, portions of It would necessarily fall. High-
tower «. Gray (Tex.), 83 S. W. Rep. 264.
4 THE SUBJECT GENERALLY. • § 7
§ 5. Must be breach of duty by defendant. — To sus-
■ taia a cause of action the plaintiff must have suffered not
only a damage, but the infraction of some right, upon which
to predicate the liability of the defendant, for if there
were no violation of the plaintiff's rights, or the breach of
no duty toward him by the defendant, however great the
injury received, there would be no civil liability therefor,
on the part of the defendant. i In such case, the rule
dannmm absque injuria would be applicable.^
§ 6. Defendant's negligence alone Insafflcient. — The
mere negligence of the defendant, unless there was a duty
violated toward the plaintiff, in such act of negligence,
would not furnish a cause of action, although an injury
might result from the negligent act.* The law requires
that one shall so regulate his person and property as not
to injure others, in the enjoyment of their legal rights, but
it also recognizes the right of every property owner to use
his property in a lawful way, and while exercising his rights
in this regard, if a mine owner unintentionally causes dam-
age to another, no action could be predicated upon such
lawful act.*
§ 7. Liability, irrespective of negligence. — In an
early New York case, it was held that a party injured by a
rock thrown by blasting on adjoining premises, could main-
1 Watson Dam. Per. Inj., Sec. 2, p. 2; Buswell Law Per. Inj., Sec. 3,
p. 3; Black's Law & Prac. Ace. Cas., Sec. 17, p. \i; Whart. on Neg.,
Sec. 24; Shear. & Red. Neg. (5 Ed.), Sec. 3.
2 Spade V. Lyan, 168 Mass. 285; Brewer «. Collina, 63 N. H. 442;
Belete v. Trenlon Co., 23 Va. 250; Kennedy v. Chase, 119 Cal. 637.
The degree of care, due from a master to his servant, does not var^
with the Increase or dimunition of the danger, but the quantum of dili-
gence to be used does differ, under different conditions. Galveston H.
&. S. A. Co. 13. Gormley, 91 Texas, 393; 43 S. W. Kep. 877.
8 Watson Dam. Per. Inj., § 3, p. 2,
* Ante, idem, Sec. 4, p, 3.
§ 8 THE SUBJECT GENEEALLT. 5
tain an action, irrespective of the question of negligence,
on the theory that the act of blasting in such proximity to
the plaintiff's property, was, of itself, such an invasion of
the plaintiff's rights, as to furnish the plaintiff a remedy
for his injuries. The reasoning of the court, however, in
this case, regardless of the correctness of the result of
such reasoning, is erroneous, for while deciding the cause
upon other grounds, the very basis of the court's judg-
ment is the negligence of the defendant.^
§ 8. Violated right and injury essential. — Negligence
alone, without a violation of some duty owing to the
plaintiff, coupled with an injury, will not afford a basis of
recovery, but in all cases there must be combined both the
breach of duty owing to the plaintiff and the injury re-
sulting from the breach of such duty. This result fol-
lows, necessarily, from the very nature of the action for
personal injuries, for whether the plaintiff declares in toil
or upon a contract, a breach of duty must be shown and
the resulting injury, as the measure of the defendant's lia-
bility.2 Without establishing both a breach of duty toward
himself, and a resulting injury, the plaintiff in a personal
injury action would show no more right to a recovery than
could a perfect stranger to a violated contract, who was
not damaged by the breach of such contract. The breach
of duty, being the initial fact, upon which a liability de-
pends, with a view of ascertaining when such breach occurs,
it therefore becomes important to consider the parties
toward whom such duties are owing.
1 St. Peter v. Dennison, 58 N. Y. 416.
2 Buswell Per Inj., Sec. 3.
CHAPTEE n.
PAKTIES TO ACTION.
Section 9. Who entitled to sue generally.
10. When authorized by statute.
11. Domestic and foreign statutory actions for death.
12. Parent and child.
13. Same — Under mining statutes.
14. Child's right of recovery for death of parent.
15. Infants and lunatics.
16. Statutes preventing employment of Infants.
17. Same — How suits for are prosecuted,
18. Husband and wife — Action by widow.
19. Same — Statutory right of action by wife divorced.
20. Master and servant.
21. Independent contractor.
22. Lessor and lessee.
23. Same — Lessee's liability.
24. Defendants jointly and severally liable.
§ 9. Who entitled to sue generally. — As a general
rule, any one toward whom there has been a breach of
duty by reason of a negligent act resulting in an injury,
can maintain an action therefor against the party whose
negligence caused the injury .^ Wherever the act causing
the injury would constitute a violation of duty owed the
injured party, then a recovery for the injury could be had
and there is no difference where the injury is in violation
of some duty due the injured one, whether it be a stranger
or an employee who is injured.^ But if the injured party
could not show a violation of some duty owed him in the
commission of the act causing the injury, then there would
1 For distinction between contract and public duty as the basis of
action, see Bnswell Per. Inj., Sees. 5, 6, pp. 4, 7.
- Ante, idem, Sees. 83 to 36.
(6)
§ 11 PARTIES TO ACTION. 7
be no liability therefor and, hence, a mere trespasser, or
licensee, cannot, generally, maintain an action. ^
§10. When authorized by statute. — All statutes
creating a right of action for injuries resulting in the
death of the party injured are construed strictly by the
courts, as all such acts are in contravention of the common
law rule that actions for personal injuries did not survive
the death of the person injured.^ The right of action, for
injuries resulting in death, is limited to those persons ex-
pressly named in the statute creating the right and no
one could sue for damages resulting from the death of a
person injured through the negligence of a mine owner,
except those empowered by the statute.^
§ 11. Domestic and foreign statutory actions for
death. — Since 1846 in England and the United States
statutes have been passed, giving a right of action for
injuries resulting in death, against the party wrongfully
causing-such injury.* Since, at common law, such actions
died with the injured one, only those named in the statute
where the injury occurred are capable of suing. The right
of action is usually given to the "husband or wife."'
1 They assume ordinary risks. Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 71.
2 Baker ». Bolten, 1 Camp. 493; Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 15 to 18 and
cases cited; Parsons v. Mo. Pac. Co., 9i Mo. 286; James v. Christie,
18 Mo. 162.
8 Personal representatives would not be included as within the terms
of an act unless expressly referred to as entitled to its provisions. Mc-
intosh «. M. K. & T. Co., 103 Mo. 340; Boyd v. Brazil Block Coal Co.,
22 Ind. App. 329; 50 N. B. Rep. 368; Maule Coal Co. ». Partenheimer,
55 N. E. Rep. 751.
* The English statute from which all such acts are taken is what is
generally known as " Lord Campbell's Act," 9 & 10 Vict. ch. 93. The
statutes in different States in America, are familiar to lawyers of each
State,
» R. S. Mo. 1889, § 4425.
8 PAETIES TO ACTION. § 12
"parent and child," ^ "executors or administrators," ^
"personal representatives," ^ " beneficiaries," * or " those
dependent for support, "5 and those which fall within the
class named in the statute alone are allowed to sue. Where
the action is brought in one State for death in another the
parties entitletd to sue depends upon the statute where the
death occurred and not where the suit is instituted.® And
the defendants, in actions for death by wrongful act, also
depend entirely upon the statute creating the liability, and
whether the liability is imposed under a domestic or a for-
eign statute, its provisions, as to parties plaintiff and
defendant, must be followed.''
§ 12. Parent and child. — The law entitles a parent to
the services of a child only during minority and since the
basis of the action for injuries to children, by parents,
is the loss of services, the parent is entitled to compensa-
tion for the services of the child only during minority, for,
when emancipated, the proceeds of services belong to the
child.* And as the parent is entitled to the damages for
1 E. S. Mo., 1899, § 8820.
2 Lord Campbell's Act, supra.
3 23 U. S. St., p. 307.
4 Ga. Laws, '87, p. 43.
« R. S. Mo. 1899, Sec. 8820.
" Usher v. West Jersey Co., 126 Pa. St. 206; Lawer v. Segal, 30 Vt.
66. In an action for personal injuries the law of the place where the
injuries occurred governs. Johnson v. Union Pac- Coal Co. (Utah,
1904),76Pac. Rep. 1089.
' Black's Law and Prac, Ace. Cas., Sees, 146, 147 and cases cited. " A
right of action in Missouri for a negligent injury inflicted in Iowa
is governed by the law of Iowa." Williams u. Chicago, R. I. & P. Co.
(.Mo. App. 1904), 79 S. W. Rep. 1167.
8 " To submit to a jury the value of a life, without limit, as to years,
would be to leave them to speculate upon its duration, without any basis
of calculation. The law entitles tht> mother to the services of her child
during his minority only; beyond this, the chances of survivorship, his
ability or willingness to support her, are matters too vague to enter into
§ 12 PARTIES TO ACTION. 9
loss of service by the child, during minority, the child can-
not recover for such loss of wages, preceding its majority, ^
but its action is for impairment of earning capacity after
emancipation and for the physical injuries received, for
which the child can maintain a separate action against the
one causing the injury.^ No action by either the parent or
child, will bar a suit by the other, on his own account, for
injury to the child, for while the latter can recover for his
own physical injuries and the attendant pain and suffering,
and the consequent impairment of his earning capacity,^
. the former can only recover fpr the loss of services, so
long as entitled thereto,* and neither action, being for the
same damages or between the same parties, would bar the
other. Wages in the past, due a minor, is not an element
of damage, in a suit by him, for the reason that the parent
is entitled to such wages, ^ but if the suit is by such parent,
as guardian for the minor this is held, in some cases, to be
a waiver by the parent of the wages sued for and the minor
can then recover for lost wages.* Likewise, the minor may
recover for pain and suffering, incident to the injury, but
this is not an element of damage, on the part of the
an estimate of damages merely compensatory." State v. B. & O. R. K.
Co., 24 Md. 84; Parsons v. Mo. Pac. Co., 94 Mo., p. 295; Bernard u.
Merrill, 91 Me. 358; 30 Atl. Eep. 156; Bridger v. Ashville Co., 27 S. C.
456; 3 S. E. Eep. 860; 13 Am. St. Rep. 656.
1 West. Union Co. v. Woods, 88 111. App. 375; Stewart v. Eippon,
38 Wis. 584.
2 Baker v. Flint and C. Co., 91 Mich. 298; 31 N. W. Eep. 897; 16 L.
E. A. 164.
3 Peppercorn v. Black Eiver Falls, 89 Wis. 38; 61 N. W. Eep. 79.
« East Tenn. Co. v. Hughes, 17 S. B. Eep. 949; Drew v. 6th Avenue
Co., 26 N. Y. 49; M. K. & T. Co. v. Rodgers, 39 S. W. Eep. 383.
6 Abeles v. Bransfleld, 18 Kan. 16; A. & W. E. Co. v. Smith, 20 S. E.
Eep. 763.
« Chesapeake &c. Co. v. Davis, 22 Ky. L. R. 748; 58 S. W. Rep. 698;
Corsicana Oil Co. v. Valley, 14 Tex. Civ. App. 250; 36 S. W. Rep.
999.
10 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 13
parent, suing for injuries to his child.i The parent is
entitled, however, to recover all expenses and outlay, at-
tendant upon the injaries to his child, except nurse hire to
the members of his own family ,2 and, in some States, even
such elements may be considered.^ But if the injury to the
child is the result of the parent's negligence this will defeat
his right of action for loss of services,^ and where the only
right to sue depends upon a statute, giving a cause of action
to employees, the parent of a minor employee cannot sue.5
A parent is not generally liable for the negligent acts of
an infant child, resulting in injury to another, but such
infant is himself liable for his own torts,* and a parent
would only be liable where the tort was committed in his
presence or under his authority.'
§ 13. Same — Under raining statutes — Loss of Sup-
port. — Under many statutes, giving an action to the
" McMillan v.V.P. Co., 6 Mo. App. 434; Pa. Co. v. Kelly, 31 Pa. St.
372.
2 Woeckner v. Erie Motor Co., 187 Pa. St. 206; 3 Am. Neg. Rep. 601;
Goodhart v. Pa. Co., 177 Pa. St. 10; 35 Atl. Rep. 192.
s Co. Com. V. Hamilton, 60 Md. 340; Morgan v. Pac. Mills, 158 Mass.
402; 33 N. E. Rep. 581; Schmitz v. St. L., I. M. & S. Co., 46 Mo. App.
380.
4 Hooper v. Southern Co., 112 Ga. 96; 37 S. E. Rep. 165.
6 Woodward Iron Co. v. Cook, 124 Ala. 349; 27 So. Rep. 455.
6 Baker v. Holdeinan, 24 Mo. 219; Hagerdy v. Powers, 66 Cal. 368;
Harris «. Cameron, 81 Wis. 239.
1 Black's Law & Prac. Aco. Cas., Sec. 40, p. 43. But see Code of Georgia
(1895), Sec. 3817, making parent liable for tlie tort of his infant child.
And see also Johnson v. Gladden, 5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 97. "In an action
lor an injury to a coal miner, it appeared that he and his father worked
jointly for the defendant company ; that the ticket put on their car was
" M. & Son," and that the father collected the pay of both, to which he
was entitled on account of the son's minority. Held, that an instruc-
tion that if the father used the son as an assistant, and received the
earnings from their joint work, the latter was a mere licensee, was
properly refused." Chicago, W. & V. Coal Co. v. Moran (111. 1904), 71
N. E. Rep. 38; 210 111. 9.
§ 13 PARTIES TO ACTION. 11
parent for death of a child, the action accrues only to the
father or mother of a minor child. i In some other statutes
the right accrues to the parent, regardless of the minority
of the child 2 and, frequently, in case of loss of life, the
action is given to those dependent for support.^ For in-
stance, in Missouri, the mining statute gives a right of
action, in case of death, to widow, Hneal heirs or adopted
children, or "to any person or persons, who were before
such loss of life, dependent for support " upon the person
killed. Both upon principle and authority, it would seem
that this act, by the enumeration of certain legally depend-
ent persons, intended to limit the right of action to those
legally dependent for support, which would exclude the
right of a parent of an adult child. After its majority the
child may, voluntarily, contribute to his parent's support,
as he may to any other relative or friend, who might, in
reality, be dependent for support upon his generosity, but,
in strict legal aspect, the child would be under no legal
obligation to support hisparent after attaining his majority,
as his services are his own and he can donate them or
utilize them as he sees tit. Hence, it seems, in holding
that a right accrues to the parent of an adult child, under
such statutes, the courts are going a long way toward the
realm of speculation, to predicate a damage suit upon the
letter of such acts, where a jury can, " without limit, as to
years, speculate upon the duration of a life, without any
basis of calculation." Not only this, but the continuance
of the child to render such support, his survivorship and
such other contingencies, upon which his continued sup-
port, depends, renders it a mere chance, upon which to base
1 This is true of the General Damage Act in Missouri. B. S. Mo. 1899,
Sec. 2864.
2 This is the New York statute.
3 K. S. Missouri, 1899, Sec. 8820.
12 PAKTIES TO ACTION. § 14
a verdict.! However, under the Missouri statute above
quoted, the court holds that the parent of an adult child is
entitled to sue, if dependent for support, ^ in such cases as
fall within the "prop statute" and similar holdings are
also extant in other states.^
§ 14. Child's right of recovery for death of parent. —
Most of the statutes giving a right of action for death
by negligence, create the right on the part of widow,
children and parents of the deceased,* and hence, under
most of the acts, the child or children of one killed
throuo-h negligence, has a cause for action for such death,
ao-ainst the wrong-doer.^ In actions by children, under such
statutes, damages are not, usually, confined to any exact
mathematical calcalation,*as the loss of a parent's care, in
1 Parsons v. Mo. Pac. Co., 94 Mo., p. 295; State v. B. & O. Co., 24
Md. 84; Good v. Towns, 56 Vt. 410; 48 Am. Kep. 799; 8 Am. &Eng. Bnc.
Law (2 ed), 903 and cases cited; Hodnett v. K. E., 156 Mass. 86; Tel.
Co. V. McGill, 57 Fed. Eep. 699: Duval v. Hunt, 34 Fla. 85; 15 So. Rep.
76.
2 Bowerman v. Lackawanna Mining Co., 98 Mo. App, 308. See contra.
Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 12, p. 15.
s Daley v. Steel & Iron Co., 155 Mass. 1; Hodnett ». E. E., 156 Mass.
86; Daniels v. E. E., 86 Ga. 236; Eailway i>. Sweet, 45 111. 197. These
cases, which recognize such a right, on the part of a parent of an adult
child, base it solely upon the fact of dependency, without reference to the
realm of speculation, which such a construction actually enters. Bower-
man V. Lackawanna Co., supra. Where the primary right to sue for the
death of the person killed is in the wife, the parent cannot maintain an
action without both pleading and proving that deceased was unmarried,
Mcintosh V. Mo. Pac. Co., 103 Mo. 131; Barker v. Ey. Co., 91 Mo. 86.
4 Lord Campbell's Act, 9 and 10 Vict. Ch. 93, Sees. 1 and 2; N. Y.
Code Civ. Proc, Sec. 1903; E. S. Mo. 1899, 2866; S. E. Ind., Sees. 7083,
7085; S. E. 1897, 5206t; Acts Ind. 1891, p. 57; Humes' Bev. St. 1894,
Sec. 7461, for death in Coal Mines; Code Iowa, 1897, Bees. 3443 to
3447; McLain'a Ann. Code, 1888, Sec. 3730; Dassler's Gen. St. Kan.
1899, p. 948; Stat. Ok. 1893, p. 832; Hill's Ana. Laws, Oregon, p. 158;
Pub. Gen. St. N. H. 1901, p. 712.
6 2 Joyce, Dam., Sec. 849 cS su6. ; Shear. &Eedf. Neg. (3ed.),Sec. 613.
6 Stoher V. St. L., I. M. & S. Co., 91 Mo, 518.
§ 15 PARTIES TO ACTION. 13
the education and maintenance and support of children,
has an appreciable pecuniary value, in addition to the moral
element of damage resulting from such loss.^ Accordingly
juries are not, usually, limited to merely nominal damages,
in actions by children for the death of parents, although
no showing of earning capacity is made, but juries are
allowed some discretion in the assessment of such dam-
ages, with which the courts will not interfere, unless there is
a clear abuse of their prerogatives.^ Where the riglit of
action is recognized by the statute, as primarily in the
widow, the child cannot sue, if there is a widow, without
a renunciation of the right, on her part, or unless she dies,
during the period of her right to maintain an action; ^ and
if the deceased leaves both a widow and child surviving,
if the law gives the widow the whole period of the
life of the action, in which to sue, as under the mining
statute in Missouri, no action could be maintained by
a child, until the death of the widow, within the
period limited for bringing the suit,* and the right to
sue is generally limited to minor children only, as an adult
child has no pecuniary right to the society or care of the
parent."
§ 15. Infants and lunatics. — Parties under disability,
such as infants and lunatics, who would not be liable, on
account of such disability, upon a contractual obligation,
are nevertheless liable for their torts and can be sued in
damage for negligence resulting in personal injury to any
one toward whom they owe a duty, the same as though they
1 Tilley v. Hudson Eiver Co., 29 N. X. 252; 37 N. Y. 287.
2 Shear. & Redf. Neg. (3ed.), Sec. 613; Stoheru. St. L., I. M. &S. Co.,
91 Mo. 518, 519.
3 See E. S. Mo. 1899, Sec. 8820; Poor v. Watson, 92 Mo. App. 89.
^ Poor V. Watson, 92 Mo. App. 89.
6 B. & P. R. Co. ■». Golway, 23 Wash. L. R. 308; 2 Joyce Dam.
889.
14 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 16
were not under disability to make contracts.^ It has been
intimated in one case that the courts would be more prone
to regard an injury by a party under legal disability in the
light of an accident, than a negligent act,^ but this is nqt
in accordance with the weight of authority, and, if gener-
ally followed, would release persons under disability from
all responsibility for their negligent acts.^ Hence an
infant, sui Juris, is held liable for the result of his negligent
acts, the same as an adult,* and if another is injured, as a
result of his wrongful act, or if his own wrong occasioned
an injury to an infant or lunatic, such negligent act could
be set up as a defense to an action by him for the injury
and the plea of contributory negligence on his part would
prevent his recovery the same as it would that of an adult,
under similar circumstances.^
§ 16. Statutes preventing employment of infants. —
Statutes have been passed in many of the mining States
preventing the employment of infants of tender years in
the underground work of mines.^ Where an injury to a
child under lawful age employed in violation of the statute
would not have occurred, but for such illegal employment,
this, of itself, is sufficient evidence of negligence to render
the employer liable in damages, for such injury.^
1 Black's Law& Prac. in Aoc. Cas., p. 43, Sec. 39; Moran v. Devlin,
134 Mass. 87; 1 Ch. PI. 66.
2 Bullock V. Babcock, 3 Wend. 391.
s Black's Law & Prac. Aoc. Cas., Sec. 39, p. 43.
* 1 Ch. PI. 66; Moran v. Devlin, 132 Mass. 87; Black's La w & Prac.
Ace. Cas., Sec. 39, p. 43.
« Carter v. Baldwin (Mo. 1904), 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Williams u. Hays,
143 N. Y. 442.
6 Mining Act, 111., Sec. 22; Burn's Ann. St. Ind. 1901; N. Y. Laws
1902, c. 600. See Black's Law & Pr. Aec. Cas., Sees. 118 and 119.
' Morino v. Lehmaier, 173 N. Y. 530; 66 N. E. Rep. 572; Marquette
Third Vein Co. v. Dielie, 110 111. App. 684. " The owner of a mine, who
employs a child in such mine contrary to Mining Act, § 22, is liable for
any injury which occurs in Its mine, and by the operation of the mine, to
the child." Marquette Third Vein Coal Co. v. Dielie, 110 III. App. 684
§ 18 PARTIES TO ACTION. 15
§ 17. Same — How suits for are prosecuted. — In
most of the United States, by statute, an infant is per-
mitted to prosecute actions for injuries to his person,
either by his general guardian, in case one has been pre-
viously appointed, or by a guardian ad litem, or next
friend, appointed for the purpose by the court where tte
action is filed. ^ The right of action is generally first given
to the parents for the death or injury to a minor child. ^
The father is usually given the primary right of action and
in case of his death, the mother,^ but as the right of action
for injuries to, or death of a minor child, is of purely statu-
tory origin, a compliance with the statute is necessary to
be shown in such an action, both as to parties and general
procedure.*
§ 18. Husband and wife — Action by widow. — For
injury to the wife the husband is entitled to recover for
the loss of her services,^ but not for her physical pain and
suffering, as this is an element of damage to be recovered
by the wife alone.^ No particular evidence is essential of
1 Ala. Code, 1886, Sec. 2579; R. S. Ariz. 1887, Sec. 1342; Dig. St.
Ark. 1894, Sec. 5645; Deer. Ann. Code Cal. 1885, Sec. 372; Rev. Code
Del. 1893, Sec. 29; R. S. Ala. 1892, Sec. 982; Gen. St. Kan. 1889, Sec.
4108; St. Minn. 1894, Sec. 5160; K. S. Mo. 1889, Sec. 1997; Gen. St.Nev.
1885, Sec. 3031; Laws N. M. 1884, Sec. 2335, R. S. Ohio, 1894; Sec. 4998;
Hill's Ann. Law, Oregon 1892, Sec. 32; Brightley's Purdy's Dig. Pa. 1894,
Sec. 1629; R. S. So. Car. 1893, Sec. 163; Code Tenn. 1885, 4874; Laws
Utah, 1888, Sec. 3174; Hills Ann. Code, Wash. 1891, Sec. 142; Code
W. Va. 1891, Sec. 14, p. 675; R. S. Wyo. 1887, Sec. 2387.
2 Consult above statutes.
8 Rue x>. Myers, 16 Stew. (N. J.) 377; Hedges v. Frazier, 31 Ark. 58 ;
Parsons t). Mo. Pac, 94 Mo. 288; McCorrick o. Kealy, 70 Conn. 542; Ring
■0. Iron Works, 120 N. J. 433.
* Black's Law & Prac. Ace. Cas.,Sec. 119.
6 Redfleldw. Oakland Co., 112 Cal. 220; 43 Pac. Kep. 1117; OuUar «.
M. K. & T. Co., 84 Mo. App. 347; Riley v. Lidtke, 49 Neb. 139; 68 N. W.
Rep. 356.
6 Howells v. N. A. Co., 24 Wash. 689; 64 Pac. Rep. 786; Cullar v. M.
K. & T. Co., 84 Mo. App. 347.
16 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 18
the value of her services,* but such domestic care as a wife
usually exercises in the home, is the basis of the recovery. ^
The husband's right to such services is not effected by the
married women acts ; ^ he is entitled to recover for all ex-
penses incurred in and about her injuries* and no deduc-
tion is made for the necessary maintenance, of the wife,
from the amount allowed for the loss of her services."
In most of the States the wife is entitled to recover for the
death of her husband, by negligence and, generally, the
primary right to sue is vested in her, on account of her
legal dependency and close relationship to the deceased.
The amount and measure of damages allowed in the differ-
ent States are so different that the statutes cannot be well
classified, but the leading provisions will be found in the
note.^ In some States the right to sue for death by neg-
1 Kelly V. Mayberry T., 154 Pa. St. 440; 26 Atl. Kep. 595.
2 Sellecku. Janesville, 100 Wis. 157; SON. W. Rep. 944; Eedfleld «.
Oakland Con. Co., 112 Cal. 220; 44 Pac. Rep. 1117; Furnish v. M. P.
Co., 102 Mo. 119.
» Callar v. M. K. & T. Co., 84 Mo. App. 847.
* U. P. Co. V. Jones, 21 Colo. 340; 40 Pac. Rep. 891; Northern Cent.
Co. V. Mills, 61 Md. 355.
5 San Antonio Co. v. Belt, 59 S. W. Rep. 607.
' Age, mental and physical health, life expectancy, occupation, earn-
ing capacity, experience, character and all the circumstances tending to
show the pecuniary loss are held competent, where this is the basis of
recovery. 23 U. S. St. at L. 307, oh. 126; B. & O. Co. e. Mackey, 157
U. S. 72; 39 L. Ed. 624. Much depends, however, upon the nature of
the statute and whether it Is compensatory remedial or penal. See, E.
S.Mo. 1899, 8820; Burn's Rev. Stat. Ind. 7473; Dassler's Gen. St. Kan.
1899, p. 943; Laws, Minn. 1887, ch. 13; St. Ok. 1893, p. 832; Pub. St.
N. H. 1901, p. 712; Hill's Ann. Laws, Oregon, p. 158; 2 Ga. Code, 1895,
Sees. 3825 to 3866; Ky. Carroll's St. 1399, p. 179; Dak. Comp. Laws,
Sees. 5498 et sub.; Mass. Stat., 87, ch. 270; Miss. Code, 1892, Sec. 3559!
Nev. Comp. Laws, 1900, 3983; Ohio, Bates, Ann. St. 6131, et sub.; Tenn.
Shannon's Ann. Code, 1896, p. 986, et sub. The basis of recovery Is
dependent upon different statutes in different States and the amounts
range from $5,000.00 upward. For general elements of damages, in
different States, see 2 Joyce, Dam. Sees. 859 to 869.
§ 19 PARTIES TO ACTION. 17
ligenoe is in the widow, but her right is limited in time,
and where such provisions appear, she loses her right to
sue, unless she does so, within the time limited. ^ The
statutes, generally, are based upon the pecuniary loss sus-
tained by the widow and the damages are allowed by way
of compensation for the pecuniary loss of the decedent's
earnings, support and society.^ Different elements of
damage and various rules for the establishment of such
damages are recognized in the several States and no reliable
general rule can be laid down, but must depend upon
the legislative acts of the jurisdiction where the death
occurred.
§ 19. Same — Statutory right of action by wife
divorced. — The common law rule with reference to suits
for personal injuries to married women has been superseded
in most of the United States by code provisions, creating
a right on the part of a married woman to sue in her own
name for injuries to her person.* And where the husband
and wife are divorced, the wife can sue for personal in-
juries to herself, the same as though she were a feme, sole
1 In the different States, where the statutes are cited above, the time
limit is as follows : One year in the following States ; Missouri, District
of Columbia, Mississippi, and two years in Ohio, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island and Washington.
2 L. E. & St. L. Co. V. Clark, 162 U. S. 220; 38 L. Ed. 422; A. T. &
S. F. Co. V. Ryan, 62 Kan. 682; 64 Pac. Rep. 603; L. & N. Co. ». Gra-
ham. 98 Ky. 688; 34 S. W. Rep. 229: Kleps v. Donald, 4 Wash. 436; 30
Pac. Rep. 991; St. L. Co. v. Freeman, 36 Ark. 41; 2 Joyce Dam., Sec.
854 and cases cited.
s Stat. Ark. 1894, Sec. 5641; Code Civ. Proc. Colo., Sec. 6; Rev. Code
Del. 1893, p. 600; Rev. Code Iowa, 1888, Sec. 2562; Gen. St. Kan., Sec.
4106; Stat. Ky. 1894, Sec. 21S8; Minn. St. 1894, Sec. 5159; Miss. Code
1892, Sec. 2289; R. S. N. Y. 1890, Sec. 2163, p. 464; R. S. Ohio, 1894,
Sec. 4996; Laws Oregon, 1892, Sec. 30; B. P. Dig. Pa., 1894, Sec. 52;
Hill's St. Wash. 1891, Sec. 137; Code W. Va. 1891, Sec. 15, p. 623; R. S.
Wye. 1887, Sec. 2345.
2
18 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 20
and this, whether the injuries occurred before or after the
decree of divorce.^
§ 20. Master and Servant. — The principle is well
settled that where a servant is employed to perform or
superintend work, the master is responsible to third parties
for injuries resulting from the neglect of the servant in the
performance of his work.^ And this principle obtains,
although the servant exceeds his powers or disobeys his
instructions in the performance of the negligent act, pro-
vided he does the act in the course of his employment.*
And in a case of positive misfeasance and not mere omis-
sion of duty, on the part of the servant, he is individually
liable to a third party for injuries resulting therefrom.*
For instance, in one case, an employee was ordered to build
a trap-door and did the work so negligently as to cause the
injury to the plaintiff and it was held that the injured party
could recover not only from the master, but that the ser-
1 Peru V. French, 55 111. 317.
s Dolan v. Hubinger, 109 Iowa, 408; 80 N. W. Rep. 514; Pioneer F. C.
Co. V. Sunderland, 87 111. App. 213; affdSS N. E. Rep. 928.
3 F. L. I. Co. «. People, 103 111. App. 654; aff' d 66 N. E. Rep. 379:
Steele v. May, 135 Ala. 483; 33 So. Rep. 30; Clombls v. Tuesno, N. &I.
Co. ; 118 Cal. 315; 6 Am. Neg. Rep. 326.
* The distinction in the text between mere omissions of duty and
positive wrongs, is warranted by the cases. In Wright v. Wilcox (19
Wend. 343), Cowen, J., says : " In a case of strict negligence by a servant,
while employed in the service of his master, I see no reason why an act-
ion will not lie against them both. They are both guilty of the same
negligence, at the same time and under the same circumstances; the
servant in fact and the master, constructively, by the servant, his agent."
And Lord Holt, in his celebrated judgment in Lane v. Colton (12 Mod.
488; s. c. Ld. Raymond, 646, 655), says that for the neglect of the servant
third persons can have no remedy against him, but that the master is
alone chargeable ; but for a misfeasance, or actual tort, an action will lie
against the servant, because he is the wrong-doer. See also Monfort v,
Hughes, 3 E. D. 8m. 591; Suydan v. Moore, 8 Barb. 358; Phelps v. Wait,
30 N. Y. 78. But being joint tort feasors, they can be sued jointly or
severally. Kaney «. La Chance, 96 Mo. App. 479; 70 S. W. Rep. 376.
§ 21 PARTIES TO ACTION. 19
vant was also liable for the injury.' Again, both have
been held liable for an injury from blasting in a quarry,
the servant as the actual wrong-doer, and the master, under
the doctrine respondeat superior.'^
§ 21. Independent contractor. — For the rule respond-
eat superior to obtain, the relation of master and servant,
or superior and subordinate, must also exist, or there must
be some obligation assumed toward the injured one, from
which an equivalent relation in law would be implied.^ If
the employee is in the service of an independent contractor,
over whom the owner reserves no supervision or control,
there can be no recovery from him, for an injury to such
employee,* for there is no liability for the negligent acts of
a mechanic or contractor, employed as such, in an inde-
pendent capacity over which he has the entire management
and control.* But if the employer reserves the right to
1 Harrlman et al. v. Stowe, 57 Mo. 93, 99 ; Wright u. Comptou, 2
Mor. Min. Rep. 189; 63 Ind. 337. In this case, last cited, the injuries
of the plaintiff resulted from blasting, iu a quarry, near a road; both the
servant, setting off the blast, and the master, were held liable.
2 vv^rightB. Compton, 53 Ind. 337; 2 Mor. Mln. Rep. 189. Liability to
stranger and to employee the same, where injuryresults from defendant's
negligence. Ardesco Oil Co. v. Gilson, 63 Pa. St. 146; 10 Mor. Min. Rep.
674.
8 Boswell V. Laird, 8 Cal. 469; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 616; Roddy v. Mo.
Pac.Co., 104 Mo. 234; Zinb v. Furnace Co., 10 Mo. App. 61; 82 Mo. 276.
i "For the rule respondeat superior to apply, the relation of superior
and subordinate must exist, or the master as&ume some obligation toward
the servant, from which the relation, inlaw, would be assumed. If the
employee is employed by an independent contractor, over whom the owner
assumes no supervision, there can be no recovery from him, for an injury
to such employee." Boswell v. Laird, 10 Mor. Miu. Itep. 616; 8 Cal.
469; Ziebell v. Eclipse Co. (Wash. 1903), 15 Am. Neg. Rep. 467.
6 HorfE V. Green, 168 Mo. 308; 67 S. W. Rep. 576. There is no liabil-
ity for the negligence of a mechanic or contractor, employed m an
independent business, over which the owner retains no supervision or
control. Painter v. Pittsburg. 10 Wright, 213, Roddy o. Mo. Pac, Co.,
104 MO: 234; Harrison v. Kiser, 79 Ga. 688; Miller v Min. &c. Co., 76
20 PAKTIES TO ACTION. § 21
direct the manner of performance, or if he undertakes to
provide the instrumentalities used, he is responsible, if
an injury result to such contractor, or his employees, as a
result of a breach of duty in that regard. ^ Nor would the
relation of master and servant cease, so long as the owner
retained any supervision of the work, or the means or ap-
pliances used by the contractor, but for any neglect by
him, in this relation, from which an injury resulted, he
would be responsible in damages. ^
Iowa, 655; Gas Co. v. Waters, 12i? Pa. 220. So an employee, in a shaft
under the construction ol independent contractors, could not recover
from the mine owners for an injury resulting from the breaking of a
rope, or other unsafe appliances. Leudberg v. Brotherton Iron Mln. Co.,
75 Mich. 84; 42 N. W. Kep. 675. See for additional authorities White,
Mines & Mining Rem., Sec. 394, p. 523. If the contractor assumes all
details of the work to himself and assistants and is paid by the job it
is strong evidence that he is not an employee, but where the evidence
is that master reserved the right of inspection and discharge, the case is
properly left to the jury to determine the exact status of the parties.
Gaylea. Mo. C. & F. Co., 177 Mo. 427. In the old, well considered case of
Knight V. Fox, 1 E. L. E. K. 477, the owner was held not liable for the
act of an independent contractor, over whom the owner reserved no con-
trol.
1 Where the employer reserves the right to direct the manner of per-
formance, or where he undertakes to provide any of the instrumentalities
used, he is liable if injury result to such contractor or his employees as
a result of a breach of duty in that regard. Roddy v. Mo. Pac. Co., 104
Mo. 234.
2 The relation of master and servant does not cease so long as he re-
serves any control, or right of control, over the method and manner of
doing the work, or the agencies by which it is effected. Fell v. Rich
Hill Coal Min. Co., 23 Mo. App. 216; Lake Superior Co. v. Erickson, 10
Mor. Min. Bep. 40; 39 Mich. 492. In Fell v. Rich Hill Coal Co. (23 Mo.
App. 216), Phillips, J., observed: " The law ought not on well settled
principles, be so construed as to acquit the actual owner of the mine,
who has engaged another to open his mine, reserving to himself the
obligation and burden of furnishing and operating that part of the
machinery which occasions the injury to the employee. This duty he
owes to the public and when he undertakes to so furnish and operate the
machinery, which he knows will be used for a specific purpose in per-
forming his part of the contract, with the contractor, in opening and
§ 22 PARTIES TO ACTION. 21
§22. Ijessor and lessee — Lessor's liability. — The
lessor does not impliedly warrant the condition of the de-
mised premises to the lessee, and in the absence of mis-
representation or concealment, the lessee and his employees
assume the risk from personal injuries received as a result
of the defective or faulty condition of the premises, ^ And
even when the lessor retains a portion of the premises in
his possession, unless he was the active cause of the injury,
he would not be liable to the lessee, if he could, himself,
have prevented it, for he would then be held to have
assumed the risk.^ Where, however, the lessor retains a
supervision or control over the portion of the demised
premises, which causes the injury, and the tenant was
denied access to and the right to remedy the same, the
operating the mine, the law would impose upon him the duty of provid-
ing reasonably safe machinery and appliances and as to that the relation
of master and servant existed between them and the servant employed
in mining ia this shaft." Chartiers Valley Gas Co. v. Waters, 19 Pitts.
Leg. J. 235; 23 W. N. C. 176; 16 Atl. Rep. 423; 46 Phil. Leg. Int. 1G9.
And so if the work or the premises were so dangerous as to amount to a
nuisance (Crenshaw v. Tillman, 113 Mo. 633), or if the contractor is
known to be irresponsible, incompetent or negligent (Brannock v. Ell-
more, 114 Mo. 65). If the owner personally interferes (Long v. Moon,
107 Mo. 334), or retains a supervision of and furnishes the means for
accomplishing the work; — in ail these cases the owner is liable, and the
rule as to independent contractors does not apply. Burns v. McDonald,
57 Mo. App. 599; Roddy v. Mo. Pac, 104 Mo. 234. The above decision
as to a mine owner's liability to a contractor, where the former furnishes
machinery to be used, is at variance with a recent Kentucky case, hold-
ing that the owner who lets a contract for the sinking of a shaft and
agrees to furnish a " hoist " is not liable for an injury to the contractor's
laborer, by the breaking of a rope, originally in good condition, but per-
mitted to become defective by the contractor. Central Coal & Iron Co.
V. Grider, 65 L. R. A. 465. See, also, Lendberg v. Brotherton Min Co.,
42N. W. Rep. 675 (Mich.).
1 Brewster v. Defremery, 33 Cal. 341 ; Hazlett v, Powell, 30 Pa. St.
293; JafEe v. Harteau, 66 N. Y. 398; O'Brien v. Capwell, 69 Barb. 497;
Leonard v. Storer, 116 Mass. 86.
a Dunn v. Coal Co., L. R. 7 Q. B. 244; Tailor v. Bailey, 74 111. 178,
With delivery of possession, lessor's liability ceases, Leonard v. Storer,
116 Mass. 86.
22 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 22
lessor would be liable to his lessee, as well as to a stranger,
for resulting injuries therefrom, for his own overt act was
the cause of such injury. ^
1 See Fell v. Kich Hill Coal Co. (23 Mo. App. 216), where lessor re-
tained supervision of machinery in mine, which caused the injury and
he was held liable therefor. See also Taylor's Land. & Ten. (7th Ed.),
p. 141. A lessor is not liable for the wrongful acts or torts of his
lessee, not done by his authority or command. Little Schuylkill Coal
Co. V. Richards, 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 661; 57 Pa. St. 142; OfEerman ».
Starr, 2 Pa. St. 394; 44 Am. Dec. 211; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 614; Hartfleld
V. Roper, 21 Me. 615; 34 Am. Dec. 273; Samuelson v. Cleveland Iron
Co., 49 Mich. 164; Crusselle v. Pugh, 67 Ga. 430; 44 Am. Eep. 724;
Smith V. Belshaw, 26 Pac. Rep. 834. For an injury from a defect that
existed at time of demise both lessor and lessee are liable, the one for
negligence in leasing defective premises and the other for maintaining
same. Mancuso ». K. C, 74 Mo. App. 138. But for a condition brought
about by some third party, without lessee's knowledge he would not be
responsible. Fehlhauer v. St. Louis, 178 Mo. 636. And the lessor
would not be liable for any injury after the demise unless it resulted
from a defect existing when he executed the lease or amounted to a
nuisance perse. Fehlhauer v. St. Louis, 178 Mo. 636. " Mere failure of
a landlord to comply with his agreement to make repairs on the leased
premises is held, in Thompson v. Clemens, not to render him liable for
personal injuries suffered by a member of the tenant's family because of
want of repair." 96 Md. 196; 53 Atl. Rep. 919; 60 L. E. A. 580. A
mining lease will not relieve the owner from liability for personal in-
juries, where the lease is a mere subterfuge to avoid the responsibility
for the operation of a mine. Con. Coal Co. v. Seniger, 179 111. 870; 53
N E. Rep. 733. " Plaintiff was injured while in the employ of an iron
company. After the injury the iron company leased its property to a
steel company, which made formal announcement of such fact, and that
the officers and employees of the iron company would be continued with
the steel company. The lease, which was recorded, provided that the
transfer should be regarded as taking effect prior to the date of the
accident, and that all business transacted by the iron company after
such date should be for the use and on account of the steel company.
Seld, that an action against the steel company for the injuries received
would not lie." Wieder v. Bethlehem Steel Co. (Pa. 1903), 54 Atl. Rep.
788; 205 Pa. 186. "Where a level in a mine is in the same negligent
condition when leased by the owner as at the time of a subsequent in-
injury of an employe of the owner, in a shaft operated by him, resulting
from such condition, the owner is responsible therefor." Union Gold
Min. Co. V. Crawford, 69 Pac. Rep. 600.
§ 24 PARTIES TO ACTION. 23
§ 23. Same — ticssee's liability. — The general obliga-
tion is upon the tenant to so use the demised premises as
not to injure others in the enjoyment of their rights, and
for an injury from a neglect on his part to provide for the
ordinary safety of the premises, or one resulting from his
reckless management thereof, he would be liable to the
injured one in damages.^ Illustrative of the lessee's liabil-
ity in cases of negligence, is an old case in New York,
where the lessee failed to safely maintain a covering over
a,n excavation near a highway, as a result of which an in-
jury occurred and he was held liable therefor.^ And not
only does the duty of the tenant extend to his employees,
to keep his premises reasonably safe, but he is also liable
to all those coming upon his premises, by invitation, ex-
press or implied, for a failure to exercise reasonable care
to make his premises safe.^ And even though the lessor
might be liable to a third party, for an injury from an
unsafe condition of the demised premises, this would not
absolve the lessee from liability also, if he had been under
a duty to repair or inspect the premises.* But unless the
lessee is guilty of gross negligence, he would not be re-
sponsible for an injury to a trespasser or licensee upon the
demised premises, for, as to such, he is under no obligation
to make his premises safe or sound.
§ 24. Defendants jointly and severally liable. — If
two or more persons were engaged in a common under-
1 Feitel v. M. R Co., 109 Mass. 398; Taylor's Land. & Ten., Sec. 192,
p. 161 fTth Ed.) ; Althorf v. Woolf, 22 N. Y. 366.
2 Congrpve v. Smith, 18 N. Y. 79.
s Carlton v. Iron Co., 99 Mass. 216; P. R. Co. v. Kerr, 25 Md. 521
Indemauer v. Dames, 1 H & B. 213; L. R. 2 C. P. 311.
* Fiske V. Bailey, 61 N. Y. 150; Radway v. Briggs, 37 N. Y. 256
Taylor's Land. & Ten. (7th Ed.), Sec. 193, p. 163.
6 Norris v. Litchfield, 35 N. H. 271; Roulston v. Clark, 3 E. D. S. 366
Lafayette Co. v. Adams. 26 Ind. 370.
24 PARTIES TO ACTION. § 24
dertaking, such as a mining partnership, and as such caused
the act which injured the plaintiff, they will be jointly or
severally liable for the injury, as other joint tortfeasors .^
Or, if the injury result from the negligent act of an agent
or servant, in carrying out the direction of the principal,
both will be liable to the injured party ,^ but both could
not be sued in the same action, unless the principal and
agent were joint actors, for the action against the former
would be on the case, while the latter would be in trespass
and they could not, at common law, be joined.'' Having
thus examined into the basis of the action, and discussed
some of the relations justifying different parties to sue, it
is next suggested to consider some of the specific duties of
the mine owner for the breach of which an action could be
maintained.
1 Guile V. Swan, 19 Johns. 381; Old Colony &c. Co. o. Slavens, 148
Mass. 363.
2 Hewett V. Swift, 3 Allen, 420.
8 Mulchey v. Met. Eel. Sol., 12S Mass. 487; Buswell Per. Inj., Sec,
31, p. 37.
CHAPTBE III.
DUTIES OF MINE OWNER.
Section 25. Must famish reasonably safe appliances.
26. Duties imposed by statute.
27. Same — Means of ingress and egress.
28. Must repair appliances,
29. Same — Hidden defects and inappropriate use.
30. Should engage fit and competent employees.
31. Duty to employ sufficient number of servants.
32. Necessity for instruction and warning.
33. Neglect of warning by employee.
34. Necessity for established rules.
35. Same — Effect of rules.
36. Should make proper inspections.
37. Same — Statutes requiring inspections.
38. Employee not especially delegated need not inspect.
39. Must provide reasonably safe place.
40. Same — Duty cannot be delegated — Exception.
41. Same — Where work changes the place.
42. To whom the duty as to a reasonably safe place applies.
43. Illustrations of unsafe places in mines.
44. Owner should provide reasonably safe passageways.
45. Same — Contributory negligence in use of passageways.
§ 25. Must furnish reasonably safe appliances. — Mine
employers are required to use reasonable care in the selec-
tion of machinery and appliances for their employees and
for a failure to furnish reasonably safe machinery and
appliances, in case of an injury therefrom, where the defect
was known to the employer or should have been known to
him and the employee was not aware of the defect, a liabil-
ity would result .1 But the rule is not so stringent as to
' '' Appliances," in the broadest sense includes not only the machinery
and tools and implements of the business, but those employed to use them
as well. Johnson v, Ashland Water Co., 71 Wis. 557; 37 N. W.Eep. 823;
(25)
26 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 25
require the employer to furnish absolutely safe appliances,
for this would make him an insurer of the implements
furnished. The test of liability, therefore, is not absolute
safety, but ordinary care and diligence, and although the
appliance may not be the safest, or newest of the kind, if
it is such as is customarily used by ordinarily prudent men,
in the same business, this would release the mine owner
from responsibility for an injury from such tool or appli-
ance. ^ The employer is not required to adopt every im-
provement or invention in connection with the appliances
utilized by him,^ nor is he liable for an injury resulting
Bailey Mas. Lia. loj. to. Serv,, p. 15. " Where the defect through which
an injury to an employee occurs is iu the original construction of the
appliancesj knowledge by the master will be presumed." Finnerty v. Burn-
ham, 54 Atl. Eep. 996; 205 Pa. 305. "The duly of the master to furMsh
the servant with safe appliances and a safe place in which to work is
always to be considered in view of the character of work to be per-
formed and the ordinary hazards of the employment." Pressed Steel Car
Co. u. Herath, 110 111. App. 596. " Where the defects of an implement
with which an employee is required to work are not so glaring as to
threaten immediate danger, and are not such that a person of ordinary
prudence would not have used the implement, an employee injured there-
by is not precluded from recovering therefor against the employer on the
ground that he wa-i guilty of contributory negligence." Robbins v. Big
Circle Min. Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 79 S. W. Rep. 280. " Mining companiesare
obligated to observe, not only the duties imposed by statute, but those
which exist by virtue of the common law." Junction Min. Co. ■o. Each,
mill. App. 346.
1 Richardson v. Cooper, 88 111. 270; Payne u. Reese, 100 Pa. St. 301;
Marsh u. Chickeriug, 101 N. Y. 400; 5 N. E. Rep. 56; Trask v. Cali-
fornia &c. Co., 63 Cal. 96. Where the evidence is conflicting the ques-
tion of reasonable safety is for the jury. Muirhead u. EI. & St. J. Co.,
103 Mo. 251; 15 S. W. Rep. 530. But if the undisputed evidence shows
generalise, although not the safest, the defendant is not liable. Lehigh
Coal Co. V. Hayes, 128 Pa. St. 294; 18 Atl. Rep. 387; Works v. Nuttall,
119 Pa. St. 149; 13 Atl. Rep. 65.
2 Southern Pac. Co. u. Seely, 152 U. S. 145; U Sup. Ct. Eep. 530;
Immaterial that later machines have covered cog wheels. Townsend ».
Langles, 41 Fed. Rep. 919; The Maharajah, 40 Fed. Rep. 784 ; Jackson o.
Cornelia, 52 Hun, 377; 5 N. Y. Supp. 306.
§ 26 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 27
from a contingency that could not have been foreseen, ^ but
he is bound to use reasonably safe machinery and appli-
ances only. This generally is a jury question and depend-
ent upon the facts of each particular case.
§ 26. Duties imposed by statute. — In most mining
States different statutes have been passed, providing for
the health and safety of persons employed in mines. ^ It
is generally held to be negligence per se, on the part of a
mine owner, to fail to perform the duties imposed upon
him for the safety of his employee^,^ and the rule is the
same, whether the violation of the statute is an act of
omission or commission.* The intent of such statutes is
not to make the mine owner an insurer of the safety of the
men employed, but, as above stated, the failure to comply
with the provisions of the statute, where an injury results
from such failure, operates as actionable negligence on the
part of the mine owner.' To subject the owner to a lia-
bility for a failure to comply with a statutory duty, how-
ever, the failure to comply with the statute must have been
1 Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Ser., p. 19; Lilly v.N. Y. Cent. &c. Co., 107
N.Y. 566; 14 N. E. Rep. 503; Allison Co. v. McCormick, 118 Pa. St.
619; 12Atl. Eep. 273.
2 Kurd's Rev. St. 111. 1901, p. 1202; Laws Mo. 1901, p. 211; K. S.
Ohio, 1892, Sec. 6871; Pa. Act, June 2, 1891, Art. 7 (P. L. 189); Horner's
Ann. St. Ind. 1901, Sec. 5169k; N. Y. Laws, 1902, p. 1738, c. 600.
8 Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind. App. 1903), 67 N. E. Eep. 558;
Thirdveln Coal Co. u. Dielie, 110 111. App. 684.
< Brower v. Lacke (Ind. App. 1903), 67 N. E. Rep. 1015; Cecil v.
Amer. Sheet Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 542.
5 So held as to Horner's Rev. St. Ind. 1897, Sec. 5480m, requiring
mining boss inspections; Mooney Coal Co. v. Bracken (Ind. App. 1903),
66 N. E. Eep. 775. The legislature has a perfect right, for the safety and
protection of laborers, to provide for the safety of the place, where they
are to labor. Green v. American Foundry Co. (Ind. 1904), 71 N. E. Rep.
268. Any conscious violation of a statute for the protection of miners,
Is held, in Illinois, to be a " willful " violation. Eiverton Coal Co. v.
Shepard, 111 111. App. 294.
28 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 27
the approximate cause of the injury to the employee and
if the injury would have resulted, notwithstanding a com-
pliance with the statute, then no liability can be predicated
on such failure to comply with the statute.^
§ 27. Same — Means of ingress and egress. — It is
one of the primary duties of the mine owner to furnish a
reasonably safe and suitable means of ingress and egress
for those engaged to labor in his mine.^ The statutes of
many of tiie mining States provide the kind of machinery
to be used and the manner in which the different kinds of
mining shall be carried on, with reference to the hoisting
and lowering of persons in the mine.^ Generally, any
violation of the statute, either of omission * or commis-
sion,* would constitute negligence per se. In an action
1 Davis V. Pa. Coal Co., 209 Pa. St. 153; 58 Atl. Eep. 271. The law
of the State where an injury occurs, governs the right of the plaintiff to
recover. Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 1089. An action
in Missouri, which occurred In Iowa, Is governed by Iowa laws. Will-
lams B. C , E. I. & P. Co., 106 Mo. App. 61 ; 79 S. W. Rep. 1167.
2 White, Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 395, p. 524; Cambria Iron Co. i>.
Schafler (Pa.J, 5 Cent. 304; Blanchard & Weeks Ld. Gas., p. 632 and
cases cited. " One who lets worJjmen down into his mine is bound to
bring them up safely." Bryden v. Stewart, 2 Mac. I. Sc. App. 304.
s Laws, Mo. 1901, p. 211, amending R. S. Mo. 1899; Hurd's R. S. 111.,
1901, p. 1202; Civil Code Cal. 1881.
* " The failure of a master to perform the statutory duties Imposed
on him for the safety of his employees is negligence per se." Diamond
Block Coal Co. B. Cuthbertson (Ind. App. 1903), 671}.E.Rep. 558; Spiva
V. Coal Co., 88 Mo. 68.
« " The doing of an act by an employer which is prohibited by statute
is negligence per se." Brower v. Locke (Ind. App. 1903), 67 N. E. Eep.
1015. An employee was killed in Illinois, as a result of a violation by the
employer, of the Act of 1873, Ch. 93, preventing the hoisting of coal
while a miner was being hoisted or lowered in the mine, by a piece o£
coal falling upon him. The employer was held liable for this violation
of the statute and there was held to be no variance between the evidence,
which showed that the employee had just got upon the cage, and the
petition, which charged that he was ascending, at the time he was struck
by the coal. Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 590; 10 Mor. Min Ren
684. ^'
§ 27 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 29
under a statute for failure to provide the means of hoist-
ing and lowering persons in the mine, the questions to be
determined are, whether the given statute applies ; ^ if so,
have the requirements of the law been complied with,^ and
if not, was the failure to comply with the statute the
approximate cause of the injury.^ But such statutes
1 " Rev. Stat. Mo., 1899, § 8811, provides that every owner, agent or
operator of every mine operated by shaft, shall provide suitable means
for signaling, and cages covered with boiler iron for the safety of per-
sons descending and ascending the shaft, and requires that guides shall
be placed in the sides of the shaft, with brakes, and that such cage shall
be fitted with spring catches, to prevent accidents in consequence of the
cable brealjing, etc. Held, that a petition thereunder for decedent's
death, alleging negligence in the selection of the material for the con-
struction of the derrick and hoist, and in failing to put a roof over the
derrick, and in the construction of the brake on such derrick, did not
allege negligence in any act required by the statute; it being enacted
for the protection of persons conveyed up and down the shaft, and hav-
ing no application to a hoister, whose business it was to run the hoist-
ing appliance." Barron v. Missouri Lead & Zinc Co. (Mo. 1903), 72 S.
W. Bep. 534.
2 '■ Hurd's Rev. Stat. 1901, p. 1202, entitled " An act to provide for
the health and safety of persons working in coal mines," providing for
ventilation, automatic permanent doors, etc., and also providing in Sec-
tion 19, cl. '' f.,'' that at all principal doorways through which cars are
hauled an attendant shall be employed to open and close " said doors
when trips of cars are passing to and from the workings," imposes a
duty on the mine owners to maintain attendants at principal doors, not
only to assist in ventilation, but to protect miners passina through the
doorways from injury." Himrod Coal Co. v. Stevens, 67 N. E. Bep. 389;
203 111. 115; affirming, 104 111. App. 639.
s Caldwell V. Brown, 63 Pa. St. 453; Smith on Master & Servant, 134;
Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 590; Durant v. Lexington Coal Co.
97 Mo. 62; Harris Dam. by Cor., § 988, p. 1140. As to duty to maintain
safe means of ingress and egress, see Wesley Coal Co. v. Healer, 84
111. 626; Hamilton v. State, 101 111. 387; Chicago Coal Co. v. People, 181
111. 270; Haddock v. Com., 103 Pa. St. 243; McDonald v. Bockhill Co.,
135 Pa. 1 ; 20 Am. & Eng. Enc. Law, pp. 58, 69. In Alaska United Gold
Min. Co. V. Muset (114 Fed. Eep. 66), the air had been cut off, under
order of the defendants foreman and after lighting blasts in the mine
deceased and his co-worker signaled the hoister man to take them out.
They were unable to make him hear and as the owner had provided no
30 DUTIES OP MINE OWNER. § 27
were not intended to make the mine owner an absolute
insurer of the safety of his men and notwithstanding a
failure to comply with the statute, an injured employee
would be prevented from recovery if his own recklessness
occasioned the injury, and contributory negligence would be
a complete defense to such an action, the same as other
negligence cases. ^
other means of exit, it was held to be negligence in not providing a
proper means of ingress and egress. See, also, Downey v. Gemini Min.
Co., 24 Utah, 431; 68 Pac. Rep. 414. Lowering men into a mine, with-
out first seeing that shaft is clear of obstructions, is such negligence as
to render employer liable. Alaska United Gold Min. Co. v. Keating, 116
Fed. Rep. 561. Where the engineer or operative in charge of a hoisting
apparatus is reckless the master will be liable, if he had time to have
discovered his incompetency. Princeton C. & M. Co. v. Roll. (Ind.),
66 N. B. Rep. 169; Wickland v. Coal Co. (Iowa.), 93 N. W. Rep. 305.
An employee violating a rule in using a cage, instead of a ladder to ascend
from a. mine, cannot recover. Anderson v. Mikado Min. Co., 3 Ont. Law
Eep. 581. For instructions as to owner's duty to keep hoisting apparatus
and mouth of shaft in a reasonably safe condition, see Knight u. Sadtler
Lead & Zinc. Co., 91 Mo. App. 574.
1 Finalyson u. Utica Min. Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 607; Adams v. Min. Co.,
85 Mo. App. 486; Blanchard & Weeks Ld. Cas., p. 633; White Mines &
Min. Rem., Sec. 395, p. 525, and cases cited. If a hoisting apparatus is
out of repair long enough to have enabled the owner to discover it he
is guilty of negligence in not repairing same. Morgen v. Mining Co.,
26 Utah 174; 72 Pac. Eep. 688. In Durant v. Coal Co. (97 Mo., p. 66),
the contention was made that because plaintiff had knowledge of the
failure to provide a cage, covered with boiler iron, as the statute
required, he assumed the risk. This construction, the court held, would
nullify the statute. But otherwise as to contributory negligence. If
dangers from a compliance with the statute were obvious, the Court of
Appeals, of Kansas City, held this would be a good defen.ie to an
action under the prop statute. Adams v. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App., p. 493,
But there can be no assumption of the risk from a failure to comply
with statutory duty. See Coal Co. v. Swaggerty, 150 Ind. 664; 65 N. E.
Rep. 1 026 ; Green ». Amer. Co. 30 Wash. 87 ; 70 Pac. Eep. 3 1 0. But for
reason why such defense should prevail, see Dresser Emp. Liab., pp.
602, 605 and cases cited. Under the Mines and Miner's Act, Illinois
(2 Starr & C. Ann St. 1896, c. 93), which expressly requires a mine
owner to furnish sufficient light on the top and bottom of the shaft to
insure, as far as possible, the safety of persons getting on and off the
§ 28 DUTIES OP MINE OWNER. 31
§ 28. Must repair appliauces. — Not only is the em-
ployer liable for aa injury resulting from an appliance or
machine, not reasonably safe and sound, but he is also
liable for an injury from permitting a machine or appliance
to become so dangerous, by want of repair, as to occasion
an injury,^ for the duty is a continuing one and applies not
only to the original condition of the appliance, but to its
maintenance in a reasonably safe condition, as well. But
notice of a necessity for repair should be brought home to
the employer, in order to render him liable upon such a
charge of negligence, and if the appliance was not of de-
fective construction or material, but the injury resulted
solely from a want of repair and the master had no knowl-
edge of such condition, or of facts which would charge
him therewith, then he would not be liable for such result-
ing injury.^ Nor would the employer be liable for a fail-
ure to observe the proper regulation or repair of a machine
or appliance, where its regulation necessarily depended
cage, the lact that the miner knew that there was no light at the bottom
of the shaft is not a defense to an action by the miner for injuries."
Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting (111. 1904), 71 N. E Rep. 371. Where
a miner is injured on account of the negligent construction of a tram-
way which was not blocked, but let a car fall into the mine, the owner
is liable. Union Gold Min. Co. v. Crawford, 29 Colo. 511 ; 69 Pac. Rep.
600.
1 Morgen v. Mining Co., 26 Utah, 174; 72 Pac. Rep. 688; Sherman v.
Menominy Co., 72 Wis. 122; 39 N. W. Rep. 365. An ordinary hammer,
to be used by hand, is not a "machine." Georgia R. & B. Co. v. Nel-
son, 82 Ga. 70; 9 S. E. Rep. 1049. A worn, uneven maul is a dangerous
tool. Chicago &c. Co. v. Blevins, 46 Kan. 370; 26 Pac. Rep. 687. The
duty to repair appliances cannot be delegated, so as to avoid liability.
Carter v. Oil Co. (S. C), 13 S. E. Rep. 419. But see, contra, Bemisch
V. Roberts (Pa.) 21 Atl. Rep. 998.
2 Nor would notice to a fellow-servant be sufScient. It must be to
someone whose duty it is to repair. Richardson v. Casper, 88 111. 270.
A mere failure by a landlord to repair will not make him liable for per-
sonal injuries to his tenant. Thompson v. Clemens, 96 Md. 196; 53 Atl.
Kep. 919; 60 L. R. A. 580.
32 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 29
upon the party using such appliance, or where the duty to
repair was on the servant, for in such case the duty to see
to the proper repair or regulation of the appliance would
be upon the employee using the same and not upon the
master.' However, an employer is chargeable with the
ordinary knowledge of decay and wear from use of a
machine or appliance, and where a given machine has be-
come dangerous by long use, without repair, this would be
sufficient to render the employer responsible for a resulting
injury, for it would be unreasonable to permit him, for a
great length of time, to pay no attention to a machine or
appliance likely to wear out or decay, and then, when an
employee was injured, to avoid liability on the original
fitness of the appliance.^
§29. Same — Hidden defects and inappropriate
use. — Since the test of the master's liability for injuries
from defective machinery or appliances is but ordinary
care, he would not be liable for an injury resulting from
a hidden defect in a machine or appliance, for such defect
would not be discoverable by ordinary diligence, on proper
inspection.^ Mere proof of an injury from a hidden defect
) So held as to adjustment and placement of planks on a scaffold used
by employee. Jennings v. Iron Bay Co., 47Minn. Ill ; 49 N. W. Kep. 685;
Carlson v. Ry. Co., 21 Oregon, 450; 28 Pac. Rep. 497; Bryant v. Ry. Co.,
65 Iowa, 305; 23 N. W. Rep. 678; Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 33.
^ Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 33; Rapho v. Moore, 68 Pa. St. 404;
Ind. Co. V. Parker, 100 Ind. 193. II a shaft or lioisting apparatus is out
of repair a sufficient lengtii oj time to have enabled the owner to dis-
cover it, he is guilty of negligence in not repairing same. Morgen u.
Mammoth Mining Co., 26 Utah, 174; 72 Pac. Rep. 638.
3 Proof of a mere latent defect does not make out a prima facie case
of neglect. O'Donnell v. Baum, 38 Mo. App. 245. Whether defect
could have been discovered by ordinary care, where evidence Is con-
flicting, is lor the jury. Guthridge v. Ry. Co., 105 Mo. 620 ; 16 S, W. Rep.
943. It is error to let a jury pass upon the quality of iron in a broken
pin, the presumption and evidence all being that it Is good. Phlla. Co.
V. Hughes, 119 Pa. St. 301; 13 Atl. Rep. 286.
§ 30 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 33
would not, therefore, constitute sl prima facie case of neg-
ligence ; 1 if all the evidence developed that a proper in-
spection would have disclosed the defect, then a failure
to inspect would render the master liable.^ Undisputed
proof that proper inspection would not have disclosed the
defect would relieve the master of liability^ and if the
evidence of the result of proper inspection should be con-
flicting, it would be an issue for the jury to decide.* Nor
would the employer be liable to an employee for an injury
from an unauthorized or inappropriate use of a tool or
appliance,^ not only because such use and injury could not
have been foreseen and avoided, but also because the un-
authorized iise of such appliance would itself be a negligent
act, and to hold the master responsible therefor, or for an
injury from a hidden defect, which could not have been
foreseen and guarded against, would make of him an
insurer of the safety of his various employees.
§ 30. Should engage fit and competent employees. —
It is also one of the duties of the mine employer to use
reasonable diligence to engage fit and competent servants
for work in and about his mine,* and for an injury result-
1 O'Donnell v. Bium, 38 Mo. App. 245.
2 Bessex v. Ry. Co., i5 Wis. 481; Finnerty v. Burnham, 205 Pa. St,
305; 64 All. Kep. 996.
8 Ardesco Oil Co. v. Filson, 63 Pa. St. 160; Eichmond Co. ■». Elliott,
149 U. S. 266; 13 L. P. Rep. 837.
« Guthridge v. Ry. Co., 105 Mo. 520; 16 S. W. Eep. 943.
6 C.,B. & Q. Co. V. Abend, 7 111. App. 130; Bailey Mas. Lia. Idj. Serv.,
p. 22. " Where the master furnishes adequate appliances for the work,
he Is not liable for injuries to a servant resulting from a part of the
apparatus furnished by him being used in conjunction with an implement
not furnlsed by him, but substituted without his notice, even though his
foreman was Instrumental in the use of such Implement." Hackett v.
Masterson, 84 N. T. S. 761.
6 Morse V. Glendon Co., 125 Mass. 282; Rummell v. Dilworth, 111 Pa.
St. 349; 2 Atl. Rep. 355. An employer owes it to his employees to dis-
charge an unfit or incompetent servant. Brootside Coal Co. v. Dolph.
8
34 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 30
ing from his neglect in employing an incompetent servant/
or in retaining such an employee in his service, after
knowledge of his unfitness, ^ the master would generally be
liable tn damages to the injured employee. The employer,
in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is presumed to
have discharged his duty in selecting fit and competent
employees,^ and so the burden of establishing the alleged
unfitness of the employee, whose acts occasioned the in-
jury complained of, is upon the plaintiff in the case and
not only knowledge of such unfitness on the part of
the employer, or proof of such specific acts of incompe-
tency or habitual unfitness, as to charge him, in law, with
notice of the fact.* A single act of incompetency is not
sufficient to make out an incompetent servant, or to bring
notice of the fact to the employer,^ but to justify such a
charge the alleged employee must be proven to be habitu-
ally negligent or incompetent.* Some of the cases hold that
the reputation of the alleged incompetent servant may be
101 Mo. App. 169. A master is liable for the incompetency of tlie oper-
, ative or engineer la charge of hoisting apparatusj if he had time to have
discovered his unfitness. Princeton C. & M. Co. v. Roll, 66 N. E. Eep.
169; Wicklund v. Coal Co., 93 N. W. Rep. 305.
1 Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 47, and cases cited. But the mere
fact of incompetency will not, of itself, justify a holding that employer
was negligent in hiring such servant. Big Stone Gap Iron Co. v. Ketron
(Va. 1903;, 46 S. E. Rep. 740.
2 Actual Jsnowledge of the servant's unfitness is not essential, if he
was retained a sufficient length of time to charge the employer with
notice of bis unfitness. Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 47. And this is
the rule as to habitual drunkenness of employee. Kean v. Copper Mills,
66 Mich. 284; 33 N. W. Rep. 395.
3 Hilts*. Ry. Co., 55 Mich. 444; 21 N. W. Rep. 878.
* Other specific acts may be proven. Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj.
Seiv., p. 57. But not to establish negligence in the act complained of.
Idem. Mich. Cent. Co. v. Gilbert, 46 Mich. 179; 9 N. W. Rep. 243; Lee
V. Reg. Co., 87 Mich. 544; 49 N. W. Rep. 909. But see, contra, Holt v.
Nay, 144 Mass. 186; 10 N. E. Rep. 807.
« Couch V. Coal Co., 46 Iowa, 17; Huffman v. Ry. Co., 18 Mo . 60.
8 Baltimore Co. v. Neal, 65 Md. 438; 5 Atl. Kep. 338.
§ 32 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 35
offered in evidence for the purpose of showing the oppor-
tunity of the master to have known of his unfitness, i but
where this is relied on the plaintiff should also be chargeable
with notice if he has had the same opportunity as his
employer to know or observe the acts of the alleged in-
competent servant, and if he had such knowledge or means
of knowledge and continued work without complaint, he
would be held in law to have assumed the risk of injury
from the unfit servant.^
§ 31. Duty to employ sufficient number of servants. —
It is also one of the duties incumbent upon the employer of
laborers, to see to it that a sufficient number of men are
engaged to conduct his work in a reasonably safe manner,
and for an injury to a laborer in not having a sufficient
force of men employed to do the work in a reasonably safe
manner, the employer would be responsible.^ But this risk,
like any other in the service, can be assumed by the em-
ployee and if an experienced employee in the service of his
employer, being fully informed as to the character of his
work, and realizing the danger of attempting to do it with-
out a greater force of men, or additional assistance, under-
takes to do a piece of work without coercion, on the mas-
ter's part, and is injured as a result, he cannot recover for
his injuries.*
§ 32. Necessity for instruction and warning. — It is the
duty of the employer to instruct or warn such of his em-
i Manshon v. Worcester, 150 Mass. 439; 23 N. E. Eep. 238.
2 Mad River Co. v. Barber, 5 Ohio St. 563.
» Flike o. B. & A. R. Co., 53 N. Y. 550; Bailey Mas, Liab. Inj. Serv.,
p. 68.
* Mayott V. Narcross (R. I.), 52 Atl. Rep. 894. Where the negligence
counted on is a failure to provide the plaintiff a helper, the petition is
defective 11 it does not specify the reasons for the necessity for a helper..
Lee V. Kansas City Gas Co., 91 Mo. App. 612.
36 DUTIES OF MINE OWNEE. § 32
ployees as may not be familiar with the hazards of his
business, on account of youth or inexperience, of all hid-
den dangers and such open, obvious risks, as are known,
, or should be known and understood by the employer, and
are not known by such employees. ^ The uninformed
employee is usually entitled to sufficiently definite informa-
tion as to the risk to be encountered to enable him to judge
for himself whether or not he wants to assume the risk
after a full knowledge of what it implies. ^ And where an
inexperienced employee is injured, as a result of the failure
of the master to instruct him of unknown dangers, the fact
that the negligence of a fellow-servant concurred to oc-
1 Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, .SO Wis. 674; 10 Mor. Mln. Eep. 676;
Eummell v. Dillwortli, 111 Pa. St. 342; 2 Atl. Rep. 355; Keller v.
Schwenk, 151 Pa. St. 519; 25 Atl. Rep. 130. In Strahlendorf ». Rosen-
thal (30 Wis. 674; 10 Mor. Min. Eep. 676) the plaintifi was injured by a
shaft caving in, as a result of a Assure, unknown to plaintiff, but known
to defendant. It was held that the plaintiff should have been warned of
the danger. See also Parkhurst v. Johnson, 60 Mich. 70, and McGowan
V. La Plata Co., 10 Mor. Min. Eep. 69. In Mather v. Rillston (156 U. S.
391), it was held to be negligence on the part of an employer, not to
inform an employee of the storage of dynamite and explosives. An
inspection or examination of the dangerous place by an employee, will
not dispense with employer's warning of dangers, where it is otherwise
necessary. Western Stone Co. v. Muscial, 196 111. 382; 63 N. E. Rep.
664; Giordano v. Granite Co., 52 Atl. Eep, 332.
2 McGowan B. La Plata M. & S. Co., 9 Fed. Eep. 861; Baxter v.
Eoberts, 44Cal. 188; Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 122. In Mc-
Gowan V. La Plata Min. & Smelting Co. (9 Fed. Eep. 861), the explo-
sive efEect of pouring hot slag in water was held to be such an unusual
danger as to require instruction by the master. See also Fox v. White
Lead Co., 84 Mich. 676; 48 N. W. Eep. 203; Spilman o. Fisher Iron Co.,
66 Barb. 151. In Parkhurst v. Johnson (60 Mich. 70; 15 N. W. Eep.
107), an inexperienced employee was placed, without instruction, at
work crowding lime down into the kiln, by jumping or treading on it and
stepping off just as it descended. The employee failed to step away as
the rock started down, but fell with it into the crater and was killed.
The employer was held liable. This holding is criticised by Judge Bailey
in his excellent work (on the Lia. Mas. for Inj. Serv., p. 126), on account
.of the obvious danger of the work.
§ 33 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 37
casion the injury is no defense, for the employer is respon-
sible for injuries from his own negligence, concurring with
that of a fellow-servant of the injured employee.^ But it
is not every danger that an inexperienced employee must
be warned or instructed about. Even inexperienced
employees are presumed to know what common obser-
vation teaches all men, and as to open, obvious danger,
no warning or instruction is required.^ As to matters
which the employee actually knows ,^ or which he would
be legally presumed to know,* therefore, no instruc-
tion wouid be required. The employee is generally
required to show that he not only had no knowledge
of the danger that he charges his employer should have
fully advised him of, but also that it was of such a charac-
ter that his employer would not be justified in presuming
knowledge on his part,^ and where these questions are in
doubt the fact of the employee's want of knowledge and
whether or not he should be presumed to know of the
dangers, would be a jury question.^
§ 33. Neglect of warning by employee. — An employee
who proceeds in a dangerous method of doing his work
after warning, or instruction, on the part of the employer,
assumes the risk of subsequent injuries therefrom and can-
not recover if he is injured after receiving a timely warn-
ing, if he continues to do his work in a dangerous manner,
unmindful of the warning given him.'
1 Jones V. Florence Mining Co., 66 Wis. 283; 28 N. W. Rep. 207.
2 Lyttle V. C. W. M. Co., 84 Mich. 289; 47 N. W. Rep. 573,
s Couilard v. Tecumseli Mills, 151 Mass. 85; 23 N. E. Rep. 731.
* Ford V. Anderson, 139 Pa. St. 263; 21 Atl. Rep. 18; Taggu. Mc-
George, 155 Pa. St. 368; 26 Atl. Rep. 671; Prattu.Prouty, 153 Mass. 334;
26 N. E. Rep. 1002.
fi Rock V. Orchard Mills, 142 Mass. 622; 8 N. B. Rep. 401.
6 Wynne v. Conklin, 86 Ga. 40; 12 S. E. Rep. 183; Bailey Mas. Lia.
Inj; Serv., p. 118.
' So lield, in Alabama, as to a miner who ignored a warning of the
38 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 34
§ 34. Necessity for established rules. — It is only
where the nature of an employer's business is so extensive
as to necessitate such a large number of employees and so
intricate means and methods of work, that the business
cannot be safely conducted without it, that rules are re-
quired to be established for the conduct of the business by
the employer. 1 Whether the business is of such scope and
magnitude is usually a question of fact for the jury.^ If
the business of a mine owner was small and but few men
were employed by him and the business could be safely
run, without established rules, then the owner would not
be required to establish rules for the government of his
employees.* But where the business was extensive and a
large number of men were employed and the safety of the
men required it, and others in the same locality with a
similar business, had established rules, then the employer
might be held responsible for an injury, based upon neg-
lect in this particular.* The reasonableness of a given
foreman to trim the roof or prop It. Pioneer Min. Co. v. Tliomas, 133
Aia. 279; 32 So. Eep. 15. An employee using a cage instead of a ladder,
in violation of instructions, cannot recover. Anderson v. Mikado Min.
Co., 3 Ont. Law Kep. 581.
1 Smith V. Iron Co., 42 N. J. L. 467; Bailey's Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p.
72; Ford V. Fitchburg Co., 110 Mass. 240. Whenever the business of an
employer of men is so large as to make his personal supervision imprac-
tical, he should promulgate proper rules. Giordana v. Granite Co.
(Dtl.),52 All. Eep. 332.
2 MoGovern ». Ry. Co., 123 N. Y. 289; 25 N. B. Rep. 373. By the
English " coal mine regulation act of 1872 (35 and 86 Vict., ch. 76, Sec.
52) " power is given to the mine owner to frame special rules for the
conduct of persons employed by him, providing penalties for violation of
the rules. A violation of the rule, if the cause of an injury, would pre-
clude a recovery. Highorn v. Wright, L. E. 2 C. P. 397; 10 Mor. Min.
Eep. 24; Senior v. Ward, 1 E. & E. 385; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 646.
3 Morgan v. Ore & Iron Co., 133 N. Y. 666 ; 81 N. E. Rep. 234. In this
case, where employer operated ore kilns, it was held that he need not
establish a set of rules.
* Lewis V. Seifert, 116 Pa. St. 638; 11 Atl. Eep. 514. " A rule prom-
ulgated by a mining company, forbidding miners from leaving a partic-
§ 35 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 39
rule, when established, is a question of law for the courts.^
An injured employee cannot usually question the reason-
ableness of a rule of his employer, adopted to secure the
safety of his workmen,^ and if the injured employee had
violated a knowa rule of "the employer at the time of his
injury, he will be denied a recovery, if the violation of the
rule contributed to his injury.^
§ 35. Same — Effect of rules. — A mine owner has the
same right as any other employer of men to adopt reason-
able rules for the protection of the men employed by him
and for the regulation of his business, and if the men
violate the rules and are injured as the result of such vio-
lation, this would be such contributory negligence as
would preclude a recovery.* But a mine owner cannot
adopt and post rules that all of his employees entering his
service assume the risks of injuries from unsafe roofs or
falling slabs, for such a rule, in enabling such owner to take
advantage of his own neglect to properly timber or trim
Tilar portion of the mine at a particular hour, Is contrary to the statute,
in so far as It may forbid a miner from leaving the mine when he has
been prevented from doing further worlj." Junction Min. Co. v. Ench,
111 111. App. 346.
1 111. Cent. Co. V. Whittemore, 43 111. 120; Old Colony Co. v. Tripp,
147 Mass. 35; 17 N. E. Rep. 89; Vedder v. EUows, 20 N. Y. 126. But
see, contra, Prather v. Ry. Co., 80 Ga. 427; 9 S. E. Rep. 530.
2 Bailey's Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 85; Stephens v. Ry. Co., 86 Me. 221.
"Willful disobedience of a rule forbidding miners employed in a mine
from leaving a particular portion thereof at a particular time is not
established where a miner left contrary to such rule because of his sicls-
ness." Junction Min. Co. v. Ench, 111 111. App. 346.
3 Robertson v. Corlueson, 34 Fed. Rep. 716; L. & N. Co. v. Wilson,
88 Tenn. 816; 12 S. W. Rep. 720; Schwab v. H. &c. Co., 106 Mo. 74; 16
S. W. Rep. 924.
* Schwab V. H. & St. J. Co., 106 Mo. 74. But an employee who
could not read would not be charged with notice of a printed rule, that
he assumed risk of falling slabs. Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark, 197 111.
614; 64 N. E. Rep. 282.
40 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 36
the roof of his mine, would be unreasonable and against
public policy.^ And even though a mine owner's rules are
reasonable and proper, if the owner knows that his em-
ployees have customarily violated his rules, in case of an
injury therefrom, he will be held liable to the injured
employee.^
§ 36. Should make proper inspections. — Like the
duty to repair and keep safe, complicated and dangerous
machinery or appliances, likely to become dangerous by
the wear and tear incident to continued use, is the correla-
tive duty to properly inspect such appliances, without
which, the necessity for such repairs, or other precaution-
ary measures, would not be discovered by the employer.*
Where dangerous or complicated tools or machinery are
utilized by the employer, likely to become dangerous by
repair, he owes to his employees a positive and continuous
duty to make proper and frequent inspections.* The duty
is not confined to tools and appliances in use, but extends
to all departments of the master's service, where injury
might result to his employees, if such precautions were
neglected,^ and the frequency and particularity of such in-
spections necessarily differs with the risks and liability for
injuries in the different departments of the work.* Minino-
being an extremely hazardous business, in most of its
details, more frequent and skillful inspections are required
than would obtain in a business attendant with less dan-
1 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 196 111. 594; 63 N. E. Eep. 1079 j
Hlmrod Coal Co. v. Clark, 197 111. 514; 64 N. E. Kep. 282.
2 Brookside Coal Co. v. Dolph, 101 111. App. 169.
3 Cooleyon Torts, p. 557; Bailey's Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., pp. 95, 101.
4 N. P. Co. V. Heiberd, 116 U. S. 652; 6 Sup. Ct. Rep. 590; Brown
V. R. R. Co., 53 Iowa, 595; 6 N. W. Rep. 5; Besses w. E. R. Co., 45 Wis.
481; Flesh u. W. U. Co., 131 N. Y. 604; 30 N. E. Rep. 196.
5 Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 95; Morton v. Ey. Co., 81 Mich.
433; 46 N. W. Rep. 111.
6 Van Dusen v. Lepellier, 78 Mich. 502; 44 N. W. Rep. 572.
§ 36 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 41
ger/ and a failure to inspect will render the mine owner liable,
if a careful inspection would have disclosed the defect that
caused the injury.^ Nor would mere proof of an inspec-
tion relieve the employer, for he is liable, unless a careful
inspection was made,^ and the care required would corre-
spondingly increase with the dangerous character of the
ground,* machinery or appliance.^ But a mere failure to
inspect is not, of itself, proof of negligence, unless the
dangerous nature of the place, or appliance, is such as to
require an inspection on the employer's part, in the exercise
of due care as a precautionary measure against probable
injuries. 6 An employer cannot, generally, be said to be
negligent in failing to inspect, where he has used due care
in the selection of approved appliances and the defect was
not open and obvious, as he has a right to rely upon the
reputation of the manufacturer." Nor would inspection be
1 White Mines & Min. Rem, Sec. 458, p. 605, and cases cited.
2 Benging o. Steinway, 101 N. Y. 550; McCane u. Gallaglier (N. Y.),
2 Am. Neg. Kep. 613.
s Con. Co. V. Parker, 100 Ind. 181; Durkin v. Sharp, 88 N. Y. 225;
Bgao V. Ky. Co., 42 N. Y. Supp. 188; Ky. Co. o. Ward, 1 Am. Neg. Eep.
590; White Mines & Mln. Rem., Sec. 458, p. 605.
4 Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 237.
fi Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 211. The law does not require the master
to make inspection o£ shots that have failed to go. Brown v. King, 100
Fed. Rep. 561. For cases predicated upon negligence in falling to in-
spect appliances, see Bailey's Mas. Lia. Inj. to Serv., 93 to 103; Bowman
V. White, 110 Cal. 23; Mo. Coal. Co.u. Schwab, 74 111. App. 567; Ashland
Coal Co. V. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; Smizel ». Iron Co., 116 Mich. 149;
Sykes v. St. L. & S. F. Co., 88 Mo. App. 193; Mansfield Coal Co. v. Mc-
Enry, 91 Pa. St. 185; Chicago Coal Co. v. People, 181 III. 270; 20 Am-
& Eng. Enc. Law (3 Ed.), 89. But if inspection retards work (Island
Coal Co. V. Greenwood, 151 Ind. 476), or If inspection would only develop
a matter of common knowledge, it is not necessary. Garragan v. Falls
River Iron Co., 158 Mass. 596; Shea v. K. C, F. S. & M. Co., 76 Mo. App.
29; 20 Am. & Eng. Enc. Law (2 Ed.), p. 89.
6 Morgen v. Ore Iron Co., 133 N, Y. 666; 31 N. E. Rep. 234.
' Ardesco Oil Co. v. Gilson, 63 Pa. St. 150; Boswell u. Laird, 8 Cal.
469; Richmond Co. v. Elliott, 149 U. S. 266; 13 Sup. Ct. Rep. 837.
42 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 38
required where the employee had equal or superior means
of knowledge to his employer,^ for if the danger is as open
to one as to the other, there would be no duty to inspect.
§ 37. Same — Statutes requiring iuspections. — The
"Health and Safety" statutes of the raining States, with
a view of further safeguarding the health and lives of
miners, and to prevent the employer from overlooking nec-
essary precautions, require daily or frequent inspections of
all dangerous working places.^ Like other statutory duties
imposed upon the mine owners, a failure to comply with
the requirements of a statute requiring inspections, if an
injury results as a consequence, will, of itself, constitute
actionable negligence on his part.^
§ 38. Employee not especially delegated need not in-
spect. — A servant is not required to inspect for latent
defects, at any time, but is entitled to assume that his
employer has discharged his duty in furnishing him rea-
sonably safe and proper appliances.* The distinction
between the duty of the servant and the master, in this
regard, is emphasized in a recent Kentucky case, where it
is held that the master must know that the place in which
the servant must do his work, is reasonably safe for the
purpose, unless its condition is so recent, that by ordinary
care he could not have learned of it in time to have pre-
vented the servant's injury; but a servant is only bound to
1 Gerrigan v. Iron Co., 158 Mass. 696; Shea v. Ey. Co., 76 Mo. App.
29.
2 Horner's R. S. Ind., 1897, Sec. 5480m; R. S. Mo. 1899, 8802 etseq.
3 Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken (Ind. App. 1903), 66 N. E. Rep. 775;
Himrod Coal Co. v. Stevens, lOt 111. App. 639; affirmed, 203 III. 115; 67
N. B. Rep. 389; Brewer v. Locke (Ind. 1903), 67 N. E. Rep. 1015-
Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind. 1903), 67 N. E. Rep 658
4 Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 185; Chicago &o"
Co. V. Tackett (Ind. App. 190tJ, 71 N. E. Rep. 624.
§ 39 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 43
avoid the dangers of which he knows, or which, ia the
course of his worl5:,he could not fail to discover, except by
reason of his own neglect.^ Accordingly, in that State, it
is held, that an employee assisting an engineer to locate an
entry to a coal mine, has a right to presume that the master
has inspected the roof to prevent falling coal, and, for an
injury from such cause, although he did not inspect the
roof, he can recover.^ Another illustration of the same
rule, is a recent Oregon case, where it was held that a
miner employed to drill holes in the mine need not inspect
the timberino; or condition of the rock above him, but had
a right to assume that the master would inspect and make
the roof reasonably safe, and to proceed with his work,
relying on such assumption, unless a reasonably prudent
man, in the performance of his work, would have learned
facts which would have charged him with knowledge of the
danger.^
§ 39. Mast provide reasonably safe place. — The duty
of the employer, in all the different vocations of life, with
reference to providing a reasonably safe place in which his
employees are required to work, necessarily differs accord-
ing to the character of the business in which the work is
done. The mine owner's duty, with regard to the place
of work, differs considerably from that of the proprietor of
a department store, for while the business of the former
and the method of the work, from their very nature,
1 Kentucky Freestone Co. ■;;. McGhee,25Ky. L. R. 2211; 80 S. W. Rep.
1113.
2 Wilson V. Alpine Coal Co., 26 Ky. L. R. 337; 81 S. W. Rep. 278.
3 Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Co. v. Jones, 103
Fed. Rep. 813, "In an action for injuries to a servant in a mine from
the defective condition of a track, evidence held to show that casual in-
spection or observation of the track would have disclosed its unballasted
condition, and the possible danger to be apprehended therefrom."
Flockhart©. Hocking Coal Co. (Iowa, 1905), 102 N. W. Rep. 494.
44 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 39
render all places most dangerous, the work of a clerk in an
ordinary mercantile business is attendant with but small
risk. The employer's duty, therefore, toward his em-
ployees, as regards the place of work, bears a close refer-
ence to the kind of work performed.^ The law does not
require the mine owner to guarantee his employee a safe
place, but only one that is reasonably safe, considering the
character of the work and the nature of the business.
If the mine owner is guilty of no neglect, but has used
ordinary care to safeguard his employee against the haz-
ards of his service, then he has, in legal contemplation,
provided a reasonably safe place, regardless of the inci-
dental risks of the business;'^ but if ordinary care is not
used to adopt all the customary precautions to protect the
employee from dangers that are not mere incidents of his
1 Mjers V. Hudson Iron Co., 150 Mass. 125; Coombs v. Cordage
Co., 102 Mass. 572; Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 33; Buswell Per. Inj.,
Sec 197, p. 325. " On account of ihe hazardous nature of mining opera-
tions tlie duty of tiie employer to f urnisli a reasonably safe place for the
employee to worls, is particularly applicable to mines, and the employer
is liable to his employee for an injury resulting from the dangerous
nature of the place, if he has failed to talje proper and reasonable pre -
caution to provide for the safety of the place where the injury occurred."
White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 448, p. 593 ; Lake Superior Co. v. Ericli-
son, 10 M. M. R. 39; MacSwinney Mines, etc., p. 611; Himmanw. Coal
Co., 156 Mo. 234; Smith v. Coal Co., 75 Mo. App. 177; Wright v. Comp-
ton, 2 M. M. R. 189; Buswell Per. Inj. 202. Servant entitled to rely on
presumption that master has made place reasonably safe, in absence of
notice that it is not safe. Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark, 99 111. App. 332 ■
197 III. 514. The rule of safe place does not apply where the employee
is employed to do work specially hazardous, as to repair known defects.
Wahlquist ». Maple Grove Coal and Mining Co. (Iowa, 1902), 89 N. w!
Rep. 98. But this rule does not preclude recovery by employee, helping
to repair roof, where superintendent had failed to provide temporary
props. Idem.
2 Smith ». Peninsular Co., 65 Mich. 507; Burke ». Witherbee, 98 N Y
562 ; Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 197, p. 326. A master cannot delegate duties
imposed by law or assumed by contract, aud escape liability under the
doctrine of fellow -servants. Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Robizas, 111 111,
App. 49.
§ 40 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 45
work, the master would be derelict in his duty, as regards
the place of work.^ The employer, however, does not
guarantee the safety of the place where the employee is re-
quired to work, nor is he required to keep such place safe
at all times ; ^ but the employee assumes such risks as are
incidental to the service performed and the master only
undertakes that his work shall not be rendered more dan-
gerous than the nature of the service necessitates, through
a want of reasonable care on his part.^
§40. Same — Duty cannot be deleg'ated — Excep-
tions. — The duty of the master, as regards the place of
work selected for his employees, is personal to the master
and cannot be avoided by delegation to another employee.*
1 Howard Oil Co. v. Davis, 76 Tex. 630. " It is the duty of a master
to exercise reasonable diligence to see that the place at which he puts
his servant to work is reasonably safe, and he cannot excuse or excul-
pate himself by showing that he did uot notice any dangers, or that none
were obvious to him." Western Stone Co. v. Muscial, 96 111. App. 288.
•' A master is bound to provide for his servant a reasonably safe place to
work, and is liable for injuries caused by the failure to do so, though
such failure may have been due to the negligence of a fellow-servant of the
one who was injured." Southern Bauxite Min. & Mfg. Co. v. Fuller, 43
S. E. Rep. 64.
8 Buswell Per Inj., Sec. 197, p. 325; Coombs v. Cordage Co., 102
Mass. 572; Stringham v. Hilton, 111 N. Y. 183. The rule as to the duty
of the master to provide the employee a safe place to work did not apply
to an entry room of a mincj which was constantly being changed by the
labor performed. Heakl v. Wallace (Tenn. 1902), 71 S. W. Rep. 80.
s Pa. Coal Co. v. Nee (Pj..), 13 Atl. Rep. 841; Giles v. Diamond Iron
Co. (Del.), 8 Atl, Rep. 368; Armour v. Hahn, HI U. S. 440. " An em-
ployee ordered to do work has the right to assume that the place is safe,
and that there are no other dangers, save such as are obvious and neces-
sary." Lanza v. Le Grand Quarry Co. (Iowa, 1904), 100 N. W. Rep. 488.
^ Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 193, p. 311; White Mines & Min. Rem. Sec.
396, p. 526; Sanborn v. Madra Flume &c. Co., 70 Cal. 261; Moynahan v.
Hills &c. Co., 146 Mass. 586; Niantic Coal & Min. Co. v. Leonard, 126
111. 216. "Amine owner cannot avoid liability for the injury of a miner,
arising from his failure to perform the absolute duty he owes to em-
ployees to make proper inspection, and to provide a reasonably safe
46 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 41
The law places the duty on the mine owner and if it could
be avoided by substituting an employee for whose neglect
the owner would not be responsible, this would be done in
a majority of cases, and on account of the irresponsible
character of the employees to whom the duties would be
delegated, injuries to employees from such causes would be
speedily multiplied and they would in most cases be reme-
diless. But in many of the mining States^ and in the
Federal courts ^ the ground foreman is held to be a fellow-
servant with the laborers in the mine, and where the fore-
man is held to be a fellow-servant, instead of a vice-prin-
cipal of the mine owner, the employer is not liable for an
injury resulting from his negligence in ordering an em-
ployee to work in a dangerous place. ^ Nor would the
employer be held responsible for an injury to an employee
received at a place which had been rendered dangerous by
such employee himself, for, in voluntarily assuming the
danger and causing the injury he alone would be held to
blame.4
§ 41. Same. — Where work changes the place. — The
well-established doctrine which requires the employer to
place for the miners to work, by delegating such duty to one who Is in
another respect a fellow- servant of the miner injured." Bunker Hill &
Sullivan Mining & Concentrating Co. v. Joaes (U. S. C. C. A., Dr.,
1904), 130 Fed. Eep. 813. The fellow-servant doctrine will not permit
an employer to avoid liability for duties imposed by law, or those as-
sumed by contract, by delegation to a fellow-servant. Spring Valley
Coal Co. V. Robizas, 111 111. App. 49.
1 For list of States where employee and foreman are held to be fel-
low-servants, see White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 393, p. 620, and Sec.
453, p. 600.
2 Alaska Min. Co. v. "Whalen, 168 U. S. 85, 88.
s Lehigh Valley Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432; Delaware Canal Co. v.
Corrall, 89 Pa. St. 374; Trihay v. Brooklyn Mining Co., 15 Mor, Min.
Rep. 535; Alaska Mining Co. v. Whalen, 168 U. S. 86.
< Mooney v. Coal Co., 55 Iowa, 671; Con. Coal Co. v. Lloyd, 51 Ohio
St. 542.
§ 41 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. 47
furnish a reasonably safe place for his employees to work,
has been held to have no application where the nature of
the work performed, and its object, is to continuously change
the place. ^ The position of the employee, in such cases, is
similar to that of the servant using an appliance or tool
that he alone, because of the particular use, must see to
the repairs or safety of his implement. ^ To hold the em-
ployer liable in such a case would be to make of him an
absolute insurer. Accordingly, where the nature of the
work continuously changes the place where the employee
works, as the excavation of earth or rock, in a mine, which
momentarily changes and increases or lessens the risk of
the employee with every stroke of the pick or hammer, the
place is one that the employee, himself, must see is reason-
ably safe, for if, by his own act, the particles that hold the
earth or rock in place are broken up and caused to fall
according to natural laws, the employee subjecting himself
to such a law, as the active means of putting a famihar
immutable law in operation, could not look to another for
compensation for resulting injuries.^ But if the dangerous
nature of the place is due to a defect traceable to the negli-
gence of the master, or one which he could and ought to
1 " The rule requiring the master to furnish a safe place to worli did
not apply, as deceased was engaged in making a dangerous place safe.''
Indiana C. Coal Co. v. Batey (Ind. App. 1904), 71 N. E. Rep. 191 ; Eaiter
V. Mining Co., 75 N. W. Rep. 219; Allan v. Logan, 37Pac. Rep. 496;
Finalyson v. Utica Mining Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 607; Bradley v. C. & M. Co.,
138 Mo. 293; White Mines and Min. Rem., Sec. 398, p. 529.
2 Jennings ». Iron Bay Co., 47 Minn. Ill; 49 N. W. Rep. 685; Carl-
son V. Ry. Co., 21 Oregon, 450; 28 Pac. Rep. 497.
3 Aldrichu. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 669; Bradley v. C. M. Co., 138 Mo.
293. This well recognized rule was not followed by the inferior appellate
court of Missouri in Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204. See, also,
Gilson V. Mining Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 507; Rasmussen v. C, R. I. & P. Co.,
21 N. W. Rep. 683; Olsen v. McMulien, 24 N. W. Rep. 318; Peterson v.
Rushford, 42 N. W. Rep. 1063; Swanson v. Lafayette, 33 N. E. Rep. 1033;
Brown v. Chattanooga Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 445; Anderson v. Minster,
31 Fed. Rep. 628.
48 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 42
have remedied,! qj. jf j^e was present in person or by repre-
sentative and directed tlie worli that occasioned the
unsafety of the place, then his lacls of judgment, instead
of that of his employee, would be the cause of the injury
and he would be responsible in damages therefor. ^
§ 42. To whom tlie duty as to a reasonably safe place
applies. — In some cases the duty of furnishing a reason-
ably safe place is broadly held to apply, as against an em-
ployer, to all employees in his service, without regard to
the character of the work being done, or other circum-
stances, having regard to the conditions under which the
work is done, or the kind of labor performed.^ This state^
ment of the rule is not accurate, as the person who per-
forms the labor, and the surrounding circumstances and the
nature of the work done, are all essential elements to con-
sider, in determining the liability of the employer, for a
failure to furnish a reasonably safe place.* While the rule
is usually stated to be that the employer is bound to f ur-
1 Aldrich V. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Bradley v. C. & M. Co., 138 Mo.
293; Ilamraon v. Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232.
" As to effoct of order by the vice-principal see Carter v. Baldwin, 81
S. W. Rep. 204; Larson v. Mining Co., 71 Mo. App. 512. "A mine
employee, who observes a crevice In a boulder, and apprehends danger
therefrom, and calls the attention of his foreman thereto, has a right to
rely upon the superior judgment of the foreman, and on his opinion that
it will not fall; and in so doing, and in obeying the foreman's order, he
does not, as a matter of law, assume the risk of the danger which he
apprehends." Carter ?;. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Eep. 204. " A servant has a
right to believe the statement of his boss that the place where his work is
performed Is safe." Chicago, W. & V. Coal Cj. v. Moran, 110 111. App.
664; judgment affirmed (1904;, 71 N. E. Rep. 38; 210 111. 9.
s Womble v. Merchants &c. Co., 135 N. C. 474; 47 S. E. Rep. 493;
Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mining and Concenlrating Co. v. Jones, 130
Fed. Rep. 813.
4 Bunkei Hill and Sullivan Mining and Con. Co., s^lpra; Robbins ?/.
Big Circle Mining; Co., 105 Mo. App. 78; 79 S. W. Rep. 480, Indiana
&c. Coal Co. V. Batey (Ind. App. 1904), 71 N. E. Rep. 191 ; Carter V.
Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
§ 43 DUTIES OP MINE OWNER. 49
nish a place and tools that are reasonably safe for the work
of the employee, it is subject to the qualification that the
newest or latest tools or appliances or the safest place is
not necessary to be furnished, but it is sufficient if such as
are in common use are furnished and such as are reasonably
safe and proper for the purpose for which they are used.^
Where the work of the employee is to make a dangerous
place safe, the rule requiring a reasonably safe place does
not obtain, 2 and while the rule does not apply as to a
trespasser or licensee, if one goes upon the employer's
premises to perform work as an employee and not
as a mere stranger or licensee, then the owner owes
him the duty as to a reasonably safe place, and
for an injury from an unsafe place, such a person could
recover.^
§ 43. Illustration of unsafe places in mines. — As illus-
trations of a breach of duty, with reference to the place of
work, if a mine ownerpermits an employee to work in ground,
known by him to be unsafe ;* if he puts his employee at work in
1 Marks v. Harriett C. M. Co., 135 N. C. 287; 47 S. E. Rep. 432; Tom-
kins V. Marine E. & M. Co. (N. J. 1904) 58 All. Rep. 393.
2 Indiana Coal Co. v. Batey, 71 N. E. Rep. 191.
3 Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904) 46 S. E. Rep.
802. " The rule that a master Is not bound to provide and maintain a
safe place for his servants to work, where they are creating the place,
and when it is constantly being changed in character by their labor, and
becomes dangerous solely by their negligence, does not justify a vice-
principal in giving false information to plaintiff, a workman in a mine,
that an unexploded blast in the mine, which had been left by a former
shift of workmen, had been exploded before plaintiff went into the mine
at the time he was injured." Allen v. Bell (Mont. 1905), 79 Pac. Rep.
682.
* Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, 30 Wis. 674; Adams v. Min. Co., 85 Mo.
App. 486.
i
50 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 44
a drift that he has failed to timber ; ^ if he permits
infant employees to use a dangerous coal chute, ^ or
has a bulkhead removed, so that a column of earth '
would fall upon his employee,^ in all these cases the
employer would be liable, for a failure to furnish
a reasonably safe place for his employee to work. But
an employee could not recover for an injury from a
falling roof which he had himself failed to trim, in the
performance of a duty assigned to him,* nor could he
recover for an injury from a falling bowlder where
he was, himself, the active agency to bring such bowlder
down.^
§ 44. Owner should provide reasonably safe passage-
ways. — The mine owner should provide reasonably safe
passageways, in and to the mine, where employees are at
work, with reasonably safe approaches thereto and for a fail-
ure to so provide such passageways, or to maintain the same
in a reasonably safe condition of repair, after constructing
them, the owner, in case of a resulting injury to an em-
ployee, would be liable in damages.^ This duty, like that
placed upon the mine owner to provide a reasonably safe
place, and, indeed, as a part of the duty in that regard due
to the employee, existed at common law, and with refer-
ence to passageways, especially, has been the subject of
special legislation, in the mining States.' A dark tunnel,
leading to a coal mine, used by the owner of the mine for
J White Min. & Min. Bern., Sec. 463, p. 611 ; Hamman v. Coal & Coke
Co., 156 Mo. 232: Fisher o. Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479.
2 Va. Coal Co. v. Nee (Pa), 13 Atl. Eep. 841.
' Gibson Con. Mia. Co. ». Sharp, 38 Pac. Rep. 850.
4 Pittsburg & W. Tool Co. v. Estilwood, 83 Ohio L. J. 277.
^ Finalyson v. Utica Min. Co., 67 Fed. Eep. 607.
' Garity v. Bullion Beck & Champion Mining Co., 27 Utah, 534; 76
Pac. Eep. 556.
' Junction Mining Co. ». Ench, 111 111. App. 346.
§ 45 DUTIES OF MINE OWNEK. 51
hauling coal through the surface, and by the miners in
going to and returning from their places of work, with the
knowledge and consent of the mine owner, is held to be
just as much a place, within the meaning of the rule re-
quiring reasonable care, upon the part of the mine owner,
to maintain it in a reasonably safe condition, as any other
part of the employer's mine.^
§ 45. Same — Con.,ributory negligence in use of pas-
sageway. — Notwithstanding the mine owner is held to
owe to his servants, who are required to pass along a road-
way in his mine, the legal duty to maintain the same in a
reasonably safe condition,^ he would not be liable if the
injury to the employee was caused, not by the defective
condition of the passageway, but by the contributory negli-
gence of the injured employee himself. And an employee is
held precluded, by his contributory negligence, where he
attempted to follow a path in the dark and fell into a pit,
for this is such recklessness as would work a very great
1 Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 46 S. E. Rep.
802. " In an action for death of a servant employed as a car driver in a
mine by the falling of material from the roof of the entry, evidence
descriptive of the entry of the mine, and showing how it could have been
ascertained whether or not It was unsafe, was admissible . " McFarland's
Adra'r ii. Harbison & Walker Co., (Ky. 1904J, 82 S. W. Bep. 430; 26
Ky. Law Rep. 746. "In an action against a mine owner lor injaries
to a miner alleged to have been caused by failure of defendant to keep
the roadway along which plaintiff was required to drive a car in a safe
condition, and also requiring plaintifE to drive a vicious mule, evidence
held sufficient to support a finding that defendant failed to provide a
safe roadway." Judgment, 112 111. App. 452, affirmed, Henrietta Coal
Co. •». Campbell, 71 N. E. Rep. 863; 211 111. 216.
2 " A mine owner owes to his servants who are required to pass along
a roadway in the mine, the legal duty to maintain the same in a reason -
ably safe condition." Henrietta Coal Co. ». Campbell (111.), 71 N. E.
Bep. 863; 211111. 216.
52 DUTIES OF MINE OWNER. § 45
hardship upon the employer to hold him responsible
therefor.!
' "A miner who ha-i always before been conducted to his place of
work by a guide, and who, on a particular occasion, finding that the
guide had gone on before, attempted to reach the place alone, though
the path was dark, was guilty of contributory negligence as matter of
law, and could not recover for injuries sustained by falling into a pit
alongside the path." Smith v. Thomas Iron Co. (N. Y. Sup. 1903), Bi
Atl. Rep. 562. " It is the duty of the owner of a mine to provide reason-
ably safe passageways and approaches therein, and to exercise ordinary
care in keeping them in a reasonably safe condition." Garity v.
Bullion-Beck & Champion Min. Co. (Utah, 190t), 76 Pac. Eep. 556.
" A dark tunnel leading to a coal mine, used by the owner of the mine
for hauling coal, and by the miners going to and returning from work
with the consent of the owner, is a place in respect to which the owner
of the mine owes to his employees the duty of ordinary care." Williams
V. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 45 S. E. Rep. 802.
CHAPTEE IV.
PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES.
Section 46. Complaint must show relation from which duty would
follow.
47. Pleading and proof should correspond.
48. Petition should show absence of knowledge on plaintiff's
part.
49. Plaintiff need not, generally, deny negligence.
60. Failure to specify duties performed — Motion to make
more definite.
51. Necessity of pleading contributory negligence and assumed
risk.
52. Defense of fellow-servant need not be pleaded.
53. Pleading negligent order of foreman.
54. Pleading superintending power of foreman or vice-prin-
cipal.
55. Illustration — Explosion not alleged to be due to vice-
principal's negligence.
56. Pleading action for defective scaffold, under statute.
57. Pleading failure to give customary warning or notice.
58. Pleading injury from handling frozen dynamite.
59. Pleading action for willful violation of statute.
60. Pleading injury in placing belt on pulley.
61. Action for injury from " ways, works and machinery."
62. Failure to make roof of drift safe.
63. Defective petition under Missouri "Prop statute."
64. Pleading failure to inspect and timber, under Illinois law.
65. Injury from detective holster ring and coal bucket.
66. Injury in use of defective holster rope.
67. Joinder of actions for common law and statutory negli-
gence.
§ 46. Complaint must show relation from which dnty
would follow. — As the basis of the action for personal
injuries from negligence, is the violation, by the defend-
ant, of a duty owing to the plaintiff, it is always essential
for the petition to allege the facts going to show the rela-
(53)
54 PLEADING ACTIONS FOK INJURIES IN MINES. § 46
tion of the parties, from which the basic fact of the action
would appear, viz., the duty owing to the plaintiff and the
consequent negligence, arising from its violation. Unless
this relation is shown, as the law would not indulge in the
presumption of a violation of duty, but, on the other hand
would presume that every one has performed his duty,
unless facts showing a violation of duty are set forth, the
plaintiff's attitude might well be concluded to be that of a
mere licensee or trespasser, to whom the only duty would
be not to wantonly injure, after the discovery of
the presence of the trespasser, or licensee. In a recent
Alabama case, the complaint alleged that the intes-
tate was killed by reason of the negligence of a
person in the defendant's service, to whose orders the intes-
tate was bound to conform and did conform and was con-
forming at the time of his death. No facts going to show
the relation of the intestate to the party giving the orders
were alleged, and it was held, on demurrer, that no cause
of action was alleged, as it was not alleged that deceased
was an employee of the defendant, or any facts from
which a duty could be predicated. ^
1 Logan V. Central Iron & Coal Co., 139 Ala. 548; 36 So. Rep. 729.
" In an action by a servant to recover for a personal injury alleged to
have been caused by the negligence of the master, a paragraph in the
complaint stating the bare legal conclusion that it was the duty of the
defendant to provide plaintiff rtith a reasonably safe place to work and
to keep the same in a reasonably safe condition, which arises by impli-
cation from the facts alleged in other paragraphs, is surplusage, and
will be stricken out on motion." Green v. Indian Gold Min. Co. (U. S.
C. C, Mont., 1903), 120 Fed. Eep. 715. '' A petition claiming damages
for the negligence of a master, which contains only general allegations
of negligence, vvill be dismissed on a general demurrer, unless
amended." Palmer Brick Co. v. Chenall (Ga. 1904), 47 S. E. Kep. 329.
"A complaint for the wrongful death of a miner, alleging negligence on
the part of the mine owner, resulting in decedent's death, decedent's
freedom from negligence, and that he did not assume the risk incurred,
■was sufficient as a common-law complaint." L. T. Dickason Coal Co.
V. Unverferth (Ind. App. 1903), 66 N. E. Rep. 759.
§ 47 PLEADING ACTIONS FOB INJURIES IN MINES. 55
§ 47. Pleading and proof should correspond. — As in
other civil actions, it is generally not necessary to allege
facts that the plaintiff will not have to prove to establish
his cause of action, but only such facts should be alleged
as are necessary to prove to make out the plaintiff's case.^
A "clear and concise statement " of the particular facts
upon which the plaintiff relies for a recovery is generally
all that is required,^ but of course such statement should
show the violation of the right on the plaintiff's part; the
negligence of the defendant — which may be alleged in
general terms, or specifically, as may be desired — and the
connection between the injuries and the acts of negligence
responsible therefor.^ The cause of the injury, in order
that it may appear whether the negligence of the defendant
is responsible therefor or not, should be made to appear, as
this is the basis of the right of action; the facts bearing
upon the nature and extent of the injuries and the ele-
ments of damage, ought to be specifically set out, in order
to fully advise the defendant of the claims made, and the
proof is then limited to the material issues thus framed by
the pleadings.* Where the specific cause of the injuries
is alleged, no evidence of other causes is permissible,^ for
the obvious reason that the defendant is not prepared to
meet such extraneous issues, so in framing his petition,
where negligence in express terms is charged, it is always
essential for the plaintiff to be especially careful of the
particularization of the acts of negligence, as well as the
description of the nature and extent of the injuries
received. *
1 16Enc. PI. &Pr., p. 376.
2 Bliss Code PI., Sees. 174-216.
s l6Enc. PI. &Pr., p. 376.
* Bliss Code PI. (2 Ed.), Sec. 211, 310a.
5 Ante, idem.
6 Houston V. Traphagen, 47 N. J. L. 23; 16 N. C. PI. & Pr., p. 377. A
general allegation of negligence Is held sufficient in the following min-
56 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. § 48
§ 48. Petition should show absence of knowledge on
plaintiff's part. — In an action by an employee for an in-
jury from the insecure condition of the employer's plant or
works, the petition should, generally, present a state of
facts which shows an absence of knowledge, on his part,
of the dangers and defects complained of, and if the peti-
tion discloses a state of facts which might have been known
to him, it is demurrable, unless it alleges that it was not
known, and thus negatives the assumption of risk by the
employee.^ Where a complaint for an injury from an in-
secure roof, in a mine, alleged that the ground foreman
ing cases: Bunnell u. Iron&c. Co., 66 Conn. 24; Senit-; v. Chicago &c. Co.,
57 Mo. App. 223; Mary Lee Coal Cj. v. Cliainpbliss, 07 Ala. 171 ; House
V. Meyer, 100 Cal. 592; Coal Blufe Mining Cj. v. Watts, 6 Ind. App. 347;
Mississinewa Co. v. Patton, 129 lad. 472; Ea-Jt Tenn. Coal Co. v. Daniel,
42 S. "W. Rep. 1062; Berns v. Coal Co., 27 W. Va. 285; Scott v. Hogan,
72 Iowa, 614. But In Oregon, a general averment of negligence is held
insufficient. McPherson v. Pacific &o. Co., 20 Oregon, 4S6.
1 Dalton V. Rhode Island Co., 25 R. I. 574; 57 Atl. Rpp. 373. Ad action
for injuries from a defective soifEold, which omits to negative the plain-
tiff's knowledge thereof, is bad. Indiana Natural Gas Co. v. Wells, 31 Ind.
App. 460 ; 68 N. E. Rep. 319. " A complaint for personal injuries was that
plaintiff,18 years o£:age, whileatworljin defendant's steel works, stepped
on the edge of an uncovered vat of molten metal to hammer a cog wheel
into place, pursuant to defendant's directions, and struck and missed the
wheel, and was thus forced to swing around and fall into the metal. The
negligence charged was the failure to cover the vat, and to inform plain-
tiff as to the danger, knowing that he was wi hout experience, and that
missing the blow would throw him into the metal ; but it was not averred
that he did not know for what the vat was used, nor that he looked
around to observe It for himself. Held, that such averments were not
sufficient to bring the case within Employer's Liability Act, § 1, subds. 2
4 (Burns' Rev. St. 1901, § 7083), imposing aliabilityforthe negligence of
other employees." Corning Steel Co. uPophlpolz (Ind. App. 1902)^64 N. E.
Rep. 476. " A declaration by a servant for injuries alleging that on the top
of the ledge where plaintiff was workingthere was a loose stone, liable to
fall, and which did fall upon him, and that he did not know that the stone
was loose and liable to fall, and could not have known by the exercise of
due care, but that defendant possessed such knowledge, is not demur-
rable as disclosing an obvious danger." Gince ». Beland (R. I. 1904) 57
Atl. Rep. 300; 25 R. I. 627. ■' In an action by a servant against his master
for personal Injuries, plaintiff must aver and show that he was not aware
§ 49 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. 57
of the defendant, for some time had known of the unsafe
roof and that the deceased had no knowledge thereof, but
that such foreman, prior to his injury, told him of such
defective roof and ordered him to make it safe and that
while so engaged, the deceased was killed, it was held that
as the facts alleged disclosed a knowledge of the defective
roof, the additioaul allegation of a want of such knowledge
was unavailing and that the petition did not allege a cause
of action.^
§ 49. Plaintiff need not, generally, deny negligence —
The Iowa rule. — As a general rule, in most of the States,
it is not necessary for the plaintiff to expressly negative the
idea that he was guilty of negligence contributing to the
injury, for the burden of establishing contributory negli-
gence is held to be on the defendant and it is necessary
that he plead this defense to be available to him.^ How-
of the dange-." Willie «. Ea-it Tennessee Coal Co. (Ky. 1904), S4
S. W. Uep. 1166; 27 Ky. Law Rep. 335.
1 lodiana Coal Co. v. Batey, 71 N. B. Eep. 191. An allegation that a
stone was loose and liable to fall and that defendant knew such fact
but plaintiff did not, is not demurrable. Cirter u. Baldwin, 81 S. W.
Rep. 204; Gince v. Belaud, 25 U.I. 527; 57 All. Rep. 300. " In an action
for iujuries to a servant, an allegation that plalniiffi was in the exercise
of due care and diligence, and utterly without knowledge or warning of
any danger, and without reason to anticipate the same, Is not the equiv-
alent of an allegation that plaintiff was not familiar with the way in
which the work was done, and that he did not have knowledge of the
risks of the business." Fortin u. Manville Co. (U. S. C. C. R 1.1904),
128 Fed. Rep. 642. " In an action for wrongful death, a complaint alleg-
ing that the injury to the decedent was caused by the fall of a derrick
mast near which he was working, and that the condition of the guy rope,
which gave way, causing the fall, was known to defendant, or could
have been known to it by a reasonable inspection, and that the decedent
had no knowledge of the defect, stated a good cause of action." Con-
solidated Stone Co. v. Morgan (Ind. 1903), 66 N. B. Rep. 696.
i Atchison v. Wills (D C. 1903), 21 App. D. C. 548; Parkhurst v.
Swift, 31 Ind. App. 521; 68 N. E. Rep. 620; Chicago & Eastern 111. Co. v.
Stephenson, 69 N. B. Rep. 270; Ball v. Gussenhoven, 29 Mont. 32 : 74 Pac.
Kep. 871.
58 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. § 50
ever, in Iowa, it is held that a complaint is insufficient if it
fails to negative the fact that the plaintiff was guilty of
contributory negligence. ^ This holding seems at variance
with two of the well-established rules of pleading, that the
plaintiff should not anticipate a defense and need not
allege facts that it is necessary for the defendant to affirm
and establish, until the defendant first pleads such defense
that makes the issue competent, which avoids that defense.
But the different holdings on this question, as on many
other doctrines of the law, in different jurisdictions, are
looked at from entirely opposite viewpoints.
§ 50. Failure to specify duties performed — Motion to
make more definite. — As a general rule, the complaint
should show the character of the duties the plaintiff was
performing, at the time of his injury, so as to advise the
court and the defendant of the nature and cause of injury.
Where a complaint, however, shows on its face that the
defendant was guilty of actionable negligence and does not
affirmatively show that the plaintiff was guilty of contribu-
tory negligence, it is sufficient, as against a motion to com-
pel the plaintiff to make the complaint more definite and
certain, by alleging the particular kind of work in which
the employee was engaged, at the time of the injury, and
the manner in which he was then performing his work,^ as
it was generally sufficient, in a common law action for
negligence, to allege the negligence of the defendant and the
injury to the plaintiff as a result thereof, the plaintiff's
freedom from negligence and that he did not assume the
' Brown v. Illinois Central Co., 88 N. W. Eep. 625. " A declaration
by a servant tor injuries from a dangerous condition which might, as lar
as the pleading discloses, have been known to him, is demurrable, unless
it alleges that it was not known, or states some excuse for continuing
work if It was known, and thus negatives assumption of the risk "
Dalton V. Khode Island Co., 57 Atl. Kep. 383, 25 R. I. 674.
2 Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind. App. 1903; 67 U. E
Kep. 558.
§ 51 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. 59
risk incurred.^ A mere general allegation of a neglect in
failing to provide a reasonably safe place in which to work,
following a paragraph, in which the nature of the injury is
described, is held, in Montana, to be so general as to be
mere surplusage and should be stricken out, on motion.^
§ 51. Necessity of pleading contributory negligence
and assumed risk. — Ordinarily it is necessary to plead
both assumed risk and contributory negligence as a defense,
but an exception to this rule takes place when the evi-
dence offered in behalf of the plaintiff shows such contrib-
utory negligence or assumption of risk as will defeat the
action. There is no reason why a defense of assumed risk,
as well as that of contributory negligence, should not be
shown, under a general denial, where the evidence of the
plaintiff himself, shows such a defense, and, indeed, this
seems to be the well recognized rule.^ This rule is recog-
nized in a recent case in Colorado, where, in an action for
injuries to a miner, the plaintiff's evidence showed that he
assumed the risk which resulted in his injurjs defendant
was held entitled to a direction of the verdict, on that
ground, although the defense of assumed risk had not
been pleaded.* And in a recent Washington case, where
1 Dickenson Coal Co. v. Uaverferth, 30 Ind. App. 546; 66 N. E. Rep.
759.
2 Green v. Indian Gold Mining Co., 120 Fed. Rep. 715. It is error to
malje plaintiff set up just what acts alleged were negligent; what acts
were willful and what were done in utter disregard of the rights of the
plaintifE and in what particulars the machinery was unsound and unfit
for use, in South Carolina. Lynch v. Spartan Mills, 66 S. C. 12; 44 S. E.
Jlep. 93. " In an action for injuries from being struclc by a splinter from
a driftpin which was being driven in a boiler, an allegation that the pm
was improperly made, so as to be liable to chip, was sufficiently definite;
the facts being peculiarly in defendant's possession." Ricljaly v. John
O'Brien Boiler Works Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 82 S. W. Rep. 963.
8 Schlereth v. R. R., 96 Mo. 509; Epperson v. Postal Tel. &o. Co., 165
Mo. loc. cit. 372.
* Iowa Gold Mining Co. v. Diefenthaler, 76 Pac. Rep. 981.
60 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. § 52
the evidence showed a state of facts that would preclude
the recovery by the plaintiff, on account of his contribu-
tory negligence, while the rule was recognized to be, as
stated, that it is a defense to be specially pleaded, it was
held that the court should not ignore the facts so presented,
although introduced by the plaintiff and not by the
defendant.!
§ 52. Defense of fellow-servant need not be pleaded. —
Since the plaintiff, in an action for an injury by a vice-
principal, is required to allege and prove the relation of vice-
principalship,^ a mere general denial of the petition would
put in issue the fact of the existence of such relation and
where this is the ground of negligence counted upon, by
the plaintiff, it is not essential to specifically plead the
defense of fellow-servant. In other words, it is essential
for the plaintiff to both plead and prove that the injury
was caused by the act of a superior in command and if he
fails to prove this fact, the defendant would be entitled to
a demurrer to his evidence, where this practice obtains, at
the close of his case, and he would not have to plead the
existence of a relation different from that alleged, but can
simply put the facts alleged in issue, by a general denial.^
1 Bier u. Hosford, 35 Wash. 644; 77 Pac. Rep. 867. Being in a place
where the employee had a right to be, when he has no control over the
forces that injure him, but they are controlled by agents of the master,
and no act of negligence can be chargeable to him, is not contributory
negligence of an employee. Beresford v. Amer. Coal Co. (Iowa), 98
N. W. Kep. 902. " A plea in an action for negligent death, alleging that
decedent assumed the risk of his injury, in that he had knowledge or
notice of the defect by which he was killed, is subject to demurrer,
since the averment of knowledge or notice, being in the alternative, is no
stronger than an averment of notice and that is not the equivalent of
knowledge." Osborne v. Alabama Steel & Wire Co. (Ala. 1903), 33
So. Rep. 687.
2 Shaw V. Bambrick- Bates Con. Co., 102 Mo. App. 666; 77 S. W. Rep.
^ Ante, idem.
§ 53 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. 61
And, in Georgia, it is held .that a defendant is never under
the obligation of especially pleading the defense of fellow-
servant, or that the injury was caused by the act of a
co-employee ; ^ but in Illinois, the defendant is held to
assume the burden, where he relies upon such a defense,
and must allege and prove that plaintiff was injured by a
fellow-servant and not by a superior servant, where this
defense is relied upon.^
§ 53. Pleading negligent order of foreman, or vice-
principal. — As a general rule, while a general allegation
of negligence is, in some States, held sufficient,^ where the
plaintiff sees fit to specify the acts of negligence, upon
which his action is based, he must set up the facts which
would constitute such negligence and is limited in the in-
troduction of evidence and also in his recovery, by instruc-
tion, to the specific ground of negligence counted upon in
his petition.* Accordingly, in a Missouri case, where the
around of negligence alleged was that the defendant had
1 Vinson o. Morning News Co., 119 Ga. 655; 45 S. E. Rep. 481.
2 Southern Co. v. Stewart, 108 111. App. 652. " In an action for neg-
ligent death, the complaint alleged that it was defendant's duty to fur -
nish deceased with a reasonably safe place and tools in and with which
to work; that deceased was directed, by an employee of defendant having
authority over him, to extract a charge of blasting powder, for which
deceased was not sljilled, fitted, or employed, and of the danger of
which he was ignorant, and in execution of which he was killed. It was
further alleged that the death was directly due to the negligence of
defendant in failing to provide him with a safe place to work and safe
tools, and to employ competent co-employees, and from exposing bim
to unnecessary danger. Held, that such complaint was objectionable,
because It affirmatively appeared that the injury was caused by the neg-
ligence of a fellow-servant, who was not shown to be a vice-principal."
State V. Schwind Quarry Co. (Md. 1903), 55 Atl. Rep. 366.
s In Moore v. Catawba Power Co- (68 S.C. 201; 46 S. E. Rep. 1004J,
a petition alleging defective appliances was held not subject to a motion
to make more definite by specifying the defects.
4 Bohn V. Ey. Co., 106 Mo. 534.
62 PLEADING ACTIONS FOK INJURIES IN MINES. § 54
negligently failed to provide a safe and proper tool, the
instrument provided being a stick of pine lumber, instead
of a crow bar, and it was attempted to prove under this
allegation of negligence, a specific negligent order of the
foreman to use such tool, the Supreme Court held such
evidence incompetent for the reason that no such negligence
was counted upon in the petition. ^
§ 54. Pleading superintending power of foreman or
vice-principal. — Where the negligence counted upon in a
1 In this case, the Supreme Court, speaking through Judsje Black,
said : " The plaintiff's case, if any he has, must stand upon the ground
that the defendant, by and through its foreman, negligently ordered
too much force to be applied to the lever, or negligently ordered
plaintiff to take an unsafe position. No such case is made by the plead-
ings and wo do not stop to discuss questions which may arise on such
issues of fact." Boha v. C. R. I. & P. Co., 106 Mo. loc. cit. 434. In
Mace V. Ashland Coal & Iron Co. (82 S. W. Rep. 612), an allegation of
negligent order, without a further showing that it was within the line of
the foreman's duty, is bad, "Where the declaration avers that the
injury was caused by the failure to give ' necessary and suitable orders,'
evidence of the giving of negligent or improper orders cannot be re-
ceived." Sanks v. Chicago & A. K. Co., 112 111. App. 385. " Under an al-
legation, in a declaration in an action by a servant against a master for
personal injuries, that plaintiff was in the exercise of due care, evidence
that plaintiff had been directed to do the work he was attempting to do
in the manner in which he attempted to do it at the time of the injury
was admissible though there was no averment of a specific order of
direction." Judgment, 112 111. App. 452, affirmed. Henrietta Coal Co.
V. Campbell, 71 N. E. Rep. 863; 211 111. 216. A complaint which alleges
the employment of a third person by the defendant, with power of
supervision and control; that at the time of the injury the plaintiff was
obeying an order given by such person so intrusted with power of con-
trol and that such order was a negligent order and the plaintiff, in
obedience thereto, was injured, alleges a good cause of action. Indiana
Co. V. Buskirk, 32 Ind. App. 414; 78 N. E. Rep. 925. But a petition
which simply charges that plaintiff was injured by the negligence of
another employee, while acting under his order, and that plaintiff was
bound to conform to his orders, who was his superior in charge of the
work, is insufficient under the Alabama statute, in failing to show that
the order was within the powers of supervision of the employee giving
it. Southern Foundry Co. v. Bartlett, 137 Ala. 234; 34 So. Kep. 20.
§ 54 PLEADINO ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. 63
suit for personal injuries is the negligence of a foreman or
vice-principal, the facts showing the superintending con-
trol or vice-principalship on the part of the negligent serv-
ant must generally be set forth, for otherwise the relation
would be presumed to be that of fellow-servants, as all
engaged in the same employment, at common law, were
held to be fellow-servants, and the grades of service, as
affecting the liability of the employer, had no place or
recognition in the courts. ^ Accordinglv,. in Wisconsin, it
is held that a mere allegation that the negligent employee
was an agent and manager, of the defendant, was held to
be insufficient, in the absence of an allegation showing the
duties of the negligent employee, from which a presump-
tion could be indulged that he was also a vice-principal,
or representative of the employer.^ A similar allegation,
1 " If ttie declaration seeks to chari?e the employer with the negligence
of other servants, it will be insufficient, even after verdict, if it does
not allege that such other servants were not fellow-servants with the
plaintiff. If a recovery is sought on this baslSj facts should be stated
sufficient to show that such servants were not fellow-servants with the
plaintiff. The rule is that a recovery cannot be had for an injury re-
sulting from the negligence of a co-employee, unless the complaint
states facts sufficient to take the case out of the general rule." 13 Enc.
PI. and Pr., pp. 907, 908 and cases cited; Pittsburg Coal Co. v. Peterson,
136 Ind. 398. And manifestly, this is the correct rule. At common law
all employees were fellow-servants, regardless of the station of the
servants, and the master was not liable for the negligent acts of any of
them. If a liability is predicated upon the act of a servant, therefore,
by a fellow -servant, the facts sufficient to justify the conclusion that his
acts were an exception to the general rule, should be al eged, or no
liability is shown. And, as stated above, the rule is that a failure to
set forth such facts, is not even cured by verdict. See recent opinion
Judge Reyburn, in Shaw v. Bambrick Con. Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 96.
2 " An allegation thit the injuries were caused to the plaintiff through
the negligence of one who was the agent and manager of the company's
office, in the city where plaintiff was employed, does not in the absence
of further allegations, showing the duties of such agent, create the pre-
sumption that he was a vice-principal, for whose negligent acts resulting
in injuries to the employee, the company would be liable." Dwyer v.
Amer. Express Co., 65 Wis. 543.
64 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. § 55
in an Alabama case, was held insufficient, where no
facts were alleged from which the superintendence of
the negligent employee could be presumed,^ and this is
the general rule upon the subject. But a general allega-
tion of superintendence is generally all that is required,
without a specification of the duties of the vice-principal,
and where a petition alleged that the negligent em-
ployee was defendant's " superintendent, having full
charge and control of the work, in and about the
quarry," the complaint was held not objectionable, on
the ground that the negligence alleged was that of a
fellow-servant.^
§ 55. Illustration — Explosion, not alleged to be due
to vice-principal's negligence. — Illustrative of the rule
laid down in the preceding sections, is a recent case in
Maryland, an action for negligent death, wherein the com-
plaint alleged that " it was the defendant's duty to furnish
the plaintiff with a reasonably safe place and tools in and
with which to work; that deceased was directed, hy an em-
ployee of the defendant, having authority over him, to
extract a charge of blasting powder, for which service
deceased was not skilled, fitted or employed and of the
1 " So, an averment that plaintiff was injured by tlie negligence of
defendant's yard-master, is insufficient, unless it Is further shown that
such yard-master is intrusted with superintendence." L. & N. Ry. Co.
V. Bouldin, 110 Ala. 815.
2 Southern Indiana Co. v. Moore, 71 N. B. Rep. 616. In an action by
an employee for personal injuries resulting from the negligence or incom-
petency of a vice-principal, it need not be alleged that such person was
vice-principal, or that his incompetency was known to the principal, to
let in proof that the injury occurred by the negligence or incompetency
of such vice-principal. Harris v. Balfour Quarry Co. (N. Y. 1904), 49 S.
E. Rep. 95. The sufficiency of the evidence to establish the authority of
one employee to direct another, when the facts do not necessitate the
legal conclusion of such authority, is for the jury. Texas & Pacific Coal
Co. V. Manning, 78 S. W. Sep. 645.
§ 56 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. 65
danger of which he was ignorant " and in the execution of
which order he was killed. It was further set up that the
death was directly due to the negligence of the defendant,
in failing to provide him with a safe place to work and
with safe tools with which to work and to employ
competent employees and from exposing him to un--
necessary danger. The court held that the complaint
failed to allege a cause of action, because it affirmatively
appeared that the injury was due to the negligence
of a fellow-servant, who was not shown to be a vice-
principal. ^
§ 56. Pleading action from defective scaffold, under
statute. — Where an action is instituted for an injury
occurring by reason of a defect in an appliance required to
be up to a certain standard, by a statute, the plaintiff
must, generally, allege all the facts that are necessary to
show a breach of the statutory duty, occurring prior to the
injury complained of, or no sufficient cause of action will
be alleged.^ Where, however, certain prerequisites to a
liability under the statute are omitted from the complaint,
the petition may still allege a good cause of action, at com-
mon law, although held bad, for a cause of action arising
under the statute, if the petition contains all the essentials
of a good cause of action at common law. This rule is
illustrated by a recent case in New York, where an action
was given for the negligence of a superintendent, on the
giving of notice to the employer. No notice was given in
the action, but as the facts alleged showed that the death
of the decedent was caused by the negligence of the
employer, in the erection of a scaffold, and the complaint
alleged a good cause of action, at common law, it was
1 State V. Schwind Quarry Co., 55 Atl Rep. 366.
2 Crosby v. Lehigh Valley Company, 128 Fed. Kep. 193.
5
66 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. § 57
held unnecessary to give notice, as a condition precedent to
the common law liability.^
§ 57. Pleading failure to give customary warning or
notice. — Where it has been the custom to give warning
.or notice of the starting of dangerous machinery, or the
setting off of blasts, or other dangerous acts, of which
employees would generally require warning, such custom
should be set forth with particularity, as well as the col-
lateral facts, which go to show the necessity of such^ cus-
tom, or otherwise the petition will be too indefinite or
vague to constitute a good cause of action. Accordingly,
where the declaration alleged that it was the custom in the
operation of temporary elevators, where employees were at
work near the wells, to give notice when such elevators
were about to be operated, so that persons working near
could avoid being struck by such elevators, which notice it
was the defendant's duty, under the circumstances, to
give, it was held that these allegations were too vague and
indefinite to show a custom of sufficient force to bind the
defendant.^
1 GmaeMe v. Rosenberg, 178 N. Y. 147; 70 N. E. Eep. 411. " Where
in an action for injuries to a servant, tiie complaint alleged tliat tlie
injury occurred because of the weak scaffolding constructed by defend-
ant's superintendent to support certain pipe, by the fall of which plain-
tiff was injured, and that such insecure blocking was known to defend-
ant's superintendent and unknown to plaintiff, and was the cause of the
injury, and that the scaffolding was constructed under defendant's
immediate supervision, the complaint was not objectionable on the
ground that it disclosed- an obvious defect on an ordinarily careful
observation, but sufHciently stated a cause of action." Indiana Natural
Gas & Oil Co. V. Vauble (Ind. App. 1903), 68 N. E. Rep. 195.
^Durell V. Hartwell, Williams & Kingston, 26 E. I. 125; 58 Atl.
Eep. 448. " Where plaintiff alleged that he was injured by being put at
work by defendant without warning as to the danger of the employment,
but his evidence tended to show that any cause of action that he might
have was based on the defective appliances, a nonsuit was properly
granted." Moyer v. Eamsay- Brisbane Stone Co. (Ga. 1904), 46 S. E.
§ 59 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. 67
§ 58. Pleading injury from handling frozen dyna-
mite. — If a petition for aa injury from an explosion
received while thawing out frt)zen dynamite, alleges the par-
ties and the jurisdiction of the court ; the fact of plaintiff's
employment by the defendant and that while so engaged he
was obeying an order to load a hole with frozen dynamite
and that the dynamite caught fire and exploded, taking
off the plaintiff's arms ; that the plaintiff's actions were in
pursuance to the defendant's orders, which were negli-
gent, and that the plaintiff himself was without fault, it
alleges a sufficient cause of action, both in form and sub-
stance, to permit an amendment, by specifying the negli-
gence, and, when so amended, the complaint would allege
a good cause of action. ^
§ 59. Pleading action for willful violation of statute. —
Where the cause of action counted upon in the petition, is
under a statute where the element of willfulness is es-
sential to constitute a violation of the statute, then the
pleader, both in drawing his petition and in introducing
his evidence, should bear this element in mind and both a
known violation of the statute should be alleged and an inten-
tional refusal to comply with the terms of the statute should
be established.^ Under the Illinois statute, for failure to
provide timbers and props, an intentional or known viola-
tion of the statute is held to be a willful violation, within
Rep. 844. " Where plaintiff alleged that he was caused to jump from
an incline, and sustained the injury sued for, by a sudden warning,
either maliciously or mischievously uttered by defendant's servant,
when there was no danger or cause for alarm, but it was not alleged
that the warning was in any way connected with the servant's duty to
defendant, or that he represented defendant in any manner therein, the
petition did not state a cause of action against defendant." Mace v.
Ashland Coal & Iron Ey. Co. (Ky. 1904), 82 S. W. Rep. 612.
1 Columbia Mining Co. v. Wellmaker, 118 Ga. 606; 45 S. E,Rep. 455.
2 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. 31 ; Hawley v. Dailey,
13 Bradw. 391; Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 590.
68 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. § 60
the rule, requiring the element of willfulness to be pleaded. ^
The same is true of the Missouri prop statute ^ and under
the Illinois statute against the' employment of children in
mines, a willful violation of the statute is sufficiently set
forth , where it is alleged that plaintiff is under fourteen and
the defendant, with full knowledge of that fact, wrongfully
and unlawfully employed him.'
§ 60. Pleading injury In placing belt on pulley. — In
a Georgia case the plaintiff alleged that he was engaged to
and did work upon a particular machine, in the defendant's
service; that there was another machine near which he
worked, on which he was not engaged to work and that he
was ordered to work upon this machine and that it was
defective and dangerous, but not alleging in what the
defect or danger consisted and that while obeying the
order, as he was directed, he attempted to replace, with a
file, a belt, which had slipped off of a pulley, no other means
being furnished him for the purpose. It was held the peti-
tion was insufficient to state a cause of action, as it failed
to show the negligence counted upon and did not allege a
good cause of action.*
1 Niantic Coal Mining Co. v. Leonard, 126 111. 216; Beard v. Skeldon,
113 111. 584; "Wesley C. C. Co. v. Healer, 84 111. 128.
2 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., supra.
3 Marquette Third Vein Coal Co. B.Dielie, 208 111.116; 70 N.E.Kep. 17.
- Ballew V. Breach, (Ga. 1904), 49 S. E. Rep. 297. In Wetjen v.
Southern White Lead Co. (5 Mo. App. 698), the plaintiff attempted
to replace a belt by the use of his hand. Instead of a stick, provided for
the purpose, and this was held to preclude his recovery, on account of
his own negligence in thus selecting the more dangerous way to per-
form his work. " The paragraph of a complaint in an action against a
master for the death of a servant which alleged that a belt was defec-
tive and that it had been broken twice during the day of the accident,
and prior thereto and on days before the accident, of which the master
had full knowledge, and of which insufficiency and breaking the servant
had no knowledge, was defective for failing to aver that tbe use of the
defective belt was dangerous or its use negligent." Norton-Reerl Stone
Co. V. Steele (Ind. App. 1903), 69 N. E. Rep. 198.
§ 62 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. 6^
§ 61. Action for injury from " ways, works, machin-
ery," under Alabama statute. — Under the Alabama
Code,i providing that when an injury is caused by any de-
fect in the " ways, works, machinery, or plant connected
with or used in the business of the employer," the latter
shall be liable the same as though the employee were a
stranger, a complaint for injuries from the fall of a derrick,
which alleged defects to the metal rods and strips, by which
it was held in position, and that the wall, to which the der-
rick was fastened, was not sufficiently strong to support the
same and that such defects had not been discovered, owing
to the defendant's negligence, was held to be sufficient and
not subject to the objection that it was too indefinite with
reference to the negligence charged.^
§ 62. Failure to make roof of drift safe. — As to
parties competent to sue for common law negligence, or
the breach of a duty owing by virtue of the common law,
a failure to keep the roof of a drift in a reasonably safe
condition, as a result of which an employee is injured, will,
generally, justify a cause of action for breach of the com-
mon law duty to provide a reasonably safe place for the
employee, and this, whether the dangerous nature of the
roof arises from a failure to trim it, or a failure to furnish
props when needed.^ But where the right of the plaintiff
1 Alabama Code, 1896, Sec. 1749.
2 Southern Foundry Co. v. Jennings, 137 Ala. 247; 34 So. Bep. 1002.
' White Mines & Min. Kem., Sec. 463 and cases cited. " The declara-
tion in an action for negligently causing the death of plaintiff's Intestate
alleged the wrongful neglect of defendant in failing to keep the roof of a
part of its mine in a reasonably safe condition, by propping or otherwise ;
that defendant had knowledge of the lack of props and the consequent
dangerous condition of the roof; and that deceased was killed by a fall-
ing of a portion thereof. Held, that the failure to provide a safe place
to work was sufllclently alleged to support a judgment for plaintiff, and
that the complaint was not fatally objectionable as being grounded on
the mere failure to prop the roof of a mine, which alone was not an act-
ionable breach of duty." Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark, 64 N. E. Rep. 282;
197 111. 514.
70 PLEADING ACTIONS FOR INJURIES IN MINES. § 64
to sue obtains only by reasoa of a special statute — as
where the plaintiff is the parent of an adult child, who, in
Missouri, would only be competent to sue for a failure to
furnish props — then the plaintiff must bring himself with-
in the letter of the statute, and the right to sue being
dependent upon the statutory conditions specified, the
safety of the roof, if those conditions are not alleged to
exist, would be wholly immaterial. ^
§ 63. Defective petition under Missouri "Prop"
Statute. — Under the Missouri "Prop Statute," ^ providing
that the " owner, agent or operator of any mine, shall keep
a sufficient supply of timber, when required to be used as
props, so that the workmen may, at all times, be able to
secure the said workings from caving in " and making it
the duty of the " owner, agent or operator to send down
all such props, when required," the petition to recover for
the death of a miner, killed by reason of a violation of the
statute, must allege every fact necessary to bring the case
within the statute, the action being purely statutory and in
derogation of the common law.^ Accordingly, a petition
which alleges, generally, that the defendant was negligent
in failing to timber the mine and that he failed to use care
in timbering the same and which wholly fails to allege that
he did not "keep a sufficient supply of timber, when required
to be used as props " and that he failed to " send down all
such props, when required," is insufficient to state a cause
of action . *
§ 64. Pleading failure to inspect and timber under
Illiuois law. — A complaint for personal injuries, under
the Illinois statute, which alleged that the defendant was
engaged in mining coal and neglected to employ a compe-
1 Cole V. Mayne, 122 Fed. Rep. 836.
2 Revised Statutes of Missouri, 1899, Sec. 8822.
3 Cole V. Mayne, 122 Fed. Rep. 836.
* Cole V. M:iynp, sxipra.
§ 66 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. 71
tent mine boss and that the mine boss did not examine every
working place in the mine every alternate day, and failed
to see that the working places were properly secured, by'
props, and failed to have a sufficient supply of props on
hand, sufficiently showed that the defendant failed to per-
form the duties enjoined upon him by the statute, of having
the working places properly inspected on every alternate
day and of properly supporting the roof to keep it from
falling and of furnishing a sufficient supply of props. ^
§ 65. Injury from defective bolster ring and coal
bucket. — In an Indiana case, the plaintiff alleged that he
was working at the bottom of a shaft, in the defendant's
service, and was injured by the overturning of a bucket,
used to hoist earth and rock, caused by the defective con-
dition of an iron ring, used with the bucket. It was
alleged that the ring was cracked and too weak to
withstand the strain required of it and that the plaintiff,
owing to the semi-darkness, was unable to inspect the ring
closely, but believed it to be sufficient. It was held that
the complaint was sufficient ; that the facts set forth did
not show that the defect was obvious and as apparent to the
plaintiff as to the defendant and that the demurrer to the
petition should be overruled. ^
§ 66. For injury in use of defective boisterrope. — In
a recent Indiana case, for injuries to an employee in a
stone quarry, it was alleged, in the complaint, that the
defendant negligently used a hoister rope in the derrick
1 Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson, 57 N. E. Rep. 558.
s Brazil Block Coal Co. ■». Gibson, 66 N.E. Rep.88i. " Iq an action for
personal injuries, the complaint alleged that, while plaintlfe was working
in a shaft pursuant to orders, an iron bucket gave way, through imper-
fect appliances and gross carelessness of defendant and his agents, and
fell on plaintiff, injuring him. HeZd to state a cause of action." Murphy
V. Hopper (N. Y. 1902), 78 N. Y. S. 657; 76 App. Div. 606.
72 PLEADING ACTIONS FOE INJURIES IN MINES. § 67
where the plaintiff was at work, which was old and unfit for
use and was too short and was not properly fastened and
that, by reason of these defects, it gave way, falling upon
the plaintiff, as a result of which he sustained the injuries
complained of. It was held that the petition alleged,
with sufficient definiteness, that the injury was due to the
neglect of the defendant and the cause of action was sus-
tained, as alleged. ^
§ 67. Joinder of actions for common law and statu-
tory negligence. — Actions for negligence at common law
and under a statute should not be joined in the same count,
as this would be a wrongful commingling of different causes
of action in the same oount,^ but there is no objecti®n to the
joinder in the same petition, in different counts, of actions
for violations of statute and also for violations of a duty
owing under the common law.^ In a late Illinois case,
where the plaintiff sued for a violation of the statute pre-
venting the employment of children, under the age of four-
teen years, and making the defendant liable for a willful
violation of the statute, and also for damages for an injury
due to the negligence of the defendant, in separate counts,
it was held permissible pleading, as both counts were based
upon the same state of facts and there was no rule of plead-
ing which prevented the joinder in the same action, of such
causes, in different counts in the same petition.*
1 Clear Creek Stone Co. v. Dearmin, 66 N. B. Bep, 609. " In an action
for iojaries to a servant, it was alleged in the complaint that defendant
negligently used a hoisting rope in the derrick where plaintiff was at
work which was old and unfit for use, too short, and not properly
fastened, and that by reason of these defects it gave way, falling on
plainlifE. Seld, that the complaint sufficiently showed defendant's negli-
gence to have been the proximate cause of the injury." Clear Creek
Stone Co. v. Dearmin (Ind. 1903), 66 N. E. Rep. 609.
2 Jackson v. M., K. & T. Co. (Texas), 78 S. W. Rep. 724; Baker v.
McDaniel, 178 Mo. 447; 77 S. W. Rep. 631.
3 Marquette Third Vein Co. v. Dielle, 208 111. 116; 70 N. E. Rep. 17.
* Marquette Third Vein Co. v. Dielie, supra.
CHAPTER V.
EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES.
Section 68. Injury must be connected with negligent act.
69. Plaintiff must establisli relation of employer and employee.
70. Proof of defendant's knowledge of defects,
71. Notice of defects sa£3cient to charge employer.
72. Evidence of plaintiff's ignorance of danger.
73. Evidence that appliances or place were reasonably safe
sufficient.
74. When employee's reputation lor care is admissible.
75. Burden of establishing relation of vice-principalship.
76. In Illinois defendant must prove relation of fellow-serv-
ants.
77. Evidence that plaintiff acted upon a negligent order.
7'8. Burden of proving assumed risk and contributory negli-
gence.
79. Evidence of prior negligent acts, on plaintiff's part.
80. Evidence of conditions before and after injury.
81. Evidence of custom in other mines,
82. Opinion evidence as to safety of methods.
83. What promises exempt servant — Common tools.
84. Accident — What evidence of sufficient.
85. Doctrine Bes ipsa loquitur.
86. What evidence of necessity for timbering sufficient.
87. Evidence of competency of defendant's employees.
88. What sufficient evidence of failure to give warning.
89. Evidence of enforcement of rule.
90. Reasonableness and sufficiency of rule.
91. What evidence of willfulness sufficient.
92. What evidence of willful disregard of rule sufficient.
93. Employment of child, in violation of statute .
94. Defective hoister rope — Contributory negligence.
95. Negligence in drilling into unesploded blast.
96. Death from sufCocation — Combustible material.
97. Proving notice of injury, when required by statute.
98. Failure to furnish screen for furnace, negligence, when.
99. Evidence that defendant insured incompetent.
100. Variance — Proof must correspond with pleading.
(73)
74 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 69
§ 68. Injury must be connected with negligent act. —
It is not sufficient to simply allege facts showing the negli-
gence of the employer, together with facts showing the
nature and extent of the injury to the plaintiff, but a con-
nection must be shown between the negligent act com-
plained of and the injury resulting to the plaintiff, or in
other words, it must be shown that the negligence of the
defendant was the approximate cause of the injury.
Where a petition for the death of an employee in a stone
quarry alleged that a guy rope to a derrick was so low as
to catch on the rock loaded upon a tram car and throw it
off on employees and for this reason a position behind the
car was a dangerous position, of which the defendant had
notice, and that while deceased was behind said car the
defendant suddenly slackened the rope and a large rock
was thereby thrown upon the deceased killing him, but it
was not alleged that the lowness of the rope, result-
ing from the negligent causes alleged, was the cause of
the injury to the plaintiff, the petition was held bad, on
demurrer.^
§ 69. Plaintiff must establish relation of employer
and employee. — The plaintiff, as a part of his case, must
generally establish the relation from which the defendant's
duty toward him, with reference to the given appliance or
place, where the injury was sustained, would be implied, as
matter of law. It is usually requisite that the relation of
employer and employee be shown to exist, unless it is
1 Consolidated Stone Co. v. Staggs (Ind.App. 1904), 71N. E. Eep. 161.
" Under Civ. Code, Ga. 1895, § 2612, in an action against the master for
injuries to the servant, It is necessary, not only to show negligence on
the part of a master, but due care on the part of the servant, and that
the servant did not know, and had not equal means of knowing, of that
•which is charged as negligence to the master, and by the exercise of
ordinary care could not have known thereof." Ludd w. Wilkins (Ga.
1903), 45S. E. Eep. 429.
§ 71 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 75
admitted by the pleadings. ^ It is not essential, however,
that this should appear by direct evidence, but is sufficient,
if from all the circumstances, a finding that such a relation
existed, could be reasonably supported by the evidence and
where it is established that plaintiff performed work and
labor, in the defendant's mine, and that this was done with
the implied consent of the defendant and that the injury
was received while engaged in entering the mine, this will
be held sufficient, from which the law will imply a duty to
furnish him a reasonably safe place and appliances to per-
form his work, within the rule applying to master and
servant and to preclude the contention that the plaintiff was
but a trespasser or licensee.^
§ 70. Proof of defendant's knowledge of defects. — It
is usually not only essential to prove the defects in the de-
fendant's planter appliances, which occasioned the injury
to the plaintiff, but it is also essential to prove that the
defendant had knowledge of such defect, «r that it had
existed for a sufficient length of time to charge him with
notice thereof, before the plaintiff is entitled to recover.
In an Iowa case, where the allegation of negligence was
that the defendant failed to trim or timber the roof and
permitted it to become dangerous, the mere proof that the
roof would get dangerous in from three to six days after it
became loose, unaccompanied by any evidence as to when
the defect was discovered by the defendant, was held to be
insufficient to make out a case.^
§ 71. Notice of defects sufficient to charge employer. —
As a general rule, the employer is not liable for an injury
1 Vallie v. Hall, 184 Ma-s. 358; 68 N. E. Eep. 829; Henderson v. Kan-
sas City, 177 Mo. 477; 76 S. W. Rep. 1045.
2 Ringue v. Oregon Coal &c. Co., 75 Pac. Rep. 703.
3 Thayer v. Smoky Hollow Coal Co., 98 N. W. Rep. 718.
76 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 72
from a defect in his mine or machinery, unless he had
actual notice thereof, or it had existed for a length of time
sufficient to charge him, in law, with notice of such defect.^
The law, however, will imply and infer notice on the part
of the employer of any defects in his mine or its ways,
works or machinery, which by the exercise of ordinary care
he might have discovered and after he has, or should have,
notice of a defect, and the consequent prospective danger
to any of his employees, who are or are liable to be em-
ployed in the vicinity of such defect or danger, he must
repair it and make the surroundings reasonably safe, con-
sidering the services to be rendered and the nature of the
use to which the place or appliance is put, and for a failure
so to do, in case of a resulting injury, he would be liable.*
And notice of a defective condition to the mine manager or
foreman, or to an inspector, appointed by the mine owner
and acting for him , in the discharge of his duty of inspec-
tion, or to either of them, would, generally, be held to be
notice to the employer himself. ^
§ 72. Evidence o£ plaintiff's ignorance of danger. —
It is ndt essential to the plaintiff's recovery in an action
for personal injuries, that he should conclusively establish
his ignorance of a given defect or the resulting danger
therefrom,* but the defense of assumed risk, to prevail
1 This is the general rule as to liability of all employers. Glasscock
». SwofEord Bros. Co., 106 Mo. App. 656; 80 S. W. Rep. 364; Hester ».
Packing Co., 84 Mo. App. 454; Breen v. Cooperage Co., 50 Mo. App. 202;
Burnes ». Railway, 129 Mo. 41 ; CMallt-y v. R. R. Co., 113 Mo. 329.
2 Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 186.
s Riverton Coal Co. «. Shepard, 111 111. App. 294. Under an allega-
tion o£ notice on defendant's part, of the frozen, dangerous condition of
giant powder, constructive notice may be proven. Currelli w. Jackson,
77 Conn. 115; 68 Atl. Rep, 762.
< Hamman v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Hamilton v. Coal
Co., 108 Mo. 364.
§ 73 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 77
upon the part of the employer, can only exist, where he was
not only aware of the defect which occasioned his injury,
but also with the danger resulting therefrom. ^ But if the
danger from the use of a given appliance was so obvious,
or patent, as to constitute contributory negligence, on the
part of an employee, to continue the use of such appliance,
then his knowledge of such defect and the resulting danger
which would be imputed to him in law from such knowl-
edge would prevent his recovery. Generally, however,
when an employee discovers a danger in his surroundings,
or the appliances furnished him for use, he is only bound
to notice and consider it with reference to his personal
safety, while engaged in the present duties of his employ-
ment. If, in his opinion, or as a matter of fact, the pres-
ence of danger would be suggested by the appearances, to
an ordinary mind, he should give notice of the danger to
his employer and, failing so to do, after full knowledge of
the danger, he could not recover. ^
§ 73. Evidence that appliances or place were reason-
ably safe, sufficient. — As a general rule, since the employer
is only responsible for a failure to exercise reasonable care
and caution to keep his appliances or place of work in a
reasonably safe condition, evidence on his part that his
appliances were such as were customarily in use by reason-
ably careful and prudent men in the same business, or that
they were reasonably safe, is held competent.* Evidence,
however, that a mine entry was in a " fair condition,"
means nothing, so far as this issue is concerned and does
not show the exercise of a reasonable care and caution on
1 Cole V. St. Louis &c. Co., 183 Mo. 81; 81 S. W. Kep. 1138.
2 Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barrlnger, 109 111. App. 186.
8 Pence v. California Mining Co., 27 Utah, 878; 75 Pac. Rep. 934;
Bohn V. C, R. I. & P. Co., 106 Mo. 429; Dolan v. Boots &c. Mills, 185
Mass. 676; 70 N. E. Rep. 1025.
78 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 74
the part of the mine owner to keep it in a "reasonably-
safe condition." ^ Where the appliances or place are in a
reasonably safe condition, however, and it appears that the
employer is conducting his business in the customary way,
then an injury is ordinarily traceable to the contributory
negligence of the employee himself and if his negligence
alone could have produced the injury, or the employer's
conduct was such that no negligence could be predicated
on any act of his, then the employee cannot recover.^
§ 74. When evidence of employee's reputation for
care is admissible. — Whenever the ground of negligence
declared upon is the employment by the employer of an
incompetent and unskillful employee, the general reputa-
tion of the given employee, whose character is attacked, is
material to the controversy, not only as affecting the good
faith and care of the employei; in engaging him, but also
upon the issue of his competency or ability to discharge
the duties intrusted to his care by the employer.^ A given
employee, when his reputation is attacked for competency,
is also held entitled to give evidence of a general custom
on the part of competent and skilled men in his business,*
but further than this evidence of reputation is not, gen-
erally, held to be relevant to the issue, in an action for
negligence. However, in exceptional cases, such as where
the facts are not susceptible of more direct proof, as in a
case where both an engineer and his fireman were killed in
an explosion and more direct proof of his care and pru-
dence was not to be had, upon the occasion in controversy,
1 Junction Mining Co. v. Ench, 111 111. App. 346.
2 Plato V. International Silver Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 652; Parotic v.
Holbrook et al., 127 Fed. Rep. 1013.
s Havens v. Rhode Island Company, 26 R. I. 48; S8 Atl. Rep. 247.
< International & Grt. North. Co. o. Penn. (Tex. Civ. App 1904) 79
S. W.Rep. 624. '
§ 76 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 79
it was held competent to establish his general reputation
as a " sober, careful and competent engineer. "^
§ 75. Burden of establishing relation of vice-prin-
cipalship. — Since all co-employees, at common-law, were
presumed to be fellow-servants, when engaged in the same
general service, regardless of the grade of the employee, ^
this relation is presumed to be the same in actions under the
cede and the burden is generally regarded as being upon
the party who alleges an absence of that relation, to estab-
lish it by a preponderance of the evidence.^ A mere
allegation that the employee whose act occasioned the in-
jury sued for was the vice-principal of the plaintiff will
not justify a recovery by merely establishing the injury,
but the power of supervision and the acts from which the
vice-principalship, in law, would follow as a necessary con-
clusion therefrom, must be established by the plaintiff
before he can recover upon such an allegation of negli-
gence.*
§ 76. In Illinois defendant must prove relation of fel-
low-servants. — Although at common-law the relation of all
co-employees was presumed to be that of fellow, and not
1 Illinois Central Co. v. Prickett, 210 111. 140; 109 111. App. 468; 71
N. E. Bep. 435. " Questions as to the duties of a pit boss as to inspect-
ing the working places ; as to keeping the chutes clear of coal; as to
timbering or fixing the bulkheads for the purpose of keeping rocks
from falling through the chutes; in relation to repairing defects when
complaiaed of; as to whether or not, when chutes become clogged or
blocked, it is extrahazardous to start or unblock them; and as to
whether there was general complaint among the miners of insufBciency
of timbers, — are competent on the question of the incompetency of the
pit boss." Greene. Western American Co. (Wash 1902), 70 Pac. Rep. 310.
2 Cooley Torts, p. 640.
» Shaw V. Bambrick- Bates Co., 102 Mo. App. 666; 77 S. W. gep. 96.
* Shaw». Bambrick- Bates Co., supra. '' The burden of proof is on a
servant to show by a preponderance of the evidence the master's negli-
gence." Boyd V. Blumenthal (Del. 1902), 52 Atl. Rep. 330.
80 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 77
superior or inferior employees,^ and the general rule is that
the burden of establishing an absence of that relation is
upon the party who alleges that the relation of fellow-
servants does not exist,^ it is held, in Illinojis, that the
burden of establishing that the plaintiff, at the time of his
injury, was a fellow-servant with the employee causing his
injury is upon the defendant.^ This holding seems not
only counter to the rule that the plaintiff must show the
relation of vice-principalship, both by his pleading and
proof, in order to recover upon this ground of negligence,
but also at variance with the rule that a party is never
bound to establish a negative proposition, when the exist-
ence of a state of facts alleged by the opposite party is
essential to a recovery.*
§ 77. Evidence that plaintiff . acted upon a negligent
order. — Where the allegation of negligence, upon the part
of an employer, is that he caused, or gave, a negligent order
to the plaintiff, upon which he was acting, at the time of
the injury, in order to justify a recovery, upon this ground of
negligence, it must appear, from the evidence, that the
plaintiff was acting in .pursuance of such negligent order, at
the time of the injury.^ Unless a negligent order of the
defendant, or a vice-principal, is counted upon in the peti-
tion, no evidence of an injury while obeying such an order,
would be competent, as this would be a material variance
1 Cooley Torts, p. 640.
2 Shaw c. Bambrick-Bates Con. Co., 102 Mo. App. 666; 77 S. W. Eep.
96; Vinson v. Morning News Co., 118 Ga. 656; 45 S. E. Rep. 481.
8 Southern Co. v. Stewart, 108 111. App. 652.
* Bliss Code PI., Sec. 102, et sub. In a recent Kansas case, an
instruction which placed the burden of establishing that plaintiff was
Injured by the negligence of a fellow-servant on defendant was held
proper. Con. Kansas City Smelting and Refining Co. v. Osborne, 66 Kan.
393; 71 Pac. Rep. 838.
» Bohn V. Chicago & Alton Co., 106 Mo. 434.
§ 78 EVIDENCE I\ MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 81
from the ground of negligence alleged and the defendant
might not be at all prepared to disprove such an allegation,
unless it was set forth in the petition. ^ Proof that a party,
injured in a mine, proceeded to the shaft to give an order,
but that he did not so proceed, by reason of any direction
from the superintendent, will not sustain a recovery under
a petition alleging that the superintendent gave him an
order to do what he did, at the time.^
§ 78. Burden of proving assumed risk and contrib-
utory negligence. — While, in an action for personal
injuries to a servant, the burden of proving that the defend-
ant was negligent and that the injury to the plaintiff was
caused by such negligence, is generally upon the plaintiff,
the burden of proof is upon the defendant to show that the
injury to the plaintiff was due to his contributory negli-
gence, or that he assumed the risk of the injury, when
entering into the contract of employment with the master.*
Where the evidence of the plaintiff, however, establishes
the defense of assumed risk, or that of contributory negli-
1 Bohn V. Chicago & Alton Co., supra.
2 CardifE Coal Co. ». Waybrlght, 108 111 App. 561. In an action for In-
juries to a minor, under the age of 14 years, in Illinois, evidence that the
defendant's manager some months prior to action, had ordered the in-
jured minor out of the mine, because he was under age, is inadmissible.
Marquette Third Vein Co. v. Dielie, 208 111. 116; 70 N. E.Rep. 17. "In
an action by a servant for personal injuries sustained while working at
the bottom of a quarry under the express order of defendant's foreman,
evidence of the duties of the foreman, and of the relations existing
between the servant and f oreman,and the extent that the servant was sub-
ject to the foreman's order, was admissible. Judgment (1901) 96 111. App.
288, affirmed." Western Stone Co. e. Muscial, 63 N.E. Rep. 664; 196111.
382. Under a declaration in an action by a servant against the master for
personal injuries, evidence that the servant was acting under a specific
order at the time he was injured held admissible. Henrietta Coal Co. v.
Campbell (111.), 71. N. E. Rep. 863.
3 Nord V. Boston & M. Consolidated Copper & Silver Mining Co.
(Mont. 1904), 75 Pac. Rep. 681.
6
82 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 80
gence, then the defendant is entitled to a direction of the
verdict, although neither of these defenses was especially
pleaded, for the court should not ignore the fact thus pre-
sented, although established by the plaintiff himself and
not by the defendant. ^
§ 79. Evidence of prior negligent acts on plaintiff's
part. — Where the defense to an action by an employee
is the contributory negligence of the plaintiff, evidence on
the part of the defendant, of previous negligent acts, on
the plaintiff's part, is held admissible as going to throw-
light upon the transaction in issue, in determining whether
or not the plaintiff was negligent in doing the act which
occasioned the injury.^ The rule, however, would be
limited to evidence of acts, upon the part of the plaintiff,
and not conclusions that a witness might draw from such
acts, with reference to the negligence or care that given
acts would evidence. This would be a question for the
triers of the facts to pass upon, after hearing the facts,
for conclusions, except by experts, are never allowed in
evidence.
§ 80. Evidence of conditions before and after in-
jury. — As a general rule, evidence of the condition of
1 Iowa Gold Mining Co. v. Diefentlialer, 76 Pac. Rep. 981; Bier «.
Hosford, 35 Wash. 544; 77 Pac. Eep. 867; Epperson B. Postal Tel. &c. Co.,
155 Mo. 1. c. 372. " In determining wliether an employee, in doing dan-
gerous work at liis master's express order, acted as an ordinarily prud-
ent man, so as not to assume the risk, the conduct of other men
employed with him at the time is properly taken into account." Illinois
Steel Co. V. Ryska, 65 N. E. Eep. 734; 200 111. 280.
2 Coleman v. Mechanics Iron Co., 2 Amer. Neg. Rep. 374. Bvidencft
of custom on the part of careful employees is sometimes admissible.
International & G. N. Co. v. Penn (Tex. Civ. A.pp. 1904), 79 S.W. Rnp.
624. Evidence of a prior accident, from the same cause, was held inad-
missible in Roche V. Llewellen Iron Works Co., 140 Cal. 663; 74 Pac.
Rep. 147.
§ 80 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 83
premises before an injury, if they are the sailie at the date
of the injury, is admissible, but evidence of the condition
of the place where the injury occurred, subsequent to the
injur}^ is not, generally, admissible, as the plaintiff's right
to recover depends upon the condition at the time of the
injury complained of and the subsequent condition is not
material to the issues in the case. Where the ground of
negligence complained of was a defective condition of the
slope of the shaft and a jerking of the cable, which condi-
tion had existed a sufficient length of time for the defend-
ant to have had knowledge thereof, it was permitted a
witness to state the condition prior to the injury, although
he was not present at the date of the injury in question.^
And where it was alleged that at the time, of the injury
there was no plank at a place where it -was necessary that
one should be kept, the evidence of a witness that he
noticed a plank there about three hours after the accident,
was held competent, as it was also shown that no change
in the conditions had occurred up to the time such plank
was seen by him, and subsequent to the injury to the
plaintiff.^
1 Johnson v. Union Pacific Coal Co. (Utah), 76 Pac. Rep. 1089.
2 Meyers v. Highland Boy Gold Mining Co. (Utah), 77 Pac. Rep. 743.
But injuries to others, before or after an Injury to the plaintiff, is not
admissible. Goble v. Kansas City, 148 Mo. 470; 50 S. "W. Eep. 84.
Where defendant denies control of the instrument or appliance causing
the injury, evidence that a few hours after the injury, he repaired it, is
admissible. Rusher v. Aurora, 71 Mo. App. 418. " In an action for the
death of a servant owing to the fall of a derrick, a photograph taken a
few days alter the accident, showing workmen actually at work repairing
the derrick, was introduced in evidence without objection, and a witness
then testified that the morning after the accident he visited the place
where the derrick was, and saw workmen handling the ties on which the
rails had n-sted to which the derrick had been clamped, and that they
were so decaye.l that when the men carried them away and threw them
down some of them broke. It was plaintiff's theory that the accident
had been caused by the decayed ties. Held, that the mere fact that the
witness stated facts from which the jury might infer that repairs were
84 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 81
§ 81. Evidence of custom in other mines. — Since the
defendant is only required to exercise such a degree of care,
in the conduct of his business, as ordinarily prudent per-
sons in the same kind of business in the same locality are
accustomed to exercise, proof of the custom in other well
regulated mines is usually held to be competent, upon the
issue of the defendant's negligence. ^ In Utah, in an action
by an inexperienced miner for injuries, it was held compe-
tent to introduce evidence as to the custom in the State and
at the defendant's mine, as to requiring an old miner to
work with one of no experience ^ and this, without proof
of the existence of such custom for a sufficient length of
time to constitute it a common law custom.^ But the
evidence of customary acts on the part of other companies,
generally must be limited to the custom among well regu-
lated and ordinarily prudent companies, to be admissible,*
and the witness must qualify by showing a familiarity with
being made did not render the evidence Inadmissible." Dyas v. Southern
Pac. Co. (Cal. 1903), 73 Pac. Eep. 972. " In an action for injuries to a
servant, where plaintiff testified that there was no plank at a place where
It was necessary that there should be one, testimony that about three
hours after the accident an employee noticed that there was a plank
there, where it appeared that no one was working at or about the place
Id the meantime, and it was not shown that there was any change from
the conditions existing at the time of the accident, was competent, as
showing that shortly after the accident the same conditions existed."
Meyers v. Highland Boy Gold Min. Co. (Utah, 1904), 77 Pac. Rep. 347.
"Where the issue was as to the sufficiency of a bolster bucket, evidence
that on prior occasions, in being hoisted, it would strike the sides of
the shaft, is competent. Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Gibson, 66 N. E. Rep.
882. And, to same efEect, see Revolinsky v. Adams Coal Co., 95 N. W.
Eep. 122.
1 Bohn V. C. R. I. & P. Co., 106 Mo. 429.
2 Pence v. California Mining Co., 2.7 Utah, 378; 75 Pac. Rep. 934.
s For full discussion of Common Law and Mining Customs and Rules,
and the evidence by which same are established, see White Mines &
Mining Remedies, Sees. 69, 90, pp. 100 to 116.
* Illinois Central Co. v. Piickett, 210 111. 140; 109 111. App. 468; 71 N.
E. Rep. 435.
§ 82 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 85
the given custom, aside from a knowledge at a few given
plants or mills, for otherwise he is not prepared to testify-
as to the general custom extant in a given locality.^
§ 82. Opinion evidence as to safety of methods. — As
a general rule, comparisons in tools, or methods, between
those in use by the defendant, at the time of an injury to
an employee, and those which the expert witnesses may
deem the safest tools in use, is incompetent and prejudicial
evidence, as this is a matter for the jury to pass on, after
hearing the evidence of the witnessess, as to the safety or
defects in the peculiar tools or appliances or methods in
use.2 In Utah, in an action for injuries from being struck
1 Dolan V. Boot &o. Mills, 185 Mass. 576; 70 N. E. Rep. 1025; Gamel
&c. Co. V. Monfort (Texas), 81 S. W. Rep. 1029. Evidence by a witness
that h^ had noticed one mill wiiere the gearing was boxed in, was held
error, in Marks v. Harriett Mills, 135 N. C. 287 ; 47 S. E. Rep. 432. " In
an action to recover for injuries to a servant, proof of custom is evi-
dence as to whether the act of the master in selecting and furnishing
appliances for the use of his servant was negligent." Anderson v.
Fielding (Minn. 1904), 99 N. W. Rep. 357. "Where, in an action for in-
juries to a driller employed in a stone quarry owing to an explosion of
dynamite while he was trying to load a hole for a blast, he testifies that
the ' drillers ' were accustomed to load holes, and then testifies on cross-
examination that they only loaded them ' occasionally,' his testimony is
of "little force to prove a custom on the part of the drillers to load holes
for blasts." Kopf v. Monroe Stone Co. (Mich. 1903), 95 N. W. Rep. 72;
10 Detroit Leg. N. 185. A custom on the part of drillmen to load drill
holes, is not established by evidence that they " occasionally " did so.
Kopf ». Monroe Stone Co., 95 N. W. Rep. 72. "Evidence in an action
by a coal mine driver for injuries from an overhanging rock, as to a cus-
tom in that mining district respecting the height and width of entries, is
admissible." Hamilton v. Mendota Coal & Mining Co. (Iowa, 1903), 94
N. W. Rep. 283.
* Nash V, Dowling, 93 Mo. App. 156. " In an action by an employee
to recover for injuries resulting from being struck by a rail which fell
from a car on which it and others were being sent to the bottom of a
mine shaft, where plaintiff was working, where the relative safety of
different methods used in letting the cars down into the shaft was not an
issue, opinion evidence concerning the relative safety of methods was
inadmissible." Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co. (Utah, 1904), 76 Pac.
Bep. 1089.
86 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 83
by a rail, being sent down into a mine, opinion evidence as
to tlie relative safety of divers methods for sending down
rails into a mine, was held inadmissible. ^ And in Indiana,
where the action was for an injury from the falling of a
rick of pig iron, comparisons of the rick which fell and
produced the injury with others, which had not fallen, was
held inadmissible.^
§ 83. What promises exempt servant — Commontools. —
For a promise to repair to exempt an employee from as-
sumption of the risk of the business, the promise must be
one upon which he relied and continued in the business upon
the strength of its being fulfilled, for otherwise he will
be held to have assumed the risk, notwithstanding a promise
to substitute or repair a given tool. Where the master
directs the performance of a given duty and the servant
objects and the master either tells him to do the work or
quit the service, this is no assurance of the sufficiency of
the appliances or a promise of safety, in any sense, nor
would the youth or inexperience of the employee, in such
1 Johnson ®. Union Pacific Coal Co., 76 Pac. Eep, 1089.
2 Avery v. Nordyke &.VIarnioQ Co., 70 N. E. Eep. 888. In an action for
an injury from a defective lioisting apparatus an opinion of a witness as
to whether such an Injury could have resulted from a properly construc-
ted appliance, is held to be incompetent, in Luman v. Golden Ancient
Channel Mining Co., 140 Cal. 700; 74 Pac. Rep. 307. " In an action
for the death of a servant, while engaged as a switchman in
the yards of a blast furnace company, owing to defendant's alleged
negligence in not keeping its tracks in repair, the tracks being
used only for the purpose of conveying molten metal from the
furnace to the slag pile, it was error to permit a witness to testify
that he was familiar with the tracks of well-regulated railroads, and that
defendant's tracks were not like the tracks of well-regulated roads."
Sloss-Sheffleld Steel & Iron Co. v. Mobley (Ala. 1904), 36 So. Eep. 181.
Expert witnesses, familiar with the appliances to which the injury is
charged to have occurred, may give their opinions based on their own
actual knowledge of the condition of the appliance. They are not con-
fined entirely to hypothetical questions. Kaminski v. Tudor Iron Works,
167 Mo. 462.
§ 84 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 87
a case, render the employer liable. 1 Nor would a promise
to repair exempt the servant from the assumption of risk,
as to a tool, or appliance with which he was perfectly
familiar, but as to ordinary common labor, with which he
is as familiar as the employer, a promise to make the appli-
ances safer is no exemption from the rule of the assumption
of risk, on the part of the servant. Accordingly, a promise
to a coal hauler that a wagon pin would be repaired, was
held not to exempt him from an assumption of risk, from
a continuance to use such an ordinary common tool ; ^ a
promise to sharpen a dull punch, where the exact condi-
tion of the punch is known and appreciated, is held not to
exempt the servant from the responsibility from a contin-
uance to use it,^and this is the general rule as to common
labor or ordinary tools, with which a full knowledge is
shown, on the part of the employee.*
§ 84. Accident — What evidence of sufficient. — An
employee injured as a result of an accident, which is gen-
erally defined to be an unforeseen occurrence,^ cannot
recover from the employer for such injury.^ The Supreme
Court of Missouri has held that to be an accident,
which one ordinarily skillful in the business, could not
have foreseen or had no reasonable apprehension would
1 Leitner v. Grieb, 104 Mo. App. 173.
2 Baumwdld v. Trenfeman, 88 N. Y. S. 182.
3 Equitable Powder Co. v. Greene, 109 111. App. 403.
4 McCormick Harvester Co. v. Wojciechowski, 111 111. App. 641. But
If the tool Is not one that threatens immediate danger or is one with
which the employee is not entirely familiar, — in this case an ordinary
sledge hammer — he will not be held to have assumed the rist by its
continued use. This opinion is by the Kansas City Court of Appeals.
Bobbins v. Big Circle Mining Co., lOS Mo. App. 78; 79 S. W. Eep.
480.
" Joyce Dam., Sees. 69, 70; Blacli's Law and Prac. in Ace. Cas.,
Sec. 29; Watson Dam. Per. Inj., p. 33; Labatt Mas. & Sery., Sec. 820.
* Ante, idem.
88 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 85
occur. 1 Generally, if an employer is pursuing his usual
and customary course, in the conduct of his business, and
the plaintiff is injured by an unusual occurrence, but such
unusual occurrence is not inferentially the result of an
unusual act of the defendant, then the injury to the plaintiff
is ordinarily held to be due to an accident and the de-
fendant is not responsible therefor.^
§ 85. Doctrine res ipsa loquitur. — The apphcation of
the principle res ipsa loquitur, depends upon the particu-
lar facts of each case. The principle does not apply to
every case of injury, but only to those where mere occur-
rence implies, in the law, a breach of duty.^ The legal
presumption of negligence is conditioned on the absence
of other evidence of negligence, not on the absence of
proper averments of negligence, in the petition. A party
may take advantage of the rule res ipsa loquitur even
though his pleading sets out the facts of the negligence
complained of, provided such facts are the ones which the
legal inference of negligence fairly tends to estabhsh, but
there must always be something which tends to show some
neglect, or omission of duty, as the approximate cause of
the injury.* The mere fact of an injury, under circum-
1 " An accident, which an experienced man in that business could
not, with ordinary care, have foreseen or guarded against, is a hazard
incident to the business, which every man engaged in it assumes lor him-
self." Beasleyu. Transfer Co., 148 Mo. 413.
2 Young ». Missouri Pacific Co., 63 Mo. App. Zoc, eit. 275; Brewing
Assn. ». Talbott, 141 Mo. 674; Higgins v. R. R., 73 Ga. 149; Laflin v. R.
R., 106 N. Y. 136. " The mere occurrence of an accident causing injury
to an employee does not raise even a prima facie presumption that the
master has been guilty of negligence or a breach of duty." Moore Lime
Co. O.Johnson's Adm'r, 48 S. E. Kep. (Va. 1904) 557.
3 Gallaghers. Edison Co., 72 Mo. App. 576.
* Gallagher v. Edison Co., supra. " The maxim ' res ipsa loquitur '
is applicable under certain circumstances in suits by the servant against
his master for damages from the latter's negligence." Palmer Brick Co.
V. Chenall (Ga. 1904), 47 S. E. Rep. 329.
§ 86 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 89
stances which would not raise a presumption that it was
caused by the defendant's negligence is insufficient ; ^ nor
would the mere fact of an injury caused by the falling or
breaking of machinery, which the defendant was operating,
raise such a presumption;^ but where, from the peculiar
facts of the case, the falling of the machinery would raise
a presumption of negligence, or could be caused only by a
breach of duty, on the defendant's pairt,^ or where, from
the facts proven, it is apparent that the injury was caused
by an adequate cause, and that this cause was the defend-
ant's negligence, as where the facts showed an injury from
a falling timber, properly placed against an immovable
upright, since it would not fall without some adequate
cause and the facts lead to the irresistible conclusion that
this cause was the defendant's negligence, the defendant
was held liable, under the principle res ipsa loquitur.^
§ 86. What evidence of necessity for timbering suffl-
oient. — Just to what extent or how far it is necessary to go
1 Carvin v. St. Louis, 151 Mo. 334; 52 S. W. Rep. 210.
2 The mere fact of the absence ot a part of a machine, with proof of
an iujary to a person usin^ it in that condition, does not sustain the al-
legation that the injury was caused by the absence of the detached por-
tion of the machine. Fiefka v. Enapp, Stout & Co., US Mo. 316.
8 Gallagher v. Edison Co., 72 Mo. App. 576.
< Sakewitz v. American Mfg. Co., 78 Mo. App. 144. " In an action to
recover for the death of an employee killed by the caving in of a
mine, in which there is no question of contributory negligence or the
negligence of a fellow -servant but the right to recover depends
solely on the negligence of defendant, the burden of proof on such
issue rests on the plaintiff, and the fact of the cave- in itself carries
no presumption of negligence." Mountain Copper Co. v. Van Buren
(U. S. C C. A., Cal., 1903), 123 Fed. Eep. 61. The cave-in of a mine,
without more, does not show a case of negligence against the defendant,
as the rule res ipsa loquitur would not apply to such an injury, as the
cave-in may have been caused by natural causes, without the interven-
tion of any neglect by the defendant. Mountain Copper Co. v. Van
Buren, 123 Fed. Kep. 61.
90 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 86
into the question of the necessity for timbering in a mine,
depends upon the question of whether the action is under
the terms of a particular statute, and, if so, the language
of that statute, or whether it is based upon the common
law breach of duty in this regard. If brought under the
terms of a statute, the evidence must bring the plaintiff's
case within the purview of the statute and if an element of
willfulness is essential under the statute, it must appear
that there was a knowledge on the part of the employer of
the necessity for timbers or props, for otherwise, there
could be no intentional, or willful violation of the statute. i'
Whenever the statute in its terms does not define the degree
of care, on the employer's part, necessary to constitute a
compliance therewith, then the measure of his care would
depend upon the common law rule and if he failed to furnish
timber, when it was reasonably necessary, he would be guilty
of a breach of duty. This is the construction given to the
Ohio prop statute^ and also to the statute of Missouri, by
the Appellate Court of the State ,^ and the Federal court
has held under the California statute that where the evi-
dence showed that the timbering in a copper mine did not
reach to the roof, or back to the stope, and several hours
before the plaintiff's intestate was killed that small pieces
of rock would fall from the roof, this was held sufficient
1 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. 31.
2 Cecil V. American Sheet Sieel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 542.
* Weston ». Lackawaaa Miaiag Co , 105 Mo. App. 702; Bowerman v-
Lackawana Miniug Co., 98 Mo. App. 308. For a recent cr,itici8m of this
construction ol the Missouri Prop statute, by the Kansas City Court of
Appeals and holding a demand for props a necessary prerequisite to a
liability, see Judge Gantt's opinion in Wojtylak v. Kansas & Texas Coal
Co. (,Mo. Sup. Ct. March, 1905), 87 S. W. Rep, 606. In McDaniels ®.
Koyle Mining Co. (85 S. W. Rep. 679), tile Kansas City Court of Ap-
peals hold that under the Missouri prop statute, a mining company is
liable, where a cave-in results and timbers were not furnished, the
evidence of a necessity for the timbers being shovpn by the cave-in
solely .
§ 87 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 91
evidence of a necessity therefor and failure to furnish tim-
bers, to justify a submission of the case, upon this issue,
to the jury.i
§ 87. Evidence of competency of defendant's em-
ployees. — Where the allegation of negligence in the
petition, is a failure to employ competent or skilled em-
ployees, any evidence on the part of the defendant, which
would counter this charge of negligence, or go to show the
competency or skill of the servants of the defendant, would
be within the issues framed by the pleadings and it would
be error to exclude such evidence on the trial of the case.
In a late Virginia case, the allegation of the negligence
counted upon by the plaintiff, was, "the carelessness,
negligence, incapacity and want of skill on the part of the
defendants, their agents and employees who had charge of
the quarry and works of the defendants." Counsel for
the defendant asked the question: " Did you assign to the
steel gang, any but experienced men? " and, on the court's
refusal to permit the defendant's superintendent to answer
this question, it was held to be reversible error by the
appellate court, as the evidence elicited by the question
squarely met the charge of negligence counted upon by the
plaintiff.^
1 " The testimony of a number of witnesses that tlie timbering in a
copper mine did not reach to the roof, or back of the stope, by several
feet, and that for several hours before the caving in of the root, by which
plaintiff's intestate, working in the mine, was killed, pieces of rock kept
falling from the roof upon and through the timbers, was sufficient to
authorize the submission to the jury of the question of the negligence
of the defendant mining company in failing to keep the mine properly
timbered." Mountain Cooper Co. v. Van Buren, 133 Fed. Rep. 1.
2 Lane Bros. & Co. v. Bauserman (Va. 1904), 48 S. E. Rep. 857. It
would seem, however, that this question, in its form, was objectionable
as asking for a conclusion rather than facts and that the better practice
would have been for the counsel to ask the names of the men employed
and then establish their competency. In the form the question was put,
92 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 88
§ 88. What sufficient evidence of failure to give
warning. — As a general rule, a warning is only required
as to inexperienced servants, where the employer knows of
such inexperience, when they are engaged in such hazard-
ous duties as would lead the employer, as a reasonable
man, to believe that a warning was due to such an employee
to prevent injury to him, in the discharge of his duties. i
"Where an inexperienced employee was under the direction
of a man of more experience, who was teaching him the
It would seem the objection thereto, if made for that reason, ought to
have been sustained. " The burden of proving negligence in selecting
or continuing an unfit servant is upon the plaintiff." Big Stone Gap
Iron Co. V. Ketron (Va. 1903), 45 S. E. Rep. 740. "In showing the in-
competency of a servant, and also the knowledge of the master of such
incompetency, evidence that a number of men refused to work with him
was admissible." Giordano v. Brandywine Granite Co. (Del. 1901), 62
Atl. Rep. 333. "lu an action by a servant for personal injuries, the
presumption Is that the master esercised proper care in the selection
of servants, and if this plaintiff claims that his fellow-servants were
incompetent he must prove it." Klos v. Hudson River Ore & Iron Co.
(N. Y. Sup. 1902), 79 N. Y. S. 156. " In an action against the master
for an accident caused by a fellow-servant, the master was not
compelled to show the cause of the accident, or that it was not caused
by himself or any person in his employ." Giordano o. Brandywine
Granite Co. (Del. 1901), 52 Atl. Rep. 332. " A master is presumed to have
known in regard to the incompetency of a fellow- servant what was gen-
erally known by those among whom such servant worked and lived, and
what he might have known by the exercise of due care and diligence."
Giordano ». Brandywine Granite Co., 52 Atl. Rep. 332. "In an action
by a miner to recover for injuries resulting from falling rooks in the
mine on the ground that the mine owner had failed to furnish necessary
timber to support the walls and roof, and that an incompetent pit boss
was employed, the question: What is a jump? whether in the geological
change from a horizontal to an almost perpendicular, near where the
coal is pinched out and reaches the gravel, there is a changed condition
from hard to soft? whether there would be a similarity between the coal
formation near such point and that at a distance therefrom? and what
changes the condition of coal near the gravel or near a vault? are
competent." Green e. Western American Co. (Wash. 1902), 70 Pac.
Rep. 310.
1 Mitchell V. Chicago &c. Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 83 S. W. Rep. 289. '
§ 88 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 93
duties of his employment and the proper way to discharge
such duties, so as to avoid injury, an order to oil machinery,
without informing or warning the inexperienced and
ignorant employee of the proximity of uncovered gearing
and cog wheels, into which he was liable to catch his feet
in stepping off the ladder, as he could not see them on
account of the darkness, is negligence sufficient to warrant
a recovery, for an injury from getting his feet hurt, while
such inexperienced employee was executing the order
given him by the employee of superior experience and
training.!
1 Shickle-Harrlson and Howard Iron Co. v. Beck, 212 111. 268; 72
N. E. Rep. 423. " A servant employed in hauling cars loaded with coal,
running on rails in a coal mine, who knew the way to be dangerous at
some poiut in its course, but who relied on an assurance given him by a '
fellow-servant that the latter would go with him and show him the dan-
ger and what to do, and proceeded, assumed the risk whether the fellow-
servant went with him or not, though it was the duty of the master to
warn him of the dangers of the way." Collingwood v. Illinois & I.
Fuel Co. (Iowa, 1904), 101 N. W. Eep. 283. " Iq ao action for injuries
to a servant by the explosion of a tube, evidence that defendant's wit-
ness conducting an experiment in the premises had given no warning to
plaintiff or other employees of the perils of the work in which witness
was engaging was admissible." Cameron o. B. Roth Tool Co. (Mo.
App. 1904), 83 S. W. Rep. 279. " The defense of a fellow-servant is not
available where one engaged in a quarry in breaking stone is injured
through failure of the superintendent to give or provide fur the giving
of a warning when rocks were rolled down." Turrentiae v. Wellington
(N. C. 1904), 48 S. E. Rep. 639. "An inexperienced person going to
work in a mine assumes only the ordinary risks incident to his employ-
ment, and, where he has nothing to do with the timbeiing of the mine,
he has the right to assume that it is properly done by his employer,
unless advised to the contrary, or the danger is obvious." Moumain
Copper Co. v. VanBuren, 133 Fed. Eep. 1. "Where an employee is
sent into a place provided by the master, where discovery of a defect is
difficult, he has a right to assume, in the absence of any circumstances
creating a doubt in his mind, that his safety has been reasonably pro-
vided for." Clark v. Wolverine Portland Cement Co. (Mich. 1904), 101
N. W. Eep. 845; 11 Detroit Leg. N. 723. "The measure of the master's
duty to watch and protect his servant from the dangers incident to his
employment must be determined from the circumstances of each case,
94 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 89
§ 89. Evidence of enforcement of pule. — It is not
sufficient for the master to simply make and promulgate a
given rule, with reference to the work of his employees, or
the management of the different departments of his busi-
including the experience or lack of experience of the servant. It is
true the master is under no duty to warn a servant of dangers which
are obvious and apparent to one of ordinary intelligence, but In deter-
mining what dangers are obvious and apparent, tlie experience or lack
of experience of the servant must be considered." Shickle-Harrison &
Howard Iron Co. v. Beck, 112 111. App. 444. In the following cases the
evidence was held to sliow negligence in failing to give warning. An
employee erecting a fence, as to the danger of being shot by an adverse
occupant. Baxter u. Roberts, 44 Cal. 188; 13 Amer. Rep. 160. The fact
that the labor performed was in violation of an injunction. Finney v.
St. Paul M. &M. Co., 43 Minn. 496; 47 N. W. Rep. 78. An inexperi-
enced employee of the danger of operating cars upon a steep tramway.
Alabama Coal & Coke Co. v. Pitts, 98 Ala. 185; 13 So. Rep. 285. An
inexperienced employee of the danger of blasting loosening the rocks of
the pillars and roofs of drifts. Jones v. Florence Mining Co., 66 Wis.
268; 57 Am. Rep. 269; 28 N. W. Rep. 207. A blacksmith's apprentice
of the danger of gases bursting the bellows. Eeisert v. Williams, 51
Mo. App. 13. The danger to an inexperienced youth from cog wheels
and gearing. Rannell v. Dilworth P. & Co., 131 Pa. 509; 19 Atl. Rep.
345. The danger of molten iron or hot slag exploding when brought in
contact with water, in any form. McGowan v. LaPlata Min. & Smelting
Co., 3 McCreary, 393; 9 Fed. Rep. 861; Holland v. Coal &c. Co., 90 Ala.
444; 12 L. B. A. 232; 8 So. Rep. 524; Rebicku. Lake Superior Smelting
Co., 123 Mich. 406; 48 L. R. A. 649; 82 N. W. Rep. 279; Redmond v.
Butler, 168 Mass. 367; 47 N. E. Rep. 108; Hill v. Meyer. Bros. Drug
«o., 140 Mo. 433; 41 S. W. Rep. 909; Hunt v. Desloge Lead Co. (Mo.
App. 1904), 79 S. W. Rep. 710. The danger of handling dynamite to an
inexperienced employee. Mather ». Rillston, 156 U. S. 391 ; 39 L. Ed.
464; 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 464; Bertha Zinc Co. v. Martin, 93 Va. 791; 22
S.E.Rep.569; Loprano». N. Y. &Ind. D. Co., 65Hun, 452; 8 N. Y. Supp.
717; Grimaldi v. Lane, 117 Mass. 565; 59 N. E. Rep. 451; Burke v.
Andersen, 69 Fed. Eep. 814; 34 U. S. App. 133; 16 Cir. Ct. App. 442;
Myeberg v. B. & S. M. R. Co., 25 Wash. 364; 65 Pac. Rep. 539. The
danger to an inexperienced employee of falling in a lime kiln with the
rock when it subsides. Parkhurst v. Johnson, 50 Mich. 70; 45 Amer.
Rep. 28; 15 N. W. Eep. 107. The danger to an inexperienced laborer of
the falling of a perpendicular bank of earth. Daly v. Kiel, 106 La. 170;
80 So. Rep. 254; Quigley v. Bambrick, 58 Mo. App. 192.
§ 90 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 95
ness, but he must also see to it that such rule is enforced,
for if he fails to enforce the rule it is the same as though
no rule at all is made or promulgated and for an injury
from the violation of a rule, if the master has not seen to
the enforcement of the rule, he has waived the provisions
thereof, so far as an insistence upon a compliance therewith
by the employee is concerned, and the rule that he had
abandoned, would not furnish the master a defense to the
action of his employee, injured by reason of a failure to
comply therewith.^
§ 90. Reasonableness and sufflciency of rule . — Like
a custom that is unreasonable or opposed to common right,
which the courts will always hold void, in law,^ a rule of
an employer, to be upheld by the courts, must be reason-
able in its application to the business of the employer and
not calculated, in its enforcement, to deprive the employees
of any substantial rights.^ In Illinois, in a recent case, a
rule was held to be unreasonable, in forbidding miners
from leaving their work, at a particular portion of the
mine,^ at a stated hour, for any reason whatever. As
applied to the case before the court, it was held that such a
rule was contrary to the statute in preventing the employee
from leaving the mine when he had been prevented from
1 Johnson v. Union Pacific Coal Co. (Utah, 1904}, 76 Pac. Rep. 1089.
" Where, in an action for injuries 1o a miner, negligence was alleged, in
that defendant failed to promulgate and enforce a rule that the trap-
doors at the top of the shaft should be closed when the hoist bucket was
being unloaded at that place, evidence of defendant's son that the super-
intendent of the mine was directed to instruct the employees that such
doors should be closed at such times, offered in support of the testimony
of plaintiff's fellow-servant, who alone testified that instructions con-
cerning the closing of such doors had been actually given to the em-
ployees, is inadmissible, as being of a self-serving character." Weeks
V. Scharer (U. S. C. C. A., Colo. 1904), 129 Fed. Eep. 333.
' White Mines & Mining Rem., Sec. 72, and cases cited.
» Mellors v. Shaw, 9 Mor. Min. Rep. 678.
96 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 91
doing further work.i Whether a given rule is, or is not
reasonable and intelligent, is a question of law for the court;
but the application of a given rule to the duty performed
bv an employee, where such question is in doubt, is an issue
of fact, for the jury to pass upon.^
§ 91. What evidence of willfulness suflacient. — It fre-
quently happens that in order for a plaintiff to recover for
injuries in a mine for the violation of the provisions of a
statute applying to the facts in the case, that it is essential
to show a " willful " violation of the statutes by the em-
ployer, in order to have any standing under the terms of
the statute.^ The " Prop Statute," of Missouri, of 1881,
and the Coal Mine Act of Illinois, of 1899, require a " will-
ful " violation of the terms of the statute, to entitle an
injured miner to recover damages thereunder.* " Willful"
in these acts is held to be used in the sense of " designed"
or " intentional," ^ and in order to recover it is generally
essential for the miner to show an intentional violation of
the statute.^ However, no more technical meaning is given
the word " willful," as used in the statute than an " inten-
1 Junction Mining Co. v. Ench, 111 111. App. 346.
2 LeDuc V. Norlli Pac. Co. (Minn. 1904), 100 N. W. Rep. 108.
s This is the case, under the Missouri " Prop Statute," as construed
by the Supreme Court, in 1892. Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110
Mo., page 39, construing Sections It and 16, Act March 28, 1881. As
construed by the Kansas City Court of Appeals, In Bowerman v. Lacka-
wana Mining Co. (98 Mo. App. 308), and Weston v. Lackawana Mining
Co. (105 Mo. App. 703) neither the necessity for props or a previous
request therefor is essential to a recovery, by an injured miner. But for
criticism of this holding, by the Supreme Court, see Wojtylak o. Kan.
& Tex. Coal Co., 87 S. W. Rep. 606.
4 Laws Missouri, 1881, Sees. 14 and 16; Laws 111. 1899; Sees. 7 and
8, pp. 808, 809.
6 State V. Clark, 29 N. J. L. 98; Cone v. Beads, 9 Gray, 298; Leslie
V. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110. Mo., page 39.
6 Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 590; Hawley v. Dally, 13 Bradw.
; Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., supra.
§ 92 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 97
tional " failure to perform a statutory duty, and this would
be held to be a " willful "violation, or refusal, both under
the holdings in Illinois ^ and the decisions in the State of
Missouri. 2 But to constitute an " intentional " refusal to
comply with the statute, there must be evidence of a known
violation of the statute, for without knowledge, there could
be no willfulness, for the " willfulness consists in a failure
or refusal to do what the law requires, after notice that the
necessity existed." ^
§ 92. What evidence of willful disregard of rule sufll-
oient. — Generally, wherever it is shown that a reasonable
rule, properly promulgated and enforced by the master,
intended for the protection of the servant, has been vio-
lated, this is sufficient evidence of his contributory negli-
gence, to prevent a recovery by him for an injury conse-
quent upon such violation of the rule, on his part.* But,
ordinarily, to constitute a bar to an action for such an in-
jury, it is not only necessary to show that such rule had
been brought to the attention of the employee, but it must
also be shown that his violation thereof was intentional or
was not the result of an unavoidable occurrence on his part.
And where a rule prevented miners from leaving a particu-
lar portion of a mine at a given time and the absence of
the plaintiff was due wholly to his sickness and not to his
negligence, this was held, in Illinois, by the appellate
1 Fulton V. Wilmingtou Star Mining Co., 133 Fed. Rep. 193; Niantlo
Coal MlQing Co. v. Leonard, 126 111. 216; Beard v. Skeldon, 113 111. 684;
Wesley C. C. Co. v. Healer, 84 111. 128.
2 Leslie V. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo., page 39; Durant v.
Lexington Coal Mining Co., 97 Mo. G6. But see, Bowerman o. Lacka-
wana Mining Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; Western o. Lackawana Mining Co.,
105 Mo. App. 703, criticised in Wojtylak o. K. & T. Coal Co., 87 S. W.
Eep. 506.
8 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. loc. cit. 40.
* In Last Chance Mining Co. v. Ames (23 Colo. 167), the violated
rule prevented more than one man from riding a car at a time.
7
98 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCrDBNT CASES. § 93
court, to show no such willful violation of the rule as to
prevent a recovery for a resultino; injury to such employee. ^
§ 93. Employment of cUild, ia violation of statute. —
Where the negligent act, which occasions the injury, is not
due so much to the negligent condition of the ways or work
of the employer, as the violation of a statutory duty, in
the employment of one whom the statute places as under
the age of assumption of risk, as where the statute forbids
the employment of children in mines, it seems that a less
degree of actionable negligence would be held sufficient to
show a liability against the employer, in case of injury to
such an employee, for the reason that the employer would
violate the duty placed upon him by the law, in the very
act of employing such a child. Negligence would arise in
the act of entering into the contract of employment and in
a recent case, this would seem to have been held sufficient
to justify a recovery as against the employer, without proof
of a specific negligent act, contributing to the injury sued
for.^ But this holding occurring in a State where neither
the defense of assumed risk or contributory negligence is
held to be a defense to an action for the breach of
statutory duty, this case would perhaps not be followed
in those States where such defenses obtain, and, upon
principle, it would seem, that while a violation of the stat-
ute ought to subject the employer to any penalty placed
upon him, as a result of a breach of such statutory duty,
it ought not to render him liable for injuries not so resulting,
without some evidence upon which to show a violation of
duty directly occasioning the injury complained of .^
1 Junction Mining Co. v. Bnch, 111 111. App. 346.
2 "The owner of a mine, who employs a child in such mine, contrary
to III. Mining Act, Sec. 22, is liable for any injury which occurs in Its
mine, and by the operation of such mine, to such child." Marquette-
Third Vein Coal Co. ■». Dielie, 110 111. App. 684.
s Dresser Emp. Liab., Sec. 51 et sub.
§ 94 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 99
§ 94. Defective hoister rope — Evidence of contributory
negligence. — In a recent California case, where the injury
resulted from the breaking of a hoister rope, the plaintiff
was held to be guilty of contributory negligence and the
facts were that the rope, by which he was being lowered
into the mine, had been used by himself and co-employees
to pull buckets of dirt out of the mine drift, instead of
using a wheelbarrow for the purpose, and that this use
had caused the rope, where it would run over the sharp
flint rock in the roof of the drift, to get worn and cut and
the condition of the rope was held to be due to the negli-
gent use thereof by the plaintiff and his fellow-servants.
It was also shown, by the evidence, that a safe and prop-
erly constructed ladder was located in the shaft of the mine,
which could have been used by the plaintiff and that this
was a safer means of entry into the shaft than the rope
and hoister and this was also held to be negligence on his
part, by the selection of the more dangerous of the two
ways to enter the shaft. ^
1 Gribben v. Yellow Aster Mining Co., 142 Cal. 248; 76 Pac. Rep. 839.
" A servant was injured by the fall of a heavy timber, due to the break-
ing of the Inch rope by which it was being lowered. The master was
personally superintending the work. The rope had been in use in the
work lor some time, was old, and, owing to the manner of doing the
work, was subject to constant friction. It broke without extraordinary
strain, and had parted the day before. Held, that the evidence required
the submission of the master's negligence to the jury." Geldard v. Mar-
shall (Or.- 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 330. "Evidence in an action by a miner
for injuries from defective hoisting machinery held to show that the
proximate cause of the injury was the negligence of a fellow-servant in
charge thereof." Luman v. Golden Ancient Channel Min. Co., 74 Pac.
Eep. 307. "Evidence in an action by a miner for injuries from alleged
defective appliances for hoisting held to sustain findings that the machin-
ery was not defective." Xiuman v. Golden Ancient Channel Min. Co.,
(Cal. 1903), 74 Pac. Eep. 307. " A complaint, in anaction by a servant for
personal injuries, alleged that plaintiff, while working at the bottom of
a shaft, was injured by the overturning of a bucket used to hoist earth,
caused by the defective condition of an iron ring used with the bucket.
100 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 95
§ 95. Negligence in drilling into unexploded blast. —
In a late North Carolina case, in an action for injuries re-
ceived while drilling out an unexploded blast in a rock
quarry, it appeared that the defendant's vice-principal, in
charge of the quarry, without himself making an examina-
tion of the drill hole, ordered the plaintiff and his co-
employees to clean it out. While doing so the blast
exploded, causing the injuries sued for, and it was held
that there was sufficient evidence of negligence to submit
the issue to the jury.^ In Kentucky a similar rule is
adopted and the liability of the employer is predicated
upon the duty to provide a reasonably safe place. The un-
exploded shot is held to be evidence of an unsafe place,
and the fact that it is left by a fellow-servant is held to be
immaterial as affecting the master's liability.^ But in
It was alleged that the ring was cracked, and too weak to withstand
the strain required of it, and that plaintifl, owiag to the semidarkness,
was unable to inspect the ring closely, but believed it to be sufficient.
Held, that evidence by another laborer, who worked at the bottom
of the shaft, that it was so dark there that he could not determine
the condition of the ring without making an actual examination, was
proper." Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Gibson (Ind. 1903), 66 N. E. Eep.
882.
1 Harris o. Balfour Quarry Co. (N. C. 1904), 49 S. E. Rep. 96.
2 Harp V. Cumberland T. & T. Co., 25 Ky. Law Rep. 2133; 80 S. W.
Eep. 510. " Where, in an action for injuries to a miner by an explosion,
it was claimed that the injury resulted from defendant's negligence In
furnishing a quicker fuse than had been previously furnished without
notifying plaintifE thereof, a question as to how far away plaintiff had
got on the other shifts before the shots went off was proper, as tending
to show that the fuse used at the time of the accident was quicker than
those used on the preceding shifts." Hedlun v. Holy Terror Min. Co.,
92 N. W. Rep. 31. '' In an action for injuries to a miner from the
premature explosion of a blast he was loading, his testimony that he had
used powder of the explosive quality ordinarily furnished, and had also
previously used, without injury, powder of the higher explosive power
possessed by that used on the occasion in question, removes from the
dominion of conjecture a finding that, had plaintiff known of the more
dangerous character of the powder employed, he would have been able
;by increased care to avoid the accident." Chambers v. Chester, 72 S. W.
Jleo. 904.
§ 96 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 101
Missouri,^ an employee injured from drilling into an unex-
ploded shot is held to assume the risk as an inci-
dent to his employment and the master is held not
liable for an injury from such a cause, and this seems to,
be in accord with the weight of authority upon this
question.^
§ 96. Death from suffocation — Presence of combusti-
ble material. — In a late case, in Utah, in an action for the
death of a coal miner from suffocation, caused by a fire in
the mine, evidence of the defendant's negligence in per-
mitting combustible material to remain in the mine was
held to be sufficient evidence of negligence to entitle the
plaintiff to a submission of the cause to the jury, upon
this issue, as the material left in the mine was of such a
1 Livengood v. Joplin Mining & Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; 77 S. W.
Rep. 1077.
2 See, also, Browne v. King, 100 Fed. Kep. 561; Kopf v. Stone Co., 95
N. W. Bep. 72; Hendsley v. Williams, 23 Atl. Rep. 365; Welcli v. Grace
(Mass.), 1 Amer. Neg. Rep. 614; CuUen v. Norton, 126 N. T. 1; Mast v.
Kern (Oregon), 5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 88; Lanza ». Le Grand Quarry Co.
(Iowa), 11 Amer. Neg. Rep. 209. " In an action by a servant for injuries
sustained from a blastwhile employed in a quarry, plaintifE's testimony
that he had had no experience in a quarry, had never been where they
were blasting, and did not know how far or with what force rociss would
fly when blasted, was admissible in rebuttal on the issue of contributory
negligence." Neilspn v. Nebo Brownstone Co. (Utah, 1902), 69 Pac. Hep.
289. ''Where it was claimed that injuries to an experienced miner were
caused by defendant's negligence in furnishing a quicker fuse with which
to set off a blast than had been previously furnished without informing
plaintiff thereof, and it was shown that there was a substantial difEer-
ence iu so-called standard fuses as to the rapidity with which they burn,
which difference was not discernible to even experienced miners, evi-
dence thit in plaintiff's opinion the fuse used on the morning of the
accident was not of the same quality or character as the fuse previously
used by him was not objectionable on the ground that there was no
claim that the fuse was defective, or insufficient, or not of standard
make." Hedlun v. Holy Terror Min. Co. (S. D. 1902), 92 N. W. Rep. 31.
102 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 98
character as made it liable to be ignited from the miners
oil lamps in their hats.^
§ 97. Proving notice of injury, when required by stat-
ute. — In some of the States, notice of the time and place
of an injury to an employee is required to be given to the
employer, as a condition precedent to the right to sue for
such injury ,2 and where such statutes are in force, the
plaintiff has no right of action, for an injury received
while in the service of his employer, unless he proves that
he gave the notice required by the statute.^ But the de-
fense that no notice was given, as required by the Massa-
chusetts law, is unavailing, where, from the nature and
character of the defect, the servant did not know of the
§ 98. Failure to furnish screen to furnace, negli-
gence, when. — Where the defendants maintained and
operated a blast furnace, from which molten iron and other
dangerous material was liable to be thrown, without warn-
ing, from the mouth of the furnace, and the defendants,
knowing this danger from the use of the furnace, had pro-
vided a screen for the front of the furnace, to prevent the
escape of molten iron therefrom, and after repairing the
furnace the screen was left off and was not replaced in
front of the furnace, and as a result, the plaintiff was in-
jured by molten metal flying from the furnace upon him,
the defendant's failure to have the screen replaced in front
of the furnace was held sufficient evidence of negligence to
submit the issue to the jury, in Missouri.®
' Utah Savings & Trust Co. v. Diamond Coal & Coke Co., 26 Utah, 299;
78 Pac. Rep. 624.
2 Mass. Rev. Laws, Ch. 106, Sec. 77; Laws N. Y. 1902, Ch. 600, p.
1748.
s Johnson v. Roach, 82 N. Y. Supp. 208; 83 App. Div. 851.
* Murphy v. Marston Coal Co , 183 Ma.-s. 385; 67 N. B. Rep. 342.
« Curtis V. McNair, 173 Mo. 270; 73 S. W. Rep. 167.
§ 9y EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 103
§ 99. Evidence that defendant is insured incompetent.
It is quite a common occurrence, of recent years, for
those engaged in mining and similar vocations and hazard-
ous trades, where employees are bound to be subjected
to more or less danger in the performance of their
ordinary duties, to carry insurance upon their business,
generally known as an "employers' indemnity policy,"
by the terms of which the insurers agree to hold the
insured harmless, upon stated conditions, for any damages
recovered for personal injuries to employees, engaged
in the service of the insured. ^ These contracts are very
generally held to be purely a transaction between the
employer and the insurance company, with which the
employee is not at all concerned, and hence, in an action
for injuries to an employee, against an employer, who
is protected by such a policy, it is not relevant or material
to the issues in such a case, to establish the fact of
such insurance.^ Indeed, in some cases, a mere reference
to such a fact, by counsel, in the presence and hearing
of a jury, on account of the known prejudice of juries
1 The forms ol these policies differ, but are substantially the same
and are now in quite general use in all mialug sections, for the great
prevalency of actions for personal Injuries, of late years, on account
of the departure, by the courts, from the common law doctrines,
in such cases, makes the conduct of the business, where the employer
is forced to carry his own risk, extremely hazardous. " Evidence that
an employer carried accident insurance to protect itself against loss
from injuries to its employees was inadmissible in an action against
the employer for injuries to an employee." Roche v. Llewellyn
Ironworks Co. (Cal. 1903), 74 Pac. Eep. 147. The fact of insurance
on the part of the employer was held incompetent, In Sawyer o. Arnold
Co., 90 Me. 369; 38 Atl. Eep. 333; Anderson v. Duckworth, 162 Mass.
251.
2 Evidence in an action by an employee for personal injuries that
the employer requested an insurance company insuring the employer
against loss from injuries to its employees, to defend the action, was
inadmissible. Eoche v. Llewellyn Ironworks Co. (Cal. 1903), 74 Pac.
Rep. 147.
104 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 100
against insurance companies, has been held to be reversible
error.i
§ 100. Variance — Proof must correspond with plead-
ing. — As a general rule, in actions for injuries from
negligence, the doctrine is most strictly enforced that the
1 Lipschuiz V. Boss, 84 S. Y. Sup. 632. In Manigold v. Black Eiver
Co. (84 N. y. S. 861; 81 App. Div. 381), plaintiff's counsel asked a
physician il he had not tried to settle with plaintiff and if he had not
represented an accident insurance company. The answer was excluded,
but It was held, that in the absence of a showing to the contrary,
the mere asking of the question, by plaintiff's counsel, would be pre-
sumed prejudicial and the cause, lor this reason, was reversed. But
for cases where the remarks of counsel were held not prejudicial,
see, Hedlum b. Holy Terror Mining Co. (S. D. 1902; 92 N. W. Rep. 31),
where a release was procured by an agent of an accident company
and it was held proper for counsel to comment on the methods employed
to get it, and also. Burgess v. Stowe (Mich. 1903; 96 N. W. Rep, 29),
where the remarks of counsel did not go to the extent of commenting
on this Incompetent phase of the case. Evidence that the employer
carried insurance is held inadmissible, in the following cases. Roche v.
Llewellyn Ironworks Co., 140 Cal. 563; 74 Pac. Rep. 147; Barrett v.
Bonham Oil Co. (Tex.), 57 S. W. Rep. 602; Sawyer v. Arnold Co. (Me.),
38 Atl. Rep. 333. "Plaintiff alleged that, having sued his employer, a
mining company, for injuries, defendant insurance company, unlawfully,
willfully, and maliciously, without Interest, ' maintained the mining
company' by prosecuting an appeal from a judgment in favor of
plaintiff; that defendant paid all the expenses of the appeal, which
resulted in a reversal, after which defendant maintained the defense
at its own expense, and in various ways caused delay, until plaintiff only
succeeded in recovering a second judgment after the mining company
became insolvent, and was then compelled to accept $1,000 in settlement
of a judgment for $3,500; that, but lor the defendant's unlawful inter-
ference, plaintiff would have collected the first judgment, and would
have secured a second judgment in time to have collected it before the
mining company became insolvent. Held, that the petition stated a
cause of action for maintenance. ' Where an insurance company has
indemnified a corporation from liability for injuries to its employees,
it is not a volunteer in defending an action against insured for such
injuries, and is therefore not liable, as an intermeddler, for mainte-
nance." Breeden v. Frankfort Marine Accident & Plate Glass Insurance
Co. (Kansas City Court of Appeals, Missouri, Feb. 27, 1905); 85 S, W.
Eep. 930; 60 Cent. Law Jour, 429.
§ 100 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. 105
allegation of the petition and the evidence, at the trial, as
to the cause of the injury and grounds of negligence, upon
which a recovery is predicated, must correspond, and for any
variance, material to the defendant, between the pleading
and proof, if timely taken advantage of, the rights of the
defendant will be protected. ^ Where the ground of neg-
ligence alleged by the plaintiff was that he was put at work,
by the defendant, without notice or warning of the dangers
of the situation, but the evidence, at the trial, developed
that the real cause of the injury was a defective
appliance furnished the plaintiff , a nonsuit was held prop-
erl}' directed. 2 But a mere variance which would not
essentially affect the rights of the defendant, or materially
change the defense to the action, would not be regarded as
material by the court, and it has been held that where
the petition alleges knowledge on the part of the defendant
of the defects or dangers occasioning the injury, it is not
a substantial variance, to permit evidence of constructive
1 Studenroth v. Hammond Co., 106 Mo. App. 480; 81 S. W. Bep. 487.
"In a suit by a servant for the nesligence oJ his master, evidence
of the circumstances attending the transaction resultingia the injury are
admissible, though such evidence may show other acts of negligence
than the one alleged; but the evidence will not justify a recovery, un-
less the specific act of negligence is established. " Palmer Brick Co. v.
Chenall (Ga.l904),4:7 S. E. Eep. 329. " Where, in an action by an employee
for personal injuries, the petition sets forth general allegations of negli-
gence, followed by an averment of the specific act of negligence, there
can be no recovery, unless the specific act is established to the satis-
faction of the jury." Palmer Brick Co. v. Chenall, 47 S. E. Eep. 329.
Evidence to the effect that a mine entry was in " fair" condition does
not establish that its condition was "safe" Junction Mia. Co. v.
Ench, 111 111. App. 346. " In an action for injuries to a servant, evidence
held to show thst plaintiff was Injured by the swinging of a scale board,
as alleged in his petition, and not by reason of having been ordered
under the scale board as alleged in a rejected amendment. " Simonds
V. Georgia Iron and Coal Co. (U. S. C. C. A., Ga. 1904), 133 Fed. Rep.
776; judgment affirmed Georgia Iron & Coal Co. v. Simonds, Id. 1019.
2 Moyer v Ramsey Brisbane Stone Co., 119 Ga. 734; 46 S. E. Rep.
844.
106 EVIDENCE IN MINING ACCIDENT CASES. § 100
knowledge, arising from proof of the dangers of the con-
dition and the length of time that same had continued,
without proof of actual knowledge, on defendant's part.^
1 Currelli ». Jackson, 77 Conn. 115; 58 At). Rep. 762. Where the
allegation of negligence is that an appliance was defective In that It was
made out of cast steel, instead of malleable iron, unless the evidence
shows that it was so made, there is a fatal variance. Breeden v. Big
Circle Mining Co. (Mo. App. 1903), 76 S. W. Rep. 731. But a mere
variance as to the details of the injury will not justify a nonsuit. Nord
V. Boston & M.. Con. Copper & Silver Min. Co., 75 Pac. Rep. 681. "Un-
der a complaint against a master for injury to an employee, alleging
negligence, in that the injury was caused by the incompetency of de-
fendant's superintendent, B., In directing the execution of the work in
an unsafe manner, and in ordering plaintiff to do a hazardous act not
so known to be by B., on account of his incompetency, evidence that B.
was a vice-principal, and, while not incompetent, was negligent, is not
admissible." Harris v. Balfour Quarry Co. (N. C. 1902) 42 S. E. Eep.
873. " In an action for the death of a servant owing to the breaking of
a ladder forming part of a scaffolding, that the declaration alleged that
defendant ' was possessed of and owned a certain ladder,' and the proof
showed that defendant had been possessed of the ladder, but the owner-
ship was in doubt, constituted no variance, the ownership being imma-
terial." Ehlen v. O'Donnell, 68 N. E. Rep. 766.
CHAPTER VI.
ISSUES PROPEELT SUBMITTED TO JURY.
Section 101. In general, all disputed questions of fact.
102. Nature and cause of injury.
103. When proximate cause of injury jury question.
104. Injury from act of vice-principal.
105. Capacity in which foreman acted,
106. Assumption of risk jury question, in Missouri.
107. Wisconsin rule, jury question, when evidence disputed.
108. Objections to this doctrine.
109. When contributory negligence ajnry question.
110. When issue of fellow-servants should be submitted to
jury.
111. When negligence of defendant a jury question.
112. Same — When based upon statutory negligence.
113. Same — Injury from projecting set screw.
11 4. Injuries from failure to timber roof of mine.
115. Whether defendant's negligence caused rope to break.
116. Injury from breaking of iron handle.
117. Waroing of the plaintiff a jury question.
118. Safety of place a jury question — Peremptory instruction
regarding.
119. Reasonableness, promulgation and enforcement of rule.
120. Breaking of hook on cable, used to pull cars.
121. Issue as to proper construction of derrick.
122. Injury from slipping of earth and gravel bank.
123. Issue as to foul air aad presence of gas.
124. Failure to discover unexploded blast.
125. Shifting of belt, under foreman's order.
126. Safety of appliance causing injury.
127. Upon failure to inspect mine.
128. Jury Issues in injuries from hoisting appliances.
129. Other instances of jury cases.
§ 101. In general — All disputed questions of fact. —
In the organization of the court, where a jury is selected,
as an adjunct of the other officers of the court, for
(107)
108 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 101
the trial of a case, their peculiar office is to pass
upon all disputed questions of fact submitted to them
by the court and within the lines of their function, as
triers of the facts, they operate along independent
lines and within the scope of the powers parceled out
to them, in the trial of a case, they are independent of
the judge or other officers of the court. It is a familiar
platitude to trial lawyers that juries are the " sole judges
of the ci'edibility of the witnesses" and of the faith and
credit to be given to their testimony, and this follows as a
necessary consequence of their powers to pass upon the
facts testified to, for if the witness is not to be believed,
the facts testified to will count for little and it would not
do to let the judge tell the jury that this or that witness
was unworthy of credit, for this would amount to a prac-
tical usurpation of the power of the jury. The judge
passes upon all questions of law in the case being tried and
defines and lays down, for the consideration and determina-
tion of the jury, the issues of fact, and the jury, as to all
issues submitted to them, pass upon the facts and deter-
mine which of the litigants, in the light of all the evidence
in the case, ought or ought not to recover. Not being
familiar with the rules of evidence, juries are sometimes
prompted by matters that should not influence them, to
return verdicts that are not always in accordance with the
safest guides for recognizing the right and wrong side, in
a lawsuit; but, on the whole, the verdicts of juries,
although tending toward the humane and charitable, if
not the emotional, are generally responsive to the equitable
promptings of the human heart and for this reason, no
better institution has yet been discovered, in the practical
administration of justice, than the common-law jury of
twelve men, presided over by a judge, learned in the law
to direct and supervise their findings. The lawful jury,
consisting of "twelve good and lawful men," are usually
§ 102 ISSUES PKOPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 109
competent to pass upon most questions of fact that arise
in the trial of a lawsuit, and as experience has proven
that their findings are more often right than wrong, the
courts will not interfere with verdicts, unless clearly the
result of passion or prejudice and opposed to natural jus-
tice or the instructions of the court. For this reason all
disputed questions of fact are submitted to the jury and
their finding, if in accord with the law, as given to them
by the court, is usually conclusive upon the parties whose
differences are submitted to them to decide. ^
§ 102. Nature and cause of injury, in general. — Re-
gardless of the specific ground of negligence upon which
the action is based, the nature and cause of the injury to
the plaintiff and the bearing and effect of the negligence of
the defendant and whether or not it was the direct or re-
mote cause of the injury, are, primarily, jury questions.^
And where the evidence of the plaintiff furnishes one cause
for the injury and that resulting from the negligence of
the defendant and the evidence of the defendant supplies
another cause, not under its control, this will not justify a
peremptory instruction for the defendant, under the prin-
ciple that where the undisputed evidence presents a case
' " I£ there is uncertainty, on all the evidence, as to the existence of
negligence or contributory negligence, whether arisi ng from a conflict of
testimony, or because, the facts being undisputed, fair-minded men
may honestly draw different conclusions therefrom, the case should not
be withdrawn from the jury." Tenn. Coal, Iron &c. Co. v. Currier, 108
Fed. Rep. 19; 47 C. C. A. 161.
2 Houston Co. V. Dial, 135 Ala. 168; 33 So. Rep. 268; Chenall v.
Palmer Brick Co., 117 Ga. 106; 43 S. E. Bep. 443; Sinclair Co. v. Waddle,
200 III. 17; 65 N. E. Rep. 437; Parsons v. Hammond Co., 96 Mo. App.
372; 70 S. W. Rep. 519; Franklin v. M. K. & T. Co , 97 Mo. App. 473;
71 S. W. Bep. 540; Olson v. Boston and C. M. Co., 71 N. H. 427; 62
Atl. Bep. 1097; Allison v. Tap Rock Co., 78 N. Y. S. 69; 75 App. Div.
267; Boberts v. Port Blakely Mill Co., 30 Wa-h. 25; 70 Pac. Bep. Ill;
Schuliz V. Chicago & M. Co. (W^is. 1902), 92 N. W. Bep. 377.
110 ISSUES PROPEELT SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 104
where the injury may have resulted from one of two causes
for one of which the defendant would be liable and for the
other of which there would be no liability, there can be no
recovery, as the evidence, in the case named, would pre-
sent a mere conflict and it would remain a jury question,
as to just which cause occasioned the injury. ^
§ 103. When proximate cause of injury jury question .
When the facts as to the exact cause of the injury to the
plaintiff are in dispute and it could not be said by the court,
as a matter of law, that the negligence of the plaintiff or
that of the defendant caused the injury, the question of
what was the approximate cause of the injury is properly
submitted to the jury. Accordingly, in Arizona, it is held,
that whether the defendant's negligence is the approximate
cause of an injury, or the negligence of a fellow-servant is
responsible, as the direct cause thereof, if the evidence is
conflicting, it should'be submitted to the jury.^
§ 104. Injui-y from act of vice-principal. — Whether
or not an injury from an act of a vice-principal, doino' the
work of a fellow-servant, is or is not a jury case, depends
upon the peculiar theory which obtains within the juris-
diction of the action, with reference to the liabihty or
non-liability of the master for acts of the vice-principal,
done in the capacity of a fellow-servant. In Texas, an
employee injured while engaged in undermining a bank of
salt, by being struck with a hoe, in the hands of a vice-
principal, was held to be entitled to have the question of the
defendant's negligence submitted to the jury.^ The Mis-
1 Peters v. McKay & Co., 136 Cal. 73 ; 68 Pac. Rep. 478. Under the
Illinois Miners Act, as to what was the proximate cause of the Injury,
is a question for the jury. Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. ». Peton, 95
111. App. 193; 61 N. E. Eep. 830.
2 Gila Valley & G. N. Co. v. Lyon. 71 Pac. Rep. 957.
3 Roberts v. Fielder Salt Works, 72 S. W. Rep. 618.
§ 105 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. Ill
souri Court of Appeals has also held that a miner is entitled
to have the cause of injuiy passed upon by a jury, although
he was injured — or killed — by a missile inadvertently
thrown by the superintendent or ground foreman, acting
as a fellow-servant with" him, at the time of his injur}'. ^
But the Supreme Court of Missouri adhere to the dual
capacity doctrine and hold that an employee, injured by
an act, as distinguished from an order from the vice-
principal, in the scope of his capacity as a represen-
tative of the master, performed by the vice-principal
while acting as a fellow-servant, will give no right of
action.^
§ 105. Capacity in wliich foreman acted. — Where
the evidence in an action for an injury from the negligence
of a vice-principal, is conflicting, the fact of whether or
not the foreman, or other representative of the master,
acted in the capacity of a foreman or vice-principal, or as
a fellow-servant, in doing the act which occasioned the
injury, is for the jury. This was held in a late case, in
Minnesota, as to an injury from alleged negligence in con-
nection with skip cars, in the defendant's mine, and it was
held that the capacity in which the foreman acted and his
negligence, were for the jury.^ But where there is no
dispute in the evidence as to the character in which he
performed a certain act, then the question of his capacity
is one of law for the court and a peremptory instruction
should be given that he was, or was not a fellow-servant,
> Strode o. Conbey, 105 Mo. App. 12. Here, a superintendent, on top
ol the ground, undertook to throw a block Into a car and missed the car
and it fell down the shaft, killing the plaintiff's ward, the defendant
being held liable for his death, caused by such act.
' Fogerty v. St. Louis Transfer Co., 180 Mo. 490.
8 Renlund v. Commodore Mining Co., 89 Minn. 41 ; 93 N. W. Eep.
1057. See, also, Maxwell v. Zdariski, 93 111. App. 334.
112 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 106
in the doing of the act which occasioned the injury com-
plained of .1
§ 106. Assumption of risk, jury question, in Missouri.
Whether or not a servant assumes the risk of injury
from incidental matters even, arising during the course of
his employment, is held, in Missouri, to be a question of
fact, for the jury. To authorize the court to say, as
a matter of law, that the risk was assumed, the evi-
dence must be all one way and to one effect, that is,
that the danger was so open and glaring that it could
not escape the observation of an ordinary prudent man.^
This rule was recently applied, by the appellate court,
1 Jackson ». Mlaing Co., 106 Mo. App. 441. Although the evidence
shows that the master is represented by the servant causing the injury,
at the time of the injury, yet, if the facts all point to the conclusion that
the act vphich occasioned the injury veas done by the representalive, as a
colaborer, there can be no recovery, as a matter of law. Fogerty v.
Transfer Co., 180 Mo. 490. " In an action to recover for the deatli of
a laborer in a mine, caused by the negligence of the master in con-
trolling its skip cars, the capacity in which the foreman was acting, and
the question of his negligence, were for the jury." Renlund v. Com-
modore Min. Co. (Minn. 1903), 93 N. W. Rep. 1057.
2 Sinbergu. Palk Cj., 98 IMo. App. 646; 11 S. W. Rep. 947; Carter u
Baldwin, 107 Mo. App. 217; 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Hamman v. Central Coal
& Coke Co., 156 Mo. 2.^2. See, also, Dean v. Woodenware Co., 107 Mo.
App. 167. The cases could be multiplied on this doctrine, la Missouri,
ad inflnUum. " Where the servant suing for injuries knew the condition
of the appliance causing the injury, anil had used it prior to the time
thereof, it is a question for the jury whether the danger from its use was
so apparent that a man of ordinary prudence having knowledge of it
would not have incurred It." Judgment (1902), 103 111. App. 433,
affirmed; Harwich v. Ilawes, 67 N. E. Rep. 13; 202 111. 334. " The ques-
tion of assumed risk is usually one of fact for the jury, and to authorize
the court to hold as a matter of law that the risk was assumed the evi-
dence must be all one way, and to the effect that the danger was so open
and glaring that It could not have escaped the observation of an ordi-
narily prudent man, or the notice of one with the experience of the
injured servant." Carter «. Baldwin (Mo. App. 1904), 81 S. W. Rep.
204.
§ 106 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 113
in Missouri, in a case where an experienced miner, nineteen
years of age, called the attention of the foreman to a
crevice, indicating danger, extending the entire length of a
slab of rock, on which he was at work, in a drift in
the defendant's mine. The knowledge and glaring nature
of the defect was held to be such that he would not
assume the risk, as the foreman told him he thought it
would stay until he finished his work and the fact that he
had known it the day before the injury and that it had not
fallen, and the foreman's expression of opinion that it would
not fall, were held sufficient to send the case to the jury.^
However, the Supreme Court of Missouri, in an earlier
case, laid down a doctrine in direct conflict with this hold-
ing, as it held that if a minor employee even, had knowl-
edge of a crevice in a bank of clay, on which he was at
work, he would, as a matter of law, be held to a knowledge
of the law of nature which might precipitate such bank
upon him at any time, and that with such knowledge
he would assume the risk. This is the rule the appellate'
court, under the constitution, in Missouri, were bound to
follow in the above case, but it was, presumably, over-
looked by the court. ^
^ Carter v. Baldwin, supra.
2 Aldrich V. Furnace Company, 78 Mo. 559. " In an action against a
mine owner for injuries to a miner alleged to have been caused by failure
of defendant to keep the roadway along which plaintiff was required to
drive a car in a safe condition, and also in requiring plaintifE to drive a -
vicious mule, evidence held sufficient to support a finding that plaintifE
had not assumed the risk." Henrietta Coal Co. v. Campbell, 71 N. E.
Eep. 863; 211 III. 216, "Whether an employee has assumed the risk,
and so is barred from recovery, is a question for the jury; the evidence
being conflicting as to whether the work requiring the cover to be off the
hole into which he stepped had been comoleted, and it was time for cov-
ering it." Sinberg v. Falk Co. (Mo. App. 1903), 72 S. W Eep. 947.
" After plaintifE was employed to work in a woodenware factory, he was
ordered to work at a saw which was defective, and while so engaged a
board was hurled from the saw, striking him In the stomach, causing
8
114 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 108
§ 107. Wisconsin rule — Jury question, wlien evidence
disputed. — The rule, as" to assumption of risk, in Wis-
consin, as announced in a recent case, goes almost as far
as the rule established in Missouri, but not quite. In
Missouri, in some oases, the defense of assumed risk is held
a jur}^ question, without reference to the nature of the
evidence. In Wisconsin, it is held that an employee can-
not be said, as a matter of law, to have assumed the risk
incident to his employment, unless such assumption is
shown by undisputed evidence, or is so clearly proven that
no reasonable inference can be drawn to the contrary.^
§ 108. Objections to this doctrine. — The objection to
this doctrine is that it improperly declares the law, as ap-
plied in other States, where the common law doctrine of
assumed risk obtains. At common law — and this is
where the doctrine of a non-liability for injuries from risks
incident to the service of the employee had its origin —
the employee, by the contract of employment, was held to
assume the risk of all injuries from perils incident to his
employment. Unless, in the administration of the law,
the master gets the full benefit of the common law appli-
cation of the rule, then the law is not properly adminis-
tered. To qualify this doctrine, by saying that the
employee only assumes those dangers " which threaten
immediate injury " or to announce, as another limitation
upon the doctrine that those risks are not assumed unless
the danger was so apparent that the servant, as a reason-
able man, "could have readily appreciated the danger,"
him to thrust his left hand along the smooth surface of the table until it
came in contact with the saw. Held, that, in the absence of proof that
the danger to plaintlfE of being injured In that manner was obvious and
known to him, whether he assumed the risk was for the jury." Dean v.
St. Louis Woodenware Works (Mo. App. 1904), 80 S. W. Bep. 292.
1 Eevolinsky v. Adams Coal Co,, 95 N. W. Eep 122.
§ 108 ISSUES PROPEELT SUBMITTED TO JUET. 115
practically repudiates the doctrine.^ Under the issue, as
to whether or not a given danger is or was threatening and
presaged immediate injury, a jury can and they usually do,
resolve the issue against the employer. Under the issue
as to whether a reasonable man would or would not have
appreciated the danger, the plaintiff is always ready to
testify that he did not and thought " by reasonable care
that he could avoid injury," and thus, the defense of
assumed risk, on the part of the employer, is practically
eliminated in Missouri. A return, by the courts, to the
common law application of the doctrine, would not only
meet with the approval of the bar of the State, generally,
but the law would then be administered with some degree
of certainty and the decisions, in given cases, would not be
continuous illustrations of the exceptions to the old rule,
recognized in most of the States of the United States, but
would be solid precedents, based upon the adamantine
fabric of the common law, which the experience of
ages has demonstrated to be the safest guide to the
courts in determining the rights of citizens, entitled to its
benefits. 2
1 In Minnier v. Sedalia &c. Company (167 Mo. 94), the Supreme
Court of Missouri, seem to rather retrace their way, to a limited ex ent,
as the court refused to approve an instruction which told the :jury that
only dangers which threatened "immediate Injury" were assumed,
holding that such a limitation of tbe doctrine was a denial of the com-
mon law rule, which was recognized to include not only perils that
threatened " Immediate Injury," but also those which were not so glar-
ing, if incident to the employment.
' Mr. Libatt, in the preface to his recent excellent two Volume work
upon the liability of master for injuries to the servant, complains of
this common law rule of assumed risk for injuries from fellow-servants
and advocates an entire abolition of the rule, by statutes, in all the
States. With the increasing tendency toward damage suit litigation and
the practical abolishment in many of the States, of the common law rule,
as announced by the older cases, it may well be doubted if the courts
have not already done much toward relieving the necessity for legisla-
tive action, upon this subject.
116 ISSUES PKOPEKLT SUBMITTED TO JUET. § 109
§ 109. When contributory negligence a jury question.
Unless the evidence of the plaintiff's negligence is such
that reasonable men would not be inclined to differ upon
the proposition of whether or not the injury of the
plaintiff was due primarily to his own neglect, the issue as
to his negligence contributing to the injury complained of
ought to be submitted to the jury. This is elementary
law, upon the question of contributory negligence. Under
this general rule, it is held, in a late Iowa case, where the
injured employee was employed in hauling coal, in a mine,
and was seriously injured, as a result of a dangerous place
in the way he was accustomed to travel, that whether or
not, under all the circumstances, he was guilty of
contributory negligence, was a question of fact for the
jury.i A similar holding is announced, in New York,^ in
regard to an action for an injury upon a defective scaffold.
The plaintiff discovered a defect in the scaffold and called
tbe attention of the proper person thereto, who promised
to repair it and it was held that the question of the
plaintiff's negligence in again going upon the scaffold,
without looking to see if it had been repaired, was for the
jury. And, generally, unless contributory negligence is
shown by undisputed evidence, or is so clearly proven that
reasonable minds would not differ as to the conclusion to
1 CoUingwoodo. Illinois & Iowa Fuel Co., 101 N. W. Eep. 283.
2 Hempstoclj v. LackawaLa Iron & Steel Co., 90 N. Y. S. 663; 98 App.
Div. 332. See, also, Olsen v. Cook Inlet Coal Fields Co. (121 Fed. Rep.
726 ; 58 C. C. A. It6), Where the contributory negligence of an employee in
assuming a dangerous position between the engine and first car, was
held to be properly submitted to the jury. Working in the absence of a
screen for a blastfurnace, is not contributory negligence, as a matter of
law. Curtis «. McNair, 173 Mo. 270; 78 S. W. Rep. 167. Nor is a
driver guilty of negligence as a matter of law, by being injured by an
overhanging rock, because his mule was not injured also in the accident.
Hamilton v. Mendota Coal & Mining Co. (Iowa, 1903), 94 N. W. Eep.
282.
§ 109 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY, 117
be drawn from the evidence, the question should be sub-
mitted to the jury, as an issue of fact.^
1 Revolinsky v. Adams Coal Co. (Wia. 1903), 95 N. W. Rep. 122. See
the well considered case of Alaska United States Gold Mining Co. v.
Muset (114 Fed. Rep. 66), where the plaintiff's decedent's negligence in
not placing a chain ladder to use to ascend from the shaft before light-
ing blast, was held a jury issue. "Evidence in an action by a servant
for personal injuries examined, and held, that the question of the
servant's contributory negligence was for the jury. The question of a
servant's contributory negligence is for the jury, unless the facts show
want of care to that de2;ree which leaves no room in the minds of
reasonable men for a difference of opinion." Jancko v. West Coast
Mfg. & Inv. Co. (Wash. 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 78. "Whether plaintiff was
guilty of contributory negligence and assumed the risk of injury, held to
be questions for jury, under the evidence, in an action by a miner against
his employer for injuries resulting from an explosion occurring when
plaintiff went to investigate the cause of delay of a fuse to act."
Currans v. Seattle & S. E". Ry. & Nav. Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 87. "A servant,
a child of 14 years, was ordered by his master to assist in cleaning and
oiling a brick machine while the same was in motion by steam. The
work was highly dangerous, but could be accomplished without injury.
Beld, that the question whether the servant was guilty of contributory
negligence was properly left to the jury." Ittner Brick Co. v. Killian
(Neb. 1903), 93 N. W. Rep. 951. "A miner was not guilty of con-
tributory negligence, as a matter of law, in attempting, while on his way
to work, to cross a lagging which had been put in since he last crossed
the space which it covered, and which was composed of planks of the
same kind usually used in mines for the same purpose." Garity v.
Bullion Beck & Champion Min. Co. (Utah 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 556. "A
servant injured by the caving in of a tunnel in which he was working,
and which was insufficiently timbered, cannot be charged with con-
tributory negligence as a matter of law, where it was shown that he was
inexperienced in the work, and there was evidence tending to show that
the master assured him the place was safe, and that planks were put up
by direction of the master to hide the danger from the workmen."
Swensen v. Bender (U. S. C. C. A., Cal. 1902), 114 Pac. Rep. 1.
" While the combined use of hand and horse power in moving rails in
building a railroad track is unusual and unsafe, yet the danger is not so
obvious that the court can declare that the servant ordered to work in
that way is guilty of contributory negligence. That question should be
submitted to the jury." Kane v. Falk Co., 93 Mo. App. 209. " In an
action, by one employed In hauling cars loaded with coal in a mine, for
injaries sustained in consequence of a dangerous place in the way, the
118 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY § 110
§ 110. When tbe issue as to fellow-servants sbonld be
submitted to jury. — When the essential facts for deter-
mining who are fellow-servants are not controverted, the
question as to whether those occupying a given relation are,
or are not, fellow-servants, is one of law for the court.
question whether he was guilty of contributory negligence held for the
jury." Collingwood o. Illinois & I. Fuel Co. (Iowa, 1904), 101 N. W.
Rep. 283. "In an action for injuries sustained by an employe in a
quarry, occasioned by the slipping of the grappling hooks, which he had
assisted in fastening, allowing a stone to fall and strike a pole among
some wood, which the foreman had requested such employee and another
to remove from the floor as obstructing the fastening of the hooks to
the stone, the evidence considered and held to require the submission of
the question of the employee's contributory negligence to the jury."
Sikes V. Missouri Granite Co., 92 Mo. App. 12. " Plaintiff was employed
about blast furnaces for the reduction of iron, was engaged on the
ground hauling iron to the furnace, and had never worked on the top of
the furnace, where workmen were often overcome by gas and had to be
relieved. A shanty was constructed on the platform at the top of a
furnace for the purpose of affording the men a place to " spell off " when
affected by gas. The shanty contained a stove, a bench, and blocks of
wood on which the men sat. Plaintiff had been on top of the furnace on
two occasions to sweep, and when he was there no gas was escaping.
On the morning of the injury plaintiff was ordered by the foreman to go
to the top of a furnace other than the one around which he worked, and
was not informed of the conditions, or given any information as to the
danger he was likely to meet there, or informed that he was at liberty to
come down when affected by the gas. The foreman followed plaintiff
about five minutes after he went to the top, and found him with his head
out of the window trying to get fresh air, and ordered him to take the
place of a man who had been overcome by gas. In a short time plaintiff
again went to the shanty. He sat down, and, becoming unconscious,
fell on the hot stove, sustaining the injuries complained of. Held in-
suflSclent to show that plaintiff's injury was due to his own negligence."
Illinois Steel Co. v. Byska, 102 111. App. 347, judgment aflBrmed 65 N, E.
Eep. 734; 200111. 280.
1 Where all reasonable men would reach the same conclusion and the
facts are not disputed it is a question of law. Illinois Steel Co. v. Coffee
(107 111. App. £82, reversed), 206 111. 206; 63 N. E. Rep. 751; Gruendahl
V. Consolidated Coal Co., 108 111. App. 644; Shaw». Bambrick-Bates Con.
Co., 102 Mo. App. 666; 77 S. "W. Rep. 96; O'Leary u. R. E , 52 111. App.
.641; Neal v. R. R., 67 Minn. 366; 59 N. W Rep. 312.
§ 110 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 119
But the existence of the relation of fellow-servants, where
the evidence on the point is conflicting, is a question of fact
for the jury.i And where the servant whose act occasions
the injury to the plaintiff, occupies a dual role of vice-
principal and fellow-servant, whether the act which
occasioned the injury was the act of a vice-principal
or the act of a fellow-servant, will, generally, be
held to be an issue for the jury.^ The existence of the
relation of fellow-servants is held to be, in some States, a
mixed question of law and fact, the definition, of what con-
stitutes a fellow-servant, being a matter of law for the
court and the determination of the question of whether or
not the relation, as thus defined, exists, being a fact for the
jury to determine.^
1 Missouii Mal'eable Iron Co. v. Dillon, 106 111. App. 649; 206 111. 145;
69 N. E. Rep. 12; Chicago & Alton Co. ». Wise, 106 III. App. 174; 206 III.
453; 69 N. E. Rep. 600; Gayle v. Missouri Car & Found. Co., 177 Mo. 427;
70 S . W. Rep. 987. Where the facts are disputed, the issue as to whether
or not a " pit boss " In a mine, was a fellow-servant of the injured em-
ployee, was for the jury. Consolidated Coal Co. «. Flelshbein, 109 111.
App. 609; 207 111. 593; 69 N. E. Rep. 963. And where the facts tend to
establish that a mule driver and the plaintiff, a miner, in the defendant's
service are entirely independent of each other, in the performance of
their duties, the question of whether or not, under all the facts, they are
fellow-servants, is for the jury. Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Robias, 207
111. 226; 69 N. E. Rep. 925. Held to be a jury question in Supple v.
Agnew, 191 111. 439; 61 N. B. Rep. 392; Pagels v. Myers, 193 111. 172; 61
N. E. Rep. nil.
2 Chicago & Eastern Illinois Co. v. DriscoU, 107 111. App. 616; 207 111.
p. 432; 69 N. E. Sep. 620.
3 Consolidated Coal Co. o. Gruber, 91 111. App. 15; 49 N. E. Rep. 254.
' The existence of the relation of fellow- servants Is, where the evidence
on the point is conflicting, a question of fact for the jury." Judgment,
106 111. App. 649, affirmed." Missouri Malleable Iron Co. v. Dillon, 69 N.
E. Rep. 12; 206 111. 145. " It is generally a question of fact for the jury
to decide, on the evidence and under the instructions of the court, as to
what constitutes fellow-servants; but when the undisputed evidence
shows that they are fellow-servants, it is not error for the court to so
hold as a matter of law." Gruendahl v. Consolidated Coal Co., 108
111. App. 644.
120 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. §111
§ 111. When negligence of defendant a jury ques-
tion. As a general rule, where the acts alleged to consti-
tute the negligence complained of, whether on the part of
the plaintiff or the defendant, are such as would admit of
more than one construction and reasonable minds might
differ as to whether or not negligence could be predicated
thereof, such acts cannot be pronounced negligence, perse,
but the court will submit the issue as to whether or not they
constitute negligence to the jury.i Accordingly, where a
miner was injured by a fall of rock from the roof of the
drift, whether or not the defective condition of a. pillar
cap was the approximate cause of the injury, was held to
be, under the evidence, a question for the jury j^ this
was also held, in an action for injury and death from a
falling car, where the negligence charged was a failure to
furnish a sufficient "chock" to hold the car; ^ in an
action for an injury from the breaking of an alleged
defective brake hoist, which gave way, and whether or not
the defective hoist, or the negligence of an engineer, in
raising his foot off the brake, caused the injury,* and,
generally, this is the rule wherever the negligence arising
from the facts shown by the evidence is left in doubt or
the court would not be justified, as a matter of law, incon-
cluding, from the facts proven, that this or that act did
or did not constitute negligence.'
1 Bobards v. Murphy, 75 Mo. App. 39.
2 Cecil V. Amer. Sheet Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 542.
3 Sloss- Shefleld Steel & Loan Co. v. Mobley, 139 Ala. 425; 36 So. Rep.
181.
i Bernard v. Pittsburg Coal Co. (Mich. 1904), 100 N. W. Rep. 396.
6 Lednc V. North Pac. Co. (Minn. 1904), 100 N. W. Rep. 108. "Plain-
tiff was employed by defendant's superintendent to dig down certain
banks of salt, and as he was doing so such superintendent, without plain-
tiff's knowledge, began to dig salt with a hoe near where plaintiff^ was
working, and while so doing plaintifE was struck by the superintendent
With the hoe, and injured. Held, that such facts required a submission-
§ 112 ISSUES PROPEELT SUBMFTTED TO JURY. 121
§ 112. Same — When based upon statutory negli-
gence. — In the different mining States the rule is differ-
ently regarded as to the effect of a violation of the miners'
acts, passed for the protection of workmen in mines. In
some, a violation of the statute is negligence, as a matter
of law; in others, it may or may not be, if the evidence is
conflicting, or the application of the statute plain, and the
issue is a jury question, and in still others, no defense can
prevail where a violation of the statute and a consequent
injury is shown, not even the contributory negligence of the
plaintiff.^ In actions for violations of the prop statute of
Missouri as construed by the appellate courts of the State,
it is a jury question whether or not a necessity for props
existed and it is held to be a duty of the defendant to send
down such props, where the evidence shows that a neces-
sity does exist therefor.^ In Ohio, the question is
regarded in the same light as a common law charge of
negligence, for the same cause would be treated, and if a
reasonably prudent man, under the circumstances, would
have furnished props, then the defendant is liable, on such
of the Issue of defendant's negligence to the jury." Roberts v. Fielder
Salt Works, 72 S. W. Rep. 618. "lo an action by a quarry employee
against his employer for personal injuries caused by an explosion result-
ing from putting a tamping bar into a hole for blasting, which had been
drilled, and a charge of dynamite inserted, but not exploded, of which
fact plaintiff was not aware, evidence examined, and whetker defendant
was guilty of negligence, held to be a question for the jury." Lan^a v.
Le Grand Quarry Co. (Iowa, 1904), 100 N. W. Rep. 488. " It is for the
jury to determine, in an action for injuries to an employee, whether the .
circumstances show that the occurrence was of such an unusual
character that the inference of negligence would arise, which would
overcome the presumption of law that the master had f ucnished proper
instrumentalities, a safe place to work, and competent servants."
Palmer Brick Co. ». Chenall (Ga. 1904), 47 S. B. Rep. 329.
1 See Chapter, Statutes for Protection of Miners. O'Fallon Coal Go.
V. Laquet, 198 111. 125; 64 N. E. Rep. 767; Illinois Steel Co. v. Star, 199
111. 116; 64 N. E. Rep. 964.
2 Bowerman v. Lackawana Mining Co., 71 S. W. Rep. 1062.
122 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 114
a finding by the jury.^ Under the Tennessee statute
requiring the proper ventilation of mines, an employer who
fails of his duty in this regard, is held liable for breach of
his duty, on a finding that a violation of the statute has
occurred,''* and so the cases could be indefinitely multiplied
inmost of the States, that upon the basic question of a vio-
lation of the statute, under the evidence, the jury alone are
qualified to pass upon the question, while in applying the
statute to the case before the court, the judge and not the
jury, determines the issue, as a matter of law.
§ 113. Same — Injury from projecting set screw. —
Where the evidence in a suit for injuries tends to establish
the fact that the injury of the plaintiff was caused by a
projecting set screw on the collar of a shaft, at a place
where it did not belong and the evidence was conflicting as
fo whether or not the presence of such set screw, at such
a place, was negligence, on the part of the defendant, it
was held to be properly a jury question as to whether or
not the negligence of the defendant, in permitting such set
screw to remain on the collar of the shaft, was the approxi-
mate cause of the injury to the plaintiff, or whether he
was injured as a result of his own negligence.''
§ 114. Injuries from failure to timber roof of mine. —
Where the cause of injury alleged by an employee is the
defendant's failure to properly secure the roof of a mine,
if the evidence in respect to the negligence of the defend-
'ant is conflicting, in failing to use reasonable care or caution
1 Cecil V. American Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 542.
2 Eussell V. Dayton Coal & Iron Co., 70 S. W. Rep. 1. Whether or
not a door in a mine is a " principal door," within the meaning of the
Illinois law, is a question of fact for the jury. Himrod Coal Co. v.
Stevens, 67 N. E. Rep. 389. See, also, Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v.
Denman, 185 111.413; 57 N. E. Rep. 192.
3 Regau V. Sargent Company, 98 111. App. 617.
§ 114 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 123
to properly secure the roof of the mine, it is proper to
refuse a peremptory instruction for the defendant, but the
issue should be submitted to the jury, as to the negligence
of the defendant.i In Illinois, a miner employed to oper-
ate a machine and having nothing to do with the propping
or timbering of the mine, was killed by a fall of the roof.
There was evidence that the manager of the mine had been
informed of the dangerous condition of the roof before
the accident, but this evidence was denied by the manager
and the issue of the defendant's knowledge of the defective
condition, on this evidence and the consequent negligence,
was properly held submitted to the jury.^ And in Mis-
souri, where a miner was killed as a result of the falling of
the roof in a coal mine, and the evidence is conflicting as
to whether or not the employee was furnished with props
a sufficient length of time to have used them, prior to the
injury, the question is held properly submitted to the jury.'
And not only is the question of the furnishing of timbers,
in a given case, where the facts are disputed, a proper jury
question, but the fact of whether or not, after timbers are
furnished and placed in the mine, they are properly and
carefully placed, unless the evidence is all one way, is also
an issue for the jury and has been so held, in Colorado.*
1 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 196 III. 594; 63 N. E. Rep. 1079.
2 HimrodCoalCo. B.Clark, 197 111. 514; 64 N.E. Rep. 282. The i.ssue
of the defendant's negligence la maintaining unsafe timbering, in a
mine in Pennsylvania, was held properly submitted to the jury, in Web-
ster V. Con. Coal & Coke Co., 201 Pa. 278 ; 50 Atl. Rep. 964. The defense
of contributory negligence>and assumed risk, in a case in California,
from injury by falling rock, was held properly submitted to jury, in
Habishaw v. Standard Quicksilver Co., 131 Cal. 430; 63 Pac. Rep. 728.
8 Hammonw. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; 56 S. W. Rep.
1091.
' Westlando. Gold Coin Mines Co., 101 Fed. Rep. 59; 41 C. C. A. 193.
"A miner, employed to operate a machine and having nothing to do
with the propping or timbering of the mine, was killed by a fall of the
roof. There was evidence that the mine manager had been informed of
124 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 116
§ 115. Whether defendant's negligence caused break-
ing of rope. — 111 Oregon, it is held, in an action for an
injury to a servant, caused by the breaking of an inch rope
by which a heavy timber being lowered was let fall upon
him, that it is proper to submit the issue of whether or not
the defendant's negligence occasioned the injury, where
the evidence showed that the rope came apart on the pre-
vious day, was old and had been subjected to a continuous
strain for a long time and the master himself had super-
intended the work for some days.i
§ 116. Injury from brealsing of iron handle. — In a
late Massachusetts case the plaintiff, an experienced coal
driver, was injured by the breaking of an iron handle used
to prop up the wagon bed in emptying the load of coal.
He had used the handle which broke, as well as similar
handles, but the handle which broke was welded at the
place where the break occurred. There was nothing in its
appearance to indicate that it was unsound and the evidence
showed that the plaintiff was not familiar with the art of
weldino' iron and his experience was not such as to enable
him to determine that the handle would break when put to
the usual strain of lifting a wagon loaded with coal. The
the dansierous condition of the roof about two days before the accident;
one of the witnesses testifying that he discovered it, and pulled down
loose pieces of rock, afterwards and before the accident demanding pay
for the work from the manager. The manager denied having knowledge
of the unsafe condition of the roof. Held suflScient to take the case to
the jury on the Issue of defendant's knowledge." Himrod Coal Co. v.
Clark, 64 N. E. Rep. 282; 197 111. 5U. "In an action brought under
Kurd's Rev. St. 1899, p. 1174, § 33, to recover for the death of a miner,
alleged to have been caused by the falling of the roof in consequence of
the willful failure of the mining company to furnish a sufficient supply
of timbers for the purpose of securing It, the evidence examined, and
held to require submission to the jury." Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co.
!). StrofE, 66 N. E. Rep. 29; 200 III. 483.
1 Gcldard ii. Marshall, 73 Pac. Rep. 330.
§ IIV ISSUE'i PKOPEELY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 125
court held that it was properly submitted to the jury to
determine whether the plaintiff knew or ought to have
known, from the appearance of the handle, that it was
unsafe. 1
§ 117. Warning of the plaintiff a jury question. —
Where the evidence is conflicting as to whether or not the
plaintiff had been given a proper warning of the danger
which he was about to encounter, and the necessity of such
a warning to him under the circumstances of the case, the
issue should be submitted to the jury the same as other
disputed issues of fact. In Colorado, an employee was
sleeping in a tent near where his co-employees were en-
gaged in blasting, in making an excavation. He was injured
by a rock being thrown into the air and falling through
the roof of the tent where he was asleep. The evidence
showed notice of his location to the defendant but was
conflicting as to whether or not he had been properly noti-
fied and the jury was instructed that if such notice had
been given him and he had ignored it he could not recover,
but if not he was entitled to a verdict, and this was held
proper. 2 The issue has also been held properly submitted
to the jury in case of an injury to a boy fourteen years
old, from riding cars and being kicked by a known vicious
mule, whether his intelligence and appreciation of danger
was such that it was negligence of the master not to have
warned him thereof.^
1 Murpby v. MarstOQ Coal Co., 183 Mass. 335; 67 N. E. Eep. 342.
2 Oiman v. Salvo, 117 Fed. Rep. 233; 54 C. C. A. 265.
8 Bowyer v. Northern Pacific Coal Co., 27 Wash. 707; 68 Pac. Rep.
348. And where an employee is injured by a vicious mule and the evi-
dence is disputed as to the safety of the mule, it is properly submitted
to the jury to determine if the mule was safe or not. Bast Jellico Coal
Co. V. Stewart, 24 K. L. R. 420; 68 S. W. Rep. 624. "Plaintiff, a boy
thirteen years old, sued to recover for personal injuries sustained by his
clothes being caught in a dangerous machine which he was operating.
The evidence showed that the danger had not been explained to plaintiff,
126 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 118
§ 118. Safety of place a jury question — Peremptory
iustructioii regarding. — Where the action of the plaintiff
is based upon the violation of the employer's duty to pro-
vide a reasonably safe place, in which to work, as the
question of the safety of the place, where the evidence is
not all one way, and whether or not the place was reason-
ably safe, is one of fact, for the jury, a peremptory in-
struction that the place was, or was not in a reasonably
safe condition, is usually improper, but the facts should be
submitted to the jury and the conclusion should be left
for them to decide, from the evidence, whether the
place was, or was not, reasonably safe. In an Iowa case,
where the injury was to a coal mine driver, from an over-
hanging rock, an instruction that the employer was not
required to keep his entry-way of any specific height or
width, is properly refused, as the question of a safe place
and that a shaft around which his clothes wrapped moved so rapidly that
it gave it the appearance of being stationary, of which fact the boy was
in ignorance. Held, that the question of negligence was for the jury."
Dynes o. Bromley, 67 Atl. Kep. 1123; 208 Pa. 633. " In an action by a
boy fourteen years old against a mining company for injuries, a verdict
for the plaintiff will be sustained where it appears that, a month before
the accident, plaintiff had been placed at work, without previous ex-
perience, in keeping coal moving in chutes; that this work, while
dangerous, was not so obviously dangerous as to deter a prudent person
from doing it; and that the evidence as to whether the plaintiff had been
properly Instructed was contradictory." Brislin o. Kingston Coal Co.,
20 Pa. Super. Ct. 234. " Where a servant employed as a shoveleron the
dump of a quartz mill was put to work in a dangerous place in the mill,
and required to perforin labor on machinery with which he was not
familiar, the questions whether the place was reasonably safe for moving
machinery near at hand, whether the character of the work was such as
to call for special instructions how to perform it, whether such instruc-
tions were given, whether the servant should have been cautioned as to
the danger, whether guards were practicable or required as a protection
against accident, whether other batteries should have been stopped while
putting cams on the shaft of a battery not running, should have been
submitted to the jury. on the issue of negligence." Merriteld v. Mary-
land Gold Quartz Mln. Co. (Cal. 1904), 76 Pac. Eep. 710.
§ 119 ISSUES PROPERLT SUBMITTED TO JURY. 127
to work, is for the jury, from all the facts and circumstan-
ces in evidence. 1 But if the facts in regard to the place
where the employee was injured were not disputed, but
were all one way, then there would not be an issue regard-
ing such place, to submit to the jury, and the court, as a
matter of law, should decide whether or not the place was,
at the time of the injury, a reasonably safe place.^
§ 119. Reasonableness, promulgation and enforcement
o£ rule. — Where the evidence is conflicting as to the
reasonableness, promulgation and enforcement of a given
rule, the questions are all properly submitted to the jury,
the same as any other issue of fact, under proper instruc-
tion from the court, furnishing to , them a proper guide as
to what is a reasonable rule and what constitutes a proper
promulgation thereof.^ But if a given rule is manifestly
unreasonable or unjust, as one brought to the attention of
an Illinois court, which required all employees to take upon
themselves the risk of injury from violations of a statute
passed for their benefit, it could and would be held to be
1 Hamilton v. Mendota Coal and Mining Co , 94 N. W. Rep. 282.
2 Wendallo. Chicago & Alton Co., 100 Mo. App. 556; 75 S. W. Rep.
689. In Tennessee, a plaintiff, injured by falling ore, from a car
above him, where he was at work, was held entitled to have the safety
of th'e place submitted to the jury, in Virginia Iron, Coal & Coke Co. o.
Hamilton, 65 S. W. Rep. 401. The same rule was laid down in Ver-
mont, in case of an injury to a talc miner, by falling ore from the roof.
Severance v. New England Talc Co., 75 Vt. 181; 47 Atl. Rep. 833. "In
an action for injuries to a servant caused by a car falling from the tracks
on an incline, evidence that at the place of the accident the rails were
some three inches nearer together than the wheels of the car, and that
four of the ties under one rail were not properly supported, was suf-
ficient to warrant the jury in finding that defendant failed to provide a
reasonably safe place for defendant to work. " Momence Stone Co. v.
Turrell, 68 N. E. Rep. 1078 : 205 111. 515. Where the evidence is conflict-
ing as to whether or not a miner injured by a falling roof in a mine,
made his own place to work In the mine, or the company was bound to
see that it was reasonably sate, it was a proper issue for the jury to
decide. Taylor u. Star Coal Co. (Iowa, 1899), 81 N. W. Rep. 249.
8 Devoe v. N. Y. Cent. Co., 174 N. Y. 1 ; 66 N. E. Rep. 568.
128 ISSUES PEOPEKLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 121
unreasonable, as a matter of law.i And in any case, where
the evidence is not disputed on either of the issues named,
the court would be justified in giving a peremptory instruc-
tion, according to the given facts in the case before the
court.
§ 120. Breaking of hook on cable, used to pull
cars. — In an Illinois case, the plaintiff, an employee in
a quarry, was injured, owing to the breaking of a hook
which was attached to a cable, and hooked to cars of stone,
which, by means of the cable, were drawn up an inclined
track. The employee who found the broken hook, testi-
fied that the break showed that it was rusty ; that it was an
old break and there was a clearly defined flaw in the iron and
the court held that the trial court had properly submitted
the issue to the jury as to whether or not the hook was
defective and the defendant knew, or by reasonable diligence
ouffht to have known, of the defect. ^
§ 121. Issue as to proper construction of derrick. —
Where the cause of action is the alleged improper construc-
1 See, also, Island Coal Co. v. Swaggerty, 159 Ind. 664; 65 N. E. Eep.
1226. The judgment of the jury is made the test of the reasonableness
of the master's rules, in Pennsylvania, in the late case of Bethlehem Iron
Co. V. Weiss, 100 Fed. Rep. 45 ; 40 C. C. A. 270.
■ 2 Momence Stone Co. v. Groves, 197111. 88; 64 N. E. Rep. 335. Where
an emplojee was injured by the bending of a hook, used to draw buck-
ets, on a canal, there was evidence that the hook had been used for some
time and had never bent before and evidence for the plaintifE that it was
too small for the use to which it was put, it was held proper to submit
the issue of plaintiff's assumption of risk and contributory negligence to
the jury. Collelman u. Dunfee, 69 N. Y. S. 261 ; 59 App. Div. 467. "The
selection of a hook to use in moving a water tank was made by a servant
under the immediate direction of the hook tender. The tank contained
a large amount of water, and, from its position, it was neccessary for
it to blow its way through a mound of earth and roots. Held, that the
question whether there was negligence in the use of the hook was for the
jury." Bailey v. Cascade Co. (Wash. 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 385.
"PlaintifE, employed in a quarry, was injured, owing ts the breaking of a
hook which was attached to a cable and hooked into cars of stone which
§ 122 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 129
tion of a derrick upon which the plaintiff was injured, if
the evidence is disputed upon the question as to whether
or not the derriclj was properly made, it is, as in every
other issue of fact, where the evidence is disputed, a ques-
tion to be submitted to the jury. In a New York case, a
derrick was built in such a manner that in operating itj it
was essential to remove a large portion of its supports, and
its safety, with such supports out, depended largely upon
the watchfulness and care of a fellow-servant of the in-
jured employee. The evidence for the plaintiff, who was
injured by a collapse of the structure, tended to show that
the construction was improper and it was held to be an
issue of fact for the jury whether or not the derrick was
properly built, notwithstanding the boncurrent negligence
of the co-employee engaged to watch the same.l
§ 122. Injury from slipping of earth and gravel
bank. — In an Illinois case, the plaintiff, who was engaged
were by means of the cable drawn up an inclined track. In an action
lor the injuries, the employee who picked up the broken pieces of the
hook testified that there was a visible flaw in it, that he could see where
it had been broken, and that it was an old break and rusty. Held, that
the question whether the hook was defective, and whether defendant
knew or ought to have known such fact, was for the jury." Momence
Stone Co. v. Groves, 64: N. E. Rep. 335; 197 111. 88.
1 Walters v. Fuller Co , 77 N. Y. S. 681 ; 74 App. Div. 388. The issues
as to whether he had tried to raise too large a stone and put it to an
improper use, were held proper jury questions, in Minnesota, inAttix
■u. Minnesota Sandstone Co., 85 Minn. 142; 88 N. W. Eep. 436. " Evi-
dence in an action to recover damages for the death of an employee by
the fall of a scaffolding on which he worked reviewed, and held suffi-
cient to take the case to the jury on the question of defendant's negli-
gence." Geist V. Rapp, 55 Atl. Rep. 1063; 206 Pa. 411. " Plaintiff dis-
covered a defect in the scaffold on which he was to work, and called the
attention of the proper person thereto, who promised to repair it. Held,
that whether plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence in going on
the scaffold without knowing whether it had been repaired was for the
jury." Hempstock v. Lackawanna Iron & Steel Co., 90 N. Y. S. 663j
98 App. Div. 332.
9
130 ISSUES PKOPBKLT SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 123
in working at the bottom of a quarry, was injured by
earth and gravel slipping from the bank above him, falling
upon him, while at work. Some of his witnesses had ob-
served a crack in the bank on the morning of the accident
and had examined it and thought that it was unsafe and
the plaintiff, himself an experienced quarryman, looked at
the bank but saw no defects about it. There was a dispute
in the evidence as to the fact of an inspection by the fore-
man of the defendant, but it was established that the de-
fendant had knowledge of the rain, the night before, and
the liability of the bank to slide, and it was held proper to
submit the question to the jury as to whether or not the
plaintiff assumed the risk from the falling of the gravel
bank.i
§ 123. Issue as to foul air and presence of gas. —
Where the ground of complaint, in a case for personal in-
juries, is the presence of foul air or gas, as a result of
which the injury is sustained, if the evidence is conflicting
as to the extent and nature of the poisonous gas, or the
cause of the injury, it should be submitted to the jury. In
a Colorado case, the plaintiff, who was climbing up the
cross stulls in an upraise, with a co-employee, who was
above him, was overcome by powder smoke, foul air and
gas, and fell, striking the plaintiff, knocking him down and
causing him to fall and receive the injury complained of.
The evidence showed that the upraise was impregnated with
foul air, which was very debilitating and weakening and
that this weakness often came on very suddenly; that the
1 Western Stone Co v. Musciai, 196 III. 382; 63 N. E. Rep. 664. This
case is deemed opposed to the great weight of authority upon this
question. The servant is held to assume risk from falling banks and
rocks, when he has knowledge of the conditions existing and all men
are charged with a knowledge of the operation of familiar natural laws,
such as gravitation. See White Mines and Mining Remedies, Sec. 450,
p. S95 and cases cited.
§ 124 ISSUES PKOPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 131
plaintiff was taken with this weakness suddenly and then
was struck by his co-employee, falling against him and that
both were found in the bottom of the mine, the fellow-servant
dead andthe plaintiff badly injured. The court held that the
issues as to the presence and effect of the foul air and the
negligence in permitting it to accumulate, were properly
submitted to the jury and that a verdict for the plaintiff
was supported by the evidence. i
§ 124. Failure to discover unexploded blast. — The
rule is differently applied, in the different mining States,
as to the duty on the part of the employer to discover and
notify an employee of an unexploded blast, it being held in
some that such a duty exists upon the employer's part and
in others that the danger of an unexploded blast is a risk
incident to the employment, for which the master is not
responsible. In Missouri, in a recent well considered case,
the employer is held not liable for an injury to an employee
from drilling into an unexploded charge of dynamite, the
court holding that it was a duty of the drillman to discover
and guard against such dangers.^ But in a late Alabama
case, where an employee who had only been employed for
a week, was injured by causing an explosion in drilling into
a rock, that he was directed to drill a hole in, the mere
absence of knowledge of the unexploded shot, on the part
of the defendant's foreman, was held not to entitle the
defendant to a peremptory direction of the verdict, but it was
held a proper issue, to be submitted to the jury, whether or
not, in the exercise of due or ordinary care, the defendant
ought to have discovered such unexploded shot. 3
1 Portland Gold Mining Co. v. Flaherty, 111 Fed. Eep. 312; 49 C. C. A.
361.
2 Livengood v. Joplln Mining Co., 179 Mo. 240; 77 S. W. Eep. 1077.
3 Koblnson Mining Co. v. Tolbert, 31 So. Eep. 519. Speaking of the
liability ol the defendant in that case, the Supreme Court of Missouri
said : " The business was necessarily attendant with some risk and danger
132 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 126
§ 125. Shifting of belt, under foreman's order. — In
an action by an employee for an injury received while fit-
ting a defective belt on a rapidly revolving pulley, where
the plaintiff testifies that he was adjusting the belt under
the order of the foreman and that he was ignorant of any
danger, it was held, in Illinois, that the employee could not
be held, as a matter of law, to have assumed the risk of
injury from the adjustment of the pulley, as he could not
be held to have assumed the risk, while acting under the
defendant's orders, unless guilty of recklessness and the
issue as to his recklessness in such case, was held to be a
jury issue. 1
§ 126. Safety of appliance causing injury. — It is a
question for the jury to determine, from the evidence in
the case, whether or not an appliance furnished by the
employer, which occasions the injury complained of, was
or was not reasonably safe for use, in the business for
which it was intended.^ This rule has been applied where
the evidence was conflicting, as to a defective handle in a
sledge hammer,^ also as to the sufficiency of the hammer
but it could be done In a comparatively safe manner, or it could be done
in a negligent manner. The Injury resulted, in this case, not from the
failure of the master to discbarge his duty to furnish the servant with a
reasonably safe place and reasonably safe tools and appliances with
which to do the work, but from the manner in which the work was done.
There is no conflict in the testimony that it was a part of the duty of the
drillman, Wilkie, to examine and ascertain, after every shot, whether all
the shots had exploded. It is not a scientific matter to ascertain whether
any of the charges in any of the holes, remained unexploded, after the
shots had been fired. There is no reason, in law, why the ascertainment
of this simple fact cannot be as well and safely performed, by the ser-
vant, as the drilling of the hole and the charging it with dynamite, can be
performed by the servant." Livengood v. Lead Co., 179 Mo., loc. clt. 240.
1 Gundlach v. Schott, 192 111. 609; 61 N. E. Eep. 332.
2 Maxwell v. Zdariski, 93 111. App. 334.
3 " In an action for Injuries to an employee, caused by spalls of rock
flying from under the stroke of a sledge hammer, the handles of which
were defective, evidence considered and held to present a questiou for
§ 127 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURY. 133
itself ; 1 as to the proper use of appliances for stopping
ore cars,^ and, generally, the rule is enforced as to all appli-
ances, occasioning injury to an employee, whenever there
is substantial evidence of a defective or insufficient appli-
ance which the master, by reasonable care, could have
discovered and remedied. 3
§ 127. Upon failure to inspect mine. — As in the case
of other issues, in the trial of personal injury actions, if
the basis of the plaintiff's right of recovery is a failure to
inspect the mine, unless the evidence upon this issue is all
one way, it should be submitted to the jury to determine
whether or not an inspection was or was not made and if
made, if it was a proper and competent inspection.* In a
recent Missouri case, an employee was killed, caused by the
the jury, whether the injury was caused by the master's negligence in
failing to furnish suitable handles for the sledge hammer used by a fel-
low-servant, or whether plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence
in continuing in the service." Nash v. Dowling, 93 Mo. App. 156.
1 "Where it appeared, in an action by an employee for personal
injuries, resulting in the loss of an eye, from a piece of iron brealiing
off a hammer he was using in his work, that the condition of the ham -
mer was known to the employer, the question whether it was a reason-
ably safe implement to be used, in the exercise of due care, was for the
jury." Bobbins w. Big Circle Min. Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 79 S. W. Eep.
480.
2 " In an action for the death of a servant employed in a blast fur-
nace owing to the alleged negligence of defendant is not furnishing
sufficient timbers to chock cars which were run on an inclined tracJj
and allowed to stand there for a time, evidence held sufficient to render it
a question for the jury whether the use of a chock that was too short
was the cause of the death." Sloss-Sheffield Steel & Iron Co, v. Mob-
ley (Ala. 1904), 36 So. Eep. 181.
s " An employer's negligence in failing to furnish his employee with a
safe appliance may be shown by direct evidence, or by evidence from
which negligence is inferaole; and, when once shown by substantial
testimony, its weight and sufficiency are for the jury." Towle v. Stim-
son Mill Co. (Wash. 1903), 74 Pac. Rep. 471.
* White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 458 and cases cited.
134 ISSUES PKOPEELT SUBMITTED TO JURY. § 128
falling of a rock in the roof of the mine where he was at
work. It was shown that it was the duty of certain other
employees, called "inspectors," to examine the mine and
that it was also deceased's duty, as a driller, to examine
the roof in the vicinity of his drill before setting it up.
The rock which killed him fell from a distance of ten or
twelve feet from his drill and it was held to be a question
for the jury to determine, from all the evidence in the case,
whether or not a proper inspection by the deceased, within
the limits of the roof he was bound to inspect, would have
disclosed its dangerous condition, so that a failure to dis-
cover it would constitute contributory negligence on his
part.i
§ 128. Jury issues In injuries from hoisting appli-
ances. — The question of whether or not a hoist, in a per-
pendicular shaft of the defendant, was caused to be negli-
gently and suddenly started, without warning to the
plaintiff, has been held, in Illinois, to be a question of fact
for the jury.^ Where the deceased and his fellow-work-
man about to ignite a charge of dynamite, signaled to the
hoister-man and he answered their signal, by raising and
lowering the bucket attached to the rope and they thea
ignited the fuse and signaled to hoist and the bolster
failed to work, it was held to be properly a jury question
whether or not the deceased and his co-employee were
guilty of contributory negligence in failing to properly
place a chain ladder to ascend on, in case the hoister should
get out of fix.'^ And where the plaintiff was injured while
being rapidly lowered into a shaft and the witnesses dif-
fered as to the existence of a custom to let the bucket down
1 Fisher v. Central Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479; 56 S. W. Rep. 1107.
2 Duffy V. Kivilin, 98 111. App. 483; 63 N. E. Rep. 503.
8 Alaska United Gold Mining Co. v. Muset, 114 Fed. Rep. 66; 52 C. C.
A. 14.
§ 129 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBJUITTED TO JURY. 135
empty to ascertain the presence of obstructions caused by
tlie blasts, it was held properly submitted to the jury
whether the sending of a bucket down on a trial trip, be-
fore sending the men down in the mine, after a blast, was
a necessary precaution for their protection, or otherwise. ^
§ 129. Other instances of jury cases. — In a recent
California case^ where the injury was to a shoveller,
put to work on a dump at a quartz mill, in a dangerous '
place, near machinery, the questions of whether or not the
place was reasonably safe, whether special instructions
should have been given, whether guards were practical, or
should have been required, and whether or not other
batteries should have been stopped, while putting cams on
the batteries not running, were all held to be questions of
fact, for the jury.^ So, it has been held to be a jury
question, whether or not the employer knew or ought
to have known of a defective coal chute floor ; ^ whether or
not a foreman was negligent in giving a particular order; *
whether or not, in the exercise of due care, the plaintiff
1 Alaska United Gold Mining Co. v. Keating, 116 Fed. Rep. 661.
" While plaintifE was being rapidly lowered to his place of work in de-
fendant's mine, the backet came In contact with an obstruction which a
fellow- servant had negligently left across the shaft, and plaintiff was
injured. A number of witnesses testified that because of the danger of
obstructions and displaced timbers caused by blasting operations it was
the custom in many mines to send the empty bucket down the shaft to
ascertain that it was clear of obstructions before sending the workmen
down. Held, that it was not error to submit to the jury the question
whether sending the bucket on a trial tpip was a necessary precaution
for the safety of the men before sending them down to their place of
employment." Alaska United Gold Min. Co. v. Keating (U. S. C. C. A.,
Alaska, 1902), 116 Fed. Eep. 561 .
2 Merrifeld v. Maryland Gold Quartz Mining Co., 143 Cal. 54; 76 Pac.
Eep. 710.
8 Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 185.
• Eepublic Iron & Steel Co. v. Berkes, 162 Ind. 517; 70 N. E. Bep.
815.
136 ISSUES PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO JURT. § 129
should have known of an unexploded charge of dynamite ; l
the issue as to whether or not a given apphance in use was
one reasonably safe and proper for the worls; ^ whether
reasonable rules should have been required and, if so, the
due promulgation thereof, by the employer; ^ whether
the employer's methods were reasonably safe, or not;*
the necessity for a given warning; 5 where the facts,
upon the question of fellow-servants, or vice-principals,
" are contradictory or in dispute ; ^ whether an employee
should be chargeable, in law, with notice of a given
danger ; ' whether the experience of the employee was
sufficient to subject him to the rule of assumed risk; ^ and
whether or not a crevice in a bowlder, in the roof of
a mine, was sufficient to charge an employee with con-
tributory negligence,' in continuing to work under it,
are all held to be jury questions.
1 Lanza v. LeGrand Quarry Co. (Iowa, 1904), 100 N. "W. Rep. 488.
2 Eobbjns v. Big Circle Mining Co., 105 Mo. App. 78; 79 S. W. Rep.
480. But see, Shaw v. New Year Gold Mining Co. (Mont. 1904), 77 Pac.
Rep. 616.
3 Johnson v. Union Pacific Coal Co. (Utah, 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 1089.
* Johnson v. U. P. Coal Co., supra.
5 Moyes v. Ogden Clay Co. (Utah, 1904), 77 Pac. Rep. 610.
« Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting, 210 111. 342; 112 111. App. 4; 71
N. E. Rep. 371; Consolidated Coal Co. v. Fleishbein, 109 111. App. 74;
69 N. E. Rep. 963; Junction Mining Co. v. Goodwin, 109 111. App. 144.
' Merrifleld v. Maryland Gold Quartz Mining Co., 143 Cal. 54; 76 Pac.
Rep. 710; Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 186; Riverton
Coal Co. V. Shepard, 111 111. App. 294.
8 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Schermerhorn v. Portland
Cement Co., 88 N. Y. S. 407; 94 App. Div. 600; Moyes v. Ogden Clay Co.
(Utah, 1904), 77 Pac. Rep. 610.
8 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
CHAPTEE VII.
QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOB THE COURT.
Section 130. Failure to establish ground of negligence alleged.
131 Defendant's negligence — Avoidance of injury — Direc-
tion of verdict.
132. Injury by fellow servant — Undisputed evidence.
133. Defendant negligent as matter of law.
134. When evidence shows defendant's freedom from negli-
gence.
135. Evidence showing want of contributory negligence.
136. Injury due to contributory negligence.
137. Injury from gas explosion, due to lighting match.
138. Selecting more dangerous way — Kope and ladder.
139. Assumption of known or obvious risks.
140. Falling objects — Cause unexplained.
141. Fall of earth bank assumed.
142. Dynamite explosions in loading drill holes.
143. Injury from unexploded shots.
144. Injuryfrom set screw — Assumed as matter of law.
145. When safety of place a question of law.
146. Employment or retention of incompetent employees.
147. Failure to call for props — Knowledge of conditions.
§ 130. Failure to establish ground of negligence
alleged. — la an action for negligence, the right of the
plaintiff to recover depends entirely upon his ability to
establish the specific ground of negligence alleged as the
approximate cause of the injury complained of. The de-
fendant is not called upon to answer for any other act or
neglect except that alleged in the petition and a failure to
prove the negligence alleged as a ground of recovery, will
justify a peremptory instruction to find for the defendant.
In a Kansas case, the negligence alleged in the. petition
was that a stack of lead, out of which a bar fell and injured
the plaintiff, was negligently built. There was a total
(137)
138 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COURT. § 131
failure of evidence that it was negligently built or that the
bar fell because of the negligence of the defendant, and it
was held proper to charge the jury to return a verdict for
the defendaut.i And where the ground of negligence
alleged as the approximate cause of the decedent's death
was a defective appliance and all the evidence showed
that the appliance was working in good condition, with
the exception of the rope used in connection there-
with, the sufficiency of the . appliance is not then a
matter in issue and it is error to submit such question to
the jury. 2
§ 131. Defendant's negligence — Avoidance of in-
jury — Direction of verdict. — The general rule of plead-
ing that the burden of proof is always upon the party who
alleges the affirmative of a proposition, to establish it by
1 Kansas City Smelting & Reflning Co. v. Allen, 67 Pac. Rep. 436.
2 Hunt V. Kile, 98 Fed. Rep. 49; 38 C. C. A. 41. "In an action
against a mine owner for injuries to a miner caused by an explosion,
evidence held not to justify submission of the issue of defendant's negli-
gence." Shaw V. New Year Gold Mines Co. (Mont. 1904), 77 Pac. Rep.
515. " Proof that a pirty injured in a mine proceeded to the shaft to
give an order, not by reason of any direction from the superintendent,
will not sustain a recovery on a declaration alleging that the superin-
tendent gave him the order to do what he did." Cardiff Coal Co. ».
Wayback, 108 111. App. 561. " Where a laborer is injured by the falling
of a stacli of zinc spelter, he cannut recover in the absence of evidence
that it was carelessly built, or that his employer knew that it was dan-
gerous." Lanyon Zinc Co. i>. Bell (Kan. 1902), 68 Pac. Rep. 609.
" Where in an action by a servant for inj uries, the negligence alleged is
that defendant furnished an appliance insufficient for the purpose
for which it was used, and that it was made of cast steel instead
of malleible iron, the plaintiff fails to make a prima facie case with-
out evidence that it was so made." Breeden v. Big Circle Min. Co.
(Mo. App. 1903), 76 S. W. Rep. 731. Where the ground of negligence
alleged, was a failure to warn the employee of the dangers of the ser-
vice, if the evidence shows an injury from a defective appliance, a non-
suit is properly directed. Moyer v. Ramsey- Brisbane Stone Co,, 119
Ga. 734; 46 S. B. Rep. 844.
§ 132 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOE THE COURT. 139
competent evidence, applies to the plaintiff in a personal
injury action to the extent of requiring legal and competent
evidence to establish, not only the fact that the negligence
of the defendant was the approximate cause of the injury,
but that, by the exercise of reasonable care and caution,
on his part, the plaintiff could not have avoided the injury.
And in an action for the injury or death of an employee,
where there is no evidence of negligence on the part of the
defendant, or that the employee, by the exercise of ordi-
nary care and caution, could not have avoided injury, a non-
suit is properly directed by the trial court. ^ In a New
York case, the plaintiff's intestate, with a large number of
other men, was employed in getting out stone in a quarry,
and a rock, which had probably been loosened by a previ-
ous blast fell on him, causing injuries, from which he died.
The evidence did not show a lack of due care, on the part
of the defendant, and if there was any negligence in the
case it was that of the plaintiff and his co-employees and
it was held that a verdict was properly directed for the
defendant. 2
§ 132. Injury by fellow-servaut — Undisputed evi-
dence. — In the absence of statute changing the salutary
rule of the common law, that an employee, assumes, by
virtue of his contract of employment, the risk of injury
from the negligence of his co-employees, where the undis-
puted evidence shows that the relation of fellow-servant
exists between the plaintiff and the employee causing his
injury, the question of the defendant's negligence then
becomes one of law, for the court, and a peremptory in-
1 Roul V. Palmer Brick Co., lU Ga. 910; 41 S. E. Bep. 40.
s Trapasso v. Coleman, 76 N. Y. S. 798; 74 App. Div. 33. That ma-
chinery is dangerous will not render a master liable, if he is not negli-
gent. Johnson v. Coal Co., 183 Pa. 623; 39 Atl. Rep. 10; Magnum©.
Bullion Beck Co., 16 Utah, 534; 50 Pac. Rep. 834.
140 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOE THE COURT. § 133
struction should be given to find for the defendant.! This
is the rule in every jurisdiction where the fellow-servant
doctrine obtains, although it is differently stated, as, in
Illinois, that " where the undisputed evidence is such' that
all reasonable minds must agree that the relation of fel-
low-servant exists the existence of such relation becomes a
question of law." ^ This is no exception to the general
rule of practice, for in every case, where there is no dis-
pute as to an issue which is decisive of the case, instead of
going through the useless formula of submitting an issue
that does not exist, to the jury, the court will always
direct the verdict in accordance with the undisputed evi-
dence going to establish the existence or non-existence. of
a given basic fact, decisive of the case being tried.
§ 133. Defendant negligent as matter of law. — When
the evidence, although all one way, so far as the defend-
ant's negligence is concerned, is susceptible of more than
1 Dafey V. KivlUn, 98 111. App. 483; 63 N. E. Eep. BOS; MacCarthy v.
Whitcomb, 110 Wis. 113; 85 N. W. Rep. 707; Yates v. Iron Co., 69 Md.
370; 16 Atl. Rep. 280.
'■' Ashmore v. Charlestoa L. H. & P. Co., 99 111. App. 262. Iq a recent
case in California, where an employee ia a quarry, was injured by a
premature explosion of a blast, through the negligence of the foreman,
the relation of the foreman to the plaintiff was held to be a question of
law for the court. Donovan v. Ferris, 128 Cal. 28; 60 Pao. Rep. 619.
" Where the essential facts for determining who are fellow-servants are
not in controversy, the question is one of law." Shaw v. Bambrick-
Bates Const. Co. (Mo. App. 1903), 77 S. W. Rep. 96. '• Where In an
action for injuries to a servant, all the facts were conceded, and all
reasonable men would agree from the evidence and the legitimate con-
clusions to be drawn therefrom that the relation of fellow-servant ex-
isted, the question was one of law, and not of fact for the jury."
Stevens v. Deatherage Co., 86 S. W. Rep. 481. " While the question of
whether servants of a common master are fellow- servants is usually one
of fact for the jury, yet, when the facts are conceded, or there is no dis-
pute with reference thereto, and all reasonable minds will agree that the
relation of fellow-servants does or does not exist, then the quesilon is
one of law " Coal Co. v. Patting (111.), 71 N. E. Rep. 371
§ 133 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COURT. 141
one construction, since every one is presumed to properly
discharge his duty, the court could not, as a matter of
law, predicate negligence as characterizing such conduct on
the employer's part, but the issue, as to the breach of duty
on the defendant's part, toward the plaintiff, should be sub-
mitted to the triersof the facts. Where, however, from allthe
evidence in the case, no two reasonable men could differ as,
to the conclusion that the defendant was guilty of a breach
of duty toward the plaintiff, then the court would be justi-
fied in so holding, and it would be proper to refuse to sub-
mit to the jury the question of the employer's freedom
from blame. ^ Numerous instances of such liability are to
be found in the reported cases on violations of the statutes
for the safety and inspection of mines, ^ of statutes against
the employment of children under fixed age,^ and the dif-
ferent acts requiring the ventilation* and inspection ^ of
mines.
1 Union Coal Mining Co. v. Crawford (Colo. 1903), 69 Pac. Rep. 600;
Alaska United Gold Mining Co. v. Muset (U. S. C. C. A. Alaska, 1902), 114
Fed. Bep. 66.
* See chapter, Statutes Regarding Safety of Mines.
2 See chapter, Injuries to Infants in Mines.
* See chapter, Gas Explosions in Mines.
5 See Chapter Injuries from Failure to Inspect. " A failure on the part
of the proprietor of a coal mine to comply with Hurd's Rev. St. 1901, p.
1216, § 21, requiring places of refuge on all gravity or inclined entries in
his mine, renders him liable for iojuries received by reason of such
failure." Brookside Coal Min; Co. ■». Hajnal, 101 111. App. 175. " Plain-
tiff's intestate and another were employed in defendant's mine at the
bottom of a shaft. There was an elevator in the shaft, and when about
to blast they gave a certain signal to the engineer, who signified that he
understood by raising a bucket a few feet and then lowering it. They
then ignited the fuse, and signaled the engineer to hoist, and were
raised a short distance, and then lowered, and the engineer' shouted
down the shaft that the compressed air by which the elevator was op-
erated was cut off. Deceased's companion climbed up the elevator rope
and escaped, but deceased could not do so, and was killed by the explo-
sion. The air was cut off by the foreman, who had full charge of the
operation of the mine. There had been an iron ladder in the shaft, which
142 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COURT. § 134
§ 134. When • evidence shows defendant's freedom
from negligence. — When all the evidence in a suit for
personal injuries, not only fails to show the specific grounds
of negligence alleged as a basis for the liability on the
defendant's part, but giving every reasonable inference to
the facts established, which the most favorable construc-
tion thereof would warrant, there is shown to be a freedom
from all negligence on the defendant's part, then the court
as a matter of law, would be warranted in giving a peremp-
tory instruction to find for the defendant.! This result,
was removed some weeks before the accident to be replaced by a new
chain ladder, wliich was on the ground, and was to be placed In the
shaft that day. Held, that defendant was negligent in failing to provide
adequate means of escape for the men engaged in the blasting." Alaska
United Gold Min. Co. v. Muset (TJ. S. C. C. A., Alaska, 1902), lU Fed.
Kep. 66. " The construction. In an upper level of a mine, of an ore
tramway on such a grade that cars started thereon, or starting by gravity,
will run into the shaft by their own momentum, without providing suf-
ficient barriers to prevent their falling down the shaft, is negligence."
Union Gold Min. Co. v. Crawford (Colo. 1902), 69 Pac. Rep. 600. A
failure to properly secure, by cleats, a platform, over which miners are
required to carry coal, as a result of which it fell and injured one of such
miners, is negligence sufficient to constitute a cause of action. Monon-
gahela River Con. Coal & Coke Co. v. Campbell, 2S Ky. L. R. 1599; 78
S. W. Rep. 405. A post, near a coal chute, so near as to strike passing
cars, is such a defect as to render the master liable, in case of a result-
ing injury therefrom. Day v. Dominion Iron and Stone Co. (Can.), 36
N. S. 113.
* " Great care was taken by defendants in procuring good ropes.
The rope which broke had been tested before it was put in use, and the
load when it broke was small compared to the ordinary carrying power
of such a rope. The cause of the breaking of the rope was not known,
but it had been used but a short time compared with the time such a
rope could ordinarily be used with safety. Held to show freedom from
negligence as a matter of law." Kelley v. Hogan, 76 N. Y. S. 913.
" An employer's failure to inspect stone, after it is delivered from the
quarry, to ascertain if any explosives are left about it, will not warrant
a finding of negligence, in an action by a servant for injuries by explo-
sion, in not using reasonable care in the selection of suitable material
for the work, where such inspections were always made at the quarry,
and were rarely made after the stone was delivered." Mooney v. Beattie^
§ 134 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COUET. 143
from the nature of the case, may either arise because of a
failure to estaolish a relation from which any duty would
spring, toward the plaintiff, on the defendant's part, or be
owing to an absence of negligence, or a failure to connect
such negligence with the injury of the plaintiff, but in
either event the conclusion is the same and the de-
fendant is not liable and there is nothing to submit to
a jury.i
(Mass. 1902), 62 N. E. Rep. 725. "Evidence merely that ventilating
fans were not run day and night in a coal mine, where an explosion of
gas occurred, killing a miner, does not show negligence of the owners
which caused the accident; gas being found in the miae at Intervals
only, when a fall occurred or a clay vein was struck, except in the aban-
doned rooms, where workmen were forbidden to go, and the running of
the fans not being effective unless the course of the air currents within
the mine had been properly directed, which is a matter committed by
statute to one over whom the mine owners have no control, and for
whose neglect they are not answerable. "Hall v. Simpson (Pa. 1902), 62
Atl. Rep. 4.
1 " Part of the passageway constituting the second floor of defend-
ant's engine room had been removed to make room for machinery. The
open space thus made was partly spanned by a plank, and a laborer at-
tempting to cross over the plank was injured by its slipping and pre-
cipitating him to the floor below. Held, that the fact that the plank had
been in use for two days, and that defendant might have discovered it
with cue care, did not make it liable; it not having furnished the plank
In the first instance." McKean v. Colorado Fuel & Iron Co. (Colo. App.
1903), 71 Pac. Rep. 425. " A kettle-shaped ladle was used to convey
molten metal. It became clogged with skull and slag, requiring it to be
sent to the repair shop to be cleaned. After the ladle had been filled
with water, as was customary to cool them, it suddenly exploded, kill-
ing plaintiff's intestate. It was not shown that there was any molten
metal under the slag, or that the ladle was in any other than the usual
condition in which ladles came to the repair shop. The same course
was pursued with the ladle in question as had been followed with others
in preparing them to be scraped, and none had ever exploded. Held,
that a verdict for plaintiff could not be sustained on the presumption
that the slag had formed a crust which held the metal under it and pro-
tected it from the water while the ladle was being filed, and that when
the ladle was tipped to let the water run out the weight of the molten
iron broke through the crust of the slag, dropped into the water, and
caused the explosion." Illinois Steel Co. v. Bycyznski, 106 111. App. 331.
144 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COURT. § 136
§ 135. Evidence showing want of contributory negli-
gence. — As the facts, when undisputed, may show such
an absence of precaution for one's own safety, as to
justify a court, as a matter of law, in holding the plaintiff
guilty of such contributory negligence as will bar his re-
covery for a resulting injury, so all the evidence in a case
may present such a case of due care and caution, upon the
partofan injured employee, as to justify thecourtinholding
that the plaintiff is not guilty of contributory negligence as
a matter of law,i although the general rule is that if reason-
able men would be inclined to differ as to whether or not
negligence could be said to characterize the conduct of the
plaintiff, it is proper to submit such issue to the jury,^
§ 136. Injury due to contributory negligence of plain-
tiff. — While the rule is quite general that the court will
not, as a matter of law, interfere, by a peremptory instruc-
tion, on the ground of the contributory negligence of the
plaintiff, unless the evidence shows such a case of negli-
gence on the plaintiff's part as would clearly justify the
conclusion that the injury to the plaintiff, instead of being
due to the defendant's negligence, was caused, primarily,
by the contributory negligence of the plaintiff,^ where the
most favorable light in which the evidence can be regarded,
shows a case where reasonable men would all agree as to the
cause of the injury and that it was due to the negligence of
the plaintiff himself, then the court, as a matter of law, is
authorized in denying the plaintiff a recovery, and a court
1 " A eager in a coal mine, who is required to worlt with great rapid-
ity, and who steps on a cage to adjusta car which he is loading instead of
running around the shaft by the ' traveling way ' to head the car o£E on
the opposite side, and who is injured by the premature hoisting of the
cage, Is not guilty of contributory negligence." Princeton Coal & Min-
ing Co. V. Eoll, 56 N. B. Rep. 169.
^ See chapter, Issues Properly Submitted to Jury.
' See chapter, Contributory Negligence of the Miner.
§ 136 QUESTIONS OP LAW, FOE THE COURT. 145
desirous of following the law, in such a case, should not
wait for a motion for a new trial to declare the legal status
of the parties, but ought to deny the right of a recovery
as soon as the evidence in the case is closed. i
1 "A miner of long experience, wlio, witli knowledge of an overhang-
ing roclj, continued to work thereunder for ten or fifteen hours, aug-
menting the danger by undermining the support of the rock, and finally
causing its fall, was guilty of contributory negligence." Heald v. Wal-
lace (Tenn. 1902), 71 S. W. Rep. 80. " Plaintiff was employed in de-
fendant's coal mine to remove the dirt while another workman bored
under the vein of coal in order that it might be broken by blasting from
above. The person employed to do the blasting drilled holes into the
vein further than it had been undermined, so that, when the blast was
exploded, it left some coal partially detatched from the vein. With
knowledge of this condition of the vein, plaintiff's companion (an inex-
perienced employee) proceeded to undermine the vein as usual, until the
loose coal gave way^ injuring plaintiff. Held negligence, as matter of
law." Tradewater Coal Co. v. Johnson (Ky. 1903), 72 S. W. Eep.
274; 24 Ky. Law Rep. 1777. "Plaintiff, an experienced practical miner,
was injured while he was engaged in constructing an inclined raise in
defendant's mine. On the day before the accident he blasted over the
center of the raise, but did not go back to see the effect of the blast, it
not being his duty Jo do so. In passing a ledge of rock on the side of
the raise, he sounded it, and, finding it solid, did not brace it. Next
morning, on returning to work, he found the face of the raise, including
the ledge, entirely hidden by ' lagging,' the invariable custom, which
was known to him, being to ' lag ' under ground blasted or about to be
blasted. He saw that there had been blasting and drilling on the center
of the raise, and knew he was the first man in after the night shift, but
he did not examine the ledge further than to give it a side glance, and to
notice that there was some dirt on the 'lagging' under it. Its face
hung too low for him to see it without stooping, but he thought it was
safe, as it had not been braced by the night shift. In order to fix some
' lagging,' he got under the ledge, which, having been drilled by the
night shift, and thus weakened, fell on him. Seld that, being charged
with notice of the ' lagging ' and the conditions surrounding him that
the ledge had either been blasted or drilled, plaintiff was guilty of con-
tributory negligence in getting under it without first examining it."
Cummings v. Helena & L. Smelting & Reduction Co. (Mont. 1902) , 68 Pac.
Rep. 852. " An employee sent into a room in a coal mine to remove from
a' car track slate which had fallen from the roof, knocked out a prop of
the roof to get the slate by it, made no attempt to replace the prop, and
made no examination of the roof, though it was low, and he had a lamp in
10
146 QUESTIONS OP LAW, FOK THE COUKT. § 138
§ 137. Injury from gas explosion, due to lighting
match. — An employee who knows that a mine co'ntains
gas, who is so far neglectful of his own safety, as to light
a match in the mine, whereby an explosion results, is guilty
of such contributory negligence, as a matter of law, as
will prevent a recovery by him for the resulting injury. ^
And if the gas had accumulated in fifteen minutes after an
examination of the mine, this would be such an unusual
condition, regardless of the question of his contributory
negligence, as would prevent a recovery from the em-
ployer.^
§ 138. Selecting more dangerous way — Bope and
ladder. — The cases are of an infinite variety where the
selecting of the more dangerous of two ways to perform
his work, is held negligence, as a matter of Uiw, in case of
an injury to an employee. In a recent California case,
where both a ladder and a rope were provided in a mine
for employees to ascend and descend into the mine and the
ladder was admitted to be the safer course to follow, an
employee injured by reason of the fact that the brake on
the hoister failed to work, was held not entitled to recover,
his cap, and soon after alate fell where the prop had been, and injured
him. iZeM, that he was guilty of contributory negligence." L. T. Diclia-
son Coal Co. v. Peach (Ind. App. 1903), 69 N. E. Rep. 189. "Plaintiff
and another were driving a heading in defendant's mine, and were
charged with the duty of pnlliug down or timbering up loose rocks.
After driving the heading several feet and timbering up one rock, they
drove it a few feet past the timbering, thus partly uncovering another
rock. Plaintiff was then ordered to cut off a corner several feet short of
the last rock, and his fellow worker continued to drive the heading, thus
further uncovering the rock, and, while plaintiff was passing under it to
get a sledge for his fellow worker, it fell and injured him. Held, Ihar 1',
was as much plaintiff's duty as that of his fellow worker to see that the
rock was safe, and In failing to perform such duty he was guilty of sui h
negligence as would preclude a recovery." Pioneer Min. & Mfg. Co, o.
Thomas (Ala. 1902), 32 So. Eep. 15.
1 Sommers v. Carbon Hill Coal Co., 91 Fed. Eep. 337.
2 Sommers v. Carbon Hill Co., supra.
§ 139 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOE THE COURT. 147
as he should have used the ladder and thus avoided the
injury, instead of trying to ascend from the mine by the
hoister and rope.i
§ 139. Assumption of known or obvious risks. —
Where the danger to which aa employee is subjected is
obvious and such that if the employee had used reasonable
care to observe his surroundings, he would have discovered,
his ability to have known and appreciated the risk will be
taken, in law, as equivalent to actual knowledge thereof,
whether in fact the employee saw or appreciated the danger
or not, and the court, if from the nature of the danger, the
master had a right to conclude that a sight of the appliance
would carry with it a knowledge of the danger, has a perfect
right to conclude that the servant would appreciate what
was plain to be seen, and the danger would be held a risk
assumed by the employee as a matter of law and the liabil-
ity of the master would not be affected by the knowledge
or want of knowledge on the part of the servant, since his
responsibility is fixed as a matter of law in such a case.^
1 Gribben v. Yellow Aster Mining & Milling Co., 142 Oal. 248; 75 Pac.
Bep. 839.
2 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 191. "Where plaintiff, who was
an Intelligent man, and had often performed the same labor before, was
working in close proximity to a rapidly revolving shaft, which was in
plain view, and was injured by his clothing becoming caught therein,
the danger was so obvious as to work an assumptioQ of risk as a matter
of law." Muenchowo. Theo. Zschetzsche & Son Co. (Wis. 1902'), 88
N. W.Rep. 909. "Where, in an action by a servant for injuries, the evi-
dence of both parties shows the risk assumed, the direction of a verdict
for defendant is proper, notwithstanding the fact that, where there is
any dispute in the evidence, the burden of proof as to the assumption of
the risk of employment is upon the defendant." Judgment (1901) 73
N. Y. S. 646, affirmed. Kueckel «. O'Connor, 76 N.Y. S. 829. "Where,
in an action for injuries to a servant, plaintiff's testimony disclosed that
he assumed the risk which resulted in his injury, defendant was entitled
to the direction of a verdict in its favor on that ground, though the
defens ! of assumed risk had not been pleaded." Iowa Gold Min. Co,
». Die(enlh.iler (Colo. 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 981.
148 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOK THE COURT. § 141
§ 140. Falling objects — Cause unexplained. — Gen-
erally, in case of an injury to a miner from falling objects,
whether machinery or missiles, or other objects, likely to
fall into the mine and injure an employee, it is not sufficient
to prove the injury and the falling object. But the falling
of the substance causing the injury must be traced to the
employer's negligence, for otherwise it has not been
established that the negligence of the employer was the
approximate cause of the injury, which is essential to
establish, in every case, before there is a resulting liability .1
Hence, the mere falling of machinery, without proof
that the falling was due to a defect that would, have
been discovered by a reasonably careful inspection, will not
render the employer liable,^ nor will the proof of an
injury to a miner, employed in a mine, by a missile of some
kind striking him, without proof of the nature or cause of
its fall, render the employer liable, ^ or the falling of
a bucket, attached to the hoister rope, where the fall could
result either from the absence of a brake, or the negligence
of a fellow-servant, operating the bolster,* for, in all such
cases, there is a failure of proof, as to the approximate
cause of the injury, and a peremptory instruction for the
defendant should be given the jury.
§ 141. Pall of earth bank assumed. — In most of the
best considered cases the risk of injury from the falling of
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 450 and cases cited.
2 The mere proof ol the absence of a particular part of a machine and
a resulting injury to an employee, using It in that condition, does not
establish that the injury was due wholly to the absence of the part of
the machine. Plafjja v. Knapp, Stout & Co., 145 Mo. 316.
3 Jacobson v. Smith (Iowa, 1904), 98 N, W. Rep. 773.
4 Luman v. Golden Ancient Channel Mining Co., 140 Cal. 700; 74 Pac.
Rep. 807. In an action to a miner for an injury from a falling missle,
the nature or cause of which was unljnown, there is no proof of
any negligence sufficient to support a recovery. Jacobson v. Smith
(Iowa), 98 N. W. Rep. 778.
§ 144 QUESTIONS OP LAW, FOE THE COUET. 149
a bank of earth or gravel, being due to natural law, is
held to be a risk assumed by the employee, as a matter of
law.l
§ 142, Dynamite explosions in loading drill boles. —
The United States Court of Appeals, in a well considered
case, has recently held that an employee of two or three
years experience who is injured by the premature explosion
of dynamite, in loading a drill hole in a mine, with an iron
tamping bar, familiar with the characteristics of giant
powder and the liability of explosions, assumed the
risk of injury as a matter of law^ and this seems in
accord with the weight of authority upon explosions in
similar cases.
§ 143. Injury from unexploded shots. — In a recent
well considered case in Missouri, by the Supreme Court,
an employee who was a helper of a drillman, was
held, as a matter of law, to assume the risk of in-
jury from drilling into and exploding an unexploded
shot.^
§ 144. Injury from set screw, assumed as matter of
law. — The risk of injury from a protruding set screw is
so plainly obvious that an employee is held to assume such
risk, as a matter of law, in most jurisdictions, under the
familiar rule that obvious risks from dangers that are ap-
i Brown v. Chattanooga Co., 101 Tenn. 252; 47 S. W. Rep. 415; Olsen
V. McMuUen, 34 Minn. 96; Aldrichc. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Pederson
V. Bashford, 41 Minn. 290; Swanson v. Great Northern Co., 68 Minn. 184;
70 N. W. Rep. 978 ; Del Sejnore v. Halliman, 153 N. Y. 274; 47 N. E. Rep.
308; Hughes v. Maiden &c. Co., 168 Mass. 896.
2 King V. Morgen, 109 Fed. Rep. 446; 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 200. See
also Whaley v. Coleman (^Mo. App. 1905) 88 S. W. Rep, 119.
3 Livengood v. Joplin Mining & Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; 77 S. W.
Rep. 1077. For additional cases, where the court, as matter of law,
passed upon the assumption of risk from unexploded shots, see Stadtler
V. Huntington, 163 Ind. 354; Allerd v. Hildretb, 173 Mass. 26.
150 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COUET. § 146
parent are assumed by all employees, regardless of age or
experience.!
§ 145. When safety of place a question of law. —
Where the undisputed evidence, in an action for an injury
from a failure to provide a reasonably safe place, estab-
lishes that the place was reasonably safe or that the injury
to the plaintiff is not the result of any negligence upon the
defendant's part, with reference to the place of work, it is
proper for the court to direct a verdict for the defendant.
In a Michigan case, where the plaintiff was injured by
having molten iron fly into his eye, and the evidence
showed that a teaspoonful of molten iron was spilled upon
the floor and striking the floor, which was damp, a portion
of it flew into the plaintiff's eye, it was held that there was
no issue to submit to the jury, as to the safety of the place
where the accident occurred, although the testimony
showed that the floor was made too damp and the use of
the iron occurred too soon after sprinkling and that it was
customary to sprinkle several hours before using the mol-
ten iron, and that no explosion would result if the iron
struck upon a dry floor. ^
§ 146. Employment or retention of incompetent
employees. — A master is held, in Michigan, to have
exercised due care, in the employment of a brakeman to
run a mine, where the machinery used was simple and
easily managed, where, before hiring, he made inquiries of
one competent to judge of the applicant's knowl-
edge and experience, and he further had him instructed and
watched by the engineer, for a time after he commenced
1 Demers v. Marshall, 172 Mass. 548; 52 N. E. Rep. 1066. For list of
cases on this ground of assumption of risk, see White Mines & Mining
Remedies, Sec. 450, et sub., and cases cited.
2 Nowabowski v. Detroit Stove Works, 9 Det. Leg. N. 25; 89 N. W.
Kep. 956.
§ 147 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOR THE COUKT. 151
work.l Nor would the fact that the employee was but seven-
teen years of age, raise a presumption of negligence against
the employer, where he had, for over seven months, per-
formed the duties of the place, without accident.^ And the
fact that he might, on some occasions, have been negligent,
would not charge the employer with notice of such negli-
gence, where no injury to his employees resulted and there
was nothing to give him notice of such negligence.^
§ 147. Failure to call for props — Knowledge of condi-
tions. — In some of the mining States, under stat-
utes requiring props to be sent down, a request and
refusal or failure on the master's part to deliver the tim-
bers requested is essential to a liability, under the statute,
and where this is held, a failure to establish these facts,
will justify a verdictfor the defendant, as a matter of law.*
1 Walkowski v. Penokee & G. Consolidated Mlaes, 115 Mich. 629; 41
L. E. A. 33; 73 N. W. Rep. 895.
2 Ante, idem. Wabash Co. ■». McDaniels, 107 U. S. 454; 27 L. Erl. 905;
Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v. Brownlie, 60 Ark. 582; Neal v. Gillett,
23 Conn. 437; Molaskee v. Ohio Coal Co., 86 Wis. 22.
8 Walkowski ». Pjnokee Con. Mines, snpra; Cameron w. N. Y. &c. Co.,
145 N. Y. 400. A certificate of competency, given to an engineer, by the
Slate board of mine examiners, under Illinois statute, is not conclusive
as to his competency, between the employer and another employee.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Seniger, 179 111. 370; 58 N. E. Rep. 733. For
case where the court disposed of the contention as to the employment
of an incompetent servant, see Acme Coal Mining Co. v. Mclver, 6
Colo , p. 267.
* Leslie ». Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. 31; Cole v. Mayne, 122
Fed. Rep. 836. See, also Wajkaika v. K. & T. Coal Co., 87 S. W.
Rep. 506. " Where plaintiff was employed in the removal of stumps
support^g the roof of a certain part of defendant's mine, it was
the duty of defendant to keep its roof at entrances and parts of the mine
where plaintiff was not working in a reasonably safe condition ; but as to
the part of the mine where plaintiff was removing stumps, it was his duty
to keep the roof propped, and. If his negligent failure to do so after
being warned of the danger by defendant resu'ted in injuries to himself
defendant was not liable." East Jellico Coal Co. v. Golden, 79 S. W.
Rep. 291 ; 26 Ky. Law Kep. 2056.
152 QUESTIONS OF LAW, FOK THE COURT. § 147
In a recent Iowa case, where the decedent, a miner, was killed
in taking out a pillar of coal, which had been left for
the support of the roof, but there was no evidence that he
called for any props or timbers, but it affirmatively appeared
that he knew the coal was crumbling, because of the weight
of the roof, it was held that the trial court properly
directed a verdict for the defendant. i
1 Olsen V. Maple Grove Coal & Mining Co., 87 N. W. Rep. 736. See,
also, Watson v. K. & T. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366.
CHAPTBE YIII.
INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS.
Section 148. Burden of establishing defendant's negligence.
149. Charge should define degree of care required.
150. As to an obviously defective appliance.
161. As to open and visible rislis.
152. Patent and latent dangers defined.
153. Knowledge of natural laws — Instruction imputing notice
of gravitation.
154. Upon duty to warn Inexperienced employees.
165. Instruction on dangerous properties of dynamite.
156. Instruction should define fellow-servants.
167. In actions for failure to furnish props.
158. On failure to repair, as continuing negligence.
169. As to risks beyond scope of employment.
160. As to duty of inexperienced servant, after instruction.
161. " Reasonable care " the test of plaintiff's knowledge.
162. Erroneous instruction on promise to repair.
163. Injury ou scaffold — Wrong submission as to contributory
negligence.
164. On failure to furnish screen for furnace.
165. Assumption of risk — Servants selection of tools.
166. On right to rely upon defendant's assurance.
167. As to reasonable safe place in which to work.
168. Charge referring to rope as "appliance " proper.
169. Erroneous charge, as to duty to warn employees.
170. Instruction withdrawing custom from jury, error.
171. Erroneous instruction on credibility of witnesses.
172. Erroneous instruction on shifting of belt.
173. Assumed risk — Limiting defense to danger threatening
injury.
§ 148. Burden of establishing defendant's negli-
gence. — As the sole right of the plaintiff, in an action for
personal injuries, to recover, is the breach of a legal duty
owing to him by the defendant, it is generally essential for
him to show such breach of duty as a basis for his recovery,
and hence, it is always proper to instruct the jury that the
burden of establishing some negligence upon the defend-
(153)
154 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 149
ant's part, causing the injury to the plaintiff, is upon the
plaintiff, and if the court, in its charge to the jury, author-
izes a recovery without reference to the defendant's negli-
gence, such a charge would constitute reversible error. i
§ 149. Charge should define degree of care re-
quired. — A charge to a jury should explain to them that
.the test for determining the comprehension of risk by the
plaintiff is his exercise or failure to exercise " ordinary
care" in the premises. If the instruction fails to give to
the jury this guide, as where it simply tells them that al-
though a given appliance was defective, yet, if from his
experience, or observation, the plaintiff knew, or should
have known, of its condition, he is held, in law, to have
assumed the risk of its insufficiency, it is erroneous, in
that it fails to define, with any precision at all, the degree
of care or observation which the law requires.^ And it
would also be error, in omitting this guide to the jury,
where they are simply told that the plaintiff did not as-
sume the risk, incident to the method under which the
1 Where, In an action for personal iDJuries, the answer denied m gli-
gence, instructions ignoring any question of negligence, and auihoMzing
a verdict for plaintiff, even though no negligence was thovvn, were er-
roneous. Burton v. Qaincy, 0. &K. C. Co. (Court of Appeals, Missouri,
April 3, 1905), 86 S. W. Rep. £03. Where the court charged that plaintiff
could not complain or recover because of defendant's negligence ia fall-
ing to properly secure any other part of the mine than that in which
plaintiff was injured as alleged, and that defendant was not an insurer
of plaintiff's safety, but was merely bound to exercise ordinary caro for
plaintiff's safety under the circumstances. It was not error for the court
to refuse to specifically charge that the happening of the accident, of it-
self, -was not evidence of negligence. Highland Boy Gold Min. Co. v.
Pouch, U. S. C. C. A. (Utah, 1903), 124 Fed. Rep. 148.
2 Durand ». N. Y. & L. B. Co., 65 N. J. L. 656 ; 48 Atl. Rep. 1013. "In
an action for injuries alleged to have been occasioned by defendant.fur-
nishing an appliance which was insufUcient, an instruction declaring
thatj if plaintiff knew the facts therein hypothesized, he could not re-
cover, without the qualification, ' or if he by the exercise of ordinary
care could have discovered the dangers attending the use of the ' applianci',
§ 150 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 155
defendant conducted its business, unless he " must neces-
sarily " have known of the dangers of such method by the
exercise of ordinary care. If, by " ordinary care," the
plaintiff could have known of such methods, his knowledge
thereof is presumed and the requisite that he " must nec-
essarily " have known, exempts him from the duty to
know, if by ordinary care he could have known, and only
holds him responsible for a knowledge he "must neces-
sarily" have had, even if negligent, hence, such a charge
is error. 1
§ 150. As to an obTiously defective appliance. — Upon
the employee's assumption of, risk from the use of an
obviously defective appliance it is held, in Missouri, to
Is erroneous, as it impliedly authorized a recovery if plaintiff did not
know such facts, though by the exercise of ordinary care he could have
knovrn them." Breeden v. Big Circle Min. Co., 76 S. W. Rep. 731.
" Where, in an action for injuries to a miner, the court charged that, if
the defects in the shaft which caused the injury had existed a sufficient
time so that defenda'nt, by ordinary care, would have discovered them
prior to the accident, then defendant was negligent, another instruction
that, if defendant was negligent in not having the shaft in order, and
that just prior to the accident some repairs were made, and when the
cage was moved because of the defects plaintiff was injured, he was
entitled to recover, was not objectionable as authorizing the jury to fiod
defendant guilty of negligence, though the shaft might not have been out
of repair a sufficient length of time to enable defendant, by the'exercise
of ordinary care, to discover and remedy the defects." Morgan v. Mam-
moth Min. Co. (Utah, 1903), 72 Pac. Eep. 688.
1 Galveston H. & S. Co. v. English (Tex. Civ. App.), 69 S. W. Rep.
626. "An instruction that if, in passing a prop in a coal mine, the plain-
tiff ' could have discovered how close it was, and could have learned
whether the same was reasonably safe,' etc., Is an erroneous statement
of the degree of care required of servants in examining places where they
work, as it omits the qualifying words ' if he could,' etc., " by exercis-
ing reasonable or ordinary care.' " Gruenendahl u. Consolidated Coal Co.,
108 111. App. 644. " In an action for injuries to a coal miner, an instruc-
tion that if defendant violated the statute in maintaining the passaaeway
in which plaintiff was injured, and which passageway communicated
with the escappment i-haft, at less than the required size, and such acci-
dent was the result of willful negligence, then plaintiff mighs recover,
156 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 150
be the law that: "If the defect is patent, open to obser-
vation, or such as the ordinary use of the machine, in the
business the servant is engaged in, would disclose to an
ordinarily observant man, operating it, and the servant had
ample opportunity, by operating it, before being injured,
to observe the defect, his opportunity to know would be
held as knowledge, whether in fact he knew of the defect
or not, "^ and this opportunity to know and the obvious
nature of the defect, in case of a resulting injury, would
preclude a recovery by the injured servant. In Michigan
a similar instruction was held proper, which told the jury
that, " It was plaintiff's duty to inform himself as to the
danger in using the appliance in question, so far as
he could, by observation, and if it was defective, he cannot
recover, unless it appears, by a preponderance of the evi-
dence, that the defect was not observable by ordinary,
careful observation." ^
without a finding that he was in the exercise of ordinary care, is not un-
supported by the evidence, on the ground that the passageway in which
plaintiff was injured was not a passageway communicating with the es-
capemtnt shaft, where a witness has testified that, to get to his place, he
would start at the bottom of the shaft, and go straight along the main
entry about 400 or 500 yards, then east the same distance, then to the
left 300 feet, which was the road to get out to the escapement shaft,
and was the road in which plaintiff was injured." Spring Val. Coal
Co. V. Eowatt, 63 N. E. Rep. 649; 196 111. 156.
1 Parker v. Hannibal & St. J. Co., 71 Mo. 66; 36 Amer. Rep. 454.
" An instruction that if the latch of a coal bucket was not properly
fastened, and if, on account of such unsafe fastening, plaintiff was
injured, the jury should fiud for plaintiff unless they found that plaintiff
knew the catch was not in a safe condition, or, if unsafe, its condition
was obvious to him, etc., was erroneous, as in effect charging that the
fact specified would establish actionable negligence, instead of submit-
ting such question to the jury." Missouri, K. & T. Co. of Texas v. Smith,
82 S. W. Eep. 787.
2 Chilson V. Lansing &c. Works, 128 Mich. 43; 87 N. W. Eep. 79.
For a very similar instruction, approved in Minnesota, see, Anderson v.
Minn. &N. W. Co., 39 Minn. 523; 41 N. W. Eep. 104. " In an action for
the death of a miner, an instruction requiring of defendant the absolute
duty to make the mouth of the shaft where such miner was working rea-
§ 151 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 157
§ 151. As to open and visible risks. — In Pennsylvania,
a servant is held chargeable and " will be deemed to have
notice of all risks which, to a person of his experience and
understanding, are, or ought to be, open and visible."!
As most generally stated, the servant is held to assume all
risks readily discoverable by the exercise of " ordinary"
or " reasonable " care and prudence, or similar qualifica-
tions, expressing practically the same thing. ^ In Wiscon-
sin, it is said, " an employee is not acquitted of assumption
of risk, merely because he did not comprehend the danger ;
but the test is whether an ordinarily prudent person, bf his
age and experience, under like circumstances, would have
comprehended the risk." * And a similar statement of the
rule is adhered to in Tennessee,* Minnesota,^ Texas,® and
Oregon.'
sonably safe, is not properly modifled by a farther paragraph that if the
track as constructed was dangerous, and certain boys were using the cars
with defendant's knowledge, and that defendant failed to guard the
shaft, so as to make It reasonably safe against accidents, etc., to find for
plaintiff." Knight v. Sadtler Lead & Zinc Co., 91 Mo. App. 574.
1 Rummell v. Dillworth, 111 Pa. 343; 2 Atl. Rep. 355.
2 Williams v. Del. &c. Co., 116 N. Y. 628; Denver Tramway &c. Co. v.
Nesbit, 22 Colo. 404; 46 Pac. Rep. 405; O'Neal v. C. & I. Coal Co., 132
Ind. 110: 31 N. E. Rep. 669; Bryce v. C. M. & St. P. Co., 103 Iowa, 665;
72 N. W. Rep. 780; Corlson v. Sioux Falls Co., 5 S. D.402; 59 N. W. Rep.
217; Chesson v. John L. Roper Co., 118 N. C. 59; 23 S. E. Rep. 925.
"In an action by an experienced coal miuer, who was employed to timber
the mine and look out for and remedy dangers from caving, for injuries
sustained by falling coal aud dirt, where it was shown that he had dis-
covered the dangerous situation and continued io work there after he
had requested and been promisi'd assistance, an iostrucMon thit, if the
dangers and detects were so obvious and threatening that a reasonably
prudent man would have avoided them, plaintifC was guilty of contribu-
tory negligence and assumed the risk of injury, was proper." Roccia
«. Black Diamond Coal Min. Co. (U. S. C. C. A. Wash. 1903), 121 Fed.
Rep. 451.
s Cravens v. Smith, 89 Wis. 119; 61 N. W. Rnp. 317.
4 Ferguson v. Phoenix Mills, 106 Tenn. 236; 61 S. W. Rep. 53.
6 Anderson v. Min. & Mill Co., 39 Minn. 523; 41 N. W. Rep. 104.
« Gulf, C. & S. F. Co. V. Johnson, 83 Texas, 630; 19 S. W. Rep. 151.
' Johnston v. Oregon S. N. & U. N. Co., 23 Or. 9t; 31 Pac. Rep. 283.
158 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJUKY ACTIONS. § 153
§ 152. Patent and latent dangers defined. — To give
the triers of the fact an adequate idea of the proper dis.
tinction between patent and latent dangers, it is always
best for the court to define each, by an appropriate instruc-
tion. In a recent Delaware case a fairly accurate definition
is given, as follows : " Patent dangers are those seen, or by
their presence, perceptible to the senses. Latent dangers
are those not seen, or perceptible to the senses, by their
presence." ^
§ 153. Knowledge of natural laws — Instruction im-
puting notice of gravitation. — Even the most ignorant
workmen, if not of impaired intelligence, are conclusively
presumed to know the effect and operation of natural laws
and certainly when the law presumes a knowledge of its
own shifting doctrines, a familiarity with the immutable
laws of nature ought to be conclusively presumed on the
part of every creature subject to those laws.^ In a Texas
case, where an injury to an employee occurred, as a result
of the sliding of a bank of earth near which he was at
work, although he was of little or no experience, it was
held that the defendant was entitled to an instruction that
" if the risk was as open to the observation of the servant
as to the foreman, it was assumed." ^ But in Louis-
1 Williams v. Walton &c. Co., 9 Houst. (Del.) 322; 32 All. Rep. 726.
See, also, Bennett v. Tlntic Iron Co., 9 Utah, 291; 34 Pac. Rep. 61;
Carey u. H. & St. J. Co., 86 Mo. 635; Kohn v. McNulta, 147 U. S. 238;
37 L.Ed. 150; 13 Sup. Ct. Rep. 298; Meany ». Oil Co. (N.J. L.) 47
Atl. Rip. 803; Rietman v. Stolte, 120 Ind. 314; 22 N. E. Rep. 304;
Sykes o. Packer 99 Pa. 465; Faren u. Sellers, 39 La. 1011; 3 So. Rep-
363; Quick v. Minn. Iron Co., 47 Minn. 361; 50 N. W. Rep. 244; La-
Motte V. Boyce, 103 Mich. 545; 63 N. W. Rep. 517.
2 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sees. 450, 461, and cases cited.
8 Texas & Pac. Co. v. French, 86 Texas, 96; 23 S. W. Rep. 642. See
also Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Watson u. Coal Co., 52 Mo.
App. 366; Lorich v. Mails, 18 R. I. 513; 28 Atl. Rep. 661 ; Brown v Chat-
lanoogaCo., 101 Tenn. 252; 47 S. W. Rep. 415; Olsen u. McMulIen, 34
Minn. 94; 24 N. W. Rep. 318; Reiter v. Winona Co., 72 Minn. 225; 75 N.
W. R.p. 219.
§'154 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 159
iana,i and Illinois ^ an inexperienced employee is not held to
be chargeable with a knowledge that a position near a per-
pendicular bank is dangerous, because liable to fall at any
minute, under the force of natural laws. This view, how-
ever, is counter both to the reason of the law itself and
the weight of authority upon this question, for if the
employee under the implied contract of his employment is
not held to assume the risks of injuries from coming in
contact with natural laws, then the doctrine of assumed
risks has no existence in fact.
§ 154. Upon duty to warn inexperienced employees. —
Of a peril resulting from unseen and unappreciated con-
ditions and forces, to an inexperienced man, who would
know nothing thereof by the exercise of his senses, but
who would only come to a knowledge thereof by being
instructed in regard to it, there is a duty on the part of
the employer to warn the employees, ignorant of the dan-
' Daly V. Kiel, 106 La. 170; 30 So. Rep. 254.
2 Alton Paving & Brick Co.?;. Hudson, 74 111. App. 612; 176 III. 270;
52 N. E. Rep. 256. " In an action by a servant for personal injuries sus-
tained while working under the orders of defendant's foreman at ihe
bottom of a quarry, through earih falling upon him from the bank
above, it was proper to refuse an instruction that If plaintiff went to
work after examining the bank, or alter opportunity to do so, then de-
fendant did not owe to plaintiff the duty of warning him of danger; de-
fendant being required to exercise reasonable diligence in seeing that the
place where plaintiff worked was safe." Western Stone Co. v. Muscial,
6a N. E. Rep. 664; 196 111. 382. " Where the court charged that it was
plaintiff's duty to take ordinary care to learn the dangers of his employ-
ment, and that he was required to inform himself, and was bound to
take notice of the ordinary operation of familiar natural laws, and to
govern himself accordingly, and it he failed to do this he assumed the
risk, and could not recover if he was injured as the result of his failure
to see what was apparent to any person using his eyes, a further instruc-
tion that it was defendant's duty to explain to plaintiff the dangers of
the buiinefs was not objectionable on the ground that it impliedly re-
quired defendant lo point out obvious dangers." Shickle-Har:ison &
Howard Iron Co. v. Beck, 72 N. E. Rep. 423; 212 111. 268.
160 INSTRUCTIONS -IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 155
ger to which they are exposed, of the risks to which they
are subjected. This duty has been held to exist as to the
danger from explosion by the contact of hat slag with
water or ice ; i the tendency of molten iron to explode,
when punctured,^ the dangerous contact of poisonous
fumes, ^ and similar unseen dangers to the uninitiated.*
As to all such dangerous forces and agencies, it is the duty
of the employer to warn such of his employees as are not
familiar therewith, of the dangers reasonably to be ap-
prehended therefrom, in the performance of their duties
and the jury should be so charged, in an action for an
injury from such a cause. ^
§ 155. Instruction on dangerous properties of dyna-
mite. — As to an inexperienced employee, where the mas-
ter has information of his lack of experience or familiarity
M'ith the danger of handling dynamite, it is held proper to
instruct the jury that " it is the employer's duty, before
1 McGowan v. La Plata Min. and Smelting Co., 3 McCrary, 393; 9
Fed. Eep. 8C1; Eibich ». Lake Superior Smelling Co., 123 Micii. 406; 82
N. W. Kep. 279; 48 L. R. A. 649; Redmund v. Butler, 168 Mass. 367;
47 N. B. Eep. 108; Hunt v. Lead Co., 104 Mo. App. 377; 79 S. W. Eep.
710.
2 Holland v. Tenn. Coal and Iron Co., 91 Ala, 414; 8 So. Eep. 524;
12 L. E. A. 232.
s Wagner v. .Jayne Co., 147 Pa. 475; 23 All. Rep. 772.
' Parkhurst ». Johnson, 60 Mich. 70; 15 N. W. Eep. 107; 45 Amer.
Eep. 28.
6 McGowan v. La Plata Mining and Smelting Co., and authorities
supra. " An instruction that, if plaintiff was employed to work in &
certain department, and to obey the orders of the foreman, then plain-
tiff was not required to have any better knowledge of the condition of
ihe machinery than he would derive from a careful exercise of his sight
and hearing, and if, under these circumstances, and while in the line of
his duty and obeying orders of the foreman, plaintiff was injured, to find
for plaintiff, was not erroneous as leading the jury into concluding that
there might be a recovery even though plaintiff had actual knowledge of
the danger." Gould Steel Co. v. Richards (Ind. App. 1903), 66 N. E.
Rep. C8.
§ 156 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 161
using a highly dangerous explosive, to ascertain and make
known, to his employees, not familiar with its properties,
the danger to be reasonably apprehended from its use;" i
a like duty is recognized, by the United States Supreme
Court, upon the part of an employer, to notify a workman
who is not a miner and knows nothing about dynamite or
other dangerous explosives, of the danger of causing an
explosion from overheating or jarring dynamite.^ But as
to an employee of ordinary experience in the use of dyna-
mite there is no duty on the part of the employer to warn
such employee as to the explosive character of the material,
and an instruction that a duty of warning such an em-
ployee existed, would be error on the part of the trial
court.'
§ 156. Instruction should define fellow-servant. —
Where the evidence is undisputed upon the question of
1 Bertha Zinc Co. v. Martin, 93 Va. 791; 22 S. E. Kep. 869.
2 Matthews v. Rillston, 156 U. S. 391; 39 L. Ed. 464; 16 Sup. Ct.
Eep. 464; Grimaldi v. Lane, 177 Mass. 566; 59 N. E. Kep. 451; Burke v.
Anderson, 69 Fed. Kep. 814; 34 U. S. App. 132; 16 Cir. Ct. App. 442;
Lofrano ». N. Y. &c. Co., 55 Hun, 452; 8 N. Y. Supp. 717.
3 Livengood v. Joplin Mining and Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; 77 S.
W. Kep. 1077. See Chapter, Injuries from Powder Explosions. " In an
action by a miner for injuries from the premature txplosion of a blast,
the court instructed that, if defendant's foreman neglected to notify
plalntifE, his negligence would be that of the defendant, and that if a
higher grade o£ explosive was furnished plaintiff without notification,
a'nd he did not know of Its character, he did not assume the risk. On
defendant's behalf the court instructed that unless the jury believed
defendant changed the grade of powder without plaintiff's knowledge,
and that he remained ignorant thereof, and that the substituted powder
required a higher degree of care in handling, and that the change sub-
stantially increased plaintiff's danger and was the proximate cause of
his injuries, and that he was free of contributory negligence, tliey should
find for defendant. Held, that the instruction that plaintiff did not
assume the risk, when considered with the instruction given at defend-
ant's request, was not erroneous, as permitting plaintiff to recover if he
was guilty of contributory negligence." Chambers v. Chester (Mo.
1903), 172 Mo. 461; 72 S. W. Rep. 904.
11
162 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS § 156
the capacity of the servant causing the injury, the court
can, as a matter of law, declare that such servant is not a
co-employee with the injured servant. But where the
evidence is disputed and the issue as to the capacity of the
servant causing the injury is to be submitted to the jury, it
is proper for the court to tell them, by an appropriate in-
struction, just what is meant, in law, by the term " fellow-
servant." 1
1 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Shepherd, 112 111. App. 458. " An instruc-
tion which tells the jury that if they believe from the evidence that the
plaintiff was injured by the negligence of a fellow-servant, or by the
negligence of himself combined with that of a fellow-servant, they
will And for the defendant, is properly refused where the party
asking the same has requested no instruction telling the jury
what constitutes a fellow-servant." Consolidated Coal Co. of St.
Louis V, Shepherd, 112 111. App. 458. " In an action by an employee
for damages, in which the issues are submitted on the evidence of
the plaintiff alone, an instruction placing the burden of proof on de-
fendant to establish that the injury occurred through the fault of a
fellow-servant of plaintiff is not erroneous." Consolidated Kansas City
Smelting and Refining Co. v. Osborne (Kan. 1903), 71 Pac. Rep. 838.
"In an action by a miner for injuries owing to the cage in which he
was being lowered into the mine coming into contact with certain
' chairs ' projecting into the shaft, which chairs were used to steady
the cage when it stopped at a level, and which, when in proper order,
automatically fell back out of the way when the cage was lifted from off
them, the evidence showed ttiat it was the duty of the ' cage rider' who
managed the cage to make a trip before taking miners into the mine, in
order to see that the chairs were in order, but that on the occasion in
question he failed to perform such duty, and that the chairs had been
out of order for some months, so that they would not automatically
drop back. It appeared that a servant known as a ' tool carrier,' had
just before the accident been down the shaft with the cage, but he tes-
tified that he did not remember whether he had fastened the chairs
under the cage, and the evidence did not show that the tool carrier '
or the cage rider were fellow-servants. Held, that it was proper to
refuse to instruct that there could be no recovery, though the appli-
ances were defective, if the proximate cause of the injury were
the negligence of a fellow- servant, and U the accident would not have
happened if the cage rider had made the trip to see that the chairs were
in proper condition." Jenkins v. Mammoth Min. Co. (Utah, 1902), 68
Pac. Rep. 845.
§ 157 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 163-
§ 157. In actions for failure to furnish props. — In
actions for failure to furnish props, the instructions should
follow the petition, with reference to the character of neg-
ligence authorizing a recovery. If the action is for a
violation of the common law duty to prop, it is not essen-
tial to predicate the right to recover upon an element of
willfulness on the defendant's part; l but frequently, under
statutory actions, an intentional violation of the statute
must be shown and where this is done, a recovery should
only be authorized upon a willful violation of the statute
by the defendant.^
1 Carson v. Coal Hill Co., 101 Iowa, 224; Olsen v. Coal Co., 115 Iowa,
74; 87 N. W. Rep. 736.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Young, 24 111. App. 255; Durant v. Coal
Co., 97 Mo. 67; Leslie v. Coal Co., 110 Mo. 31. " An instruction ignoring
a statutory provision relieving the operator from securing the roof at a
place where coal is being mined, and only requiring him to provide props,
caps, and timber for the miner to use, was not erroneous, where the
place of the accident was not one where the miners were working, but
was over a track where the miners were not called on to put up props.
97 111. App. 109, affirmed. Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 63 N. E.
Rep. 1079 ; 196 III. 694. " Where evidence tended to show that the shift
boss of a mine, on being notified that certain of the timbers in the stope
in which plaintiff was injured were taking weight, not only promised to
erect additional supports, but assured plaintiff that it was perfectly safe
for him to remain there and continue his work, such evidence justified
an instruction that if plaintiff called the attention of the shift boss to
the fact that some of the posts were taking weight, and that the boss
promised to remedy the defect, and plaintiff continued to work because
of such promise, he did not assume the risk from such defect." High-
land Boy Gold Min. Co. ■». Pouch (D. S. C. C. A., Utah, 1903), 124 Fed.
Rep. 148. "Plaintiff was injured by the falling of a stone from the
root of a room in a coal mine, in which room be and another alone
worked. It was part of their duty, as they extended the room by their
digging, to see that the roof was properly supported by timbers, which
It was the duty of defendant employer to furnish. Seld that, the evi-
dence being conflicting as to whether the accident happened from failure
of defendant to furnish timbers or from plaintiff's failure to use those
furnished, it was misleading to instruct, without qualification, that
defendant assumed the duty of furnishing a reasonably safe place for
plaintiff to work." Kansas & T. Coal Co. v. Chandler (Ark. 1903), 77
164 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 158
§ 158. On failure to repair as continuing negli-
gence. — In an action for the death of a servant from the
explosion of an engine, due to a failure to repair the same,
it was held proper to charge the jury that «' if the caps
had been left ofE the screws on the throttle cap this was
continuing negligence, on defendant's part, although the
intestate might have ascertained it, and if that fact was the
approximate cause of the injury, the plaintiff was entitled
to recover."! Butfollowing such acharge, it would be error
to give a repetition of the instruction, to the effect that if
the defect might, by reasonable care, have been known to
the defendant, a continuance of the failure to repair, was
a continuance of the negligence and the plaintiff was not
guilty of contributory negligence, as this omitted the
essential fact that the defect caused by the failure to
repair must have been the approximate cause of the injury
to the plaintiff.^
S. W. Rep. 912. " In an action for the death of plaintiff's father, result-
ing from the failure of a mine owner to deliver props and cap pieces,
as required by Kurd's Rev. St. 1899, c. 93, §§ 14, 16, with the miner's
empty car, no objection was made to the sufficiency of the declaration,
•which averred that 'It vpas the defendant's duty to deliver props and
caps as required, and when requested to do so by the miners.' The
evidence fairly tended to support the allegation that the deceased miner
sent up a request for props, which were not furnished him. Held not
error to refuse an instruction to find defendant not guilty, on the ground
that there was no evidence tending to show that the company failed
to furnish props as required by the statute." O'Fallon Coal Co. v.
Laquet, 64 N. E. Rep. 767; 198 111. 125. "Where there was evidence
that the falling of a portion of the roof of a mine, which caused
deceased's death, was the result of defendant mining company's failure
to prop the same, an instruction that it was defendant's duly to pro-
vide a reasonably safe place for deceased to work in, and that if it failed
to do so, and for this reason deceased, while performing his duty and
in the exercise of due care, was injured by the falling of the roof, because
of the absence of sufficient props, plaintiff wa? entitled to recover, was
not objectionable." Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark (111. 1902), 64 N. E. Rep.
.282; 197 111.614.
1 Marcus ». Loane & Co., 133 N. C. 54; 45 S. E. Rep. 354.
2 Ante, idem.
§ 160 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 165
§ 159. As to risks beyond the scope of employment. —
In an action for an injury in obeying an order to render
services, outside tiie scope of the employment, or for other
and more dangerous work than was intended at the time of
the employment of the plaintiff, it is proper to charge the
jury that it is " the master's duty not to expose theservant
to risks beyond those incident to his employment, and such
as were in contemplation at the time of the making of the
contract of service." i But such an instruction would not
be proper in a case where there was no evidence of an ex-
posure of the servant to risks beyond the scope of the
employment, for this authorizes a recovery upon a ground of
negligence not shown by the evidence to exist. ^
§ 160. As to duty of Inexperienced servant, after in-
struction. — Inan action by an employee for injuries received
from a failure to warn him of impending danger, a charge
that the defendant should have caused the plaintiff to be
instructed as to the dangers in operating the machine, upon
which he was engaged in work, at the time of his injuries,
and that " a servant, after proper instruction, was bound
to exercise that diligence which would be expected of a per-
son of his age and capacity and after such instructions
were given and understood the plaintiff was subject to all
the duties and liabilities of any other employee and should
show the diligence to be expected of a young man of his
age and experience," is proper.^ But after instructing
that a child could not 4-ecover if he failed to exercise such
care as would be reasonably expected from one of his
mental and physical capacity, it is error to further tell the
jury that he could not recover if he did not know that the
machinery was dangerous and the accident happened by
1 Parlett v. Dann (Vj. 190t), 46 S. E. Rep, 467.
^ Ante, idem.
' ViQson V. Morning News Co., 118 Ga. 655; 45 S. B. Rep. 481.
166 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 161
reason of a defect therein, as this held the plaintiff to too
great a degree of diligence, i. e., to discover latent defects
in the machinery, which is not a duty imposed upon adult
employees, much less upon infants. ^
§ 161. " Reasonable care " the test of plaintiff's
knowledge. — An instruction which imputes knowledge of
a defect or danger to the plaintiff regardless of whether it
could have been ascertained by the exercise of " reasonable
care" on his part, is erroneous. In an action for an in-
jury from passing a prop, in a coal mine, an instruction
that "if the plaintiff could have discovered how close it
was, and. could have learned whether the same was reason-
ably safe," he could not recover, is erroneous, as it
omitted the qualifying phrase, " by the exercise of reason-
able or ordinary care on his part." ^ And so, in Missouri,
it is held that it is error to instruct the jury that an
employee injured by reason of a defective appliance cannot
recover if he could have discovered such defects, where the
qualification is omitted, or if he could, " by the exercise of
ordinary care, have discovered the defects in the appli-
■ ance," as it holds the employee to a greater degree of dil-
igence than the law contemplates he shall exercise.^
1 Eagle & Phoenix Mills v. Herron, 119 Ga. 389; 46 S. E. Rep. 406.
" An instruction, in an action for injury to an employee in a coal mine
through the falling of a stone from the roof of the room in which he and
another worked, that, if the plaintiff was without experience in mining
coal, it was defendant employer's duty to warn him of the dangers, is
abstract and misleading, plaintiff's testimony showing that, though he
had dug coal but six weeks, he had, previous to the accident, learned the
necessity of keeping the roof properly supported, and knew that an un-
supported roof was dangerous, and that it was the master's duty to fur-
nish supporting timbers, and his duty to put them in place." Kansas &
T. Coal Co. V. Chandler, 77 S. W. Rep. 912.
* Gruendahl». Consolidated Coal Co., 108 111. App. 644.
s Breeden v. Big Circle Mining Co., 103 Mo. App. 176; 67 S. W. Bep.
731. " An instruction that it was plaintifE's duty to exercise reasonable
and ordinary care to avoid danger, and if, by the exercise of such care,
§ 163 INSTKUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 167
§ 162. Erroneous instruction on promise to i-epair. —
In a recent Arkansas case an instruction, in an action for
an injury to an employee in a coal mine, through the fall-
ing of a stone from the roof of the room in which he
worked, that, "if he requested the foreman to furnish
him props and the foraman promised to furnish them,
then, the plaintiff relied on the promise and for that reason
continued at his work, he did not assume the risk incident
upon the failure to furnish the props," is held to be mis-
leading, as the plaintiff would not have been justified in
exposing himself to a danger so obvious and imminent if
no person of ordinary prudence would have exposed him-
self to it, under like circumstances. i In other words, the
question of the plaintiff's assumption of risk, as well as his
contributory negligence, depends upon the full considera-
tion of all the facts in the case and the mere promise to
repair would not prevent the assertion of the defense, if
other facts in the case showed a state of record sufficient
for it to obtain. The instruction singled out facts and
gave undue prominence thereto and practically made the
defense in the case to turn upon such promise to repair
alone.
§ 163. Injury on scaffold — Wrong submission as to
contributory negligence. — An action, in Arkansas, was
based upon the defendant's negligence in providing an in-
he could have seen the danger in time to have escaped It, then he would
be guilty of contributory negligence — given in the case of one employed
la a stone quarry in breaking up blasted stone, who was injured by a
rock rolled down from the hillside, and in view of the contention and
evidence of defendant that plaintiff had been warned not to work with
his back to the hill, and that, as the rock rolled down, some one shouted,
and others worEing near plaintifE got out of the way — is correct, and not
objectionable because not explaining contributory negligence or defining
ordinary care, greater particularity not having been requested." Tur-
entine v. Wellington (N. C. 1904), 48 S. E. Eep. 739.
1 Kansas & Texas Coal Co. «. Chandler, 71 Ark. 618; 77 S. W. Rep. 912.
168 ' INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJUKY ACTIONS. § 164
suflScieat and defective and dangerous scaffold for the
plaintiff, on which, while at work, in the exercise of due
eare on his part, he was injured, by reason of the defend-
ant's negligence. On the trial, the defendant claimed
and the evidence tended to show that the plaintiff was
guilty of contributory negligence in overloading the scaf-
fold. The court charged the jury that if " the plaintiff
did overload the scaffold and this was the approximate
cause of its giving way, plaintiff could not recover, pro-
vided the scaffold was properly constructed and main-
tained." This was held error, because it stated, in effect,
that the plaintiff could not be guilty of contributory neg-
ligence, unless the defendant was free from negligence,
which is not the law.i
§ 164. On failure to furnish screen for furnace. —
Where the evidence, in an action, in Missouri, for an injury
from a failure to furnish a screen for a blast furnace,
showed that molten iron and other material dangerous to
employees was liable to be thrown out of the front of the
furnace, without warning, upon employees, in the absence
of a screen, which was usually maintained in front of the
furnace, but that it had been left off, after repairs to the
furnace, an instruction to the jury that if the screen was
necessary to protect employees from injury from escaping
molten iron, and the defendants had knowledge of such
fact, then it was their duty to maintain it in place, in
front of such furnace, to prevent the escape of molten
iron, is held proper.^
1 Wadsworth «. Bagg, 71 Ark. 501 ; 76 S. W. Rep. 549. " In an action
by a servant for injuries, defendant's testimony, tending to show that
plaintiff and his co-employees, while turning the crank of a derrick, care-
lessly released their hold too soon, thereby letting the load fall too
rapidly, and causing plaintiff's injury, justified an instruction on con-
tributory negligence." Kaminskl v. Tudor Iron Works (Mo. 1902), 67
S. W. Rep. 921.
2 Curtis v. McNair, 173 Mo. 270; 73 S. W. Rep. 167.
§ 166 INSTKUCTIONS TN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 169
§ 165. Assumption of risk — Servant's selection of
tools. — If the evidence in an action for injury from un-
safe appliances, shows that the plaintiff was accustomed to
select his own tools, it is not improper, after charging the
jury as to the general duty of the employer toward his
employee, in this regard, to instruct them, for the defense,
that if the employee was aware of the risk and danger and
had himself selected the instrumentalities for doing his
work, that it was the duty of the employer to furnish him
such tools as he called for that were reasonably safe, and
if he failed to call for tools that were reasonably safe, the
fault was his, . and he could not recover, if his injuries
were due to this cause. i But such an instruction would be
i«iproper, in the absence of a custom that the employee
was given to demanding the kind of tools he preferred to
use, for, as a general rule, he has a right to rely upon the
selection of reasonably safe tools and appliances by the
master and for an injury from a neglect of such duty,
would be entitled to an instruction that he could recover
damages.^
§ 166. On right to rely upon defendant's assurance. —
Where, in an injury from ;fallen rock from the roof of
a drift, the evidence tended to show that when the plain-
tiff called the defendant's shift boss' attention to the fact
that the timbers were taking weight, he promised to erect
additional supports, but assured plaintiff that it was per-
fectly safe for him to remain at work where he was, with-
out such supports being inserted, it was held that an
instruction was proper that if the plaintiff called the
attention of the shift boss to the fact that some of
the props were taking weight and that the boss promised
1 Crawford v. American Steel Co., 123 Fed. Rep. 275.
2 Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Gibson (Ind. 1903), 66 N. E. Eep. 882;
Doyle V. Pittsburg Co., 204 Pa. 618; 54 All. Eep. 363.
170 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 167
to remedy the defect and that the plaintiff continued his
work because of such ])roniise, that he did not assume the
risk of injury from such defect.^ But in an action for in-
juries from the breaking of a rope, an instruction that
if the jury believe, from the evidence, that the plaintiff
protested against the use of the rope and was assured by
the defendant's agent that it was made safe and that
he continued the use of such rope, because of such assur-
ance, and any reasonable man would have so continued to
use it after such assurance, is improper, as eliminating both
the plaintiff's knowledge of the defects and the danger in
the use of the rope.^
§ 167. As to reasonably safe place in whicli to work. —
In an action for an injury resulting from an unsafe place,
an instruction is proper which tells the jury that if they
believe from the evidence that the plaintiff was ordered
into a certain place, by the representative of the defendant,
to perform labor for the defendant, it was the duty
to provide the plaintiff with a reasonably safe place in
which to perform such labor and that the plaintiff has
a right to rely upon the performance of this duty, by the
defendant, and that for a breach thereof, the defendant is
liable in damages to the plaintiff.^
1 Highland Boy Gold Mining Co. v. Pouch, 124 Fed. Rep. 148.
2 Ft. Worth Iron Works v. Stolies (Texas), 78 S. W. Rep. 231.
3 Cobb Company v. Kaudson, 107 111. App. 668; 207 111. 462; 69 N. E.
Rep. 816. " Where plaintiff, a. miner, descended a ladder used in going
to and from his worl^, and on stepping off the last rung fell into a hole
made and left over by the foreman without plaintiff's knowledge, an
instruction that where a mining company, in the prosecution of its work,
is putting in timbers and floors to catch ore as it ia broken down and dis-
tribute it Into various chutes, and the floors are being changed from time
to time to iseep up with the work, such floors and timbers and passage-
ways are to be deemed the work itself, and not the place of work, or the
means of egress or ingress, within the rule requiring the master to keep
them reasonably safe, was not correct, and was properly refused."
§ 168 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 171
§ 168. Charge referring to rope as "appliance"
proper. — In an action for an injury from a defective rope,
it is not error for the court to use the word " appliance,"
Downey v. Gemini Min. Co. (Utah, 1902), 68 Pac. Kep. 414. " An instruc-
tion that it was the master's duty to exercise reasonable care and dili-
gence to provide and maintain a ' safe place ' and safe appliances for
deceased to use in performing his duties was not misleading, though
the breach of duty alleged related only to appliances." Terre Haute
Electric Co. v. Kiely (Ind. App. 1904), 72 N. B. Rep. 658. " In an action
against a mining company for injuries to an employee, an instruction that
it was defendant's duty to keep its premises in a reasonably safe con-
dition, — in such condition as they would have been kept by a person of
ordinary prudence under the same circumstances, considering the nature
of the work to be performed, — was not erroneous for not using the
words ' skilled in the business ' after the words ' persons of ordi-
nary prudence,' the court having Instructed in that connection that
'the defendant was under no obligation to keep the plaintiff abso-
lutely safe and free from danger,' but that its duty was 'to use
ordinary care, which is the care ordinarily exercised by persons of
average prudence under the same or similar circumstances.' " Downey
V. Gemini Min. Co. (Utah, 1902), 68 Pac. Rep. 414. "In an action
against a coal mining company for injuries received in a mine, an in-
struction that it was the duty of the defendant to have used ordinary
care in furnishing to plaintiH a reasonably safe place In which to
work, and to have used reasonable precaution to keep such place in
a reasonably safe condition, and if defendant neglected to perform
such duty, and plaintiff, while in the exercise of due care and caution
for his own safety, was injured as a result of such negligence, then
the jury should find the defendant guilty, is properly given." Con-
solidated Coal Co. V, Lundak, 97 111. App. 109. "Where a miner
was injured by falling through a platform at the foot of a ladder over
which he passed in going to and from his work, and the proceedings
showed that the only inquiry concerning the defective condition of
the mine was with reference to the platform and ladder, an in-
struction that it was defendant's duty to keep its 'premises' In
reasonably safe condition was not erroneous because it did not limit
the jury to a consideration of the condition of the place of ingress
and egress." Downey d. Gemini Min. Co., 68 Pac. Rep. 414. "In an
action against an employer for negligence causing an employee's death,
error in instructing that it was the duty of defendant to furnish plain-
tiffs' son a reasonably safe place In which to work is cured by adding
that if the jury believed that the place where the son was working was
not reasonably safe, ' but Was dangerous,' etc., plaintiffs should re-
cover." Stumbo V. Duluth Zinc Co. (Mo. App. 1903), 75 S. "W. Rep. 185.
172 iNSTRUcnoNS ix mining i.vjury actions. § 170
in speaking of the rope to the jury. An instruction that
it is the duty of the defendant to exercise reasonable care
to furnish to the plaintiff reasonably safe "appliances,"
and to exercise like care in keeping such " appliances " in
a reasonably safe condition, is not misleading, in that it
permits a consideration of other appliances than the rope
iu question, as this is within the legal definition of an " ap-
pliance " and the evidence as to the condition of the rope
and no other appliance, would effectually limit the plain-
tiff's recovery to defects causing injury therefrom. l
§ 169. Erroneous charge, upon duty to warn em-
ployees. — An instruction in an action for injury from a
failure to warn the employee, that if the accident resulted
from any cause which might reasonably have been guarded
against and was due to dangers incident to the work, which
the employer knew or ought to have known, and the dan-
gers were unknown to the employee, which the employer
knew, or should have known, and the employer failed to
warn the employee thereof, then the jury should find for
the plaintiff, was erroneous, because it held the employer to
a duty to give warning of dangers that the employer did
not actually know and authorized a recovery for causes not
alleged in the complaint.^
§ 170. Instruction witbdrawing custom from jury
error. — Where, in an action for injury from falling slate
from the roof of a coal mine, both the defendant and the
plaintiff had introduced evidence as to the custom in in-
specting and trimming the roofs of mines in the same
locality, and upon whom the duty of inspection and trim-
ming, by custom, was devolved, it was held to be error,
1 Illinois Steel Co. v. Wierzbicky, 107 111. App. 69; 206 111. 201; 68 N.
E. Rep. 1101.
2 Eoche V. Llewellen Iron Works, 140 Cal. 563; 74 Pac. Rep. 147,
§ 171 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 173
for the court, in charging the jury, to instruct them that
they should not consider the evidence of such respective
customs, for the purpose of showing want of negligence on
the part of either the plaintiff or the defendant, as it was
practically a denial to the defendant of its evidence of
custom, it negatived the idea that if the defendant owed
no duty as to the roof, it was not negligent and was calcu-
lated to lead the jury to believe that the evidence of custom
had no bearing upon the negligence or contributory negli-
gence in issue. 1 Nor would such error, in the giving of
this instruction, be cured by the giving of another instruc-
tion that if the duty of inspection and repair devolved on
the plaintiff he could not recover, for the absence of the
evidence of custom might have led the jury to resolve this
issue against the defendant.^
§ 171. Erroneous instruction on credibility of wit-
nesses. — In most of the States of the United States,
the jury are the sole judges of the credibility of the
1 Thayer ». Smoky Hollow Coal Co. (Iowa,* loos'), 96 N. W. Rep. 718.
2 In aa action by an employee in a coal mine for injuries sustained
owing to the fall of slate from the roof of an entry, the court Instructed
that evidence had been introduced tending to prove a custom that a
miner should look after the safety of the roof, but that the evidence
should not be considered as tending to prove absence or want of negli-
gence on the part of the defendant and that the plaintiff had introduced
evidence tending to show the custom of miners, which evidence should
not be considered as showing absence of negligence on the part of plaia-
tifi. Held, that the instruction was erroneous, since it deprived defend-
ant of the benefit of its evidence as to custom, negatived the idea that if
defendant owed no duty as to the roof it was not negligent, no matter
what it omitted, and might have led the jury to believe that the evidence
as to custom had no bearing on the issue as to negligence or contribu-
tory negligence. Thayer v. Smoky Hollow COal Co. (Iowa, 190.3), 96 N.
W. Rep. 718. The error was not cured by an instruction that, if the duty
of Inspection and repair devolved on plaintiff, he could not recover, and,
if it devolved on defendant, plaintiff could not recover without showing
some negligence, either of omission or commission. Thayer v. Smoky
Hollow Coal Co., 96 N. W. Rep. 718.
174 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 172
witnesses and of the weight to be given to their testimony
;ind it is customary to instruct them that if they believe
that any witness has willfully sworn falsely upon any
material fact, the jury, in their discretion, may discredit
such witness, by disregarding the whole or any part of
such witness' testimony. The essential element which
must exist in order for them to discredit a witness is
the " willful or intentional " false swearing, as to a
material fact, by any witness in the case, and an instruction
which omits this element and enables the jury to dis-
believe any witness who may merely have sworn falsely, as
where he might have been honestly mistaken, is reversible
error, as recently held by the Court of Appeals, in Mis-
souri. i
§ 172. Erroneous instructiou on sbifting of belt. — In
an action by an employee, it is error for an instruction to
assume the existence of any facts material to the plaintiff's
recovery, or that any disputed facts have been established
by him, as this is calculated to mislead the jury to the
disadvantage of the defendant. Accordingly, in an action
for an injury to an employee, from the shifting of a belt,
in pursuance of an alleged negligent order of a foreman,
an instruction that "if the plaintiff was ordered by the
foreman to shift the belting of his machine, and did not
know of or appreciate the danger of obedience, if any,
and, by reason of his attempt to obey the order of the
1 Jackson v. Powell (Mo. App. 1905), 84 S. W. Rep. 1132. "In an
action for injuries to a servant, a requested instruction that if the jury
believed the testimony given by plaintiff in a former action by a fellow-
servant, injured in the same accident, against defendant, that plaintiff
had seen flames, sparks, etc.. Issuing from the explosion doors of
defendant's blast furnace a good many times, then they must ignore
his testimony in the cause on trial that he had never seen the flames
aud sparks issue from such doors, was Improperly refused." O'Leary v.
BufCalo Union Furnace Co. (N Y. Sup. 1905), 91 N. Y. S. 579.
§ 173 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. 175
foreman, he was injured, then the defendant was guilty
of negligence and the plaintiff is entitled to recover," is
erroneous, in omitting all reference to the plaintiff's con-
tributory negligence, the authority of the foreman to give
the order in question and the defendant's exercise of
reasonable care, in the furnishing of its appliances. ^
§ 173. Instruction on assumed risk should not limit
defense to danger threatening immediate injury. —
There is perhaps no subject known to the law upon which
there is a wider divergence, among the considered cases,
than that on the doctrine of assumed risk, and the courts
not only of different States are in irreconcilable conflict,
as to what dangers are and what ones are not assumed
and how the question is to be determined, but the opinions
of the courts of the same State are also opposed to each
other, and it is impossible to harmonize all the adjudications
upon the subject. As an illustration of the conflict exist-
ing upon this one doctrine of the law — an evidence of the
fact that the system of laws administered, are not reduced
to anything like an exact science — a few cases in the
State of Missouri alone may be considered. In many of
the decisions of the past few years the doctrine has been
announced that only those apparent or obvious risks will be
held to be assumed by the employee, as a matter of law,
where immediate or pending danger is threatened and that
if the danger is not so threatening, the question will be
1 Killeleao.CaUforniaHorseshoeCo., HOCal. 602; 7tPac. Rep. 157. In
an action by a servant for injuries, an instruction that if plaintiff was
ordered by the foreman to shift the belting of his machine, and did not
know of and appreciate the danger of obedience, it any, and by reason
of his attempt to obey was injured, then defendant was guilty of
negligence, " and plaintiff is entitled to a verdict," Is erroneous, as
omitting all reference to contributory negligence, the foreman's author-
ity, defendant's having furnished safe appliances, etc. Killelea v.
California Horseshoe Co. (Cal. 1903), 74 Pac. Kep. 157.
176 INSTRUCTIONS IN MINING INJURY ACTIONS. § 173
one of fact for the jury as to whether the risk was or was
not assumed. 1 The recognition of this doctrine finally gave
expression to the additional one that assumed risk is always
a jury question, in Missouri,^ and that latter expression of
the court, along with the doctrine that if the injured em-
ployee, when injured, had reason to believe, as a prudent
man, that he could safely continue his labor without im-
mediate injury, the risk would not be assumed, but other-
wise it would be,^ no doubt prompted the recent decision,
which is a return to the common law doctrine, that all
risks, ordinarily incident to the employment, are assumed,
whether threatening immediate injury or not; that such a
limitation of the defense is paring it down to a more
narrow margin than the law recognizes and that an instruc-
tion so limiting the defense is not the law in Missouri.*
1 Larsons. Mining Co., 71 Mo. App. 512; Smith o. Little Pittsb':!rg
Mining Co., 75 Mo. App. 182; Robbins v. Big Circle Co., 105 Mo. App.
78; Angelo v. Coal Co., 7i S. W. Rep. 714; Ohio Va'ley Coal Co. v.
McKinley, 33 S. W. Bep. 186.
2 Hammon v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232, and cases cited.
3 Hamilton v. Coal Co., 108 Mo. 377; Prophet v. Kemper, 95 Mo. App,
224; Hollerini). Iron Co., 133 Mo. 470.
* Minnier v. Sedalia &c. Co., 167 Mo. 94.
CHAPTEE IX.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS.
Section 174, Assumed risks in general.
175. Youth of employee immaterial.
176. Dangers from appliances and methods assumed.
177. Employer's methods — Obvious dangers from assumed.
178. Concurrent negligence of master and fellow-servant not
assumed.
179. Necessity for knowledge of danger.
180. Same — Known dangers are assumed.
181. Same — Obvious or threatening danger.
182. Risk not assumed when danger not appreciated,
183. Equal knowledge — Risk assumed.
184. Same — Dangers from unsafe roof.
185. Same — Dangers from natural sources assumed,
186. Same — Knowledge of scientific facts not presumed,
187. Extraordinary risks not assumed.
188. What exceptional risks are assumed.
189. Selecting more dangerous way to perform duty.
190. Negligence and incompetency of co-employees.
191. Dangers from latent defects not assumed.
192. Dangers from want of repair.
193. Promises or assurances of safety.
194. Obeying orders of master or vice-principal.
195. Where work changes the place.
196. Dangers incidental to work assumed.
197. Dangers not incident to service not assumed.
198. Where no work expected at place of injury.
199. Employee injured while ofE duty.
200. Injuries from accidents are assumed.
201. Dangers from unguarded cogs and set screws.
202. What injuries from defective hoisting apparatus are as-
sumed.
203. Risks obvious to one of employee's experience are as-
sumed.
204. Use of cars and tramways.
205. Dangers from breach of statutory duty.
206. When assumption of risk jury question.
12 (177)
178 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 174
§ 174. Assumed risks iu general. — What is generally
understood by the doctrine of assumed risk, as applied in
the law of master and servant, is the implied contract of
the common law, on the part of the employee, in entering
into a given employment, that he will assume all the risks
incident to such employment, which are obvious, or with
which he could become familiar by the exercise of due
care.^ The application of the principle extends alike to all
1 Buswell Per. Inj.,Sec. 204, p. 339. See the leading case of Priestly ».
Fowler, 3 M.& W. 1. Assumption of risk involves two elements — knowl-
edge of the defect and appreciation of the danger. Stomme v. Hanford
Co., 108 Iowa, 137; 78 N. W. Rep. 841. Whethera given risk is assumed
or not, depends largely upon the facts of each particular case. Frank v.
Bullion Beck Mln. Co., 19 Utah, 35; 66 Pac. Hep. 419; 6 Am. Neg. Rep.
738. See Ashland Coal &c. Co. ». Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 42 S. W. Rep.
744. A servant is under as great duty as the master to prevent injury to
himself, by using ordinary care. Russell Cr. Coal Co. v. Wells, 96 Va.
416; 81 S. E. Rep. 614. The servant is not bound to ascertain all the dan-
gers, but must use reasonable care to do so. Holmau ». Kemp, 70 Minn.
422; 73N. W. Rep. 186. A convict who is leased out by the State to an em-
ployer cannot recover for injuries which he sustains by having volunta-
rily placed himself in a position of danger, but, as he does not engage in
the service of his own free will, he does not assume the risks visible in
and ordinarily incident to, the service, which a free man engaging
therein would be charged with having assumed. (C. C.) Slmonds u.
Georgia Iron & Coal Co., 133 Fed. Rep. 776, judgment affirmed, Georgia
Iron & Coal Co. v. Simonds (U. S. C. C. A., Ga. 1904), Id. 1019. An em-
ployer is not bound to anticipate dangers, which one skilled in the busi-
ness could not foresee. Beasley v. Transfer Co., 148 Mo. 413; 60 S. W.
Rep. 87. But should use all appliances, readily obtainable, to prevent
the occurrence of accidents. Western Coal Co. v. Berberich, 94 Fed.
Rep. 329. An employee assumes the risk of a cause not discoverable in
advance, whether in machinery. Bradbury v. Kingston Coal Co., 167
Pa. St. 231; 27 Atl. Rep. 400. Or in defect of a roof . Bennett w. Iron
Co., 9 Utah, 291; 31 Pac. Rep. 61. "A servant does not assume risks
which are not ordinarily connected with the service, and which are due to
a failure of the master to exercise reasonable care and prudence." Mont-
gomery Coal Co. V. Barringer, 100 111. App. 185. The employer is en-
entitled to conduct his business in his own way although not the safest
and if he removes latent dangers, or advises the employee about these,
he is not liable for an injury. Bethlehem Iron Co. v. Weiss, 100 Fed!
Eep. 45.
§ 175 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 179
vocations, where the relation of employer and employee
exists, and the risks assumed necessarily differ with the
character and extent of the business and the methods and
caution of the employer. In the more dangerous kinds of
business, the number and extent of the risks assumed are
necessarily augmented, but whatever dangers are incidental
to the service performed, are assumed by the employee, in
entering into the employment. ^
§ 175. Youth of employee Immaterial. — So generally
is the principle applied, in actions for personal injuries
to employees, that the mere fact of the youth or inexperi-
ence of the injured employee will not exempt him from the
operation of the rule, but as to all obvious risks, which a
person of the employee's years and experience ought to
observe and understand, he is held, by virtue of his con-
tract of employment, to assume, in law.^ But the youth
1 "The principle is tliat where the servant has as good an opportunity
as the master to ascertain and avoid the danger for himself, he will have
no recourse against the master, in case he is injured thereby." Bus-
well Per. Inj., Sec. 204, p. 336; Bailey Mas. Llab. Inj. Serv., p. U,5.
" The servant assumes the risk of every danger belonging to the work
itself; but if the master's negligence aggravates such danger, and the
servant is injured thereby, he may recover." Nash o. Dowling, 93 Mo.
App. 166. " While the employee assumes the known risks of his employ-
ment, he assumes them with all of their qualifications, which include
the exercise of the care which the employer is accustomed to use to
obviate or minimize the danger from such risks." Rockport Granite Co.
V. Bjornholm, 115 Fed. Rep. 947. "It was not error of which plaintiff
could complain for the court to fail to charge at plaintiff's request that
if the jury found that the danger, while not so threatening and obvious
as likely to cause injury at any moment, was so imminent and manifest
as to prevent a reasonably prudent man from risking it on a promise
of assistance, defendant would not be liable." Roccia v. Black Diamond
Coal Min. Co., 121 Fed. Rep. 451.
2 RummellB. Dilworth, 111 Pa. St. 343; South v. Irwin, 61 N. J. L.
507. In Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. Sup. Ct. of
App., Feb. 1904), 46 S. E. Rpp. 802, " a boy of fifteen and one-half yeats,
of at least ordinary intelligence, assisting in a mine, was killed by a
180 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 175
and want of experience, on the part of an injured employee,
would be proper subjects for consideration in determining
whether or not the danger ought to have been anticipated
by one of his years and experience and, in cases of doubt,
on the part of the trial court, as to whether the danger, in
a given case, should, or should not have been antici-
pated, it would be proper under appropriate instruc-
motor car in a dark tunne]. His father had warned him to be careful.
The court held a minor could assume known and apparent risks and
dangers when he understands them, A judgment for the defendant was
affirmed." 16 Am. Neg. Rep. 152. " Where a minor servant, under the
circumstances of his employment, ought to have known and compre-
hended the danger from certain uncovered cogwheels while attempting
to work a valve on an engine he was emp'oyed to fire, he assumed the
ri.-k of injury therefrom," TJpthegrove v. Jones & Adims Coal Co.
(Vi^is. 1903), 96 N. W. Rep. 385. " Where a boy 17 years old, employed
to carry rivets from a forge to other workmen, knew that an unguarded
shaft lay along his path, and elected to continue his work notwith-
standing the danger, he assumed the risk." Terry v. Schmidt (U. S.
C. C. A., N. Y. 1902), 116 Fed. Rep. 627. " A minor assumed the risk
of such apparent dangers as he is capable of comprehending, and in a
suit against his employer for alleged negligence it must be shown that
his death was occasioned by negligence other than such apparent dan-
ger." Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 46 S. E.
Rep. 802. " A boy about 15 years old and of ordinary intelligence
who had worked with his father in the mine and has used a tunnel lead-
ing to it in going and returning from his work, who started alone
through such tunnel after warning by his father, and was killed by the
motor hauling coal therein, assumed the risk." Williams v. Belmont
Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 46 S. E. Rep. 802. A minor employee
assumes such risks as are obvious, or have been pointed out to him.
Smith V. Irwin, 57 N. J. L. 507; 18 Atl. Rep. 862. But a minor would
not assume the dangers from a scaffold falling, If it was built /by his
superior employees. Eddy v. Aurora Min. Co. (Mich.), 46 N. W. Rep.
17. A minor who obtains employment by representing himself to be
of age, assumes the risks the same as an adult. Lake Shore &c. Co.
V. Baldwin, 10 O. C. D. 333. A boy of ten was held not capable of
assuming the risk of injury from obeying an order to couple coal cars,
as the master impliedly agreed to require no work of him beyond his
capacity. Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Gaffney, 119 Ind. 455; 21 N. E.
Rep. 1102. See also, Hickey v. Taafe, 99 N.Y. 204.
§ 176 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 181
tion,i to submit the question to the jury, as an issue
of fact.^
§ 176. Dangers from appliances and methods as-
sumed. — A mine owner has the legal right to adopt his
1 Brazil Coil Co, u. GafEney, 119 Ind. 455; Smith v. Irwin, 61 N. J. L.
607. A boy of fourteen does not assume the risk of obeying an order
of the foreman to run and throw away an ignited stick of dynamite.
Orman v. Mannix, 17 Colo. 564; 30 Pac. Bep. 1037; 17 L. E. A^ 602; 31
Am. St. Eep. 340. A mine owner is liable for a negligent order of his
foreman to an infant, although it would be an assumed risk, in case of
an adult, it of experience in the business. Mahood v. Coal Co. (Utah),
30 Pac. Rep. 149; McLean Coal Co. v. McVey, 38 111. App. 158. A ten-
year-old boy at work in a coal mine is too young to assume the risk of
obeying a negligent order to couple coal cars. Brazil Block Coal Co.
». Gaffney (Ind.), 21 N. E. Rep. 1102; 4 L. E. A. 850. A company will be
liable to the parents of a minor employee, for changing his employment,
without their knowledge, whereby his peril is increased. Weaver v.
Iselin, 161 Pa. St. 386; 29 Atl. Rep. 49. But an employer will not be
liable for an injury to a boy sixteen years old, because he was put to
work near an overhanging ledge of rock, if the danger was obvious
and there was nothing to show that the boy did not appreciate it fully.
Williamson v. Marble Co. (Vt.), 29 Atl. Eep. 669. But see contra,
Lynch v. AUyn, 160 Mass. 248; 35 N. E. Eep. 550. See, also, Cherokee
Coal Co. V. Britton, 3 Kan. App. 292; 46 Pac. Eep. 100. An inexperi-
enced boy will not assume the risk of injury from a defect in a tram-
way over which he runs cars to and from the mine. McNamara v. Logan
(Ala.), 14 So. Eep. 176. But see as to experienced employee, performing
similar duty. Beckman v. Coal Co. (Iowa), 57 N. W. Eep. 889. "The
doctrine or assumption of known risks is applicable to minors, where
there is positive evidence that the risk in question was understood."
Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co., 46 S. E. Rep, 802.
2 Sanborn v. Flume Co., 70 Cal. 261. The length of time the employee
has been engaged miy also be taken into consideration. Kery ». De-
Castro Co., 5 N. Y. Supp. 648, 9, In Merrifleld t;. Maryland Gold Quartz
Co. (Cal. Sup. Ct., April, 1904), 70 Pac. Rep. 710, a minor of eighteen
and one- half years of age, a shoveler on the dump regularly, was sent to
york without previous experience in putting the cam on a shaft. " He
let his end of one of them fall, and was caught by one of the revolving
cams by the heel and dragged in. An order denying a new trial was
reversed. The court said that the questions of whether the character of
the work called for special instructions how to perform it, whether such
were given, and whether the servant should have been cautioned as to
the danger, were for the jury to pass on." 16 Am. Neg. Rep. 142.
182 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 177
own methods for the regulation of his business and an
employee who enters or remains in his service, without
promise of a change in the conduct of the business, is held
to assume the risk, although a safer method might have
been employed. i Likewise, the law recognizes an em-
ployer's prerogative to selectthe peculiar kind of machinery
and appliances that he may deem best suited to his busi-
ness — where the law does not regulate his duty in this
regard — and an employee who elects to remain in his
service and use such appliances, assumes the risk of injury
therefrom although safer appliances might have been pro-
vided.^
§ 177. EJmployers' methods — Obvious dangers from
assumed. — To such an extent does the law recoornize
the right of an employer to consult his own judgment
as to the methods of conducting his own affairs, that
an employee is held to assume the risks of injury from
the methods or appliances in vogue, when he enters
into the employment, even though the dangers from
1 Bailey, Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 146. Au employer has a right to
carry on his business as he sees fit even if some other method would be
safer, so long as he does not violate the law, or expose his employee
to dangers he is not aware of and cannot discover, by reasonable dili-
gence. Osborne v. Lehigh Valley Coal Co., 97 Wis. 27; 71 N. W. Eep.
814. "In an action for injuries to a miner from alleged defects in
hoisting machinery, an objection to a question asked the mine superin-
tendent as to whether he knew the depth of shaft in view at the time
the company first placed the machinery, is properly sustained, though
its purpose was to show that the shaft was sunk to a greater depth than
was at first intended, and for which the appliances were inadequate."
Lamau v. Golden Ancient Channel Min. Co., 74 Pac. Rep. 307. A
skilled employee using a ladder without spikes in the bottom, as a
" result of which it slipped and injured him, cannot recover for such
injury. Borden v. Daisy Mill Co., 98 Wis. 407; 74 N. W. Rep. 91;
Eietlman v. Suite, 120 Ind. 314.
2 Stephenson v. Duncan, 73 Wis. 406; 41 N. W. Eep, 337; Gilbert'
3). Guild, 144 Mass. 601; 12 N. E. Rep. 368.
§ 177 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 183
the methods or appliances ia use are increased by the
employer's failure to use the safest, if the dangers there-
from are obvious, or incidental to the business, as he
conducts it.i The duties of the mine owner, as specified
in the previous chapter, exist only in those cases where
1 Lord V. Pueblo Sm. & Min. Co., 12 Colo. 390; Abbott v. McCadden,
81 Wis. 563; 61 N. W. Eep. 1079. "An employee must take notice
of obvious dangers, but he is not under the necessity of hunting for
them." Illinois Steel Co. v. Mann, 100 111. App. 367; affirmed 64 N. E.
Rep. 328. " Where the dangers against which it was alleged a master
had negligently failed to warn a servant, whereby the servant was
injured, were such that the servant had equal means with the master
of knowing of them, the master was not liable," Cartledge v. Pierpont
Mfg. Co., 47 S. E. Eep. 686. " Plaintiff was injured by the falling
of a stone which he was cutting in defendant's stone-yard. In order
to facilitate the cutting, the stone was tilted up by means of stone chips
placed beneath it on blocks, in accordance with custom. Plaintiff had
worked on the stone for four or five days prior to the accident, but
was not present when it was last tilted up. Plaintiff testified that he
knew that if the stone was not properly propped he would get hurt
aad that he made no effort to inform himself as to how it was propped.
When the stone fell, plaintiff had finished working on it, and was
leaning over or upon it, in the act of picking up some tools or a match.
Held, that the risk that the stone might fall was obvious, and one
which plaintiff assumed." Archambault v. Archambault (Mass. 1903),
68 N. B. Rep. 199. An employee in a mine assumes the risk of obviously
steep, dangerous stairs, he is obliged to use. Sweet v. Coal Co. (Wis.)
78 Wis. 127; 47 N. W. Eep. 182; 9 L. R. A. 861; Krampe v. St. Louis
Ass'n, 59 Mo. App. 277. But see, where stairs are greasy, dark, or icy,
Harding v. Trans. Co., 83 N. W. Rep. 395; Kline v. Abrahams, 178
N. Y. 377; 70 N. E. Eep. 923; 7 Am. Neg. Eep. 654. The negligence
of the master is held not to be a risk assumed by the miner, in Hone O;
Mammoth Min. Co., 75 Pac. Eep. 381. "A servant does not assume
risks not ordinarily connected with his service and which arise from the
failure of the master to exercise reasonable care." Riverton Coal Co. v.
Shepherd, 111 111. App. 294. " While a person entering voluntarily
into a contract of service assumes all the risks and hazards ordinarily
incident to the employment, and such as are liable to arise from defects
which are patent and obvious to a person of his experience and
understanding, he does not ordinarily assume risks arising out of the
negligence of the master." Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining & Concen-
Irating Co. v. Jones, 130 Fed. Rep. 813.
184 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 178
his peculiar methods or manner of conducting his business
are not known to his employee, or where the law would
not charge him with such notice, considering his ex-
perience and the peculiar service rendered. i WherS an
employee knows of an alleged yiolation of duty on the
part of his employer and also knows of the danger con-
nected therewith, or where the danger is so obvious that
the law would charge him with the knowledge thereof,
then he assumes the risk of an injury from such a cause,
although it may be traceable to the negligence of his
employer.^
§ 178. Concurring negligence of master and fellow-
servant not assumed. — The authorities are very generally
agreed upon the proposition that an employee does not
1 Bailey, Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv.^ pp. 148, 149.
2 Lord V. Pueblo Sm. & Min. Co., 12 Colo. 39. " Plaintiff, employed
at a lime kiln, around which were four iron bands, was injured by one
of them, which brolse from the shirring ofi of the rivets, caused by the
expansion of the kiln under the heat. A band had broken several months
before, and plaintiff had told the foreman that they must be loosened, or
he would cease work, and the foreman had said he would see that it
was attended to at once. The superintendent also said he would have
them loosened, and as soon as he got material would have guards put up,
and four uprights were thereafter erected as guards to prevent a band
flying out in case of a break. While the bands were not loosened,
plaintiff testified that he did not know it, and supposed that when they
said they would loosen them that they did it, and that from where he
worked one could not see whether they had been loosened. Held, that
it could not be said as matter of law that the risk was an obvious one
and assumed." Schermerhorn v. Glens Falls Portland Cement Co. (!J,
y. Sup. 1904), 88 N. Y. S. 407; 94 App. Div. 600. "It was not error
to refuse an instruction that an employee could not recover for an in-
jury alleged to have resulted from the negligence of the master, in
failing to make proper examination and test of a ledge of rock before a
blast was made, if he • had as good an opportunity as defendant's
superintendent to examine the situation,' where he was not charged
by his employment with any duty in that respect, and the defect which
caused the accident was not so obvious that he must be held to have
known of it as matter of law. " Rockport Granite Co. v. Bjornholm,
116 Fed. Eep. 947.
§ 178 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BT MINEES. 185
assume the risk of an injury resulting from the concurrent
negligence of the employer and a co-employee of the
injured servant, i but where the negligence of the employer
combines with that of a fellow-servant to produce an injury
to an employee, the mere concurrence of the co-employee's
negligence, will not relieve the master from liability, if the
danger was not obvious or known. The master would, ac-
cordingly, be liable for an injury resulting, whenever he
had been negligent in furnishing an unsafe place or appli-
ance, or adopting a dangerous rule, and a co-employee had
also been negligent in the manner of his work, or the use
of the appliance, or a compliance with the rule or order,
and, as a result of such concurrent negligence, the injury
was occasioned.^ For instance, in Massachusetts, it is
held, that if an employer provides defective lumber for a
scaffolding, he will be liable in case of injury to an em-
ployee, where a fellow-servant of the injured employee had
used the defective material.^ The same rule applies, in the
use, by a co-employee, of a defective or dangerous imple-
ment or appliance,* and the rule is general that such risks
are not assumed. ^ But if the negligence of a fellow-serv-
ant was the approximate cause of the injury and the
employer's negligence only remotely contributed thereto,
the injured employee will be held to have assumed the risk,
1 Anilla B. Nash, 117 Mass. 318; Lane v. Atlantic Works, 111 Mass.
136 ; Joyce ». Worcester, HO Mass. 245; Atkinson v. Goodrich Co., 60
Wis. 141 ; 18 N. W. Eep. 764; Boyce v. Fitzpatrick, 80 Ind. 526.
2 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., pp. 443, 444.
3 Clark V. Soule, 137 Mass. 380.
4 Sherman v. Menominee River &c. Co., 72 Wis. 122 ; 39 N. W. Rep. 366.
s Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, 30 Wis, 674; Perry y. Marshall, 25 Ala.
659; Bnswell Per. Inj., Sec. 216, p. 871; Pantzear v. Tilly Foster Iron
Min. Co., 99 N. Y. 368; McMahan v. Hanning, 3 Fed. Rep. 353; Hinckley
V. Horazduski, 133 III. 359; Bartonshill Coal Co. v. McGuire, 3 Macq. 300;
Coombs s. New Bedford Co., 102 Mass. 572; Haugh u. T. & P. Co., 100
U. S. 213.
186 ASSUMPTION OF KISK, BY MINERS. § 179
unless the master was careless in employing the fellow-
servant. ^
§ 179. Necessity for knowledge of danger. — The ques-
tion of the assumption of a given risk, in his employment,
by an employee, often depends upon his knowledge of
the dano-er with which he comes in contact. The law does
not charge all employees, regardless of their experience or
surroundings, with a knowledge of all the dangers encoun-
tered in their employment,^ but if the given danger was
1 Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 215, p. 373; Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p.
443.
2 Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 204-, p. 340. " In an action against the owner
of a mine for wrongf ally causing the death of a minor, the complaint
alleged that defendant's mine boss was notified of the insecure condi-
tion of the roof of the mine, and that it was his duty to make it safe, but
that he failed to do so, and, some time after learning of the dangerous
condition, ordered deceased, who had no knowledge that the place was
unsafe, but assumed that the boss had visited the place, and that it was
not dangerous, to locate the dangerous roof and prepare to make it safe.
While executing the order deceased was killed. Held, that the fact that
the place was not inspected and made secure before the accident was
immaterial, in view of the fact that the injury did not occur until after
deceased knew of the danger." Indiana &c. Coal Co. o. Batey (Ind. App.
1904), 71 N. E. Rep. 191. "Plaintiff was injured by an explosion in amine
which occurred before plaintiff and his fellow-workmen had beenhoibted
a sufiBcient distance up the shaft after spitting the fuse to avoid danger,
and plaintiff claimed that the fuse furnished by defendant that day was
quicker than fuses previously furnished, and that defendant had not in-
formed plaintiff that a change in the fuses generally used had been made.
As to whether the fuse was quicker, and known to be so by defendant's
agent, and whether the difference was discernible In the mine, and
whether plaintiff or any ot his companions knew or could have known
thereof, the evidence was conflicting. Held, that a verdict for plaintiff
was not unsupported by the evidence." Hedlun v. Holy Terror Min.
Co. (S. D. 1902), 92 N. W. Rep. 31. "Where a miner was directed
down an inclined chute for the purpose of putting in lagging, and re-
quested that a rope be furnished to prevent falling, and at the direction
of the superintendent the miner himself placed a rope in the chute, which
was subsequently removed by a fellow-servant, and the miner continued
to work with knowledge of such removal, and was injured by falling, he
§ 179 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 187
understood,! or if from the experience and surroundings of
the employee it ought to have been, it is assumed, as a risk
incident to the business.^
assumed the risk; and was not entitled to recover therefor." Banker
Hill & S. Minins & Concentratins Co. v. Kettleson, 121 Fed. Rep. 529.
" Where a servant of a coal company, alter loading a cart with coal
from a car, the end of which swung on hinges, attempted to leave the
car by climbing over the end, which fell in, breaking one of his legs, his
injury was due to his own negligence in attempting to leave the car in that
way, as steps were provided at the side of the car, and, besides, he might
by Ihe exercise of ordinary care, have discovered that the car was sprung
and ihat the end was not secured either by the iron hooks provided for
the purpose or by blocks of wood sometimes substituted for the hooks."
Tradewater Coal Co. v. Head, 66 S. W. Rep. 721. ''Where in an action
for injuries to a miner by the fall of coal in a room in which he was di-
rected to work, he testified that he did not discover the dangerous con-
dition of the roof before the injury, but relied on the assurance of de-
fendant's room dresser, who had authority over plaintiff, that the room
in which he was directed to work was safe, plaintiff was not guilty of
contributory negligence, as a matter of law, in failing to discover the
danger from the coal by which he was injured." St. Bernard Coal Co.
V. Southard (Ky. 1903), 76 S. W. Rep. 167; 25 Ky. Law Rep. 638.
1 Aldricti ». Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559. "While pliintiff's intestate
was employed with a large number of other men, in getting out stone in
a quarry on a hillside, a rock which had been loosened, probably, by some
previous blast, fell on him, causing injuries from which he died. The
evidence showed no lack of due care on the part of his employers and
their servants in respect to any duty owed by them, and, if there was
any negligence by any one, it was that cf deceased or of his fellow-
servants in the performance of a detail of the work. Held that a verdict
was properly directed for defendants." Trapasso v. Coleman, 76 N. Y.
S. 798.
2 Boemer ». Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 601. "The workings In a mine
included a shaft 427 feet deep. Two small wooden buildings, used as
bunkhouses, stood at the mouth of the tunnel ; the space between them
being roofed. There were no special appliances for extinguishing fire,
or any bulkhead or other means for checking it. Plaintiff's decedent
had been in the employ of the mining company about a month. He was
thirty-six years of age, and of good Intelligence. He lodged in the
bunkhouse, knew its construction and use, and knew the general con-
struction of the mine, and of the absence of fire protection. Fire started
in the bunkhouse, through the negligence of a fellow-employee, while
decedent was in the shaft below the tunnel, and he was burned to death.
188 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 180
§ 180. Same — Known dangers are assumed. — When
a miner knows of a defective condition of eitlier the ground
or appliances of his employer and is also familiar with the
dano-er resulting therefrom, in the absence of an assurance
of safety from his employer, he assumes the risk of injury
therefrom.i gut a mere knowledge of a defect in the ways
JTeU, that he had assumed the risk." Harvey v. Mountaia Pride Gold
Mia. Co., 70 Pac. Rnp. 1001. "In an action for injuries to a servant
caused by a car falling from the tracks on an incline by reason of the
rails being too close together, evidence examined, and held sufficient to
show that the dangerous condition vras not one of which plaintiff had,
or bhould have bad, kuowledjre." Momence Stone Co. v. Turrell, 68
N. E. Rep. 1078; 205 111. 515. The courts of last resort in Missouri have
practically adjudicated away the defense of assumed risk, by holding
that, if the "plaintiff had reason to believe that, by due care on his part
he could continue in the service, without injury, then it is for the jury
to say whether or not he assumed the risk of injury." Hammanc. Coal
Co., 156 Mo. 232 and cases cited. The plaintiff always has such belief,
or the jury so finds, and the defense is practicably abolished by judicial
holding In this State. "It being the law and the contract, that the
servant ought to know that which was plain to be seen, and which it
was a part of his duty to learn and know, how then, can it be said that
the jury are to determine whether or not he had knowledge." The above
pertinent query, by Judge Bailey (page 181, Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv.), applies
peculiarly to a rule which practically permits an employee to say that he
did not assume the most obvious danger. It was said in the early lead-
ing case of Priestly «. Fowler (3 M. & W. 1), that the servant is bound
to take as great precaution for his own safety, as he could expect another
to take for him and, if this is true, and the employee could, as a reason-
able man, properly continue his work, with full knowledge of the sur-
rounding conditions, then it is certainly a fiction to hold the master
negligent in permitting him to so continue.
1 Aldrlch V. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Mooney v. Coal Co., 55 Iowa,
671; 10 Mor. Min. Kep, 56; Heald v. Wallace (Tenn.), 71 S. W. Eep.
80; Zinc Co. v. Bell (Kan.), 68 Pac. Rep. 609. " Where a servant dis-
covers a danger, he is bound only to notice and consider it with refer-
erence to his personal safety while engaged in his then employment,
and, in case it renders the surroundings dangerous to him, he must give
notice of the fact to the master." Montgomery Coal Co. «. Barrlnger,
(111. App. 1903), 109 111. App. 185. A mine owner will not be liable for
a violation of the Indiana statute, requiring Inspections every other day
(R. S. Ind. 1894, Sec. 7472), for a fall of coal from the roof of a drift, where
§ 180 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 189
or appliances of the master, will not, usually, defeat a
recovery, in case of injury therefrom, but both a knowl-
edge of the defective condition of the place or appliance
and an understanding of the resulting danger, as well, are
necessary to bar a recovery. i
the Injured employee was an experienced miner and had himself tested
the roof, just before his injury. Island Coal Co. v. Greenwood, 151
Ind. 476; 66 N. E. Rep. 36; i Am. Neg. Kep. 146; see also, Finalyson v.
Utica Miu. Cj., 67 Fed. Rep. 507. " The complaint for death of dtfend-
ant's employee alleged that defendant was negligent in fixing a guy rope
on a derrick so low and in such a position that when the boom was
turned to the south it would slacken the guy so that it would catch stone
on a dump car as it was being pushed along a tramway under it, and
throw it off on employees, and that by reason thereof the place behind
the car became dangerous to the employees; and that defendant, well
knowing the dangers of slacking said guy, and that deceased was en-
gaged in moving the loaded car beneath it, suddenly, and without
knowledge of deceased, so slacked said guy that it, instantly and sud-
denly caught a stone on said car, and threw it, killing deceased. Held
insufficient, it not showing that the negligence charged was the cause of
the guy slacking, and not alleging that deceased was without knowledge
of the dangers incident to the negligence charged." Consolidated Stone
Co. V. Staggs (Ind. App. 1904), 71 N. E, Rep. 161. A master is not re-
quired to furnish the servant with a safe place to work as against a
danger which is temporary, and arises from the hazard and the progress
of the work itself, and is known to the servant, who in such case as-
sumes the risk therefrom. Davis v. Trade Dollar Consol. Min. Co.
(U. S. C. C. A., Utah, 1902), 117 Fed. Rep. 112.
1 Beyer v. Coal Co., 68 Pac. Bep. 348; Graham v. Coal Co., 30 W.Va.
273; Cushman v. Carbondale Co., 88 N. W. Rep. 817; Hammon v. Coal
Co., 156 Mo, 232; Smith v. Coal Co., 75 Mo. App. 177. In Welch v.
Bath Ironworks (Me. 1903), 57 Atl. Rep. 88, "Plaintiff was injured
while digging in defendant's excavation by the explosion of fragments
of dynamite cartridges which should have been completely exploded by
blasts on the previous day. A verdict for plaintiff was sustained. The
court said that while employers may use dangerous agencies and appli-
ances, they are bound to use correspondingly great care to reduce in-
herent dangers to a condition of reasonable safety. The employer is
bound to give his servant full information of the particular danger aris-
ing from the use of extraordinary hazardous agencies to enable them
to intelligently select such employment and to avoid its risks. Such a
duty can not be delegated. The doctrine of assumption of risk has no
190 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINEES. § 181
§ 181. Same — Obvious or threatening dangers. — The
courts of some of the States have held that an employee
only assumes such exceptional dangers as are obvious or
those that threaten immediate injury. i The enunciation of
this doctrine by the Missouri courts has brought about a
hopeless conflict in the decisions of both the Supreme and
appellate courts of the State, ^ upon the doctrine of assumed '
application to dangers which are not and should not be contemplated by
employees. The plaintifi had no knowledge or Information of the par-
ticular dangers of this explosive or how to avoid them, and was not'
aware and had no reason to apprehend the presence of unexploded
pieces of dynamite. There was evidence that unexploded cartridges are
always liable to be left after a blasting." 16 Am. Neg. Bep. UO. In
McMillan v. North Star Mining Co. (Wash. Sup., Sept. 1903), 15 Am.
Neg. Rep. 203, " it was said that an employee engaged in driving a
tunnel In a mine does not assume the risk of injury from an unex-
ploded blast that was left by other employees without his knowledge
when he had not been warned and could not by the exercise of reason-
able observation and care have discovered the hidden danger, and
under those facts a judgment for the plaintiff was affirmed." 16 Am.
Neg. Rep. HI.
1 Hammonv. Coal& Coke Co., 166 Mo. 232; Larson 6. Mining Co., 71
Mo. App. 326; Carters. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204. An employee with-
out actual knowledge of the nearness of a foot board to the coal chute,
does not assume the risk of an injury therefrom. Chicago & A. R. Co.
V. Stevens, 91 111. App. 171; 189 111. 226; 59 N. E. Eep. 577.
2 In Aldrich a. Furnace Co. (78 Mo. 569), the Supreme Court held
that all risks were assumed, although no actual knowledge was brought
home to the employee if he had equal means of knowledge with the
employer. This was followed by the appellate court in Watson v. Coal
Co., 52 Mo. App. 366, and Boemer v. Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 601. In
Hammon v. Coal Co. (156 Mo. 232) the Supreme Court held that only
obvious dangers were assumed and those that threatened immediate
injury. This was followed in Carter v. Baldwin (81 S. W. Rep. 204),
by the Court of Appeals, and Larson v. Min. Co. (71 Mo. App. 323) also
recedes from the doctrine in Watson v. Coal Co., and then in the still
later case of Minnlerc. Sedalia &c. Co. (167 Mo. 94) the Supreme Court
reversed a case on an instruction telling the jury that only obvious risks
were assumed, holding that risks not obvious were also assumed, if
incidental to the service. (This latter case is, manifestly, getting back
in the well beaten path of the law, as marked by able precedents. The
other decisions are dangerous by-ways, leading toward unknown
premises.)
§ 182 A8SUMPTI0K OF RISK, BY MINERS. 191
risk and a recognition of only "obvious and threatening
dangers" as within the employee's implied contract of
employment and the additional qualification upon the
obvious risiis assumed by the employee, that he only
assumes such as he "has reason to believe threaten im-
mediate injury " — thereby making the employee, practi-
cally, the judge of what " obvious risks " he should
assume — has rendered the defense of but little value in
that State. 1 Clearly, as the doctrine existed at common
law — and it is of common law origin — all risks were
assumed of which the servant had equal means of knowl-
edge with the employer, or which he should have known,
by reason of his experience and surroundings, as well as
those obvious risks that threatened immediate injury, and
although a given danger was not obvious, if it was one
arising from the usual management of the business, as
customarily carried on, then such danger would be assumed
by the employee, as an incident of such business.^
§ 182. Risk not assumed when danger not appre-
ciated. — When a knowledge of the defect or act does not
suggest a knowledge of the consequent danger or risk of a
continuance in the service by the employee, as when the
risk is not one to be ordinarily appreciated by other
than a skilled employee and the injured servant is without
the necessary experience to enable him to appreciate
the danger, then the risk is not assumed in case of an
1 In Carter v. Baldwin (81 S. W. Kep. 204) the employee saw a large
crevice above the bowlder, which fell and hurt him, the day before his in-
jury. He was a skilled miner and knew the effect of such crevice but as
he thought, with due care, he could continue his work, without injury,
this deprived the mine owner of his defense of assumed risk and he was
compelled to make his employee whole by way of damages, for the lack
of judgment on his part,
2 The late case of Minnier v. Sedalia &c. Co. (167 Mo. 94), recognizes
this as the correct rule.
192 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 183
injury from such a cause. i It has been recently held,
in Michigan, that an employee does not assume the risk of
an explosion, caused by a molten pot of copper coming in
contact with water ; ^ an employee has been held not to
assume the danger of being scalded by a steam explosion,
caused by obeying an order to throw water upon hot
ashes; ^ and, generally the employer should inform his
employees of any danger not likely to be appreciated
by one of his experience and whenever a duty to warn
exists and there is a breach of such duty, then the risk
of injury from the cause as to which the duty to warn
existed, is not assumed by the employee.* But if the
employee is familiar with the defects that occasion the
injury and is accustomed to the acts that cause the danger,
he will be presumed, in law, to appreciate it and will
be held to assume the risk, 5 and whenever, on account
of his duties and experience in the business, the employer
would not be under the duty of giving a warning as
to the particular danger that caused the injury, then the
risk is held to be assumed. ^
§ 183. Equafl knowledge — Risk assumed. — If an em-
ployee has equal or superior knowledge or experience with
1 Bailey Mas. Lia. Inj. Serv., p. 186; Sanborn o. Madera Flume
&c. Co., 70 Cal. 2fil; H Pac. Rep. 710; Fox v. Peninsular White Lead
Works, 84 Mich. 676; 48 N. W. Rep. 203.
2 In a late case, In Michigan, It Is held to be the duty of an employer
to Instruct an employee of the danger of a molten pot of copper
exploding, when coming In contact with water and for an Injury, where
no instruction was given, there Is a liability. Ribich v. Lake Superior
Smelting Co., 82 N. W. Rep. 279; 48 L. R. A. 649.
8 Hunt V. Desloge Con. Lead Co. (Mo. App. 1904); 79 8. W. Eep. 710.
* Hysell V. Swift & Co., 78 Mo. Apt). 39.
^ Judge Biiley instances several cases where the defects would suggest
the injury. See Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 189; Sweet v. Coal
Co., 78 Wis. 127; 47 N. W. Rep. 182; McGlynn v. Brodie, 31 Cal. 378.
6 Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 198; Westland v. Gold Coin Min.
Co., 101 Fed. Rep. 59.
§ 184 ASSUMPTION OF BISK, BY MINEKS. 193
reference to a given defect and the danger resulting from,
its existence, than his employer, he assumes the risk by a
continuance in the service. l Illustrative of this principle,
in a Missouri case, a skilled employee was set to work to
remove a pillar in a coal mine and he had knowledge of a
defective condition of the roof. He possessed equal, or
superior information in regard to the roof, than his em-
ployer, and was, consequently, held to assume the risk of
injury from causes about which he possessed such under-
standing.^ But although an employee may possess equal
means of information with his employer, in regard to a
given defect, if he is, on account of youth or inexperience,
not so capable of understanding the resulting danger from
such defect, or if his employer assures him "of safety and
he continues in the service, in reliance upon such assurance
and is injured, he will not be held to have assumed the risk,
merely because he knew of the defect.^
§ 184. Same — Dangers from unsafe roof. — If an
employee is injured by falling slabs or bowlders from the
roof of a drift, of which he had no knowledge, due to a
defective condition of the roof, the employer would be
liable for such injury, if he had notice of the defective
condition of the roof, or by the exercise of reasonable care,
could have known of it a sufficient length of time to have
repaired the roof.* In those States where a " ground
1 Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 198: Hoykey v. SmithvUle Co., 29
Conn. 256; Aldrich v. Farnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
2. Watson V. K. & T. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366.
s In Carter v. Bildwin (Mo. Ct. App. 1904), 81 S. W. Rep. 204, the
plaintiff possessed equal means of Information wltU the master of a
dangerous crevice over a bowlder he was engaged in talilng down, but
on account of his youth and the assurance of the ground foreman of the
mine that it was a safe place to work, he was held not to have assumed
the risk of injury from the bowlder falling.
* White Mines & Min. Eem., Sees. 397 to 528; Quincy Coal Co. v.
Hood, 77 111. 69 ; Fisher ». Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479; Hammon v. Cent.
13
194 ASSUMPTION OF KISK, BY MINERS. § 184
boss" is a fellow-servant with a miner, if the employer
has used due care in the employment of such " boss " and
to make the mine reasonably safe, he would not be liable
for an injury from a falling slab or bowlder, even though
the "ground boss" himself had been negligent, for this
Coal & Coke Co. 156 Mo. 232; Bunker Hill Mia. Co. v. Schnelling, 1 Am.
Neg. Rep. 782; Ashland Coal Co. «. Wallace (Ky.), i Am. Neg. Rep. 88;
Coal Valley Min. Cj. v. Haywood, 90 111. App. 258; Con.
Coal Co. V. Lundak, 196 111. 594; Harder Coal Co. v. Schmidt,
9 Am. Neg. Rep. 227 ;Mellsdon Coal Co. v. Smith, 10 Am. Neg. Rep.,
445. " Evidence in action for injuries to servant held to justify a finding
that the vice -principal had notice of the defective condition of the roof
of a drift of the mine in which the employee was at work." Good Eye
Min. Co. V. Robinson, 73 Pac. Rep. 102. " An employee in a quarry
directed by his superintendent to mount on a large rock for the purpose
of drilling thereon, was not bound to make a careful inspection of every-
thing pertaining to the safety of the place." Mahoney v. Bay State Pink
Granite Co., 68 N. E. Rep. 234. "Where a mine owner had employed
room dressers to clear the rooms of loose material to render the same safe
for miners, and given such room dressers authority to designate the
rooms in which miners should work, a miner injured by the fall of coal in
a room in which he was directed to work was entitled to rely upon the
performance of the mine owner's duty to make the room safe after order-
ing him to work therein." St. Bernafd Coal Co. v. Southard, 76 S. W.
Rep. 167; 25 Ky. Law Rep. 638. In Borgerson w. Cook Stone Co. (Minn.
Dec. 1903), 97 N. W. Rep. 734, " a workman in a quarry was injured by the
fall of a rock loosened by another workman above hira. He had no notice
that the other man was above him or of his position near the edge of the
level where he stood, nor was he warned of any danger of the liability of
rocks to fall on him from above. The court held that was no as-
sumption of risk by him." 16 Am. Neg. Rep. 141. In Wilson ». Alpine
Coal Co. (Ky. Ct. of App., June, 1904), 81 s". W. Rep. 278, "judgment
for defendant was reversed where a common laborer was employed in a
mine under direction of an engineer, and the roof of the mine fell in and
he was hurt. He had a right to assume that the defendant had properly
inspected the mine's roof and properly supported it." 16 Am. Neg, Rep.
154. A risk from falling slabs is not assumed, where the roof Is not kept
reasonably safe. Kelly o. Fourth of July Min. Co., 16 Mont. 484; 41
Pac. Rep. 273. See also Burgess v. Sulphur Ore Co., 165 Mass. 71; 42
N. E. Rep. 501. A miner will not assume the risk of a removal of the
support of one upright of a ladder, on a dark night, as the danger would
not be obvious. Dryburg v. Mercury Gold Min. Co., 18 Utah, 410; 55
Pac, Rep. 367; 5 Am. Neg. Rep. 263. Failure to inspect the roof, by an
§ 184 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. 195
would be the negligence of a fellow-servant, assumed by the
miners, as a risk incident to their employment.! Jq those
jurisdictions, however, where the foreman, or " ground
boss ' ' is held to be a vice-principal , his negligence is not a risk
assumed as incident to the business.^ But, regardless of the
employee, of Itself, ■will not preclude a recovery for injury from falling
slate. Blazenic o. Iowa Coal Co., 102 Iowa, 706; 72 N. W. Rep. 292. A
miner does not, in Montana, assume the risk of injury from falling slate,
■where the roof is not properly propped. Freeman v. Coal Co., 64 Pac.
Rep. 347. Employee has a right to assume that master has made roof of
mine reasonably safe. Con. Coal Co. v. Bruce, 47 111. App. 444; 37 N. E.
Eep. 912; Vanesse v. Coal Co., 159 Pa. St. 403; 28 Atl. Rep. 200, and
see as to machinery and appliances in use, Gisson v. Schwabacher, 99
Cal. 419; 34 Pac. Rep. 104.
1 Hall V. Johnson, 34 L. J. Ex. 222; 3 H. &C. 689; Lehigh Valley Coal
Co. V. Jones, 10 Mor. Min. Kep. 30; Delaware Coal Co. v. Carroll, 10 Mor
Min. Rep. 47; Trangear ». Coal Co., 62 Iowa, 576; 17 N. W. Rep. 775;
Alaska Gold Min. Co. v. Whelan, 168 U. S. 88. " Where plaintiff was
employed in removing stumps serving as roof supports in defendant's
mine, defendant was not liable for Injuries caused by the fall of debris
from a point in the roof in such close proximity to the part of the mine
where plaintiff was working as to be affected by the blasting done by
plaintiff, and which caused the roof to fall, unless defendant's mine
superintendent knew or should have known that such blasting would
have caused the top of the mine to fall, and negligently failed to guard
against Its falling by propping it more securely, and plaintiff did not
know, or by ordinary care could not have known, that such would be the
effect of the blasting. " East Jellico Coal Co. v. Golden, 79 S. W. Rep.
291; 25 Ky. Law Rep. 2056.
2 Carter v, Baldwin (Mo. App.), 81 S. W. Eep. 204; Hammon v. Coal
Co., 156 Mo. 232. " However, if the injury occur at a place where it was
the duty of the injured party, or his fellow-servants, to keep the roof
safe, no action will lie, for the injury is an assumed risk; and the rule is
the same if the duty and breach was that of a 'pit boss,' who, in law,
would be considered a fellow-servant." White Mines & Min. Rem.^ Sec.
451, p. 591; Mining Co. 1). Clay, 61 Ohio St. 542; 38 N. E. Eep. 610. Eor a
well-considered case, where there was shown to be no necessity forinspec-
tion or props for roof, and an injury, resulting in death, from falling rock
from roof, was held not actionable, see Judge Bland's opinion in
Beomer v. Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 601 ; Tranghear v. Coal Co. , 62 Iowa, 576 ;
17 N. W. Rep. 775; Whalenw. Alaska-Treadwell Gold Min. Co., 168 U. S.
196 ASSUMPTION OF RISK, BY MINERS. § 184
cause of the unsafe condition of a roof, where the dan-
ger is obvious, or the employee has a knowledge of the
real condition of the roof, or, by the exercise of reasonable
care, could have known of the danger, and he continues his
■work without objection, he is held to have assumed the
risk of injuries from falling slabs or bowlders and, in case
of an injury, could not recover.!
88; Delaware Co. v. Carroll, 10 M. M. R. il; Lehigh Valley Co. v. Jones,
10 Id. 30. " The plaintiff, a workman in the coal mine of the defendants,
Teceived damage from the fall of a stone from the roof of the mine, which
iad lost its support by re as oh of the removal of the coal below in the
ordinary course of working the mine. The defendants' nnderlooker,
■whose duty it was to superintend the mining operations, had negligently,
though the danger had been pointed out to him, omitted to prop up the
Tpof . The removal of the coal and the propping up of the roof ought,
in the exercise of due and reasonable care, to be nearly contemporane-
ous operations : Held, that as there was no evidence that the defendants
had not exercised due care la the selection of their underlooker, nor in
putting the mine into a proper condition before the miners were sent
into it, they were not answerable for the injury caused to the plaintiff by
the negligence of the underlooker, his fellow-laborer." Hall v. Johnson,
34 L. J, Ex.222; 3 H.& C. 589. A miner is not bound to know whether an
elaborate system of timbering the root of a mine is sufficient or not.
Eddy V. Aurora Iron Mln. Co., 81 Mich. 548; 46 N. W. Eep. 17; Omence
Coal Co. V. Koyce, 181 111. 402; 56 N. E. Rep. 621; Wellston Coal Co. u.
Smith, 65 Ohio St. 70; 61 N. E.Rep. 143; 53 L. R. A. 99. A coal car
driver is under no obligation to inspect the roof. Hancock ». Kean, 5
Ind. App. 408; 32 N. E. Rep. 329. A mine owner cannot delegate to a
miner whose duties require him to work under a roof of a drift, the duty
of keeping the roof safe to the extent of relieving the mining boss of a
neglect of his duty with reference to the employees under his care.
Wellston Coal Co. v. Smith (Ohio, 1901), 10 Amer. Neg. Eep. 446.
1 Watson V. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Heaths.
Coal Co., 65 Iowa, 737; Olsen v. McMuUen, 24 Minn. 94. If an over-
hanging rock looks safe from where an employee is at work, it is a jury
question whether or not he ought to have discovered a crevice on the
other side, or out of view. Collins v. Greenfield, 1 72 Mass. 78 ; 51 N. E.
Rep. 454; Alton Pav. Co. v. Hudson, 176 111. 570; 53 N. E. R
.
Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
§216 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 227
requisite experience to perform all work in connection
with the inspection of boilers, where he saw and appreciated
the conditions which sarrounded him, cannot recover for
an injury sustained by falling into the combustion chamber
of the boiler, as a result of which he was burned by hot
ashes and burning soot.^ The employer would naturally ex-
pect one who represented himself of sufficient experience
to perform the ordinary duties of the service for which he
was engaged, would be familiar with the dangers ordinarily
incident to the service and there would be no duty implied
on his part to warn such an employee of the dangers of
the service.
§ 215. Danger of protruding bolts and setscrews, gen-
erally assumed. — The risk of injury from a protruding set
screw or bolt is so plainly obvious that an employee is held
to assume such risk, as a matter of law, in most jurisdic-
tions, under the familiar rule that obvious risks from dan-
gers that are apparent are assumed by all employees,
regardless of age or experience.^
§ 216. Premature explosions from dynamite. — Inmost
of the best considered cases, the risk of injury from pre-
mature explosions of dynamite, whether the explosion
occurs in the loading of a drill hole, or in the subsequent
explosion of a missed shot, is held to be a risk assumed by
the employee, familiar with the use of dynamite.^
' Westville Coal Co. v. Milka, 75 111. App. 638.
2 Demers v. Marshall, 172 Mass. 548; 52 N. E. Rep. 1066. For as-
sumption of risk from protruding bolt, see Detroit Oil Co. v. Grable, 94
Fed. Rep. 73.
8 In King v. Morgeii (109 Fed. Rep. 466; 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 200), the
plaintiff, a young man of two years' experience, was injured by an ex-
plosion in loading a drill hole, with an iron tamping bar. In LiTengood
V. Joplin M. & S. Co. (179 Mo. 229; 77 S. W. Rep. 1077), the plaintiff, the
helper of a drillman, was injured by drilling into an unexploded sbot.
228 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. § 217
§ 217. Violation of master's instructions. — Where
a servant chooses to do the work, which he has contracted
to perform under his contract of service, in a manner that
he has been instructed not to do it in, by the master, he
assumes the risk of injury received, in the performance of
such work and cannot hold the master responsible, since
These cases seem to be in accord with the general rule which Is an-
nounced wherever the question has been passed upon by the courts of
the difEerent States. In Browne v. King (100 Fed. Rep. 561), a steam
drill man and his " helper " were held to be fellow-servants, and each
was held to assume the risk of injury from the negligent acts of the
other, in their work of loading and unloading drill holes. An employee
in a stone quarry, in Michigan, attempting to push dynamite Into a drill
hole, where a premature explosion occurred, was held to be guilty of
such contributory negligence as precluded a recovery. Kopf v. Stone Co. ,
95 N. W. Eep. 72. A simlar rule was announced, in Massachusetts, as
to an experienced quarry employee, holding a drill, for the superintend-
ent to drill out tamping from an unexploded drill bole. AUard v. Hil-
dreth (Mass.), 5 Amer. Neg. Eep. 610. Alike doctrine was laid down
in Wisconsin, in the recent case of Wiskie v. Montello Granite Co., 10
Amer. Neg. Rep. 634. In Iowa, an employee in a quarry, who used a
steel bar to drill out a drill hole and struck an unexploded charge of
dynamite, which occasioned an explosion and resulting injury, was held
to have assumed the risk. Lanza v. LeGrand Quarry Co. (1902), 11
Amer. Neg. Rep. 209. An injury from an exploded blast, in a quarry
where the manner of loading the drill hole was left to the employee's dis-
cretion, was held to give no cause of action in New Hampshire, in Hen-
dlesay v. Williams, 23 Atl. Eep. 365. And in the following similar acci-
dents, from explosions of dynamite in drill holes, the master was held
not liable, viz. : Dunn v. McNamee (N. J.) , 2 Amer. Neg. Rep. 34 ; Welch
V. Grace (Mass.), 1 Amer. Neg. Eep. 614; Vitto v. Farley (N. Y.), 2
Amer. Neg. Rep. 47; CuUen v. Norton, 126 N. Y. 1; Anderson v. Daly
Mining Co. (Utah), 4 Amer. Neg. Rep. 86; Mast o. Kern (Oregon), 6
Amer. Neg. Kep. 88. "Where in a mine it was customary to push giant
powder into holes in the rock by means of pieces of gas pipe with
wooden plugs driven in the end, and a miner, finding that the pieces of
gas pipe were in use by others temporarily, placed a stick of powder by
means of a shank of a steel drill belonging to himself, and was injured
by an explosion from a spark resulting from the contact between the
steel drill and the flinty rock, he could not recover, because of his con-
tributory negligence." Whaley v. Coleman et al. (Kansas City Court of
Appeals, Missouri, June 5, 1905), 88 S. W. Rep. 119.
§ 218 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 229
his voluntary selection of the mode of doing the work, if
dangerous, would be the same as an election to perform
it in the more dangerous of two ways to do it and the
cases are numerous that in such case he could not
recover. 1
§ 218. Liifting heavy objects. — An employee who vol-
untarily attempts to lift a heavy object and sustains injury
thereby is held to assume the risk of such injury, unless it
can be said that he is an inexperienced servant and the mas-
ter has given a negligent direction, or assurance of safety.^
This conclusion could only follow, as a result of the ap-
plication of the doctrine of assumed risk, for an employer
is never presumed to exercise a greater degree of dili-
gence to protect an employee than he will exercise to pro-
tect himself, and to hold the master liable for an injury to
1 " Where a servant chooses to do the work, which it is his duty to do,
by a method known to him to be dangerous, contrary to the directions of
the master, the master is not liable for an injury caused thereby, whether
the danger be obvious or not." Whitson v. Wrenn (N. C. 19C3), 46
S.E. Bep. 17. "Part of the passageway consiituting ihe second floor
of defendant's engine room had been removed to make room for mach-
inery. The open space thus made was partly spanned by a plank. A
laborer attempting to cross over the plank was injured by its slipping
and precipitating him to the floor below. Held, that defendant was not
liable for having failed to furnish a safe passageway, as the laborer
might have gone around the gallery the other way, had he chosen to do
so." McKane v. Colorado Fuel & Iron Co., 71 Pac. Eep. 425. The
selection of the more dangerous of two ways to do a given piece of
work, is held to preclude a recovery, in the following late cases: Gil-
bert o. Burlington Co., 128 Fed. Eep. 529; 63 C C. A. 27; Schoultz v.
Eckhard Co., 112 La. 568; 36 So. Rep. 596; Newport Co. v. Baumeister,
102 Va. 677; 47 S. B. Rep. 821; Moore v. R. R., 146 Mo. 572. In Gribben
0. Yellow Aster Mining Co. (142 Cal. 248J, the plaintiff was injured by
the breaking of a holster rope, as he was being let down into the mine.
It was shown that there was a ladder that he could have used, which
was a safer means of entry into the shaft, and the court held, by the
selection of the more dangerous way to go down, he assumed the risk.
75 Pac. Rep. 839.
2 Leitner v. Grieb (Mo. App. 1903), 77 S. W. Rep. 764.
230 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. § 219
one who prefers to hold on to a heavy object, until he
injures himself, rather than let go, by analogy would ren-
der hiui liable for the injury, if his employee would sit so
close to a fire that he would burn his knees, rather than
move back.i
§ 219. Dangers usually incident to employment. — By
a great many courts — and some few lawyers — the dis-
tinction is frequently lost sight of between risks that are
incident to the employment, although not threatening im-
mediate and obvious injury, and those that are obvious and
tlireatening.^ In the States where the common law doc-
trine of assumed risk obtains, a risk is assumed, if incident
to the business, as usually conducted, although it may not
threaten immediate injury,^ but dangers from open, ob-
vious defects are always assumed, whether incident to the
business, as usually carried on, or not.*
1 Where an employer directed two employees to move a heavy stone,
and, on their suggestion that they should have a third man to assist
them, told them to move It or quit the job, whereupon they undertook
the task, and one of them was injured, the fact that the injured servant
was but 17 years old would not change the rule of assumption of risk;
it appearing that he had some experience at the same kind of labor, and
there being nothing to show that he was not fully aware of the charac-
ter of the undertaking. Leitner v. Grieb (Mo. App. 1903), 77 S. W.
Rep. 764.
2 The Supreme Court of Missouri in a recent well written opinion
noted the above distinction and reversed the case because the trial court
did not. Minniero. Sedalia &c. Co., 167 Mo. 94.
' Where a person voluntarily enters the service of another, he as-
sumes all the risks usually incident to such employment, and Is pre-
sumed to have contracted with respect thereto." Big Stone Gap Iron
Co. V. Ketron (Va. 1903), 45 S. E. Kep. 740.
* " Where a servant enters the employment of a master, he assumes
all the ordinary risks, whether the employment be dangerous or other-
wise." Richards v. Riverside Iron Works (W. Va. 1904), 49 S. E. Rep.
437. " A servant assumes the risk incident to his employment, includ-
ing such as arise from the negligence of a fellow- servant engaged in the
common employment." McDonalds. Standard Oil Co. (N. J. 1903), 65
§ 221 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 231
§ 220. Using known defective appliance without com-
plaint. — Where an employee discovers a defect in an in-
strument or appliance, or it has an obvious defect or flaw,
he assumes the risk of injury therefrom, by a continued
use thereof, without complaint. ^ And the rule is the same
if he has the selection of material with which to make an
appliance, or he selects, from a number, an appliance that
is not safe. 2 And the courts, as a matter of law, should
declare such risks to be assumed and not leave the question
to the uncertain finding of a jury.^
§ 221. Injury from action of elements — Wind. — If
the familiar action of such natural elements as wind, fire
and water were not chargeable to an employee then he
would indeed be a favorite object of the court's tutelage
and the master would be an insurer against the action of
nature's fixed laws. But the courts do not recognize the
right of one to run counter to natural laws, or the elements,
and hold another for such recklessness, and hence it is, that
Atl. Eep. 289. " A master is not liable for an injury to a servant caused
by the breaking of a defective liinge connecting two parts of a ladder;
lor the detect, if obvious, could have been seen by the servant, and, if
not obvious, could not have been determined by an inspection by the
master." Hengler v. Cohn (N. J. Sup. 1902), 53 Atl. Rep. 280.
1 " Where no complaint has been made by the servant of the defects,
and he is aware thereof, if he continue in the employment, he assumes
the risk; and the question cannot be submitted to a jury to decide
whether a man of ordinary prudence and caution would have so con-
tinued." Harte o. Fraser, 104 111. App. 201.
2 " Where a servant assumes the selection of materials to be used by
him in doing a job of work, he must examine them and exercise his best
judgment in selecting such only as are fit for the purpose." Lee v. Kan-
sas City Gas Co., 91 Mo. App. 612.
3 Harte v. Freaser, 104 111. App. 201. " Where a servant left h's
machine to seek one of his employers, in order to have a cause of danger
to him removed, but, not finding the one sought, returned to the ma-
chine, and was Injured, he could not recover; the risk having been as-
sumed." Dobbins v. Lang (Mass. 1902), 63 N. E. Rep. 911.
232 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. § 222
injuries received from the action of the wind, or water,
unless due to the master's negligence, are assumed by the
employee. 1
§ 222. Obeying employee without power of control. —
Since an employee is held to assume the risk of injury
from negligence of his fellow-servants, it is immaterial
whether the act of negligence is one of commission or
omission, or takes the form of a negligent order, obeyed by
the injured employee, the master is not responsible for an
injury due to the negligent act of a fellow-servant. ^ The
mere assumption by an employee of a power to control his
fellows, without a delegation of such power, by the em-
ployer, will never render the employer liable for the orders
of such subordinate and if an employee sees fit, volun-
1 " Where plaintiff, a psrsoa o£ ordinary intelligence, was employed
as a general helper in excavating cellars, etc., and his duty was to do
whatever work he was directed by his employers to do, he assumed the
risk ol injury by the swinging of a derrick boom, which he was working
while a high wind was blowing; the natural effect of the wind being
open and obvious. " Frangiose v. Hortou & Hemenway (R. I. 1904), 58
Atl. Rep. 949; 26 R. I. 291.
2 ''Two forcesof men, employed by defendant In diggingtwo trenches
towards each other, had reached a point where a wall of rock only two
feet thick separated them, when a blast was set off, without sufficient
warning, in one of the trenches, tearing down the rock wall and injuring
plaintiff, who was employed In the other trench. Held, that defendant
was not liable, as having failed to provide a safe place for plaintiff to
work, but that the injury was due to the negligence of plaintiff's fellow-
servants, the risk o£ which he assumed in engaging in the work, whether
such negligence was that of the foreman in charge or of some other
workman." Ward o. Naughtoa (N. Y. Sup. 1902), 77 N. Y. S. 344.
"Plaintiff was engaged in loading stone in a dump car, with two other
servants assisting. One of such servants, under the other's direction,
had placed a stone beside the track in such a manner that it fell on
plaintiff while he was pushing the car. Held, that the injury resulted
from an ordinary risk of plaintiff's service, and was assumed by
him." Smallwood v. Bedford Quarries Co. (Ind. App. 1902), 63 N. E.
Eep. 869.
§ 224 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 233
tarily, to recognize such self-constituted authority, he
assumes the risk of obedience, or should look to such
employee for redress.^
§ 223. Dangerous position — On top of coal cars. —
An employee who voluntarily assumes a known dangerous
position, when he need not have done so, in the perform-
ance of his duties for the master, but temporarily devi-
ates from his customary course upon an inclination of his
own, assumes the risks of injury while maintaining such a
dangerous position. This rule is illustrated by a recent
case in Kentucky, where an employee, whose duties re-
quired that he assume a position at the shaft, sought to
ride the cars as they passed through the mine and to pass
over them and while so doing he fell and was injured. The
court very properly held that no recovery could be had
therefor.^
§ 224. Injury that experienced man could not fore-
see. — Whenever an employee is injured by an act which
an experienced man in the business could not have autici-
1 "A servant employed in a stone quarry as a 'driller,' under
the direction of the ' loader ' attempted to load a hole with dyna-
mite, and was injured by an explosion. The loader was not the
foreman of the work, or one whose directions the servant was
bound to obey. Held, that the servant assumed the risk." Kop£
V. Monroe Stone Co. (Mich. 1903), 95 N. W. Eep. 72; 10 Detroit Leg. N.
185.
2 "One employed to stand at the air-tight doors across a shaft of a
coal mine, and to open them for and close them after a train going in or
out, and whose duty it is to keep himself supplied with lamp oil and
matches, cannot recover of his employer, where his lamp is blown out as
he opens the doors, and, having neglected to supply himself with
matches, he climbs on the rear ot an outgoing train to get a matchfrom
the driver, and while passing along the tops of the cars, falls between
them." HoUingsworth v. Pineville Coal Co. (Ky. 1903), 74 S. W. Rsp.
205 ; 24 Ky. Law Eep. 2437.
234 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. § 225
pated would occur, there can be no recovery,^ for an em-
ployer is only answerable for a failure to use ordinary care.
He is not required to exercise extraordinary foresight, but
only that of a reasonably careful man to avoid injury to
his employees and if the cause of an injury was not likely
to have been foreseen by a man of ordinary skill in the
business there is held to be such an absence of neo-lisence
on the part of the employer, as will relieve him from
liability.^
§ 225. Danger from ore fames assumed. — The gen-
eral rule that an employee assumes all the risks ordinarily
incident to the business and those arising from patent and
obvious defects, has been applied with reference to mine
owner and miner, in a recent case, where it was held that
a miner, ordinarily skilled in the business, assumed the
risk of injury, consequent upon entering a room filled with
the noxious fumes from iron pyrites.^ In such case,
however, the knowledge of the exact condition, by the
injured employee, and his appreciation of the danger,
would be material in determining whether or not the
risk was assumed,* for a knowledge, or appreciation of
1 Beasley v. Transfer Co., 148 Mo. 413.
2 " Where an accident results from an unforeseen cause, not discov-
erable in advance of its occurrence, with no visible defect in any part
of the machine, and no knowledge of any delect on the part of the men
who were constantly using the machinery, or of the employer, the acci-
dent is one of the ordinary risks of the employment, which the servant
takes on himself." O'Dowd v. Eurnham, 19 Pa. Super. Ct. 464. "The
servant assumed also, the risk of the filling of a metal bar which was
placed in a rack wherein there was not sufficient room for it, where
there was no evidence as to what made the car fall, and the only evi-
dence of negligence was that h Uf of the bar stood out beyond the ends
of ihe pegs constituting the rack." Langley v. Wheelock (Mass. 1902),
63 N. B. Eep. 944.
3 Williams v. Walton &c. Co., 9 Houst. 322; 82 Atl. Hep. 726.
* Williams v. Walton Co., 9 Houst. 322; 32 Atl. Kep. 726,
§ 227 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 235
the danger, is always important in determining such
questions. 1
§ 226. Slippery coDdition of floor or ladder assumed. —
With the obvious risks, held to be assumed by an em-
ployee, are dangers from a greasy or slippery condition of
a floor around where machinery is oiled, ^ or mineral is
washed or prepared for market.^ This would especially be
true, where such condition ordinarily prevailed, or where
it arose from and was incidental to the work the servant
was engaged to perform.* A coal miner has also been
held, as a matter of law, to assume the risk of injury from
a slippery condition of a ladder, at the bottom of the mine,
for the nature of the danger is such that it was open to
common observation and was one about which the employee
knew as much as the employer .^
§ 227. When danger from fire damp or gas is as-
sumed. — In those States where it is held that danger
from a breach of statutory duty is never a risk assumed
by an employee, an injury from an explosion of fire damp
or gas, due to a breach of statutory duty, would not be
assumed by a miner,^ but in some jurisdictions, even
where such statutes are in force, such dangers are held,
under certain circumstances, to be risks assumed by the
miner. In West Virginia, an injury from an explosion of
fire damp was held to be an assumed risk,' and this is gen-
erally true where the accumulation of vapor takes place so
1 Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv. 156, 182.
2 Murphy v. Amer. &o. Co., 159 Mass. 256; 31 N. E. Rep. 268.
3 Scliorenbraich v. St. Cloud Fiber &c. Co., 59 Minn. 116; 60 N. W.
Rep. 1093.
* Murphy v. Amer &c., Co., 159 Mass. 256; 31 N. E. Rep. 268.
° O'Neill V. Wilson, 20 Sc. Ssss. Cas. 2 Ser. 437.
* See chapter, Statutes Regarding Safety of Miners.
' Beras u. Gaston Gas Coal Co., 2 W. Va. 285; 55 Am. Rep. 304.
236 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF KISItS ASSUMED. § 229
quickly that the mine owner could not have prevented the
injury, as where an explosion results after a period of only
fifteen minutes' accumulation of gas.i
§ 228. Unfitness of tool, from use. — Where an em-
ployee has charge of his tools or implements of service, he
is bound to see that they are kept in a reasonably safe
condition for use and if he knowingly fails to keep his tools
in repair and is injured from a defect, due to the proper use
of the appliance, he is held to have assumed the risk.*
This rule extends to all the relations of master and servant
and is based upon the obligation, on the servant's part, to
use the same precaution, for his own safety, that he would
expect his employer to use for him. And a failure to
repair his tool or appliance, when the duty devolved upon
him, would also bring him within the rule of assumed risk,
extending to cases where ■ an employee knowingly selects
the more dangerous of two ways to do his work.^
§ 229. Injury from sliding earth bank assumed. — An
injury from the falling or sliding of earth or rock, due to
natural laws, or conditions superinduced by the injured
employee, or his fellow-servants, is a risk assumed by a
miner. In an Illinois case, after a heavy rain, an earth,
bank was examined by the plaintiff and his foreman and
both pronounced it safe, but he was subsequently injured
by the subsidence of the bank and was held to assume the
risk.* If he had remained at work, however, on account
of the assurance of his foreman, although the condition
was obvious, under a recent Missouri case, he could recover
in case of injury. ^
1 Sommers v. Carbon Hill Coal Co., 91 Fed. Eep. 337.
2 St. Louis Bolt & Irou Co. ». Brennan, 20 111. App. 555; Stroble v.
Ey. Co., 70 Iowa, 558; 31 N. W. Rep. 63.
3 Master's Liab. Inj. Serv. 169.
* Western Stone Co. v, Muscial, 85 111. App. 82,
6 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Eep. 204.
§ 232 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 237
§ 230. Dangers from striking or chipping of hammer
assumed. — An employee engaged in driving a drill, or
other appliances with a hammer, assumes the risk of injury
from the hammer falling and striking him,^ as such an
occurrence could not have been foreseen, or antici-
pated by one ordinarily skilled in the business, and
•where the chipping of a hammer is not due to a lat-
ent, dangerous condition of the metal, but is the re-
sult of the continued use of the hammer, an injury
from the chipping of the hammer, will be assumed by an
employee, as a risk incident to the work of handhng such
hammer.^
§ 231. Injury to minor servant from uncovered cog-
wheels. — Where a minor servant, from the circumstances
and length of his employment, ought to have known and
comprehended the danger from certain uncovered cog-
wheels, while attempting to work a valve on anengine he was
employed'to fire, he was held, in Wisconsin, to assume the
risk of injury therefrom. ^
§ 232. Various incidents of risks assumed by infants. —
The courts uniformly holding that when an infant is pos-
sessed of sufficient capacity and intelligence to understand
not only the defect of the appliance or place of work, but
also the danger to himself from injury therefrom, the cases
which have been passed upon by the courts, wherein
minors are held to have assumed the risk of injury, are as
numerous and diversified as the employment of infants in
the various relations of life. The following dangers inci-
dent to the business of mining have been held to be as-
sumed, by those injured, although under the age to make
1 McPhee v. Scully, 163 Mass. 216; 39 N. E. Eep. 1007.
2 Hopkins Co. V. Burnett, 85 Texas, 15; 19 S. W. Rep. 886.
3 Upthegroveu. Jones & Adams Coal Co., 96 N. W. Rep. 385.
238 VAEIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. § 232
a valid contract, viz., the absence of a light ;i the wet,
slippery, or uneven condition of a floor; ^ the liability of a
trench to cave-in ; ^ the liability of an undermined bank of
earth or gravel to fall ; * the danger from unguarded open-
ings and pits ; ^ unguarded platforms and scaffolds ; ^ falling
earth, rock or missies, in mines,' premature explosions of
missed shots and drill holes in mines ; ® gas explosions ; '
explosions of hotslag, molten iron and such substances ; i*
obvious defects in material and appliances of work; ^i
methods of work ; ^^ dangers from defective machinery ; ^^
dangers in place of work, when obvious or appreciated; "
and an insufficient force of men to properly accomplish the
1 Kaare u. Troy Steel & Wire Co., 139 N. Y. 369.
2 Hathaway v. Atlanta Steel Co., 155 Ind. 507; Huddleston ». Lowell
Machine Shop, 106 Mass. 282.
8 Hughes V. Maiden & Melrose Co., 163 Mass. 395; Vincennes Water
Co. V. White, 124 Ind. 376; Ft. Wayne v. Christie, 156 lud. 172.
* Burgess u. Davis Sulphur Ore Co., 165 Mass. 71 ; Swanson o. Lafa-
yette, 134 Ind. 625; G'Driscoll v. Faxon, 156 Mass. 527»Aldrich v.
Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Bradley o. C. & M. Co., 138 Mo. 294.
* Hoard v. Blackstone Co., 177 Mass. 69; Fulgler v. Booth, 117
Mo. 475.
6 O'Maley v. So. Boston Gas Co. 158 Mass. 135.
' Linton Coal & Mln. Co. v. Persons, 11 Ind. App. 264; Harder'!).
Haffner Coal Co., 104 Fed. Kep. 282; Stiles o. Ritchie, 8 Colo. App.
393.
* Holy Cross Gold Mine Co. v. O'SuUivan, 27 Colo. 237; Eureka
Block Coal Co. V. Wells (Ind. App.), 61 N. E. Rep. 236; Livengood «.
Joplin Mining & Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; King v. Morgeu, 100 Fed.
Rep. 205.
9 Fuller V. N. Y. & N. H. Co., 175 Mass. 424.
" McGowan v. LaPlata M. & S. Co., 9 Fed. Rep. 861; Gowen v. Bush,
76 Fed. Rep. 349; Lyons v. Boston &o. Co., 163 Mass. 168.
11 Consolidated Stone Co. v. Summitt, 152 Ind, 297.
" Labelle v. Montague, 174 Mass. 463; Wilson v. Tremont Mills, 169
Mass. 164.
13 Anderson v. Clark, 155 Mass. 368; Salem Stone and Lime Co. v.
Tepps, 10 Ind. App. 616; Dolan v. Atwater, 167 Mass. 279; Ford v.
Mount Tom Sulphite Co., 172 Mass. 644.
1* Bethlehem Iron Co. v. Weiss, 100 Fed. Rep. 45.
§ 232 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF RISKS ASSUMED. 239
work, ^ all have been held assumed by infants of sufficient
mental capacity and understanding to. appreciate the danger
to which they are subjected.
^ Texas & Pac. Co. v. Smith, 61 Fed. Eep. 624; Pennsylvania Co. v.
McCaffrey, 139 Ind. 430. Alttiough under age, where a minor knows
and appreciates thedanger of his employment, or it is obvious, he as-
sumes the risk, the same as an adult. Carter v, Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep.
204; Williams v. Belmont Coal & Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 46 S. E. Rep.
802. " A complaint for personal injuries showed that plaintiff, 18
years of age, while at work in defendant's steel works, stepped on the
edge of an uncovered rat of molten metal to hammer a cogwheel into
place, pursuant to defendant's direction, and struck and missed the
wheel, and was thus forced to swing round and fall into the metal. The
negligence charged was a failure to cover the vat and to inform plaintiff
^s to the danger, knowing the same^ and that he was without experi-
ence, and that a missing blow would throw him into the metal; but it
was not averred that he did not know for what the vat was used, nor
that he lacked opportunity to observe it for himself. Seld to show that
he assumed an open and obvious risk, notwithstanding averments of In-
experience and want of knowledge of the danger on the employee's
part." Corning Steel Co. v. Pohlplotz (Ind. App. 1902), 61 N. E. Rep.
476.
CHAPTEK XL
EISKS THAT AKE NOT ASSUMED.
Section 233. Precedents for plaintiff's counsel.
234. Negligence of master not assumed.
235. Injury from statutory negligence not assumed.
236. Latent defect — Breaking of iron handle.
237. When breaking oJ rope not assumed.
238. Injury from breaking of board cover to pit.
239. Obvious risks, due to foreman's negligence.
240. Injuries while obeying master's orders.
241. Dangerous machinery — Promise to repair.
242. Flying particles of steel or similar substances.
243. Incompetency of fellow-servaat.
244. Injuries from failure to inspect roof.
245. Returning upon unexploded blast, under orders.
246. Other injuries from powder explosions.
247. Breaking of appliances.
248. Injury from detective scaffold.
249. Jury question, unless risk obvious, or danger understood.
§ 233. Precedents for plaintiff's counsel. — As as-
sumed risk is one of the most frequeut and successful
defenses in personal injury actions, it is often a source
of great relief to counsel for the plaintiff to find a prece-
dent in point, to enable the plaintiff to obtain a submission
of his cause to the jury. As a list of cases, wherein the
question of the plaintiff's non-assumption of the risk, in
mining actions, can only be consulted by reference to
general digests or the mass of case law on the subject, it is
hoped the pages of this chapter may save some few law-
yers a little toil and enable the injured plaintiff, in a meri-
torious action, to have the benefit of a "case in point."
§234. Negligence of master not assumed. — The
law never implies anything but a reasonable contract, as
(240)
§ 235 RISKS THAT AKE NOT ASSUMED. 241
the law itself is based upon reason.i and as it would be un-
reasonable to imply that the servant agreed to assume risks
arising from the employer's negligence, on entering the
employment, and thus permit the employer to take advan-
tage of his own wrong, dangers arising from the negligence
of the employer are not, generally, held to be assumed by
the employee.^
§ 235. Injury from statutory negligence not as-
sumed. — For the reason that injuries from the negligence
of an employer are not held to be within the implied con-
tract of the employee to be assumed by him as incident to
his employment, and because such an interpretation would
practically abrogate statutes, enacted for the benefit of
employees, and enable employers to take advantage of
their own breach of statutory duty, it is quite generally
held that injuries from the breach of a statutory duty are
not assumed.^
1 Bl. Com., Chap. I.
2 "Assumption of risk does not apply wliere there is negligence on
the part of the master in furnishing suitable instrumentalities for doing
the -work." Boucher v. Robeson Mills (Mass. 1903), 65 N. E. Rep. 819.
"A servant does not assume the risk of injury from the negligence
of the master in failing to exercise ordinary care to make the place
where the servant works reasonably safe, considering ihe nature of the
employment." Swenson v. Bender (U. S. C. C. A., Cal. 1902), 114
Fed. Rep. 1. " A servant does not assume the risk of accident and in-
jury due to the failure of the master to exercise reasonable care in fur-
nishing him with a .reasonably safe place to do his work." Himrod Coal
Co. V. Clark, 99 III. App. 332. "An employee working in a coal mine
has a right to presume that the room where he is sent to work is in a
reasonably safe condition, unless by the use of ordinary care he may dis-
cover the contrary." Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind.
App. 1903), 67 N. E. Rep. 658.
' " An employee in a coal mine does not assume the risk from omission
of the mine owner to establish the code of elevator signals required by
Burns' Rev. St. 1901, § 7470; the doctrine of assumption of risk not ap-
plying where the injury occurs by reason of the negligent non-observance
of a positive and fixed duty enjoined by statute." Island Coal Co. v,
16
242 RISKS THAT AEE NOT ASSUMED. § 236
§ 236. Latent defect. — Breaking of iron handle. —
As defects that are not patent are not readily observable
and could not be readily seen and appreciated, by an
employee, they are not assumed, as incidents of his work,
but it is only those that are apparent, or with which he is
familiar, that are assumed.! Accordingly, it is held, that
a laborer engaged in unloading coal from a wagon, who is
injured by the breaking of the iron bar, or handle, used to
raise up the bed of the wagon, to dump the coal, is not
precluded from a recovery, under the doctrine of assump-
tion of risk, although the bar may have been welded before
the break at the place in question, as he was not shown to
be familiar with the nature of iron, or to know that a
welded piece was not as strong as any other or that he knew
of the defect or appreciated the risk of such breaking.^
Swaggerty, 65 N. E. Rep. 1026. " Under the mines and miners' act (2
Starr & C. Ann. St. 1896, p. 2716, c. 93), which expressly requiresta mine
owner to furnish sufficient light at the top and bottom of the shaft to in-
sure, as far as possible, the safety of persons getting on and ofE the cage,
the fact that the miner knew that there was no light at the bottom of the
shaft is not a defense to an action by the miner for injuries." Spring
Valley Coal Co. v. Patting, 71 N. E. Eep. ■S71; 210 111. 342. "Where a
master fails to guard the cog-wheels of a machine as required by Rev.
St, 1899, § 6433, the servant does not assume the risk thereof, though he
may be guilty of contributory negligence if the danger is so great that a
prudent person of his years and capacity would have declined to face it."
Blair v. Heibel (Mo. App. 1903), 77 S. W. Eep. 1017. " An employee does
not assume the risk arising from the employer's violation of a statute reg-
ulating the operation of machinery." Brower». Locke (Ind. App. 1903),
67 N. E. Eep. 1015. For learned contention that statutory negligence
should be assumed, see Dresser Emp. Liab., Sec. 61 et sub. But see
Spiva V. Osage Coal &Min. Co., 88 Mo. 68; Durant u.Coal Co., 97 Mo. 62.
1 Crawford v. American Steel Co., 123 Fed. Rpp. 275.
2 Murphy v. Marston Coal Co., 188 Mass. 385; 67 N. B. Eep. 342.
"Where an employee is an adult of ordinary intelligence, he lmplie»ly
assumes all the ordinary risks incident to the employment — not only
those known to him, but also those readily discernible; but not non-
obvious or latent risks, in the absence of instruction or information in
respect to them." Crawford v. American Steel & Wire Co. (U. S. C. C.
A., N. Y. 1903), 123 Fed. Rep. 275.
§ 238 KISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. 243
§ 237. When breaking of rope not assumed. — An
employee who has but once assisted in lowering timbers by
means of a rope, attached to a bolster, being then assigned
to other work, does not assume the risk of the breaking of
the rope, even though he knows that it parted on the day
previous to that when the injury was received, on account
of the negligence of a workman, as it was not shown that
he had actual knowledge of any defect therein, as he had
a right to presume that the master would substitute a new
rope for the one that broke. l
§ 238. Injury from breaking of board cover to pit, not
assumed. — In an Illinois case, an employee had been
employed a week or so, in the defendant's boiler room, and
was injured by the breaking of a board cover to a catch-
basin, used to hold hot water, his leg being scalded by his
falling into the pit. The evidence tended to show that the
defendant knew the cover was dangerous ; that the effect
of steam from the hot water, on the board, was to weaken
it and render it more apt to break easily ; the plaintiff had
no knowledge that the steam would have a tendency to
soften the wood and make it more apt to break than if it was
subjected to such conditions and that this condition would
be disclosed only by a careful inspection and it was not a
part of the plaintiff's duties to inspect the board; it was
held that he did not, as a matter of law, assume the risk of
such injury. 2 And in Missouri, where the evidence was
conflicting as to the completion of the work, whereby a
hole should have been covered and the negligence of the
plaintiff in not seeing to the covering of the pit, it was
held to be a question for the jury, whether or not the
plaintiff assumed the risk of an injury from stepping into
the pit when the board was off.*
1 Geldard v. Marshall (Oregon, 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 330.
2 Wrisley Co. v. Burke, 203 111. 250; 67 N. E. Rep. 818.
3 SiQbergw. FalS Co., 98 .Mo. App. 546; 72 S. W. Rep. 947.
244 RISKS THAT AKE NOT ASSUMED. § 240
§ 239. Obvious risks, due to foreman's negligence. —
Although it is the general rule that an employee assumes
all risks of a patent or obvious nature, regardless of the
cause of defect, in Massachusetts, it is held, under the
statute, that the rule that an employee cannot recover for
an obvious risk, but assumes the dangers therefrom, does
not apply, where the accident was caused by the negligent
act of the employer's superintendent or foreman, by reason
of the statute of that State. ^
§ 240. Injuries while obeying master's orders. — An
employee, injured while obeying the express orders of the
master, does not assume the risk, even though he has some
knowledge of the dangers, attendant upon the work he is
ordered to do, but the danger must be such that an ordi-
narily prudent person would not have encountered it.^
' Murphy v. City Coal Co., 172 Mass. 324; 63 N. E. Rep. 603.
2 " Where a servant is ordered by his master to perform a dangerous
■work, and is injured thereby, the master is liable, unless the danger is
so imminent that no man of ordinary prudence would incur It." Judg-
ment, 101 111. App. 627, affirmed; Slaclj v. Harris, 65 N. E. Rp. 669;
200 111. 96. '' PlaintifE, who was employed about blast furnaces for the
reduction of the iron, was engaged on the ground hauling iron to the
furnace, and had never worlted on the top of the furnace, where work-
men were often overcome by gas and had to be relieved. A shanty was
constructed on the platform at the top of a furnace for the purpose of
affording the men a place to ' spell off ' when affected by the gas. The
shanty contained a stove, a bench, and blocks of wood on which the
men sat. Plaintiff had been on top of the furnace on two occasions to
sweep, and when he was there no gas was escaping. On the morning of
the injury plaintiff was ordered by the foreman to go to the top of a
furnace other than the one around which he worked, and was not in-
formed of the conditions, or given any information as to the danger he
was likely to meet there, or informed that he was at liberty to come
down when affected by the gas. The foreman followed plaintiff about
five minutes after he went to the top, and found him with his head out
of the window trying to get fresh air, and ordered him to take the place
of a man who had been overcome by gas. In a short time plaintiff again
went to the shanty. He sat down, and, becoming unconscious, fell on
§ 9A1 EISKS THAT ARK NOT ASSUMED. 245
§ 241. Dangerous machinery — Promise to repair. —
Aa employee has a right, ia the first instance, to act upon
the presumption that the employer has performed his duty
and provided a reasonably safe place, or appliances or
machinery, and the rule is the same, after a discovery of a
danger or defect and a promise to repair by the employer
and, in such case, the. employee has a perfect right to
continue at his work, for a reasonable time, relying upon
the promise or assurance, on the employer's part, to
repair or remedy the defect. ^
the hot stove, sustaining the injuries complained of. Held insufficient
to show that plaintiff assumed the risk of injury from the gas."
Illinois Steel Co. v. Eyska, 102 111. App. 347, judgment affirmed 66 N. E.
Rep. 734; 200 111. 280. " In an action for injuries to employee, evidence
held sufficient to sustain verdict that plaintiff had not assumed the risk
from which he was injured." Jensen v. Commodore Min. Co. (Minn.
1904), 101 N. W. Rep. 944. " An employee, in obeying his master's ex-
press orders, does not assume the risk, even though he has some knowl-
edge of the dangers attendant on the work he Is ordered to do, but the
danger must be such that an ordinarily prudent person would not en-
counter it." Illinois Steel Co. v. Eyska, 65 N. E. Rep. 734; 200 111. 280.
'' One on whom a wall of a brick kiln fell a few minutes after he was pat
to work there setting bricks, which was not his usual duty, will not be
held to have assumed the risk, or to have been>negUgent in working there,
though the dangerous condition was more or less apparent, he not hav-
ing noticed it, and the foreman and other men, whose duty it was to
work there all the time, having continued to do so under the belief that
the ,wall would stand till strengthened by the bricks that were being
laid." Browning v. Kasten (Mo. App. 1904), 80 S. W. Rep. 354. "A
servant does not assume the risk involved in carrying out a direct com-
mand of the master as to the method of performing certain work, unless
he acts as no reasonably prudent person would act under like circum-
stances." Henrietta Coal Co. ■». Campbell, 71 N. E. Rep. 863; 211 111.
216. " A servant employed in hauling cars loaded with coal in a mine,
who relied on an assurance given by a fellow-servant, held to assume the
risk." Collingwood v. Illinois & I. Fuel Co. (Iowa), 101 N. W. Rep. 283-
1 " Plaintiff's petition alleged that he was employed by defendants in
pushing cars on a tramway elevated 20 feet from the ground; that the
tramway was negligently constructed, and became out of repair, where-
by the rails spread, causing the car which he was pushing to leave the
track; and that in attempting to save the load he was thrown off and
246 RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. § 243
§ 242. Flying particles of steel or similar substances
getting in employee's eye. — The rule that an employer is
not liable for an injury to an employee, resulting from an
accident, because, through chance, an employee happened
to be at the place where a flying particle of steel, or
similar substance, happened to strike him, does not apply
to an injury from such substance, where the cause of the
breaking of the steel which occasions the injury is the
negligence of the employer, for, in such case, it cannot be
said that the negligence of the defendant was not the
approximate cause of the injury, notwithstanding the
existence of the element of chance that the employee
happened to be located at the particular place where the
flying particles struck him.i
§243. Incompetency of fellow-servant. — While an
employee assumes the risk of injuries due to the negligence
seriously injured. The evidence showed that both plaiutifE and defend-
ants knew that the tramway was defective, and defendant's agents
promised to repair it. Held, that there was nothing In such fact to
preclude plaintiff from recovering damages for the injury so sustained."
Prophet B. Kemper (Mo. App. 1902), 68 S. W. Rep. 956. «' In an action
lor personal injuries received by a servant, a boy 17 years old, and of
average intelligence, by being caught in uncovered gearings attached to
aspinning jack, the question of his assumption of the risk was for the
jury, in view of the complexity of the machinery, the failure to warn the
plaintiff and the presumption on behalf of plaintiff that the master had
performed his duty." Slack v. Carter & Bogers (N. H. 1903), 66 Atl.
Bep. 316.
1 " Where a servant employed as an ordinary laborer in a mill was
holding a steel rod while the other servants were hammering the end
thereof in order to fashion it into a piston rod for an engine, and a
splinter of steel flew from the rod and entered his eye, the risk was not
one assumed by him." Republic Iron and Steel Co. v. Ohler (Ind. 1903),
68 N. E. Rep. 901. " Where, in an action for Injury to an employee,
■caused by spalls of rock flying from under the stroke of a sledge ham-
mer, with the defective condition of the handle of which he was
familiar, it is for the jury whether the defects In the handles were of
such character as would deter a person of ordinary prudence from
using them because it would not be safe to do so with the exercise of
reasonable care." Nash v. Dowling, 93 Mo. App. 156.
§ 244 RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. 247
of his competent fellow-servants, he does not assume the
risk of injury from the incompetence of his co-employees,
unless he is familiar with the fact of such incompetency
and has failed to report it to his employer, who was igno-
rant thereof, because the employer owes the same duty of
providing competent and skilled employees that he does to
select proper appliances, and is responsible for a failure to
discharge this duty in case of a resulting injury. ^
§ 244. Injuries from failure to inspect roof. — As
the failure of the master to perform the duty of inspection,
whether enjoined by the special provisions of a statute re-
quiring it, or existing by virtue of the common law, is but
a phase of negligence likely to occasion injury from a de-
fective roof, owing to a failure to inspect, it is held not to
be assumed by an employee, unless the danger of the roof
is open and obvious to one of the experience and capacity
of the injured employee.^ •
' See chapter Sufficient l^umber and Competent Employees. "A ser-
vant is not chargeable with knowledge of the incompetency of a fellow-
servant until he has notice thereof by Information, or by circumstances
reasonably sufficient for that purpose." Giordano v. Brandywine Gran-
ite Co. (Del. 1901), 62 Atl. Rep. 332. "Where the defect In the tool
taken by a servant is obvious, he who takes it assumes the risk; but' he
cannot assume an obvious risk in such case of a fellow-servant who does
not know of the danger." Campbell v. T. A. Gillespie Co., 65 Atl. Rep.
276.
2 The Court of Appeals of Missouri has recently held that an Injury
from an unsafe roof was not assumed, although it was obvious. Carter
V. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204. " Where plaintiff was engaged to assist
an engineer in locating an entry in a coal mine, and in the performance
of bis duties was stationed at a point in the entry of the mine, and while
standing there was injured by the falling of coal and stone from the roof
of the mine, he was entitled to assume, before entering the mine, that
defendant had properly inspected the roof and had made it reasonably
safe for plaintiff to enter." Wilson v. Alpine Coal Co, (Ky. 1904), 81 S.
W. Rep. 278. " Where, in an action tor injuries to a servant in a mine
by material falling- from the roof thereof, there was no evidence that any
effort had been made by defendant or its representatives to ascertain the
248 RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. § 245
§ 245. Returning upon unexploded blast, under or-
ders. — In the case of injuries from unexploded shots,
since the danger from such sources is very great, if the
employer or his representative has notice of an unexploded
blast, a proper regard for the safety of the employees
would require that sufficient time should elapse between the
failure of the powder to explode and the return of the
miners, as defects in the fuse is a frequent cause of delayed
explosion and injuries from returning to unexploded shots
too soon is a frequent cause of injury. An employer, or
his representative, is, therefore, held guilty of negligence,
in ordering a miner to return too soon upon an unexploded
blast, and as the miner in such case is entitled to rely upon
the superior judgment of his employer, or his representa-
tive, he is held not to assume the risk of such an injury .^
condition of the roof, after a certain blast, before calling and putting
plaintiff to work under it, a requested instruction that, if the danger of
such falling material could not have been ascertained or prevented by
the exercise of reasonable care on defendant's part, defendant was not
liable, was properly refused." Tennessee Coal, Iron & R. Co. v. Gar-
rett (Ala. 1904), 37 So. Rep. 355. " A servant, employed in a coal mine
to haul cars of coal from the rooms where the coal is mined to the hoist-
ing shaft, is chargeable with notice of every fact which he would have
known, had he exercised ordinary care ; but, as it is the duty of the
owner of the mine to furnish a reasonably safe entry, the driver of the
coal car may rely on that duty being performed, and is not required to
test the roof of the entry through which he passes, nor chargeable with
knowledge of its condition, further than the knowledge he would ordi-
narily obtain in the discharge of the work he is employed to perform,
and, if he is injured by slate falling from the roof on account of the neg-
ligence of the mine owner, he should recover." Davis v. Turner (Ohio,
1903), 68 N. E. Rep. 819.
1 " A miner and the mine boss prepared three blasts. The miner lit
one and the boss a second, wliereupon the miner retired up the shaft,
while the boss attempted to light the third. The boss joined the miner,
whereupon two explosions occurred. The boss then ordered the miner
to return and light the third blast. As the miner reached the blast, it
exploded, injuring him. Held, that the miner did not assume the risk."
Bane v. Irwin (Mo. 1904j), 72 S. W. Rep. 522. "In an action for per-
§ 247 RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. 249
§ 246. Other injuries from powder explosions. —
Whenever the injury to a miner from an explosion of
dynamite can be traced to the negligence of the employer,
on account of the great care necessary in the use of
such material,! unless the experience of the injured
employee is such that he could be said to understand and
appreciate the nature of the risk, he will not be held to
have assumed the danger, as an incident of his employ-
ment.2 A miner has been held not to assume the risk of
a substitution of a higher grade explosive, for a lower
grade,* or the danger of an explosion from powder being
placed too near afire to thaw.*
§ 247. Breaking of appliances. — If an appliance which
an employee is required to use is so defective that an
inspection would have disclosed the defect, but the experi-
ence of the employee is such that he could not, as a mat-
ter of law, be charged with a knowledge of such defect,
then the failure on the part of the employer to discover
the defect would be held to be such negligence, as would
render him liable to an injured employee and such em-
sonal injuries received while drilling out an unexploded blast in a rock,
It appeared that defendant's vice-principal in charge of the quarry, with-
out himself making an examination of the hole, ordered plaintiff and
other laborers to clean it out. While doing so, the blast exploded, caus-
ing the injury sued for. neld, that there was sufficient evidence of neg-
ligence to submit to the jury." Harris v. Balfour Quarry Co. (N. C.
1904), 49 S. E. Eep. 96.
1 See chapter Injuries from Powder Explosions.
2 See chapter Assumption of Bisks in Mines.
8 A miner does not assume the risk of an explosion of dynamite
where a higher grade explosive has been substituted for a lower grade,
without notice or warning to him. Chambers v. Chester, 172 Mo. 461;
72 S. W. Eep. 904.
* A miner does not assume the risk of injury from dynamite ex-
ploding, placed near a Are to thaw, but the negligence of the plaintiff,
or the assumption of risk, would be a jury question. Angel v. Jellico
Mining Co., 74 S. W. Eep. 714.
250 RISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. § 249
ployee would not be held, as a matter of law, to assume
the risk of injury therefrom. ^
§ 248. Injury from defective scaffold. — While a miner
assumes the risk of injury from a defective scaffold where
the material is selected and the scaffold is made by himself
or a fellow-servant,^ he is not held to assume the risk of
a defect in the scaffold, -where the master or his vice-prin-
cipal is guilty of negligence in the selection of faulty
material or a defectively constructed structure, but in all
such cases the employer, in cases of injury to an employee,
is held liable.^
§ 249. "Jury question, unless risk obvious or danger
understood. — The rule is almost universally applied that
a servant does not assume the risk of dangers, as a matter
1 " In an action for the death of plaintiff's decedent a verdict for plain-
tiff will be sustained where the evidence shows that the deceased was
killed by the breaking of a chain which was defective when bought, and
of such a character that it could have been discovered by due Inspec-
tion." Finnerty v. Burnham (Pa. 1903), 54 Atl. Bep. 996. "Plaintiff
was injured while unloading coal by the breaking of the iron handle used
to raise the body of the wagon. He was an experienced driver, and had
used the handle which broke as well as similar ones. The handle had
been welded where it broke. There was nothing to indicate that it was
not sound. He was not acquainted with the art of welding iron, and
had had no experience that would enable him to determine that the
handle would likely break when put to the usual strain of lifting a wagon
loaded with coal. Meld, that since the defect in the handle was latent,
and plaintiff had no skill which would enable him to discover that it was
unsafe, he did not assume the risk." Murphy v. Marston Coal Co., ,183
Mass. 385; 67 N. E. Rep. 342.
2 White's Mines and Mining Remedies, Sec. 464.
3 "Where a servant testified that he did not know of a defect in a
derrick which occasioned his injury, and the evidence did not establish,
as a matter of law, that he had occasion to know it, he did not assume
the risk of injury therefrom." Bernard v. Pittsburg Coal Co. (Mich.
1904;, 100 N. W. Rep. 396; 11 Detroit Leg. N. 246. An employee does
not assume the risk of unsafe timbers in a scaffolding, that the master
has had erected. Westland v. Gold Coin Min. Co., 101 Fed. Eep. 59.
§ 249 EISKS THAT ARE NOT ASSUMED. 251
of law, unless the risk is so obvious that an ordinarily
prudent person, under the same or similar circumstances,
would not have continued at the employment, or, if not so
obvious, the risk was one incident to the work of the
employee, as customarily conducted, in the absence of
negligence on the part of the employer.^
1 Hammon v. Central Coal and Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Carter v.
Baldwin, 81 S. W. Eep. 204. " An employee cannot be said, as a matter
of law, to have assumed the risk incident to his employment, unless such
assumption is shown by undisputed evidence, or is so.clearly proven that
no reasonable inference can be drawn to the contrary." Kevolinsky v.
Adams Coal Co. (Wis. 1903), 95 N. W. Rep. 122. " An employee does
not assume all the risks incident to his employment, but only such as are
usual, ordinary, and remain so incident after the master has taken rea-
sonable care to prevent or remove them, or, if extraordinary, such as
are obvious, and expose him to danger so imminent, that an ordinarily
prudent and careful man would not enter on or remain in the employ-
ment," Malott V. Hood, 66 N. E. Eep. 247; 201 111. 202.
CHAPTER XIL
CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OP MINER.
Section 250. What the term implies.
251. Distinguished from assumed risk.
252. Should be specially pleaded — Burden.
253. Doctrine of imputed negligence.
254. A defense to violation of statutory duty.
255. Miner must understand conditions and danger.
256. What degree of care exacted from miners.
257. Employer's performance of duty — Miner may rely upon.
258. Duty to discover and remedy defects.
259. Where duty of repair or fitness of tool, devolved upon
plaintiff.
260. Combined negligence of employer and employee.
261. Concurring negligence of fellow-servant immaterial.
262. When effect of plaintiff's negligence avoidable.
263. Working under loose or dangerous rock.
264. Injury from roof of mine.
265. Same — Failure to furnish props.
266. Loading drill hole with dynamite.
267. Drilling Into unexploded charge of dynamite.
268. Other acts of negligence, in handling explosives.
269. Defects in scaffolding and platforms.
270. In connection with hoisting apparatus.
271. Uncovered cogs, set-screws and gearing.
272. Dangerous positions — Under rising bucket.
273. Injuries from ore cars.
274. Striking match, where mine contains gas.
275. Permitting clothing to catch on machinery.
276. Negligence in adjustment of belt.
277. Injury from defective ladder.
278. Falling into pit of mine.
279. Disobedience of rules constitutes.
280. Selecting more dangerous way to perform duty.
281. Frequenting unused portions of mine.
282. Acts in emergencies.
283. Youthful and inexperienced employees.
284. Orders and assurances of safety.
(252)
§ 250 CONTRIBUTORy NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 253
§ 250. What tbe term implies. — Contributory negli-
gence, by a writer of recognized ability, has been defined
to be " such, an act or omission, on the part of the plain-
tiff, amounting to a want of ordinary care, as, concuri-ing
or co-operating with the negligent act of the defendant, is
a proximate cause, or occasion of the injury complained
of ." 1 An injury is, therefore, said to be due to the plain-
tiff's contributory negligence, whenever it was caused by a
want of ordinary care, on his part, and this lack of ordi-
nary care occasioned the injury. The plaintiff may have
been ever so negligent, in the performance of his duty, at
the time of the injury, but unless such negligence, on his
part, contributed to produce the injury complained of, he
would not be denied a recovery, upon this ground.^ When-
ever the plaintiff, under the peculiar circumstances of the
case, has failed to use such care as an ordinarily prudent
person would exercise, under similar circumstances, he
will, generally, be denied a recovery,^ but such want of
ordinary care, constituting contributory negligence, will
bar a recovery, only where, under all the circumstances
of the case, it was the efficient and proximate cause of the
injury.* But it is not essential that such contributory
negligence should have been the sole and direct cause of the
injury, ^or if the injury was caused by the joint and con-
curring negligence of the plaintiff and defendant, and the
1 Beach Con. Neg., Sec. 7, p. 8. See Lord EUenborough's opiaion
in the leading and important case of Butterfleld v. Forrester, II East,
60. See also Faulkner v. Mammoth Mining Co. (Utah), 66 Pac. Rep.
799.
2 Neanow v. Utrech, 46 Wis. 587. The relation of the plalntifE's neg-
ligence to the accident must not be in a remote or speculative sense
only, but in the natural and ordinary course of events, as one event is
known to precede or follow another. Sutton ». Wauwatosa, 29 Wis. 21 ;
Harris v. Union Pacific Co., 4 McCreary, 454.
3 Meyers v. Chicago &c. Co., 103 Mo. App. 268; 77 S. W. Rep. 149.
* Hone V. Mammoth Mining Co. (Utah), 75 Pac. Rep. 381.
254 CONTRIBUTOKY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 251
injury would not have resulted without the negligence of
the other party, then the law will bar a recovery on the
part of the plaintiif.i From these considerations, it is
apparent that the term is more or less a relative one, de-
pending upon the exigencies of each particular case and
the precautions which should prompt an employee, under
the peculiar circumstances of his situation — as said by an
eminent jurist, " like the mercury in the thermometer,
determines to what degree prudence shall rise, in order to
reach the mark; of ordinary care." ^
§ 251. Distinguished from assumed risk. — The two
doctrines of contributory negligence on the part of the
plaintiff and his assumption of the risk which resulted in
his injury, as separate and distinct defenses on the part of
the defendant, are entirely distinct, and, in most cases,
cannot be used interchangeably, without confusion.^ The
defense of assumed risk, arises out of the implied contract
of the common law, under which an employee, on entering
into a contract of employment, was legally held to have
1 Hanheide v. St. Louis &c. Co., 104 Mo. App. 323; 78 S. W. Rep. 820.
2 Judge Sherwood, in Lamb u. Mo. Pao. Co., 147 Mo. 1. c. 204. la
his masterly opinion, in Priestley v. Fowler, Lord Abinger said: " The
very relation of master and servant can never imply an obligatipn on the
part of tlie master to take more care of the servant than he may reason-
ably be expected to do ol himself." 3Mees. & W. 1; M. & H. 305; 7 L.
J. N. S. 42. For similar expression see Russell Creek Coal Co. v. Wells,
96 Va. 416; 31 S. E. Rep. 614; Deep Mining &c. Co. v. Fitzgerald, 21
Colo. 533; 43 Pac. Rep. 210. The omission of an employee to perform
some act, which if done would have avoided the injury to himself, will
prevent a recovery for such ipjury. Deep Mining & Dev. Co. •». Fitz-
gerald, 21 Colo. 633; 43 Pac. Rep. 210; McCarthy v. Whitney Iron
Works, 48 La Ann. 978; 20 So. Rep. 171. The relation of master and
servant does not imply any obligation upon the part of the master to take
more care of the servant than the servant is willing to take of himself.
Karr Supply Co. v. Kronig, 167 111. 560; 47 N. B. Rep. 1061. See
Priestley v. Fowler, supra.
8 Herbert v. Mound City Co., 90 Mo. App. 305.
§ 251 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 255
agreed to assume all the risks growing out of dangers that
were incident to the prosecution of the business in which
he engaged, when rightfully conducted. Contributory
negligence is negligence on the part of the plaintiff, inde-
pendently of any express or implied contract relation which
causes or contributes to cause his own injury.^ However,
it may and frequently does happen that in assuming a
dangerous place, with knowledge of the risk, the employee
1 If the danger was so threatening that a person of ordinary prudence
would not have faced it, then plainti£E is guilty of contributory negligence.
Settle o. R. R. Co., 127 Mo. 336. But assumed risk includes all such
threatening dangers and those ordinarily incident to the service, although
not so impending. Minnier v. Sedalia &c. Co., 167 Mo. 99. Assumption
of risl£ and contributory negligence are difEerentiated in the recent case
of St. L. &c. Co. V. Miller (126 Fed. Rep. 495), where the court held
that " Assumption of risk and contributory negligence are separate, dis-
tinct defenses; the former rests in contract; the latter, in tort." Until
the emphatic and deep marked line of demarcation was drawn, by Judge
Goode, in the above case of Herbert v. Mound City Company, the courts
of Missouri, upon the two doctrines of contributory negligence and as-
sumption of risk, were in irreconcilable confusion. One of the most
thorough of the recent text-book writers upon the law of Master and
Servant, speaking of the Missouri cases, which are sui generis, upon this
subject, sajs: " The formal doctrine, which has been evolved from this
supposed identity, seems to be peculiar to Missouri, and may be said to
represent the high water mark of the confusion between the defenses."
LabattMas. & Serv., Sec. 311, p. 771. See Olcorn v. C. & A. Co., 108
Mo. 81; 18 S. W. Rep. 188; Thorp v. Mo. Pac. Co., 89 Mo. 650; 2 S. W.
Rep. 3; 58 Amer. Rep. 120; Wormington v. A. T. & C. Co., 46 Mo. App.
1595 Coursy v. Vulcan Iron Works, 62 Mo. 35; Bender v. S. & L. & S. F.
Co., 137 Mo. 240; 37 S. W. Rep. 132. In Alabama (Eureka Co. v. Bass,
81 Ala. 200; 8 So. Rep. 216; 60 Am. Rep. 152) and Wisconsin (Kraft v.
Meyer, 92 Wis. 252; 65 N. W. Rep. 1039), the courts seem to have fallen
into a similar error. The distinction between assumption of risk and
contributory negligence is drawn in the following cases: Bodie v. Char-
leston & Western Co. (S. C. 1901), 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 473; Dempsey o.
Sawyer (Me.), 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 285. Contributory negligence and as-
sumed risk are inconsistent, because if the employee assumed the risk,
he cannot recover, though he exercised the highest degree of care. The
defenses rest upon different principles ; are inconsistent and the presence
of the one excludes the existence of the other. Ball v. Gusseuhoven, 29
Mont. 321; 74 Pac. Rep. 871.
256 CONTRIBUTORS NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 251
in thus exposing himself, would really be guilty of contrib-
utory negligence and, to this extent, the two defenses are
similar and, in this sense, an employee who assumes a risk
may, to some extent, be held guilty of negligence. The
defense of assumed risk, however, is not dependent upon
any negligence of the employee, but exists by reason of
the implied contract of the employment, while negligence,
or a wrongful act, is usually necessary to constitute the
defense of contributory negligence.^
1 " Assumption of risk and contributory negligence are wholly differ-
ent things in the law Assumption of risk rests in the law of contraQt;
the very word 'assumption ' imports a contract, or some kiudred act
of an unconstrained will. Dempsey D. Sawyer, 95 Me. 295; FilUngham
V. St. Louis Transit Co., 102 Mo. App. 573. While the doctrine maybe
applicable in controversies between other persons than masters and
servants, it has its chief application in cootroversies between parties
sustaining that relation. Thus, it has been said that the doctrine of
' voluntary assumption of a risk,' as distinguished from contributory
negligence, is generally applied in cases arising between employer and
employee, where an employee, without any valid excuse for so doing,
voluntarily undertakes to work with a tool or an appliance vphich is
known to be defective, and by so doing assumes the risk of getting hurt,
and thereby releases his employer from liability. Chicago &r. K. Co.
V. Prescott, 59 Fed. Eep. 237; 23 L. R. A. 654. And assumption of risk
has been said to be 'a term of the contract of employment, express or
implied from the circumstances of the employment, by which the serv-
ant agrees that dangers of injury obviously incident to the discharge of
the servant's duty shall be at the servant's risk. In such cases the
acquiescence of the servant in the conduct of the master does not
defeat a right of action on the ground that the servant causes or con-
tributes to cause the inj nry to himself ; but the correct statement is that
no right of action arises in favor of the servant at all, for, under the
terms of the employment, the master violates no legal duty to the serv-
ant in failing to protect him from dangers the risk of which he agreed
expressly or impliedly to assume. The master is not, therefore, guilty
of actionable negligence towards the servant.' Narramore v. Cleve-
land &c. R. Co., 96 Fed. Eep. 298, quoted with approval in Bauer v.
American Car &c. Co., 132 Mich. 537; 94 N. W. 9. ' Assumption of
risks rests in the law of contract and involves an implied agreement by
the employee to assume the risk ordinarily incident to his employment,
or a waiver, after full knowledge of an extraordinary risk, of his right to
§ 252 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 257
§ 252. Should be specially pleaded — Burden The
burden of proof, in actions for negligence, where the de-
fense is that of contributory negligence, upon the part of
the plaintiff, is upon the party who alleges such contribu-
tory negligence. The plaintiff, in the absence of such
proof, is presumed to have properly discharged his duty,
and unless the testimony on the part of the plaintiff him-
iold the employer, for a breach of duty in this regard.' Bodie v.
Charleston &c. E. Co., 61 S. Car. 461; 29S. E. Rep. 715. Contributory
negligence, on the other hand, is a breach of the duty of due care im-
posed by the law (Dempsey v. Sawyer, 95 Me. 295), and does not rest
in the law of contracts, but ' in the law of torts, as applied to negli-
gence, and when such defense is established the plaintiff's action is
defeated, not because of any agreement, express or implied, but because
his own misconduct was a proximate cause of the injury.' Bodie v.
Charleston &c. K. Co., 51 S. Car. 468. The existence of negligence on
the part of the person injured is an essential element of the defense of
contributory negligence, but the doctrine of ' assumed risk,' obtains
without necessary reference to the existence of negligence. Texas &c.
R. Co. V. Bryant, 8 Tex. Civ. App. 1 34. That doctrine is based, not upon
the negligence of the person injured, but upon a knowledge of the dan-
ger to which he is exposed, and it is often applied when there has been
no carelessness at all. ' Contributory negligence and assumption of
risk are entirely different things in the law. Although the two questions
may both arise under the facts of a case, yet they are wholly separate
and distinct. Every person suing for a personal injury must show that
he was in the exercise of ordinary care and caution for his own safety,
so that the question of contributory negligence may be involved in every
case; but an employee may have assumed a risk by virtue of his em-
ployment, or by continuing In such employment with knowledge of the
defect and danger, and if he Is injured thereby, although in the exercise
of the highest degree of care and caution and without any negligence,
yet he cannot recover.' Chicago &c. R. Co. v. Heerey, 203 111. 492. In
Hesse v. Railroad Co., 58 Ohio St. 167, 169; 50 N. E. 355, Judge Shanck,
speaking for the Supreme Court of Ohio, said: 'Acquiescence with
knowledge is not synonymous with contributory negligence. One hav-
ing full knowledge of defects in machinery with which he is employed
may yet use the utmost care to avert the dangers which they threaten."
On the other hand, knowledge of the danger is not conclusive upon
the question of contributory negligence. Obviously such knowledge
may lead a person to the exercise of extraordinary care." Bowen,
J., in Thomas B. Quartermaine, 18 Q. B. Div. 697; 7 Law Notes, p. 89.
17
258 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 253
self, tends to establish such defense of contributory negli-
gence, the defendant must establish its existence, by a pre-
ponderance of the evidence in the case.^ Like other special
defenses set up to defeat a recovery by the plaidtiff, the
defense of contributory negligence on the part of the plain-
tiff, must be specially pleaded, to be available as a defense.
In discussing the nature of this special plea, on the part of
the defendant, the Missouri Supreme Court recently used
the following language: "The defense of contributory
negligence, on part of a plaintiff, interposed by a defend-
ant, is in the nature of a plea of confession and avoidance,
and it has been held, for that reason, by this court, it
must be specially pleaded by a defendant, to be available
to him. The plea impliedly admits some negligence, on
the part of the defendant, but seeks to avoid its conse-
quences, by charging that plaintiff himself contributed to
the injury complained of. It is a matter pleaded by the
defendant, to avoid the consequences of his own act, and
for that reason, the rule has been adopted that it must be
specially pleaded by defendant. ' ' ^
§ 253. Doctrine of imputed negligence. — Whenever
the injury to an employee is due to an act of his own agent,
or a fellow-servant under his direction, and the negligence
of such third person is due to the direction or control of
the plaintiff himself, then the negligence of such third
person would constitute a valid defense to the action of the
injured employee, under whose direction or control the
negligence occurred, for his negligence would be imputed,
1 Chicago &c. Co., v. Lee, 66 Kan. 806; 72 Pac. Rep. 266; O'Keilly v.
Brooklyn &c. Co., 82 App. Div. 492; 81 N. Y. Supp. 572; Gay ». Win-
ter, 34 Cal. 153; Holland v. Oregon &o. Co., 26 Utah, 209; 72 Pac.
Rep. 940; Corbett v. Oregon &c. Co., 25 Utah, 449; 71 Pac. Rep. 1065;
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Co. v. Gist (Texas), 73 S. W. Rep. 857.
2 Kaminski v. Tudor Iron Works, 167 Mo., p. 470; 67 S. W. Rep. 221.
§ 253 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 259
in law, to the plaintiff himself. ^ After stating the doctrine
of agency, in the law of contributory negligence, and the
identity of the third person with the plaintiff, who sues f or
the injury, Mr. Beach states the rule thus: "Whenever
the contributory negligence of the third person is of such
a character and the third person is so connected with the
plaintiff that an action might be maintained against the
plaintiff for damages, for the consequences of such negli-
gence, then, when the plaintiff himself, brings the action,
that negligence is, in contemplation of law, the plaintiff's
negligence and it is justly imputed to him." ^ This rule is
illustrated, in a Missouri case, by an action by a superior
servant, with power of direction and control, through
whose order, when being executed by an inferior, such
superior servant is injured. In this case, the negligence of
the servant giving the order, which resulted in his own
injury, will be imputed to his inferior servant, whose act
occasioned the injury, and such imputed contributory
negligence of the injured employee will preclude his
recovery.^
1 Beach Con. Neg., Sec. 100, p. 129; Burroughs v. Gas & Coke Co., L.
B. 6 Bxch. 67; L. R. 7 Exch, 96; Atkinson v. Goodrich &c. Co., 60
Wis. 141; 50 Amer. Eep. 352; Beauchamp v. Saginaw Mm. Co., 50
Mich. 163 ; 46 Amer. Eep. 30.
2 Beach Con. Neg., Sec. 103, p. 133.
3 Minster v. Citizens &c. Co., 53 Mo. App. 276. " Plaintiff ordered
coal from defendant, and on its arrival ordered the teamster to put the
game in a coalhouse. Plaintiff opened the door through which the coal
was to be thrown, and asked the driver to throw in a number of lumps to
plaintiff for the purpose of making a pile in the doorway. Plaintiff
remained in the room, and carried these lumps thrown to her by the
teamster and piled them in the doorway, and while she was thus en-
gaged the driver threw in some coal, which struck her hand and
' severely injured it. Held, that the teamster, while engaged in throw-
ing the coal to the plaintiff, was acting under her direction, and not
under the direction of his employer, and hence the latter was not liable
for his negligence in throwing the coal." Atherton v. Kansas City
Coal & Coke Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 81 S. W. Eep. 223.
260 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 254
§ 254. A defense to violation o£ statutory duty. —
Since the negligence for which an employer is responsible,
in case of a resulting injury to his employees, is simply
that breach of a duty owed them which may occasion an
Injury, there would seem to be no difference, in degree,
so far as the liability of the master is concerned, between
his violation of a common law duty and the breach of a
statutory duty. The fact that the given duty was pre-
scribed by a statute makes it none the less a duty, nor
does it increase the duty by being so prescribed. The
master is liable for any breach of duty toward his
employees which occasions them an injury regardless of
whether it is statutory or a common law duty owed to
them. This being true, his defenses to actions for breaches
of such duties ought on principle to be the same, whether
the plaintiff's action is based upon the breach of a duty
prescribed by statute law, or common law. To hold an
employer liable for the violation of a duty prescribed by
statute, the breach of such statutory duty must also have
occasioned the injury complained of, and unless it did,
there is no liability. If the injury instead of being due to
the master's neglect, — either of a statutory or common
law duty — was due to the neglect of the servant himself,
then, under well recognized rules, the master ought not to
be held responsible. In other words, upon principle, the
defense of contributory negligence should prevail as well
in actions for violations of statutory duty, as in suits for
breach of a common law duty.i But this rule does not
obtain in Illinois, and notwithstanding the employee's neg-
ligence may have contributed to produce the injury com-
i Dresser Emp. Liab., Sees. 51, 116; Bodell v. Brazil Block Coal Co.,
25 Ind. App. 654; Victor Coal Co. ■». Muir, 20 Colo. 320; Malta v. Chi-
cago &c. Co., 69 Mich. 109; Taylor v. Carew Co., U2 Mass. 470; Spiva
V. Osage Coal & Min. Co., 88 Mo. 68; Senior v. Ward, 28 L. J. Q. B.
139.
§ 255 CONTEIBDTORY NEGLIGENCE OE MINER. 261
plained of, if the mine employer had violated the statute
for the protection of his employees, he is liable, although
the servant was guilty of contributory negligence.^
§ 255. Miner must understand conditions and dan-
ger. — Negligence can only be affirmed in respect to con-
ditions and dangers appreciated by the party charged
therewith. Hence, a miner will not be denied a recovery,
on the ground of contributory negligence, unless it is
established that the conditions and resulting danger were
such that he understood it, or ought to have known and
appreciated the risk his act would subject him to.^
1 Riverton Coal Co. v. Shepard, 207 III. 396; 69 N. E. Rep. 921;
Western Anthracite Coal Co. v. Beaver, 96 111. App. 95, aflSrmed in 61
N. E. Rep. 336; Carterville Coal Co. v. Abbott, 65 N. E. Rep. 131; 81 111.
App. 279; Odin CoalCo. 9. Denman, 84 111. App. 190; 57N. E. Rep. 192.
Where deceased was killed as a result of a defective roof In a mine,
the question of whether or not he was guilty of contributory negligence,
so as to defeat a recovery, was held properly submitted, as a defense, in
Missouri, under the prop act in Weston u. Lackawana Min. Co., 105 Mo.
App. 702. A miner not himself in due care, cannot recover for an
injury from violation of the Ohio statute, requiring the mine to be kept
free from standing gas. Erause v. Morgen, 52 Ohio St. 325; 40 N, E.
Rep. 886. Contributory negligence, of an employee, in Illinois, is held
to be no defense to the violation of the statute requiring the mine to be
fenced, etc. Oatlett v. Young, 143 111. 74; 32 N. B. Rep. 447. The
Federal courts, in Illinois, follow the rule established by the State
courts that contributory negligence is not a defense to an action for
violation of the statute. Riverton Coal Co. v. Shepard, ill 111, App.
294; Chicago -Coulterville Coal Co. v. Fidelity & Casualty Co., 130 Fed.
Rep. 957; Fulton v. Wilmington Star Mining Co., 183 Fed. Rep. 193.
Under the Indiana Employer's Liability Actj imposing a liability for the
negligence of other employees, an employee is held not to be exempt
from the consequences of his own contributory ne gligence. Corning
Steel Co. V. Pohlplotz, 64 N. E. Rep. 476.
2 Ozinbierskl v. Mott Iron Works, 56 App. Div. 58; 67 N. Y. Supp.
256; Folk v. SchaefEer, 186 Pa. St. 253; 40 Atl. Rep. 401; Salem Stove
&c. Co. I). Griffin, 139 Ind. 141; 38 N. E. Rep. 411; Dowling ». Allen, 6
Mo. App. 195; Magowan v. Bullion Beck Min. Co., 16 Utah, 634; 60 Pac.
Bep. 834, " A lisk, though known to the servant, is not deemed in law
262 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 255
This rule is illustrated in a Maryland case, where the
injury to the miner occurred by being crushed by a car
ao-ainst the side of the tunnel. The evidence showed that
he had been accustomed to safely stand at the same place,
before the track was straightened, and as he was not
familiar with the facts, it was held that he would not be
denied a recovery on the ground of contributory negli-
gence. i This case is in accord with the great weight of
authority, as well as the reason of the situation, for it
would be manifestly unfair to hold an employee negligent
in failing to adopt precautions that would minimize his
danger, when, in fact, he had no knowledge of the danger
which threatened him.^ This rule, therefore, and the
reason underlying it, has given rise to the doctrine that
whenever the evidence is conflicting, as to the employee's
knowledge of the conditions and dangers that threatened
him, then he cannot, as a matter of law, be held guilty of
contributory negligence barring his recovery, but the issue
as to his knowledge or imprudence in not discovering his
danger, should be submitted to the jury.^ But if the em-
to have been assumed unless the danger arising from such risk is, like-
wise, known by him." Henrietta Coal Co. v. Campbell, 112 111. App.
452; 71 N. E. Rep. 863; 211111. 216. Mere knowledge of a defective roof
will not charge an employee with negligence, so as to prevent a recovery
for an injury from falling rock, unless the danger threatens immediate
injury, or be could not "reasonably have expected that he might safely
continue his work. Smith v. Little Pittsburg Coal Co., 75 Mo. App. 177.
This is at variance with the rule laid down by the Supreme Court of Mis-
souri. Minnier v. Sedalia &c. Co., 167 Mo. 99. And if employee knows
the danger as well as employer, he is not entitled to notice. Junior v.
Mo. B. L. & P.- Co. (Mo.), 29 S. W. Kep. 988. A miner will not be pre-
sumed to know that a blast has broken through a rib between two
drifts. Summit Coal Co. v. Shaw, 16 Ind. App. 9; 44 N. E. Rep. 676.
1 Baker v. Maryland Coal Co., 84 Md. 19; 36 Atl. Rep. 10.
2 See Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 319, p. 786.
3 Hammon v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Durant o.
Lexington Coal Min. Co,, 97 Mo. 62; 10 S. W. Rep. 484; Collins v.
Greenfield, 172 Mass. 78; 51 N. E. Rep. 454; Victor Coal Co. b. Muir,
§ 256 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 263
ployee appreciated the danger, or the conditions which
caused it were obvious, or such as a reasonably prudent
man, under the circumstances, ought to have known and
understood, in the exercise of ordinary care, then the
plaintiff's act, in failing to exercise such care, would con-
stitute contributory negligence. i
§ 256. What degree of care exacted from miners. —
The standard of due care is practically the same, in all vo-
cations, i. e., the care that a prudent person, under like
circumstances, would exercise, for his own safety.^ But
the necessity for greater or less precautions to avoid injury
20 Colo. 320; 38 Pac. Rep. 378; 26 L. R. A. 435; Mather v. Rillston,
156 U. S. 391; 39 L. C. P. Ed. 464; 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 464; Nicholas v.
Crystal Plate Co., 126 Mo. 55; 27 S. W. Eep. 616; Sanborn «. Madera
Flume &c. Co., 70 Cal. 261; 11 Pac. Rep. 710; Woodward Iron Co. ■».
Herndon, 130 Ala. 364; 30 So. Rep. 370; Consolidated Coal Co. v.
Bokamp, 181 111. 9; 64 N. E. Rep. 667.
1 Murphy «. City Coal Co., 172 Mass. 324; 52 N. E. Rep. 603. "In
order to charge a servant with negligence, it must be shown that he
knew, or could have known by the use of ordinary care, that the place
where he did his work was dangerous." Montgomery Coal Co. v.
Barringer, 109 111. App. 185. " While a servant must take notice of
defects which are patent, he is not bound to make an examination for
latent defects, and may act on the presumption that the master has used
reasonable care in preparing the place for his work, so as to make it
reasonably safe." Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 185-
"In action for Injuries to servant, evidence held sufficient to warrant a
finding that plaintiff's intestate neither knew, nor by reasonable care
could have known, of the defect in the appliance causing his death."
Caven v. Bodwell Granite Co. (Me. 1904), 69 Atl. Rep. 285; 99 Me. 278.
" Whether a servant was guilty of contributory negligence with respect
to defective appliances he was using depends, not on the mere fact that
he saw or handled the appliances, but rather on whether he knew, or
ought by reasonable care to have known, their defective condition."
Caven o. Bodwell Granite Co. (Me. 1904), 59 Atl. Rep. 285; 99 Me. 278.
2 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 329, p. 813; Scagel v. Chicago &c. Co., 83
Iowa, 380; 49 N. W. Rep. 990; Reese v. Morgan Silver Min. Co., 15
Utah, 453; 49 Pac. Rep. 824; Tennessee Coal, Iron &c. Co. o. Currier, 108
Fed. Eep. 19; 47 Cir. Ct. App. 161.
264 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OP MINER. § 257
necessarily varies, according to the hazards of the particu-
lar business, and as mining, in all its details, is extremely
dangerous, miners are required to adopt more precautions
than those engaged in less hazardous vocations, but only
such as reasonably prudent persons in the same business.^
In a Kansas case the rule is announced* that when a voca-
tion is dangerous, an employee is required to use very
great precaution, to avoid an injury.^ In Utah it has been
held that a miner should be vigilant and careful, in his own
behalf, and should use a degree of care, proportioned to
the degree of danger in the ordinary discharge of his
duties,^ and a similar rule is announced, in Kentucky,
where it is held that he should exercise, for his own pro-
tection, that degree of care which is commensurate with
the character of his occupation and which a reasonably
prudent person would use, under like circumstances.*
Hence, it will be seen, that the standard is the same in all
vocations, Dut the care and caution increase, in proportion
to the risks and hazards of the particular duties of the
business.
§ 257. Employer's performance of duty — Miner may
rely upon. — As the law presumes that every one will per-
form his duty, public officials as well as private individuals,
it is a legal presumption that the employer has properly
discharged his common law or statutory duty toward his
1 Peterson v. Wallace, 28 Eng. Law & Eq. 48; 1 Macq. H. L. Gas. 748 ;
Trihay v. Brooklyn Lead Min. Co., 4 Utah, 468; 11 Pac. Rep. 612;
Union Pac. Co. v. Eades, 37 Kan. 715; 16 Pac. Rep. 131. " Plaintiff was
not relieved from the consequence of his own negligence because his
fellow workman committed similar acts of negligence." Griben v.
Yellow Aster Min. & Mill. Co. (Cal. 1904), 75 Pac. Rep. 839.
2 Union Pacific Co. v. Estes, 37 Kansas, 715; 16 Pac. Rep. 131.
8 Trihay v. Brooklyn Lead Min. Co., i Utah, 468; 11 Pac. Rep. 612.
* Ashland Coal & Iron Co. v. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 42 S. W. Rep.
744.
§ 257 CONTKIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 265
employees and, for this reason, the employee, in order to
recover for a failure, on the part of the employer, to per-
f»rm his duty toward him, must, by a preponderance of
the evidence, overcome such presumption and establish
negligence on the part of the employer. On the other
hand, the employee is equally entitled to this legal pre-
sumption, in the performance of his duties, as an employee
of the mine owner, and before the latter can defeat a re-
covery, upon the ground of his breach of duty, it must be
affirmatively established that such employee has failed to
use ordinary care to protect himself from injury. The
servant has a legal right to depend upon the performance
of his duty, on the part of the employer,^ and as the mas-
ter's duty, with reference to furnishing tools, appliances
and a reasonably safe place and the other duties imposed
upon him, either by the statute or common law, is a con-
tinuing duty, toward his various employees,^ so his negli-
gence is continuing, in case of a breach of such duty, and
where an injury results from such cause, the master can-
not avoid liability, on the ground of contributory negli-
gence, on the part of the plaintiff.^
1 Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind. App.), 67 N. E. Rep.
558; Himrod Coal Co. v. Clarke, 197 111. 5U; 6t N. E. Eep. 282; afflrm-
iDR 99 111. App. 332; Sinclair Co. v. Waddill, 99 111. App. 334; 65 N. E.
Rep. 437; Carroll v. Oil Co., 67 N. J. L. 679; 52 Atl. Rep. 275; O'Brien v.
Sullivan, 195 Pa. St. 474; 46 Atl. Rep. 130; Cunningham u. Sicilian As-
phalt &c. Co., 49 App. Div. 380; 63 N. Y. S. .S57; Smeizel v. Odanah Iron
CO., 116 Mich. 149; 74 N. W. Rep. 488.
2 See chapter, Duties of Mine Employer. Alabaster Co. v. Lonergan,
90 111. App. 353; MorioQ v. Zwierzykowski, 91 111. App. 462.
3 Orru. Somhern Co., 132 N. C. 691; 44 S. E. Sep. 401; Portland
Gold Min. Co. v. Flaherty, 111 Fed. Rep. 312; 49 C. C. A. 361; Indiana
Coal Co. V. Buffey (lud. App.), 62 N. E. Rep. 279; Cushman v. Carbon-
dale Co. (Iowa), 88 N. W. Eep. 817; Tennessee Coal &o. Co. v. Currier,
108 Fed. Rep. 19; 47 C. C. A. 161. An employee is entitled to presume
that a hammer, used to break up rock, la a reasonably safe appliance
and il it is not he Cinnot be held guilty of contributory negligence in its
266 CONTEIBUTOET NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 258
§ 258. Duty to discover and remedy defects. — While
an employee is entitled to rely upon the performance of
his duty by his employer, he is none the less held to a
strict account on his own responsibility, with reference to
looking out to protect himself from the effects of defects
which he might have avoided, in the performance of due
care, on his part.^ It is his daty to use reasonable and
ordinary care to discover and avoid the effects of defects
open to common observation, and if he fails to do this, he
cannot recover for the effects of such failure, in case of a
resulting injury. If he places himself in an obviously dan-
gerous position, or in a position in which, in the exercise
of ordinary care, he could have ascertained that impending
danger confronted him, he cannot recover, if he is injured,
because of such want of care, in looking out for his own
safety .2 Under this rule, however, an employee is not
bound to do what he has a right to expect others to do, in
the performance of their duty, and he is entitled to rely
upon the performance of such duty by others. Accord-
ingly, where an employee in a quarry, was directed, by
his superintendent, to mount a large rock, in order to drill
a hole therein, he is not under the duty to make a careful
inspection of all the surroundings, as he has a right to
rely upon the safety of the place where he is directed to
work.^ But if an employee has at hand, the means of
ascertaining the dangers of his surroundings and fails to
make an investigation, but does that which augments his
danger, he cannot recover, on account of his contributory
use. Eobbins v. Big Circle Mining Co., 105 Mo. App. 78, A miner iias
a riglit to presume tliat a platform or gangway is safely constructed.
Vanesse v. Latsburg Coal Co., 159 Pa. St. 403; 28 Atl. Kep. 200.
1 Sievers v. Eyre, 122 Fed. Rep. 734; Clienall v. Palmer Brick Co., 117
Ga. 106; 43 S. E. Rep. 443.
2 Illinois Steel Co. ». McNulty, 105 111. App. 594; Silvlera u, Iversen,
128 Cal. 187; 60 Pac. Rep. 687.
8 Mahoney v. Bay State Granite Co., 184 Mass. 287; 63 N. E. Rep. 234.
§ 259 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 267
negligence, in case of an injury.^ And he should know
every fact that he would discover, if he exercised ordinary
care to keep himself informed along the line of his duty,
and a failure to discover defects in the entries or exits of
the room in which he was engaged, under circumstances
where he ought to have known thereof, will defeat a
recovery for an injury therefrom.^
§ 259. Where duty of repair or fitness of tool, devolved
■upon plaintiff. — Since the injured employee is denied a
recovery, whenever a failure to use ordinary care, upon his
part, contributed to produce the injury for which suit is
brought, if the cause of the injury was the selection of an
unfit tool or appliance to perform the work with, or a want
of repair upon the appliance or implement which occasioned
the injury, and the duty of selecting a proper tool or of
seeing to the repairs needed thereon was cast upon the
injured employee himself, and he had failed to discharge
such duty and as a result was injured, then he cannot
recover for such resulting injury. It has been held, in
Utah, that where the duty was placed, upon the injured
miner, of repairing and seeing to the repair of a car track,
he could not recover for an injury from a want of repair,
where he had failed to discharge the duty intrusted to him,
as his own want of care, or failure to do his duty, occa-
1 As where he fails to examine a roof with his light, for loose slate
and leaves a prop down, that he knocked out. Dickinson Coal Co. v.
Peach, 32 Ind. App. 33; 69 N. E. Rep. 189.
2 Wellston Coal Co. v. Smith, 65 Ohio St. 70; 61 N. E. Rep. 143; 55 L.
E. A. 99. An employee is under as great obligation to provide for his own
safety, from dangers that are known to him, or are discernible by ordinary
care, as the master is to provide for him. Russell Or. Coal Co. v. Wells,
Va. tl6; 31 S. E. Rep. 614. Contributory negligence will not be pre-
dicated merely upon the fact of a miner's failure to discover the defects
in the roof. Blazenic v. Iowa & W. Coal Co., 102 Iowa, 706 ; 72 N. W.
Rep. 292; Island Coal Co. v. Risker, 13 Ind. App. 98; 40 N. E. Rep.
148.
268 CONTRIBUTOEY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 260
sioned the injury.! And in Pennsylvania, where the
injury complained of resulted from the use of a defective
"bit" to handle red hot bloom with, and the record
showed that the injured employee knew of the defective
condition of the tool, before using it, and it was his duty
to have selected a " bit" not defective, his negligence
would defeat a recovery for an injury from such defective
tool.2
§ 260. Combined negligence of employer and em-
ployee. — To warrant a recovery, by a miner, against his
employer, he must establish that his injury was caused by
a want of ordinary care on the part of the employer. It is
this want of care that constitutes the negligence of the
employer, which must have directly occasioned the injury,
before a liability therefor would result. The defense of
contributory negligence has been said to be but an ampli-
fied form of denial, by the defendant, that the injury was
caused by his negligence. ^ If, instead of being the direct
result of the employer's negligence, alone, the injury re-
sults from a want of ordinary care, on the employer's part,
combined with a want of ordinary care on the part of the
employee, it cannot be truly said to result from the negli-
1 A miner whose duty it was to repair a defective car track, is guilty
of negiigence barrin!? a recovery, for an injury from a failure to repair
such tracli. Butte v. Pleasant Valley Coal Co., 14 Utah, 282; 47 Pac,
Eep. 77.
2 "Where the employer furnishes a sufiBcient supply of ropes, and
suitable supply of ropes, belts, and chains, from which the workmen
may select proper ones in attaching articles to a crane to be moved, it
is not liable for injury to an employee from the negligence of a fellow
workman in s lecting a rope insuiHcient for the article to be moved."
Morrison v. Whittler Mach. Co. (Mass. 1903), 67 N. B. Rep. 646. The
use of a defective bit to carry red hot bloom with in an iron smelter, is
contributory negligence, where the employee knew of the defective con-
dition of the tool and it was his duty not to use a defective bit for the
purpose. Devlin v. Phoenix Iron Co., 182 Pa. St. 106; 37 Atl. Kep. 927.
3 McVay ». Waterford &c. Co., Ir. L. R. 18; C. L. 159.
§ 261 CONTKIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 269
gence of the employer any more than it can from that of
the employee and there would be a consequent failure of
proof, on the part of the one having the affirmative of es-
tablishing that the negligence of the employer vyas the
approximate cause of the injury. i As tersely put in an
Ohio case, "If it took the want of ordinary care of both
the employer and employee to produce the injury, both are
at fault and there can be no recovery by eithero Where
both parties are negligent and the injury is caused by such
combined negligence, there can be no recovery by either
party." ^
§ 261. Concurring negligence of fellow-servant im-
material. — While the servant on entering into the con-
tract of employment, under the implied contract of the
common law, is held to assume the risk of injuries result-
ing from the negligence of his fellow-servants, he does not,
as a part of such" contract, assume the dangers occasioned
by the combined negligence of a fellow-servant and the
employer, for he does not undertake to assume any injury
due to his master's negligence, whether the injury results
from such negligence alone, or the combined negligence of
the master and a fellow-servant. Such a doctrine would
permit the employer under an implied contract to avoid
the effect of his own wrongful act, when he could not do
so by an express contract, under many statutes, as no one
is permitted to take advantage of his own wrong. ^ The
1 Pittsburgh & West. Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 53 Ohio St. 43; 40 N. E.
Kep. 725 ; CODSolidated Coal Co. v. Borkamp, 1 8 1 111. 9 ; 54 N. E. Rep. 567 ;
see Illinois Fuel Co. v. Parsons (38 111. App. 182), where the Icjury to
plaintifE was due to his carrying a drill upon a cage, In violation of law.
2 Pittsburg & West Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 63 Ohio St. 43; 40 N. E.
Rep. 726.
2 Pittsburg &c. Co. v. Henderson, 37 Ohio St. 649; Boyce v. Fitz-
patrick, 80 Ind. 526; Lane w. Atlantic Works, 111 Mass 136; Atkinson ».
Goodrich Co., 60 Wis. 141; 18 N. W. Rep. 764.
270 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 262
concurring negligence of a fellow-servant, therefore, com-
bined with that of a master, will not relieve him from the
results of his wrongful act, but if his negligence, as one of
the agencies, operated to the injury of his employee, he is
held liable therefor the same as though it was the sole and
approximate cause of such injury.^ But if the negligence
of a fellow-servant concurs "with that of the plaintiff to
produce the injury, it is the sanie as if the injury resulted
from the combined negligence of the plaintiff and defend-
ant, and he cannot recover.^
§ 262. When effect of plaintiff's negligence avoid-
able. — The rule that an employer cannot obtain exemp-
tion from liability, although the plaintiff was guilty of
contributory negligence, if, notwithstanding such contribu-
tory negligence, the defendant could have averted the
effect thereof and prevented the injury, is quite generally
recognized.^ The rule has been thus stated by the United
States Supreme Court: " Although the rule is, that if the
plaintiff be shown to have been guilty of contributory •
negligence, which may have had something to do in caus-
1 Sherman v. Menominee Co., 72 Wis. 123; 39 N. W. Rep. 365;
Cowan V. E. R. Co., 80 Wis. 284; 50 N. W. Kep. 180; Bailey Mas. Liab.
Inj. Serv., p. 439.
2 Devlin v. Phoenix Iron Co., 182 Pa. St. 109; 37 Atl. Rep. 927. As
to a minor employee the master was not held to be exempt from lia-
bility, because of the concurrent negligence of a fellow-servant, in Jones
V. Florence Min. Co., 60 Wis. 268; 57 Amer. Rep. 269. Plaintiff cannot
be relieved from the result of his own carelessness, because his co-
employees joined in the act which produced his Injury, as an injury
from either cause would give him no cause of action. Kaminski v.
Tudor Iron Worlds, 167 Mo. 462.
■" Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 445; Richmond &c. Co. v. Yeamans,
86 Va. 860; 12 S. E. Rep. 946; Shear, and Redf. Neg., Sec. 99, note 10;
Radleyw. Londen &c. Co., 46 L. J. Exch. (n. s.) 673; 35 L. T. (n. s.) 637;
Chesapeake &c. Co. v. Lee, 84 Va. 642; S S. E. Kep. 579; Hissong u.
Richmond &c. Co., 91 Ala. 514; 8 So. Rep. 776; Kansas &c. Co. «.
Fitzhugb, 61 Ark. 341 ; 33 S. W. Rep. 96.
§ 263 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OP MINER. 271
ing the accident, yet, the contributory negligence, on his
part, would not exonerate the defendant, and disentitle
the plaintiff from recovering, if it be shown that the de-
fendant might by the exercise of reasonable care and pru-
dence, have averted the consequences of the plaintiff's
negligence." l And this case lays down the general rule,
substantially as adopted in a majority of the different
States. 2
§ 263. Same — Working under loose or dangerous
rock. — The rule that an employee who knowingly
assumes a dangerous place is precluded, by reason of his
contributory negligence, in case of an injury, is illustrated,
in frequent accidents in mines, from working under or near
loose, or dangerous rocks or bowlders. In a Montana
case, an employee who was accustomed to blast rock in a
mine, on the day shift, noticed a suspicious looking rock
and thought he would brace it, but failed to do so. On
returning to work the next morning, he noticed that the
night shift had placed " lagging " along the ledge, which
was a custom only when the rock was drilled, or was about
to be drilled. He was the first man to come in contact
with the ledge of rock in the morning, but without care-
fully inspecting it, to see if it was safe, he stepped under
the ledge, when it fell upon him and injured him, and his
contributory negligence was held to defeat his recovery.^
A similar case occurred in Tennessee, where a miner who
1 Inland &c. Co. v. Folson, 139 U. S. 558; 11 Sup. Ct. Rep. 653.
2 Washington Mining &c. Co. v. Barnett, 19 Ky. L. R. 958; 42 S. W.
Rep. U20; Sharp v. Mo. Pao. Co., 161 Mo. 44; 61 S. W. Rep. 829;
Louisville &c. Co. v. Hunt, 101 Ala. 34; 13 So. Rep. 130; Evarts v. St.
Paul M. & M. Co., 56 Minn. 141; 67 N. W. Rep. 469; 22 L. R. A. 663.
» Cummings v. Helena Smelting & Red. Co., 26 Mont. 434; 68 Pac,
Rep. 852. See, also, Bedford Quarries Co. u. Thomas (Ind. App.),63
N. E. Rep. 880; Andrews v. Tamarack Mining Co., 114 Mich. 375; 72
N. W. Rep. 242 ; Schlacker «. Min. Co., 89 Micli. 253.
272 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER, § 263
noticed a loose and dangerous rock, not only took a danger-
ous position under it, but also increased his danger, by
excavating under and around the rock, which fell and
crushed him.^ His negligeace was also held to bur a
recovery. And, in Alabama, alike holding was announced,
in a case where ijlaintiff and his co-servant were driving a
heading and had uncovered a portion of a rock, past the
timbering, which they were employed to look after. When
the plaintiff stepped under the rock, it fell and injured
him and his own and the negligence of his co-employee
was held to bar a recovery. ^ But to preclude a recovery,
on the ground that an employee voluntarily assumed a
dangerous position, he must have had actual knowledge of
the danger, for if the master had been guilty of negligence
which caused the injury, and the servant had no knowledge
of the dangerous conditions under which he was placed,
the master would be liable.^ And where the servant is in-
experienced, although he saw the loosened rock and made
no complaint thereof, and continued his work, if it was
above his reach and he was employed and worked with
skilled miners, who gave him no warning, his negligence,
under such circumstances, would be for the jury.*
1 Heald v. Wallace, 71 S. W. Kep. 80.
2 Pioneer Miaiag Co. u. Ttiomas, 133 AU. 279; 32 So. Rep. 15.
' Downey w. Gemini Mining Co., 24 Utah, 431; 68 Pac. Rep. 414.
^ Hanley v. California &o. Co., 127 Cal. 232; 59 Pac. Rep. 577; 47
L. E. A. 597; Collins v. Greenfield, 172 Mass. 78; 51 N. E. Rep. 454;
Peerless Stone Co. v. Wrap, 152 Ind. 27; 51 N. E. Rep. 326; McCoy «.
Westboro, 172 Mass. 504; 62 N. E. Rep. 1064. But see, Robinson v.
Dinniny, 96 Va. 41; 20 S. E. Rep. 442; Knozville Iron Co. v. Pace, 101
Tenn. 476; 48 S. W. Kep. 232. In Illinois a miner was held negligent,
who attempted to dislodge a loose piece of coal, without using " sprogs "
for the purpose of preventing it from striking a prop. Penwell o.
Harvey, 78 111. App. 278. See, also, McCarthy v. Whitney Iron Works,
48 La. Ann. 978; 20 So. Rep. 171. " A coal-mine driver was injured by
an overhanging rock, past which his mule went safely. He had been in
the mine three hours, and had passed the point three times, but had not
I
\
§ 264 CONTfilBUTORy NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 273
§ 264. Saiue\ — Injury from roof of mine. — It has
been held, in Ineliana, that a coal miner has the right to
presume that the room where he is sent to work is in a
reasonably safe condition, unless, by the exercise of ordi-
nary care, on his part, he can discover the contrary.! g^t
where, from the surrounding circumstances, the miner
ought to have discovered the unsafe condition of the roof
of the mine, or where, in undermining such roof, it is
Tendered unsafe and dangerous and, with full knowledge
of such condition and the resulting danger, the employee
iad his attention called to the rock. The pit boss had toH him the entry
Tvas about the same height all through. The mule path at this point had
been excavated about a foot. Seld, that the fact that the mule was un-
injured did not conclusively demonstrate the driver's negligence."
Hamilton v. Mendota Coal & Mining Co. (Iowa, 1903), 94 N. W. Eep.
282. A miner who is engaged to mine coal by the ton, is negligent pre-
venting a recovery for his injury, where he knows a rock to be loose and
sits down immediately under it. Fowler v. Coal Co., 16 Utah, 348 ; 62 Pac.
Rep. 594. A miner cannot be said to be guilty of negligence, barring a re-
covery for injuries from falling slabs, merely because he fails to inform
liimself of the real condition of the roof. Blazenic v. Iowa &c. Coal
Co., 102 Iowa, 706; 72 N. W. Rep. 292. The negligence of an employer's
foreman ia not removing a loose rock, is not excused because the injured
employee, in the moment of peril, to avoid the danger, ran the wrong
way and, as a result, lost his life, as the sudden emergency, excuses the
lack of judgment on his part. McMillan Marble Co. v. Black, 89 Tenn.
118; 14 S. W. Kep. 479.
1 Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson (Ind. App.J, 67 N. E. Rep.
658. A miner is not under any duty to inspect the mine, but has a right
to rely on the performance of such duty by the owner, unless the danger
is obvious. Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining & Concentrating Co. v.
Jones, U. S. C. C. of App., Ninth Circuit, 130 Fed. Rep. 813. "In an
action for injuries to a servant by material falling from the roof of a
mine, where he was directed to work by defendant's representative,
held to justify the submission of the question of defendant's negligence
to the jury," Tennessee Coal, Iron &c. Co. v. Garrett (Ala.), 37
So. Rep. 366. In an action for injuries to an employee in a mine by
being struck by material falling from the roof , evidence hel'd to justify
submission of defendant's negligence to the jury. Tennessee Iron &
C. Co. V. Garrett (Ala. 1904), 37 So. Rep. 355.
18
274 CONTEIBUTOKT NEGLIGENCE OF MINER, § 264
continues to work and is injured, he cannot recover for
the result of such injuries, by reason of his contributory
negligence. 1 Where room dressers are employed, how-
ever, to keep the rooms of a coal mine safe and are also
empowered to order the men when and where to work, in
such rooms, a miner ordered to work in accordance with
the direction of such room dresser, is entitled to assume
that the master's representative has performed his duty
and that the roof of the room is reasonably safe.^ But if
a miuer, sent to remove loose slate from a track> falls to
examine the roof to see if it is safe, and leaves a prop
down, which he knocked out of place, his contributory
negligence is held to be a good defense to an action for an
injury from falling slate. ^ And in a recent Tennessee
case, where an experienced miner had worked all day,
under an overhanging rock, which he undermined and
caused to fall upon him, his contributory negligence was
held to bar a recovery for his injuries.* Usually, how-
ever, the question of a miner's contributory negligence, in
working under a defective roof, after a request for props,
is a jury question. ^
1 Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v. Watson, 62 Mo. App. 366; Island Coal
Co. V. Greenwood, 151 Ind. 476; 50 N. E. Rep. 36; 4 Amer. Neg. Rep.
146; Finlayson v. Utica Min. Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 507; 32 U. S. App. 143;
14 Cir. Ct. App. 492; Missouri & Illinois Coal Co. v. Schwab, 77 111. App.
693.
2 St. Barnard Coal Co. ». Southard, 25 Ky. L. R. 638; 76 S. W. Rep.
167. See, also, Ohio Valley Min. Co. v. McKinley, 33 S. W. Rep. 186;
Ashland Coal & Iron Co. v. Wallace, 101 Ky. 638; 42 S. W. Rep. 744.
s Dickinson Coal Co. v. Peach, 32 Ind. App. 33; 69 N. E. Rep. 189.
4 Heald V. Wallace, 71 S. W. Rep. 80.
5 Green v. Western Amer. Co., 30 Wash. 87; 70Pac. Rep. 310. It is
not necessary, under the Missouri prop statute, as construed by the
Kansas City Court of Appeals, for the widow of a deceased miner, who
met his death from a defective roof, to establish either that the roof was
unsafe by reason of a failure to furnish props or that props had been
demanded. Weston v. Lackawana Mining Co., 105 Mo. App. 702. But
§ 265 CONTKIBUTORT NEGLIGENCE OP MINEE. 275
§ 265. Same — Failure to furnish props. — A failure
to furnish propis where required by the provisions of a
given statute, may or may not, according to the holding
of the particular State where the injury occurred, be ex-
cused by the contributory negligence of the miner, injured
as a result of such non-compliance with the statute. As
seen in a preceding section, the contributory negligence
of the miner would constitute no defense, under the hold-
ing in Illinois. But in Missouri, it is held that a miner
may not knowingly place himself in a dangerous place and
then hold his employer responsible for the effects of so
doing, and that a miner who knows that props are not
furnished, cannot recover for an injury received after work-
ing with knowledge of such fact.^ But knowledge of the
failure to furnish props would not constitute negligence on
the part of the plaintiff, without a knowledge of the
danger resulting therefrom,^ and a miner would not be held
guilty of contributory negligence, barring his recovery for
injuries from a failure to furnish props, unless the roof
see, Wajtylak o. K & T. Coal Co., 87 S. W. Kep. 506. If a miner
who knows the dangerous condition of a roof In a mine, to test it,
taps it with his pick and thereby precipitates upon his head a slab from
the roof, his contributory negligence will bar a recovery for such an
injury. Massie v. Peel Splint Coal Co., 41 W. Va. 620; 24 S. E. Rep.
644. A miner who, knowing that a roof is dangerous, helps to remove a
prop therefrom and then sits down at the place where the timber was
removed, is negligent. Bunti). Sierra Butte G. M. Co., 11 Saw. 178;
24 Fed. Rep. 847; 138 U. S. 483; 34 L. Ed. 1031; 11 Sup. Ct. Rep. 464.
See, also, Fowler v. Pleasant Valley Coal Co., 16 Utah, 348; 52 Pac.Rsp.
594; Knight v. Cooper, 36 W. Va. 232; 14 S. E. Kep. 999. Evans c.
Chessmond, 38 111. App. 615. The test of negligence la the protection of
the roof of a mine is the ordinary anl general course adopted in similar
mines and evidence of such usage and custom is proper, in determining
the question of ihe defendant's negligence. Mason m. Mining Co., 92
Mo. App. 367.
1 Adams v. Kansas & Texas Coal Cj., 85 Mo. App. 486. For Illinois
case, refusing the defense, see, Himrod Coal Co. v. Adack, 94 111. App. 1.
2 Hamraan v. Central Coal &Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232.
276 CONTRIBUTOKY NEGLIGENCE OF MINEE. § 266
was palpably unsafe without such props, or the dangers
therefrom were obvious. i And if the injured employee
had no control or right to prop the roof, but was ordered
not to remove rock or slate therefrom, he would not be
held guilty of negligence, as a matter of law, in failing to
prop the roof, but his negligence should be submitted to
the jury.^
§ 266. Same — Loading drill hole witU dynamite. — In
a recent Michigan case, an employee of a stone quarry, in
attempting to load a drill hole with dynamite, started to
force a stick into a hole too small to admit of its entrance.
The court, after a careful consideration of all the issues in
the case, held that it was not a scientific fact, that dyna-
mite might explode, under such circumstances, so as to re-
lieve the plaintiff from the result of the explosion, but that
he was chargeable with a knowledge of the danger resulting
from his acts and he was guilty of such contributory negli-
gence, as to preclude his recovery.^ It has also been held,
in Iowa, that a miner or employee in a quarry,* is guilty of
1 Adams v. Coal Co., supra.
2 Taylor v. Star Coal Co. (la.), 81 N. W. Rep. 249. A miner cannot be
said to be guilty of contributory, negligence in failing to saw props tlie
proper length, when he had been promised props of the proper length
by the boss. Sugar Cr. Coal Co. v. Peterson ,75 111. App. 631, reversed
in 177 111. 324; 52 N. E. Rep. 475. A miner who sat down under a shat-
tered rock, after having helped to remove its only support, is negligent.
Bunt V. Sierre Butte Gold IMining Co., 138 U. S. 483; 34 L. Ed. 1023; U
Sup. Ct. Rep. 464. A miner whose duty it was to examine and prop a
roof after a blast cannot recover for an injury from falling rock, when
lie had failed to do his duty in this regard. Christner v. Cumberland
Coal and C. Co., 146 Pa. 67; 23 Atl. Rep. 221. A coal miner who con-
tinued to work near a rock he knew needed propping but which he failed
to prop, or give notice of, is guilty of negligence defeating a recovery
for injuries from the falling of such rock. Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, 20
Colo. 320; 38 Pac. Rep. 378; 26 L. R. A. 435.
3 Kopf V. Monroe Stone Co , 95 N. W. Rep. 72.
* Lanza v. Quarry Co., 11 Am. Neg. Rep. 209. See also, Hendlesayo
Williams (N. H.), 23 Atl. Rep. 365.
§ 267 CONTBIBUTOEY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 277
\
contributory negVgence, in using a steel bar to tamp powder
in a drill hole, or'in anunexploded blast, and the same rule
is followed in the^i Federal court, for the Eastern District of
Missouri, where the court, in a well considered opinion by
Adams, J., held that an employee in a mine, twenty-four
years old, who used an iron gas pipe, with wood or clay in
the end of it to tamp dynamite into a drill hole and who
had experience enough to know the explosive qualities of
the material and that a hard blow would explode it, was
guilty of contributory negligence in tamping such powder
in a manner to cause its explosion. ^ These decisions are in
i accordance with the weight of authority, upon this question,
i so far as skilled or experienced employees are concerned, ^
"but of course this rule would not apply to inexperienced or
youthful employees,^ or those not familiar with the condi-
tions which produced the danger causing the injury.*
§ 267. Drilling into unexpected charge of dynamite. —
Where the employee is one of experience and ordinary skill
in the business of mining, since the employer is under no
legal obligation of inspecting the mine to discover unex-
ploded shots, such employee, if he drills an unexploded
charge of powder, would be held guilty of such con-
tributory negligence as to preclude a recovery by him, for
1 King V. Morgen, 109 Fed. Rep. 446; 10 Am. Neg. Eep. 200. See
also, Whaley v. Coleman (Mo. App. 1905), 88 S. W. Eep. 119.
2 Wiskle 0. Granite Co., 5 Am, Neg. Rep. 610; 10 Am. Neg. Rep. 634;
Berea Co. v. Kraft, 10 Mor. Mln. Eep. 16; Dunn v. McNamnee (N. J.), 2
Am. Neg. Rep. 34; Welch «. Grace (Mass.), 1 Am. Neg. Rep. 614; Hillu.
Drug Co. (Mo.), 3 Am. Neg. Rep. 229.
3 Itner Co. o. Killan (Neb.),93N. W. Rep. 951; Fitzgerald o. Alma &c.
Co., 181 N. C. 636; 42 S. E. Rep. 946.
* Chambers v. Chester, 172 Mo. 461, An employee in a quarry, not
familiar with the fact that a blow will explode dynamite, is not guilty of
contributory negligence In failing to go far enough away to avoid a prema-
ture explosion, in the removal of dynamite from a drill hole, by a co-
employee. Grimaldi v. Lane, 177 Mass. 565; 59 N. E. Rep. 451.
278 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENPE OF MINER. § 268
SO doing. 1 And since the operator of a steel drill and his
helper or assistant are regarded as fellow-servants, if the
explosion of an unexploded charge of dynamite is due to
the negligence of such helper or fellow-servant, this would
also preclude a recovery by the steam drill man, or vice-
versa, as his risk would be one assumed, upon entering into
the employment. 2 Where the employee is not of sufficient
experience to know the danger of drilling into unexploded
shots, however, or his business was not to look for such
shots or make inspections therefor, but the only issue is
upon defendant's negligence in failing to find and warn
such employee of an unexploded shot, it is not proper to
admit evidence that proper inspections would not have dis-
closed such unexploded shots, as this is the issue of fact for
the jury to decide, in such a case.^
§ 268. Other acts of negligence in handling explos-
ives. — It has been held to be an act of contributory neg-
ligence, preventing a recovery by the party guilty of such
a want of care, in case of a resulting injury, to light a fire,
for the purpose of repairing tools, in a room where powder
is stored.* And on account of the well known danger of an
« Livlngoods. Joplin Mining and Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; 77 S. W.
Eep. 1077: Browne o. King, 100 Fed. Rep. 561; 40 Cir. Ct. App. 545; Mc-
Mahon v. Ida Mining Co., 101 Wis. 102; 76 N. W. Eep. 1098.
2 Livingood «. Joplin Min. & Smelt. Co., supra; Brown ». Kiug,supra.
3 Holy Cross Gold Min. & Mill Co. v. O'Snllivan (Colo.), 60 Pac. Rep.
570. The neglect of an employee and his boss to examine a drill hole for
an unexploded shot will prevent a recovery for injury from an explosion,
although he acted in pursuance to an order in drilling out the hole. Sex-
ton V. Turner, 16 Va. L. J. 584 ; 15 S. E. Eep. 862. An experienced miner
cannot be expected to search the bottom of the drift to see if there were
any missed shots, before starting a drill hole. Anderson v. Daly Min.
Co., 15 Utah, 22; 49 Pac. Eep. 126; Consolidated Coal Co. v. Bruce, 150
HI. 449; 37 N. E. Eep. 912; Eoss v. Stanley, 185 111. 390; 56 N. E. Rep-
1105. See, contra, Kelly v. Cable Co., 8 Mont. 440; 20 Pac. Eep. 669.
* Downey ».Pence, 98 Ky. 261; 32 S. W. Rep. 737.
5 269 CONTRkBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 279
I
explosion, from a jar, by those familiar with the proper-
ties of such matetiai, it has also been held to be negligence
to leave an opan barrel of gunpowder near a place
where a blast is set off .^ And where the danger of striking
an unexploded dynamite cartridge with a pick, was under-
stood by an employee, who knew that such cartridges were
frequently left unexploded, after the use of an electric bat-
tery, to fire blasts, a failure to use caution in approaching
an unexploded hole and a resulting injury from striking a
cartridge with a pick has been held to create no liability.^
But the question of whether or not a miner was guilty of
contributory negligence in prematurely returning upon a
blast, after waiting for twenty minutes, where the evidence
showed that an explosion usually occurred in three or four
minutes after the fuse was lighted, was held to be a jury
question, in Alabama.^
§ 269. Same — Defects in scaffolding and platforms, —
The rule which requires an employee to use reasonable dili-
gence to discover and inform himself as to risks and dan-
gers surrounding him, and to conduct himself accordingly,
has been held to apply to defects in scaffolds and derricks
that are open to observation. In Illinois, it was held, that
where there was a knot running across a plank, furnished
an employee in a scaffold, which was open to observation,
lie was bound to take notice that the effect of such knot
1 Mulligan u. MeAlplne, 15 So. Sess. Cas., 4 Ser. 789.
2 Hutchinson v. Parker & Co.j 39 App. Div. 133 ; 67 N. T, Supp. 168.
3 Eureka Co. b. Bass, SlAla. 200; 8 So. Rep. 216. Before contributory
negligence can be predicated from the fact that a miner returns too soon
after a blast, to permit the gas to pass away, it must appear that he
did not wait a reasonable or proper time. Sommer v. Carbon Hill
Coal Co., 89 Fed. Rep. 34. In Kentucky, it has been held, that a miner
who knows the danger of Are coming in contact with powder and volun-
tarily lights a Are, in proximity to powder, is guilty of such negligence,
as matter of law, as will defeat a recovery for Injuries from a resulting
explosion. Downey ?;. Pence, 98 Ky. 261; 32 S. W. Rep. 737.
280 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 269
was to weaken the plank, and a failure to take the ordinary-
precautions necessary to avoid an injury therefrom, was
held such contributory negligence as would preclude a re-
covery. i But unless it is the peculiar duty of an injured
employee to inspect and repair a derrick or scaffold, the
master cannot transfer this duty to him, merely because he
works on such derrick or scaffold ; the employee has the
right to expect a proper discharge of his duty in this re-
gard by the master, and is not guilty of negligence in fail-
ing to inspect or test the scaffold or derrick on which he is
put to work.^ And the employee is not put to the trouble
of either alleging or proving an inspection on his part, but
is entitled to rely upon the performance of the duty, by the
master, to himself inspect and test the derrick, or scaffold,
before he permits his employees to work upon it.^
1 Armour u. Brazeau, 191 HI, 117; 60 N. E. Rep. 904,
2 Jarvis u. New York Marble Co., 55 App. Div. 272; 67 N, Y. S. 78 ;
Smeizel v. Iron Co., 116 Mich, 149; 74 N, W. Rep. 488.
2 Consolidated Stone Co. v. Williams (Ind. App,), 57 N. E. Rep. 558.
In Kansas, it Is held that aa employee in a salt plant where his injury
resulted from stepping upon a drip board, seven inches wide, covered
with salt, as a result ol which he slipped into a pan and was scalded, is
guilty of such negligence as will bar a recovery by his representative.
Foster V. Kansas Salt Co., 60 Kan, 859; 57 Pac. Rep. 961. See also Cook
1/. Bullion Beck Min. Co., 12 Utah, 61; 41 Pac. Rep. 557; Carroll u, Penn.
Coal Co,, 1 Mon, 284; 15 Atl. Rep. 688. "A master who furnished a
stiff-leg derrick requiring no guy rope for use by his employees in un-
loading stone from cars, which was complete and in good repair, and
suitable for the work, is not liable for the injury of an employee by the
falling of a block forming part of a guy line which had been rigged by
fellow-servants of such employee for their own convenience to enable
the derrick to be given a longer reach than it was intended to have, so
that a car might be unloaded without being moved, such line having
been put on in the absence of the master, and without his knowledge."
Maxfleld V. Graveson, 131 Fed. Kep. 841. The miners have a right to
presume that a platform, subjected to the strain, caused by jarring from
blasts, will stand the test to which the ordinary operations of the mine
subject it. Smi'lzel v. Odanah Iron Co., 116 Mich. 149; 74 N. W. Rep.
488, A miner who knows of a rotten plank, in a scaffold, but voluntarily
uses such plank, without any sudden emergency therefor, is negligent.
Cook V. Bullion Beck Min, Co,, 12 Utah, 51; 41 Pac, Rep, 557.
§ 270 CONTKiBUTOEY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 281
\
§ 270. In connection with boisting apparatus. — A
miner who is rigiitfully on a cage and is injured by the
premature hoisting of the cage is not prevented from a re-
covery upon the ground of his contributory negligence. i
But if he uses such cage, in violation of a rule of the
employer, instead of a ladder, provided for the purpose, he
cannot recover, on account of his violation of the rule, in
case of a resulting injury .^ If the negligence of the mas-
ter caused the injury, however, instead of that of the serv-
ant, as where he failed to look for obstructions in the mine
before causing the cage to be lowered therein, the mere
fact that one of the employees who was injured, stood on
a bar above the bucket, instead of on the bucket, would not
constitute such negligence as to bar his recovery.^ And
where the injury is due to a violation of a statute, as in
Illinois, where the defendant failed to provide lights and
the employee was injured in alighting from the cage, as a
result of such failure on the employer's part, the
defense of contributory negligence will not obtain.*
1 Princeton Coal Co. v. RoU (Ind.), 66 N. E. Rep. 169.
2 Anderson v. Mikado Mining Co., 3 Ont. Law Rev. 581.
3 Alaska United Gold Mining Co. v. Keating, 116 Fed. Rep. 661.
* Odin Coal Co. v. Denman, 185 111. 413; 67 N. B. Rep. 192; 84 III.
App. 190. A miner who crosses under the shaft and is injured by a de-
scending cage, cannot recover, although it is only his second day in the
mine. Rush 9. Coal Bluff Mining Co. (Ind.), SON. E. Rep. 904. In Illi-
nois Fuel Co. V. Parsons (38 111. App. 182), the plaintiff was injured'
while being hoisted up the shaft, in a cage, but as his injury was due to
his carrying a drill on the cage, in violation of law, he could not recover.
A pit boss who failed to put catches on a cage, as required by law, was
held guilty of contributory negligence, in Illinois. Beaucam Coal Co.
V. Cooper, 12 111. App. 373. A miner, injured while ascending from a
mine, by a drill being lowered into the mine, where he had failed to give
any signal of his movements, is guilty of negligence preventing his re-
covery. Snyder v. Viola Min. & Smelting Co., 2 Idaho, 771 ; 26 Pac. Rep.
127. A miner is guilty of such contributory negligence as to preclude a
recovery by his representative, where he is killed by reason of the negli-
gence of a co-employee, in starting the cage without a signal, and he
282 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 271
In Pennsylvania, it is held, that where a coal miner, with
full knowledge of an ascending cage, full of coal, deliber-
ately steps into the shaft, beneath such cage, without look-
ing to see if another cage is descending, he is guilty of
negligence, as a matter of law, barring a recovery for
injury from being struck by the descending cage.i
§ 271. Same — Uncovered cogs, set-screws, and gear-
ing. — A further illustration of the rule laid down in
knew of the custom of his fellow-servant, in this regard. Acme Coal
Min. Co. V. Mclver, 5 Colo. App. 267; 38 Pac. Eep. 596. " Where a mine
owner negligently lowered men into a mine without first ascertaining
that the shaft was free from obstructions, and the bucket came in con-
tact with obstructions negligently left in the shaft by a servant, the fact
that one of the men stood on a bar above the bucket, and received in-
juries which he would not have received had he been in the bucket, did
not contribute as a proximate cause of the accident and hence was not
contributory negligence." Alaska United Gold Min. Co. v. Keating
(U. S. C. C. A., Alaska, 1902), 116 Fed. Eep. 561. " Where it appeared
that a miner descending a mine shaft with his foot in the loop of a rope
was injured by the rope breaking, and that ladders were famished for
the purpose of descending the shaft and were near, his injuries were due
to his own negligence, and he was not relieved from it because his fel-
low-workmen committed the same fault." '' It also appearing that the
work of the miner and his fellow-servants was to remove dirt from the
drifts running out from the shaft, and that a wheelbarrow was furnished
and a plank on which to run it to the shaft, but instead of using the
wheelbarrow the miner and his fellow-servants used a bucket attached
to the rope that broke, by loading the bucket and having it hauled by
the rope and windlass, and that such use of the rope weakened it by con-
tact with the gravel and jagged stones of the mine roof, the defect in the
rope was caused by the negligence of the miner and his fellow -servants."
Gribben v. Yellow Aster Mining & Milling Co. (Cal. 1904), 16 Amer. Neg.
Kep. 1. Where a eager in a coal mine is engaged in loading a car in a
cage and the engineer starts the cage, without notice to him, the negli-
gence of the engineer Is the approximate cause of the injury. Princeton
Coal & Min. Co. v. Rill, 13 Amer. Neg. Rep. 271. A eager in a coal mine
who works rapidly and goes on the cage to adjust a car, instead of
around it by the "traveling way," is not guilty of contributory negli-
gence. Princeton Coal & Min. Co. v. Rill (Ind. 1903), 13 Amer. Neg.
Kep. 271.
J McDonald v. Rockhill Iron and Coal Co., 133 Pa. 1 ; 19 Atl. Rep. 797.
§ 271 CONTRlbUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 283
foregoing sectioniwith reference to the assumption, by an
employee, of a voliuntary dangerous position, is the case of
working around uncovered cogs and gearing, as a result of
which an injury is likely to happen, at any time. In a
recent Wisconsin case, the plaintiff who was employed to
fire an engine, in a mine, attempted to push down the air
pin, with a loose valve wheel, directly over the gearing of
the engine. On closing the valve, the loose wheel slipped
off the pin and his hand was caught in the gearing and he
was badly injured, and it was held, by the court, that in
voluntarily assuming such dangerous position, he was
guilty of such contributory negligence as to bar his recov-
ery. i In a Missouri case, a boy fifteen years old, who was
employed to assist in the operation of an iron die, rested
his hand on a cog-wheel, connected by belting with the
machine. While in this position the machine was started
and the cog wheel caught the plaintiff's hand and his con-
tributory negligence was held to defeat his recovery.^ A
like holding was announced, in Massachusetts, where an
apprentice who had had about three weeks' experience in
such work, was sent to oil machinery located near the
ceiling. In doing so he reached over a revolving shaft and
his sleeve caught upon a set-screw and his own negligence
was held to preclude his recovery.^ And a similar rule
obtains in Indiana where the youth of the employee, if
he has reached years of discretion, will not justify a re-
covery by him, for an injury from coming in contact with
dangerous machineiy, open to observation.* And where
the duty of the employee did not require him to come in
contact with cog-wheels or gearing, he cannot predicate a
1 Upthegrove v. Jones & Adams Coai Co., 96 N. W. Rep. 385.
2 Richardson v. Mesker, 171 Mo. 666; 72 S. W. Rep. 506. See, also,
McCarthy v. Mulgrew, 107 Iowa, 76 ; 77 N. W. Rep. 527.
8 Demers v. Marshall, 59 N. E. Rep. 454.
* Morewood Co. v. Smith, 57 N. E. Rep. 199.
284 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 272
right of recovery or avoid his own negligence, by a plea that
the same should have been guarded. ^
§ 272. Dangerous position — Under rising bucket. —
An employee who takes any dangerous position around a
mine, in which he is apt, at any moment, to be injured, is
so far oblivious to his own safety as to preclude a recovery,
in case of injury while occupying this unsafe or dangerous
position.^ This rule is illustrated by the case of employees
engaged in filling coal into a bucket, hoisted by means of
a rope and an iron hook. If such employees are familiar
with the use of the hook and bucket and have performed
such duty for some time prior to the accident, by which
they are injured, they will, as a matter of law, be precluded,
on account of their contributory negligence, from recover-
ing for an injury from the falling of the bucket from the
hook, where, after filling it and ordering the engineer to
hoist it out, they go to work directly under the rising
1 Cunningham u. Bath Iron Worki, 93 Me. 501; 63 Atl. Rep. 106;
Kock V. Orchard Mills, 143 Mass. 522; Hale v. Cheney, 169 Mass. 268.
" The plaintiff, an experienced bolt cutter, was injured while shiftin:;
the belt upoa the bolt- cutting machiue by his hand slipping from the
shifting lever and coming in contact with the unprotected gearing. He
had worked at this ideutical machine at another shop of defendant, but
the gearing was then protected by a cover. Upon his complaint of the
danger from the lack of a cover the foremaa had promised to have it
attended to as soon as he could. Held, that the question whether there
was negligence was for the jury." Dowd v. Erie &c. Coal Co. (N. J.),
16 Amer. Neg. 122., Working within a few inches of a revolving set-
screw, is such negligence as will preclude a recovery, incase of a result-
ing injury. Horton v. Vulcan Iron Works, 43 N. Y. Supp. 699; 13 App.
Div. 508. An employee who attempts to use a wrench on oily machinery
near revolving cog-wheels is guilty of such negligence as will bar a re •
covery from getting his hand caught in the cogs, although acting in
pursuance of an order of his master. Gorman ii. DesMoines &c. Co.,
99 Iowa, 257; 68 N. W. Rep. 674.
2 Illinois Steel Co. w. McNulty, 105 111. App. 594 ; Murphy v. City Coal
Co., 172 Mass. 324 ; 62 -N. E. Rep. 603; Cunningham v Bath Iron Works,
92 Me. £01; 43 Atl. Rep. 106.
§ 273 CONTKIBUTORT NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 285
bucket, without looking to see if it is going up rightly, or
not.l But if the danger is not so imminent that a reason-
ably prudent man would not have abandoned the work, the
employee, in continuing his work, is not guilty of such
contributory negligence, as will defeat his recovery .^ And
where the evidence of the plaintiff's negligence is conflict-
ing and the injury results from insecure grappling hooks,
in handling a large rock, in a stone quarry, the question of
the plaintiff's negligence should be submitted to the jury.^
§ 273. Id juries from ore cars. — The same general rule
that applies to other similar appliances would extend to in-
juries to miners from mineral cars, in use in or about the
mine, and the master is liable for such injuries or the
servant precluded from recovering, accordingly as the one
or the other's want of care, occasions, or contributes to
the injury complained of. An employee struck by a de-
scending car, in a coal mine, at a place where there was a
switch, which he neglected to have his assistant turn, is
guilty of negligence, barring a recovery, for the injury,
1 Skapura v. National &c. Co., 83 App. Div. 21; 81 N. Y. Supp. 1085.
2 Riverton Coal Co. v. Shepard, 207 111. 395; 69 N. E. Rep. 921.
8 Slkes « Missouri Granite Co. 92 Mo. App. 12. " A complaint in an
action by a servant for personal injuries alleged that plaintifE, while
working at the bottom of a shaft, was injured by the overturning of a
bucket used to hoist earth, caused by the defective condition of an iron
ring used with the bucket. It was alleged that the ring was cracked, and
too weak to withstand the strain required of it, and that plaintifE, owing
to the semidarkness, was unable to inspect the ring closely, but believed
it to be sufficient. Held, that the complaint was not demurrable as
showing that the defect in the ring was obvious, and as apparent to the
plaintiff as to defendant." Brazil BlockCoal Co. v. Gibson (Ind. 1903),
66 N. E. Rep. 882. A miner who voluntarily assumes a dangerous place
is negligent unless he was ordered to assume such a dangerous place by
his employer. Cox v. Syenite Granite Co., 39 Mo. App. 424. An em-
ployee engaged at work at a pump, when he knows the men are raising
and lowering the buckets above him, Is negligent. Lendberg v. Brother-
ton Iron Min. Co., 97 Mich. 443; 56 N. W. Rep. 846.
286 CONTRIBUTOEY NEGLIGENCE OP MINER. § 273
when he knew the noise of escaping steam would prevent
his hearing the approach of the car.^ But a conductor of
a train of cars, in a mine, cannot be held negligent, as a
matter of law, while being hauled out of the mine, merely
because he was riding upon the front car, especially where
the evidence was conflicting as to his proper position,
under the circumstances.^ Nor will a miner be held guilty
of negligence in attempting to climb upon a moving car
from the front of the car, as a result of which he is injured,
where the evidence fails to show that the speed of the car,
at the time, was such as to make such act dangerous.^
1 Woodward Iron Co. v. Jones, 80 Ala. 123. See, also, Beckman v.
Consolidated Coal Co., 90 Iowa, 252; 57 N. W. Eep. 889. An employee
who loads a car so heavily upon one side as to cause it to fall upon him
is negligent. St. Louis Bolt & Iron Co. v. Brennan, 20 111. App. 555.
"Deceased, prior to his death, was in defendant's employ, and as he saw
a loaded car approaching him on one of defendant's elevated tramways
deceased and another of defendant's employees stepped across the main
track onto an elevated switch track, and deceased fell through an un-
covered hole in the track through which surplus material was unloaded.
The hole was usually covered, and at the time of the accident there was
not suflScient light to see the hole without close observation. Held, that
whether deceased's act proximately contributed to his injury was for the
jury, and an instruction that. If an ordinarily prudent person would not
have gone in front of such moving car as deceased did, defendant was
not liable, was properly refused. " Texas Portland Cement & Lime Co.
V. Lee (Tex. Civ. App. 1904), 82 S. W. Rep. 306.
2 Cadell V. Wapello Coal Co., 68 Iowa, 737; 28 N. W. Rep. 56.
3 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Bokamp, 181 111. 9; 75 111. App. 605; 54 N.
E. Rep. 567. Where the injury from a car, due to the breaking of a
cable, was owing to a latent defect, there is no liability. Quintana v.
Consolidated K. C. Smelting &c. Co., 14 Tex. Civ. App. 347; 37 S. W.
Rep. 369. In an Alabama C3se, it is h6ld that a miner is not, as matter
of law, guilty of contributory negligence, defeating a recovery, in going
up a mining slope behiud tram cars, where this was the usual means of
egress .ind Ingress and there were landings, at the side of the track, and
the miner was killed by a post knocked against him, by the derailed car.
Wheatley v. Zenida Coal Co., 26 So. Rep. 124. A mining company is not
liable for an injury to an employee in riding on a defective car, in a
slope of the mine, in violation of the Pennsylvania law. Vosheiskey v.
§ 274 CONTKIBUTOKT NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 287
§ 274. Striking match when mine contains gas. —
Under the test that a reasonably prudent person is sup-
posed to observe the same care to protect himself from
dangers, that he would be warranted in expecting from
another,! a miner who ought to know the presence of gas,
or fire damp, in the mine where he is at work, and who
lights a match without observing his safety lamp, is held
guilty of such contributory negligence as to prevent a
recovery for an injury from a resulting gas explosion.^
An experienced oil miner is also held to be so negligent as to
bar a recovery by his representative, where he is killed by
an explosion of inflammable gas, escaping from an oil
well, which he could hear escaping, but which he
approached with a lighted lantern.^ But if the em-
ployee had no notice of the presence of gas or other
dangerous inflammable substances, the taking a light,
or striking a match in proximity to such gas would not bar
a recovery for a resulting injury, as the rule is general that
to defeat a recovery the employee must have known of the
danger.* And whether or not the striking of a match, by
an employee, at a place where there is dangerous gas, will
bar a recovery by him, for an injury from an explosion, will
Hillside Coal & Iron Co., 47 N. Y. Sup. 386; 21 App. Div. 168. A boy
engaged to block the wheels of cars, In a mine, cannot be said to be
negligent in runaing along the side of a car, in an attempt to block the
wheels, as a result of which he is injured at a narrow place In the drift.
McNamara v. Logon (Ala.), 11 So. Rep. 175. A miner is guilty of negli-
gence who gets under a car standing on an incline, to remove loose
mineral from the track, when a rake was provided for the purpose and
he was directed to use it. Morgan ». Hudson Kiver Iron Co., 133 N. Y.
666; 45 N. Y. Sup. 112; 31 N. E. Eep. 234.
1 Priestly v. Fowler, 3 M. & W. 1 ; Paterson v. Wallace, 28 E. L. & B.
48; Ashland Coal Co. o. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 42 S. W. Kep. 744.
2 Sommers ». Carbon Hill Coal Co., 91 Fed. Rep. 337.
8 McClafferty v. Fisher (Pa.), 1 Cent. Rep. 571.
< Magnum v. Bullion Beck Mine Co., 15 Utah, 534; 50 Pac. Rep. 834;
Hammon v. Coal & Coke Co , 156 Mo. 232.
288 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 27-5
depend largely upon the facts and circumstances of each
particular case, and if the knowledge of the employee as to
the presence of the gas is a question on which the evi-
dence is conflicting, the issue should be submitted to the
jury.i
§ 275. Permitting clothing to catch on machinery. —
There has to be a limitation drawn, somewhere along the
line, with reference to the employer's liability for injuries
to the servant, and while this boundary line as to what is
and what is not the proper limit of the master's liability,
has, of late years, been so extended that in most of the
personal injury actions the rule is made so flexible as to
hold him liable, there are certain acts upon the part of the
employee that, in themselves, are held to show such care-
lessness for his own safety, as to prevent a recovery, in
case of injury, and one of these specific acts of negligence
is to permit one's clothing to catch on machinery, as a
result of which an injury is sustained.^ This rule is in
accordance with the doctrine that an employer's liability
1 Rush V. Gas &c. Co., 65 N.J. L. 399; il Atl. Eep. 504.
2 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 332a. p. 827, note. "It is generally re-
garded as such an act of contributory negligence, for an employee to
wear clothing of such a character as would be liable to catch on open
and exposed machinery, as would prevent a recovery by him, in case of
injury, and this would be particularly true where the employee negli-
gently handled clothing in close proximity to revolving machinery."
White Mines& Min. Inj.jSec. 459, p. 606; Lemoine«. Aldrich (Mass.), 8
Amer, Neg. Eep. 637; Hempke v. Thilman (Wis.), 8 Amer. Neg. Rep.
172 ; Horton v. Vulcan Iron Works, 43 N. Y. Supp. 699 ; 13 App Div. 608 ;
Hurst V. Burnslde, 12 Or. 520; 8 Pac. Rep. 888; Russell v. Tillotson, 140
Mass. 201; 4 N. E. Eep. 231; Middaugh c. Mitchell, 120 Mich. 581; 79
N. W. Rep. 806; Sakol v. Eichel, 113 Mich. 476; 71 N. W. Eep. 833;
Denvers v. Marshall, 178 Mass. 9; 59 N. E. Eep. 454; Graff v. Imp. Mill
Co., 58 Minn. 333; 59 N. W. Rep. 1049; Beck v. Firmnick Co., 82 Iowa,
286; 48 N. W. Eep. 81; Glassheim v. New York &c. Co., 34 N. Y. Supp.
69; Anderson v. Nelson &c. Co., 67 Minn. 79; 69 N. W.Eep. 630; George
V. St. Louis &c. Co., 159 Mo. 333; 69 S. W. Rep. 1097.
§ 276 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 289
does not extend to injuries from the employee voluntarily
taking a known dangerous position, as a result of which he
is likely to sustain injury. The presence of dangerous
machinery is usually open to the sense of vision and quite
frequently can also be distinctly heard. The danger from
coming in contact therewith is apparent and an employee
who, with such knowledge, increases the danger of his
position by letting his clothing catch on machinery is cer-
tainly derelict in his duty to use common, ordinary pru-
dence to protect himself from injury. In a recent New
York case, an independent contractor was working upon a
scaffold, near a revolving shaft, and set screw. He was
chargeable with full knowledge of the danger therefrom
and was held guilty of negligence, preventing a recovery
for injuries from having his clothing caught by the set
screw, as a result of which he was whirled around the
shaft. 1 But if, for any reason, there could be a question
of the ability of the employee to know the proximity of
such machinery, or if he was obeying an order of the
master at the time of his injury, then, where the evidence
would be conflicting as to his want of care, the issue, under
proper instructions, should be submitted to the jury.^
§ 276. Negligence in adjustment of belt. — In the ad-
justment of belts, by those employees who have sufficient
experience to understand the proper manner of handling
the machinery, since the exact conditions are not only ap-
parent to the employee but the very act to be performed
brings him in contact with the machinery, he will be held
neghgent if he does not adopt the method attendant with
some regard for his own safety. Where there is a belt
1 Hailey ». Vulcan Iron Works, 43 N. Y. Supp. 699.
2 Hurst V. Burnside, 12 Or. 520; 8 Pac. Bep. 888; Joraszeski v. Mfg.
Co. (Minn.), 8 Amer. Neg. Kep. 441; Dempsey, ». Sawyer (N. Y.), 10
Amer. Neg. Rep. 285; White Mines & Mia. Inj., Sec. 459, p. 606.
13
290 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 277
shifter provided, an employee is negligent who uses his
hand, instead of the belt shifter. i If a stick is the safer
method to use to shift a belt than the hand and an employee
with this knowledge, uses his hand, instead of a stick, he
cannot recover for resulting injuries.^ Where an employee '
is injured, in shifting a belt, by its catching on a collar of
the shaft and th« evidence shows that the belt could have
been safely taken on the opposite side, his negligence will
bar a recovery for an injury therefrom.^ And an employee
who fails to use a substitute for a belt shifter and without
applying a clutch or hand lever, in the adjustment of a set
screw on a horizontal shaft and, as a result, is injured by
the turning of the shaft, caused by the friction of the belt,
which shifts from a slack to a fast pulley, is guilty of such
negligence as will prevent a recovery for such injury.*
§ 277. Injury from defective ladder. — Substantially
the same rule of liability obtains in the case of an injury
from a defective or dangerous ladder, that applies to a like
injury, in the use of a scaffold or platform. ^ If the injured
employee constructed the ladder himself and selected the
material from which it was made, or placed it in an inse-
cure or dangerous place, as a result of which he was
injured, he is held guilty of such negligence as will pre-
clude a recovery. 6 But if the material and construction of
the ladder was superintended by the master himself and
the place where it was used, when the injury occurred, was
where he was directed to use it, then he could not be held
1 Fleming v. Buswell, 62 N. Y. Sup. 1137 ; 48 App. Div. 635.
5 Wetjen v. Southern White Lead Co., 5 Mo. App. 598; Willlngdale
V. Rockdale Oil &c. Co., 101 Ga. 718; 29 S. B. Rep. 30.
3 Cushman «. Cushman, 179 Mass. 601; 61 N. E. Rep. 262.
* Carriere v. McWilllams, 104 La. 678; 29 So. Rep. 333.
° White Mines & Mln. Inj,, Sec. 465, p. 615 and cases cited.
" Ante, idem.
§ 278 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 291
guilty of negligence in using the ladder in the performance
of his duty.i An owner, however, is not responsible for
an injury from a ladder being thrown out of adjustment by
the act of the injured employee, or that of his fellow-serv-
ant,'* and some of the cases have distinguished between an
injury from a defective ladder, and a scaffold or platform,
which is to be changed, or adjusted, as the work progresses. =*
It has been held, in Utah, that a miner could not be held
guilty of contributory negligence, as a matter of law, in
going down a ladder leading into the mine, with his back
to the ladder, where the position of the ladder is not
sufficiently vertical to make this means of descent danger-
ous.*
§ 278. Miner falling into pit of mine. — The rule is
quite general that if an employee places himself in an obvi-
ously dangerous position, or in a position which, in the
exercise of reasonable care for his own safety, would be
obviously dangerous to him, then it is negligence on his
' Flanigan v. Guggenheim Smelting Co., 63 N. J. L. 647; 4i Atl. Rep.
762; 7 Amer. Neg. Rep. 113; Kender v. Woolaston, 32 N. T. Supp. 742.
A miner who steps from ladder Into hole in derrick, left by direction of
foreman, is not guilty of contributory negligence, if he had no knowledge
of the hole. Downey «. Gemini Mining Co. (Utah, 1902), 68 Pac. Rep.
414. Where an employee was injured from an iosecure ladder, from one
side of which another employee had removed waste that supported it
and where from the evidence it was questionable if the employee who
occasioned the injury was a fellow -servant, it was proper to submit the
issue to the jury. Dryburg o. Mercur G. M. &M. Co. (Utah), 6 Amer.
Neg. Rep. 253.
2 Olsen V. Nixon, 61 N. J. L. 271; Dryburg v. Mercur Gold & Silver
Min. & Smelting Co. (Utah), 5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 253.
' Maher v. McGrath, 58 N. J. L. 469. In Wisconsin, it is held that a
master is not guilty of negligence, as a matter of law, in failing to spike
a ladder at the bottom, to prevent its slipping. Borden ». Daisy &c.
Mill, 98 Wis. 407; 74 N. W. Rep. 91. But see Marsh v. Chickering, 101
N. Y. 396. See, also, Riethnay ». Suite, 120 Ind. 314.
< Reese v. Morgen Lit. Min. Co., 15 Utah, 453; 49 Pac. Rep. 824.
292 CONTRIBUTOKY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 279
part to have so placed himself in such position where he is
likely to incur an injury and he cannot recover for a result-
ing injury. 1 Under this rule, it is held that where a miner,
finding that the guide, who had been accustomed to con-
duct him to his place of work, had gone on before, at-
tempted to reach his destination, along a narrow path that
was so dark that he could not see to walk, and as result
fell into a pit alongside the path and was injured, he was
guilty of such contributory negligence as to bar a recovery
by him, in heedlessly assuming the danger, which he has
no means of seeing or apprehending.^
§ 279. Disobedience of rules constitutes. — The master
has a duty to perform in order to further the safety of his
employees, in prescribing and promulgating reasonable
rules for the performance of their respective duties^ and
where, in the observance of this duty he establishes such
rules, he is entitled to a compliance therewith by his em-
ployees. If an employee elects to perform his duty by a
method known to him to be dangerous, in violation of the
direction of the master, or contrary to his established rules,
the master will not be liable for an injury to the servant,
whether the danger is obvious or not, but the contributory
negligence of the servant, in thus violating a rule, intended
1 Illinois steel Co. v. McNulty, 105 111. App. 594. Upon the same
reason for the master's non-liability in this kind of a case, see Fulger v.
Boothe, 117 Mo. 475.
2 Smith V. Thomas Iron Co. (N. J.), 54 Atl. Bep. 562. And in this
connection, see also, Shippeyo. Grand Bapids Co. (Mich.), 83 N. W.Kep.
284. Where a servant knows that he has gotten off of a well- beaten path
and nevertheless goes ahead and falls into a mine, no recovery can be
had. McShane v. Baxter, 7 Times L. B. 68. McCann v. Atlantic
Mills, 20 E. I. 666 ; 40 Atl. Bep. 500. One who knows of a pit and walks
Into it is negligent, regardless of the question of the sufficiency of light.
McDonnell v. Illinois &c. Co., 105 Iowa, 534; 75 N. W. Rep. 336.
3 See Chapter, Injuries from Failure to Establish Rules,
§ 279 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 293
to protect him, will preclude his recovery.^ la some States
the rule is said to be relaxed, where the disobedience of
the rule is in accordance with the instruction of the
master's representative;^ but in others, a recovery is pre-
cluded even in case the vice-principal orders a violation of
the rule.^ But to prevent a recovery, upon the ground of
contributory negligence, the violation of the rule or order,
must contribute to cause the injury complained of.*
1 WWtson V. Wrenn (N. C), 46 S. B. Rep. 17. For injury from
using cage, instead of ladder, in violation of rule. Anderson v. Mikado
Mining Co., 3 Ont. Law. Eep. 681.
2 Carson v. Southern &c. Co., 68 S. C. 55; 46 S. E. Rep. 525; 194
U. S. 136; 48 L. C. P. Ed. 907; Kansas City &c. Co. v. Kier, 41 Kan. 661,-
21 Pac. Rep. 770; 13 Amer. St. Rep. 311; Hurlburt v. Ry. Co., 130 Mo.
667; 31 S. W. Rep. 1051.
3 Keenanu. R. R. Co., 145.N. Y. 190; 39 N. E. Rep. 711; 45 Amer. St.
Rep. 604; East Tenn. &c. Co. v. Smith, 89 Tenn. 114; 14 S. W. Rep. 1077.
4 Horan v. R. R. Co., 89 Iowa, 328; 66 N. W. Rep. 507; Fickett b.
Fiber Co., 91 Mfe. 268; 39 Atl.Eep. 996; Fordo. R. R. Co., 110 Mass. 240;
14 Amer. Rep. 598; Railroad v. Tliompson, 101 Ga. 26; 28 S. E. Rep.
429; TuUis v. R. R. Co., 105 Fed. Rep. 554; 44 C. C. A. 597. The viola-
tion of a role was held to preclude a recovery by the representative of
deceased, in Illinois, in Mendota L. & H. Co. v. LafEerty, 92 111 App. 74.
One shovelling coal from a pile, when the top is frozen over, and exca-
vates the bottom, without breaking the frozen crust, in violation of
orders, cannot recover, for a resulting injury. Primeau v. Merchants
&c. Co., Rap. Jud. Que. 19 S. C. 62. The proposition that the violation
of the rule must have occasioned the injury is adhered to in the well-
considered case of Helfenstein ». Medart (186 Mo. 595; 36 S. W. Rep.
863), where the rule which was violated prevented employees from
changing their clothes before quitting time. The plaintiff's decedent
had violated this rule and was killed by the bursting of a grindstone,
at an excessive rate of speed. The violation of the rule was held not to
preclude a recovery. See same case, 136 Mo. 619; 37 S. W. Eep. f29;
idem, 38 S. W. Rep. 294. See, also, Taylor v. Star Coal Co., 110 Iowa
40; 81 N. W. Rep. 249; Gross v. Miller, 93 Iowa, 72; 61 N. W. Rep. 385;
26 L. R. A. 605. Violation of master's rule was held to be contributory
negligence in the following cases; Lendberg v. Brotherton Iron Min.
Co., 97 Mich. 443; 56 N. W. Rep. 846; O'Brien v. Staples Coal Co., 156
Mass. 435; 43 N. E. Rep. 181 ; Campbell v. Colderbonk Steel & Coal Co.,
25 Sc. Sess. Cas., 4 Ser. 753. And violation of the Jaw has been held
to prevent a recovery in the following cases: Consolidated Coal & Min.
294 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 280
§ 280. Selecting more dangerous way to perform
duty. — An employee who has the choice of two or more
ways of doing a given piece of work the one safe and the
other dangerous, is under a duty both to himself and his
employer, of selecting the safer way to perform such duty.
And if, instead of selecting the safer way of doing his
worii, he proceeds in the manner attendant with the
greater risk and, as a result, is injured, if he knows or
ought to have known of the safer way to perform his duty,
he cannot recover from his employer for injuries thus sus-
tained, for his conduct in thus selecting the more danger-
ous way to perform his duty, would be held negligence,
even though it would not amount to actual rashness on his
part.i '
Co. V. Floyd, 51 Ohio St. 642; 38 N. E. Rep. 610; 25 L. R. A. 848; Wal-
ace V. Connors, 38 Ga. 199; 95 Amer. Dec. 385; Voshefskey v. Hillside
Coal & Iron Co., 47 N. Y. Supp. 386; 21 App. Div. 168. A miner who
violates a rule In working when there are no timbers for props cannot
recover. Harvey v. Glasgow Iron Co., 25 Sc. Sess. Cas., 4 Ser. 903.
Nor can one who ascends the shaft contrary to orders. Highow v.
Wright, 37 L. T. (N. S.) 187; 10 Mor. Min. Sep. 24.
1 Central &c. Co. v. Mosley, 112 Ga. 914; 38 S. E. Rep. 350; Lehman
V. Bagley, 82 III. App. 197; Penwell v. Harvey, 78 111. App. 278; Walker
V. Atlanta &c. Co., 103 Ga. 820; 30 S. E. Rep. 503; 4 Amer. Neg. Rep. 26.
But, in Florida, it is held, that a servant Is not negligent, as a matter of
law, because he adopts a method which is more hazardous than other
available methods. Florida &c. Co. «.^ooney, 40 Ma. 17; 24 So. Rep. 148.
''In the erection of a simple structure a servant may adopt any plan which
is customary, where the master does not devise a plan." Riverside Mills
V. Jones (Ga. 1904) ,48 S. E. Rep. 700. Where an employee has the power
to adopt his own methods of doing work, and he wantonly, knowing and
appreciating the dangers of both, selects of the two ways the more dan-
gerous, he does so at his peril, and cannot recover for any injury result-
ing from such relation. Illinois Steel Co. v. McNulty, 105 III. App. 594.
" Plaintiff was employed to flre an engine connected with a coal hoist, a
part of his duties being to keep the boiler filled with water. On the oc-
casion of his injury he attempted to fill the boiler with the injectors, but,
finding that they would not work, he took a loose valve wheel, about
three inches in diameter, went to the front of the engine, and placed the
loose wheel on a cold air valve pin, which was located just over a system
§ 281 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 295
§ 281. Frequenting unused portions of mine. — As
the liability of the employer, in all cases of negligence,
depends, primarily, upon the breach of a duty owed to the
employee, since the duty to provide a reasonably safe place
to work, in case of a mine employer, only applies to the
place where he has a right to expect his employees to work,
an injury received a.t some other portion of the mine, to
which an employee has gone, for private purposes of his
own, or not in obedience to a request or order of the em-
ployer, is one for which the employee could not recover, as
the master owes him no duty to keep such a place in a
reasonably safe condition. Accordingly, in Missouri,
where a coal miner, affected by bad air, abandoned his
work and walked down an entryway to the first finished
cross-cut, to obtain a supply of fresh air, it was held that
he could not recover for an injury received while using
such cross-cut as a passage way, as he knew that it was
not designed for that purpose, but was made to facilitate
of cog-wheels connected with the hoist, for the purpose of forcing air into
the boiler in order to fill the same by suction. Oa closing the valve the
loose wheel slipped off the pin, and plaintiff's hand was caught in the
gearing and injured. Held, that the loose wheel, though small, was suf-
ficient from its weight, to bear plaintiff's hand downward, while taking it
off the pin, and that plaintiff's failure to exercise ordinary care to resist
such downward tendency constituted contributory negligence barring a
recovery." Upthegrove v. Jones & Adams Coal Co. (Wis. 1903), 96 N. W.
Eep. 385. Illustrative of the rule that a servant is negligent who fails to
use the safer way known to him of performing his duties are the follow-
ing cases, holding that an employee is negligent who adjusts a belt, on
a revolving shaft, with his hand, instead of a belt shifter or stick.
Fleming v. Buswell, 48 App. Div. 635; 62 N. Y. Supp. 1137; Cushman v.
Cushman, 179 Mass. 601 ; 61 N. E. Kep 262; Wetzeu v. White Lead Co.,
5 Mo. App. 598; Willingham v. Rockdale Oil &c. Co , 101 Ga. 713; 29 S.
E. Rep. 30; Corricere v. Mc Williams, 104 La. 678; 29 So. Rep. 333.
That there was another method, which a very timid or cautious person
might have adopted, as a safer way to do the work, is not conclusive of
negligence ou the part of an injured employee. Taylor v. Felsing,
164 111. 331; 45 N. E. Rep. 161; 63 111. App. 624.
29rt CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 281
the circulation of air, iu the mine.i But if the employee
is ordered to another part of the mine or is injured at a
place where he had a lawful right to be, in the proper dis-
charge of his duties toward his employer, the latter's duty
as to the place of work, would attach to such a place,^ and,
in Utah, it has been held that an employee is not guilty of
contributory negligence as a matter of law, in leaving his
work and going to another portion of the mine, on hearing
the noise of a cave-in, in order to ascertain its character
and extent.^
^ Lenk V. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 80 Mo. App. 374.
2 White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. US, p. 593 and cases cited,
3 Frank v. Bullion Beck &c. Min. Co., 19 Utah, 35; 56 Pac. Eep. 419;
5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 733. "In an action against a mine owner for injuries
to a miner alleged to have been caused by failure of defendant to keep
the roadway along which plaintiff was required to drive a car In a
safe condition, and also in requiring plaintiff to drive a vicious mule,
evidence held sufficient to support a finding that plaintiff was not guilty
of contributory negligence. " Judgment, 112 111. App. 452, affirmed,
Henrietta Coal Co. v. Campbell, 71 N. E. Eep. 863; 211 111. 216. "Where
a servant who was paid by the hour was Injured through the negligence
of the master while eating his lunch at the noon hour, a contention
that he was not at the time of the injury engaged in the work or busi-
ness of the master was without merit. " Judgment (1901) 96 111. App.
316, affirmed, Heldmaier v. Cobbs, 62 N. E. Eep. 853; 195 111. 172.
A miner who was injured by the fall of a roof at a point where he
should not have been was held negligent, in Colorado Coal &c. Co. v.
Carpita, 6 Colo. App. 248; 40 Pac. Eep. 248. And see, also, Boemer
V. Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 601. And a miner was also held to be
negligent in lingering to talk at a place where he knew there were
dangerous gases, which exploded. Morgen v. Carbon Hill Coal Co.,
6 Wash. 577; 34 Pac. Eep. 152. A miner who is not at work, but is
on his way to the employer's office to draw his wages, cannot recover
for an injury from a projecting rock, where, when injured, he was
riding a brake boom, through a narrow, dark tunnel. Eichardson v.
Carbon Hill Coal Co., 6 Wash. 52; 32 Pac. Eep. 1012; 20 L. B.A.338.
A miner, who, in passing from an entry to the surface, steps under a
place he knows to be unsafe, cannot recover for a resulting Injury from
falling rock. Colo. Coal & Iron Co. v. Carpita (Colo. App.), 40 Pac.
Eep. 248.
§ 283 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 297
§ 282. Acts in emergencies. — The law so far recog-
nizes the frailty of human nature as to excuse those placed
under the strain of a great and sudden danger, from the
temporary lapse of judgment or discretion which would
have been calculated to lead them to pursue the safest pos-
sible course open to them, under the circumstances.
Accordingly, where an employee, in leaning over a belt
in a mining plant, was suddenly placed in great and sud-
den danger by an order to start the mill, without giving
the customary warning, and he thereupon gave a wrong
order to " back up," which increased his danger, it was
held that this was not such contributory negligence, under
the circumstances, as to preclude his recovery. ^
§ 283. Youthful and inexperienced employees. — The
same rule would not obtain, so far as the contributory
negligence of the employee is concerned, in the case of
1 Mathews ». Daly West Mining Co. (Utah), 75 Pac. Rep. 722. In
his recent excellent work upon Master and Servant, Mr. Labatt makes
this observation as to the absence of an emergency: " The fact that at
the time the injury was received, an emeraiency existed which de-
manded unusually prompt action, is, like the absence of necessity, often
mentioned by the courts as a subsidiary ground for declining to allow the
servant to recover." Labatt Mast, and Ser., Sec. 368, p. 927, citing
Cook V. Bullion Beck &c. Mining Co., 12 Utah, 51; 41 Pac. Rep. 557.
But if there is an emergency a servant is not chargeable with negligence
because he failed to select the best means of escape. Labatt Mast, and
Ser. 358, p. 930 ; Wesley City Coal Co. v. Hesler, 84 111. 126 ; Silver Cord
Mining Co. B. McDonald, 14 Colo. 191; 23 Pac. Kep. 346; Dickson v.
Omaha &c. Co., 124 Mo. 140; 27 S. W. Rep. 476; 25 L. R. A. 320. One
whose negligence gave his employee cause for alarm, cannot, because of
an absence of cool presence of mind, on the part of the person alarmed
avoid liability. Silver Cord Combination Mining Co. v. McDonald (Colo.)
23 Pac. Hep. 346. When exclusive attention, rapidity and promptness
are demanded of an employee, the fact that he fails to recall, for the
instant, previous instructions, which, if remembered, would have en-
abled him to avoid the danger, will not, on account of the emergency, be
such negligence as to bar a recovery. St. L., I. M. &. S. Co. v. Higgins
63 Ark. 458; 14 S. W. Rep. 653.
298 CONTRIBUTOKY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. § 284
youthful or inexperienced employees and adults of expe-
rience, for acts which the latter might readily know to be
dangerous, the former might have no knowledge about at
all. The law, therefore, will not deny a youthful or inex-
perienced employee recovery, on the ground of his con-
tributory negligence, unless the danger was so manifest
and glaring that it must have been known and appreciated
by one of his age and experience.^ Where a statute pro-
hibits the employment in a given calling, of children of
less than a certain age, this is a legislative determination,
in effect, that a child of less than the statutory age does
not possess the judgment and discretion sufficient to
charge him with contributory negligence in the performance
of his duties.^ And although an infant or inexperienced
employee is over the statutory age, if it is a matter of
doubt, under the evidence, if he had sufficient understand-
ing or experience to appreciate the danger to which he was
exposed, it is usually a question for the jury to determine.'
§ 284. Orders and assurances of safety. — The rule
that requires an employee to look out for dangers and dis-
> Itner Brick Co. v. KiUian (Neb.), 93 N. W. Rep. 951.
2 Marine v. Lalimaier, Ui N. Y. 530; 66 N. E. Kep. 572.
s Fitzgerald J). Alma &c. Co., 131 N. C. 636; 42 S. E. Eep. 916. In
Alabama it is held that a child between the age of seven and fourteen
years Is incapable of exercising judgment and discretion and ia there-
fore incapable of contributory negligence. Tutweiler Coal, Coke & Iron
Cj. v. Bnslen, 129 Ala. 336; 30 So. Rep. 600. But the mere youth of a
miner will not avoid the charge of his negligence, where he ascended
from the mine without signaling and was struck by a drill being lowered.
Snyder i;. Viola Mine and Smelting Co., 2 Idaho, 771; 26 Pac. Rep, 127.
A boy's capacity is the measure of his responsibility and if he cannot
foresee and avoid the danger, negligence cannot be imputed to him, as a
result of such failure. Strawbridge ^j. Bradford, 128 Pa. 200; 24 W. N.
C. 536; 18 Atl. Eep. 346. A boy of fifteen years cannot be said to be
negligent in obeying an order to run and throw away a lighted stick of
dynamite, as a result of which an explosion occurred. Orraan v. Man-
nix, 17 Colo. 564; 30 Pac. Rep. 1037; 17 L. R. A. 602; 31 Amer. St. Rep.
340.
§ 284 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF MINER. 299
cover all such as are incident to his surroundings, that he
could discover by the exercise of ordinary care, does not
apply when the employee in question is acting under orders
or assurances of the master, or his representative, for, in
such case, he has the right to assume that his surroundings
are safe. This proposition was recently announced, in
Missouri, as to an employee of qualified experience, who
was ordered to drill a hole directly over a loose slab of
rock, that showed evidence of being dangerous. l In Colo-
rado, the same doctrine was applied to an employee's
representative, where he was killed while acting under
assurances of the safety of a timber, or stuU, which fell and
killed him,^ and the same rule was recognized, in California,
as to an inexperienced employee, injured by the caving in
of a tunnel, in a mine, where there was an assurance of
safety, by the employer, and he had hidden the danger, by
boards preventing an examination of the sides of the tun-
nel.^ But where the employee has equal or superior
information about the defects or dangers, than the master
himself has, an order or assurance of the employer, or his
representative, will not protect him from the result of know-
ingly taking a dangerous place. So, where the plaintiff in
obeying a negligent order to place a belt on a rapidly re-
volving shaft, had as full knowledge as the superintendent
of the danger and, in obeying the order, was injured, his
contributory negligence was held to bar a recovery by him.*
And a promise by the master, or a vice-principal, to make
the place of work reasonably safe, will not relieve
the employee of the duty of using reasonable care to avoid
an injury, and if, notwithstanding such a promise, he fail
1 Carter v. Baldwin (Mo. App. 1904), 81 S. W. Eep. 204.
2 Carleton Mill & Mining Co. v. Ryan, 29 Colo. 401; 69 Pao. Rep. 279.
8 Swensen v. Bender, 114 Fed. Rep. 1 ; 51 C. C. A. 627.
* Coosa Co. V. Williams, 133 Ala. 606; 32 So. Rep. 232.
300 CONTKIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE CF MINER. § 284
to use such care and caution as an ordinarily prudent
person would use, under similar circumstances, he cannot
recover. 1
1 Miller u. Bullion Beck &c. Mining Co , 18 Utah, 358; 65 Pac. Rep.
58. " Where, la an action for injuries to a servant by the collapse of
certain coal pockets erected on defendant's premises, under which
plaintiff was working, there was evidence that defendant had received at
least two warnings before the accident that there was some defect in the
plan which rendered it dangerous to load the pockets to their capacity,
and, notwithstanding this, plaintiff was directed to work under the same
with nothing but a beam placed under them to support the weight, which
proved ineffectual, whether defendant was guilty of negligence was for
the jury." O'Donnell v. Welz &Zerweck (N. X. Sup. 1904), 89 N. Y. S.
959.
CHAPTER XIII.
FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES.
Section 285. Conflict of decisions regarding.
286. Doctrine of common law origin.
287. How status of employee Is determined.
288. Burden upon plaintlfC to establish absence of.
289. Dual capacity doctrine.
290. Master's and fellow-servant's concurrent negligence .
291. Illustration of the combined negligence of.
292. Grade of negligent servant originally immaterial.
293. Vice-principals and fellow-servants distinguished.
294. Same — Character of act the proper test.
295. Duties delegated by the master.
296. Vice-principals pro tempore.
297. Temporary superintendence or work as co- employee not
decisive.
298. Miners engaged in same common work, fellow -servants.
299. Common law rule followed In Colorado.
300. Mine superintendent aud miners.
301. Conflict of authorities regarding mine foreman and miner.
302. Employees and foreman of different shifts.
303. Relation of pit boss and miners.
304. " Mining captain " and miners.
305. Inspector vice-principal of miner.
806. " Underlooker " and miner fellow-servants.
807. Holster- man or "eager" and miner fellow-servants.
308. Blacksmith ami miner fellow- servants.
309. Employees using same scaffold fellow -servants.
310. " Timber man " and miner.
311. Statutory " flre boss " and miners.
312. Workmen upon same machine or drill, fellow-servants.
313. Same — "Crusher feeder" and miaer.
314. Tracls layers and miners.
315. EngiDeer and miner.
316. Tramway operator and miners fellow -servants.
317. " Tub hustlers " fellow- servants.
318. " Trimmers " and miners f til ow- servants.
319. " Driver boy " and miup] 1 fellow-servants.
320. Miner and employee on surface, fellow-servants.
321. Quarry laborer and operator of cars, not fellow- servants.
322. " Powder-man " and miners fellow-servants.
323. Substitute for fellow-servant is also fellow-servant.
(301)
302 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES, § 285
§ 285. Conflict of decisions regarding. — There is per-
haps no greater diversity of opinion in regard to any other
doctrine known to the law, than that which obtains in the
different State and Federal courts, relative to the doctrine of
fellow-servants in mines. The conflict in the authorities
upon this question is not alone confined to the question of
who are and who are not fellow-servants of an injured
employee, in a mine, but the means or method of deter-
mining the question differs in the different States, as well
as the responsibility of the master for different acts or
orders of those held to be within the fellow-servant
rule, and in many of the mining States conflict-
ing decisions obtain upon these questions, by the
different State and Federal courts of the same
State, 1 and the question is oftentimes regarded from
such diametrically opposite views and the resulting liability
of the master discussed from so many different phases,
that it is impossible to reconcile the decisions upon the
question. The present chapter will therefore be devoted
principally to a presentation of the holdings of the differ-
ent States, as the author has been able to gather the dif-
ferent fragments of the law therefrom, without a discussion
of the underlying reasons of the courts for the opposite
views entertained upon the subject.
§ 286. Doctrine of common law origin. — The doctrine '
that the master is not liable for the negligence of fellow-
1 A mere reference to one opiaion in Missouri, where the difEerent
decisions are arrayed upon the department doctrine, is' sufficient to sus-
tain the text and show the necessity for a general fellow-servant law, as
well as a general divorce law, in the difEerent States of the United States.
See Grattis v. K. C, P. & G. Co. (153 Mo., p. 395), where Judge Marshall
observed: " The result is, contrary judgments, upon the same facts; an
irreconcilable contrariety of opinion, with a natural and to be expected
confusion in the law, with no better or more satisfactory results to either
the master or servants, than were attained before the doctrine was
announced."
§ 286 FELLOW-SEEVANTS IX MIXES. 303
servants with an injured employee, for the result of an in-
jury, is of common-law origin ^ and arises as a portion of the
implied contract of assumption of risk, which obtained at
common-law, whereby the employee was held, as matter of
law, to assume certain risks, growing out of and incidental
to the contract of employment. Among the risks that an
employee was thus held to assume in law and for which
the employer was not liable to respond in damages was that
of injury from the negligence of such employee's fellow-
servants.^ It is doubted by recent respectable authority ^
whether the master's non-liability for the acts of his serv-
ant's co-employees is of common law origin or not, but the
evidence of an old case,* that " The law must have been the
same, long before it was enunciated in this court in the case of
Priestly V. Fowler" (1837, 3 M. &W. 1)— the first reported
case upon the subject, where the doctrine was applied — is
certainly sufficient evidence of the application of the doc-
trine as a portion of the common law of England. »
1 "The fellow-servant law is a common-law doctrine." Kosemand
■0. Soatliern By., i4 S. E. Eep. 674; 66 S. C. 91. " Tlie common-law doc-
trine as to the nonliability of employers to an employee for the negligence
of a fellow-servantj is not in force in the republic of Mexico." Mexi-
can Cent. Co. V. Sprague, 114 Fed. Kep. 544. Waddell i;. Simpson, 112
Pa. St. 557; 4 Atl. Rep. 725; Gratlis o. K. C, P. & 6. Co., 153 Mo., p. 394;
Cooley Torts (2 ed.), p. 637.
2 Priestly v. Fowlei*, 8 M. & W. 1 ; 7 L. J. Exch. (n. s.) 42.
3 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 470, p. 1305.
* Vose V. Lancashire &c. Co. (1858), 2 Hurlst. & N. 728; 27 L. J. Exch.
(N. 8.) 249.
5 It is remarked of the doctrine, in Waddell v. Simonson[(112 Pa. St.
567), that it is " a principle as old as the common-law." See, also,
Grattis v. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo., p. 394. Mr. Labatt, in his recent
excellent work on Master and Servant, traces what he is pleased to call
the " evolution " of the doctrine, since it was originally applied, but upon
this question it may be well doubted if the modern tendency is a pro-
gression or a retrogression, both as regards the rights of the servant and
the liability of the master. "The old doctrine has been relaxed, modi-
fied, distinguished and pared down, and with the characteristic ingenuity
and inventiveness of the age, distinctions have been drawn, the first
304 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 287
§ 287. How status of employee Is determined. — The
definition of a fellow-servant and vice-principal is a
matter for the court to decide, as one of law, and the jury
should be told, in proper instructions, what it takes to
constitute one a vice-principal or a fellow-servant with
the injured servant. i In many jurisdictions the determin-
ation of the question of whether, under the facts of each
case, the injured employee and his co-servant, responsible
for his injury, occupied the rela,tion of fellow-servants or
■vice-principals, is also held to be a question of law for the
court to' decide. This is the rule in the United States
Supreme Court, ^ and it seems the more accurate, for a
trained legal mind can usually decide such mixed questions
of law and fact better than a trial jury, who are prone to
regard such issues from a wrong standpoint. And be-
sides, the proper determination of this issue often settles
the lawsuit and in passing upon a demurrer to the evi-
dence, or determining the defendant's right to a peremp-
tory instruction, it would be proper for the court to decide
the question of the legal status of the negligent servant,
in ascei'taining the plaintiff's right to submit his cause to
the jury. This rule is also adopted in Pennsylvania ^ and
relation has been extenied many degrees and the original classification
his been many times sub -divided, with the result that much contrariety
of opinion exists and the whole matter is unsettled and left in an unsatis-
factory state. By some this has been called the ' evolution of the law'
from its original harshness to a more humane condition." Marshall, J.,
in Grattis v. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo. 392. " A servant cannot recover
from the master for Injuries caused by the negligence of a fellow -servant
in the selection and retention of whom the master has used due dili-
gence." Giordano v. Brandywine Granite Co. (Del. 1901), 52 Atl. Eep.
332.
1 The definition of fellow-servants is a question of law. Illinois St3el
Co. 11. CofEey, 107 111. App. 582.
'' Alaska Treadwell Gold Min. Co. v. Whelan, 168 U. S. 85, reversing
64 Fed Kep. 462.
'■> Mullen u. Phila. &c. Co., 78 Pa. St. 25.
§ 287 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 305
California.^ In other Statei^, however, among which are
Kentucky,^ Missouri ^ and Illinois,* it is held to be a ques-
tion of fact, for the jury to decide, whether or not the
injured employee and the one responsible for his injury
are fellow-servants ; but even in these States, where the
evidence is undisputed as to the exact relations and
1 The question of whether or not a foreman of a quarry and a laborer
therein are fellow-servants or the one is vice-principal, is for the court,
not the jury, to decide, in California. Donovan v. Ferris, 128 Cal. 48;
60 Pac. Rep. 519.
2 " Whether or not a certain employee of defendant was the superior
of plaintifl's intestate in the work of operating the mine in which in-
testate was killed, held, under the evidence, to be a question for the
jury." Crabtree Coal Min. Co. v. Sample's Adm'r (Ky. 1903), 72 S. W.
Eep. 24; 24 Ky. Law Rep. 1703. " The question whether the relation of
fellow- servants exists only becomes a question of law when there is no
dispute with reference to the facts, and when the evidence and the
legitimate conclusions to be drawn therefrom are such that all reason-
able men will agree to the existence of the relation of fellow-servants."
Illinois Southern Ey. Co. v. Marshall, 112 111. App. 514. Judgment
affirmed 71 N. E. Rep. 597; 210 111. 662.
* " In an action for injuries sustained by an employee in a quarry,
occasioned by the slipping ot the grappling hooks which such employee
and a fellow-servant fastened, allowing the stone to fall, which it was
claimed was caused rather by the foreman's failure to stop the hoist
after the slack was out of the chain, and then proceed to lift the stone,
the evidence considered and held to require the jury to determine
whether or not the injuries were due to the negligence of a fellow-
servant instead of the foreman." Sites v. Missouri Granite Co., 92 Mo.
App. 12. " The question as to who are fellow-servants is, ordinarily,
one of fact." Shickle-Harrison & Howard Iron Co. v. Beck, 112 111.
App. 444. " Whether one servant is a vice-principal or fellow- servant
of another is a question of fact for the jury." Chicago & E. I. Co. v.
Driscoll, 107 111. App. 615.
4 " Whether two servants of the same master come within the
definition of fellow-servants is a question of fact for the jury."
Junction Min. Co. v. Goodwin, 109 111. App. 144. " Whether
difterent servants of the same master are fellow- servants, within
the legal signification of that term, is a question of fact, to be
determined by the jury from all the circumstances of each case."
Illinois Steel Co. v. Coffey, 107 111. App. 682.
20
306 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 288
functions performed by each, then the issue is one of law
for the court to decide. i
§ 288. Burden upon tbe plaintiff to establisb. — In an
early Missouri case,^ it was said that " prima facie, all
servants of a common master * * * are fellow-serv-
ants. If there are facts which show that this relation
does not, in fact, exist between all of such servants, the
burden of showing such facts is on him who seeks to avail
himself of the absence or non-existence of such relation."
This rule, in Missouri, is followed by a late decision of the
1 This is the English rule. Hall v. Johnson, 3 Hurlst. & C. 589; 34
L. J. Exch. (n. 8.) 222. And also obtains in California. Gallon v. Bui',
113 C.il. 593; 45 Pac. Rep. 1017. Missouri, Marshall v. Schricker, C3
Mo. 308. Illinoi.s, Con. Coal Co. v. Gruber, 188 111. 584; 59 N. E. Eep.
254. And New Jersey, Gilmore v. Oxford Iron Co., 55 N. J. L. 39; 25
Atl. Rep. 707. Mr. Labatt, in his work on Master and Servant, in dis-
cussing this question, observes: "It has been explicitly declared
and is taken for granted in almost all the cases cited in this chapter
that it is for the court to say whether or not the negligent employee
was a vice-principal. In every case in which the facts are clearly
established and show precisely what were the respective duties of the
plaintiff and the delinquent co-employee and what relation they bore
to one another." Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 511, p. 1424. Whether
miners are fellow-servants, or not, is held to be a jury question, in
Alaska Treadwell Gold Min. Co. v. Whelan, 64 Fed. Rep. 462; but see,
for reversal of this case, 168 U. S. 86. "While the question of
whether servants of a common master are fellow -servants is usually
one of fact for the jury, yet, when the facts are conceded, or there is
no dispute with reference thereto, and all reasonable minds will agree
that the relation of fellow-servants does or does not exist, then the
question is one of law." Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting (111. 1904),
71 N. B. Rep. 371; 210 111. 342. "Tbe general rule is that the ques-
tion as to whether the relation of fellow-servants exists is one of
fact; yet, where the facts are conceded, and where there is no dis-
pute whatever as to the facts, and they show beyond question that
the relation of fellow-servants exists, then the question becomes one
(flaw, and it Is the duty of the trial judge to instruct the jury to find
for the defendant." Tubelowish v. Lathrop, 104 111. App. 82.
2 McGowauB. St. L. I. M. &c. Co., 61 Mo. 528; Blessing v. St. L.,
K. C. &N. Co., 77 Mo. 410.
§ 289 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 307
St. Louis Court of Appeals,i and is tiie generally accepted
rule. Indeed, any other rule would be at variance with the
elementary principles of pleading and trial practice, for
it is the universally accepted doctrine that a party who
alleges the affirmative of a proposition, has the burden of
proving the facts from which it is derived, and this is par-
ticularly true of this issue, upon which, frequently, the
right of the plaintiff to recover depends. At variance with
this well established rule of practice, however, the Illinois
Appellate Court has recently held that the burden of estab-
lishing the relation of fellow-servants, is upon the defend-
ant in the case.^ This is upon the theory that it is an
affirmative defense and the burden rests upon the one set-
ting up such a defense, but the court loses sight of the
proposition that the duty to make out a prima facie case,
rests, primarily, upon the plaintiff, and that if he does not,
in the first instance, show that his injury was due to the neg-
ligent act of one empowered with superintendence or con-
trol, he must fail to recover. In other words, while he need
not anticipate a defense, where the proof of any fact is
essential to make out his own case, the plaintiff is generally
required to establish such fact, before the defendant is
called upon to break down a cause that lacks some of the
essential elements.
§ 289. Dual capacity doctrine. — Although a negligent
employee may actually be empowered with supervision
and command over his co-employees, and as to orders or
acts in which he represents the master would be held to be
' See the recent opinion by Judge Reyburn, wherein it is held that
"One relying on Ihe absence of the relation of fellow -servants has the
burden of establishing its non-existence." Shaw v. Bambrick- Bates
Const. Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 96.
2 "The burden of proving the relation of fellow-servants is on the
defendant." Southern Co. v. Stewart, 108 111. App. 652.
308 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 289
a vice-principal, ^e will nevertheless be held to be a fellow-
servant with the men in the doing of an act, while at work
with them, which does not pertain to his functions as a
vice-principal, but relates to the ordinary duties of a co-
laborer with the miners, and which might as readily have
occurred, had he possessed no authority over them.^ This
rule is very generally recognized by the courts of the dif-
ferent States,^ but in some States it is not, for the reason
that it could make but little difference to an injured em-
ployee, whether a vice-principal injured him, as a result of
a negligent act, on his own part, or ordered another em-
ployee to do the act which caused the injury, and if the act
fell within his authority as the master's representative to
direct, he would be liable for the negligent act of his rep-
resentative, the same as he would for his negligent order. ^
Labatt devotes considerable space to a refutation of the
dual capacity doctrine, in his recent excellent work, upon
Master and Servant* and the Supreme Court of Missouri
1 Crispin v. Babbitt (a leading case), 81 N. Y. 516; 37 Am. Kep. 521;
Olson V. Or. Coal &c. Co., 96 Fed. Rep. 109; Chicago &c. €o. v. May, 108
111. 208. The act of a foreman who drops an instrument and injures a
man under his supervision, is the act of a fellow-servant, la Rhode
Island. Frawley i;. Sheldon, 20 R. I. 258; 38 Atl. Rep. 370; 3 Am. Neg.
Rep. 734. See, also, Russell Creek Coal Co. v. Wells, 96 Va. 416; 31 S.
E. Rep. 614 ; Chicago Iron Works v. Nagel, 80 III. App. 492. Iq Colorado
the employer is not liable for the acts of a vice-principal, done in his
character as a workman. Deep Min. Co. v. Fitzgerald, 21 Colo. 533; 43
Pac. Rep. 210.
2 Although a quarry foreman is a vice-principal as to the men under
him in Indiana, so far as his orders are concerned, he is a fellow-serv-
ant, in doing an act, while at work with the men, that results in injury
to them. Stockmeyer v. Reed, 55 Fed. Rep. 259; 37 Alb. L. J. 488.
3 Illinois Steel Co. v. Schymanowsbi, 162 111. 447; 44 N. E. Rep. 876.
" The mere fact that the assistant foreman of defendant company en-
gaged in some labor as a common workman did not, as matter of law,
make him any the less a vice-principal." 106 111. App. 21, afiSrmed.
Chicago Co. v. Mueller, 68 N. E. Rep. 51; 203 111. 558.
< Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 547, p. 1564.
§ 289 FELLOW-SEKVANTS IN MINES. 309
has also opposed the application of the doctrine in that
State.l However, in view of the modern tendency to in-
crease the master's liability beyond that which was recog-
nized at common law and the reasons for the recognition of
a distinction between the risks assumed from the acts of
an employee's fellow-servants, an act resulting from the
negligence of a co-laborer, even though committed by one
possessing power of command, would seem, upon principle,
to be within the risks ordinarily incidental to the business,
for if the vice-principal had not been performing such
labor, then another laborer would, who did not possess his
additional powers, and the risk of his negligence would
clearly be assumed by his fellow-servant.^ Where an em-
ployee occupies the dual role of vice-principal and fellow-
servant, then it is usually a question of fact, whether or
not the act occurred in one or the other capacity. 3
1 Dayharsh v. Han. & St. J. Co., 103 Mo., p. 677. Bat see Fogarty o.
St. Louis &c. Co., 180 Mo. 490; 79 S.W. Eep. 663.
2 1?liis is the reasoning of the court, in Chicago &c. Co. v. May, 108
111. 288, The fact that a ground boss helps to put in shots and prepare
blasts with the miners does not change an order he gives to an act of a
fellow-servant. Banec. Irwin, 72 S. W. Rep. 522.
3 " Where a servant occupies a dual role of vice-principal and fellow-
servant, whether a particular act is the act of a fellow-servant or of a
vice-principal is a question of fact for the jury." Chicago & E. I. Co.
V. Driscoll, 107 111. App. 615. A pit boss, in Illinois, it is held in West-
ville Coal Co. v. Schwartz (177 111. 272; 52 N. E. Eep. 276), may or may
not be a fellow- servant, according to the duties performed and the cir-
cumstances of the injury. In a recent Missouri case ,the Kansas City
Court of Appeals held that a foreman's negligence in tossing a block of
wood onto a car in such a negligent manner as to cause it to fall and kill
a miner rendered the master liable therefor. Strode v. Conkey, 78 S. W.
Rep. 678. And see, for similar holding, in Illinois, Con. Coal Co. v.
rieischbein, 207 111. 593; 69 N. E. Rep. 963. "The character of th? act
of a mine boss, in ordering a miner to return and flre a third blast after
two have exploded, as an act of superintendence, is not altered by the
fact that in preparing the blasts, lighting one, and attempting to light
another, the boss acted as a fellow-servant of the miner." Bane ».
Irwin, 72 S. W. Rep. 522. In Tennessee, it is held, that when a vice-
principal undertakes the service of a fellow- servant of an injured em-
ployee, he is a fellow and not a superior servant, as to that particular
310 FELLOW-SEKVANTS IN MINES. § 290
§ 290. Master's and fellow-serTant's concurrent neg-
ligence. — While an employee, under the implied con-
tract as to assumption of risks, is held to assume the risk
of injuries from the negligence of his fellow-servants, it is
only where the' negligence of such fellow-servant is the
work. Gorm ». E. E. Co., 101 Tenn. 380. In Illinois, the fact that a pit
boss was assisting an injured miner, when he was injure'd, is held not to
make such boss a lellow-servant, but he retains his character as a vice-
principal. Consolidated Coal Co. v. Fleischbein, 207 111. 693; 69 N. B.
Sep. 963. But in Minnesota, a superintendent, or foreman, when
engaged with other miners, in the common service, is held to be
a fellow-servant and not a vice -principal. Dixon v. Union Iron
Works, 90 Minn. 492; 97 N. W. Eep. 375; Strode v. Conkey, 78 S. W.
Rep. 678. Upon the question of vice -principals performing the work of
a fellow- servant, the Missouri Appellate Courts are at variance with the
Supreme Court. In Donnelly v. Aida Mining Co., 103 Mo. App. 349, and
Strode v. Conkey, 105 Mo. App. 15, the Kansas City Court o( Appeals
held that it was no defense that a foreman of a mine, in an act in the ca-
pacity of a laborer with the plaintiff, caused the injury. The same year
the Supreme Court of Missouri, recognized the dual capacity of the fore-
man and that the master was not liable for his acts done in his capacity
as a fellow- servant. Fogerty b. St. Louis Trans. Co., 180 Mo. 490; 79
S. W. Rep. 664; Bane v. Irwin, 172 Mo. 317; and thus It is, as on other
doctrines, the Appellate Courts of this State, although, under the Con-
stitution bound to follow the last controlling decisions of the Supreme
Court, continue to adhere to independent rules of their own, ignoring
the mandate of the organic law of the State. The most recent de-
cision of the Appellate Court of Missouri, on this question, seems to
recognize the dual capacity of the foreman, and is at variance with
other decisions of the same court. Stevens v. Deatherage Lumber Co.
(Court of Appeals, Missouri, March 27, 1905), 86 S. W. Eep. 481. "De-
fendant being short of help, directed its salesman to employ plaintiff
and another to assist in unloading certain hf avy timbers from a car. The
timbers were lilted onto skids by the salesman and one of the other
tmployeep, and let slide to the wagon, where they were received ami
placed by plaintiff and the teamster. One of the timbers having been
raised onto the skids, the salesman gave a warning, and released his end
of the beam. The other end was held a brief time longer, when it
was also released, and, plaintiff failing to get out of the way in time,
he was struck and injured. Held that, although the salesman be re-
garded as a vice-principal, his negligence, if any, In prematurely re-
leasing his end of the beam, was in performaace of his duties as a
co-'.aborer, as to which he was plaintiff's fellow-servant."
§ 290 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 311
direct cause of the injury that the master is relieved of
liability for an injury resultino; therefrom, and if an injury
would not have happened but for the master's negligence,
the fact that a co-servant's negligence concurred to bring
about the result renders the master liable to the same
extent as if his own negligence directly caused the injury. ^
And this same principle applies to any other cause than the
negligence of a co-servant, provided it concurs with the
master's negligence, as the approximate cause of the injury,
for all that an employee is required to show is that such
negligence was an efficient cause of the injury, although
not the sole cause thereof.^ But if an employee is injured
as a result of the concurrent negligence of himself and a
co-servant, he is without remedy ,3 for his inability to
1 YouQg V. Iron Co., 103 Mo. .324; 15 S. W. Hep. 771; Noble v. Bes-
semer Co., 127 Mich. 103; 54 L. A. R. 456; 68 N. W. Rep. 520; Lago v.
Walsh, 98 Wis. 384; 74 N. W. Rep. 212. The negligence of a fellow-
servant, to relieve a master, must be the direct cause of the injury.
Deweese v. Meremec Iron Co. (Mo.), 31 S. W. Rep. 110; Hugue v.
Furnace Co., 62 Mo. App. 491. " Where an injury is the result of two
concurring causes, and the master is responsible for or contributed to
one of them, he is not exempt from liability because a fellow-servant
who is responsible for the other cause may have also been culpable.
The servant assumes the rislj and negligence of a fellow -servant, but
not that of the master." Jenkins o. Mammoth Min. Co., 68Pao. Rep. 845.
*'The negligence of a fellow- servant does not relieve the master from
liability to a co-servant for an injury which would not have happened
had not the master been negligent himself." Loveless v. Standard Gold
Min. Co., 42 S. E. Rep. 741. " Coal-mine operators are liable for death
of a miner from insufficient ventilation, though the act of a fellow-
servant of the miner concurred with theirs in producing the result."
Czarecki v. Seattle & S. F. Co., 79 Pac. Rep. 750.
2 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 813, p. 2246; MuUins v. California Horse-
shoe Co., 105 Cal. 77; 38 Pac. Rep. 535; McGregor o. Reid &c. Co., 178
111. 464; 53 N. E. Rep, 323; 69 Am. St. Rep. 332; Freeman v. Coal Co ,
23 Mont. 194; 64 Pac. Rep. 347; Springside Coal Co. v. Grogan, 67 111.
App. 487; O'Fallon Coal Co. v. Laquet, 88 111. App. 13.
3 Devlin v. Phoenix Iron Co., 182 Pa. St. 109; 37 Atl. Rep. 927; Taylor
V. Star Coal Co., 110 Iowa, 40; 81 N. W. Rep. 249; Labatt Mas. & Serv.,
Sec. 326, p. 806; Cooley Torts, p. 159.
312 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 292
maintain an action is the same as if his own negligence was
the sole cause of his injury and tlie same result follows for
a negligent act of a co-servant, which could be imputed to
him, as if he was a superior in command and ordered the
doing of the negligent act, ^ for in such case, the negligence
is practically his own and will, in law, be imputed to him,
under such circumstances, and the fact that a co-servant
may also be negligent with him would not give him any
standing in court.
§ 291. Illustration of the combined negligence o£ a
master and fellow-servant. — The rule that a master is
responsible for the injuries resulting from the combined
negligence of himself and a fellow-servant of the injured
employee, is illustrated in a recent Illinois case, where an
employer was held liable for an injury to an employee,
injured by a fall of rock from the roof of the mine, which
was due to the negligence of the employer in failing to
repair the 'roof of the entryway to such mine, although
the presence of the plaintiff at the place where the injury
occurred, was admitted to be due to negligence of a fellow-
servant.^
§ 292. Grade of negligent servant originally imma-
terial. — As the doctrine was originally applied, the serv-
' Kruitzman v. Ry. Co., 84 N. Y. S. 248; Minster v. Citizens Co., 63
Mo. App. 276; Labatt Mas & Serv., Sec. 318. ^' A timber having been
lowered down the shaft of a mine to a landing, workmen commenced to
haul it onto the landing, but, it not having been lowered quite far enough,
it jammed, and, the order to lower it, further being obeyed, it fell, be-
cause a defective hooli became detached, and killed a miner. TTeld, that,
even if his fellow-servants were negligent in getting it jammed, this
would not prevent a recovery of the master, where, notwithstanding this,
the accident would not have occurred had the hook been reasonably
safe." Keast v. Santa Ysabel Gold Min. Co., 68 Pac. Rep. 771.
2 Chicago &c. Coal Co. v. Moran, 110 HI. App. 664; 210111. 9; 71 N.
E. Rep. 38.
§ 292 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 313
ant assumed the risk of the negligence of all other serv-
ants, in the same employment, regardless of the grade or
salary of the negligent employee. ^ The negligence of a
servant of one grade was held to be as much one of the
risks of the employment as the negligence of a servant of
another grade and it was regarded as unreasonable to hold
or apply the implied contract of the injured employee as
including servants of a lower grade, or those of an equality
with him, and to exclude servants of a higher grade, less
apt to be guilty of negligence, on account of their superior
skill and judgment. ^ This was regarded as too harsh a rule
to apply, as against the employee, to compel him to as-
sume the greater risk, under his implied contract, and
not that less apt to subject him to danger. Among
the more recent decisions there is a manifest tendency
to hold the rule not applicable as to an employee who
is injured by reason of the negligence of another em-
ployee possessing power of command or supei'intendence.*
Of this class of decisions, as well as those which have
created the " department doctrine," it may well be said:
" They are wiping out the old rule, as it was at common
law, and substituting a new rule of their own creation,
which the changing conditions of life may shortly prove as
unacceptable to their successors as the rules of the com-
1 Woods. New Bedford Coal Co., 121 Mass. 252; Petersons. White-
breast &c. Co., 50 Iowa, 673; Foley i;. Chicago &c. Co., 64 Iowa, 644;
Keystone Co. v. Newbury, 96 Pa. St. 246; Reese v. Biddell, 112 Pa. St.
72; Waddell v. Slmonson, 112 Pa. St. 567; Bartonshlll Coal Co. u.
Beed, 3 Macq. H. L. 266; Bartonshlll Coal Co. v. Maguire, 3 Macq. H.
L. 300; O'Connor v. Roberts, 120 Mass. 227; Caldwell v. Brown, 53
Pa. St. 453; Lee v. Iron Works, 62 Mo. 565; Berns v. Gaston Coal Co.,
27 W. Va. 285; Kielly v. Belcher Min. Co., 3 Saw. 437; Armour v. Kahn,
111 U. S. 313; Cooley Torts (2nd Ed.), p. 639; Lehigh Valley Coal Co.
V. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432 ; Quincy Mining Co. o. Kitts, 42 Mich. 34.
2 See Cooley Torts (2nd Ed.), p. 640 and cases cited.
3 McDermot v. Hannibal &c. Co., 87 Mo. 285; Carter ». Baldwin
(Mo. App.), 81 S. W. Kep. 204.
314 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 293
mon law are to them."i The bulwark of the law is its
adherence to precedents, and newly invented doctrines and
distinctions are usually dangerous pitfalls, both for courts
and litigants. No better illustration of this can be afforded
than the hopeless conflict in the decisions upon the doc-
trines of assumed risk and fellow-servants, owing to the
departures from the well trodden paths along which liti-
gants were early forced to travel.
§ 293. Vice-principals and fellow-servants distin-
guished. — Regardless of the reason or lack of reason that
prompted the drawing of a distinction between the risks
assumed by an employee, under his implied contract of
employment, arising from the negligence of different
fellow-servants, engaged in the same common employment
with him, the decisions of the courts of last resort of the
different States furnish abundant evidence that for many
years such a distinction has been recognized and the
servant is held to assume the risk of negligence only on
the part of those of equal or inferior station, and those who
have been empowered by the master with supervision or
control over him are very generally held to represent the
master to such an extent as to make him responsible for
their negligence.^ For many years the United States
Supreme Court recognized this distinction and held that
those in the same common employment, who were in-
trusted by the master with the power of command, were
not fellow-servants, but vice-principals, for whose negli-
1 Grattis V. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo., p. 394.
2 Smith V. Wabash Co., 92 Mo. 359 ; McKune v. Cal. &c. Co., 66 Cal.
302 J Chicago &c. Co. v. McLallan, 84 111. 109; Pittiburg Co. v. De-
vinney, 17 Ohio (N. S.), 197; Johnson v. Pittsburg Co., 114 Pa. St. 443;
Moon V. Richmond Co., 78 Va. 745; Sioux City Co. v. Smith, 36 N. W.
Rep. 285; Ash worth v. Stanwix, 3 El. & El. 701; Mellors v. Shaw, 1
Best & S. 437; Cooley Torts, p. 639, Sec. 543, (2 ed.); Dresser Emp.
Liab., p. 196; Labatt Mas. & Serv. (Vol. 2), Sec. 508.
§ 294 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 315
gence he was legally responsible, ^ but of more recent
jears, no doubt on account of the hopeless conflict in the
authorities that the application of such a distinction pro-
duced, the Supreme Court has returned to the doctrine as
it was applied at common law, holding that all servants
are \^ithiu the fellow-servant rule who are engaged in the
same common employment, regardless of the grade or
station.^ Since the Supreme Court overruled its previous
decisions upon the doctrine of vice-principalship, the
Courts of some of the different States have also commenced
to retrace their steps, ■* but this is principally true of the
line of decisions in railroad cases,* and although the
Supreme Court has broadly held that an employee in a
mine, intrusted with full power of control, with a right
to hire and discharge employees, is not a vice-principal,
but a fellow-servant ,5 the courts of the different mining
States have not yet commenced to follow this decision,
but continue to apply the rule of vice-principalship, as
furnishing a liability against the master. 6
§ 294. Same — Character of act the proper test. —
The determination of the question of whether or not an
employee is a fellow-servant, or a vice-principal, so as to
render the master liable for his negligence, by which another
employee is injured, does not depend upon the grade of the
service in which the negligent employee is acting, but on
1 C. & M. Co. V. Boss, 112 U. S. 377 and cases cited.
2 Railroad v. Baugh, 149 U. S. 368 ; Railroad v. Hamby, 15i U. S. 349 ;
Railroad ». Peterson, 162 U. S. 346; Oaks v. Mase, 165 U. S. 363.
3 The Supreme Court of Missouri is slowly wending its way bact.
Grattis V. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo., pp. 402, 403.
* Ante, idem.
6 Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Co. v. Whelan, 168 U. S. 86.
« Bane v. Irwin, 72 S. W. Eep. 522; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep.
204.
316 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 294
the character of the act performed.^ Of course, in de-
termining the question of vice-principalship, the respective
duties and relations of the alleged vice-principal and his co-
employees are to be considered, as well as their relations
to the business generally and all the surrounding circum-
stances.^ If, in the performance of an alleged negligent
act, the servant acted for and represented the master, in a
duty that he himself owed to the injured servant, then the
negligent act, generally, would be held to be that of a vice-
principal,^ but, on the contrary, although the alleged vice-
principal, was empowered with command or supervision, if
the act complained of was one which he performed in his
capacity as a fellow-servant, then the master would not be
responsible.* The nature of the service and not the title
or rank of the given employee, is, therefore, the proper
test, as to whether he is a vice-principal or a fellow-serv-
ant, in the performance of the act complained of.^ The
1 " Whether a person is a vice-principal or a fellow-servant, so as to
render the master liable for his negligence by vfhich another servant is
injured, does not depend on the grade of service, but on the character of
the act performed." hkelton v. Pacific Co. (Cal. 1903), 74 Pac. Eep. 13.
" Whether employees of a common master are fellow-servants, so as to
relieve the master from liability for Injuries to one by the negligence of
another, Is to be determined by the nature of the act which caused the in-
jury, and not by a difference in the rank or grade of service between the
particular servants." Galvln v. Pierce, 54 Atl. Rep. 1014.
2 The determination of the question of whether two or more persons
are fellow -servants or not, depends not only on their respective duties
and relations, toward each other, but their relations to the business
generally and all the surrounding circumstances. Lebanon Coal & Min.
Ass'n V. Zerwick, 77 III. App. 486.
s Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 508., p. 1418.
^ Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Co. v- Whelen, 168 U. S. 86,
6 The nature of the service and not the title or rank of an employee, is
the proper test, as to whether he Is a vice -principal or fellow-servant.
He Is a vice-principal while engaged in duties that are absolute duties
of the master and while in the performance of other duties he Is, prop-
perly, a fellow-servant. Carlson v. N. W. T. E. Co., 68 Minn. 428j 65
N. W. Bep. 914.
§ 295 FELLOW-SERVAXrS IV MINES. 317
character of the act compLiined of and not the rank of
negligent employee is held to be the test in Oregon ; i grade
of the employment is held to be no criterion, in Iowa ; ^
this is likewise the rule in Pennsylvania ** and in California *
and in Indiana. ^
§ 295. Same — Duties delegated by the master. — As
to the duties owing by the master to his employees, treated
of in chapter three, if the master delegates any of such
duties, either as to providing a reasonably safe place, ap-
pliances, machinery or competent employees, to an agent,
he is responsible for the acts of such agent, in the line of
his duties, for to hold otherwise, would be to permit the
employer, by the act of delegation, to avoid all responsi-
1 The rank or grade of the employee, is not the test, in Oregon, to
determine whether a given act is that of a vice -principal, or a fellow-
servant, but the character of the act done itself. And this is the proper
test. Mast v. Kern, 34 Or. 247; 54 Pac. Pep. 950; 5 Am. Neg. Eep. 88.
2 Grade of employment is no criterion, in Iowa, for determining
whether a given employee is a fellow-servant or not. Wilson v. Dun-
reath Q.Co., 77 Iowa, 429.
* This Is the Pennsylvania rule, for there, if the employee acts for the
master, he is a vice-principal. Lebbering v. Struthers, 157 Pa. St. 312;
27 Atl. Rep. 720.
* This is also the rule in California. Nixon v. Smelting Co., 36 Pac.
Eep. 803.
5 Power of control Is not conclusive in Indiana, but the question of
whether, in the given act, he acted for the miner or for himself. New
Pittsburg Coal Co. v. Peterson, 35 N. E. Rep. 7. " la order to constitute
servants of the same master fellow-servants, within the rule exonerating
the master from liability, It is not enough that they be engaged in doing
parts of some work, or in promotion of some enterprise carried on by the
master not requiring co-operation or bringing the servants together, or
into such personal relations that they can exercise an influence upon each
other promotive of proper caution la respect to their mutual safety, but
it is essential that they shall be, at the time of the injury, directly co-
operating with each other in the particular business in hand, or that their
usual duties shall bring them into habitaal consociation, so that they
may exercise an Influence upon each other promotive of proper caution."
Orstot V. Indiana, I. & I. E. Co., 103 111. App. 136.
318 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 295
bility for a breach of duty.i Illustrative of this principle,
it is held in Pennsylvania, that one to whom the master
delegates the duty to inspect and repair machinery, is a
vice-principal;^ one intrusted with the duty of selecting
the place of work, is not a fellow-servant, in Illinois;*
Kansas,^ or Missouri ; ^ one given the general supervision of
machinery, is a vice-principal, in Michigan,^ and one given
the right to furnish the tools to employees is also held to
be a vice-principal ; ^ and for the violation of the duties
delegated in any of these cases, since the character of the
act is such that the master himself owes a personal duty to
his employees, the negligence of the one to whom he in-
1 This is also true as to orders given. Labatt Mas. and Serv., Sec.
541; Mitchellu. Robinson, 80 Ind. 281; Nat. Co. v. Travis, 102 Tenn.
16; 49 S. W. Rep. 832; Brothers v. Carter, 52 Mo. 372; Paterson v. Wal-
lace, 1 Macq. H. L. 748; Devaney v. Iron Works, i Mo. App. 236;
Mayhew v. Mining Co., 76 Me. 100; Westville Coal Co. v. Swartz, 177
111. 272; 62 N. E. Rep. 276; Aaderon V. Bennett, 16 Or. 515; 19 Pac.
Rep." 765; Morgan v. Carbon Hill Co., 6 Wash. 677; 34 Pac. Rep. 152;
Huntingdon Coal Co. v. Decker, 84 Pa. St. 419; Paatzar v. Iron Mining
Co., 99 N. Y. 368; 2 N. E. Rep. 24.
2 "The person to whom a master delegates the duty to inspect and
repair is a vice-principal, whose neglect is that of the employer."
Lillie ». American Car and Foundry Co, (Pa. 1904), 53 Atl. Bep. 272.
3 Westville Coal Co. v. Swartz, 177 111. 272; 52 N. B. Rep. 276. " If
a master delegate his duty of furnishing the servant a safe place to
work, or safe appliances, the person delegated represents the master,
and is not a fellow-servant." Roche v. Denver & B. G. R. Co., 73 Pac.
Rep. 880.
1 " Where the master delegates the duty to provide his servants with
a reasonably safe place to work to an agent or employee such person
becomes a vice-principal, and the master is liable for his negligence."
Good Eye Min. Co. v. Robinson (Kan. 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 102.
s Bane v. Irwin, 72 S. W. Rep. 527.
* Oae whose duty it is to keep machinery in repair is not a fellow-
servant with one using it, in Michigan. Fox v. Spring Lake Iron Co.,
89 Mich. 387; 50 N. W. Rep. 872.
' One delegated by the master to furnish tools, is a vice-principal.
Lehigh Valley Co. w. Warreck, 84 Fed Rep. 866.
§ 29t) FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 319
trusts the performance of such a duty, is, in law, the
neclieence of the master. himself .^
§ 296. Same — Vice-principals pro tempore. — The
legal status of one temporarily filling the position of a vice-
principal has occupied the attention of the courts in a great
many cases. The employer is generally held responsible
for the negligence of a servant temporarily intrusted with
the power of superintendence or control over his co-em-
ployees, the same as he is for the negligence of one holding
the position permanently,^ and where the doctrine of vice-
principalship obtains there can seem to be no good reason
why one substituted for the vice-principal should not be
held to occupy his position, with reference to the accom-
1 Labatt Mas. and Serv., Sec. 540, pp. 1646 to 1549. One employed
to see that the place uf work is kept safe, is a vice-principal, in Indiana.
Linton Co. v. Persons, 11 Ind. App. 264; 39 N. E. Eep. 214. But, in
Michigan, an employee furnishing a defective appliance and one using
It, are held to be fellovy- servants, Rowley v. CoUian, 90 Mich, 31.
" The crew of men moving a tank was In charge of a man known as a
' hook tender,' whose duty it was to give directions as to the opera-
tions of the men and selection of appliances. Held, that the relation cf
the hook tender to the crew was that of a vice-principal." Bailey v.
Cascade Timber Co. (Wash. 1903), 73 Pac. Eep. 386. An employee,
failing to repair an appliance, and one using it, were held to be fellow-
servants, in Bwan v. Lippincott, 18 Va. 192. But see, contra, L. & N.
Co. V. Buck, 116 Ind. 566; Cincinnati &c. Co. v. McMuUen, 117 Ind. 439.
"An instruction, in an action for death of a miner from black damp,
that the positive duty of keeping good and sufScient ventilation in the
mine being on the operators, it mattered not who performed or assisted
in the work of ventilation, and if it was necessary to keep a chute open
as an airway, to make a good and sufficient ventilation in another
chute, and part of the duty of the loader was to keep the chute clear,
he was a vice-principal of the operators, and not a fellow- servant of
deceased, is proper." Czarecki v. Seattle and S. F. Ey. & Nav. Co.,
(Wash. 1902), 70 Pac. Eep. 750.
2 Eyan v. Los Angeles Co., 112 Cal. 244; 44 Pac. Eep. 471; 32 L. E.
A. 524; Steube v. Iron & Foundry Co., 85 Mo. App. 640; Greenway u.
Conroy, 160 Pa. St. 185; 28 Atl. Eep. 692; Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec,
609, p. 1421.
320 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 296
panying liability for his acts, on the part of the employer,
the same as the one in whose place he is acting at the time
an injury occurs. One to whom a power is given to hire
and discharge men and to superintend the underground
worls in a mine, is a vice-principal, although he customarily
makes a hand and labors with the miners,^ as the fact that
he sometimes labors with the others, as a laborer, will not,
of itself, exonerate the master from liability for his acts, in
the exercise of his authority over his fellow-employees.^
Accordingly, one with power to direct where drill holes
should be located, in a tunnel, is held to be a vice-principal,
in Oregon.^ A similarrule is adopted in Missouri* andllli-
nois 5 and an employee in a mining plant, to whom the
superintendent gave complete authority over the other
1 "One who hires and discharges men and superintends the under-
ground work of a mine, directing the men where and how to work, is a
vice-principal, although he works with the men and performs the same
character and grade o£ labor that they perform." Carter ». Baldwin, 81
S. W. Rep. 204. " Persons engaged In the service of the master, who are
intrusted by him with the management or direction of his general work,
or with some particular part thereof, are not fellow-servants with the
subordinate employees, but vice-principals." Johnson v. Union Pac
Coal Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 1089.
2 " The mere fact that a. servant, exercising control over the others,
sometimes or generally labors with the others as a common hand, will
not of itself exonerate the master from liability for such servant's negli-
gence in the exercise of his authority over the others." (1903) Consol-
idated Coal Co. V. Fleischbein, 109 111. App. 509, affirmed (190i) 69 N. E.
Eep. 963. " One who had authority as foreman In a brickyard when the
proprietor was away will be held to have had such authority when he
directed an employee to set bricks at a kiln, where he was injured by the
falling of a wall thereof, though the proprietor was in the yard, he having
been 100 yards away, behind another kiln." Browning v. Hasten, 80 S.
W. Rep. 354.
3 Anderson «. Bennett, 16 Oregon, 615; 19 Pac. Eep. 765.
* Oae iu control, with authority to direct the men under him, is a vice-
principal, in Missouri. Cox v. Syenite Granite Co., 30 Mo. App. 424.
See also, in Missouri, Bane v. Irwin, 72 S. W. Rep. 622.
« Con. Coil Co. V. Fleischbein, 109 111. App. 509; 69 N. E. Kep. 963.
§ 296 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 321
employees, would also generally be deemed a vice-principal
and not a fellow-servant.' But a fellow-servant, without
the master's authority, cannot, by his own act, convert
himself into a vice-principal; ^ he would only be held to be
such as to acts which, if done by the one in whose place he
was acting, would have the attribute of command or super-
vision,^ and for an act not in itself in the nature of superin-
tendence as where an employee was directed to construct a
scaffold,* or for an act in excess of the powers delegated,
although in the nature of supervision or control, the master
would not, generally, be liable for the conduct of one but
temporarily occupying the position of a vice-principal.^
1 '« w'here the superintendent of a mill gave an employee control over
the laborers engaged on a particular piece of work, requiring them to
obey his orders, he was not a fellow-servant of the other employees, but
a representative of the master." Hunt v. Desloge Consol. Lead Co.
(Mo. App. 1904), 79 S. W. Kep. 710.
2 " A fellow-servant, without a master's knowledge, cannot by as-
sumption of authority convert himself into a vice-principal." Hilton &
Dodge Co. V. Ingram (Ga. 1904), 46 S. E. Rep. 895.
3 March v. Toledo &c. Co., 113 Mich. 154; 71 N. W. Eep. 464.
* " One whom a foreman directs to build a scaffold for other servants
to work on is not, while engaged in the work of construction, a vice-
principal." Metzler v. McKenzie (Wash. 1904), 76 Pac. Kep. 114.
5 Finley v. Richmond &c. Co., 59 Fed. Rep. 419. "Plaintiff was en-
gaged in a quarry, in loading stone in a dump car, and running it to
where it was dumped; two other servants assisting in the dumping.
One of such servants, under the direction of the other, had placed a large
stone beside the track in such manner that, while plaintiff was assisting
in pushing the car, it fell on him and injured him. Plaintifi was subject
to the orders of the servant who directed the placing of the stone. Heidi
that the servants whose negligence caused the injury were fellow-servants
with plaintiff." Smallwood v. Bedford Quarries Co., 63 N. E. Rep. 869.
A mere passive consent, by a mine owner to directions given by one
employee to another, when unaccompanied by any duty, on the part of
the employee so directed to obey the other, will not render the employer
liable for the negligent directions of the employee who assumes to give
the injured employee orders. Texas & Pacific Coal Co. v. Manning
(Texas), 78 S. W. Rep. 545.
21
322 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 298
§ 297. Temporary superintendence of work, as co-
employee, not decisive. — The mere fact that one of a
number of employees who are all accustomed to work in
the same general employment, has power to control the
actions of the other employees in such service, does not,
of itself, render the employer liable for the negligent acts
of the governing servant, without regard being had to
other circumstances.^ Nor would the mere fact that an
emploj'ee sometimes, or generally, labored with other em-
ployees, as a common laborer, of itself exonerate the mas-
ter from liability for such servant's negligence, in the
exercise of his authority over the other employees, ^ but
the question of the exact status of the employees and the
relation each bears to the other must be determined from
all the facts and circumstances in evidence, without refer-
ence to any particular fact, as a decisive test.^
§ 298. Miners engaged in same common work, fellow-
servants. — The authorities are quite generally agreed that
all miners or other laborers in or about mines, who are
engaged in the same common employment, with the same
common object of excavating, removing and drilling the,
ore, or treating it, in any of its different phases, are all
1 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Fleishbein, 109 111. App. 609; 69 N. E.
Kep. 963.
2 Cousolidated Coal Co. u. Fleishbein, supra.
3 Southern Indiana Co. v. Moore (Ind. App. 1904), 71 N. E. Eep. 516.
In Missouri, the St. Louis Court of Appeals recently held that an em-
ployee of a mill, given authority by the superintendent to direct a given
work, and requiring the employees to obey him, was a vice-principal.
Hunt V. Desloge Con. Lead Co., 104 Mo. App. 377; 79 S. W. Rep. 710;
Brovfning v. Kasten, 80 S. W. Rep. 354. But a different rule is an-
nounced, in Washington, and one vphom a foreman directs to build a
scaffold, is not, while so engaged, a vice-principal, in that State. Metz-
ler V. McKenzie, 34 Wash. 470; 76 Pac. Rep. 114. The rule in Missouri,
seems to be adhered to in Utah. Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co., 76
Pac. Eep. 1089.
§ 298 FELLOW-SEKVANTS IN MINES. 323
fellow-servants, for whose negligeace, the master is not
responsible.! It is not necessary that all the employees
should be engaged in the same particular work, to consti-
tute them fellow-servants, but it is sufficient if the risk
could reasonably be said to be within the servant's implied
contract of assumption of risk, as contemplated by the
injured employee.^ Whether it is necessary that the negli-
gent employee should have been engaged in the same de-
partment of the service as that with the injured servant, is
decided differently in the different States, according to the
acceptance or rejection of the department doctrine.^ In
1 " Parties engaged ia the commoa employment of removing ore from
a mine, wiietlier occupied in blasting, picking, loading or wiieeling out
the ore, are fellow-servants, within the rule exempting their employer
from liability for injuries received from the negligence of servants em-
ployed in the same line of employment." Kielly v. Belcher Silver Mining
Co., 3 Sawyer, 500; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 11; Wood v. New Bedford Coal
Co., 121 Mass. 252; Bartonshill Coal Co. v. McGuire, 3 Macq. H. L. Cas.
300; Sheehan V. Prosser, 25 Mo. App. 669; Livingood o. Joplin Lead &
Zinc Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 1077; Quincy Mining Co. v. Kitts, 42 Mich. 34;
3 N. W. Eep. 240; Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Co. v. Whelan, 168 U-
S. 86; Adams v. Iron ClifE Co., 78 Mich. 271; 44 N. W. Rep. 270; Camp
V. Hall, 39 Fla. 536; 22 So. Eep. 992; Snyder v. Viola Min. & Smel. Co.,
2 Idaho, 771; 26Pac. Rep. 127; Hall w. Johnson, 34 L. J. Exch. (n. s.) 222;
Traughear v. Coal Co., 62 Iowa 576; 17 N. W. Eep. 776; Coal Creek Co.
V. Davis, 90 Tenn. 711; 18 S. W. Rep. 378; Cerillos Coal Co. v. Deser-
rant, 9 N. M. 49; 49 Pac. Eep. 807; reversed in 178 U. S. 570; Braun v.
King, 100 Fed. Eep. 501.
2 " It is not necessary that the workman causing and workman sustain-
ing the injury, should both be engaged in the same particular work. It
is sufficient if they are In the employment of the same master, engaged in
the same common work and performing services for the same general
purpose." Lehigh Valley Coal Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432; 10 Mor.
Min. Rep. 30; Delaware & Hudson Canal Co. v. Carroll, 89 Pac. St. 374 ;
A miner paid by the ton, for coal mined, is a fellow-servant with minera
paid by the day. Cerrillos Coal Co. v. Deserant, 9 N. M. 49; 49 Pac.
Rep. 807. " Employees subject to the same general control of a common
master and whose labor conduces to the same general purpose, are fel-
low-servants." CoUey w. Southern Oil Co. (Ga. 1904'), 47 S. E. Rep. 932.
° for discussion of this question see Labatt, Mas. & Serv. Sees 495
and 496 and cases cited.
324 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 299
Missouri,! aad tiie Supreme Court of the Uaited States,^
tills doctrine has been repudiated, as without foundation
or reason to support it and as incompatible with the com-
mon law doctrine on the subject, and indeed it seems unfair
to the servant to apply his common law implied contract to
the more frequent risks of those with whom he is constantly
in contact and to deny the application of his contract to
the less frequent risks of those with whom he is less liable
to come in contact; it is also disputed that the implied con-
tract is susceptible of such subdivision and if it is not a
denial of the master's common law defense to so divide it,
or apportion the risks that the employee ought and those
that he ought not assume, when they are all incidental to
his service.^
§ 299. Common law rule followed in Colorado. — The
holding by the United States Supreme Court, in Alaska
Treadwell Gold Mining Company v. Whalen,* following the
salutary rule of the common law, has been recently fol-
lowed by the United States Circuit Court of Appeals in
Colorado, where it was held that the fact that a shift boss
in a mine had power to temporarily suspend workmen,
would not render him a vice-principal, so as to charge the
master with a knowledge, on his part, of the incompetency
of a fellow-servant, by whose negligence the plaintiff was
injured. The court held that the shift boss was a mere
fellow-servant of the plaintiff, of a superior grade, for
1 Grattis v. K. C. P. &. G. Co., 153 Mo. 394.
2 Alaska Treadwell Gold Min. Co. v. Whelaa, 168 U. S. 86.
3 Labatt Mas. & Serv., supra; Grattis v. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo.
394. A common, ordinary laborer, employed about a mine, but not
working with the miners, has been held not to be a co-servant with the
miners at work in the ground. James «. Emmet Mining Co., 56 Mich.
^35.
* 168 U. S. 86-88.
§ 300 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 325
whose negligence the master would, in no sense, be re-
sponsible.^
§ 300. Mine superintendent and miners. — A mine
superintendent is usually one who has the entire charge
and control of the mine, both on the top of the ground
and the underground workings, and who, in the practical
operation of the mine, represents the owner and acts for
him, in his absence. ^ It is quite customary for him to
delegate certain duties to a foreman or boss, both upon the
surface and in the ground and the relative position of the
" foreman " or " boss " and the miners will be discussed
in the section following. On account of the direct super-
vision and entire control on the part of a mine superintend-
ent and the fact that he seldom or rarely engages in labor
with the miners, and is, consequently, not so situated that
his conduct can be observed by them, it is held that he is
a vice-principal and his negligence is not a risk assumed
by the miners.'* But in many of the mining States, even
a general superintendent is held to be a fellow-servant,
upon the common law idea that all engaged in the same
common employment, are fellow-servants, regardless of
the grade of the service* and where the rule obtains, un-
less the employer was negligent in employing such super-
intendent, there would be no resulting liability for an injury
1 Weeks v. Scharer, 129 Fed, Rep. 333.
2 Bane v. Irwin, 72 S. W. Eep. 522; Carter «. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep.
205; Livingood v. Jopliu Min. Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 1077; Northern Pac.
Coal Co. V. Richmond, 58 Fed. Eep. 756; Riou v. Rockport Granite Co.,
171 Mass. 162; 50 N. E. Rep. 525.
s Berea Stone Co. v. Kraft, 31 Ohio St. 287; 27 Amer. Rep. 510; 10
Mor. Min. Rep. 16; Ryan v. Bagley, 50 Mich. 179; 45 Amer. Rep. 35;
Northern Pac. Coal Co. v. Richmond, 58 Fed. Rep. 756.
4 Collier v. Stelnhart, 51 Cal. 116; Hall v. Johnson, 9 Mor. Min. Rep.
686; Peterson v. Whitebreast Co., 50 Iowa, 673; 32 Amer. Rep. 143.
" Where an employee was injured through the negligence of the superin-
tendent directing the work, the doctrine of fellow-servants does noc
apply." Borden v. Falk Co., 71 S. W. Rep. 478.
326 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 301
caused by his negligence, either in giving an order or doing
a negligent act.^
§ 301. Conflict of authorities, regarding mine fore-
man and miner. — The decisions of the different mining
States are in hopeless conflict upon the question of the
proper status of a mine foreman, who has power to hire
and discharge the men worlsing under him, but who makes
a regular laborer with his men, for these are the ordinary
functions of the usual mine foreman. The considerations
1 A superintendent of a stone quarry and a laborer therein are fellow-
servants, in Georgia. City Council of Augusta v. Owens, lU Ga. 464;
36 S. E. Rep. 830. " Evidence that the ' boss ' of about twenty-two
men at work on a quarry was the only man that gave directioas, and was
empowered to discharge men, and was accustomed to mark places where
drilling was to be done, but did no drilling, was sufflcient to sustain a
finding that he was a superintendent, whose principal duty was that of
superintendence, within the meaning of the statute relating to the lia-
bility of the master." Mahoney v. Bay State Pink Granite Co., 68 N. E.
Eep. 234. " A common laborer is not a fellow-servant of the superin-
tendent or a foreman under whose directions he worked." Kelly v.
Stewart, 93 Mo. App. 47. A superintendent of a stone quarry, in Massa-
chusetts, as to an act in the line of tlie regular service of a workmin, is a
fellow- servant and not a vice-principal. Riou v. Kockport Granite Co.,
171 Mass. 162; 50 N. E. Eep. 525. For an injury from the negligence of
a superintendent, in ordering machinery started suddenly, without notice
or warning to plaintiff, as a result of which he was injured, see Mathews
V. Daly West Min. Co. (Utah, 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 722. The superin-
tendant in a mine is not a fellow-servant with an independent contractor,
who contracts ti break down rock, at so much per foot, in the defend-
ant's mine. Mayhew v. Sullivan Mining Co , 76 Me. 100. " Defendant
operated a railroad to carry coal from its pits to its refining works. The
track descended on a trestle about thirteen feet high, with a grade part
of tiie distance of about six feet. Such trestle was built by servants
under the d irection of a superintendent. It was not shown that the super-
intendent had complete supervision of the work, with a right to select
and discharge workmen, and power to procure machinery necessary to
perform the work. Held, that the evidence failed to show the superin-
tendent more than a fellow-servant, and hence did not charge defendint
with liability." Maryland Clay Co. v. Goodnow (Md. 1902), 51 Atl. Rep.
^92.
^ 301 FELLOW- SERVANTS IN MINES. 327
which prompt the decisions that hold hira to be a fellow-
servant are that he is engaged in the same common em-
ployment, to attain the same common end; is in a position
where his fellow-servants can observe his movements and
iivoid the result of his negligence, to the same extent as
that of any other employee, and that it is a denial of
the common law defense of assumed risk to discriminate
between different employees in the master's common
employment and a denial of the servant's rights, to
compel him to assume the risks of those less skilled
in the employment and hold that he does not as-
sume the dangers from the negligence of those
less apt to cause an injury to him. For these rea-
sons the Supreme Court of the United States holds
that a mine foreman and miner are fellow-servants,
although the former has power to hire and discharge
the men working under his orders.^ A similar view ob-
tains in Pennsylvania,^ Minnesota,^ Virginia,* New york,^
1 A mine foreman and miner are fellow-servants, in Federal Supreme
Court. AlaskaGold Min. Co. K. Whelan, 168 U. S. 86; 42L. Ed. 390. A
mine foreman held to be a fellow-servant in What Cheer Coal Co. v.
Johnson, 66 Fed. Rep. 810. A foreman of a quarry and his men are
fellow-servants. Balch v. Haas, 73 Fed. Eep. 974; Reed v. Stockmeyer,
74 Id. 186.
2 Mine foreman and miner are fellow-servants, in Pennsylvania. Le-
high Valley Coal Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432 ; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 30.
Whether appointed by the master or acting under the statute. Dela-
ware Co. V. Carroll, 89 Pa. St. 374; 10 Mor. Min. Eep. 47.
3 A mine foreman, in Minnesota, held to be a fellow-servant, in Dixon
V. Union Iron WorkSj 90 Miun. 492; 97 N. W. Rep. 376. But see, contra,
Borgeson v. Cook Stone Co., 97 N. W. Rep. 734.
4 A member of a gang of men employed in a lime quarry, who works
with the others, but acts as a foreman, also, is a fellow-servant, in Vir-
ginia, Moore Lime Co. v. Richardson, 95 Va, 326; 28 S. E. Rep. 334;
64 Am. St. Rep. 786.
« A mine foreman and his workmen are fellow-servants, in New York,
Vosheiskey v. Hillside Coal Co., 47 N. Y. Supp. 386.
328 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES, § 301
Wisconsin,! jjg^ Jersey,^ Maryland,^ and Cali-
fornia.* But in Ohio,s Michigan,' Montana,' Colo-
rado,^ Kansas,^ Texas," Illinois," Missouri,!^ and
1 A foreman of a gang of men, erecting a sca&old, was held to be a
fellow-servant, in Wisconsin. Stutz u. Armour, 84 Wis. 623; 54 N. W.
Eep. 1000.
2 A mire foreman and his men are held to be fellow-Sfcrvants, in New
Jersey, in the case of Gllmore v. Oxford Iron Co., 56 K. J. L. 39 ; 25
Atl. Eep. 707.
s State V. Quarry Co., 65 Atl. Hep. 366.
^ Foreman is a fellow-servant in California. Stephens v. Doe, 73
Cal. 26.
« A foreman In charge of hands, is not a fellow, but a superior serv-
ant in Ohio. Berea Stone Co. v. Kraft, 31 Ohio St. 287; 27 Am. Eep.
510; lOMor. Min. Eep. 16.
8 A mine foreman is a vice-principal in Michigan. Eyan v. Bagaly, 60
Mich. 179; 45 Am. Eep. 35.
' A mine foreman, with power to hire and discharge men, is a vice-
principal in Montana. Kelly v. Fourth of July Min. Co., 16 Mont. 484 ;
41 Pac. Eep. 273.
8 A foreman in a quarry is a vice-principal, not a fellow-servant, in
Colorado. Lantry ». Silverman, 1 Cclo. App. 404; 29 Pac. Eep. 180.
9 Foreman vice-principal of miner, in Kansas. Morbach v. Home
Mining Co., 63 Kan. 731; 37 Pac. Eep. 122. See also Con, K. C, Smelt-
ing Co. V. Peterson, 66 Pac. Eep. 673.
10 i( Where plaintifE was employed by the superintendent, and told to
report to a foreman, and plaintiff was not instructed in his duties, or
warned of danger by the superintendent, and the plaintiff and others
were called by the foreman to assist him in starting an elevator belt on
certain machinery managed by him, the foreman was a vice -principal,
and not a fellow-servant of plaintifE." Waxahachle Oil Co. v. M.cLain,
66 S. W. Eep. 226.
" A foreman employed by the master to take control of a particular
branch of the business is not a fellow- servant of the employees under
his control, but he is a vice-principal, so that his negligence is Imput-
able to the master. Missouri Malleable Iron Co. v. Dillon (111. 1903),
60 N. E. Eep. 12; 206 111. 145.
12 " A foreman in charge of a crew of miners is not a fellowservant
with the men while taking part in their work, so as to relieve the mus-
ter from the liability of his negligence in doing the work." Donnelly v.
Aida Min. Co., 77 S. W. Eep. 180. " The instruction that the negli-
gence of the foreman in failing to notify plaintiff was that of the de-
fendants was not erroneous, as authorizing a recovery notwithstanding
§ 302 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 329
Utah,i tjje foreman is held to be a vice-principal of the
men working under him, in the mine.
§ 302. Employees and foreman of different sbifts. —
In the sense that all employees are fellow-servants who are
engaged in the same general work and the object of whose
services is to attain the same common purpose, the fore-
man of one shift or force of men in a mine and the
foreman of another shift, ought to be held to be fellow-
servants and so ought the employees under the different
foremen, but upon this question, as most other similar
propositions in the law of fellow-servants and master and
servant, the decisions of the different States are inharmo-
nious. In Wisconsin, a member of a day shift has been
held to be a fellow-servant with a member of the night
shift ; ^ the Federal court has also held that two foremen
of different shifts of men, at work in a mine, are fellow-
plaintiff knew of the change, it the foreman failed to notify him there-
of." Chambers ». Chester (Mo. 1903),72S. W. Rep. 904. A ground
foreman and miner are held, by the Missouri Supreme Court, not to be
fellow-servants, In the recent case of Bane v. Irwin, 72 S. W. Rep. 622.
A foreman and miner are held to be vice-principal and subordinate by
both the Kansas City and St. Louis Courts of Appeals, in Strode v.
Conkey, 78 S. W. Rep. 678 and Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
1 Ground foreman vice -principal in Utah. Cunningham v. N. P. Co.,
4 Utah, 206; 7 Pac. Eep. 795; Trihay v. Brooklyn Co., i Utah, 468; 11
Pac. Rep. 612; Eeddon v. M. P. Co., 5 Utah, 344; 16 Pac. Eep. 262. In
Alaska United God Mining Co. v. Muset (114 Fed. Rep. 66), a ground
foreman is held to be a vice- principal; but this is in opposition to the
rule laid down by the Supreme Court, in Alaska United Gold Mining Co.
V. Whelen, 168 U. S. 85-88. " The foreman of one shift of men alter-
uating with others in working in a mine is a fellow -servant with the
members of the other shifts, and the master is not liable for an injury
to one of the men caused by the negligence of the foreman of the pre-
ceding shift." Davis ». Trade Dollar Consol. Min. Co. (U. S. C. C. A.,
IdBho, 1902), 117 Fed. Rep. 122.
2 A member of a day shift is a fellow-servant with a member of the
night shift, in Wisconsin. Van Den Heuvel v. Furnace Co., 84 Wis. 636;
E4N. W. Rep. 1016.
330 FELLOW-SEEVANTS IN MINES. § 303
servants,! and in Utah, " pushers, " in charge of different
shifts of men have been held to be fellow-servants with
the men on the different shifts working under their orders.^
But in Washington, workmen under different superin-
tendents are held not to be fellow-servants, ^ and a shift
boss of another crew of men than the one on which an em-
ployee was injured as a result of his negligence, is held
not to be a fellow-servant with such " boss " * and both in
Massachusetts 5 and the Federal court,^ employees of
different foremen, working under different contracts or
employers, are held not to be fellow-servants.
§ 303. Kelation of "pit boss" and miners. — The
" pit boss " of a mine occupies practically the same rela-
tion toward the miners that a ground foreman does and
the terms are often used interchangeably, to denote the
1 The two foremen of different shifts of men in a mine are fellow-
servants. Davis V. Co. Mining Co., 117 Fed. Eep. 122.
2 " Pushers, " In charge of difEerent shifts of men, ia a mine, are
fellow -servants, with such men, in Utah. Anderson v. Daly Min. Co.,
16 Utah, 28; 50 Pac. Kep. 815.
3 Workmen under difEerent superintendents, are not fellow -servants,
in Washington. Uren v. Golden Co., 24 Wash. 261; 64 Pac. Eep. 174.
^ A shift boss of another crew than that wher§ a miner was engaged
in work, was not a fellow-servant, in Washington. Shannon v. Con.
Poorman Min. Co., 24 Wash. 261; 64 Pac. Eep. 174,
5 Servants ot different contractors are not fellow-servants, in Massa-
chusetts, where they are under difEerent foremen. Morgen v. Smith, 159
Mass. 670; 35 N. E. Eep. 101.
6 " Whereaseaman was injured bytbe falling of a mast, caused by its
being struck by a bucket of ore being hoisted from the hold by a derrick
engineer employed by a difEerent master from the owner of the vessel,
the seaman and the derrick engineer were not fellow-servants. " Eobin-
son V. Pittsburg Coal Co., 129 Fed. Eep. 824. A shift boss, in a mill,
delegated by the superintendent with power over the men, with the riglt
to direct them when and how to work, and whose orders they were
required to obey, is held, by the Missouri Court of Appeals, to be a vice-
principal of the men under his orders. Hunt v. Besloge Con. Lead Co,
104 Mo. App. 377.
§ 303 FELLOW- SERVANTS IN MINES. 331
miner intrusted with the supervision and power of com-
mand over the laborers in a mine or drift. Both are gen-
erally themselves under the orders of a superior, known as
the superintendent and both usually labor with the men in
the mine and aside from directing the work, make a hand
with the other laborers. Hence, the same considerations
that induce the courts to hold that a ground foreman is a
fellow-servant with the miners, lead to alike determination
in regard to the " pit boss " and in the States where a
foreman is held to be a fellow and not a superior servant
with the miners, the ground, or " pit boss," is held to
occupy a similar position and in those States where a dif-
ferent view is entertained, he is held to be a vice-principal.
Accordingly, in the United States Supreme Court, i in West
Virginia, 2 New Mexico,^ Pennsylvania,* Michigan,^ Indi-
1 Alaska Treadwell Gold Min. Co. v. Whelan, 168 U. S. 85. " Where
a shift boss la a mine had no power to hire or discharge a workman
under him, but was merely a fellow -servant of plaintiff of a superior
grade or class, the fact that he had power to temporarily suspend work-
men did not render him a vice-principal, so as to charge the master with
the knowledge of such shift boss as to the incompetency of a fellow-
servant, by whose negligence plaintiff was injured." Weeks v. Scbarer,
(U. S. C. C. A., Colo., 1904), 129 Fed. Rep. 333.
2 A mine boss, employed under West Virginia Code, and a miner are
fellow-servants. Williams ». Thacker Coal Co., 4i W. Va. 599; 30 S.
E. Rep. 107; 40 L. R. A. 812.
s A pit boss and miner are fellow-servants. In New Mexico, but a
"fire boss" appointed under the statute is a vice -principal. Cerillos
Coil Co. V. Deserant, 9 N. M. 495; 55 Pac. Rep. 290; 6 Am. Neg. Rep.
206. But see, for reversal of same case, 178 U. S. 409.
* A mine boss and miner are fellow-servants, in Pennsylvania. Haley
V. Kein, 151 Pa. St. 117; 25 All. Rep. 98; Velas v. Patten Coal Co., 197
Pa. St. 380; 47 Atl. Rep. 360; Lineoski v. Susquehanna Coal Co., 157
Pa. St. 153; 27 Atl. Rep. 577. But see, contra. Weaver v. Iselin, 161 Pa.
St. 386; 29 Atl. Rep. 49. A slate-picker boss and his workmen under
him, are fellow-servants, in Pennsylvania. McCool v. Lucas Coal Co.,
24 Atl. Rep. 350.
5 A shift boss in a mine, in Michigan, is a lellow-servant with his
■workmen. Petaja v. Aurora Iron Min. Co., 106 Mich. 463; 66 N. W, Rep.
951; 32 L. R. A. 438.
332 FELLOW-SEKVANTS IN MINES. § 304
ana,i and West Virginia,^ the " pit boss " is held to be a
fellow-servant with the miners, working under his orders,
while in Illinois, ^ Wisconsin,* Missouri,^ and Kansas, ^ the
" pit boss " is held to be a vice-principal.
§ 304. " Mining captain " and miners. — Analogous to
the position of " pit boss," in some of the mining States,
is that of the " mining captain," who usually has charge
of a crew of miners and, under the general supervision of
a " manager " or superintendent, has direction and control
of the men placed under his care, whether he is engaged to
labor with the men or merely to direct their work. Both
at common law,^ and under the rule announced by the
United States Supreme Court, ^ such an employee
would be held a fellow-servant with the men under hig
1 A tuQuel boss and a laborer In the tunnel, were held to be fellow-
servants, In Indiana. Ross v. Union Cement & Lime Co., 25 Ind. App.
463;58N. B. Rep. 600.
2 Iq Virginia, the leader, or boss, of a gang of hands, himself under
a superior, is a fellow-servant with such hands. Richmond L. M. Worlis
V. Ford, 94 Va. 627; 27 S. E. Rep. 509.
3 A boss of a night shift, in Illinois, is a vice-principal, with his men.
Con. Coal Co. v. Wombacher, 31 111. App. 288. Pit boss is vice-principal,
in Illinois. Con. Coal Co. v. Wombacher, 134 111. 67; 24 N. E. Rep. 627.
* A shift boss and miner are not fellow-servants, in Wisconsin,
McMahon v. Ida Mining Co., 95 Wis. 308; 70 N. W. Rep. 478.
6 "The relation of vice-principal borne by a mine boss towards a
miner is not altered by the fact that there is a general superintendent,
who has supervision of both." Bane v. Irwin (Mo. 1903), 72 S. W. Rep.
522. See also Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
6 Worbach v. Heine Min. Co., 53 Kan. 731; 37 Pac. Rep. 122; Con. K.
C. Smelting Co. «. Peterson, 56 Pac. Rep. 673. In Pennsylvania a miner,
and " ground boss" are also held to be fellow-servants in Reese v. Bid-
dle, 112 Pa. St. 72; Haley ». Kein, 151 Pa. St. 117; Redstone Coke Co.
V. Roby, 115 Pa. St. 364. And see, also. Keystone Co. v. Newberg, 96
Pa. St. 246.
' BartonshiU Coal Co. v. Reid, 3 Macq. H. L. Gas. 266; Wood v. New
Bedford Coal Co., 121 Mass. 252; Quincy Min. Co. v. Kitts, 42 Mich. 34.
8 Alaska Gold Min. Co. v. Whelan, 168 U. S. 85.
§ 306 FELLOW-SEKVANTS IN MINES. 333
orders; but he is held not to be a fellow-servant in
Michigan. 1
§ 305. Inspector vice-principal of miner. — As a gen-
eral rule, all those employed by the master in a capacity
wherein they represent him in the performance of some
non-delegable duty, placed upon him by the law, such as to
provide a reasonably safe place, to make inspections and to
provide reasonably safe appliances and give proper and
reasonable orders, are held to be vice-principals with those
depending upon the proper performance of duties so de-
volving upon the master, as a matter of law.^ Accord-
ingly, it is held that a miner, intrusted with the duty of
going through the mine, from time to time, and inspecting
it, to ascertain if it is free from standing gas, discharges a
personal duty of the master in so doing, and while so en-
gaged he is not a fellow-servant with the other miners,
depending upon the proper discharge of such duties by the
inspector.^
§ 306. " Underlooker " and miner fellow-servants. —
Almost identical with the duties of a mine inspector of
more recent years, were those of an "underlooker" of
some of the earlier cases, in different mining sections, such
term being applied to expert miners who were employed to
examine the roof of the mine and timber, or prop it, when
1 A " mining captain " and tlie miners under his orders, have been
held not to be fellow-servants, in Michigan. Ryan v, Bageley, 60 Mich.
179; 45 Amer. Rep. 35.
2 Olson V. Oregon Coal&c. Co., 96 Fed. Rep. 109; Crispins. Babbitt,
81 N. Y. 516; 37 Amer. Rep. 521 ; Deep Min. & Devel. Co. v. Fitzgerald,
21 Colo, 633; 43 Pac. Rep. 210; Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 543, p. 1655.
" An inspector and miner are held not to be fellow -servants, in Gowan
V. Bush, 76 Fed. Rep. 349 ; 18 Mor. Min. Rep. 433. And so are inspectors,
employed under statute, and the miners, in Indiana. Neutz v. Jackson
Hill Coal Co., 38 N. E. Rep. 324. See also, Linton Co. v. Persons, 11
Ind. App. 264; 39 N. B. Rep. 214.
334 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 307
an inspection showed timbering or props to be necessary.
In accordjinee with the common law doctrine that all em-
ployees, regardless of the grade or character of the service,
were fellow-servants, an " underlooker " and the miners at
work under the roof he was engaged to inspect, were held
to be fellow-servants. 1
§ 307. Holster-man or " eager " and miner fellow-
servants. — Employees in charge of a bolster or cage and
those engaged in a mine, as miners, are so far engaged in
the same common employment as to constitute them fel-
low-servants and this rule obtains even in those States
where the different department doctrine and that of con-
sociation of duties is recognized by the courts. For in-
stance, in Tennessee, this doctrine obtains, and yet an
engineer of the hoisting apparatus and the tender
of a ventilating engine where held to be fellow-
servants;^ the same rule obtains in Illinois, where
an engineer of a holster and a tracklayer are held to be
fellow-servants.^ A hoister-man and miner are also held
to be fellow-servants, in Texas,* Michigan," Missouri,^
1 Au " underlooker " in a mine wiaose duty it is to examine the roof
of the mine and prop it, when dangerous, and a miner at work under
such roof, were held to be fellow-servants, in Hall v. Johnson, 3 Hurl.
& C. 589, and Kelly v. Howell, 41 Ohio St. 246.
2 Coal Creek Min. Co. v. Davis, 96 Tenn. 711; 18 S. W. Eep. 387
3 Niantic Coal Co. v. Leonard, 126 111. 216; 19 N. E. Rep. 294; Steam
V. Schlsthari, 21 111. App. 97.
* Roe V. Thomason, 61 S. W. Rep. 528,
5 Erickson v. Victor Copper Co., 90 N. W. Rep. 291.
6 " While in the performance of his duties at the bottom of the shaft,
decedent was struck on the head by a wheel falling off the car at the top
of the shaft, and killed. The pin fastening the wheel on the car had been
left out by the person in charge ot the car. Plenty of pins for the pur-
pose of fastening the wheel on the car were provided by defendant and
at the disposal of the employee operating the car. Held, that the death
f f decedent was due to the negligence of a fellow-servant. " Jackson v.
Lincoln Min. Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 80 S. W. Rep. 727. "The proximate
§ 307 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 335
Pennsylvania,^ and in the Federal court. ^ But an em-
ployee in a mine is not held to be a fellow-servant
with a foreman, who temporarily takes charge of
the engine operating the cage and attempts to raise
the miners out of the ground and for his negligence
in so doing, the master is held responsible, in lovva.^ Nor
would an employee of a lessee engaged to hoist ore from a
caase of injury to a miner at the bottom of a shatt from the reversal of
hoisting machinery and resulting fall of a bucliet iu consequence of a
fellow-servant's negligence is such negligence, and not the defendant
company's faiure to supply a brake, which would have checked the fall."
Luman v. Golden Ancient Channel Min. Co. (Ca,\. 1903), 74 Pac. Hep.
307.
1 " la the construction of an underground tunnel, rock and earth were
hauled in cars from the point where the excavation was being carried on,
to the foot of a shaft leading to the surface. Plaintifi hauled these cars,
and at the foot of the shaft turned them over to another man, who put
them on a steam-power elevator operated by an engine in charge of an
engineer on the surface. Held, in a suit for injuries against the em-
ployer, that plaintiff and the engineer were not fellow-servants." Judg-
ment (1901), 98 111 App. 483, affirmed. Duffy v. Kivilin, 63 N. E. Rep.
503 ; 195 111. 630. " Plaintiff was engaged to dig around rocks in a quarry,
and to attach chains thereto, so that they could be hoisted by a steam
crane. R. had charge of the work, as boss, which included the operation
of the crane. Plaintiff having attached a chain to a stone, it was lifted
up, and then lowered to stop its swinging, when plaintiff notified R. that
the chain was not right on the stone, and asked him to wait until he fixed
it. Plaintiff took hold of the chain, but E. Immediately ordered the en-
gineer to raise the stone, in which operation the chain caught plaintifE's
hand. Held, that the operation of the crane was theact of a servant, and
a duty which the mas ter was not authorized to delegate, and the negli-
gence of R. in prematurely ordering the engineer to hoist the stone was
the act of a fellow-servant, for which the master was not liable." Gal-
vin V. Pierce, 54 Atl. Rep. 1014.
2 Chapman ». Reynolds, 77 Fed. Rep. 274; Buckley v. Gould &c. Co.,
14 Fed. Rep. 833.
8 " Where the superintendent, who had immediate control and super -
vision over a mine, sent an engineer away from his post, and, though he
knew he was not a competent engineer, himself attempted to operate the
engine in lifting the cage carrying employees from the pit of the mine to
the surface, he was a vice-principal, for whose acts the employees were
liable to the employees under him." Beresford v. American Coal Co.
(Iowa, 1904), 98 N. W. Rep. 902.
336 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 308
miae and another employee of a different master, who
had the ore of different levels leased, be held to be fellow-
servants, as they are not under a common master, or respon-
sible to the same common employer, but are entirely differ-
ent and distinct employments. 1
§ 308. Blacksmith aud miner fellow-servants. — A
question arose, in Pennsylvania, as to the status of a black-
smith and a laborer on the car of a mining company,
injured as a result of the former's negligence. The evi-
dence showed that the blacksmith was employed to make
car links and other things necessary in the erection of a
plant for his employer; it was held that the plaintiff was
engaged in the same common employment and hence was a
fellow-servant.^ This is not in exact accord with the line of
cases which hold that an employee who is engaged to furnish
machinery, tools or appliances is not, as to such delegated
duties, peculiar to the master himself, afellow-servant, but a
vice-principal,^ but a similar rule was announced in the
case of Snyder v. Viola Mining Company, and a miner and
1 " A servant of a mining company working at the bottom of a shaft
which is operated by the company to hoist ore from the various levels of
the mine for lesees of the levels, and an employee of a lessee allowing
ore to fall and injure the former, are not fellow-servants." Union Gold
MiQ. Co. V. Crawford, 69 Pac. Rep. 600.
^ A blactssmith making a liak for a car, and a laborer on the car, are
fellow-servants. Buck v. N. J. Zinc Co., 204 Pa. 132; 53 Kep. 740; 60
L. R. A. 453.
3 McLain w. Sewall Co., 61 Cal. 255; Hoosier State Co. y. McLain,
133 Ind. 231; 31 N. B. Rep. 956; Angusta v. Owens, 111 Ra. 464; 36
S. E. Rep. 830; Richmond Granite Co. v. Bailey, 92 Va. 554; 24 S. E.
Kep. 232; Labatt Mast. Serv., Sec. 543, p. 1555. " Where plaintiff's
Intestate, a blacksmith's helper in a machine shop, was killed by the
explosion of a piston head while it was being heated by H., who was
employed at a forge adjoining that at which plaintiff's intestate worked
H., not having been instructed by defendant with any duty with regard
to other employees, was decedent's fellow- servant, for whose negligence
defendant was not liable." Duff v. Williamelte Iron & Steel Works
(Or. 1904), 78 Pac. Rep. 363.
§ 309 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 337
blacksmith, ia the same common employment, were held
to be fellow-servants. 1
§ 309. Employees using same scaffold are fellow-
servants. — The rule that those are regarded as fellow-
servants, for whose negligence the employer is not respons-
ible, whenever the general object of the service is the same,
or the employees are so situated as to be able to observe
the conduct of each other and report any remissness of
duty to a superior, has been held, in Michigan, to apply to
employees engaged upon a scaffolding or staging, and for
an injury to one of such employees, from the negligent act
of another, there could be no recovery from the employer.^
But if the injury to such an employee was caused by defec-
tive material furnished for a scaffold, by the employer, the
fact that a fellow-servant's carelessness, in using such
material, contributed to produce the injury, would not relieve
the employer from liability, for he is responsible for
injuries from the concurrent negligence of himself and a
fellow-servant of the injured employee. 3
1 A blacksmith and miner are fellow-servants- Snyder ». Viola Min.
Co., 26 Pac. Eep. 127.
2 Haas V, Marritt, 62 Mich. 386: " Where a foreman and an employee
are laboring together, unloading stone with a derrick, negligence of the
foreman in such work Is negligence of a fellow-servant." Dolese &
Shepard Co. v. Schultz, 101 111. App. 669. " Where a carpenter em-
ployed with others on the repair of a hoase acted as foreman of the
work, his negligence In constructing a scaffolding or in causing the same
to be constructed was not the negligence of a fellow-servant as to the
other servants, notwithstanding that at other times he labored with them
In the common employment." Neves v. Green, 86 S. W. Rep. 608. " A
servant engaged in loading pieces of stone into a box attached to the
arm of a derrick is a fellow-servant with one whose sole duty it is to
observe when the box has been filled, and to give notice to the engineer
to elevate the box; the latter servant being vested with no power of con-
trol over the other workmen, and the master being represented by an-
other person." Shaw v. Bambrick-Bates Const. Co. (Mo, App. 1903), 77
S. W. Rep. 96.
3 Clark V. Soule, 137 Mass. 380.
338 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 311
§ 310. Timber-man and miner. — Under the rule that
an employee engaged to perform non- delegable duties which
the law imposes upon the master, to provide a reasonably
safe place, machinery, servants and rules, is a vice-prin-
cipal and stands in the place of the master, one engaged to
timber the mine, would seem to be within the rule which
would prevent the employer from delegating to him his
duty to furnish a reasonably safe place, so as to relieve him-
self from liability for his negligence.^ This is the rule
adopted in some of the States, and in Colorado a timbermim
is held to be a vice-principal,^ and not a fellow-servant, and
this has also been held in Illinois, by the Appellate Court
of that State, where a miner and one employed to timber
the mine are held not to be fellow-servants.^ But in a
later case the Illinois Appellate Court held that a timber-
man and " dirt-scratcher " were fellow-servants,^ but just
what reason prompted the distinction between the relation
of the " dirt-scratcher " and the timberman and that of a
miner and timberman is not exactly plain.
§ 311. Statutory "fire boss" and miners. — Under
the provisions of the Mine Ventilation Act, of Pennsyl-
vania (March 3d, 1870), the " mining boss," required by
the act and the miners, employed to work in the mine,
are fellow-servants, and if the requirements of the statute
as to their selection are complied with, and the employer is
guilty of no negligence in their selection, he would not be
1 Westville Coal Co. v. Svyartz, 177 111. 272; 52 N. E. Eep. 576; Ander-
son V. Bennett, 16 Oregon, 515; 19Pac, Rep. 765; Pantzar v. Tilly Foster
Mia. Co., 99 N. Y. 368; 2 N. E. Rep. 24; Kansas P. Co. v. Little, 19 Kan.
267; Labatt Mas & Serv., Sec. 540, p. 1545.
2 A timberman, employed to timber a drift, is a vice-principal, in Col-
orado. Grant v. Barney (Colo.), 40 Pac. Rep. 771.
* A timberman and miner are not fellow- servants, in Illinois. Con.
Coil Cj. v. Schreiber, 65 111. App. 304.
* A timberman and a "dirt-scratcher," in Illinois are fellow-servants.
Kelleyville Coal Co. v. Humble, 87 II. App. 437.
§ 311 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 339
responsible for the death of a miner, due to the negligence
of such "mining boss." ^ A similar construction of the
English statute " Eegulating Coal Mines" (35 and 36
Vict. Ch. 76) was adopted in England and where a miner ^
employed in a colliery, was killed by an explosion of " fire-
damp," it was held that " the fact that the manager was-
appointed pursuant to the act, did not put him in any dif-
ferent position from what he would have held, had he
been appointed manager, and that he was a fellow-servant
with the deceased and the defendants were, therefore, not
liable to the representatives of the deceased, for his death." ^
The courts of Colorado,^ Washington* and Tennessee^
adopt a similar view, as to the statutory "fire boss,"
engaged in pursuance of the provisions of the miners'
statutes of these States. But an opposite view is expressed
by the Supreme Court of Kansas in a recent well considered
case 6 and the "fire boss," employed under the miners'
statute of that State, like a foreman or " pit boss"
is held to be a vice-principal of the miners, working the
mine.
»
1 Delaware and Hudson Canal Co, v. Carroll, 89 Pa. St. 347; 10 Mor.
Min. Rep. 47.
2 Howells V. Landore Steel Co., L. R. 10 Q. B. 62.
2 A mine boss, employed under statute, ana miner, are fellow-servant,
in Colorado. Colo. C. & I. Co. v. Lamb (Colo. App.), 40Pac. Rep. 251.
* The operative of a fan to prevent gases, is a fellow-servant, in
Washington, with the miners. Hughes v. Improvement Co., 20 Wash.
294; 55 Pac. Rep. 119. A "fire boss," employed under the Washing-
ton statute is a fellow servant, with miners. Morgen v. Coal Co., 6
Wash. 577; 34 Pac. Rep. 152.
« A miner having charge of ventilation and the bolster man are fellow-
servants, in Tennessee. Coal Cr. Co. v. Davis, 90 Tenn. 711; 18 S. W.
Rep. .^87.
6 Schmalstieg v. Coal Co., 66 Kan. 753; 7C Pac. Rep. 888; 59 L. R. A.
707. In Alabama, by statute, the alleged negligeut act of a vice-princi-
pal, must be by one " intrusted with superintendence, done while in the
exercise of such superintendence." (Ala. Code, Sec. 2590.) Drennen
V. Smith, 115 Ala. 396; 22 So. Rep. 442-
340 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 312
§ 312. Workmen upon same machine or drill fellow-
servants. — Where two or more employees are engaged in
labor upon the same machine, or drill, in a mine, they are
fellow- servants, both upon reason and authority, even in
those States where the department doctrine obtains, and it is
necessary for employees to have a consociation of work as
well as be employed in the same general grade and common
object in the business, for the work of those engaged upon
the same machine, or drill, is not only the same, in the
same department, but both should be familiar with the
ordinary duties of the other and so situated as to observe
and report his conduct to a superior. To give effect to the
common law doctrine of assumed risk at all, therefore,
such employees ought to be held fellow-servants. Accord-
ingly, in Missouri, one operator of a machine cannot be
regarded as a vice-principal, to such an extent as to render
the employer liable for the sudden starting by him of the
machine, which results in the injury of his companion.! In
the same State, the operator of a steam drill, in a mine,
cwmmonly called a " drillman " and his helper, engaged to
labor on the same machine and do the bidding and wait
upon the " drillman, " are held to be fellow-servants,^ and
a similar holding was announced in the Federal court as to
a " drillman " and his helper.''
1 '< Plaintiff, who assisted in operating an iron die, and the operator
of the machine, by whom it was started, were fellow -servants, and plain-
tifl could not recover for such operator's negligence in starting the
machine without giving plaintiff notice of his intention to do so."
Richardson v. Mesker (Mo. 1903), 72 S. W. Eep. 506. " An employee
engaged in charging holes in rock with dynamite and exploding the samei
is a fellow-servant of the employees engaged in drilling the holes for
the charges." Hooe v. Boston & N. St. Ey. Co., 72 N. E. Bep. 841;
Welch V. Same, Id.; Lane v. Same, Id.; Donahue v. Same, Id.
2 Livengood v. Joplin Zinc & Lead Mining Co., 77 S. W. Eep. 1077.
3 A drill operator and his helper are held to be fellow-servants in
Brown v. King, 100 Fed. R'-p. 561. Also In Missouri, Livengood v. Zinc
Min. Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 1077.
§ 314 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 341
§ 313. Same — Crusher-feeder and miner. — One en^
gaged to work in feeding rock into the cruslier in a mine
and a miner are so far engaged in the same common object
of preparing the ore for market and extracting it, as to be
within the rule that subjects the miner to dangers resulting
from the negligence of the former, and vice-versa^
although they may not be so situated as to observe the
act which resulted in the injury, as the object of their
common labor is the same, although they are not engaged
in the identical department of the service. Accordingly,
in Colorado, where a mine was operated in connection
with a tramway, which conveyed the ore from the mine
to the mill, where it was milled and prepared for the
market, and in so doing the rough rock was fed into a
crusher, by one employed to push it into a hopper or
vat, connected with the rolls, the whole business was
held to constitute one common enterprise, to such an ex-
tent that the master was not liable for an injury to the
crusher-feeder by reason of a sledge hammer being
thrown into the crusher with the rough ore, by the
miner, but such crusher-feeder and miner were held to be
fellow-servants, engaged in the same common employ-
ment to attain the same general object. ^
§ 314. Track-layers and miners. — Upon principle, a
track-layer of a tsamway track or other track, to transport
the ore from a mine either upon top of the ground or be-
neath the surface, should be held to be a fellow-servant
with a miner, as both are engaged in the same common
employment, the excavation and removal of the mineral
and the miner should be held to assume in law the dangers
resulting from the negligence of such track-layer, the
same as he would that of the hoister-man or " eager," who
1 Malique v. Iowa Gold Mining & Milling Co., 71 Fac. Sep. 427.
342 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 315
is also engaged in the same common object. The appellate
court of Illinois, in accordance with this general rule, has
held that a track-layer and a miner, engaged in work in the
bottom of the mine, occupied the relation of fellow-servants
toward each other and the master was not liable for any
resulting injury from the negligence of either. ^ But in
Washington, an employee engaged in laying track, for the
purpose of transporting coal from the mine, and a miner at
work in the ground, were held not to occupy the position
of fellow-servants toward each other, ^ and in Kentucky, it
was also recently held that an employee in charge of a
furnace in a department of a mine was not a fellow-servant
with a tracklayer, so as to deprive him of an action for an
injury from the latter's negligence.^
§ 315. Eugineer and miners. — In most of the States
where the question has been passed upon by the courts of
last resort, the engineer in a mine, whether of the bolster
or cage, or the machinery which operates the mine, is
held to be a fellow-servant with the miners in the ground.
In Tennessee, the engineer of a mine engine and the serv-
ant in charge of the ventilating fan, have been held to be
fellow-servants; * an engineer and a miner have been held
to be fellow-servants, in Pennsylvania;^ by an indirect
1 A track- layer and "bottom-digger" are fellow-servants, ia Illinois.
Coal Valley Min. Co. v. Nelson, 87 111. App. 180.
2 An employee building aroad for transporting coal, from a mine, and
an employee at work in the mine, are not fellow-servants, in Washing-
ton. Evans V. Carbon Hill Coal Co., 47 Fed. Rep. 437.
s " An employee, whose duty it is to keep up the furnace fire in the
air shaft of a mine, is not a fellow-servant of employees of the same
master whose duty is track-laying in the mine, and by whose negligence
he is injured." Angel ». Jellico Coal Min. Co. (Ky. 1903), 74 S. W. Rep.
714; 25 Ky. Law Rep. 108.
4 Coal Mining Co. v. Davis,.90 Tenn. 711; 18 S. W. Rep. 387.
>> An engineer and a miner are fellow -servants, in Pennsylvauia.
.Brad'iury v. Coal Co., 157 Pa. St. 231; 27 All. Rep. 400.
§ 316 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 343
holding, a similar rule is adopted, in Missouri; i in Cali-
fornia they are held to be fellow-servants ^ and this is also
the rule in Utah ^ and Alabama.* But in Illinois, how-
ever, where not only the grade of the employee, but the
department of the common employment in which he may
be engaged is held to be a material factor in determining
his relation, toward his co-employees, the engineer of an
engine used to raise and lower miners into the mine, is
held not to be a fellow-servant with those engaged in work-
ing in the ground, because they were not so situated as to
observe his conduct and report any negligence or unfitness
to a superior.5 This case seems at variance with the cur-
rent of authority upon this proposition, for under the
common-law doctrine of fellow-servants all those engaged
in the same common employment and laboring to attain the
same purpose, were fellow-servants and the negligence of
all such employees was assumed as a risk incident to the
business.
§.316. Tramway operator and miners fellow-serv-
ants. — So nearly are all those identified in the same com-
mon purpose, who are engaged in the excavation of the
mineral and the hauling and cleaning of it and preparing it
1 Shehan v. Proser, 55 Mo. App. 669.
2 An engineer and miners are fellow- servants, in California. Tre-
watha V. Gold Min. Co., 28 Pac. Rep. 671.
8 An engineer running the hoister and miners are fellow- servants, in
Utali. Stoll V. Daly Min Co., 19 Utah, 271 ; 57 Pac. Eep. 296.
* The engineer of a stationary engine on tramway and engineer of
pump engine, are fellow- servants, in Alabama. Wheatley v. Zenida
Coal Co., 25 So. Eep. 124.
• A coal miner and mine engineer were held not to be fellow-servants
in Illinois, where their duties did not require co-operation and they were
not engaged in the same work at the time of the injury. Spring Valley
Coal Co. V. Patting, 112 111. App. 4; 210 III. 443; 71 N. E. Kep. 371. An
engineer of the hoister and a miner in a coal mine are held to be fellow-
servants in Illinois, in Starne v. Schlothane, 21 111. App. 97.
344 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 317
for the market, that the operator of cars upon a tramway,
used to haul the mineral from the mine to a mill, where it
is cleaned, and the miners who excavate it from the ground
are fellow-servants, engaged in the same common object.^
In Colorado, the foreman of a tramway, where cars are
used to transport the ore from the mine to a mill, and a
teamster, employed to haul machinery and other materials
to the mine, are held to be fellow-servants;^ in Alabama,
an employee in charge of a tramway and another employee
engaged in running the cars upon such tramway, are held
to be fellow-servants, 3 and in Michigan, although in sepa-
rate departments of the service, an employee in charge of a
blast furnace and another employee engaged in handling
cars, upon the premises, are held to be fellow-servants.*
§ 317. " Tub-liustlers " fellow-servants.^ — Under the
general rule that all employees engaged in the same em-
ployment, to attain the same common object, are fellww-
servants, those engaged in handling tubs, to transport the
ore from the face of the drift, where it is excavated, or
1 Woodward Iron Co. v. Cook, 12 1 Ala. 349; 27 So, Rep. 455; Denver
Co. V O'Brien, 8 Colo. App. 74; 44 Pac. Rep. 766.
2 The foreman of a tramway and a teamster hauling to the company
are fellow-servants, \a Colorado. Denver Co. v. O'Brien, 8 Colo. App.
74; 44 Pac. Eep. 766.
3 One in charge of a tramway and the operator of the cars are fellow-
servants, in Alabama. Woodward Iron Co. v. Cook, 124 Ala. 349; 27
So. Rep. 455.
* " Servants engaged in placing empty cars on a track to be loaded by
the plaintiff are not, while performing such work, fellow-servants of the
plaintiff, where the common master had, by virtue of contract with the
plaintiff, obligated itself so to place such cars; and this, notwithstand-
ing such servants were ordinarily engaged with the plaintiff in the same
general line of employment." Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Eobizas, HI
lU. App. 49. Although in separate departments of the service, an em-
ployee in charge of blast furnace and another employee handling cars
upon the premises, are fellow-servants, in Michigan. Adams v. Iron
Cliff Co., 78 Mich. 271; 44 N. W. Rep. 270.
§ 318 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 345
from the mine to the mill, over a tramway, are held to be
fellow-servants, as they are engaged to attain the same
common object and are actually engaged in the same par-
ticular work, in the same department of the service and
should even be held to be fellow-servants, in those States
where the department doctrine is held to obtain. This is
th6 rule adopted in Missouri, ^ where the department doc-
trine has been repeatedly affirmed and adhered to and
should be the rule adopted in all jurisdictions where the
doctrine of fellow-servants is at all recognized, for there
could be no better illustration of those engaged in a con-
sociation of work or labor than employees passing and re-
passing, handling, by the same machinery and methods,
different tubs, used for the same purpose, over the same
track. They are so situated as to observe the conduct of
each other and to report any remissness to a superior
authority and this is the test, in those States where the
department doctrine is still recognized.
§318. "Trimmers" and miners fellow-servants. —
Of those who are engaged in the actual work of excava-
tion, in a mine, the employees who use the pick and those
who use the shovel are usually called " trimmers " and
" shovellers," the former first coming in contact with the
1 " At the time plaintifis' son received the injury resulting in his death
he was worliing In defendant's mine, and his duties were to take a tub
from a cable, which was lowered into the shaft, and run It on cars to the
face of the drift several feet away, there load It with dirt, and return
it, hoolj it onto the cable, have it hoisted five or six feet, steady it, and
then immediately load an empty tub onto the cars and return to the face
of the drift. The man handling the tub at the mouth of the shaft and
decedent were both 'tub hustlers,' but under different foremen, both
foremen being in the employment of the defendant. Both ' tub hus -
tiers ' were co-operating together in the transportation of dirt from the
face of the drift to the mill. Held, that the ' tub hustlers ' were fellow-
servants." Jackson v. Lincoln Min. Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 106 Mo. App.
441; SOS. W, Bep. 727.
346 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § S'ZU
ground, in the process of excavation, iiad the latter, fol-
lowing, with their shovels, the work of the " trimmers."
They are both engaged in excavating the mineral and in
the same department of service and the identical work,
(jiily pursuing different methods of obtaining the same
object. Under the fellow-servant doctrine, therefore, the
" trimmers and shovellers," or miners engaged in similar
branches of the same common employment are, essentially,
fellow-servants, even in those States where the department
doctrine is adhered to. A " trimmer " in a drift of a mine
and a miner are held to be fellow-servants, in Iowa,i
and upon principle, this is the only status in which they
could be regarded, both from the same well-established
rule as to those in a position to observe and report the
negligence of a fellow-servant, which he is held, conse-
quently, to assume, as one of the risks incident to the
business and also because they are engaged in the same
grade of employment.
§ 319. Driver-boy and miner fellow-servants. — In
accordance with the general rule that the attainment of the
same common object, in the service, determines the status of
employees, rather than the performance of the same identi-
cal service, in the same department,^ a driver-boy, em-
ployed to haul coal from the chambers of a coal mine, has
been held to be a fellow-servant with the miners engaged
in excavating the coal.'
§ 320. Miner and employee ou surface fellow-serv-
ants. — In some of the cases more significance is attached
to the common end, or object of the service, than to the
1 The trimmer of a drift, in Iowa, and a miner, are fellow-servants.
Fosburg V. Phillipps Co., 61 N. "W. Eep. 400.
2 Leliigh Valley Coal Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432.
s Waddell v. Simoason, 112 Pa. St. 567.
§ 322 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 347
identity of departments, or the opportunity of the given
employee to observe the conduct or service of his co-
employee. ^ This was true in a case where a miner in the
tunnel or drift of a mine was held to be a fellow-servant
of a laborer whose duty was to deliver the miners on the
surface, at the shaft. ^
§ 321. Quarry laborer and operator of cars not fellow-
servants. — The rule laid down in the preceding sections,
would perhaps not be followed, in Missouri, for in that
State, although the department doctrine has been, practi-
cally, abandoned,^ it is held that the injured employee
must have an opportunity to observe the conduct of his co-
employee, before he will be held to be a fellow-servant,
and that an employee in a quarry and an operator of cars,
used to haul the rock excavated, are not fellow-servants,*
in the same common employment.
§ 322. Powder man and laborer fellow-servants. —
The character and scope of the duties of the employees, in
some States, are held to determine the relation of co-
employees, and in others the rule is recognized that to be
fellow-servants the one must have had the opportunity to
observe the other's acts. This rule, applied to those
handling powder, or similar explosives, would lead to
different views as to the status of the employees, according
to the State or jurisdiction where the injury occurred.
1 Lehigh Valley Coal Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432.
2 McAadrews v. Burns, 10 Vt. 117; Black's Law&Pr. Ace. Gas., Sec.
363, p. 465.
8 Grattis v. K. C. P. & G. Co., 153 Mo. 399. The superintendent of a
quarry and one engaged therein in breaking stones held not feUow-
servants. Turpentine «. Wellington (N. Car.), 48 S. E. Rep. 739.
* Dixon V. Chicago &c. Co., 109 Mo. 413. True, in this case, the em-
ployee in the quarry had no connection with the train service and this
was one of the decisive questions.
348 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. § 323
111 Maryland, a powder man, in a quarry, and a
laborer, although employed in another branch of the
master's service, are held to be fellow-servants. ^ An
employee engaged to drill holes for powder blasts and
another employee engaged in clearing away rubbish, are
held to be fellow-servants in Pennsylvania ^ and one en-
gaged in blasting rock and another engaged in the work of
hauling such rock away, are held to occupy the same
relation in Indiana.'
§ 323. Substitute for fellow-servant Is also fellow-
servant. — The rule that those engaged in the same com-
mon work, in a mine, are fellow-servants, has been held,
in Washington, to apply to a substitute, engaged to tem-
porarily take the place of a fellow-servant of an injured
employee and for an injury from the negligence of such
substitute, the same as for the negligence of the fellow-
servant, whose place he is filling, the master is not respon-
sible, as the substitute is held to be a fellow-servant with
a fellow-servant of his hirer, to the same extent that the
1 One employed to load powder into holes in a quarry and an inex-
periented employee in such quarry are fellow-servants, in Marylaud.
State V. Schwiud Quarry Co., 55 Atl, Rep. 366, " An employee engaged
in charging holes la rock with dynamite and exploding the same is a
fellow -servant of the employees engaged in drilling the holes for the
charges. An employee, while engaged in assisting the foreman or super-
intendent in making an inspection after a blast of dynamite for the pur-
pose of ascertaining whether any part of the charge had failed to explode,
is performing a part of the master's duty, and is not a fellow- servant of
those engaged in drilling holes for the charge and removing the rock after
the blast." Hooe v. Boston & N. Co. (Mass ), 72 N. E. Rep. 341.
2 One drilling holes and another clearing away rubbish are fellow-
servants in Pennsylvania. Somer v. Harrison, 81 Atl. Kep. 799. See,
also, Livengood v. Min. Co., 179 Mo. 129; 77 S. W. Eep. 1077; Whaley
V. Coleman, 88 S. W. Rep. 119.
' A servant employed to blast rock and one engaged in hauling such
rock are fellow-servants In Indiana. Bogard v. Louisville &c. Co., 100
Ind. 491.
§ 323 FELLOW-SERVANTS IN MINES. 349
hirer would have been a fellow-servant with the injured
employee.! ^ xhis is, clearly, the correct position, for as
to the injured employee the substitute takes the place of
the absent servant, just the same as if the substitute had
been engaged to labor in the same capacity in his own
place, instead of that of another, and the injured employee,
by continuing in the service with him, without objection,
assumes the risk of injury from his negligence, to the same
extent as he did that of his hirer.
1 Oae hired as a substitute, is a fellow-servant wltU a fellow-servant
of the hirer, in Washington. Anderson v. Guineam, 9 Wash. 304; 37
Pao. Eep. 499.
CHAPTER XIY.
STATUTES KEGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS.
Section 32t. Object and general nature of such statutes.
325. Chapter devoted to constructions of statutes.
326. Such statutes constitutional, as police regulations.
327. Statute does not abrogate common-law liability.
328. Violation of statute constitutes negligence.
329. Eight not affected by subsequent repeal of statute.
330. Violation of statute must (^ ccasion injury.
331. Same — Statutes respecting '• ways, works and machin-
ery."
332. What constitutes " plant." within meaning of statute.
333. Statutes requiring ventilation of mine.
334. Same — Compliance with statute test of liability.
335. Same — Construction of ventilation statutes.
336. Same — Status of " Are boss."
337. Statutes requiring escapement shafts.
338. Statutes requiring mine to be fenced.
339. Statutes against employment of children.
340. Statutes regarding scaffolds.
341. Statutes requiring " props " and timbers.
342. Same — The Ohio and Illinois statutes.
343. Same — The New Yorli and Indiana acts.
344. Same — When willful violation of statute necessary.
345. What evidence of willfulness sufficient.
346. Willful violation of Illinois mining act.
347. Statutes requiring safe passage-ways to and from mine.
348. Statutes requiring certificates of mine managers.
349. Statutes requiring ligtits and signals.
850. Signalling — Hoisting apparatus.
351. Statutes requiring inspections.
352. Statutes providing means of Ingress and egress.
353. Assumption of risk from breach of statutory duty.
354. Contributory negligence a defense, under statute.
355. Pleading violations of statute.
356. As to the contributory negligence of infants under.
§ 324. Object and general nature of such statutes. —
On account of the extremely hazardous character of such
.(350)
§ 324 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 351
operations, and the absolute inability of those engaged in
mining to provide such ways, appliances and surroundings
us will make the safety of employees from accident com-
mensurate with the compensation paid, or as small as the
risk incurred in most of the other avocations in life, where
men are employed by others to carry on the business, the
different appliances, means and manner of conducting min-
ing operations has engaged the attention of the legislatures
of most of the mining States, with a view of protecting
the life and limbs of miners as far as possible from those
unfortunate occurrences to which they are hourly subjected
in this dangerous avocation. The character of the protec-
tive legislation, in the different mining States, necessarily
differs, with the character of the mineral excavated and
the means used to mine it and the extent and volume of
the business and the number of men employed. The risks
from operating a placer mine is comparatively small, as
compared to the dangers of "fire damp," falling slabs,
slate or coal, in coal mines, conducted on a large scale,
and the liability of injuries from the ordinary excavations
in quarries, where the surface is removed, as the excava-
tions progress, is not so great as that resulting from an
underground lead or zinc mine, with many drifts, where
injuries from defective appliances used for hoisting and.
lowering the men into the mine and unsafe trimming of the
roof, or a failure to inspect, or properly timber and brace
the walls and roof of drifts, subjects the miners to the risk of
almost momentary accidents. The general object of such
statutes is in the main the same, however, for all are based
upon the fundamental and beneficent principle that the
State should, as far as possible, under its police powers,
regulate the methods and appliances used in dangerous
callings, so as to minimize, as far as possible, injuries to
those of its inhabitants who, by force of circumstances
352 STATUTES EEGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 326
beyond their control, are compelled to risk their lives and
persons in the more dangerous callings.
§ 325. Chapter devoted to constructions of statutes. —
Lawyers of the different States, do not, as a rule, consult
a general text-book, upon a given subject, to ascertain the
exact requirements of any local statute, but, not only be-
cause the statute itself is the best evidence of its provi-
sions, but also because of the numerous changes, amend-
ments and revisions, in the different States, to all of the
legislative enactments, practitioners, generally, acquire the
habit of going directly to the statute itself, for the purpose
of ascertaining its exact terms and conditions. For this
reason, a citation of all the present statutes in the different
mining States will not be attempted here, but only a ref-
erence to the constructions of the courts of last resort in
the different mining States, which will enable the prac-
titioner to discover what is the proper interpretation of his
own statute, on a given point, either by the courts of his
own State, or those of a sister State, or the Federal courts,
where that, or a similar statutory provision, has been judi-
cially determined. Most of the different statutes have been
consulted, in the preparation of this work, but it is not
deemed proper to occupy the space to quote the exact or
substantial provisions of such statutes, for the reasons
above given, and if the substance of the different statutes
is not given, then a reference to the statute is out of place,
for it would, ultimately, have to be consulted for its pro-
visions, which could as well be done, in the first instance.
§ 326. Such statutes constitutional, as police regula-
tions. — Statutes providing for the inspection, securing the
safety and ventilation of the mines, are very generally held
to be proper police regulations, for the health and safety
of citizens of the different mining States and their provi-
§ 327 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 353
sions enforced, by the courts. i The constitutionality of
such statutes has been decided in Pennsylvania,^ Illinois,^
Ohio.* Indiana^ and Missouri ,6 and no doubt the reasoning
and holdings of these courts would prompt those of other
niinino- States to enforce the provisions of similar statutes,
designed for the protection and safety of a large class of
the population of such States.
§ 327. Statute does not abrogate common law lia-
bility. — The fact that there is a particular statute which
applies to the liability of a mine owner for a given injury,
does not necessarily absolve him from his common law
liability for damages for the same injury and the employee
can, generally, either sue for the negligence of his em-
ployer at common law, or under the statute.' In New
York, under the Employers Liability Act (Statute of 1902,
> Com. ex rel, 'Williams o. Bonnell, 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 14; Com. ex
rel. Williams I?. Wilkesbarre Coal Co., 29 Leg. Int. 213; 16 Mor. Min.
Eep. 31.
2 Ante, idem.
s Daniels v. Hillgard, 27 111. 640; 15 Mor. Min. Eep. 280.
' Krause v. Morgen, 53 Ohio St. 26; 40 N. E. Eep. 886.
6 Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken, 46 N. E. Eep. 775.
6 Hammon v. Central Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232. The statute for the fenc-
ing of machinery in Missouri, is held to be constitutional for the same
reasons that those acts are held to be providing for the ventilation of
mines, i. e., as beneficent police regulations. Lore v. Amer. Mfg. Co.,
160 Mo. 608; 61 S. W. Rep.678. The prop statute in Missouri (Sec. 8822),
is held to be constitutional in Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232.
The Illinois statute for Safety and Inspection of Mines, is a police regu-
lation, passed in obedience to a constitutional provision, and a violation
of the act is equivalent to a wUlf ul and intentional injury, in contempla-
tion of lavr. Donk Bros. Coal Co. v. StrofE, 100 111. App. 576. Illinois
statute, July 1, 1895, requiring the mine owner to pay an inspection fee,
is not unconstitutional, because of a failure to limit the times and occa-
sions of inspections, as too many inspections would injure the ovrner and
this is interdicted by the act Itself. Chicago &c. Coal Co. v. People, 181
111. 270; 64 N. E. Eep. 961.
' Cecil V. Amer. Steel Co., 129 Fed. Eep. 542.
23
354 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 328
ch. 600) regulating the liability of employers for injuries
to employees, it is held that the statute does not take away
the right of an employee to maintain an action under the
common law, for an injury sustained subsequent to the
taking effect of the statute. i And in Ohio, under the
Miners Act (E. S. Ohio, 1892, Sec. 6871) requiring the
owner to keep a sufficient supply of timber on hand and
supply the same to the miners, it is held that since the act
does not define the degree of care, required of the mine
owner, that such care should be determined by the princi-
ples of the common law.^
§ 328. Violation of statute constitutes negligence. —
The breach of a duty imposed by statute, generally,
constitutes negligence per se, whether the violation
of the statutory provision arises from a mere act
of omission or commission.' The statute does not,
of course, place the absolute duty of an insurer
upon the operator of a mine subject to its provisions, but
without a penalty, either by way or damages, or otherwise,
for a violation of the statute, such enactments would be a
useless waste of time.* And it is therefore very generally
1 Gmaehle v. Rosenberg (Ct. App. N. Y. IBOO, 16 Am. Neg. Rep. 168-
"The statute of 1902, ch. 600, regulating the liability of employers for
injuries to employees, does not take away the right of an employee to
maintain an action under the common law for an Injury sustained sub-
sequent to the passage of the act."
2 Cecil V. Amer. Sheet Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 642. There is, how-
ever, no common law liability created under the Illinois prop statute.
Con. Coal Co. v. Young, 24 111. App. 255.
3 Generally, the breach of a statutory duty, whether the act is one of
omission or commission, is negligence, perse. Diamond Block Coal Co.
u. Cuthbertson(Ind.App.l903),67 N. E. Rep. 558; Brower ». Locke (Id.),
67 N. E. Rep. 1016.
* The Appellate Court of Illinois has held that the statute was not in-
tended to place an absolute duty of keeping the roof of a mine perfectly
safe. Con. Coal v. Scheller, 42 111. App. 619. Horner's Rev. St. Ind.
1897, requiring boss to visit mine every other day and see that props are
§ 329 STATUTES KEGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 355
held, that employees in mines subject to the provisions of
statutes governing the methods or appliances provided
by the legislature, for the safety of the men employed,
have a right to expect a compliance vrith the law, in this
regard, on entering or remaining in such service and that
for a violation of the statute, resulting in an injury to an
employee, where other circumstances, excusing the defend-
ant, do not appear, the employer is liable in damages. i
§ 329. Rigbt not affected by subsequent repeal of
statute. — Where aright of action for the negligent viola-
tion of a statute is fixed, by reason of such violation and a
consequent injury, traceable to a breach of the statutory
safe and roof trimmed, is not intended as placing the liability of an in.
surer on the employer, but the neglect of the act, makes him prima facie
liable, in case of resulting injury. Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken, 30 Ind.
App. 624; 66 N. E. Rep. 775.
1 "Under Act 1895, § 4, requiring all mines in which men are em-
ployed to be examined each morning by an authorized agent of the pro-
prietor, the duty of making an examination each morning and having a
written report made is cast on the proprietor of the mine, and the miners
have a right to act on the theory that such proprietor has complied with
the law." Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Rowatt, 96 111. App. 248. Hurds»
R. S. 111. of 1901, (page 1216, Sec. 21), requires all operators of coal
mines to provide a place of refuge, upon all gravity or inclined roads
running into the mine and for an injury resulting from neglect of this
provision of the statute, the owner is liable in damages. Brookside
Coal Co. V. Hajnal, 101 111. App. 175. Nor can the statutory duty be
avoided because the owner has a double track road, instead of a singl-
rail, as the statute cannot be given so narrow a construction. Brooke
side Coal Co. v. Dolph, 101 111. App. 169. " Under Ballinger's Ann.
Codes & St.. § 3178, providing that 'the owner of any coal mine shall
keep a sufiScient supply of timber at any such mine where the same is
required for use as props, so that the workmen may at all times be able
to properly secure the workings from caving in, and shall send down into
the mine all such props when required, the same to be delivered at the
entrance of the working place,' the failure of the owner of a mine to fur-
nish props and timbers when called for by a workman is negligence
rendering such owner liable for injury thereby resulting to the workman."
Green v. Western American Co. (Wash. 1902), 70 Pac. Kep. 310.
356 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OP MINERS. § 330
. Bokamp, 181 111. 9; 64 N. E. Rep. 567; Cecil v.
Amer. Steel Co. (Ohio), 129 Fed. Eep. 542.
' Deserant v. Cerillos Coal Co., 178 U. S. 409; 44 L. Ed. 1127.
8 Ante, idem.
* Graham u. Coal Co., 38 W. Va. 273; 18 S. E. Eep. 684. A vio-
lation of the Iowa statute, requiring ventilation, malses out a
prima facie case of negligence, in case of an injury due to a violation of
the statute. Mosgrove v. Zimbleman Coal Co., 81 N. W. Bep, 227.
§ 335 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 363
Is generally required, however, that the failure to
comply with the statute must occasioa the injury com-
plained of ; 1 if the injury would have occurred, notwith-
standing a violation of the statute, the plaintiff, gener-
ally, cannot recover,^ and just what will constitute a viola-
tion of the statute, where it is in doubt, would be a ques-
tion of fact for the jury.^ It is held, in Washington,
that the stoppage of ventilation machinery a day or so,
may or may not be negligence, according to the sur-
rounding facts and circumstances; * In Alabama, stop-
ping the machinery for a short time will not constitute neg-
ligence, as a matter of law,^ and for just what acts or
omissions of employees the employer is held responsible,
the different mining States have established different rules.
In Washington, the mine owner is held liable for a fail-
ure to keep an air passage open, regardless of who closed
it; ^ but, on the contrary, under the Pennsylvania Mine
Ventilation statute, evidence that the fans for ventilation
purposes were not run day and night and that an explosion
of gas occurred, killing a miner, does not establish such
negligence as to render the employer liable, as the statute
commits the care of the ventilating fans to a foreman,
over whom the mine owner has no control and the em-
ployer would not be responsible for his neglect, if he was
1 Coal Kun Co. v. Ives, 127 111. 379; 20 N. E. Rep. 89.
2 Krause v. Morgan, 63 Ohio St. 26; 40 N. E. Rep. 586.
' Mosgrove v. Zimbleman Coal Co., 81 N. W. Rep. 227; Deserant v.
CeriUos Coal Co., 178 U. S. 409; 44 L. Ed. 1127.
^ In Washington the stoppage of ventilation machinery from Satur-
day until Sunday, is not negligence, as a matter of law, where it is not
run for several hours before an accident. Morgen v. Carbon Hill Coal
Co., 6 Wash. 577; 34 Pac. Rep. 152.
° Merely stopping a fan in a mine for a short time, is not such negli-
gence, as a matter of law, on the part of foreman, in Alabama, as to
render his employer liable, in case of injury. Drennan v. Smith, 115
Ala. 396; 22 So. Rep. 442.
« Czareki v. Seattle, etc. Co., 30 Wash. 28; 70 Pac. Rep. 750.
364 STATDTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 336
guilty of neglect in not having the fans run, or the air
course properly directed. ^ But under the statute of Ten-
nessee (Act 1881, Sec. 7), which provides the amount of
pure air that must be supplied to render a mine safe, if a
mine owner fails to comply with the statute and a miner
is injured, the employer will be liable in damages, although
the injury resulted from his own neglect and that of a
fellow-servant, who had taken a lighted, open lamp into
the gaseous chamber of the mine.^
§ 336. Same — Status of " fire boss." — The liability of
the mine employer is often made to depend upon the exact
status of his " fire boss, " employed under the statutory
provisions and whether he is regarded as a vice-principal
or fellow-servant, for whose negligence he would not be
responsible. Under the provisions of the Mine Ventila-
1 Hall V. Simpson, 203 Pa. St. 146; 52 Atl. Rep. 4.
2 Russell ». Dayton Coal C o., 70 S. W. Rep. 1. The West Virginia
statute requires proper ventilation and circulation to render harmless
the dan gerous gases In coal mines and the employment of a competent
Are boss, to inspect the working places, and a mining boss, to keep watch
over the ventilating apparatus and to see to the proper conduct of the
work and that props and timbers are supplied, when required. It is
held, under this statute, that in case of an injury, the violation of the act
is negligence, perse. Graham w. Newburg OrrelCoal Co., 38 W. Va. 273.
Under the Washington statute, in regard to a proper ventilation of a
mine, the owner is liable for a failure to keep open a chute neces-
sary to supply air, regardless of who closed it, or failed to open it.
CzarekiB. Seattle, etc., Co., 30 Wash. 288; 70 Pac, Rep. 760. "In an
action for the death of a coal miner from suffocation caused by a Are
in the mine, evidence of defendant's negligence in permitting combust-
ible materials to remain in the mine, which were subject to be ignited
from the miners' open lamps, /ieZcf sufficient to justify a verdict in favor
of plaintiff." Utah Savings & Trust Co. v. Diamond Coal & Coke Co.,
73 Pac. Kep. 524. A mining company, in Illinois, which fails to follow
the directions of the State Mine Inspector, with reference to the sprink-
ling of roadways in the mine and the spreading of a canvas fcheet, by
reason of which an explosion results, is liable for such an injury.
Eiverton Coal Co. ». Shepard, 207 111. 395; 60 N. E. Rep. 921.
§ 336 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 365
tion Act, of Pennsylvania (March 3, 1870), the " mining
boss," required by the act, and the miners, employed to
work in the mine, are fellow-servants, and if the requir-
ments of the statutes as to their selection, are complied
with and the employer is guilty of no negligence in their
selection, he would not be responsible for the death of a
miner, due to the negligence of such " mining boss." i A
similar construction of the English statute " Regulating
Coal Mines" (35 and 36 Vict. Ch. 76) was adopted in
England and where a miner, employed in a colliery, was
killed by an explosion of " fire-damp," it was held that
" the fact that the manager was appointed pursuant to the
•act, did not put him in any different position from what
he would have held, had he been simply appointed man-
ager," and that he was a fellow-servant with the deceased
and the defendants were, therefore, not liable to the
representatives of the deceased, for his d'eath.^ But under
the Kansas statute (Laws, 1897, Ch. 159), requiring the
mine owner to employ a competent "fire boss," whose
duty it shall be to inspect the working places, with a safety
lamp, the " fire boss " so employed is held to be a vice-
principal and not a fellow-servant, for whose negligence
the mine owner is responsible.^ The Pennsylvania rule has
been adopted in West Virginia, Colorado and Washington,
and for the negligence of the " fire boss " in those States
there is no resulting liability upon the part of the em-
ployer.*
1 Delaware & Hudson Canal Co. v. Carroll, 89 Pa. St. 374; 10 Mor.
Mln. Rep. 47; Lehigh Valley Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432; 10 Mor. Mln.
Eep. 30.
2 Howells V. Landore Steele Co., L. R. 10 Q. B. 62.
s Schmalstieg v. Coal Co., 65 Kan. 7B3; 70 Pac. Eep. 388; 39 L. E.
A. 707.
* Under the Pa. statute, a " Are boss " and miner are fellow-servants.
Lineoskic. CoalCo., 167 Pa. St. 153; 27 Atl. Eep. 577. And this wa;\
also held to be the status of the "Are boss " and miner, under the Wash-
366 STATUTES REGAKDING SAFETY OP MINERS. § 337
§337. Statutes requiring escapement shafts. — To
protect the health of miners employed in coal mines and to
insure their safety, some of the mining States have en-
acted laws, requiring the construction of escapement
shafts, in all mines of a certain depth or where a given
number of men are employed.^ The Appellate Court of
Illinois held that the statute of that State, requiring the
construction of escapement shafts, was not for the benefit
of the mine owner or operator, but to protect the health
and insure the safety of the miners at work in the ground,
and, it was accordingly held, under the statute, that a court
had no power to direct a mine owner to leave open the
passages, between his own and an adjoining mine, so that
an escapement shaft, constructed by him, would serve
both of the mines. ^ The Pennsylvania statute was held,
by the Supreme Court of that State, not to apply to a
mine in preparation for the working of a seam of coal, not
yet mined, 3 but where the mine is in full operation, and
no escapement shaft had been constructed, as required by
the statute, it would be immaterial that the fire which oc-
casioned the injury in question was purely accidental and
arose without fault of the owner, a liability would result,
just the same as if it had been caused by his negligence,
ington statute, inMorgen v. Carbon Hill Co., 6 Wash. 577; 34 Pac. Rep. 152;
Williams w. Coal Co., 44 W.Va. 599; SOS. E.Eep. 107; 40L.R. A. 812. A
mine boss, employed under statute, and miner are fellow-servants in Colo-
rado. Colo. C. & I. Co.». Lamb (Colo, App.) , 40 Pac. Rep. 251 . A mine boss,
employed under West Virginia Code (1891, App., p. 995), is a fellow-
servant witli the miners to such an extent that the employer is not liable
for an injury from his negligence. Williams v. Thacber Coal Co., 44 W.
Va. 599; 40 L. R. A. 812; 30 S. B. Rep. 107.
1 111. St. 1877, Sec. 3; 111. Act May 28, 1879, Sec. 3; Pa. Act March 3,
1870. The Pennsylvania statute, requiring two shafts for each seam of
coal, took effect immediately. Commonwealth v. Conyngbam, 96 Pa.
St. 99.
2 Loose V. People, 11 111. App. 445.
3 Haddock v. Commonwealth. 103 Pa. St. 243.
§ 338 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 367
for the violation of the statute and a resulting injury would
be sufficient proof of a violation of duty to sustain a
verdict.^
§ 338. Statutes requiring mine to be fenced. — In
many of the mining States statutes have been passed re-
quiring the fencing of shafts, so as to prevent employees
from falling into the mine, while about their work. The
Illinois act of 1872 required the top of each shaft to be
securely fenced by vertical or flat gates, properly covering
and protecting the area of the shaft. A company failed
to comply with the statutory requirement in this regard
and an employee fell into the shaft and was killed. The
defendant was held liable and the court distinguished the
neglect of the employer, in failing to comply with an ex-
press statutory requirement, from the negligence of a
fellow-servant of the deceased employee. ^ Under the
Pennsylvania statute, (1870) requiring the mining boss to
have the main doors, or entrances to rooms and drifts,
attended and securely guarded to prevent their being left
open, the statutory test of duty must be complied with and
1 Wesley City Coal Co. v. Healer, 84 111. 126.
2 Bartlett Coal Co. v. Roach, 68 111. 174; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 682. Vio-
'atlon of the Illinois statute requiring the fencing of mines, is not re-
lieved by the contributory negligence of an employee. Catlett v. Young,
143111. 74; 32 N. B. Rep. 447. But this is not the better doctrine or
generally accepted rule, as the violation of the statute must be the
proximate cause of the injury, and it the plaintiS's negligence was the
cause he ought not to recover. See Dresser Emp- Liab., Sec. 51, e(fsub.
Under the Indiana statute, requiring the fencing of the shaft of a mine ,
an employee, engaged as a blacksmith, does not assume risks of dangers
from a violation of the statute. Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Hodlet, 27 N.
E. Rep. 741. •' The failure to fence off an unused part of a mine, as re-
quired by statute, does not render the owner of the mine liable for the
death of a miner killed by an explosion therein, where he wag sent into
such unnsed part to perform certain work therein, and the failure to
fence it oS did not In any degree tend to cause the explosion." Grant ').
Acadia Coal Co., 34 N. S. 319.
368 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 339
the mine boss has no discretion to perform in the premises,
but the employer will be liable for a failure to comply with
the statute.l But under the Iowa Code, requiring that
safety gates shall be maintained at the opening of the
shaft of a mine, the Supreme Court of that State holds
that the object of the act is to prevent the involuntary
entrance or falling of a person into the mine, and not that
there should be an entire and complete covering of the
entire surface of the opening of the shaft, so to this ex-
tent a substantial compliance with the statute will prevent
a liability for an injury predicated thereon.^
§ 339. Statutes against employment of children. —
Many States have wisely provided, by statute, agamst the
employment of children of tender years, in mines, facto-
ries, and around dangerous machinery or appliances, and,
generally, for a violation of such statutes and a resulting
injury to one employed in violation of the statute, the em-
ployer would be liable, in damages, for such injury. In
Pennsylvania, a liability was predicated under the statute
of March 3, 1870, for an injury to a boy of thirteen, by
falling into a pair of rollers, used to crush coal. The act
in question required the fencing of all machinery where
boys were required to work ; the rollers were covered by a
box, open at the top, with a board placed over the open-
ing, when in use. Some one of the plaintiff's co-employees
had removed this board and he fell into the rollers, injur-
ing'himself very badly. The court denied a recovery and
held that the employer had performed his whole duty,
under the statute, in providmg a covering for the rollers;
that the injury to the plaintiff was due to the negligence
of a fellow-servant and he was also guilty of such contrib-
1 Commonwealth v. Reynolds, 1 Kulp. 218.
' Jicobson V. Smith (Iowa, 190t), 98 N. W. Rep. 773.
§ 340 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 369
utory negligence as to prevent his recovery. i In New
York, such statutes are held to be legislative determinations
that a child of the years mentioned in the statute cannot
be guilty of contributory negligence. ^ In Tennessee, a
mine owner who employs a child under the age named in
the statute is guilty of negligence as a matter of law,^ but
in Michigan, as in Pennsylvania, the contributory negli-
gence of the child will prevent a recovery, even though he
is employed in violation of the terms of the statute, as this
would not, in such case, be held to be the approximate
cause of his injury.*
§ 340. Statutes regarding scaffolding. — In New York,
in all cases, where scaffolding is required, the employer is
under the statutory duty to construct such scaffolds in a
reasonably safe and proper manner .^ Prior to the enact-
ment of this statute, it was held, in that State, that there
1 Honor v. AUbrigbt, 93 Pa. St. 475; 11 Mor. Min. Kep. 6.
2 "Laws 1897, c. 416, § 70, prohibiting the employment of a child
tinder the age of 14 years in any factory, is a determination, in effect,
that a child of that age does not possess the judgment and discretion
necessary for the pursuit of a dangerous work, and is not, as a matter of
law, chargeable with contributory negligence." Marino v. Lehmaier, 66
N. E. Rep. 572; 173 N. Y. 530.
3 The employment of a boy, under twelve years of age, in violation of
the Tennessee statute, preventing the employment of such children in
mines, will render the employer liable in damages, in case of injury to
the boy, as the violation of the statute is negligence per se. Queen v.
Dayton Coal & Iron Co., 95 Tenn. 468; 82 S. W. Rep. 460; 30 L. R. A. 82.
* A violation of the Michigan statute against the employment of children
under fourteen, will not render an employer liable for an injury to a
child from scuffling with another boy and falling into dangerous ma-
chinery. BorcIi:». Mich. B. & N. Works, 111 Mich. 129; 69 N. W. Rep.
254. The statutes of West Virginia (Code W. Va. 1899, p. 1055), pro-
vides that no minor, 12 years of age, shall be employed in any mine,
factory, or workshop. The statute also makes it a misdemeanor on the
part of any guardian of such child, to let him work in such forbidden
mine, factory, etc.
« Law N. Y., 1897, Chap. 416.
24
370 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OP MINERS. § 341
was no liabilty for an injury from a defective scaffold, built
by an employee and his fellow-servants,^ but the effect of
the statute is to render the employer liable, although he
may have furnished proper appliances and material to his
employees, if the scaffold itself was not properly and
safely built. ^ The fact that the employee who built the
scaffold, and the injured servant, are fellow-servants, will
not relieve the employer of the result of the former's negli-
gence in building the scaffold, under such a statute ; ^ the
statute does not apply, however, to any preliminary work or
structure, which could not be considered as a scaffold, but
only to the completed structure, as such,* and whether or
not it was reasonably safe, is a jury question. ^
§ 341. Statutes requiring props and timbers. — On
account of the frequent injuries in mines from falling slabs
and bowlders, most of the mining States have enacted laws
requiring the mine owner to furnish his employees with a
sufficient supply of props or timbers for the roof and to send
them down into the mine. The Missouri statute (1899,
Sec. 8822) makes it the duty of the mine owner, to " keep
a sufficient supply of timber, when required to be used as
props," and to "send down all such props, when required."
The Supreme Court of the State construed this statute, as
. it originally stood, by requiring a request for props, on the
part of the miner, before a liability under the statute would
result.® The Kansas City Court of Appeals holds that the
1 Banzhaf t). Ludwig, 28 Misc. 496; 59 N. Y. Sup. 535.
2 Stewart v. Ferguson, 60 N. Y. Supp. 429; Healy v. Burke, 71 N. Y.
Supp. 1027.
s Kuss V. Fried, 66 N. Y. Supp. 487.
* Parsley v. Edge Moor Works, 168 N. Y. 539; 60 N. E. Rep. 1119.
6 McLaugtilin v. Eidlitz, 64 N. Y. Supp. 193; 50 App. Div. 518.
6 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Co., 110 Mo. 31. Rev. St. 1899, § 8822, re-
quiring the owner of a mine to keep a sufficient supply of timber, when
required to be used as props, so that the workmen may at all times be able
§ 341 STATUTES REGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 371
word " required " is used in thesense of " needed " and that
a request is not essential, if tiie necessity for tiie props ex-
isted. ^ Tiie Federal Court, for the Western District of the
State, holds that there is no liability under this act, if a
sufficient supply of timbers were supplied by the mine owner
and that to state a cause of action, under the statute, it is
essential to negative the clause of the statute placing such a
duty on the owner,- and that a mere allegation of neglect to
timber the mine, when necessary, is insufficient to state a
cause of action, under the statute.^ In Washington, by
Ballinger's Annotated Code (Sec. 3178), the mine owner is
required to keep a sufficient supply of timber for props and
to send down such timbers when required. A failure to
supply such timber, on request of the workmen, is held to
subject the mine owner to damages, in case of an injury
therefrom. 3 Under the Illinois statute, it is not sufficient
for the mine owner to supply the props, but he must have
to properly secure the workings from caving in, is not satisfied by fur-
nishing what may be deemed ordinarily sufficient timber; and the term
" properly secure " does not mean reasoiiably safe or absolutely safe, but
such security as a reasonable person would afford, commensurate with
the threatened danger. McDaniels ». Koyle Min. Co. (Mo. App. 1905),
86 S. W. Rep. 679. See also, chapter Injuries from Failure to Furnish
Timbers.
' Bowermanw. Lackawana Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; 71 S. W. Rep. 1062.
For a construction of the Missouri statute, with reference to the parties
to the action, see chapter Parties to Actions.
» Cole V. Mayne, 122 Fed. Rep. 836. Under the Missouri statute, re-
quiring props, the Kansas City Court of Appeals, recently held that an in-
struction requiring the jury to find that props were essential and that a
request had been made therefor, by the miner, was properly refused.
Weston V. Lackawana Mining Co., 78 S. W. Rep. 1044. But see, contra,
Wajiak V. K. & T. Coal Co. (Mo. Sup. Ct.) 87 S. W. Rep. 506.
s Green v. Western American Co., 30 Wash. 87; 70 Pac. Eep. 310.
"Evidence examined in an action by a miner for damages resulting from
rocks in the mine, and held that the question of his contributory negli-
gence in continuing to work after the foreman had neglected to furni.-h
the props called for was for the jury." Green v. Western American Co.
70 Pac. Rep. 310.
372 STATUTES EEGAEDING SAFETY OP MINERS. § 341
them, when required, at the " usual place," to be used; if
a "request" for the timber can be fairly. held to have
been made, it is sufficient, under the statute, and the com-
mon law duty to keep the roof reasonably safe is the
proper test as to the necessity for props, under the statute.!
The Kentuck3'^ statute, making it a misdemeanor for any
miner to fail to use the timbers, after they are furnished,
only applies to one whose duty it is to use such
timbers, and a failure to use timbers will not pre-
vent a track layer from recovering.^ Contributory
negligence is held, in Tennessee, to prevent a recovery
under the. prop statute, by one who had himself under-
mined the unpropped roof.' Under the prop statute of
1 Nor is it a sufficient compliance with the Illinois statute that props
were "somewhere in the mine." They must be at the "usual place."
Donk Bros. Coal Co. v. Stroff, 100 III. App. 576. Under Hurd's E. S.
111. 1899, ch. 93, Sees, li and 16, requiring props delivered, when re-
quested, if the evidence fairly tends to show a request by the injured
miner, for props, it is not error to refuse a peremptory charge to And
for the defendant. O'Fallon Coal Co. v. LaQuet, 198 III. 125; 64 N. E.
Rep. 767; Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v. Stroff, 200 111. 483; 66 N. E.
Rep. 29. The Illinois statute, requiring props for the roof of the mine,
has not superseded the common-law duty owed by the mine owner to
keep the roof reasonably safe, where props were not required, or to an
employee not named in the statute. Con. Coal Co. v. Bokamp, 181 111. 9;
54 N. E. Rep. 567.
2 The requirements of Kentucky statute (Sec. 2732), making it a mis-
demeanor for any miner who is ordered to do so, to fail to prop or tim-
ber the roof of a mine, applies to those who perform these duties only
and not to a track layer, who is injured by reason of a failure to comply
with the statute. Ashland Coal Co. v. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 42 S. W.
Eep. 744.
3 Under Tenn. Act 1881, Ch. 170, requiring the employment of a com-
petent boss, whose duty it shall be to see that roof is trimmed or propped,
the owner is not liable to an employee, who, after an inspection by the
boss, himself undermined the support to the roof and permitted it to fall
upon himself. Heald ». Wallace, 71 S. W. Rep. 80. " Horner's Rev. St.
Ind., 1897, § 5480m (Burns' Rev. St. 1894, § 7472), requires a mining
boss to visit and examine every working place in the mine every alternate
day, and see that it is properly secured by props, and that safety in all
§ 342 STATUTES EEGAKDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 373
Iowa,i the miner failing to prop the section of the mine
that needs props is made guilty of a misdemeanor and the
owner is required to send down, for the use of the miners,
all such props, when required. In a recent case, which
originated under this statute, it was held that the law did
not apply to a miner engaged in sloping an entry of a coal
mine, used to bring the coal to the surface, where such
miner was not in control of the entry, as it was not his
duty to keep the place of work in repair, as an incident to
duty as a workman, but the place of work, so far as he
was concerned, was completed, when his work began. ^
It is held, under this statute, that the miner must demand
props, as a condition precedent to a liability on the part of
the owner, for a failure to furnish the same.'
§ 342. Same — The Ohio and Illinois statute. — By
the terms of the prop statute of Ohio,* the miner is made
guilty of a crime for not using timbers that the owner has
furnished, and the owner is required to keep a supply of
timber constantly on hand, and to deliver the same at the
working place of the miners and the criminal liability of
the miner is conditioned upon the compliance with his full
duty, by the mine owner. The Supreme Court of the
State holds that a liability on the part of the mine owner
respects is assured; and that all loose coal, etc., where miners have to
travel, is carefully secured. Held, that such statute does not make the
owner of a mine an insurer of the safety of the workmen, but only oper-
ates to render a failure to comply with its requirements actionable negli-
gence." Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken, 66 N. E. Rep, 775.
1 McLain's Iowa Code, Sees. 2463, 2465.
2 Carson v. Coal Hill Coal Co., 101 Iowa, 224; 70 N. W. Rep. 185. A
laborer at work on the entry to a coal mine, in Illinois, Is held to be
within the provisions of the statute of that State. Mt. Olive & S. Coal
Co. V. Herbeck, 190 111. 39; 60 N. E. Eep. 105; affirming 92 111. App.
441.
8 Olesono. Maple Grove Coal Co., 115 Iowa, 74; 87 N. W. Eep. 736.
* Revised Statutes Ohio, Sec. 6871, originally Act April, 1872.
374 STATUTES REGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 342
results from a mere showing that the necessary timbers
were not delivered at the working places, as required by
the statute, and no request or notice, on the part of the
miner, of the necessity for props, is required, as a condi-
tion to hold the owner liable for a violation of the statute. ^
Under the prop statute of Illinois, a petition merely aver-
ring a failure to furnish props and to timber the roof of the
mine, without any additional allegation as to the necessity
for props and a request therefor, is insufficient ; ^ the
miners should themselves demand props, when they are
needed^ and not only should they demand timbers, but
where the dimensions are particular for the work in which
they are to be used, they should specify the dimensions
needed, or they cannot complain of the dimensions of the
timbers.* Where props of a certain dimension are de-
manded, however, it is not a compliance with the statute
to send down props tliat it will be necessary to splice ; 5 any
workman in the mine is entitled to the provisions and pro-
tection of the statute* and a sufficient demand will be
found to have been made for props, where the evidence
showed that for three successive days, prior to his injury,
a miner had, according to custom, written upon a slate, in
the mine, a request for props, which he had never
received.'
' Pittsburg & Western Coal Co. v. Bstievenard, 53 Ohio St. 43 ; 40 N.
E. Bep. 725.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Toung, 24 111. App. 255.
3 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Scheller, 42 111. App. 619.
^ Sugar Creek Mining Co. v. Peterson, 177 111. 324; 62 N. E. Bep.
75; reversing 76 111. App. 631.
5 Western Anthracite Coal & Coke Co. v. Beaver, 192 111. 333; 61 N.
E. Bep. 386; affirming 95 111. App. 95.
6 Mt. Olive & S. Coal Co. o. Herbeck, 190 111. 39; 60 N. E. Bep. 105;
affirming 92 111. App. 441.
' Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v. Peten, 192 111. 41; 61 N. E. Sep. 330;
affirming 95 111. App. 193.
^ 344 STATUTES EEGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 375
§ 34? . Same — The New York and Indiana acts . — By
the statute of New York,^ it is made the duty of mine
owners to properly timber the roofs and sides of each
working place and not to permit any person to work in an
unsafe place, or under dangerous material, except to
make the place secure. Where a miner was killed,
by reason of the fall of a pillar of talc, while he
was at work in the defendant's mine and the evi-
dence showed that the mine owner's superintendent had
notice of the dangerous condition of the pillar and had pro-
vided props to use to secure the same but had failed
to utilize them, at the time of the accident and that the
shding of the pillar resulted from the water seeping
through the soft layers of the pillar, the evidence was held
to show a liability of the mine owner, under this statute. ^
Under Burns' Revised Statutes 1894, of Indiana, Section
7472, requiring an inspection every alternate day, by the
mining boss, to see that all airways are safe and no props
are required, in order to insure the safety of the miners, an
allegation that the mining boss, appointed by the mine
owner, failed to inspect the mine, as required by the
statute, and, without the knowledge of the plaintiff, a miner
at work in said mine, the wall of the drift, between where
the coal was mined, became so thin that a shot blew one of
the walls down, upon the plaintiff, is held to state a good
cause of action.^
§ 344. Same — When willful violation of a statute
necessary. — Under the " prop statutes " of some of the
mining States, before a neglect to comply with the statute
can be predicated upon a failure to supply timbers or
1 Laws 1897, Chap. 415, Sec. 122.
2 Tetherton v. United States Talc Co., 165 N. Y. 665; 69 N. E. Eep.
1131.
8 Eureka Block Coal Co. v. WeUs, 29 Ind. App. 1; 61 N. B. Rep. 236.
376 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETT OF MINERS. § 345
props, it is essential to show a willful violation of the
statute. The statute, as it originally stood, in Missouri,
required the element of willfulness, to constitute a viola-
tion of the statute and, as it thus stood, the Supreme
Court of the State, gave effect to the legislative intent,
from the use of the word "willful," by holding that it
contemplated a known, intentional violation of the statute
and that without a knowledge and an intentional violation
of the act, that no cause of action thereunder could be
shown. 1 A similar interpretation was given a similar
statute, in Illinois^ and this, it is taken, is the reasonable
and proper construction of such statutes, and wherever an
element of willfulness is necessary to be shown, it ought
to be established only where a known and intentional vio-
lation of the statute appears. ^
§ 345. What evidence of willfulness suflacient. —
Under the Illinois statute, as it was originally passed, it
was necessary that the mine owner should have willfully
failed to comply with the provisions, with reference to in-
1 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Co., 110 Mo'. 31. Under the Missouri " Prop
Statute," as it was originally passed, making a willful violation alone
actionable, an intentional disregard o! the statute was essential to a
recovery. Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Co., 110 Mo. 31; 19 S. W. Rep. 303.,
" The miners act is a police regulation, passed in obedience to a con-
stitutional provision of this State, and a willful failure to obey the pro-
visions of the statute has all the force of wanton and intentional injury
in contemplation of law." Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. o. Stroff, 100 111.
App. 576.
2 Niantic Coal Co. v. Leonard, 126 111. 216; Beard ». Skeldon, 113 111.
584; Wesley Coal Co. v. Healer, 84 111. 123; Hawley v. Dailey, 13 Bradw.
391; Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 590.
3 State V. Clark, 29 N. J. L. 98; Cone v. Beads, 9 Gray, 298. The
failure of a mine owner to construct an escapement shaft, as required by
111. St. 2 Starr & C. Ch. 93, within a year after coal was mined, would be
treated as a willful violation of the law. Carterville Coal Co. ». Abbott,.
81 111. App. 279.
§ 345 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 377
spections, ventilation, etc.,l and mere non-compliance
was not a violation of the statute, sufficient to recover
against the mine owner.^ But proof of a knowleftlge , upon
the mine owner's part, that the mine was not in a safe
condition and a failure to comply with the statutory pro-
visions, in Illinois, was held a sufficient proof of willfulness
to justify a recovery^ and where the shaft had been con-
structed to a depth of two hundred feet and a year after
coal was mined no escapement shaft was constructed, as
required by the statute, this was a sufficient showing of
willfulness, to justify a submission of the question to the
jury.* Gross negligence has also been held sufficient to
justify the presumption of willfulness,^ and, generally,
where there is proof of a consciousness that the statute
has been violated, it is a jury question whether or not, the
willfulness contemplated, exists. ^ Willfulness is judicially
-held to be a conscious act of the mind and not a mere in-
advertence,' but a wrongful intent is not an element of
willfulness and hence, the mine owner cannot testify to a
lack of such intent upon his part, to disprove such will-
fulness.^ Mere proof of a want of ordinary care, how-
1 Coasolidated Coal Co. v. Carson, 66 III. App. 434; Odia Coal Co. v.
Denman, 186 111. 413; 57 N. E. Rep. 192; 76 Am. St. Eep. 45; Springside
CoalMln. Co. 0. Grogan, 53 111. App. 60.
2 Hawley v. Dailey, 13 111. App. 391.
s Pawnee Coal Co. v. Eoyce, 184 111. 402; 66 N. E. Eep. 621; Bartlett
Coal & Mining Co. v. Eoach, 68 111. 174; Jupiter Coal Min. Co. v. Mercer,
84111. App. 96; Girard Coal Co v. Wiggins, 62 111. App. 69; Niantic Coal
& Min. Co, V. Leonard, 126 111. 216; 19 N. E. Eep, 294.
* Cartervllle Coal Co. v. Abbott, 81 111. App. 279.
5 Girard Coal Co. v. Wiggins, 52 111. App. 69.
6 Odin Coal Co. v. Denman, 84 111. App. 190; Muddy Vall-^y Min. Co.
V. Phillipps, 39 111. App. 376.
' Odin Coal Co. v. Denman, 186 111. 413; 57 N. E. Eep. 192; 76 Am.
St. Eep. 45; 84 111. App. 190; Leslie v. Rich Coal Min. Co., 110 Mo. 31;
19 S. W. Rep. 308.
* Odin Coal Co. o, Denman, supra.
378 STATUTES EEGAEDING SAFETY OF MINEES. § 346
ever, does not sustain the charge, under such a statute, of
a willful disregard of the statute. ^
§ 346. Willful violation of Illinois mining' act. —
Under the coal mine statute of Illinois, ^ which makes the
mine owner liable in damages for any injury to person or
property of his employees, or for the "death, occasioned by
any willful violation of this act, -or willful failure to comply
with any of its provisions," as construed by the Supreme
Court of the State, a knowing and intentional failure to com-
ply with the provisions of the act is a willful failure, within
the meaning of the law, and it is not essential for the plain-
tiff to further show a wrongful or evil intent, in order to
give a right of action for the death of a miner.''
1 Girard Coal Co. v. Wiggins, 52 111. App. 09. Where the mine owner's
inspector makes a careful examination and reports that the mine is safe,
then the owner cannot be held for a willful violation of the law, but-
might be liable for common law negligence. Himrod Coal Co. v.
Schroa th, 91 111. App. 234. " The failure of a mine owner, with notice,
to remedy defective conditions In a mine, and the neglect of the mine
examiner to report unsafe conditions, to mark the places, and make a
report thereof, are conscious omissions, and therefore willful violations
of the mining act of this State." Rivertoa Coal Cj. v. Shepherd, 111 111.
App. 294. "Under Mines Act (Kurd's Rev. St. 1899, c. 93), §33, provid-
ing that for any willful violation thereof a right of action shall accrue to
the party injured for any direct damages sustained, a mining company
iS liable for an injury caused by its violation of the statute, though the
consequence of Its violation could not have been foreseen as a result of
its conduct." Willis Coal & Mining Co. v. Grizzell, 100 111. App. 480.
2 Laws Illinois, 1899, p. 325, Sec. 33.
' Fulton V. Wilmington Star Mining Co., 133 Fed. Rep. 193. Under
the coal mine law of Illinois (Lawa 1899, p. 325, § 33), which makes a
mine owner liable in damages for any injury to person or property or for
death "occasioned by any willful violation of this act or willful failure
to comply with any of its provi sions," as construed by the Supreme Court
of the State, a knowing and intentional failure to comply with the require-
ments of the act is a " willful " failure within its meaning, and a wrongful
or evil intent is not necessary to give a right of action thereunder for tho
death of a miner." Fulton v. Wilmington Star Min. Co. (U. S. C. C. A.
11. 1904), 133 Fed. Rep. 193. And this is in accord with the holding
§ 347 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 379
§ 347. Statutes requiring safe passage-ways to and from
mine. — The statutes of many of the mining States, with a
view of emphasizing and specializing the common law duty
of the mine owner to provide a reasonably safe means of in-
gress and egress to and from the mine,l have enacted spe-
cial statutes with reference to the maintenance and con-
struction of reasonably safe and secure passage-ways leading
to and from the working places in the mines. ^ As a gen-
eral rule, a violation of such a statutory duty, will ren-
der the mine employer liable, the same as for an in-
jury from a breach of any other statutory duty and after
the mine has reached the stage at which the construction of
a passage-way would be required, under the statute, an in-
jury from a breach of statutory duty in this regard, will
Bender the employer liable, whether the breach consists in a
failure to construct the passage-way, in the first instance,
or in failing to maintain it in a reasonably safe condition,
subsequent to its construction. Accordingly, as held in a
recent case, where the mine employer had complied with
Starr & C. Ann St. ( 1902, p. 845, Ch. 93, ) requiring a
passage-way to be constructed fourteen feet wide, around
the bottom of a shaft, but, by reason of a cave-in, such
passage-way had become blocked and obstructed, so that it
was necessary to crawl over the fallen rock and debris and
this condition had existed for a period of six weeks prior to
the injury of the plaintiff, from this cause, it was held to be
no defense to the action that the mine was in the early
stages of development, to which the statute ought not to
apply, as the evidence showed that the passage-way could
of the State courts of Illinois. Niantic Coal Mining Co. v. Leonard,
126 111. 216; Beard v. Skeldon, 113 111. 681; Wesley Coal Co. v. Healer,
84 111. 128; Litchfield Coal Co. v, Taylor, 81 111. 590.
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 395, and cases cited.
' K. S. Ohio 1892, Sec. 6870, et sub.; R. S. Mo, 1899, Sec. 8814.
380 STATUTES EEGARDING SAFETY OF MINEES. § 348
have been cleared and kept so, with a slight amount of ex-
tra work.l
§ 348. Statutes requiring certificates of mine mana-
gers. — In some of the mining States, notably in Illinois,^
there is a statute requiring the employment of mine mana-
gers, and such managers are required to obtain from a
properly constituted board of examiners, a certificate of
their competency and ability to act as a mine manager, and
until such certificate is obtained, no such manager can
act in such capacity in any of the mines within the State.
This statute, like those requiring inspections and similar
precautions to prevent injuries and accidents to the miners,
is held to be a valid exercise of the police power by the legis-
lature and not unconstitutional,^ nor would the fact that
the courts hold that after the employment of such a mana-
ger, who is required to qualify under properly consbituted
commissioners, the employer is still liable for his neglect,
render the statute unconstitutional, for he is regarded in
the same light as any other vice-principal, after his qualifi-
cation, the examination and qualification being but a pre-
liminary process to ascertain the skill and ability of the
employer's agent, which would not malie him any the less
his agent because of this preliminary safeguard, under-
taken by the State.*
1 Chicago, CoulterviUe Coal Co. v. Fidelity & Casualty Co., 130 Fed.
Rep. 957. Under Kurd's Rev. St. 1901, p. 1216, § 21, providing that on
all single-track hauling roads, wherever hauling is done by machinery,
and on all gravity and inclined planes in mines on which persons employed
In the mines must travel, places of refuge must be cut in the side wall, a
mining company cannot escape liability for an injury occasioned by the
failure to provide such places of refuge, on the ground that there was a
double track, and the statute did not require such places except on a
single-track road where machinery was used. Brookside Coal Min.
Co. V. Dolph, 101 111. App. 169.
2 Laws Illinois, 1899, pp. 308, 309, Sees. 7, 8.
3 Fulton ». TVilmington Star Mining Co., 1.S3 Fed. Rep. 198.
* Fulton V. Wilmington Star Mining Co., 133 Fed. Rep. 198.
§ 350 STATUTES KJEGARDING SAFETY OI* MINERS. 381
§ 349. Statute requiring lights and signals. — In most
of the mining States statutes have been passed, requiring
signals or other means of communication, between the
bottom and the top of the shaft, to enable the miners to
communicate with the person in claarge of the hoisting ap-
paratus. The statutes of Missouri and Illinois are illustra-
tions of these acts, which are practically the same and
require ample means of communication, between the bot-
tom and top of the mine, with suitable means of signalling,
between the bottom and top thereof.^ The Illinois stat-
ute also requires a sufficient light, at the top of every shaft,
to insure the safetyof miners, getting on and off the cage.^
Although not signalling at the time, a miner in the bottom
of the shaft is held entitled to the provisions of the Mis-
souri statute and can recover, for a failure to comply with
the statute,^ but a miner in the derrick and in no way use-
ing the signals or being hoisted, at the time of his injury,
is held not to be entitled to the protection of this statute.*
In Illinois, however, a miner in the " tipple house," above
the shaft, is held to be entitled to the benefit of the stat-
ute of that State, and it was held to be a jury question
whether the landing at the surface, or at such " tipple
house," was the " top of the shaft," within the meaning
of the law and whether or not the absence of a light was
the' approximate cause of the injury .5
§ 350. Signalling — Hoisting apparatus. — The statute
of Missouri, like many similar provisions in other States,
1 R. S. Mo. 1899, Sees. 8811, 8813 ; K. S. 111. 1889, Chap. 98, Sees. 6, 8, U.
2 See. 6, R. S. 111. 1889, Chap. 93.
s Durante. Lexington Coal Min. Co., 97 Mo. 62; 10 S. W. Rep. 484.
4 Barron v. Missouri Lead and Zinc Mining Co., 172 Mo. 228.
6 Odin Coal Co. v. Denman, 185 111. 413; 57 N. B. Rep. 192; 76 Am.
St. Rep. 45. The Illinois statute, requiring signals, applies to all eoal
mines in the State, regardless of the motive power in use. Sangamon
Coal Min Co. v. Wlggerhouse, 25 111. App. 77; 122 111. 279; 13 N. E.
Rep. 648.
382 ' STATUTES KEGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 350
requires every mine owner or operator to " provide suitable
means of signalling, between the bottom and top " of the
mine and "safe means of hoisting and lowering persons,
in a cage, covered with boiler iron," the specific construc-
tion of the appliance being enumerated in the statute. i
This statute is not attempted to be complied with in the
lead and zinc mines of Missouri ; its application to such
mines would be extremely impractical and the State officers
whose duty it is to see to the enforcement of this statute
do not apply it to such mines but only to coal mines, where
its provisions can be complied with, without injury to the
industry.^ In an action under this section the only inquiry
for the court is as to a violation of the statute and the cause
of the injury. If the statute is violated and its violation is
the approximate cause of the injury, the master is liable,
but assumed risk and contributory negligence are proper
defenses, the same as they are to a breach of a common
law duty ; ^ but a mere knowledge of a non-compliance
with the provisions of the statute will not defeat a recovery,
by an injured miner, and a " eager " at the bottom of the
shaft is held to be within the protection of the statute,*
although the statute does not apply to a " hoistcr-
man " at the top of the shaft, in lowering or hoisting
the cage for others, as it was intended to apply to those
who would use the cage to be hoisted or lowered into the
mine. 5
1 E. S. Mo. 1889, Sec. 7066; E. S. 1899, Sec. 881; Amended, Sess.
Laws, Missouri, 1901, p. 211.
2 For discussion of the legal reasons why this statute should be con-
fined, in its application to coal mines, see White Mines and Mining
Semedies, Sec. 389, p. 516.
s Spiva V. Osage Coal& Mining Co., 88 Mo. 68.
^ Durant v. Lexington Coal Mining Co., 97 Mo. 62.
" Barron v. Missouri Lead & Zinc Co., 173 Mo. 228. For a similar
construction of Iowa Code, Sec. 2489, see Jacobson v. Smith, 89 N. W.
Eep. 773.
§ 351 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 383
§ 351. Statutes requiring inspections. — In order to
prevent the defense of want of knowledge, under acts
where an element of willfulness is necessary to be shown,
to constitute a violation of the miners statutes, it is quite
customary for the legislature to provide for the inspection
of mines at regular intervals, and a failure to inspect in
accordance with the statute has the same effect as a viola-
tion of any other similar provision, intended for the safety
and protection of mine employees. A mere inspection is
not, generally, a compliance with the statute, unless it is
a proper inspection, for this is a duty which is devolved
upon the owner, and, in several States, he is held incapa-
ble of delegating such duty to an employee.! This was the
holding of a recent case, in Illinois, although, previously,
in the same State, the Supreme Court held that as an ele-
ment of willfulness was necessary fo be shown under the
act, if an inspection was made and a competent inspector
employed, this ended the liability of the owner, unless it
was shown that he was a party to the false or improper
inspection. 2 Where willfulness is an element of the stat-
utory negligence, it would seem to require a knowledge, to
show an intentional disregard of the statute;^ amine owner
would not be liable for an improper inspection, in those
jurisdictions where the inspector is held to be a fellow-
servant with the injured employee,* and generally, to
1 A mere inspection is not a compliance with tiie Illinois Mining act,
Whicli requires a daily examination and tiiat no miner shall be allowed
to enter until all the conditions are proper, an injury from unsafe con-
ditions, even after the inspection, will constitute a violation of the
statute. Pawnee Coal Co. ■». Eoyce, 134 111. 402; 66 N. E. Rep. 621.
2 The Illinois examination statute, only makes the owner liable for
a willful failure to have thymine inspected and if he has it inspected
and an inspector makes a false report and a miner is killed as a result,
there is no liability. Himrod Coal Co. v. Schroath, 91 II). App. 2M.
8 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Co., 110 Mo. 31.
* Delaware Canal Co. v. Carroll, £9 Pa. St. 374; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 47.
384 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 352
recover, for a neglect of such statutes it is necessary to
show that the violation of the statute occasioned the
injury 1.
§ 352. Statutes providing means of ingress and
egress. — Most of the mining States have adopted pro-
tective legislation, regulating the construction of cages,
derricks and hoisters, for hoisting and lowering employees
into mines. The application of the statute to a given case,
as well as what method adopted would be a compliance
with the statute, depends largely upon the language of the
act, and the statutes differ, in the different States. In some
States awillf ul violation of the statute will, alone, constitute
negligence, and, where this construction is adopted, an
actual intent to violate the act, or, what is equivalent, a
knowledge of the violation, must be shown. ^ In Pennsyl-
vania, and under the English Metalliferous Mines Act,
requiring a cage, with guides, a mere tub, or bucket,
which is hoisted and lowered upon a rope, so that it may
swing against the sides of the shaft, is not a compliance
with the statute.^ In Illinois, it is held that the statute is
^ An action will not lie for the violation of Illinois law requiring an
inspection of the mine each morning, before the miners enter (Starr &
C. St. Ch. 93j Sec. i), where an inspection was made three hours before
the accident, but after the employees had commenced work, since the
defect, not then discovered, could not have been discovered earlier.
Missouri & I. Coal Co. v. Schwab, 74 111. App. 567.
2 A mere non-compliance with Illinois statute (2 Starr & C. Ch. 93,
Sees. 6, 8, 14), requiring lights and gates to shaft, does not make out a
willful disregard of the statute, but to constitute such a case, an intent
to violate it must be shown. Odin Coal Co. v. Denmau, 84 111. App. 190 ;
57 N. E. Eep. 192.
.2 A bucket, three feet across, hung upon a rope, with no guides or
covering, but hanging so that it will strike the walls and timbers in
being hoisted or let down into a mine, is not a compliance with Pa. Act,
June 2, 1891, requiring a cage, with guides and covering. Com. ex rel.
Elk Hill Coal Co., 4 Lack. L. News, 80. Under the English Metalliferous
§352 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 385
violated, although a cage is provided, if it is not kept in a
reasonably safe and secure condition, or, in other words,
the common law is applied as a test as to what would be
considered a compliance with the statute.! Iq Missouri,
the " Cage Statute, " providing for a sheet iron, covered
cage, with guides, for "hoisting and lowering persons"
into the mine, is not held to apply to an injury, oa top of
the ground, from a defective derrick ; ^ but in Indiana, the
" Cage Statute, " with similar provisions, is held to be
violated by an injury to an employee in the bottom of the
mine, running cars, although not " ascending or descend-
ing, " ^ and a similar construction is adopted in Illinois, as
to an employee who had just stepped upon the cage.*
Mines Act, of 1872, requiring a cage, with guides, a mine owner is liable
to prosecution for an Injury where only a bucket is used, without guides
as the act requires. Foster v. Mining Co., 1 Q. B. 71.
1 And even where the Cage Statute o£ Illinois is complied with, if the
owner permits the valve of the engine to get so out of order that it will
emit steam and start the engine automatically, he is liable for the
death of a miner, caused thereby. Con. Coal Co, v. Maehl, 31 111. App.
252.
2 Barron o. Mo. Lead & Zinc Co., 72 S. W. Rep. 534.
8 Horner's Rev. St. Ind. (1897, Sec. 5480J) requires a cage covered
with boiler iron, for the use of persons ascending and descending in'o
the mine, and the Appellate Court of that State holds that a miner em-
ployed in running cars at the bottom of the shaft is within the protection
of the statute, although not "ascending or descending." Bodeil v.
Brazil Block Coal Co., 25 Ind. App. 654; 53 N. B. Rep. 856.
* An employee was killed, in Illinois, as a result of a violation by the
employer, of the act of 1873, Ch. 93, preventing the hoisting of coal while
a miner was being hoisted or lowered in the mine, by a piece of coal
falling upon him. The employer was held liable for this violation of the
statute and there was held to be no variance between the evidence,
which showed that the employee had just got upon the cage, and the
petition, which charged that he was ascending, at the time he was
struck by the coal. Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 490; 10 Mor.
Min. Rep. 684. For a discussion of the question of the application of
the " Missouri Cage Statute " to lead and zinc mines, see White
Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 389, p. 516 and note.
25
386 STATUTES EEGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 353
§ 353. Assumption of risk from breach of statutory-
duty. — The question has been recently mooted as to
whether an employee of a mine employer, who has failed to
comply with the statutory duties imposed upon him, will
assume the risks of injuries, by remaining in the service
knowing such duty is neglected. Mr. Dresser, in his recent
work upon Employer's Liability, distinguishes between
violations of the statute that existed at the time of the
employment of the injured servant and those occurring
afterwards and intimates that as to breaches of the statute
existing at the time of the employment, the risks of re-
sulting injuries are assumed, by the contract of employ-
ment. ^ Upon this question, however, the authorities are
at variance and the author referred to seems in doubt as to
the correct rule, in this regard.^ But upon the other
hand, the cases are numerous, from different States, that
such risks are not assumed, for such a construction would
abrogate the statute.^ It is true that the Missouri Ap-
pellate Court, rather intimated, in one decision, that if
the dangers from a non-compliance with the statutes were
open and obvious, the risks would be assumed.* But the
court, in this case, evidently overlooked the decision
of the Supreme Court of the same State, whose decisions
are controlling upon the appellate courts of the State,
that " such a declaration of law, would, in effect, nullify
the statute."^ In Indiana, the owner's failure to com-
1 Dresser Emp. Liab., pp. 249, 595-597.
2 Dresser Emp. Liab., pp. 249-596.
3 Coal Co. o. Patting (111. 1904) 71 N. B. Rep. 371; Coal Co. v. Swag-
gerty, 159 Ind. 664; 65 N. E. Rep. 1026; Green «. West Am. Co., 30 Wash.
87; 70Pac. Rep. 310.
* Adams v. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App., p. 493.
5 In this case, the Supreme Court said: " The next contention of ap-
pellant is that knowledge, on the part of the plaintiH, that the cage was
not covered with iron, and that no contrivance had been provided for
signaling from top to bottom of the shaft, should defeat the action.
§ 353 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 387
ply with the statute requiring signals between the bot-
tom and top of the mine (Burns E. S. 1901, Sec.
7470), is held to render him liable in damages in case
of resulting injuries, and the doctrine of assumption
of risk is held to have no application to a breach of
statutory duty.^ A similar rule is announced in Washing-
ton, as to a lack of timbers, where it is held the miner
is not compelled to assume the risk of dangers from a
breach of the duty imposed on the employer, by the
statute. 2 And in Illinois it is even held that a failure to
comply with the "miners statutes," abrogates the mine
owner's defense of assumed risk and contributory negli-
gence, as well, thus recognizing a right of recovery for a
ground of negligence that did not, directly, cause the in-
jury complained of .^ This rule is contrary to the general
Such a declaration of law would, la efEect, nullify the statute." Durant
V. Coal Co., 97 Mo., p. 66. The above decision, however, is at variance
with thatot Spiva v. Osage Coal & Mining Co., where it is held that if
one voluntarily engages In work at a mine, where a statute providing for
its safety has not been complied with, he assumes the risk and waives
the provisions of the statute. Spiva v. Osage Coal & Mining Co., 88
Mo. 68; Adams v. K. & T. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 486.
1 Assumption of risk no defense for injury from violation of statute in
Indiana. Boyd v. Brazil Block Coal Co., 50 N. E. Rep. 368, citing Bart-
lett Coal Min. Co. v. Koach, 68 111. 174; Catlett v. Young, 143 111. 74; 32
N. E. Rep. 447. But in Bodell v. Brazil Block Coal Co. (25 Ind. App.
664; 68 N. E. Rep. 866), it is held that the Indiana statute, relative to
cages, covered with boiler Iron (Horner's Rev. St. 1897, Sec. 5180m),
does not affect the employer's common law defense of assumed risk, and
for an injury from a failure to provide a cage, covered as the act pro-
vided, since the failure was obvious, a miner assumed the risk, notwith-
standing the violation of the statute. Island Coal Co. v. Swaggerty, 159
Ind. 664; 65 N. E. Rep. 1026.
2 Green v. West. Am. Co., 30 Wash. 87; 70 Pac. Eep. 310.
' Contributory negligence is not a defense to an injury caused by
willful failure to comply with the mining law relative to furnishing props.
Sunnyside Coal Co. o. Perry Center (111. App. 1902), 100 111. App. 546.
A miner who is guilty of contributory negligence can recover under the
act for the protection of miners, if the proximate cause of the injury is
388 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 353
established rule and the great weight of authority in the
other mining States. But in Massachusetts, Minnesota,
Alabama, and New York, the defense of assumption of risk
still obtains as a defense to statutory negligence, the same
as any other actionable breach of duty owed by an em-
ployer to his employee. 1 This is in accord with the nature
the willful failure of the mine manager to obey the provisions of the
statute in reference to the furnishing of props. Donk Bros. Coal & Coke
Co. V. StrofE, 100 111. App. 576. As to the defense of contributory negli-
gence and assumption of risk, under the "Miner's statute" of Illinois,
the court of that State has held that no such defenses can prevail, as the
recognition of such a defense would virtually repeal the statute. " This
court has held that contributory negligence is no defense to an action
against a mine owner if an injury results to a miner by reason of a will-
ful violation of the mines and miners' act. Western Anthracite Coal &
Coke Co. V. Beaver, 192 111. 333; 61 N. E. Kep. 336. And we think the same
reasoning applies to the doctrine of assumed risk. The statute expressly
requires the mine owner to furnish a sufficient light at the top and bottom
of the shaft to insure, as far as possible, the safety of persons getting
on and off the cage. To excuse the mine owner from a compliance with
said statute upon proof of the fact that the miner knew the mine owner
was violating the statute would be to repeal the statute." Spring Valley
Coal Co. V. Patting (Supreme Court of Illinois, 1904), 71 N. E. Rep. 371.
In Mt. Olive Coal Co. v. Herbeck (92 111. App. 441; 60 N. E. Rep. 106),
it is held that the Illinois statute, requiring props, is not subject to the
defense of assumed risk. See, also, Himrod Coal Co. v. Addick, 94
111. App. 1.
1 In Massachusetts it is held that there is no difference, as to the de-
fense of contributory negligence, or assumed risk, whether the action is
brought for common law, or statutory negligence, and this is, manifestly,
the better doctrine. Cassaday v. B. & O. Co., 41 N. E. Rep. 129. This
is also the rule in Ohio, as to contributory negligence. Kraus v. Morgen,
40 N. E. Rep. 886. And also in Colorado. Victor Coal Co. o. Muir, 20
Colo. 320; 38 Pac. Rep. 378; 25 L. R. A. 436. It is held in Minnesota, that
Gen. Laws Minn. 1865, Ch. 173, defining the duties of employers and
directing the care to be used in the supervision of the ways, works and
machinery, is but declaratory negligence and assumption of risk. Lund-
berg V. Shevlin, etc., Co., 68 Minn. 135; 70 N. W. Rep. 1078. The Em-
ployers Liab. Act of Alabama, Code (Sec. 2590)— a substantial re-enact-
ment of the Eng. Act, 1880 — does not change the rule that an employee
assumes risks of known defects. Birmingham Co. v. Allen, 13 So. R^p.
8; 20 L. R. A. 457. A disregard of the statutory duty, under the N. Y.
' § 354 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OP MINERS. 389
of the implied contract of the common law, growing out of
the contract of employment, and is the generally recognized
rule.i
§ 354. Contributory negligence a defense under stat-
ute. — The basis of the plaintiff's action, under the differ-
ent mining statutes, is the neglect of the owner to comply
with the statutory duty and, in this regard, the duty im-
posed by the law is the same as any other positive duty
that has been neglected. It is incumbent upon the plaintiff
Laws of 1890, Chap, 398, p. 756, to guard or fence daogerous machinery,
cogwheels, etc., does not render the employer liable, where the risk was
obvious and was assumed in entering into the service. Knisely v. Pratt,
148 N.Y. 372; 42 N. E. Eep. 986; 32 L. R. A. 367. "The employers*
liability acts of both New York and Massachusetts only apply where the
employee " is himself in the exercise of due care and diligence at the
time." Sievers v. Eyre (U. S. D. C, N. Y. 1903J, 122 Fed. Eep. 734.
1 Upon the question of assumption of such risks, Mr. Dresser says :
" These are not statutes passed for the benefit of the public at large, but
for the better protection of certain classes, the individuals of which may
or may not, need the care. The statutes are not criminal, but are
police regulations. The servant, consequently, has his private action,
for a violation causing injury to him. It is difficult to see why, if the
servant is given an action, he cannot barter it away, before the cause of
action accrues, as well as fail to bring it, when he suffers iojury. For
many reasons the servant may prefer to forego the protection aod as
this does not affect the master's liability under the statute, or effect the
welfare of the State, it should be permitted. If the principle, expressed
in the cases, is carried to the extreme, an employer who had failed to
fence his machinery, as required by statute, would be liable to the me-
chanic he had hired to remedy the defect, if the latter were injured
'through the absence of guards; or, a man who had agreed to keep his
neighbor's roof clear of snow during the winter, but failing to do so, is
injured by the snow falling upon him, could recover, if the owner of un-
cleared roofs was subjected to a fine. If the decisions quoted are to be
followed, the odd state of affairs will exist, of a man who Is mere'y care-
less, being barred, but one who deliberately undertakes a dangerous
work, recovering." Dresser Emp. Lia., pp. 602, 603. The author then
states the true rule to be that such risks are assumed by a servant, who,
with full knowledge of the violation of a statute, remains at work.
Dresser, Emp. Liab., pp. 603, 604,
390 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 354
in all cases of negligence, to show that the negligence of
the defendant, whether statutory or otherwise, was the
approximate cause of his injury, and, if, instead of a neglect
of the statute, being the occasion of his injury, the wrong-
ful act or neglect of the plaintiff, himself, occasioned the
injury, then he could not recover. ^ In the very nature of
the case, therefore, there is a difference between contribu-
tory negligence, as a defense under the statute, and that of
assumed risk, and the former may obtain although the lattei;
may not. This distinction is not recognized by the courts
of the different States very generally, but is strongly ac-
centuated and well reasoned by Mr. Dresser, in his recent
well written work on Employer's Liability.^ The lUinois
Supreme Court failed to recognize the distinction, but held,
in a recent case, that neither assumed risk or contributory
negligence was a valid defense to an action for neglect of
statutory duty,^ but the Missouri Supreme Court, in an
able opinion by the late Judge Black, noted the distinction,
between these two defenses, to a violation of the miners'
statute of Missouri.*
1 Durant v. Coal Co., 97 Mo. 66; Adams v. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App.
493; Dresser Emp. Liab., pp. 603, 604; Senior v. Ward, 28 L. J. Q. B.
136; Bodell v. Coal Co., 25 Ind. App. 654; Cleveland &c. Co. v. Baker.
61 Fed. Rep. 224; Coal Co. v. Muir, 20 Colo. 320.
2 Dresser Emp. Liab., pp. 602, 604. "Employers' Liability Act., Mass.,
§ 1, subds. 2, 4, imposing a liability for the negligence of other em-
ployees, cannot be construed as relieving an employee from the caution
and care of himself required by the common law." Corning Steel Co.
V. Pohlplotz, 64 N. E. Rep. 476.
3 Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Eowatt, 196 111. 156; 63 N. E. Eep. 649;
Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting fill. 1904), 71 N. E. Eep. 371; Coal
Co. V. Beaver, 192 111. 833; 61 N. E. Rep. 335, And the Appellate Court
also fails to note the distinction. Sunnyside Coal Co. v. Perry Center,
100 111. App. 546; ; Donk Bros. Coal Co. v. Stroff, 100 111. App. 576; 111.
Fuel Co. V. Parsons, 38 111. App. 182.
* See Durant v. Coal Co. (97 Mo. 66), where the court said : " But we
do not say, in this case, that plaint'ft could recover, if guilty of negli-
gence himself." Contributory negligence is no defense to mine owner.
§ 355 STATUTES EEGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 391
§ 355. Pleading violations of statute. — In pleading a
cause of action for an injury from a violation of a statute
for the safety or protection of miners, it is, generally,
necessary for the plaintiff to bring himself within the class
entitled to the benefits of the given statutory provision and
to show a violation of the statute by the defendant and
a resulting injury therefrom to the plaintiff.! It is held,
under the Louisiana statute, making an employer liable for
an injury to an employee from obeying a negligent order
of a person, under whom he was placed in a subordinate
position and subject to whose orders his employment de-
pended, that a petition which failed to show that the person
who gave the negligent order was empowered with com-
mand over the plaintiff, was demurrable.^ And, likewise,
wberehelias failed to comply with Illinois statute (Hurd'sR. S. Cli. 93;
Sec. 3) , for failing to construct escapement sliaf ts. Carte rville Coal Co. u .
Abbott, 55 N. E. Rep. 131; Ohio Coal Co. ». Denman, 84 111. App. 190,
57 N. E. Rep. 192, " Where a miner was injured by reason of the mine
owner's willful failure to maintain an open passageway around the land-
ing place at the bottom of the shaft, as required by 4 Starr & C. Ann. St.
1902, pp. 845, 864, c. 93, §§ 2, 83, declaring that, for any iojury occa-
sioned by any willful violation of the act or willful failure to comply with
its provisions, a right of action shall accrue to the party injured for any
direct damages sustained thereby, the contributory negligence of such
miner was no defense." Chicago-Coulterville Coal Co. v. Fidelity &
Causally Co. of New York, 130 Fed. Rep. 957. " Contributory negligence
on the part of an employee of a mine is not a defense to an action for
personal injuries brought by him, based on a willful violation, by the
mine owner, of the duties imposed by statute." Riverton Coal Co. u.
Shepherd, 111 111. App. 294. " Under the decision of the Supreme Court
of the State contributory negligence is not a defense to an action against
a mine owner to recover for the death of a miner under the coal mine law
of Illinois (Laws 1896, p. 325, § 33), and such construction of the statute
Is binding on a Federal court." Fulton k. Wilmington Star Min. Co.,
133 Fed. Rep. 193.
1 Diamond Block Coal Co. o. Cuthbertson, 67 N. E. Rep. 558; Davis
Coal Co. B. PoUand, 62 N. E. Rep. 492.
2 "Under Burns' Rev. St. 1901, § 7083, making a corporation liable for
Injuries to a servant resulting from the negligence of any person in the
service of the corporation to whose order or direction the injured em-
392 STATUTES EEGAEDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 355
where the provisions of the statute relied upon only ap-
plied to the defendant's mine, if ten or more men were
employed, a petition which fails to show that ten men were
employed by the defendant, at the time of the plaintiff's
injury, is bad.i A substantial negation of the statutory
provisions, however, is all that is necessary to be set forth,
to show a violation of the statute relied upon,^ and it is not,
generally, necessary for the plaintiff to anticipate the
ployee at the time of the iDJury was bound to conform and did conform,
a complaint alleging that plaintiff was Injured by the negligence of de-
fendant's foreman while plaintiff was performing the directions of such
foreman — bat which failed to aver that the foreman had any authority
to give the order, or that plaintiff at the time was bound to conform
thereto,, was insuflacient." Ft. Wayne Gas Co. v. Niemann (Ind. App.
1904), 71 N. E. Rep. 59.
1 Under Ind. Act, March 2, 1891, requiring certain safeguards in coal
Mines, employing 10 men or more, a complaint which falls to show the
employment of 10 men or more, is demurrable. Dickason Coal Co. v.
Unverferth, 30 Ind. App. 546; 66 N. E. Rep. 759.
-" " Under Ala. Code 1896, § 1749, subd. 1, providing that when an Injury
to an emyloyee is caused by reason of any defect in the condition of the
ways, works, machinery or plant connected with or used In the business
of the employer, the latter shall be liable as if the employee were a
stranger, a complaint for injuries to a servant by reason of the fall of a
derrick from certain alleged defects in the metal strips and rods by which
it was held in position, and that the wall to which the derrick was fast-
ened was not sufficiently strong to support the same, and that such de-
fects arose from, or had not been discovered owing to defendant's serv-
ant, employed with the duty of seeing that the ways, works, and
machinery were in proper condition, was not demurrable for in-
deflniteness of averment respecting the acts of negligence charged."
Southern Car & Foundry Co. v Jennings, 34 So. Rep. 1002.
'< Where it appeared from the complaint that plaintifE was an expe-
rienced miner, knew that defendant had failed to provide props, as re-
quired by Burns' Rev. St. Ind. 1901, §§ 7466, 7472 (Horner's Rev. St.
1901, §§ 5480g, 6489m), and with this knowledge continued his workuntil
injured, but that there was nothing in the appearance of the mine's roof to
indicate immediate danger ; that he was unable to ^nd any defect therein
by the usual tests; and that he could and would have propped the slate
securely, if defendant had supplied props — the specific averments do
not overcome a general allegation of freedom from fault." Davis Coal
Co. V. Polland, 62 N. E. Rep. 492.
§ 356 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. 393
defense of assumed risk or contributory negligence, by al-
leging a want of notice of the defendant's negligence, as
this is a matter of defense, where it is competent to be
relied upon as a defense. i
§ 356. As to the contributory negligence of infant. —
Although some of the cases hold that where contributory
negligence can be predicated of an infant's acts, the same
degree of care will characterize his conduct as that in the
case of an adult person,^ the better doctrine is deemed to
be that as to an infant, his discretion and intelligence are
factors to be considered in determining his ability to avoid
the danger, notwithstanding his knowledge of the risk that
he may incur by a given act. In Missouri, an instruction
that a child was " bound to exercise such reasonable care
and caution for his personal safety as a boy of his age,
experience and intelligence was individually capable of " is
error, as requiring the highest degree of care of which the
child was capable, instead of that degree of care, which,
under similar circumstances, would reasonably be expected
1 An allegation under Indiana statute, that def<;ndant failed to have a
competent boss, inspect the mine every other day, or to prop the roof,
sufficiently shows a violation of the statutory duties imposed by the act.
Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson, 67 N. E. Rep. 558. ''Burns'
Rev. St. Ind. 1901, §§ 7447, 7472 (Horner's Rev. St. 1901, §§ 5472a, 5480n)),
provide that miners' bosses shall visit their miners at stated Intervals in
their working; places, and see that they are made secure, and that a
sufficient supply of props and timbers are always on hand; section 7468
(5480g) provides tbat the owners or operators of mines shall keep their
miners supplied with props and timbers of proper lengths; and section
7473 (5480n) provides that they shall be liable for injuries occasioned by
violation of this statute or any of its provisions. Held, that in an act-
ion by an employee for injuries occasioned by violation of the statute it
was not necessary to allege or show in the complaint that plaintiff was
ignorant of defendant's negligent failure to perform the duties imposed
by the statute, or that he did not assume the risks resulting in the
injury." Davis Coal Co. v. PoUand, 62 N. E. Rep. 492.
2 Graney v. St. L. I. M. & S. Co., 140 Mo. 89.
394 STATUTES REGARDING SAFETY OF MINERS. § 356
of one of his years and capacity. ^ Likewise it is error
to instruct that if an infan,t had suflScient mental capacity
to know whether or not he was liable to be injured by tak-
ing the position in which he sustained the injury com-
plained of, then he was guilty of negligence in taking such
position, as. he may have lacked the discretion of an adult
person to avoid the danger, although he really knew and
understood it.^
1 Sterna. Bensiecke, 161 Mo. 146; 61 S. W. Rep. 594.
2 Thompson v. M. K. & T. Co., 93 Mo, App. 548; 67 S. W. Eep. 693.
CHAPTER XV.
INJURIES FROM POWDEE EXPLOSIONS.
Section 357. Highest degree of care exacted from employer.
358. When skilled employee assumes the risk of.
869. Neglect of precautions — Careless storage of dynamite.
360. Substituting more dangerous explosives, without notice.
861. Employees injured by delayed shots.
862. The rule as to, in Missouri and Kentucky, distinguished.
363. Same — Ordering employee to return too soon.
364. Warning to inexperienced employee handling dynamite.
86S. Failure to give warning of blast.
366. Same — What warning is sufficient.
367. Same — Where foreman fellow-servant, no liability.
368. Same — Injury to adjoining property owner.
369. Persons warned, deserting safe position.
370. When blasting violates law or ordinance.
371. Excessive amount of explosives in blast.
372. Blasting injuries by independent contractor.
§ 357. Highest degree of care exacted from em-
ployer. — "Persons using a powerful explosive in their
business, such as powder, are charged with notice of any
fact in reference to its actual effect that they could, by
reasonable diligence, have ascertained. They must exer-
cise the highest possible care and diligence to prevent injury
to their employees and others, that human foresight is
capable of. They must adopt all possible means to pro-
tect persons placed in danger from explosions and a failure
to perform this duty is negligence, which renders them
liable in damages."^ This is the language of a recent
1 Mather v. Eillston, 156 U. S. 391 v Blackwell v. Lynchburg Co., Ill
N. C. 161; Chambers ». Chester, 172 Mo. 461; 72 S. W Kep. 904; Smith
V. Iron Co., 42 N. J. L. 467; 2 Mor. Min, Rep. 215; Whittaker's Sm. Neg.,
pp. 231, 234; Watson Dam. Per. Inj. 3; Cooley Torts, 648, 718; Western
(395)
396 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 357
North Carolina case and reiterates the rule laid down in
the text-books and numerous other cases on the same sub-
ject. l Of course the high degree of care, required from
an employer, does not constitute him an insurer of bis em-
ployees, as to injuries from powder explosions, but in such
injuries, the plaintiff will be prevented by assumption of
risk, contributory negligence and accident, from recoverino-,
as in other actions for personal injuries,2and on account of
the dangerous nature of the agency, the employee familiar
with the force and effect of powder, as an explosive, is also
chargeable with a greater degree of care and caution than
in handling simpler and less dangerous appliances and ma-
terials,^ but injuries from explosions of powder require the
highest degree of care and caution, upon the part of an
employer and for an injury due to a failure to exercise such
care, an action could be maintained.*
Coal & Mining Co. v. Berberich, 94 Fed. Rep. 329. In West Virginia
the measure of care imposed upon a mine owner in the use of dynamite
is held to be such ordinary care as a reasonably prudent man would use,
under the same circumstances. Schwartz o. SchuU, 45 W. Va. 405; 31
S. B. Eep. 914; 5 Am. Neg. Rep. 496.
1 Blackwell v. Lynchburg Co., supra,
2 Kingi). Morgen, 10 Am. Neg. Rep. 200; Wiskie ». Granite Co., 10
Am. Neg. Rep. 634 ; Lanza v. LeGrand Quarry Co., 11 Am. Neg. Rep.
209 ; Bailey, Mas. & Serv. 209 ; Whittaker's Sm. Neg. 399 ; Livengood ».
Mining Co. (Mo.), 77 S. W. Rep. 1077.
3 Bailey Mas & Serv., supra; King v. Morgen, supra.
« Blackwell v. Lynchburg Co., sztpra. That dynamite is a dangerous
explosive will be judicially recognized by the courts. Norwalk Gas Co.
V. Norwalk, 63 Conn. 496. It will also be judicially recognized that coal
oil is inflammable. Stato u. Hays, 78 Mo. 397 ; and that natural gas is
inflammable and explosive. Jamison ». Gas Co., 128 Ind. 555. Cuuits
will judicially notice generation of gas, Sec. 379. Court will not take
judicial notice that coal dust is an explosive. Cherokee Co. v.
Wilson, 28 Pac. Eep. 178. It is not proper to permit proof of the
" reputation " of a given powder, as to its high explosive character, but
a witness personally acquainted with its safety, can give his opinion as
an expert. Souden v. Quartz Mining Co , 65 Cal. 443, 2 Mor. Min Rep
199.
§ 358 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 397
§ 358. When skilled employee assumes the risk. —
As before explained, on account of the dangerous nature of
the agency, an employer of men to work with giant pow-
der, or other high grade explosives, is compelled to use
great care and caution, to prevent an injury to those liable
to cause an unexpected explosion, either by ignorance or
lack of experience with the nature of the material, and, in
this regard, it is the duty to warn inexperienced employees
and to adopt all known means to prevent injuries, either
from negligence or otherwise.^ But where the servant is
of mature years and is ordinarily intelligent and experienced
in the work, and the employer has no notice that he is not ,
competent and familiar with the details of the work, he
would be under no obligation to instruct him upon the
dangers incident to his employment. After having ac-'
cepted the employment with full knowledge of the dangers
and nature of the tools and appliances used in connection
with the work, he would be chargeable, as a matter of
law, with the knowledge of the natural effect of different
instruments upon the explosives and the danger of an ex-
plosion, from concussion and being chargeable with such
knowledge, he would be held, in law, to have assumed the
risks incident to the use of such tools and appliances, in
connection with such explosives.^ To hold otherwise,
1 Western Coal & Mining Co. v. Berberich, 94 Fed. Rep. 329; 36 C. C.
A. 364; Mather©. Rillston, 156 U. S. 391; 15 Sup. Ct. Eep. 464; Finlay-
son V. Utica Mining Co., 14 C. C. A. 492; 67 Fed. Bep. 607, 513; Black-
well V. Lynchburg Co., 11 N. C. 151; Chambers v. Chester, 172 Mo, 461;
72S.W. Rep.904; Smith o. Iron Co.,42N. J. L.467; 2Mor. Min.Eep.215.
" King«. Morgen (C. C. A. 8 Cir.), 10 Am. Reg. Rep. 200, a leading
case. See also, Wiskie v. Granite Co., 10 Am. Neg. Rep. 634; Dunn v.
McNamee (N. J.), 2 Am. Neg. Rep. 34; Welch v. Grace (Mass.), 1 Am.
Neg. Rep. 614. Master not liable for explosion resulting from use of
steel rod in drill hole. Lanza ». Quarry Co. (Iowa), U Am. Neg. Rep.
209. See also, Whaley v. Coleman (Mo. 1905), 88 S. W. Rep. 119.
Nor for resulting explosion, where manner of loading hole was
left to servant's discretion. Hendelsay v. Williams (N. H.), 23 Atl. Rep.
398 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 358
would be to make an actual insurer of the employer and
render him liable for a lack of discretion or want of care,
upon the part of an employee, and no man, with such a
rule obtaining, would be safe in engaging in any such busi
ness as mining.
365. No liability where sklUfal employee explodes powder by striking
It with pick. Kelly v. Cable Co., 7 Mont. 70. An emplojee who attempts
to drill out an uoexploded charge of dynamite and is injured, cannot
recover, if the duty was not within his service and he volunteered to do
it. Hamrick v. Quarry Co., 132 N. C. 282; 43 S. B. Rep. 820. An em-
ployee helping a " loader," in a quarry, to load a hole, cannot recover
for result of explosion, as "loader" is not a vice-principal. Kopt v.
Steel Co. (Mich.), 95 N. W. Rep. 72. Where plaintiff and a competent
boss, after a careful inspection conclude ttiat an unexploded shot had
fired and plaintiff proceeds to drill it out and is injured, the mine owner
is not liable for their mistake in judgment. Harris v. Quarry Co., 131
N. C. 553; 42 S. E. Rep. 773. Nor is a danger from drilling out missed
holes, by an experienced employee, a risk that master is liable for, in
case of injury. Miller v. Stone Co., 61 111. App. 662. The neglect of a
Skilled employee to examine a drill hole, before drillina; it out, for an
unexploded shot, will prevent his recovery. Sexton v. Turner (Va.), 15
S. E. Rep. 862; 16 Va. L. J. 684; Livengood v. Mining Co., 179 Mo.
229, 77 S. W. Rep. 1077. A miner assumes the risk of injury from
using an iron bar to tamp dynamite into a drill hole. King v. Mor-
gen, 109 Fed. Rep. 446; Kahn v. McNulta, 147 U. S. 238; Peterson v.
Coke Co., 149 Ind. 260; 49 N. E. Rep. 8. An employee was not held to
assume the risk, as matter of law, from dynamite that had been exposed
to the weather for months, being exploded by a blow with a pick, of
another workman, as it was extra-hazardous, by being so long exposed
to the weather. Myrberg v. Baltimore Min, & Red. Co. (Wash.), 65Pic.
Rep. 539. This would seem properly to have been the negligence of a
fellow -servant, for which there was not legally a liability. In Shanahan
V. Emus (51 W. Va. 137; 41 S. E. Rep. 140), where plaintiff was injured
while swabbing out drill holes and there was no evidence that mine
owner had neglected any duty imposed upon him by law, a verdict for
plaintiff, for damages for an explosion, could not be allowed to stand.
A skilled employee, drilling out a fuse, cannot predicate a recovery,
upon the foreman's failure to tell him the fuse was wet, as this was im-
material. Henderson B. Williams (N. H.), 23 Atl. Rep. 365. Where an
explosion in a powder house occurs and there is no evidence as to what
caused the explosion, an injured employee in there at the time, and
killed, assumed the risk. Craig v. Claflin & Rand Powder Co., 67 N. Y.
S. 74.
§ 359 INJURIES FEOM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 399
§ 359. Neglect of precautions — Careless storage of
dynamite. — In all occupations attendant with great and
unusual danger, there must be used all appliances readily
■attainable, known to science, for the prevention of acci-
dents, and the neglect to provide such readily attainable
appliances is proof of negligence. i This rule applies to
laborers, employed to handle high grade explosives, and for
a failure to adopt such appliances as will prevent injury, or
neglect to warn employees of accompanying danger result-
ing from the use of such agency, the employer will be
liable, in case of resulting injury. ^ Accordingly, it is held,
by the United States Supreme Court, that where the de-
fendant carelessly stored dynamite and fulminating caps
in an engine room, where they were in continuous danger
of explosion from the great heat and the constant jarring
and their confused condition, and the plaintiff was engaged
to handle such explosives and the defendants permitted
him to do so, without informing him of the danger from
heat or concussion attendant upon the use of such mate-
rials, and an explosion occurred, as a result of such use and
his ignorance of the true condition of the material, he was
entitled to recover from the defendants.^ Nor would the
defense of contributory negligence avail in such a case, if
the plaintiff was ignorant of the danger, for in failing to
warn the plaintiff, the defendant would be negligent, and
without knowledge of the danger, contributory negligence
could not be successfully set up against the plain-
1 Whittaber's Sm. Neg. 126, 127, 130, 132, 133, 134; Hysell v. Swilt,
87 Mo. App. 39; Williams v. East India Co., 3 East, 192; Carter v.
Towne, 98 Mass. 567 ; Cooley on Torts, 705, 706.
^Smitli V. Oxford Iron Co., 42 N. J. L. 467; 2 Mor Min. Rep. 208;
Chambers v. Chester, 173 Mo. 461 ; 72 S. W. Kep. 904.
' In this case the plaintifE was twenty-tour years old and lost both
his eyes. A verdict tor $10,000.00 was held not excessive. Mather
». RUlston, 156 U. S. 391; 16 Sup. Ct. Eep. 464; 18 Mor. Min. Rep.
166.
400 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 360
tiff.i Where either powder or nitro-glycerine is so negli-
gently stored as to constitute a public nuisance, then
anyone injured by an explosion is entitled to damages,
without proof of any negligent act.^
§ 360. Substituting more dangerous explosives, with-
out notice. — In line with the elementary doctrine of mas-
ter and servant, that in case of an employment, by the
master, of agencies or appliances, more dangerous than
those formerly used, notice is required, to an employee,
who is ignorant of the increased risks, it has been held
in several cases that a mining company would be liable in
damages for experimenting with new, untried or more dan-
1 Mather v. Billston, supra. " Placing in the air shaft of a mine, neaj.
a furnace Are which an employee is required to keep up, dynamite, which
a jar or concussion of sixty pounds' weight will explode, and which the
manufacturer packs in boxes marked, " Highly explosive," is grosi
negligence, in violation of the master's duty to furnish safe place in
which to work." Angel v. Jellico Coal Min. Co., 74 S. W. Rep. 714; 25
Ky. Law Rep. 108. "Under Gen. St. Conn. 1902, § 2618, providing that
no person shall procure, transport, or use any compound more explosive
than gunpowder without first obtaining a written permit therefor signed
by the town clerk or selectmen where the same is to be used, specifying
the name of the purchaser, the amount to be purchased, and the pur-
pose for which it is used, the failure of a laborer handling dynamite for
his employer, who purchased it, to obtain a permit, does not prevent
him from recovering from the employer for personal injuries caused by
the latter's negligence in allowing the use of frozen dynamite." Cur-
relli V. Jackson, 58 Atl. Rep. 762. " The storage of gun powder in quan-
tities necessary for a busines-i, which is located la a proper place and is
conducted with the utmost care, is held in Kleebauer v. Western Fuse
&c. Co., not to be a nuisance per se so as to render owner liable for in-
juries caused by the explosion of the magazine, by an employee." 138
Cai. 497; 71 Pac. Eep. 617; 60 L. R. A. 877. In Durand v. Asbestos
Company (Rap. Jud. Que. 19 C. S. 39), an employer was held liable for
an injury for not providing a proper place to thaw out dynamite in use
by his employees.
2 Wilson V. Powder Co., 40 W. Va. 413; Judson v. Powder Co., 107
Cal. 549; Schepper v. Chemical Co., 113 Mich. 582; Lafiin Powder Co. v.
Tearney, 131 111. 322, Wood Nuisances, Sec. 73.
^ 360 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 401
gerous grades of giant powder, if accidents resulted to
employees, not familiar with the risk resulting from its
use.i In a New Jersey case, when the plaintiff employee
first entered the service of the defendant, ordinary blasting
powder was in use, with which he was familiar, but subse-
quently this was discarded for giant powder, a more dan-
gerous explosive, without warning to the plaintiff, except
through the printed directions of the defendant, and
plaintiff being injured by a premature explosion, the de-
fendant was held liable.^ In a recent Missouri case, the
plaintiff lost his eyes by a premature explosion of giant
powder, with which he was charging a drill hole in the de-
fendant's mine, and the negligence charged was the substi-
tution, without notice to him, of powder of forty per cent
nitroglycerine, instead of twenty-seven per cent, the grade
he had been using and with which he was familiar. The
court held that a miner was entitled to notice when a
change is made in the powder furnished him, from a less
explosive grade, to a more explosive one, and that for
a failure to give such notice or warning, the defend-
ant was liable in damages.^ Of course ia these cases,
the courts recognize the well established doctrine,
that a miner, in entering upon the hazardous business
of using giant powder, assumes all the risks that are
ordinarily and necessarily incident to the business,*
but apply to the cases under consideration the well
settled exception to the doctrine of assumed risks, that an
1 Sowden v. Idaho Quartz Mining Co., 55 Cal. 443; 2 Mor. Min.
Eep. 199; Spelman ». Fisher Co., 56Barb. 151;2 Mor. Min. Rep. 216;
Wellington v. Oil Co., 104 Mass. 64; Elkins v. McKean, 72 Pa. St. 493;
Whitt.'s Sm. Neg., pp. 130, 131, 232, 233, and cases cited. For furnishing
" quick fuse," without warning, see Hedlnm v. Holy Terror Co., 92 N.
W. Eep. 31.
2 Smith V. Oxford Iron Co., 42 N. J. L. 467; 2 Mor. Min. Eep 208.
3 Chambers ». Chester, 172 Mo. 461; 72 S. W. Eep. 904.
< Chambers v. Chester, supra; Smith v. Oxford Iron Co., supra.
402 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 361
employee does not assume risks resulting from the em-
ployer's negligence, of which he is ignorant. ^ Knowledge,
on the part of the miner, of the risk and danger of the
higher explosive used, would constitute an assumption of
the risk, but in the absence of such knowledge, on his
part, on account of the hazardous nature of the business,
the exercise of proper care for the protection of those em-
ployed, would require notice of a higher gi-ade explosive,
and for a failure to exercise such care, a liability would
result.^
§ 361. Employees injured by unexploded sbots. — One
of the most frequent sources of injuries from the use of
giant powder, in mines, is due to the explosion of shots
that have failed to fire, at the first attempt. The reports
of personal injury cases present a very great variety of hold-
ings in this class of explosion cases and different States
have announced different rules governing the liability of
employers for injuries resulting from such causes. As far
as the adjudicated cases upon the subject can be classified,
the test of liability in most is made to depend upon the
notice on the part of the employer, of the unexploded shot
and a failure to give proper and timely warning to the em-
ployee, or a reasonable opportunity for notice and warning
by him and a like notice, or' opportunity of notice, by the
employee, or his fellow-servants and a failure to adopt proper
precautions, on their part. If the master knows, or by
1 Curtis V. McNair, 173 Mo. 270; 73 S. W. Rep. 157; Nash. v. Down-
ing, 93 Mo. App. 156; Nlcholds v. Glass Co., 126 Mo. 66; 27 S. W. Rep.
487.
2 As said by the court in Smith v. Oxford Iron Company (42 N. J. L.
467), referring to the injured employee : " He did not agree to subject
himself to the hazard attending the use of an unusually and highly ex-
plosive substance, of the dangerous quality of which, as well as the
proper manner of applying it, he was wholly ignorant." 2 Mor. Min.
Rep., p. 215.
§ 361 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 403
reasonable diligence ought to have known of the unexploded
shot, and fails to warn the employee thereof and the latter,
in ignorance of the fact, drills into such shot and sustains
injury therefrom, the employer is liable for such injuries.^
On the other hand, if the employee is a skilled servant and
familiar with the risks of that department of the service
and has notice of the danger, or of facts that would charge
him with such notice and fails to take such precautions as
the extremely dangerous nature of the work would suggest,
then he cannot recover for a resulting injury.^ In those
1 " To entitle a miner to recover for tlie negligence of the boss in order-
ing him to return, after two blasts had exploded, and Are a third blast,
which the boss bad attempted to ignite, it is not necessary that the boss
willfully concealed the ignition of the third blast, but it is sufficient if it
appeared that he had attempted to light it, and sent the miner back with-
out waiting until it could be ascertained whether he had done so." Bane
V. Irwin (Mo. 1903), 72 S. W. Eep. 522. " A servant employed in driving
a tunnel in a mine does not assume the risk arising from unexploded
blasts left by others without his knowledge, and of which he has not been
warned, and which he cannot, by the exercise of reasonable care, dis-
cover." McMillan v. North Star Min. Co. (Wash. 1903), 73 Pac. Rep.
685. In Grimaldi v. Lane (Mass), 9 Am. Neg. Eep. 657, plaintiff em-
ployee called attention of the foreman to a hole that had missed fire.
The foreman superintended the removal of the powder, done by another
employee, with an iron spoon, or scraper, which the evidence showed
was not a proper appliance for the purpose. An explosion occurred and
on account of the negligent manner of unloading the hole and the plain-
iff's inexperience, a recovery was allowed the plaintiff for his injuries.
The law does not require an inspection of the unexploded holes by the
master. Livingood v. Zinc Co. (Mo.), 77 S. W. Eep. 1077.
2 Where an employee was holding a drill for another employee to drill
out an unexploded shot, under the foreman's superintendence and it was
suggested to pour water In the hole and plaintiff had no knowledge of the
unexploded shot, but was experienced and knew the object of pouring
the water in the hole and was not assured as to the safety of the opera-
tion, he was held, in Massachussetts, to have assumed the risk of the ex-
plosion. AUerd v. Hildreth, 5 Am. Neg. Rep. 610. See, also, Welch v.
Grace (Mass.), 1 Am. Neg. Rep. 614. See, also, Anderson v. Daly Mining
Co. (Utah), i Am. Neg. Eep. 86. " Where, in an action for injuries to
a miner by a discharge of a blast, it appeared that a foreman had charge
Of the operating department of the mine for defendant, and was au-
404 INJUEIES FKOM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 361
States where the foreman is a vice-principal of the master,
notice and failure to warn the servant, by such foreman,
would be chargeable to the master ;l but in all cases where
the neglect to warn could be chargeable to a fellow-serv-
ant, in the discharge of a duty incident to the common
work, a failure to warn the injured employee, on his part,
would not render the master liable.^
thorized to hire and discharge men and direct them in the work, and that
his supervision of the mine was supreme, except that defendant directed
when new work was to be commenced, the plaintifE was entitled to rely
on the information of such foreman with reference to the explosion of
the blast, and was not guilty of negligence in working in the mine oa the
assumption that it had been exploded." Allen v. Bell (Mont. 1905), 79
Pac. Eep. 582.
^ la Wiscousin.acasearose, where the plaintifE, with anotheremployee,
found an unexploded drill holeand after scraping out all possible powder,
proceeded to drill it deeper, under the direction of the ground-boss; an
explosion occurred and the master was held liable in setting the plaintiff
about a dangerous work, where observation could not enlighten him cf
the danger, without warning. McMahon v. Ida Mining Co., 1 Am Neg.
Eep. 741. To same effect, see McMillan v. North Star Mining Co.,
(Wash 1903), 15 Am. Neg. Eep. 203.
2 Id Livengood v. Zinc Company CMo.), 77 S. W. Eep. 1077, the plain-
tifE was the helper of a steam drill man, with some experience as such.
He was assisting him to drill out an unexploded shot, when an explosion
occurred that injured him. It was held that he was a fellow-servant
with the drill man; that the master was not negligent In failing to in-
spect the hole, before ordering them to drill out the shot and he was
denied a recovery. In New York, the negligence of foreman to advise
the plaintifE of an unexploded shot that he was directed to drill into, was
held the negligence of a fellow- servant, for which no recovery could be
had. Vitto v. Farley, 2 Am. Neg. Rep. 47; Cullen v. Norton, 126 N. Y.
1. In Oregon, a similar holding was announced, where the employee was
both assured of safety and ordered to drill out an unexploded shot, by
the foreman, who had left fire in the hole, as aresult of a " squib shot."
Mast V. Kern, 5 Am. Neg. Eep. 88. "After two holes, from 6 to 12 feet
deep, in a quarry, had been drilled and charged, and the battery had been
applied, and an explosion had occurred, the boss and F. and E., two
competent and experienced workmen, being in doubt as to whether there
was an explosion in one of the holes, an examination was made by F. and
E. under the supervision of the boss; anri, in their judgment, it had ex-
ploded, and they so announced, whereupon, with plaintifE (another
§ 362 INJURIES FROM POWDEE EXPLOSIONS. 405
§ 362. The rule in Missouri and Kentucky distin-
guished. — In Missouri, where a driilman had failed to
inspect the mine for unexploded shots and as a result of
such failure, his fellow-servant, a " helper," was injured
as a result of drilling into such unexploded shot, the
Supreme Court held that there was no liability on the part
of the mine employer for such iujuiy, as the duty of look-
ing for unexploded shots was held to be analogous to that
of loading the drill holes with powder, in the performance
of either of which duties, there was held to be no liability,
upon the part of the employer, for a neglect on the part of
either co-employee, occasioning the injury. ^ In Kentucky,
however, the presence of an unexploded charge of
dynamite, is held to be evidence of an unsafe place and
since the law requires the employer to provide a reasonably
safe place, the fact that the powder was left in the drill
hole by a co-employee is held to be immaterial.^ The rule
established in Missouri seems more in accord with the
weight of authority upon this question^ and more consistent
workman), they, at direction of the boss, commenced to clean it out in
the visual manner, and without negligence, when an explosion occurred.
Held, that the accident was not caused by neglect of duty, but by mis-
take, for which plaintiff could not recover." Harris v. Balfour Quarry
Co. (Md. 1902), 42 S. E. Eep. 973. The danger of missed shots is in-
cidental to the work of drilling and an injury therefrom is assumed.
Browne v. King, 100 Fed. Eep. 561. In Washington, it Is held to be the
duty of a company which had let a contract to drive a tunnel, to keep in-
formed as to the location of missed shots, so as to inform employees,
and in case of injury therefrom, to be liable therefor. McMillan v. North
Star Min. Co., 32 Wash. 579; 73 Pac. Eep. 685.
1 Livengood v. Joplin Mining and Smelting Co., 179 Mo. 229; 77 S.
W. Eep. 1077.
2 Harp V. Cumberland T. & T. Co., 25 Ky. Law. Rep. 2133; 80 S.
W. Eep. 510.
8 These cases seem to be in accord with the general rule which is
announced wherever the question has been passed upon by the courts
of the different States. In Browne v. King (100 Fed. ^ep 561), a
steam drill man and his "helper" were held to be fellow-servants.
406 INJURIES FEOM POWDEE EXPLOSIONS. § 363
with established principles, for if the master's duty, as to
place, is to be extended, by analogy, to such cases as this,
then every act of a fellow-servant, by the same process of
reasoning, can be held to be productive of a dangerous
place and the common law doctrine of assumption of risk
and especially of the risks resulting from the negligent
acts of fellow-servants, is abrogated and the master is, in
effect, an absolute insurer.
§ 363. Same — Ordering employee to return too soon.
As the explosion of shots, where a large amount of
explosives is used, is often delayed for a longer time
than the customary period for such explosions to take
place, it would be negligence, on the part of a mine
and each was held to assume the risk of Injury from the negligent
acts of the other, in their work of loading and unloading drill holes.
An employee in a stone quarry, In Michigan, attempting to push dyna-
mite into a drill hole, where a premature explosion occurred, was
held to be guilty of such contributory negligence as precluded a
recovery. Kopf v. Stone Co., 95 N. W. Rep 72. A similar rule was
announced, in Massachusetts, as to an inexperienced quarry employee,
holding a drill, for the superintendent to drill out tamping from an
unexploded drill hole. Allard «. Hildreth (Mass.), 5 Amer. Neg. Kep.
610. A like doctrine was laid down in Wisconsin, in the recent ca'^e
of Wlskie V, Montello Granite Co., 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 634. In Iowa,
an employee in a quarry, who used a steel bar to drill out a drill
hole and struck an unexploded charge of dynamite, which occasioned
an explosion and resulting injury, was held to have assumed the risk.
Lanza v. LeGrand Quarry Co. (1902), 11 Amer. Neg. Rep. 209. See,
also, Whaley v. Coleman (Mo. 1905), 88 S. W. Rep. 119. An injury
from an exploded blast, in a quarry where the manner of load-
ing the drill hole was left to the employee's discretion, was held to
give no cause of action in New Hampshire, in Hendlesay v. Williams,
23 Atl. Rep. 365, And in the following similar accidents, from ex-
plosions of dynamite in drill holes, the master was held not liable,
viz., Dunn v. McNamee (N. J), 2 Amer. Neg. Rep. 34; Welch v.
Grace (Mass.), 1 Amer. Neg. Rep. 614; Vitto v. Farley (N. Y.), 2
Amer, Neg. Rep. 47; CuUen ». Norton, 126 N. Y. 1; Anderson v, Daly
Mining Co. (Utah), 4 Amer. Neg. Rep. 86; Mast v. Kern (Oregon), 5
Amer. Neg. Rep. 88.
§ 364 INJDEIES FROM POWDEK EXPLOSIONS. 407
owner, or his vice-principals, to order the workmen
to return to the locality of an unexploded shot,
without waiting a suiScient time to give the shots
time to explode. 1 Conversely, if the employee,
without notice to the owner or operator, should return,
without waiting a sufficient length of time for all
shots to explode, this would be such contributory negli-
gence, on his part, as to preclude a recovery.^ In one case,
that came under the author's observation, it was held that
an employer was negligent, who ordered his men to return
upon a heavily loaded shot, after the expiration of only
fifteen minutes, as this was not a sufficient length of time
to give the shots time to explode.^ It would seem to be a
more correct rule, in view of the fact that the evidence of
what was a sufficient time, would necessarily depend upon
the opinions of expert miners, to submit the question to
the jury, and it has been held that it was for the jury to
decide, under all the facts, if an employee was guilty of
contributory negligence, in returning upon an unexploded
shot too soon.*
§ 364. Warning to inexperienced employee handling
dynamite. — The employer, in law, is presumed to know
the danger to which his employees are subjected, in the
performance of the duties of their service, and if his em-
ployees are inexperienced or uninformed of the dangers of
1 In Bane v. Irwin (172 Mo. 306; 72 S. W. Rep., p. 622), the ground
boss sent a miner back on an unexploded shot, which exploded and iojured
the miner, and it was held that owner was liable for negligence of boss,
in not waiting to see it shot had been lighted. Berg v. Boston Hid. Co.,
29 Pac. Rep. 545.
2 Davis o. Graham, 29 Pac. Rep. 1007.
3 Berg V. Boston Min. Co., 29 Pac. Kep. 545.
* As to what is reasonable time to wait for explosion of blast, see
Eureka Co. v, Bass, 8 So. Rep. 216. Whether employee is guilty of con-
tributory negligence, in returning on blast too soon, is generally for
the jury, Davis o. Graham, 29 Pac. Rep. 1007.
408 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 364
his service he is bound to warn them.i This duty, by the
Supreme Court of the United States, has been held to ap-
ply to an inexperienced employee, engaged to handle such
highly dangerous explosives as dynamite or giant powder,^
and if laborers, engaged in such highly dangerous occu-
pations are not informed of the accompanying dangers by
their employers, and they remain in ignorance of the haz-
zards of such service, and suffer in consequence, the em-
ployers are chargeable for the injuries so sustained. ^ But
a master is not bound to instruct an employee as to dan-
gers within his employment if such information is fully
within his knowlege,^ and where a miner had been em-
ployed for four or five years in drilling holes for blasting
purposes in mines and had loaded fifty or more holes for
the employer, up to the time of his injury, and was
familiar with the manner of loading such holes and with
the properties of dynamite, his employer was held, in
Alabama, to be guilty of no negligence in putting him to
work loading holes, without warning as to the dangers
incident to the work.^
1 Bonnin v. Crowley. 112 La. 1025; 36 So. Kep. 842; Carter v. Dubach
&c. Co. (La. 1904), 36 So. Rep. 952; Jancko o. West Coast &c. Co., 34
Wash. 556; 76 Pac. Rep. 78.
2 Mather ». RlUston, 156 U. S. 391; 15 Sup. Ct. Eep. 464; 18 Mor.
Minn. Bep. 165.
^ Mather v. Eillston, supra.
* Wendler v. Red Wing Gas &c. Co. (Minn. 1904), 99 N. W. Rep. 626;
St. Jean v. Tolles Company, 72 N. H. 587; 58 Atl. Kep. 506; McManu,9 v.
Davitt, 88 N. Y. S. 55; 94 App. Div. 481.
" Northern Alabama Coal, Iron, &c., Co, v. Beacham (Ala. 1904), 37
So. Rep. 227. The following, from the Scientific American, for April,
1905, up on the dangerous properties of dynamite and the need of pre-
cautions, in handling, Is not without merit: "Good dynamite Is of a
plastic consistency. It should not feel greasy to the touch. The density
of It depends upon the ' dope,' which is the absorbing material. It em-
braces the physical properties of nitro-glycerine, which is its chief ex-
plosive principle and is equally poisonous. Its firing point is 180° C, and
at this temperature it either burns or explodes. When free from pres-
§ 365 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 40^
§ 365. Same — Failure to give warniDg of blast. —
Where it is the custom to give employees a warning before
sure or vibration it burns ; otherwise it explodes. The sensitiveness of
dynamite to blows increases with the temperature; as Eissler says, ' at
350° F, the fall upon it of a dime will explode it.' When ignited in small
quantities in the open air it burns with great vigor, but when larger
amounts are ignited explosion Invariably results. It freezes at 4° C,
and when once frozen it remains in this state at temperatures exceeding
it. When frozen it can be detonated only with difficulty and its force is
weakened. It is true that all nitro-glycerine powderi, when heated up
gradually to the point of explosion, become extremely sensitive to the
least shock or blow, and, once that point is reached, they no longer
simply ignite but explode with great violence; and further, owing to the
poor conductivity of the material, a small portion of dynamite in con-
tact with the source of heat may reach this point and cause the ex-
plosion of the rest of the mass, which may be considerably below the
danger point, as given by Walke. Let us look Into the cause of explo-
sions. Abel has shown that while the detonation of guncotton would
cause the detonation of nitro-glycerine in close proximity to it, the de-
tonation of nitro-glycerine would not cause the detonation of gun-cot-
ton. His theory of synchronous vibrations, which he states: 'that th?
vibrations produced by a particular explosion, if synchronous with those
which would result from the explosion of a neighboring substance,
which is in a state of high chemical tension, will, by iheir tendency to
develop those vibrations, either determine the explosion of that sub-
stance, or at any rate greatly aid the disturbing effect of mechanicil
force suddenly applied ; while in the case of another explosion which
produces vibrations of a difEerent character, the mechanical force ap-
lied by its agency has to operate with little or no aid ; greater force or
more powerful detonation must therefore be applied in the latter case if
the explosion of the same substance is to be accomplished. It is well
known that dynamite, and for that matter all explosives containing nitro-
glycerine, frequently explode through fall or friction. Experienced
miners always drop the dynamite cartridge very gingerly into the bore
hole, imbedding it in fine, loose sand that it may not be exploded by the
manipulation of tamping. Not only Is there great caution observed by
users of black powder or dynamite in the coal mine before a blast is
fired, but even greater danger presents itself when the explosive gases
off large flames, setting fire to the coal dust and gases in the surround -
ing air. We to-day demand an explosive that is insensible to heat and
cold, that permits of safe transportation and rough handling, that will
not freeze, insensible also to shock, concussion or friction, and likewise .
flameless."
410 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 365
a blast is set off, a failure to give such warning will con-
stitute actionable negligence, if an injury results therefrom
•to an employee who relied upon such warning.^ A recent
New Jersey case illustrates the rule of liability resulting
from a neglect of duty, in this regard, by the mine owner.
The plaintiff was employed in a stone quarry and it was
the custom for the foreman, who superintended the prep-
aration of each blast, to give the employees warning
before an explosion was to occur. The plaintiff was
injured by a rock thrown by the blast, and the foreman had
neglected to give the usual warning. The court held that
a due and timely warning was embraced within the duty
owed by the employer to his employees, and that the giv-
ing of such warning was not a mere incident of the
foreman's work in preparing the blast, in his capacity as a
fellow-servant of the injured employee, but was a duty
delegated to him by the employer, for a breach of which
the latter was liable.^ Where a failure to give a proper
1 Belleville stone Co. w.Mooney, 61 N. J. L. 253;39Atl. Eep. 764;19Mor.
Min.Rep. 264. " Where a mining company let a contract for the driving
of a tunnel in its mine, itwas, In viewofthehazardousnature of theminina:
occupation, and the well-ljnown possibility of missing blasts, the duty of
the company to keep itself advised in that particular as the work pro-
gressed, and keep watch of the location of charges and of the conditions
following the explosions, and so be in position to Inform a servant
subsequently employed of the location of unexploded charges." Mc-
Millan V. North Star Min. Co. (Wash. 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 685.
2 As a reason for this rule, the court said: "When we consider the
general duty owed by an employer to an employee, the propriety of in-
cluding therein the duty of giving warning, in such circumstances as
those now before us, becomes at once apparent. The danger of blastang
was one frequently recurring and its occurrence could always be foreseen,
not by the workmen scattered around the quarry, but by any person
charged with the duty of watching for it. If the danger was not foreseen
and proper warning given, the quarry became an unsafe place for the
workmen, but it was made reasonably safe, if such warning was given.
It seems clearly to follow, that on him whose duty it was to take care
that the place should be kept safe, was cast the duty ot giving timely
warning. We conclude, therefore, that it was a part of the ilefendanl's
§ 365 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 411
warning of a blast is the only allegation of negligence, the
action must fail, if the evidence all shows that such warn-
ing was, in fact, given, and, under such an allegation,
evidence of negligence in using an excessive charge of
powder, or other acts of negligence, would be incom-
petent, under the issues made by the pleadings. i
duty to the plaintiff to see that proper care should be exercised in givlno;
•warning of an expected blast." Belleville Stone Co. v. Mooney, 61 N. J.
L. 253;39Atl. Eep. 764; 19 Mor. Min, Rep. 264. See, also, Berg v.
Boston Co., 17 Mor. Min. Eep. 470 and notes. No punitive damages
recoverable, for such an injury from blasting. McFadden v. Eausch,
119 Pa. St. 507; 13 Atl. Eep. 459.
1 Mitchell V. Prange (Mich.), 67 N. W. Eep. 1096. In Pence v.
California Min. Co. (Utah, 1904), 75 Pac. Rep. 934, "plaintiff was
twenty- two years old, wholly inexperienced as a miner, unfamiliar with
drilling and blasting and the use of powder and fuse. The foreman
knowing this, set him to blasting without any instructions as to the
dangers. He used a fuse which was too short and had been cut off and
capped, and he was Injured In the resulting blast. A judgment for the
plaintiff was affirmed. The court held that testimony showing a mining
custom to have an inexperienced miner work with an experienced one
was properly admitted." 16 Amer. Neg. Rep. 141. The failure of a
shift boss to advise a miner of the number of unexploded blasts is not
negligence, where he thought they all had wires protruding from the
drill holes, which could be observed by the miner. McMahon v. Ida
Min. Co., 101 Wis. 102; 76 N. W. Eep. 1098. "The complaint in an
action by a servant for injuries from an explosion of dynamite which
alleges that defendants superintendent was negligent in failing to warn
plaintiff of the existence of dynamite at the place where plaintifE was
working, is sufficient without alleging that the superintendent had notice
of the existence of dynamite at such place." Eobinson Min. Co. v.
Tolbert (Ala. 1901), 31 So. Eep. 519. "Where the explosion of a
particular blast was in the control of plaintiff and a fellow-servant, and
without warning the blast was exploded by the fellow- servant, injuring
plaintiff, and a custom prevailed that no blast should be exploded with-
out giving two distinct signals as to the supervision and control over
such signals, the failure of such fellow-servant so to observe the rule
was the failure of the master, as such servant stood in his place, and the
master was liable for the resulting injuries." Hjelm v. Western Granite
Contracting Co. (Minn. 1905), 102 N. W. Eep. 384. For injury and
resulting liability of owner for negligence of foreman in failing to warn
employee of missed charge of dynamite in mine, see, Alton Lime Co. v.
Calvey, 47 111. App. 343.
412 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 367
§ 366. Same — What warning is sufficient. — It is not
necessary that the mine owner should warn everybody far
or near the place of the blast, before setting off a blast,
but only those who, because of their proximity to the
mine or quarry, are in danger of being hurt, by the ex-
plosion, if not so warned. In Michigan, it has been held
not to be negligence for the owner to fail to warn persons
living within a radius of five hundred feet of the blast, as
it is not to be supposed that they would be hurt or injured
by the explosion. i The giving of due and timely warning,
ordinarily absolves the owner from any liability to one who
received but did not heed the warning.^ However, all
should be notified who are within real or possible danger
of the contemplated blast, ^ and where it is a disputed ques-
tion, under the evidence, if a warning was or was not given
and if given, if it was sufficent, or, if not given, if it was
necessary, it is a question for the jury to decide.*
§367. Same — Where foreman fellow-servant. —
Since one of the ordinary risks of the business of mining,
assumed by the employee in entering upon his duties, is
1 Mitchell V. Praag, 110 Mich. 78.
2 Greatz v. McKeagie, 9 Wash. 696; 38 Pac. Rep. 877. See, as to duty
of railway contractor, to give notice, Cameron v. VandergrifE, 53 Ark.
381.
3 DriscoUu. Newark &c. Co., 37 N. Y. 637.
* Beauchamp v. Saginaw Mining Co., 50 Mich. 163; Harris v. Simon,
32 S. C. 593; Driscolli;. Newark Co.,37N. Y. 637. See also Orman v.
Salvo, 117 Fed. Rep. 233; 12 Amer. Neg. Rep. 393. "Where one em-
ployed in a stone quarry is told by the one who is in charge of the load-
ing and shooting of blasts how to put dynamite in the holes, and
is warned to be careful, the instructions are sufficient, and it is not
necessary t hat the servant should be told not to attempt to force the
dynamite into a hole too small to admit its entrance." Kopf v. Monroe
Stone Co. (Mich. 1903), 95 N. W. Rep. 72; 16 Detroit Leg. N. 185.
Whether employee waited a reasonable time for explosion of blast, is
jury question. Davis v. Graham, 29 Fac. Rep. 1007; Eureka C o. v. Bass
8 So. Eep. 216.
§ 367 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 413
the negligence of a fellow-servant, where the failure to
give a warning of a blast, results from a foreman, or other
employee, who is a fellow-servant of the injured employee,
no recovery can he had for such resulting injury .1 In
California ^ and Pennsylvania ^ the foreman of a crew of
men in a mine or quarry is held to be a fellow-servant,
and ia these and other States, where such holdings obtain,
the master would not be liable for injury resulting from a
failure or neglect, on the part of such foreman, to give
timely warning of a blast. The Federal Supreme Court*
also holds such foreman, or boss, to be a fellow and not a
superior servant with an employee, working under him,
and in the Federal courts, such negligence would also be
insufficient to justify a recovery, unless the practice of
the State where the injury occurred, would warrant a
different holding. In New Jersey^ and Missouri ^ fore-
men are held to bo vice-principals, and in such States, a
liability could be predicated, upon a failure to give warn-
ing of a contemplated blast, while in Ohio, the California
and Pennsylvania doctrine obtains.^
1 McLean v. Mining Company, 51 Gal. 256; Stevens o. Doe, 73 Cal.
27; Lehigh Valley Co. v. Jones, 10 Mor. Min. Eep. 30; Delaware Co.
V. Carroll, 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 47. Employee, extracting blasting
powder and foreman directing him to do so, are fellow-servants, in
Maryland. State v. Quarry Co., 55 Atl. Rep. 366.
2 Donovan v. Farris (Cal.), 7 Am. Neg. Eep. 390.
' Delaware Co. v, Carroll, 89 Pa. St. 374; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 47. This
rule also obtains in New York. Perry v. Rogers (N. Y.), 5 Am. Neg.
Eep. 68.
* Alaska Gold Mining Co. v. Whelen, 168 U. S. 82.
5 Mooney v. Belleville Stone Co. (N. J.), 4 Am. Neg. Eep. 195.
6 Carter v. Baldwin (Mo. App.), 81 S. W. Rep. 204. An employee,
■while off duty is not a fellow-servant with those engaged In setting off a
iDlast and is entitled to notice, same as a stranger, if near enough to be
hurt by blast and unaware of Intended explosion. Orman o. Salvo, 117
Fed. Eep. 233; 12 Am. Neg. Rep. 393.
> ' Kelly Island Lime and Transport Co. v. Pachuta (Ohio, 1904), 15
Am. Neg. Eep. 652. The court, in this case, refuses to follow Mooney
414 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 368
§ 368. Same — Injury to adjoining property owner. —
The duty to warn those likely to be injured by a blast)
extends to adjoining property owners, as well as to em-
ployees, and where the plaintiff, an employee of an adjoin-
ing owner of property near where a blast was exploded,
was injured by stone and earth, thrown upon the adjoining
property, by the blast, was not notified of the explosion,
the defendant, setting off the blast, without notice, was
held liable for the injuries. The court said: " The de-
fendant was either bound to adopt such precautions as
would prevent such missies from reaching the place where
the plaintiff then was, or to give him timely and personal
notice of the setting off of such blast, to enable him to
escape. The plaintiff was not bound to assume that the
defendant was about to do a wrong and so be on watch to
avoid it. He was of lawful right where he was, and had
the right to assume, until personal notice or knowledge of
the contrary, that others would not lawfully intrude upon
him." ^ But where the only injury, resulting to an ad-
joining owner, is alleged to be fright and sickness resulting
therefrom, occasioned by large rocks and dirt being thrown
by a blast, upon the roof of the plaintiff's house, the plain-
tiff cannot recover, as the defendant is not liable for sick-
V. Belleville Stone Co. (N. J.), 39 Atl. Rep. 764; 39 L. R. A. 834. " Neg-
ligence of fellow-servants ia placing dynanalte near a furnace Are, whicti
one was required to keep up, is imputable to the master, whose duty it
is to furnish a safe place in which to work." Angel v. Jellico Coal Min.
Co., 74 S. W. Rep. 714; 25 Ky. Law Rep. 108. An employee of a "shift"
off duty at the time of an explosion and asleep in his tent, is not a
fellow-servant of the miners, so as to prevent recovery for injuries from
a blast. Orman ii. Salvo, 117 Fed. Rep. 233. The liability of amine
owner for the act of a ground boss, in sending a man back on an ex-
ploded shot, is not affected by the fact of the ground -boss' participation
in the work. Bane v. Irwin, 172 Mo. 306; 72 S. "W- Rep. 522.
1 St. Peter «. Dennlson, 58 N. Y. 423; Watson Dam. Per. Inj , Sec.
182, p. 231.
§ 369 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 415
ness due to the purely internal operation of fright, result-
ing from the negligent act complained of .1
§369. Person warned, deserting safe position. —
" There is a line of cases, which hold that where one pre-
cipitates a danger suddenly upon another, the liability for
damages is not avoided, even though the injured person
may himself cause the injury," by a misguided effort to
escape, when if he had remained where he was the injury
would not have occurred.^ But there are few, if any
cases, which permit a recovery, where a timely warning of
the peril is given and the person warned, after having
obtained a position of safety, leaves it to obtain another
and in doing so, is injured.^ So, " where the defendant
gives timely notice of an expected blast and after securing a
position of safety, the terror caused by the explosion,
prompted the party warned to leave the place he first se-
lected and seek another and, in doing so, he was struck by
a fragment of rock, thrown by the blast, and killed, his
own act in so doing was the approximate cause of his death
and the defendant would not be responsible in damages
therefor." * Upon the trial of such a case it would not be
error to permit witnesses who were present to say that they
had not heard any warning given, before the explosion,
although there was positive evidence that such warning
was given, for the question of whether or not any warning
was given and its sufficiency, if given, are material issues
of fact, to be submitted to the jury.^ A person is not
1 Smith V. Cable Co. (Mass.), 7 Am. Neg. Kep. 54. But see, contra,
Cameron v. N. E. Tel. & Teleg. Co. (Mass.), 13 Am. Neg. Rep, 86; Wat-
kins B. Kaolin Mfg. Co., 13 Am. Neg. Kep. 197, a late North Carolina
case, well considered.
2 Watson Dam. Per. Inj., Sec. 89, p. 105.
3 Idem, p. 106.
* Greatz v. McKenzie, 9 Wash. 696.
' Beauchamp v. Saginaw Mining Co., 50 Mich. 163; 10 Amer. Neg.
Kep. 102.
416 INJUEIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 371 1
prevented from a recovery, because of an error in judg-
ment, in seeking a safe place, however, but if he makes an
effort to save himself from the injuries, the defendant
would be liable, if no proper precautions had been taken
to protect the plaintiff.^
§ 370. When blasting violates law op ordinance. —
Any act, resulting in injury to another, which is in viola-
tion of a law or ordinance, is sufficient breach of duty im-
posed by law, to constitute negligence justifying a recovery
for the resulting injury, in the absence of a good defense.^
Accordingly, where one is injured as a result of blasting,
which is conducted in violation of some provision of a
statute or an ordinance, the injured party has a cause of
action against the party doing the blasting.^ Generally,
it is sufficient to make a prima facie case, to allege that
the acts were not done in accordance with the statute or
an ordinance on the question and such an allegation of
negligence, without more, will justify the submission of
the case to the jury, upon the question of the defendant's
negligence.* In Missouri, a case arose where an ordinance
of the town where a blast was set off, required that all
places where blasting was conducted should be covered,
before the explosion was set off, and an injury resulted,
and it was shown that the blast was not inclosed or cov-
ered, as required by the ordinance, and that was held to
constitute " actionable negligence, sufficient to justify a
recovery." ^
§ 371. Excessive amount of explosives in blast. — Some
cases have been decided where the negligence alleged for
1 Blackwell v. Lynchburg Co., Ill N. C. 151.
2 Watson Dam. Per. Inj., page 313.
" Devlin v. Gallagher, 6 Daly (N. Y.), 494.
* Koster v. Noman, 8 Daly (N. Y.), 231; Devlin v. Gallagher, 6 Dalj
(N. Y ),494.
^ Brannock v, EUraore, 114 Mo. 55.
§ 372 INJURIES TROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. 417
injuries from blasting, was the use of too great an amount
of powder, by which the rock was thrown to such a dis-
tance as to cause injury, when a proper use of the requisite
amount of powder would not have occasioned an injury,
which was not anticipated, on account of the great distance
removed from the blast. The law of physics, being recog-
nized by the courts, the great distance to which rock were
thrown by a blast, as indicative of the force behind the
rock, might, under certain circumstances, be held to con-
stitute a jjWm a /a ^'e case of negligence. Where the rock
was hurled some nine hundred and forty feet, horizontally,
by a blast, and this was shown to have been three times
the usual distance to which it was thrown, this, of itself,
was held prima facie evidence of negligence,^ in a Wash-
ington case. So, throwing stone five or six hundred feet,
causing death to persons struck thereby, is such an unusual
distance, as to constitute evidence of negligence in using
too great an amount of explosives, in Virginia.^ From the
above and other cases which discuss the defendant's duty
to cause as little injury by blasting as can be done, con-
sistently with the rights of others, it may be stated, as a
general rule, that if the injury would not have resulted, if
less powder had been used in the blast, or if less injury
, had resulted from a proper amount of powder, carefully
I used, the omission to use such less amount will constitute
negligence, justifying a recovery, in the absence of counter-
vailing circumstances.^
372. Blasting injuries by independent contractor. —
One who employs a contractor to remove rock from his
premises, by blasting, is not responsible to one injured, as
1 Klepsch V. Donald, 18 Wash. 150.
2 Simmons v. McConnell, 86 Va. 494. See, also, Newell v. WooUork
(N. Y), 91 Hun, 211.
3 Booth V. 0. R. T. Co., 140 N. Y. 267.
27
418 INJURIES FROM POWDER EXPLOSIONS. § 372
a result of the negligence of such independent contractor,
unless, (1) the owner personally interferes with the work
and the injury results from his own acts ; (2) unless he has
engaged the contractor to perform an unlawful act, in doing
the blasting; (3) unless the blasting is conducted in such a
manner as to constitute a public nuisance, or (4) unless the
statute or ordinances, where the blasting is being done,
prescribe a particular manner of carrying it on and the
work is done in violation of the act.i This is in a list of the
exceptional cases, noted by a New York court, where an
employer or owner is responsible for the acts of an inde-
pendent contractor, in a blasting injury, and they are very
generally approved by the authorities as about the only
cases in which the employer or owner would be responsible
for such injuries, from the acts of an independent con-
tractor, employed by him.^ Where the evidence is all to
the effect that the party whose negligence caused the injury
was an independent contractor, over whom the owner re-
served no authority, then the court ought not to submit
the case to a jury, in an action against the owner, ^ but if.
the evidence, upon the question of whether the owner
reserved any authority over the acts of the contractor, as
to the method of doing the work, or he is brought within
any of the exceptions to the rule governing his non-liabil-
ity, in such case, is conflicting, then it is proper to submit
the question of whether or not the contractor acted, as
such, in an independent capacity, to the jury.*
1 Berg V. Parsons (N. Y.), i Am. Neg. Rep. 4S2.
2 Same as above; see ante, Sec. , p. ; Fell v. Coal Co., 23 Mo.
App. 234.
2 Eoemer v. Striker, 142 N. Y. 134; Mahoney v. Dankwarth (Iowa), 6
Am. Neg. Eep. 278; Benner «. Dredging Co., 184 N. Y. 156.
* Boemer v. Striker, supra.
CHAPTER XYI.
INJUKIES FEOM GAS AND IMPURE AIR.
Section 373. Duty independent of statute.
374. Same — Test what reasonable man would do.
375. Statutes upon the subject.
376. Breach of statutory duty actionable negligence.
377. Statutes requiring "flre-boss."
378. Same — Neglect of "fire-boss."
379. Courts judicially notice generation of gas.
380. Violation of statute must occasion injury.
381. Constitutionality of ventilation statutes.
382. When willful violation of act necessary.
383. Examination of mines daily for — Missouri statute.
384. Assumption of risk by employee.
385. Same — Concurrent negligence of master and fellow-
servant.
386. Contributory negligence bars recovery.
§ 373. Duty independently of statute. — Independ-
ently of statute, it has been held to be the duty of a mine
employer to warn his employees of all dangers incident to
the usual performance of their different duties and this
would include the obligation to advise those, unacquainted
with the fact, that the mine contained impure air or gas,
and for a failure to discharge this duty, in case poisoning
or other injury should result, the master would be respon-
sible in damages. 1 It is even held in numerous cases, upon
this and similar questions, that the master must not only
use all ordinary means, known to him, to prevent injury
to his employees, from such causes, but on account of the
extreme danger of explosions from accumulated gases and
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 462, p. 610 and cases cited ;
Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 676; 30 Wis. 674; Turner
V. Tunnel Co., 1 Am. Neg. Rep. 270.
(419)
420 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIE. § 374
poisoning from impure air, around where employees are
required to work, that the employer must use all means
known to science to prevent such causes of injury to his
employees, and for a failure to employ all possible means to
prevent injury, that he can be made to respond in dam-
ages. l It is even the mine owner's duty to give a reason-
able warning to third persons, likely to be injured by
accumulated gas or impure air and, in Ohio, where the
owner of an oil well permitted the explosion of the gas, in
such a mauner as to injure a bystander, he was liable in
damages for the injury.^
§ 374. Same — Test what reasonable man would do. —
Where there is a statute regulating the method or manner
of ventilating mines, the statute itself would furnish a test
of what was required of the mine owner, but independently
of such a statute, the general rule of negligence would
apply and the mine owner would only be negligent if he
failed to use such precaution, as a reasonably prudent man,
under the same circumstances, would do.^ The owner
would not be liable for a failure to keep his mine abso-
lutely free from gas, or impure air, but the duty imposed
upon him by the law would be to introduce pure air, as
fast as the gas formed, so that, by dilution, it would be
expelled, or rendered harmless, and not to permit it to
accumulate around where the employees are required to
work, as standing gas.* But proper means of circulating
1 Belleville Stone Co. «. Mooney, 61 N. J. L. 263; 39 Atl. Rep. 76i;
Muddy Valley Co. v. Phillips, 39 111. App. 376; Musgrove v. Coal Co., 110
Iowa, 169. But as to duty to warn experienced employee, see Consolidated
Co. V. Sharer, 42 111. App. 619; Llvengood v. Mining Co. (Mo. Sup,), 77
S. W. Rep. 1077. See, also, Mather v. Rillston, 18 M. M. R. 65.
2 Ohio Co. V. Fishburn, 61 Ohio St. 608; 56 N. E. Rep. 457.
8 Godfrey u. Beattyville Co., 101 Ky. 339; Mosgrove v. Coal Co., 110
Iowa, 169.
* Ante, idem. Commonwealth v. Tompkins (Pa.), 1 L. L. R. 311; 4
§ 375 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 421
pure air should be provided and not only provided, but
furnished for the use of the men, and mere proof that the
mine owner had provided appliances for the furnishing of
the air, without evidence that it was actually furnished,
would not be a defense to a suit for an injury from impure
air or gas, for this is not what a reasonably prudent man»
under the same circumstances, would do.l
§ 375. Statutes upon the subject. — In the United
States, the Federal Government and many of the mining
States, have enacted particular statutes upon the subject,
providing for the proper ventilation of mines generating
gases injurious to life. By Section 6, of an act of Con-
gress, approved March 3, 1891, it was provided as follows:
«' That the owners or managers of every coal mine at a
depth of one hundred feet or more, shall provide an ade-
quate amount of ventilation, of not less than fifty cubic
feet of pure air per second, or thirty-three hundred cubic
feet per minute, for every fifty men at work in said mine
and in like proportion for a greater number, which air
shall, by proper appliances or machinery, be forced
through such mine to the face of each and every working
place, so as to dilute and render harmless and expel there-
from the noxious or poisonous gases, and all workings shall
be kept clear of standing gas." ^ In England, the statute
requires a constant ventilation, during the period that col-
liery is worked.* The West Virginia statute requires that
the mine be kept free from standing gas ; * the Illinois
Leg. Gaz. 238; Muddy Valley Co. v. Phillipps, .39 111. App. 376; Hughes
V. Imp. Co., 20 Wash. 294; Cerillos Coal Co. v. Deserant, 9 New Mexico,
49; 49Pac. Rep. 806; overruled, 178 U. S. 409; 44 L. Ed. 1127.
1 Commonwealth v. Hutchinson (Pa.), i C. C. R. 18. Authorities
supra.
2 26 Stat, at L. 1104, Chap. 564.
8 18 and 19 Vict. Chap. 108, Sec. 4; also, 23 and 24 Vict. Chap. 151 ; 35
and 36 Vict., Chap. 73 and 7 and 8 Geo. IV., Chap. 30.
4 Code, W. Va. 1891, p. 999 and acts 1887, Chap. 250.
422 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. § 376'
statute provides for inspection and keeping the mine free
from gas ; ^ the Iowa Code requires such ventilation as to
" dilute, render harmless and expel all noxious and poi-
sonous gases, in all working parts," ^ and similar provisions
exist in Pennsylvania, Kansas and Ohio, Missouri, Indiana,
Washington and a majority of the States where coal
mining is carried on to any great extent.^ The general
object of all these statutes is the same, to keep the mine
and working places free from poisonous gases and vapors ;
to require — in some States — a competent " boss" to in-
spect and regulate the business and otherwise to exert the
proper precautions to safeguard the protection of human
life. A reference is always made, by lawyers, to the
statute itself, for its terms and provisions, so no quota-
tions from statute law will be presented here, but a refer-
ence to the different statutes, in some of the States, will
be found in the foot note.
§ 376. Breach of statutory duty actionable negli-
gence. — As before explained, where there is no statutory
provision upon the subject, it would be a fair test to apply
to the defendant's acts to ascertain what a reasonable man,
under the circumstances, would have done, and if the de-
fendant's course was consistent with that of a reasonably
prudent man, there could be no negligence predicated of
such an act.* Where there is a statute providing the
manner or means of ventilation, however, no such test can
have any relevancy, but the statute itself controls the means
the defendant must adopt, or render himself liable in
damages, in case injury result.^ In a recent case, in New
1 111. Act, July 1, 1887, 111. Sess. Laws, 1883, p. 114.
2 Iowa Code, Sec. 2488.
3 Pa. Act, 1870; Kao. Laws, 1897, Ch. 159; Ohio Rev. St., Sec. 301;
Mo. Bev. St. 1899, Sec. 8802; Wash. Laws, 1891, Chap. 81.
< Ante, Sec. 374; Turaer v. Taonel Co., I Am. Neg. Rep. 270.
« Deseraat v. Coal E. B. Co., 178 U. S. 409; 44 L. Ed. 1127.
§ 377 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 423
Mexico, although the Government statute, above quoted,
applied to the mine of the defendant, requiring at least
' ' fifty -five cubic feet of pure air per second ' ' and the other
statutoryprecautions, to render the mine harmless and to ex-
pel therefrom noxious or poisonous gases obtained, the trial
court instructed the jury upon the relative liability of the de-
fendant and made his liability depend upon the test of what a
reasonable man would have done, under the circumstances,
instead of the absolute command of the statute. The duty
of the defendant, being made imperative, by the statute,
the act, itself, furnished a test of his liability, and the
Supreme Court held that a violation of the statute con-
stituted negligence, without reference to any other relative
duty, predicated upon any other standard. i
§ 377. Statutes requiring "fire-boss." — In some of
the mining States laws have been passed not only requiring
proper ventilation and a sufficient supply of pure air to
expel all noxious and poisonous vapors, but to insure
proper inspections and a full compliance with the statute,
it is quite generally provided in the leading coal mining
1 Upon this question, the Supreme Court observed: '' The act of Con-
gress does not give to mine owners the privilege of reasoning upon the
sufficiency of appliances for ventilation, or leave to their judgment, the
amount of ventilation that is sufflcient for the protection of the miners.
It prescribes the amount of ventilation to be not less that 55 cubic feet
per second; it prescribes the machinery to be adequate to force that
amount of air, through the mine, to the face of every working place.
Nor does it allow standing gas. It prescribes, on the contrary, that the
mine shall be kept clear of standing gas. This is an imperative duty
and the consequences of neglecting it cannot be excused, because some
of the workmen may disregard instructions. Congress has prescribed
that duty and it cannot be omitted and the lives of the miners be commit-
ted to the chance that the care or duty of someone else will counteract
the neglect and disregard of the legislative mandate." Deserant v.
Cerillos Coal R. R. Co., 178 U. S. 409; U h. Ed. 1127. Bat the question
of whether or not the s'atute was violated if the evidence was conflcting,
would be for the jury. Ante, idem.
424 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. § 378
States that the mine owner or operator shall also provide
a " fire-boss," or " examiner," whose duties are variously
provided by the different statutes, to examine the working
places, before the workmen enter the mine, to protect
them against "fire-damp," and he is usually required to
preserve a record of his examinations or inspections, to
use, in case of litigation, or injury. i These statutes differ
in the various States. The above is a substantial state-
ment of the requirements of the Kansas law, of 1901.^
The construction, or effect these various statutes are held
to have, when interpreted, by the courts, is of more con-
sequence, in a text-book, than the specific provisions of
each act, as they can be perused by the lawyers of each
State, so the effect given the similar provisions of different
States, will be given here and the reader will be left to an
inspection of each statute for the full requirements of each.
§ 378. Same — Neglect of "fire-boss." — The effect
of a neglect of the statutory duty, required, in the
different States having such statutes, on the part of the
"fire-boss" provided for, is viewed according to the
doctrine of the courts of the various States, with refer-
ence to the question of fellow-servants. In those States
where a foreman, or " boss " is held to be a fellow-
servant with the men with whom he works, the employer
would not be responsible for a neglect of the statutory
duty, upon the part of a competent " fire-boss " but his
liability would end, with the employment of a competent
man ana the installation of the appliances and machinery
required by the statute. On the other hand, in those
States where the foreman or " boss " is held to be a vice-
principal and not a fellow-servant, the mine owner would
1 Gen. St. Kan. 1901, Sees. 4150, 4162; Pa. Act, Mar. 3d, 1870; Pa.
Act. Apr, 28th, 1877; Wash. Laws, 1891, Chap. 81.
2 Gen. St. 1901, Sees. 4150, 4162.
§ 378 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIK. 425
be liable for a neglect of tbe statutory duty on the part of
his " fire-boss," although he had complied fully with all
the terms of the statute himself, with reference to the
employment of a competent man and the -use of the
machinery and appliances required by the statute. In
Pennsylvania, Washington and Colorado, the " fire-boss "
is held to be a fellow-servant with the miners and the
owner is not responsible .for any neglect on his part,^
while in Tennessee, Indiana and Kansas, a contrary effect
is given the statute and the " fire-boss " is held to be a vice-
principal, for whose negligence the master is responsible.^
This is but one of the many inconsistent holdings obtaining
in the different States, making apparent the necessity for
a general system of laws for the different States of the
American Union. ^
1 "A mining company providing a competent boss, as required by
Pa. act, Marcli 3d, 1870, is not liable for tiie death of a miner, from an
explosion, caused by the negligence of such boss in failing to ventilate,
as he was a fellow- servant." Delaware Canal Co. v. Carroll, 89 Pa. St.
374; Redstone Coke Co. v. Roby, 115 Pa. St. 364; 8 Atl. Rep. 593; Lehigh
Valley Coal Co. v. Jones, 86 Pa. St. 432; Iron Co. v. Lamb, 6 Colo. App.
265; 40Pac. Rep. 251; Hughes v. Improvement Co., 20 Wash. 294; 55
Pac. Rep. 119; 6 Am. Neg. Rep. 228d.
2 Iron Co. V. Pace, 101 Tenn.476; 48 S. W. Rep. 232; 7 Am. Neg. Rep.
109n; Mining Co. v. Persons, 11 Ind. App. 264; 39 N. E. Rep. 214;
Schmalsteig v. Leavenworth Coal Co. (Kan.), 13 Am. Neg. Rep. 71;
Sommers v. Coal Co. (Wash.), 89 Fed. Rep. 64; 32 C. C. A. 156. In
Schmalsteig ». Coal Co., swpm, the Kansas Court adopts the reasoning
of the Indiana Court, in the case cited above, as follows: " Iq other
words, the effect, of the contention is that the employment of a compe-
tent mine boss is the full measure of the duty of the owner or operator
of the mine in such cases. * * * The gist of the action is not the
failure to employ a competent mine boss, but grows out o£ the failure of
the employer to discharge the duties resting on him in relation to pro-
viding a safe working place for appellee. This duty appellant could not,
in our opinion, by virtue of the provisions of the statute, delegate to the
mine boss, so as to escape liability on account of the failure to perform
the acts therein required. The statute prescribes the care which the
employer is required to exercise. The employment of a competent mine
426 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. § 379
§ 379. Courts judicially notice generation of gas. — It
is a matter of common concern that certain kinds of mines
contain gases, which are a menace to health and life and a
great source of anxiety to the lawmakers, as well as to the
parties directly concerned.^ Courts take judicial knowl-
edge of things that are of common knowledge among peo-
ple of ordinary information, as well as recognized scien-
tific facts and principles, without the necessity of any evi-
dence, but of their own motion. ^ Under this power of
the courts, to keep pace with ordinary affairs of human
life and to know what science teaches to all men, it is held,
in Missouri, that courts will judicially recognize, that coal
mines generate gases. ^ This is a matter of common
knowledge as well as scientific demonstration and like the
fact that volatile oil, subjected to heat, will produce gases,
is recognized as a fact, upon this reasoning.* But if the
matter was not conceded by all men, or was in doubt
among experts, or those familiar with the facts, the courts
would not judicially recognize that any particular kind of
mines would generate gas, hence, in Kansas, it has been
denied that the courts of that State would recognize, judi-
boss is not the exercise of the care. The failure of the boss to perform
the duties designated in the statute is, under the statute, the negligence
of the master. * * * la other words, the statute was not Intended
to lessen the duties of the master, but was intended to increase his duty,
to the extent of requiring him to employ a mining boss to give special
attention to the conditions of the mine. It was not contemplated, how-
ever, when the mining boss was employed, that such employment should
relieve or exempt the master from liability."
1 Brown t). -Piper, 91 U. S. 37; Bliss Code PI. (2 ed.) 177, 199; 1
Greenl. Evid. (U ed.) 479.
2 Ante, idem.
8 Poor V. Watson, 92 Mo. App., p. 98. Courts will also recognize that
coal oil is inflammable. State v. Hays, 78 Mo. 307. That dynamite is a
dangerous explosive. Norwalk Gas Co. v. Norwalk, 63 Conn. 495. And
that natural gas is inflammable and explosive. Jamison v. Gas Co., 128
Ind. 555.
< Fuchs V. St. Louis, 133 Mo. 168.
§ 380 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 427
cially, that coal dust was an explosive, as it was not gener-
ally conceded by those best informed upon the subject, i
but that natural gas is an explosive will also be judicially
recognized by the courts,'^ as this is generally conceded
by those best informed upon the subject.
§ 380. "Violation of statute must occasion injury. —
Where the duties required by the statute are violated and
this violation of duty, on the part of the mine owner,
occasions the injury to the employee, then the owner will
be liable for the resulting injury, whether it arises from a
failure to inspect, a failure to employ a competent " fire
boss," or to provide the statutory appliances, requisite to
ventilate the mine, in the manner provided for.^ But to
hold the mine owner liable for damages, the injury must
have been occasioned by the failure, on his part, to comply
with the requirements of the statute,* for unless this oc-
casioned the injury, then it would not be the approximate
cause thereof, within the rule that actionable negligence,
must be the approximate cause of the injury, to furnish
any relief therefor. In Illinois, where the negligence
charged was a failure to inspect the mine, to keep it free
from fire-damp, and the evidence showed that the men had
worked at the place where the injury occurred some two or
three hours, with open lamps, before the accident hap-
1 Coal Co. V. Wilson, 47 Kansas, 460; 28Pac.Eep. 178.
2 Jamison v. Gas Co., 128 Ind. 265.
8 Graham o. Newburg Coal & Coke Co., 38 W. Va. 273; 18 S. E. Eep.
584; Muddy Valley Mining Co. v. Phillips, 39 111. App. 376; Knowles v.
Dickinson, 2 El. & El. 705; 29 L. J. M. C. N. S. 135; Brough v. Homfray,
L. R. 3 Q. B. 771 ; 15 Mor. Min. Eep 6. And a neglect to comply with
statute will render company liable, although no penalty is provided for
its violation. Mosgrove o. Zimblemau Coal Co. (Iowa), 81 N. W. Rep.
227.
« Coal Run Co. o. Jones, 127 III. 379; 20 N. E. Eep. 99. And this is
generally true, under any statutory negligence. Adams v. Coal Co., 85
Mo. App. 486.
428 INJURIES TEOM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. § 381
pened, this was held to show, conclusively, that the failure
to examine the mine at that place, with a safety lamp, as
required by the statute, in no manner contributed to the
injury .1
§ 381. Ventilation statutes constitutional as police
regulations. — In nearly every case where the liability for
personal injuries is predicated upon a statutory neglect of
duty, the constitutionality of such statutes is drawn in
question by the defense, and for this reason, in mine in-
juries from poisonous gases and lack of ventilation, the
validity of such statutes becomes very important to con-
sider. The same year that the Pennsylvania act of 1871,
was passed, requiring at least two openings not more than
150 feet apart, at every place where coal mining is carried
on, there was an accident at "West Pittson," where
twenty lives were lost, and the constitutionality of this act
was drawn in question, in the litigation that resulted. The
court held that the State had the same right to police the
coal mines, within her borders, that she had to police her
t9wns and cities; that the statute was simply a mandate to
operators of coal mines to so work and use their property
as not to injure the health or endanger the lives of the per-
sons employed in the mines, and of the necessity of the
statute and its reference to the calamity to which the court
applied it, it was aptly said: " Of its propriety and neces-
sity the law-making power was taught not a moment too
early. Of its constitutionality we have not the slightest
doubt." ^ Other States have construed and passed upon the
validity of similar statutes and it is very generally held
1 Coal Run Co. v. Jones, 127 111. 379; 20 N. E. Rep. 89; 8 N. E. Rep.
865.
2 Commonwealth, ex rel. Inspector of Mines v. Bonnell et al., 8
Pbila. 534; 17 Mor. Min. Rep. 14; Commonwealth v. Wilkesbarre Coal
Co., 29 Leg. Int. 213; 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 31.
§ 382 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 429
that the legislature of a State, under its police power, can
establish a reasonable regulation for the working of mines,
to protect the workmen employed therein. l
§ 382. When " willful" violation of act necessary. —
In the statutes of some of the mining States, a " willful "
violation of the terms of the act is essential to constitute a
cause of action for breach of its provisions. " Willful,"
in such statutes, is used in the sense of " intentional,"
and to predicate a cause of action upon the violation of
such a statute it is therefore essential to show, both by
pleading and proof, that the mine owner " intentionally "
violated the provisions of the statute, which could only be
true, if he failed to comply with the provisions, after
knowledge of the fact that he had not complied with the
statute. Under such statutes, the defendant must be
shown to have had notice of the fact that the machinery,
or appliances, were not there, and, with such notice, a
neglect, or refusal, to supply same. The element of "will-
fulness " consists in the failure or refusal to do what the
law requires, after notice that the necessity existed and
hence, in maintaining an action under such statutes, the
element of willfulness should be kept prominently in view,
both in the pleading and throughout the trial, and a failure
to show the statutory essentials to such an action, in this
regard, would justify a demurrer to the evidence, on the
part of the defendant.^ But if the evidence shows the
element of " willfulness," under such a statute, or that,
after knowledge of the non-compliance with the act, the
defendant failed to comply with its requirements, then he
would be liable for an injury to an employee caused thereby,
1 Daniels v. Hilgaid, 77 111. 640; 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 280; Hamman v.
Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232.
2 Hawley v. Dailey, 13 Bradw. 391; Litchfield Coal Co. v. Tayloi, 81
111. 590; Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. 31.
430 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIE. § 384
and this was held, in an Illinois case, to be a " willful
neglect," to prevent accumulation of gases, as required by
act of July 1, 1887.1
§ 383. Examination of mines daily — Missouri statute. —
The Missouri statute,^ like many similar provisions in the
different States, requires " the examination of all mines
generating gas" every morning, by " a practical and duly
authorized agent of the proprietor," and the condition of
the mine is required to be recorded in a book, kept for the
purpose; no miner is permitted to enter the mine before
such inspection is made and a division of the currents of
air is provided for, so that every fifty miners or less
number shall receive a separate current daily. Coal mines
are held, by judicial construction, to be included within the
meaning of this statute, although not specifically named, as
the court judicially notices that coal mines generate gas
and the word " gas," as used in the statute is not limited
in its meaning to "fire damp" only, but includes all
injurious gases, generated in a mine.^
§ 384. Assumption of risk by employee. — An em-
ployee in a mine, has a right to assume, in the absence of
knowledge to the contrary, that his employer has complied
with the provisions of a statute requiring sufficient ventila-
tion to render harmless all noxious gases, or expel them
1 Muddy Valley Mining & Mfg. Co. v. Phillipps, 39 111. App.
376.
2 Mo.°Sess. Laws, 1895, p. 228; R. S. Mo. 1899, Sec. 8802, 8803.
s Poor V. Watson, 92 Mo. App. 89. The petition in this case Is ap-
proved and held to allege a cause of action under the statute, not at
common law. " Where it was the duly of the pit boss of a mine to
inspect it lor gas, and to Indicate by marks on the entry the absence or
presence of gas, a miner had a right to rely on a mark made on the entry
indicating the absence of gas." Mt. Nebo Anthracite Coal Co. v.
Williamson (Ark. 1906), 84 S. W. Rep. 779.
§ 384 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 431
from the mine.^ The employee, therefore, would not, gen-
erally, be held to assume the risk of an injury from ac-
cumulated gas or vapors, without a knowledge, on his part,
of the employer's failure to comply with the statute, a like
notice of the dangers and risks of his employment, from
such gases, and a voluntary assumption of the dangers at-
tendant upon such work.^ Where, however, the necessity
for the statutory appliances was apparent and the employee
remains at work, without complaint, or promise, knowing
full well the dangers incidental thereto, a failure on his
part to impart his knowledge of the dangerous conditfon of
the ground to his employer and to advise him of the neces-
sity for the statutory essentials, would probably be held to
defeat the recovery of such employee. ^
1 Mosgrove v. Zimblemau Coal Co. (Iowa), 81 N. W. Rep. 227.
2 Ante, idem. " Iq an action for injuries to a miner by explosion of
gas, a requested instruction tliat if defendant kept tne amount of air
required In circulation in tlie mine, and plaintiff iinew of tlie gas, but
made no report thereof to the one whose duty it was to make an exam-
ination therefor, plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence, was
properly refused, as it made it the duty of the servant to inform defend-
ant of the gas, whether defendant knew or ought to have known of that
fact." Mt. Nebo Anthracite Coal Co. v. Williamson (Ark. I905j, 8t
S. W. Rep. 779.
8 Coal Co. V. Muir, 20 Colo, 320; Sugar Creek Co. v. Peterson, 177
111. 324; Coal Run Co. v. Jones, 127 111. 379; 20 N. E. Rep. 89. In
Czarecki v. Seattle &c., Co. (Wash.), 70 Pac. Eep. 750, where miner was
killed from insufficient ventilation and the defense was assumed risk,
the court said that the miner only assumed such risks as were open and
apparent and which were necessarily incident to the employment. A
miner who lights a match, without observing his safety lamp, assumes
the risk of injury from a gas explosion. Sommers v. Carbon Hill Coal
Co. 91 Fed. Rep. 337. And so does a miner who is warned of the dan-
ger of smoke and who knows the fan is shut down. Hughes v. Oregon
Imp. Co., 20 Wash. 294; 55 Pac. Eep. 119. An old, experienced miner,
having charge of the ventilation of the mine, assumes the risk of injury
by sufEooation from burning frame buildings, on the surface of the
ground. Coal Cr. Min. Co. v. Davis, 90 Minn. 711; 18 S. W. Eep. 387.
The negligence of a person having charge of the ventilation of a mine,
under statute, is not an assumed risk. Sommers v. Carbon Hill Co., 89
Fed. Eep. 5t.
432 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. § 385
§ 385. Same — Concurrent negligence of master and
fellow-servant. — The doctrine is very generally recog-
nized in the United States that the rule which exempts an
employer from the result of injuries due wholly to the
negligence of the injured employee's fellow-servants, will
not exempt him from such injuries as result from the con-
current negligence of the defendant, himself, and such
fellow-servant.^ Injuries resulting from accumulated gases
in mines is no exception to the application of this rule, in
other personal injury cases, and it is held that where an
injury results from insufficient ventilation, or accumulated
gases, in a mine, the mine owner is liable to the injured
miner, although the negligence of a fellow-servant of the
injured miner concurred with the neglect of the mine owner
to produce the injury.^ But if the negligence of such
fellow-servant could be imputed to the injured miner, him-
self, which would result from a relation wherein the negli-
gence was adopted by such miner, or where the act was
ordered by him, or could be really said to be his own act,
then the doctrine of imputed negligence would apply to
the act of such injured miner and he would be prevented,
on account of the negligence of his fellow-servant, imputed
to him, from recovery.^
1 Watson Dam. Per. Inj., p. 81, et sub.; Whittaker's Sm. Neg. 31
"Acts 1881, Tenn. § 7, requires the ventilation of all mines, and pre-
scribes the quantity of pure air that must be furnished to dilute the nox-
ious gases so as to render the mine safe, and provides the sizes and
dimensions of the take in and return air way for ventilating purposes.
Held, that where a mine owner failed to provide ventilation in conform-
ity to such section, and an explosion occurred by reason of such negli-
gence and the concurring negligence of a fellow-servant in going into a
gaseous chamber, which had been marked, with an open lamp, by reason
of which plaintiff's decedent was killed by an explosion which followed,
the mine owner was liable therefor." Bussell v. Dayton Coal & Iron
Co., 70 S. W. Eep. 1.
2 Czarecki v. Seattle & San Francisco Co. (Wash.), 70 Pac. Rep 750.
3 Beach Con. Neg., Sec. 100, 142; Burrows v. March Gas & Coke Co.,
SBxch. 67; L. R. 7 Exch. 67; L. R. 7 Bxch. 96.
§ 386 INJURIES FROM GAS AND IMPURE AIR. 433
§ 386. Contributory negligence bars recovery. — The
failure of an employee to exercise ordinary care will pre-
clude him from maintaining a cause of action given by the
statute for damage occasioned by a failure to keep a mine
free from accumulated gases or vapors, i for contributory
negligence is always a defense to personal injury actions,
whether the negligence counted on is the breach of statu-
tory duty imposed, or otherwise. ^ Where the facts show-
ing negligence of the injured employee are all one way,
then the contributory negligence of the injured employee
is a question of law for the court ; ^ but if the facts are
controverted as to whether or not he was guilty of any
negligence, or if, from all the evidence, the court could
not say, as a matter of law, that the plaintiff was guilty
of contributory negligence, then this issue should be sub-
mitted to the jury.*
1 Krause v. Morgen, 53 Ohio St. 26; 40 N. E. Eep. 886; Coal Run Co.
!). Jonea, 127 111. 379; 20 N. E. Rep. 89.
2 Adams v. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 486.
2 Krouse v. Morgen, supra.
* Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 676.
28
CHAPTER XVII.
FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS.
Section 387, Frequency and caase of accidents Irom.
388. Statutes providing safe-guards against.
889. Neglect to timber roof.
390. Failure to Inspect roof.
891. Failure to trim roof.
392. Duty to warn inexperienced servant concerning.
393. Employee not heeding warning of.
394. Contributory negligence of employee.
395. When injuries from are assumed.
396. Same — Knowledge of danger bars recovery.
397. Same — Knowledge of natural laws presumed.
398. EfEect of master's orders or assurances.
399. When assumption of risk from, jury question.
§ 387. Frequency and cause of accidents from. —
One of the most frequent causes of injuries in mines is
that resulting from loosened earth or rock. This neces-
sarily results from the very nature of the business, for the
object of the work is to excavate and remove the earth
and rock, to get the mineral, and unless great precaution
is observed the loosened rock and earth, as the excavation
progresses,! will fall before it is expected. In.what is know,.n
as ' ' sheet formation ' ' among miners — which is fre-
quently met with in the coal and lead and zinc regions of
the United States — constant inspections and timbering or
trimming of the roof and sides of drifts is necessary, es-
pecially where the rock is divided by seams of softer mat-
ter, not impervious to the action of the air and water. In
"bowlder formation" the same liability of injury from
falling " bowlders " results, unless the sides and roof of
drifts are kept well trimmed and arched, and even then, if
the earth and rock are subject to the elements and softer
(434)
§ 388 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 435
seams prevail, it will be found necessary to timber the
ground, as the only safeguard against falling rock and
earth, likely to injure the workmen below.
§ 388. Statutes providiug safeguards against. — The
great frequency of injuries, in mines, from falling slabs:
and bowlders, since the earliest times, ^ has given rise, in
most mining countries and States, to different statutes, in-
tended to provide precautions, with a view of lessening
such accidents. As experience of those engaged in such
work has demonstrated that the safest method of prevent-
ing injuries from falling slabs and bowlders is to timber
and prop the roof of drifts, many of the States have
adopted statutes requiring props and timbers to be fur-
nished and used in the mine.^ In others, where trimming
of the roof is more practical, the lawmakers have adopted
1 Paterson v. Wallace, 28 E. L. E. E. 48, came before the English
House of Lords in 1854. The plaintiff's husband was killed by a falling
stone from the roof of the drift where he was at work, of which he had
often complained. The manager of the mine promised to remove it and
sent two men to take it down, but before they did so, it fell and killed
plaintiff's husband. It was held to be proper to submit the two questions
to the jury, (1) if the defendant had negligently allowed the stone to
remain too long and (2) if that negligence and not the decedent's rash-
ness occasioned his death.
2 23 and 84 Vict. ch. 151; construed, Brough v. Homfrey, 6 L. K. 3 Q.
B. 771; 15Mor. Min. Rep. 6; 111. Laws, 1888, p. 114, construed, Pawnee
Coal Co. V. Eoyce, 184 111. 402 ; reversing 79 111. App. 469. For Illinois Prop
statute, see Eev. St. Ch. 93, Sec. 16, construed io Mt. Olive Coal Co. v.
Herbeck, 190 111. 89; 60 N. E. Rep. 105, affirming 92 111. App. 441 ; Burns'
B. S. Ind. 1894, Sec. 7479, requiring competent inspector, construed,
Eureka Coal Co. v. Wells, 29 Ind. App. 1; 61 N. E. Rep. 236; McLain's
Code, Iowa, Sees. 2463, 2465, construed, Carson v. Coal Hill Co., 101
Iowa, 224; TON. W. Rep. 185; Ky. St. Sec. 2732, construed, Aihlaod
Coal Co. V. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 43 S. W. Eep. 207; R. S. Mo. 8822,
construed Bowerman i;. Lackawana Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; N. Y. Law,
1890, Ch. 394, construed, Tetherton v. U. S. Co., 165 N. Y. 665; 59 N. E.
Eep. 1131; E. S. Ohio, Sec. 6871, construed, P & W. Coal Co. v. Estiev-
enard, 53 Ohio St. 43; 40 N. E. Rep. 725.
436 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDBKS. § 389
acts requiring frequent inspections ^ and for the employ-
ment of a competent inspector; ^ but the general object of
all these statutes is the same, to provide such precautions
as will best serve the safety of the employees in the mine
and, in case of an injury from falling rocks or bowlders,
if the requirements of the statute are not followed, this is,
usually, sufficient proof of negligence, upon which to base
a recovery.^
§ 389. Same — Neglect to timber roof. — Independently
of a statute requiring such a course, upon the part of a
mine owner, it would be negligence for him to refuse to
sufficiently prop or timber the roof of a drift or mine, so
as to protect his workmen from falling slabs or bowlders.*
But most of the mining States have passed statutes, in
order to insure this protection for the workmen, requiring
the employer to properly timber or prop the mine, to pre-
vent injury from falling rock or earth. ^ A failure to com-
1 Tenn. Act, 1881, Ch. 170, construed, Coal Cr. Co. v. Davis, 90 Tenn,
711; 18 S. W. Rep. 387; Pa. Act, March 3, 1870, construed, Haddock v.
Commonwealth, 103 Pa. St. 248; Act. Cong. Mar. 3, 1891, construed,
Cerillos Coal Co. v. Deserant, 9 N. M. 49; 49 Pac. Kep. 307; 178 U. S. 409.
2 Laws Kansas, 1897, Ch. 159; Schmalstieg v. Coal Co., 13 Am. Neg.
Bep. 63; Iron Co. v. Pace, 101 Tenn. 476; 48 S. W. Eep. 232; 7 Am. Neg.
Kep. 109; Horner's R. S. Ind. 1897,5480m; Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken,
30 Ind. App. 624; 66 N. E. Rep. 775.
' Bowerman n. Lackawana Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; Himrod Coal Co. u.
Stevens, 203 111. 115; 67 N. E. Bep. 889: Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken, 30
Ind. App. 624; 66 N. E. Rep. 775.
* White Mines & Min. Bern., Sec. 463, p. 612; Barringer & Adams
Mines, p. 788 et sub.; MacSwinney Mines, p. 612; Trihay v. Mining Co.,
10 Pac. Bep. 615; 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 535; Jones v. Min. Co., 21 N. W.
Rep. 361; Pantger ». Min. Co., 100 N. Y. 368; Jones v. Florence Min.
Co., 28 N: W. Eep. 207.
« Labait Mas. & Serv., Sec. 803, p. 2195; Hurd's E. S. 111., Chap. 93;
Sess. Laws, 1883, p. 114; R. S. Mo. 1899, Sec. 8822; Burn's Rev. St. Ind.
1894; McLain's Code, Iowa, Sees. 2463, 2465; N. Y. Law 1897, Ch. 415;
R. S. Ohio, Sec. 6871 ; Pa, Act. Mar. 3 1870; and revisions; Tenn. Laws.
1881, Ch. 170; Ballinger's Ann. Code. Wash , Sec. 3178.
§ 390 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 437
ply with a statute requiring timbers, would constitute a
prima facie case of negligence against the mine owner, i
but the necessity for timbers, or the application of the
statutory duty imposed, in a given case, would be a ques-
tion of fact for the jury, where the question was disputed. ^
Where the condition of the ground is such that timbering
ought to follow immediately after shots are set off, to keep
the roof safe and prevent falling slabs or bowlders, a fail-
ure to timber it, within a reasonable time, would constitute
negligence, in case of a resulting injury.^ But after a
necessary amount of timbers is furnished, an employee
whose duty it was to use such timbers could not recover
for an'mjury,if he had failed to do his duty in this regard,
as his contributory neghgence would preclude a recovery,*
and where the necessity for timbers was apparent and the
employee remained at work, with full knowledge of the
necessity and dangers, without objection, no recovery could
be had, for a resulting injury, as he would be held to have
assumed the risk.^
§ 390. Failure to inspect roof. — It is the duty of
the mine owner to inspect dangerous roofs, in the drifts
of his mine, as often as may be necessary to keep
1 Bowerman v. Lackawana Coal Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; 71 S. W. Bep.
1072; Green v. West. Am. Co., 30 Wash. 87; 70 Pac. Rep. 310.
2 Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232.
s Trihay v. Brooklyn Coal Co., 15 Mor. Min. Eep. 535; Adams v. Coal
Co., 85 Mo. App. 486.
* Christner v. Coal Co., 146 Pa. St. 67; Coal Co. v. Mulr, 20 Colo. 320;
Sugar fir. Co. o. Peterson, 177 111. 354.
^ Coal Co. V. Estievenard, 53 Obio St. 43; White Mines & Min. Rem.,
Sec. 465, p. 613. An employee injured by the falling of a lot of zinc
spelter cannot recover, unless he shows negligence of the master, in its
erection. Lanyon Zinc Co. «. Bell (Kan.), 68 Pac. Rep. 609. Where
the evidence is conflicting as to whether or not timbers were furnished
in time to be used, the question of whether or not the risk was assumed,
is for the jury, in Missouri. Hamman v. Coal Co., 166 Mo. 232; 56 S. W.
Bep. 1091.
438 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 390
the same in a reasonably safe condition, to prevent falling
rocks or earth.i A failure to inspect the roof and a result-
ing injury to an employee, from a falling slab or bowlder',
will render the master liable, the same as for any other act
of negligence, for although ignorant of the danger from
the loosened rock, if a careful inspection would have dis-
closed the danger and informed him of the risk, his failure
to inspect will be such neglect as to subject him to a liability
therefor.^ Nor would the mere proof of an inspection
relieve the employer, unless it is shown to have been
a careful inspection, for a careless inspection would be
no better than none at all and if the roof was carelessly
inspected he would be liable, the same as though no in-
spection at all had been made.^ But an inspection
would not be necessary if the whole condition of the
roof was plainly in view, for an inspection is only neces-
sary when dangers or defects are not open to common
observation and if the employee has equal or superior
means of knowledge to his employer, the latter would be
under no obligation to inspect the roof. For the violation
of statutory duty to inspect, a liability would result, the
same as for neglecting any other positive duty, imposed
1 One whose duty It is to inspect is not a fellow-servant with miner,
Gowen v. Bush, 76 Fed. Rep. 349; 18 Mo. Min. Kep.433. White Mines &
Min. Bern., Sec. 453, p. 606; McCone v. Gallagher (N. Y.), 2 Am. Neg.
Eep. 613; Benzing v. Steinway, 101 N. Y. 650; Hammon o. Co., 156 Mo.
232; Carter «. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
2 BuswellPer. Inj., Sec. 211; Bowman o. White, 110 Cal. 23; Coal Co.
V. Schwab, 74 111. App. 567 ; Ashland Coal Co. v. Wallace, 101 Ky. 626 ;
Smizel v Iron Co., 116 Mich. 149; Coal Co. v. People, 181 111. 270; White
Mines & Min. Rem. Sec. 468, p. 606 and cases cited.
3 Durkin v. Sharp, 88 N. Y. 225; Egan v. Ry. Co., 42 N. Y. Supp. 188;
Car Co. ■». Parker, 100 Ind. 118; Railroad Co. «. Ward, 1 Am. Neg. Rep.
590.
^ Coal Co. t) G/eeawood, 161 Ind. 476; Garragvn v. Iron Co., 168 Mass.
696; Shea «. By. Co., 76 Mo. App. 29.
§ 391 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 439
by law.i The foot-note contains a reference to many of
the statutes requiring inspections. ^
§ 391. Failure to trim roof. — Where the formation of
a mine or drift is such as to make it impracticable to timber
the same, to prevent falling slabs or bowlders, then the
mine owner should make the same reasonably safe, by
trimming the roof and sides of the mine or drift, so as to
prevent injuries from falling slabs or bowlders, loosened
by the shots in the mine.^ A failure to keep the roof
reasonably safe by trimming it, when necessary, would
subject the owner to liability, in case of a resulting injury,
the same as negligence in any other particular.* From the
nature of the work, however, the liability in this regard
is not without necessary qualification. The men known
as " cutters " in the ground, are the first to usually come
in contact with the working place and it is necessarily their
duty to report any unsafe or defective condition to the
master, or his foreman in charge ; if the duty of the men
in this regard should be neglected, as the employer is en-
titled to notice of the necessity for trimming, before he
could be chargeable with a neglect of duty, he would not
be responsible for a resulting injury." And where, with
1 Parnell Coal Co. v. Royce, 184 111. 402; 56 N. E. Rep. 621, reversing
79 111. App. 469; Jupiter Co. v. Mercer, 84 111. App. 96; Himrod Co. v.
Schrooth, 91 111. App. 234.
2 K. S. 111. 1894, R. 93, Sec. 9; Burn's E. S. Ind. 1894, Sec. 7479;
McClain's Code Iowa, Sec. 2465; St. Ky., Sec. 2732; Laws N. Y. 1897, Ch.
416, Sec. 122; E. S. Ohio, Sec. 6771; Pa. ActNov.. 8,1871; Tenn. Actl881,
Ch. 170 ; Ballinger's Ann. Code Wash., Sec. 3178. Whether or not an in-
spection of a roof was properly made, so to excuse the defendant, is for
the jury to decide. Fisher v. Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479 ; 66 S. W. Rep. 1107.
s Hammon v. Cent. Coal & Coke Co., 166 Mo. 232; Fisher v. Lead
Co., 166 Mo. 479.
* Smith ». Coal Co., 75 Mo. App. 177; Hamilton v. Min. Co., 108 Mo.
364.
5 Aldrich V. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Watson v. Coal Co., 52 Mo.
App. 366; Boemer v. Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 609.
440 PALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 392
full knowledge of the danger from falling rocks or earth,
an employee continues work, without objection, and meets
with a resulting injury, as a result of his own work, he is
held to have assumed the risk, and cannot recover from his
employer.!
§ 392. Duty to warn inexperienced servants concern-
ing. — It is the duty of the employer to warn his inex-
perienced servants, ignorant of the dangers, from falling
slabs ar bowlders, of any facts in his possession and not
known to the employee, which materially affect the risks
from such injury, while in his employ,^ In an early case,
1 Swanson v. LaFayette, 33 N. E. Rep. 1033 ; Heald v. Wallace (Tenn),
71 S. W. Eep. 80. In Iowa, in tlie case of Money v. Lower Vein Coal Co .
(55 Iowa, 671), it was held that a miner, who worked near a loose scale ot
coal without promise from the mine owner to change the condition and
who was Injured by such falling scale, assumed the risk and could not
recover. See same case, 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 56. In Hall, by next friend,
V. Johnson (34 L. J. B. 222), Earle, C. J., held to the same doctrine and
announced the non-liability of the mine owner for a falling rock, about
which the plaintiff was working, in the usual performance of his duties.
In Swanson v. LaFayette (Ind. 33 N. E. Rep. 1033), an injury from a
falling sand bank near which plaintifO was working, was held to be an
assumed risk, which furnished no cause of action. In Brown v. Chat-
tanooga Co. (47 Fed. Rep. 415), although illiterate, the plaintifE was held
to have assumed the risk from a falling ditch, in which he was at work,
as the character of the soil was apparent to any man. A similar holding
was announced in the case of GrifiSn v. Ohio and C. Company (24 N. E.
Eep. 888), where the defect in the bank of earth was a clay seam, be-
tween the gravel, open to observation. So, in Meikle v. C. & A. Com-
pany (79 N. W. Rep. 22), a quarryman injured by afalling rock, loosened
by a previous blast he had helped to put in, was held to have assumed
the risk.
' McGowan ». LaPlata Co., 3 McCrary (U. S. C. C. Colo.), 393; 10
Mor. Min. Eep. 69; Baxter o. R iberts, 44 Cal. 187; 13 Am. Rep. 160-
Hammon u. Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Hamilton v. Coal Co., 108
Mo. 364; Larson v. Mining Co., 71 Mo. App . 512; Patterson v. Cole
(Kan.), 73Pac. Rep. 64; Good Eye Mining Co. v. Robinson (Kan.), 73
Pac. Rep. 102; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Parkhurst ».
Johnson, 60 Mich. 70; 45 Am. Eep. 28; Smith v. Oxford Iron Co., 2
Mor. Min. Rep. 208; 42 N. J. L. 467.
§ 393 PALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 441
in Wisconsin, the plaintiff was employed to labor in the
defendant's shaft and was injured from the caving in of the
shaft. 1 The negligence charged was the knowledge, by the
defendant, of a well defined fissure or crevice, of which ho
failed to inform the plaintiff. A recovery by the plaintiff
was upheld and the court followed the rule laid down above,
that if there exists any facts known to the employer and not
known to the employee, increasing the risks of the miner
beyond the ordinary hazards, the employer is bound to
disclose such facts to his employee, or to respond in
damages, as for negligence, in case of injury to the latter,
resulting from such unusual risks. Where the dangers
are clearly apparent, however, then it would be the duty
of the employee to observe what was open to common ob-
servation,^ and in such case, or if the injured employee was
one skilled in the particular service, no warning or in-
struction, as to probable injuries from loosened slabs or
bowlders, would be required, on the part of the master.''
§393. Employee not heeding warning. — An em-
ployee who is warned or instructed by a master, or his
vice-principal, as to a dangerous manner or method of
J Strahlendorf u. Rosenthal, 30 Wis. 674; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 676.
2 Watson B. Coal Co., 62 Mo. App. 366; Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78
Mo. 559; Pederson ». Rushf ord, 42 N. W. Rep. 1063; Olsen t). McMulIen,
24 N. W. Rep. 318; Reiter v. Winona Co., 75 N. W. Rep. 219; Epperson
V. Tel. Co., 155 Mo. 356; Skidmore v. W. Va. Co., 23 S. E. Rep. 713.
s Aldrich u. Fujnace Co., 78 Mo. 559 and cases above cited. Duty to
instruct employee as to known dangers in roof, cannot be delegated.
Smith «. Hillside Co., 186 Pa. 28 ; 40 Atl. Rep. 287; Con. Coal Co. v.
Wombacher, 134 111. 57; 24 N. E. Rep. 627; Hedlum v. Holly Terror Co.
(S. D.'), 92 N. W. Rep. 31 ; Wallace v. Standard Co., 66 Fed. Rep. 260.
A mine owner cannot relieve himself from liability for negligence from
loosened slabs by posting rules that his employees assume the risk from
injuries from such sources. Con. Coal Co. o. Lundak, 196 111. 594 ; 63 N.
E. Rep. 1079; Himrod Coal Co. «. Clark, 197 111. 514; 64 N. E. Rep.
282.
442 PALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 394
I
work, who proceeds in violation of the warning, cannot
recover, in case of injury thereby, for this would be a
selection of a dangerous way to do his work after warn-
ing and he would be held to assume the risk.^ In Ala-
bama, in a recent case, the plaintiff was engaged in driv-
ing a heading in the defendant's mine and was charged
with the duty of pulling down, or bracing up, the loose
rocks in the ceiling of the drift. About an hour before
his injury, the foreman charged him to trim the roof, or
secure the loose rock, but he ignored the warning or
instruction, and was injured, and he was held to have
assumed the risk.^
§ 394. Contributory negligence of employee. —
Where an employee, whose duty it is to trim or timber the
roof of a mine or drift, is injured as a result of failing to
perform such duty, by a falling slab or bowlder, his con-
tributory negligence, in failing to do his duty in this re-
gard, would prevent a recovery by him, for such resulting
injury.' Where the work of an employee continuously
changes the place were he is at work, he is under the
duty, in providing for his own protection, to see that he
does not undermine the place and precipitate the mass of
earth or rock, which he is engaged in excavating, down
upon himself. If he undermines a bank of earth or rock
and as a result thereof sustains injury, his own negligence,
in so doing, will prevent his recovery.* And where the
employer has furnished props or timbers and requested his
employees to use them to support the roof, in case of a
1 Pioneer Mining Co. v. Thomas, 133 Ala. 279; 32 So. Kep. 16.
2 Pioneer Mining Co. v. Tiiomas, 133 Ala. 279; 33 So. Rep. 15.
' Beomer v. Lead Co., 69 Mo. App. 601; Watson v. Coal Co., 52 Mo.
App. 366; Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
* White Mines & Min. Bern., Sec. 450, p. 595; Heald v. Wallace
(Tenn.), 71 S. W. Eep. 80.
^ 395 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 443
failure to use such props, by the men so requested, and a
resulting injury to one failing in his duty, in this regard,
no recovery could be had.^ But where the evidence is con-
flicting as to a breach of duty, on the part of the employee,
it would be a question of fact for the jury, if the contribu-
tory negligence of such injured employee ought to defeat
his recovery, as the approximate cause of his injury, and
unless the evidence is all one way and reasonable minds
could not differ as to the negligence of the employee, the
court should submit this issue, under proper instructions,
to the jury.^
§ 395. When injuries from are assumed. — The rule
which subjects a mine employer to liability for injuries to
his employees from falling slabs and bowlders is not with-
out necessary limitations, in order to prevent abuses re-
sulting from too broad an assertion of the rule. In min-
ing, as in other vocations of life, it is necessary to employ
skilled employees to handle different departments of the
business and such employees are frequently better informed
of the risks and necessities of their particular branch of
the business than the employers themselves. To hold that
such an employee, with full knowledge of the dangers and
attendant risks, could rely upon his own judgment as to
the liability of a given slab or bowlder to fall, and then,
1 Coal Co. V. Muir, 20 Colo. 320; Christner v. Coal Co., 146 Pa. St.
67; Sugar Cr. Co. v. Peterson, 177 111. 324.
2 Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232; Treadwater Coal Co. ». Johnson,
24 Ky. L. R. 1777; 72 S. W. Rep. 274. In Crabtree Coal Co. v. Sample,
(Ky. 72 S. W. Rep. 24) the deceased was killed by slate, falling from the
roof of defendant's mine and it was held to be a question for the jury,
whether or not he was guilty of contributory negligence. If the duty ot
an injured employee was to keep the roof of a drift safe, he cannot re-
cover by predicating the negligence of his employer upon a failure to
keep a reasonably safe place. Sandy River Canal Coal Co. v. Caudill, 60
S. W. Rep. 180.
444 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 396
after an injury, hold his employer for the resulting injury,
would be to make the latter responsible for the lack of
judgment of his employees, and this the law does not at-
tempt to do.i In all the different trades and callings
where others are employed, it is elementary law that if the
employees possess equal or superior information to the
employer, in regard to the danger from a given place or
appliance, then, in case an injury results, without assurance
or knowledge on the part of the employer, the employee
is held, in law, to have assumed the risk, as an incident of
his employment.''' This well-known doctrine of the law of
master and servant applies to injuries resulting from slabs
and bowlders in mines, ^ as well as to other injuries, from
different causes, in such vocation.
§ 396. Same — Knowledge of danger bars recovery . —
Where a miner knows of a defect and the resulting dan-
ger, in the condition of the roof or sides of a drift or
mine, as where he knows of a crevice, or fissure in the
rock, unless the employer, or those representing him, give
some assurance of the safety of the place, so as to enable
1 Roccia V. Coal Min Co., 121 Fed. Rep. 451; White, Mines & Minin?
Rem,, Sec. 449, p. 594 and cases cited; Trihay v. Brooklyn Lead Co., 4,
Utah, 468; 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 535.
2 Watson u. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Reiter v. Winona Co. (Minn ),
75 N. W. Rep. 219.
3 Olsen V. McMullen, 24 N. W. Rep. 318; Buswell Per Inj., Sec. 205,
p. 343; Brown v. Chattanooga Co., 47 S. W. Rep. 415. A skilled miner,
on the day shift, who finds that a ledge ot rock he had noticed the day
before is " lagging " and has been drilled by the night shift, is guilty ot
contributory negligence preventing his recovery, in working under such
ledge, without examination or testing it. Cummings v. Helena Sm. &
Red. Co., 26 Mont. 434; 68 Pac. Rep. 852. See, also, Bedford Quarry
Co. V. Thomas, 63 N. E. Rep. 880. Where there is nothing in the for-
mation of ground to indicate that it is about to fall, an employee working
neai it and injured by its caving in, cannot recover, although it would
have been safer, if shored or timbered. Quinn v. Baird, 172 N Y. 631;
65 N. E. Rep. 1121.
^396 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS, 445
the employee to rely upon their superior judgment and
skill, he could not recover for an injury from the falling
of such loosened rock.l This is but in keeping with the
1 In Aldrich v. Furnace Company (78 Mo. 559J, the court said : " If
the deceased did know of the existence of the seam or crevice and the
consequent danger, or if it was so patent that an ordinarily observant
person, whether minor or not, would have discovered it, within the time
iJeceased was at work on the bank, then such opportunity to know it
would be held as knowledge whether, in fact, he knew it or not, and, in
■either case, his employer would not be liable." In Watson v. Coal Co.
(52 App. 368), the plaintiff's husband was engaged in taking down a pil-
lar of coal, known to be cracked, and the court said : " Eveu if the de-
fendant knew of the condition of the stone, or might have known it by
the exercise of ordinary care, the uncontroverted evidence is that de-
ceased had the same knowledge. The deceased saw the seams indicat-
ing a partial displacement of the stone ; he tested it by striking i t with a
pick; he was a man of mature years and an experienced miner. He
must be presumed to have had the knowledge, which common observa-
tion forces upon the most ordinary intellect, to have known the effect and
operation of the law of gravitation and that blasting in the neighboring
columns and stubs would affect the superincumbent roof, of which the
stone which subsequently fell, was a part. He must be presumed to
know that from such causes the stone was likely to break away and fall
down." In the above case the plaintiff himself was the active agency
which broke up the particles of stone holding the slab, by cohesive at-
traction to the roof, and hence set in motion the natural law governing
the object unable to resist it. Petaja v, Aurora Min. Co., 32 L. R. A.
435. If the owner is liable for the result of an employee putting in op-
eration a force that causes the rock to fall, then the master would be
liable for an injury from an employee falling with a limb on which he
might perch himself, while sawing it off next to the tree, for the one ob-
ject would be no surer to fall than the other, and the servant himself, in
both cases, would be the cause of the fill. Nor is the rule established
by these cases, in this State, any departure from the general rule, but the
same doctrme is announced in many other States. In Iowa, in the case
of Money v. Lower Vein Coal Co. (55 Iowa, 671), it was held that a miner,
who worked near a loose scale of coal without promise from the mine
owner to change the condition and who wasiajured by such falling scale,
assumed the risk and could not recover. See same case, 10 Mor. Min.
Eep. 56. See, also, Heald v. Wallace, 71 S. W. Rep. 80. In Hall, by next
friend v. Johnson (34 L. J. Ex. 222), Earle, C. J., held to the same doc-
trine and announced the non-liability of a mine owner for a falling rock
about which the plaintiff was working, in the usual performance of his
446 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 396
general doctrine of assumption of risk, that if the servant
has equal or superior means of iinowledge to his master
and continues his work, without complaint, until an injury,
from causes that he fully understood, he assumes the risk,
as an incident to his employment. ^ But mere knowledge
of a defect in the roof or drift of a mine is not, usually,
sufficient to defeat a recovery for a resulting injury, under
the doctrine of assumption of risk, but both a knowledge
of the defect and of the resulting danger therefrom is also
essential, in order to bar a recovery for an injury from
such a cause. ^
duties. In Swanson B. Lafayette (Ind. 33 N. E. Rep. 1033), an injury
Irom a falling sand bank near which plaintifE was working, was held to
be an assumed risk, which furnished no cause of action. In Brown v.
Chattanooga Co. (47 S. W. Rep. 416), although Illiterate, the plaintiff
was held to have assumed the risk from a falling ditch, in which he was
at work, as the character of the soil was apparent to any man. A simi-
lar holding was announced iu the case of Griffin v. Ohio and C. Company
(24 N. B. Rep. 888), where the defect in the bank of earth was a clay
seam, between the gravel, open lo observation. So, in Meikle v. C. & A.
Company (79 N. W. Rep. 22), a quarryman injured by a falling rock,
loosened by a previous blast he had helped to put la, was held to have
assumed the risk. And likewise in Naylor v. C. & N. W. Co. (11 N. W.
Eep. 24), the injury was from acaving bank of earth near which pliin-
tiff was at work and as the character of the soil was open to observa-
tion, he was held to have assumed the risk.
1 Any injury from an open, obvious danger, which could have been
observed, is an assumed risk, for which no recovery can be had. Lanyon
Zinc Co. V. Bell (Kan.), 68 Pac. Rep. 609. White Mines & Min. Rem.,
Sec. 452, p. 599.
2 In Hamraan v. Central Coal & Coke Co. (166 Mo., p. 243), Judge
Burgess, speaking for the Missouri Supreme Court, said: " It is also
contended that plaintiff's husband continued in the service of defendant
for several days, with full knowledge of the dangerous condition of the
roof, and thereby assumed the risk of its falling. Mere knowledge that
the roof was unsafe and that risk was to be incurred in working under it,
was not, as a matter of law, sufficient to defeat the plaintiff's action, if
the danger was not such as to threaten immediate injury, or if it was
reasonable to suppose the room might be safely used, by the exercise of
care." See also, Fisher v. Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479; Smith v. Coil Co., 75
Mo. App. 177; Hamilton u. Mining Co., 108 Mo. 364. In holding that the
§ 397 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 447
§ 397. Same — Knowledge of natural laws pre-
sumed. — As before observed, it is the general rule that
those engaged in making excavations, where the dangerous
nature of the work is a matter of common observation,
assume the risk of injuries from falling earth and rock,
loosened by the work o,f excavation. ^ To hold the em-
ployer liable in such a case would be to make of him an
absolute insurer, not only of the safety of the place where
his employee is at work, but also of the carefulness of the
work of such employee, himself, as the place of work is
continuously changed by the prosecution of the • work, by
the employee. The law does not place this harsh rule of
liability upon the employer of men engaged in making ex-
danger must be Imminent, the above cases do not seem to announce tbe
correct rule on the doctrine of assumed risk ia Missouri. " A risk which
one skilled in the business could not foresee, is assumed." Beasley v.
Transfer Co., 148 Mo. 413. And not only obvious dangers, but all others,
incident to the business, are assumed. In speaking of a modified in-
struction, which so placed the matter before the jury, the Supreme Court
of Missouri, in Minnier v. Sedalia, observed: "The effect of the modifi-
cation is to tell the jury that a servant only assumes such risks as are so
obvious and dangerous as to threaten immediate injury. This is not the
whole law on the subject, and stated in this way, it is not the law at all.
For it overlooks the rule that the servant assumes the risks ordinarily
and usually incident to the employment. It calls attention to tbe excep-
tion to the rule but does not state the rule, and stated as those instruc-
tions put it, it makes the exception to the rule, the rule itself." Minnier
». Sedalia &c. Co., 167 Mo., p. 117. But, as stated in the text, both
knowledge of the condition and the attendant danger are essential to
constitute assumed risk, in such a case, i. e., injury from falling slabs or
bowlders. White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 449, p. 555 and foot-note.
"Mere notice that roof was not propped a few hours before injury, will
not defeat recovery." Cusbman v. Carbondale Co., 88 N. W. Rep. 817;
Bojer V. Coal Co., 68 Pac. Rep. 348. Knowledge of defect and danger
both essential. Hamilton v. Coal Co., 108 Mo. 364; Conroy v. Iron
Works, 65 Mo. 35; Hamman v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232; Fox v. White
Lead Works, 84 Mich. 676; Graham v. Coal Co., 38 W. Va. 273.
1 Watson V. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Pioneer Min. Co. v. Thomas,
32 So. Rep. 15; White Mines & Min. Rem,, Sec. 450, p. 595 and cases
cited.
448 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. § 398
cavations. The law presumes not only that its own ever
changing rules are known to every man, but it also charges
all men alike with a knowledge of nature's fixed, immu-
table laws. This being true, an injury to an employee
from coming in contact with a body subject to the force of
gravitation, which he has himself subjected to such force,
would be a risk incident to the service in which such an
employee was engaged and one assumed by his service, for
which no recovery could be had.^
§ 398. Same — Effect of master's order or assur-
ance. — The master is legally presumed to know more
about the dangers incident to his own business than any of
his employees, not possessing power of control over those
engaged, and even though the danger from a loosened slab
or bowlder may be apparent to an employee, if the master
or one to whom he has delegated the power of control of
his other employees, gives such other employee assurances
of the place, or orders him to work under such loosened or
dangerous slab and the latter is injured as a result of such
order or assurance, the master will be liable to such injured
employee, although the danger was apparent, on account
of the order or assurance, on the part of the employer, or
his vice-principal, which has the effect of a guaranty of
the safety of the place.^ This rule is announced by the
1 " Employees, while performing their duty, are bound to take notice
of familiar natural laws and to govern themselves accordingly." Belter
V. Winona &c. Co. (MinnO, 75 N. W. Bep.219; Swanson u. liy, Co., 70
N. W. Rep. 978. In Watson v. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 368, "The de-
ceased saw the seams indicating a partial displacement of the stone; he
tested it by striking it with a pick; he was a man of mature years and an
experienced miner. He must be presumed to have had the knowledge
which common observation forces upon the most ordinary intellect, to
have known the efEect of the law of gravitation."
2 A miner has a" right to rely upon the foreman's assurance of safety.
Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Faulkner o. Mammoth Co., 23 Utah.
§ 398 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDEES. 449
Appellate Court, in Missouri, even though the employee
noted a (n-evice above the loosened rock and called the fore-
man's attention to it.^ But this decision is not a well con-
sidered case, as the employee there, was the active means
that precipitated the slab down upon himself, by drilling
just over the crevice and the Supreme Court of the same
State has held that where this is true, an order is no pro-
tection to such injured employee,^ and this is in accord
with the weight of authority, in other States. It is only
when the employee is ignorant of the impending danger
and the employer, with full knowledge, fails to inform the
employee, that the employer will be liable for an injury, and
if the injured employee has equal or superior means of
knowledge with the foreman, or vice-principal, and sees fit
to continue in the performance of his duties, without ob-
jection, a mere request of the foreman should not render
the employer liable for a resulting injury.^
437; 66 Pac. Rep. 800; Homestake Co. v. Fallerton, 69 Fed. Eep. 923;
Harder Co. v. Schmidt, 104 Fed. Rep. 282 ; Carleton Co. v. Ryan, 29 Colo.
401; 68 Pac. Rep. 279; East Jellico Co. v. Stewart (Ky.), 68 S. W. Rep.
624; Con. Coal Co. v. Wombacher, 134 111. 57; 24 N. E. Rep. 627;
Worbach v. Home Min. Co., 53 Kan. 731; 87 Pac. Eep. 122; Larson v.
Mining Co., 71 Mo. App. 512; Monahan o. Coal Co., 58 Mo. App. 68.
1 Carter u. Baldwin CMo. App. 1904), 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
2 Aldrloli V. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
8 Skidmonc.W.Va. Co.j23S. E.Rep.713; Olseuu. McMulIen,24N. "W-
Rep. 318; Meickle o, C. & N. Co., 79N. W. Rep. 22; Zentzo. Cliappel (Mo.
App.), 77 S. W. Rep. 86; Greene v. W. U. Co., 75 Fed. Kep. 250; Welch
B.Bainard (Mich.), 65 N. W. Rep. 667; Eppersons. Tel. Co., 165 Mo. 356.
InReiteru. Winona and C. Co., (75 N. W. Rep. 219) where the com-
plaint was based upon a negligent order of a foreman to work near a
gravel bank, which caved in upon the plaintiff, the court held there was
no liability. In Welsh v. Bainard (Mich. 65 N. W, Rep. 667), the same
doctrine isaflBrmed., In Green v. West. Union Co. (72 Fed. Rep. 250), a
negligent order of a foreman was held to furnish no liability for
an injury from a falling telegraph pole. In Pederson v. Rushford
(Minn. 42 N. W. Eep. 1063) a similiar order furnished no cause of
action, for an injury from a falling bank of earth, subject to nat-
ural laws. And see, New Pittsburg C. &C.Co. ■». Peterson, 35 N. E.
29
450 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS § 39&
§ 399. Same — Wben assumption of risk from, jury
question. — It may be stated as a general proposition, ap-
plicable to all the different mining States, that where au
employee has full knowledge of a defective condition of a
slab or bowlder and also of the dangers incident to work-
ing near the same, if he continues his work, without ob-
jection, and is injured, he will be held, in law, to have as-
sumed the risk.i The same result follows from a defect
which is open and obvious, where the law would charge
him with a knowledge of the resulting danger, and in cases
where he is fully cognizant of the danger, the court would,
as a matter of law, hold that he had assumed the risk and
take the case from the jury, on a peremptory, charge.^
Where, however, the employee is not shown to have a
knowledge of the defect, resulting in his injury, or where
Eep. 7; Watson u. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Aldrich v. Furnace Com-
pany, 78 Mo. 559. In Skidmore v. W. Va. Co. (23 S. E. Kep. 713) it is
said : " Where a foreman and his assistants have equal knowledge of the
danger accompanying an act, about to be done, even if the foreman re-
quests its performance, and injury ensues to the assistant, the employer
cannot be made liable. Notwithstanding the request, the assistant can
comply or not, as he chooses, and if he does comply, he tabes his chances
of the perils surrounding the situation. It is only when the servant is
ignorant of the impending danger, and the employer is not, and the em-
ployer fails to warn the servant, of such danger, that the master's lia-
bility attaches." An employer is liable for the negligence of a foreman
in turning to talk to a by-stander, at a time when an undercut of an earth
bank had so far progressed as to make it dangerous to employees work-
ing under it and they were accustomed to be warned at such Intervals.
RafEerty v. Nawn, 182 Mass. 608; 65 N. E. Rep. 830. Where a mine
foreman fails to take such precaution as is necessary to protect the roof
of a mine, the owner is liable for resulting injury. Coal Valley Min. Co.
V. Haywood, 98 111. App. 2S8.
1 Reiter v. Winona Co., 75 N. W. Rep. 219; Welsh v. Brainard, 65 N.
W. Rep. 667; Pederson «). Rushford, 42 N, W. Rep. 1063; Pittsburg Co.
V. Pederson, 35 N. E. Rep. 7; Watson v. Coal Co.,, 52 Mo. App. 366.
2 Watson V. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78
Mo. 559; Skidmore o. West Virginia Co., 23 S. E. Rep. 713; Eppersons.
Tel. Co., 155 Mo. 356; Olsen v. McMuUen, 24 N. W. Rep. 318.
§ 399 FALLING SLABS AND BOWLDERS. 451
it is not so open and obvious as to threaten immediate
danger, but he is led to believe that by due care he can
continue his work, without injury, then the question
should be submitted to the jury, as to whether, under the
particular circumstances of the case, the plaintiff did, or
did not, assume the risk of injury, as an incident of his
business. 1
1 Tennessee Co. v. Currier, 108 Fed. Eep. 19; Lindley v. Anchor Co.,
20 Utah, 134; 58 Pac. Rep. 355; Crabtree Coal Co. ». Sample (Ky.), 72
S. W. Rep. 24; Monahan v. Coal Co., 58 Mo. App. 68; Larson v. Mining
Co., 71 Mo. App. 612; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Hamilton v.
Mining Co., 108 Mo. 364; Lucey v. Oil Co., 129 Mo. 32; 31 S. W. Rep.
340 (18 S. W. Rep. 977) ; Hammonv. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232; Fisher v.
Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479.
CHAPTER XVIII.
INJURIES PROM DEFECTIVE ROOF.
Section 400. Employer's duty regarding roof.
401. Newly excavated portions — Duty varies with.
402. Duty cannot be delegated,
403. Employer's knowledge of defect.
404. Employee's knowledge of defect.
405. Same — How affected by character of work.
406. Negligence of "pit boss " or foreman.
407. Employer's assurance of safety.
408. Removing pillars — Failure to warn.
409. What dangers from are assumed.
410. No liability when injury incidental to work.
411. Instructions regarding safety of roof.
412. Failure to inspect roof.
413. Failure to furnish props for.
414. Pleading actions tor injuries from.
§ 400. Employer's duty regarding. — When a miner is
placed at work in a room or drift of the employer's mine, the
same general rule applies, with reference to the reasonable
safety of the roof, above where the miner is required to
work, that obtains in other vocations, and the employer's
duty, as regards the place of work, requires the mine
owner to see that the roof of drifts or rooms where his em-
ployees are at work, is kept in a reasonably safe condition.^
1 Hammon v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Carter v, Bald-
wiUj 81 S. "W. Kep. 204; Sinberg v. Falk Co. ^Mo. App. 19 03), 72 S. W.
Bep. 948. A mine owner is negligent in permitting the root of amine
to become so dangerous that rocks will fall upon employees at a place
they are known to pass across, in attending to their other duties. Car-
son V. Coal Hill Co., 101 Iowa, 224; 70 N. W. Kep. 185. For injuries in
failing to provide a reasonably safe roof, in coal mine, see McNamara v.
Logan (Ala.), 14 So. Eep. 175; Deweese v. Meramec Iron Co., 54 Mo.
App. 476; Winona Coal Co. v. Holmquist, 51 111. App. 607; Lineoski v.
Susqeuhanna Coal Co., 157 Pa. St. 163; 27 Atl. Kep. 577.
(452)
§ 401 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 453
And while the law furnishes no remedy for injuries from
natural forces, put in operation by the act of the injured
employee,^ or where, bj'^ reasonable care, he could have
avoided the sarae,^ this rule does not exempt the master
from liability for injuries which, by the exercise of rea-
sonable care and prudence, on his part, could have been
prevented.^
§ 401. Newly excavated portions — Duty varies witli. —
A mine owner is only required to keep the roof of the
rooms and drifts in the mine as reasonably safe as the
proper carrying on of the work will reasonably permit.*
As to newly excavated portions of the mine, the same
standard of care does not apply, that obtains as to portions
of the roof that have been formerly excavated, for until a
newly excavated portion of the mine has been timbered, it is
not such a "place of work," as to require it to be timbered,
to be made reasonably safe.^ But after a roof has once been
propped or timbered, a miner at work under it has the
right to assume that such roof will be kept in a reasonably
safe condition, and for an injury from a defective con-
dition of the roof, due to a failure to trim or keep it in
repair, the employer would be liable to such injured
miner. 6
1 Watson V. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366.
2 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Eep. 204.
' Hammon v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232.
4 " An employer is only required to provide a place as reasonably safe
as the proper carrying on of the work will reasonably permit." Slnberg
V. Falk Co. (Mo. App. 1902), 72 S. W. Kep. 947.
5 Before a newly excavated portion of a mine can be timbered it is
not such a " place of work" as to require it to be timbered to be made
reasonably safe. Peteja v. Aurora Iron Mln. Co., 106 Mich. 469; 66
, N. W. Kep. 951; 32 L. R. A. 438.
6 But where the room in which a miner is at work has been already
timbered, then the miner has a right to rely upon the assumption that it
will be kept reasonably safe. Western Coal Co. v. Ingrabam, 70 Fed.
Bep. 219.
454 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. § 403
§ 402. Duty cannot be delegated. — The duty of the
mine employer to keep the roof of drifts or rooms in his
mine in a reasonably safe condition, like the duty to fur-
nish i-easonably safe tools and appliances, cannot be dele-
gated by him, to an agent, so as to avoid liability for an
injury from the unsafe condition of such roof, for this
would be to practically set aside the duty and relieve the
employer therefrom. i Accordingly, when the employer
places the duty of keeping the roof or walls of the mine in
safe condition, upon a superintendent or vice-principal,
who has the miners under his control, in the discharge of
his duty he is held to represent the master, and his negli-
gence, resulting in an injury, is held to be that of his
employer.^
§ 403. Employer's knowledge of defect. — To consti-
tute negligence in any case, sufficient to recover for an
injury therefrom, the employer, or party guilty of such
negligence, must have had knowledge of the condition caus-
ing the injury, or an opportunity to know such condition.
Knowledge to an agent of the owner, however, is gener-
ally held to be knowledge to the employer, and where the
foreman 3 or mining boss,^ placed by the master in charge
of his mine, has knowledge of a defective or dangerous
roof, or has had reasonable opportunity for knowledge, his
notice, or want of notice, is chargeable to his employer
and the latter is liable, in case of a resulting injury.
In an Illinois case,^ where a coal miner was killed by a rock
1 White Mines & MIq. Rem., Sec. 451, p. 597 and cases cited.
2 Wellston Coal Co. ». Smitti (Oliio), 10 Amer. Neg. Bep. 445.
3 Coal Valley Min. Co. v. Haywood, 98 111. App. 258 ; Consolidated Coal
Co. V. Lundak, 196 111. 594; Harder Coal Co. v. Schmidt, 9 Amer. Neg.
Rep. 227.
* Wellston Coal Co. v. Smith (Ohio), 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 445; Mining
Co. V. Schnelling, 1 Amer. Neg. Bep. 782.
5 Quincy Coal Co, v. Hood, 77 111. 69.
§ 404 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 455
falling from the gangway of the roof, it was held that notice
to the superintendent of the dangerous condition of the
roof, was notice to the company, and if such notice had
existed a sufficient length of time to have enabled the com-
pany to repair the roof, the company would be chargeable
with negligence, and this is a clear statement of the gene-
ral rule upon the subject. l
§ 404. Employee's knowledge of defect. — The knowl-
edge, or means of knowledge, on the part of an employee,
of a defective condition of a roof in a mine, is often of
great importance in determining whether or not he assumed
the risk of injury therefrom. Generally, where an em-
ployee has equal or superior means of information, to that
of his employer, he is held to assume the risk,^ and this is
the rule with reference to a defective roof in a mine,^ and
if the defect is obviously suggestive of danger, the knowl-
edge of the danger is legally presumed, upon the em-
ployee's part.* In a recent Missouri case, the Court of
Appeals, however, held that although a miner knew of a
crevice above a bowlder, and was familiar with the service
and knew it was liable to fall, he did not assume the risk
of injury, if the foreman gave him any assurance of
safety .s And the Supreme Court of Missouri also held, in
a recent case, that knowledge on the part of a coal miner,
1 Bunker Hill Mln. Co. v. Schnelling, 1 Amer. Neg. Rep. 782 ; Ashland
Coal Co. V. Wallace, 4 Amer. Neg. Rep. 88; Coal Valley Min. Co. v. Hay-
wood, 98 Ul. App. 258 ; Coal Co. v. Lundak, 196 111. 594 ; Hammon v. Coal
&Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; Wellston Coal Co. v. Smith, 10 Amer. Neg. Rep.
445; White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 451, p. 597.
2 Watson ». Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Aldrich v.
Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
s White Mines & Min. Rem. Sec. 451, p. 597 and cases cited.
< Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 165.
6 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204. The author endeavored to
i prevent this precedent.
456 INJUKIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF, § 405
that the roof of the mine was defective , to the extent that
risk is incurred in working under it, will not, as a matter
of law, defeat the action, if the danger is not such as to
threaten immediate injury, but it is reasonable to suppose
the work can be safely continued with proper oare.i Prac-
tically a similar rule is adopted in Illinois, where it is held
that the miner cannot make an express contract to assume
the risk of injuries from a defective roof in a mine, arising
from a failure, on the employer's part, to adopt proper
precautions to keep such roof reasonably safe.^
§ 405. Same — How affected by character of work. —
The master's duty, as regards the place of work, in the
general law of master and servant, finds some exceptions,
in the application to the present subject, for while the
master's general duty, as to the place- of work, is not
varied, in those vocations where the character of the work
does not affect the place, since in mining operations the
very object of the work is to continuously change the place
of work, by excavations and mining, the risk of injury,
where this is true, as an incident to his service, is within
the well-established limits of the miner's implied contract
of the common law, with reference to assumed risks, and
for an injury resulting from the changed condition of the
work performed, there could be no recovery.^
1 Hammon ». Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232. The case is in
conflict with the later case of Minnier ». Sedalia lyc. Co., 167 Mo. 94
where incidents of risks are held assumed, although not threatening
"immediate injury."
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 97 111. App. 109; 196 111. 594.
3 Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Watson ». Coal Co., 62 Mo. App.
366; Parker v. Silver Cr. Co., 84 Wis. 424; Amrst o. Steele Co., 178 Pa.
St. 165; Bradley v. C. & M. Co., 138 Mo. 294; Kennedy v. Grace, 92 Fed.
Eep. 116; Allan v. Logan,37Pac. Rep. 486; Naylor v. C. & N. W. Co., 27
N. W. Rep. 24; Mielke v. C. & N. W. Co., 79 N. W. Eep. 22; Brown v.
Chattanooga Co., 47 S. W. Eep. 415; Vincennes v. White, 24 N. B. R. p.
745; Swanson ». Lafayette, 33 N. E. Rep. 1033; Griffin v. Ohio Co., 24 N.
§ 407 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 457
§ 406. Negligence of " pit boss" or foreman. — As in
other injuries, traceable to the carelessness or negligence
of a " pit boss," or foreman, for an injury to a miner,
resulting from the negligence of such a representative of
the employer, which occasioned a dangerous condition of
the roof, an action would lie in favor of such injured em-
ployee,^ but in those jurisdictions where such "boss" or
foreman is held to be a fellow-servant with the injured
employee, no recovery could be had from the employer for
an injury from a defective roof, traceable to his negli-
gence .^
§ 407. Employer's assurance of safety. — Whil^ an
employee is generally held to assume the risk of injury
from a dangerous roof, of which he had full knowledge,
or where thedefects or dangers were obvious,^ where the
nature of the defect is not thoroughly understood and the
resulting danger therefrom fully appreciated, the employee
is held not to assume the risk, if he is persuaded to remain
at his work by reason of an order or assurance of safety
from his eniployer.* In a recent decision by the Court of
Appeals, in Missouri, a miner, of ordinary experience, had
E. Eep.888;Pecierson».Rushford,42N. W.Rep.l063;Olsen». McMullen
24 N. W. Rep. 313; Rassmussen v. Ry. Co., 21 N. W. Rep. 583; Reiter
V. Winona Co., 75 N. W. Rep. 219; White Mines & Min. Rem. Sec.
450, p. 595.
» Hammon v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep.
204. "In an action by a miner to recover for injuries resulting from
falling rocks, evidence of specific acts of incompetency of the pit boss,
and that he did not have regard for the lives of men under his charge, is
admissible under a general allegation that he was ignorant and incom-
peient." Green v. Western American Co., 70 Pac. Rep. 310.
2 Alaska Treadwell Gold Min. Co. v. Whelen, 168 U. S. 85.
8 Watson V. Coil Co., 52 Mo. App. 366; Hammon v. Central Coal
& Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 451, p. 597,
and cases cite(f .
* Carters. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204.
458 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. § 408
observed a large crevice, extending across the roof of a
drift, over a ledge of rock; he was ordered, by the em-
ployer's foreman, to drill a hole directly over such crevice
a distance of three inches and vras assured of the safety of
such roof ; he had drilled but three or four inches when
the slab of rock fell upon him, but because of such as-
surance of safety the court held he was entitled to
recover.*
§ 408. Removing pillars — Failure to warn. — When-
ever the injury to an employee is occasioned by the negli-
gence of his employer and the employee was ignorant of
the conditions which caused the danger to him, the em-
ployer is generally held liable for such an injury.^ It is
also the master's duty to giv3 his employees, ignorant of a
dangerous condition of the ways or work, a reasonable
warning of such danger, or to inform them of the facts of
which he was informed and they were ignorant, and for a
failure so to do the master is guilty of such a breach of
duty as to render him liable.^ Under this general rule,
applied to an unsafe roof, due to a removal of the pillars,
necessary to support the roof, it has been held in Utah,
that the duty to inform a miner of the removal of such
pillars is incumbent upon the employer, and for an injury
from a failure to give due and timely warning of the re-
moval of pillars, whereby the roof is caused to cave in,
the employer is liable in damages.*
1 Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Eep. 204.
2 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 166.
' Fox «. Peninsular White Lead Works, 48 Mich. 676; 48 N. W. Rep.
203.
^ Cunningham v. U. P. Co., 4 Utah, 206; 7 Pac. Rep. 795. In Watson
V. Coal & Coke Co. (52 Mo. App. 366), an experienced employee, engaged
in removal of pillars, supporting a roof, is held to assume the risk of the
roof falling.
§ 410 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 459
§ 409. What dangers from are assumed. — A miner
of ordinary experience is held to assume the risk of in-
juries from causes incident to the ordinary manner of con-
ducting that business ^ and the risk of falling slabs or
bowlders is no exception to the rule, and an experienced
miner is held to assume the risk of injury from the falling
of rock or mineral, where the falling of such rock or ore
is liable to happen in the ordinary course of the work.^
Injuries due to defects of which the servant had full in-
formation are usually held to be assumed risks '^ and the
falling of the roof of a tunnel, which has been properly
inspected, is held to be a risk incident to the service.* A
roof which was rendered defective by recent rains is an
obvious condition of the work, or place, held to be assumed
by the miner ,5 and whenever the fall of the roof is due to
an act of the injured employee, or his fellow-servants,
rather than the negligence of the employer, the injured
employee is held to assume the risk.^
§ 410. No liability when injury incidental to work. —
Where the dangerous nature of a miner's work is open to
common observation and the injury received is due to the
unsafe condition of the roof, caused by the progress of the
work of the injured employee and his fellow-servants, the
miner could not recover for an injury from falling rock
from the roof.' To hold the master liable for damages for
1 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 151.
2 Paule V. Florence Mining Co., 80 Wis. 350; 50 N. W. Eep. 189.
? Aldrichw. Furnace bo., 78 Mo. 559; Watson u. Coal Co., 62 Mo.
App. 366.
4 Davis V. Coal & Coke Co., 34 W. Va. 50C ; 12 S. E. Eep. 530.
s Western Stone Co. v. Musiale, 85 111. App. 82.
6 See, where fall of stone was due to employee tapping roof, Massie
V. Peel Splint Coal Co., 41 W. Va. 620; 24 S. E. Eep. 644.
' Curley v. HufE, 5 Amer. Neg. Eep. 668; Syndicate v. Murphy (Ky.),
60 S. W. Eep. 182; Quim v. Baird, 7 Amer. Neg. Eep. 712; Western
460 INJURIES FKOM DEFECTIVE ROOF. § 411
such an injury would be to make of him an insurer of the
safety of his employees and to indemnify them against
injuries caused by a natural law, which everyone is pre-
sumed to know.i
§ 411. Instructions regarding safety of roof. — Where
the injury to a miner was due to an obvious danger or de-
fect in the roof ,2 or was caused by the nature of the work
of excavation, =* the cause ought to be taken away from
the jury's consideration by the court and a peremptory
instruction given for the defendant. But if the danger or
defect in the roof was not obvious, or it did not result
from the natural progress of the work, then the cause
should be submitted to the jury to pass upon the issue as
to the reasonably safe condition of the roof,* and if the
defense is assumed risk, the question should be submitted,
in Missouri, whether or not a reasonably prudent person
would have remained at work, and sustained the injury.^
If the defense is contributory negligence, the issue as to
the approximate cause of the injury and whether or not
the act of the plaintiff or the defendant's negligence occa-
sioned it, should be submitted.^ Where the evidence as to
the negligence is conflicting, however, it is error to instruct
the jury that the mine owner is liable for the act of his
agent, in charge of mine, for an injury due to falling
Stone Co. v. Musiale, 85 111. App. 82; Cradley v. C. & M. Co., 138 Mo.
294; Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 569; Watson v. Coal Co., 62 Mo.
App. 366; Bus well Per. Inj., Sec. 205, p. 343; Parker v. Silver Co. 4
Wis. 484.
1 White, Mines & Min. Kem., Sec. 450, p. 596, and cases cited.
2 Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559.
3 Watson V. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 356.
4 Hamman ». Central Coal & Coke Co., 166 Mo. 232.
6 Hamman v. Coal & Coke Co., supra.
6 Cushman v. Fuel Co., 88 N. W. Rep. 817; Boyer v. N. P. Coal Co-
(Wash.), 68 Pac. Rep. 348.
§ 412 INJUKIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 461
slate 1 and for au injury due to falling coal, it is also error
to instruct the jury that the sole question for determina-
tion is whether or not the coal would have fallen of its
own weight, if not braced, as the real issue is, whether or
not the defendant in the exercise of due care, could have
anticipated and avoided the injury.^
§ 412. Failure to inspect roof. — On account of the
great danger resulting from a miner's position under over-
hanging slabs and bowlders, likely to be loosened by the work
of excavation, the employer's duty of inspection, applies
peculiarly to dangerous roofs of drifts and rooms in mines
and for a failure to inspect the roof, in case of a re-
sulting injury, the employer would be held responsible,^
Nor would the mere proof of an inspection be suiEcient to
release the mine owner of liability for an injury from fall-
ing rock from the roof of a drift, unless the inspection is
shown to have been a proper and careful one, as the lia-
bility results from a careless inspection, the same as
though none had been made at all.* But a failure to in-
spect would not render the employer liable, where the
danger was obvious and the employee had the same knowl-
edge, or means of knowledge, as the employer, as the law
1 Carson v. Coal Co. (Iowa), 1 Amer. Neg. Rep. 230; Ewell v. Min.
Co. (Utah), 9 Amer. Neg. Rep. 639.
2 Freeman v. Coal Cj. (Mont.) 64 Pac. Rep. 347.
3 White Mines and Min.Rem., Sec. 458, p. 605; McCune v. Gallagher,
(N. Y.) 2 Amer. Neg. Rep. 613; Beazing v. Steinway, 101 N. Y. 550;
Hamman v. Coal Co., 156 Mo. 232. A mine owner Is liable to a miner
injured by a falling slab, if there has been no inspection, it the de-
fect could have been discovered by a proper Inspection. Davis v. Coal
Co.,34 W. Va. 500; 12 S. E. Rep. 539; McMitten Marble Co. v. Block,
89 Tenn. 118; 14 S. W. Rep. 479; Sampson Mining Co. v. School, 15
Colo. 197; 23 Pac. Rep. 89. But see^ where injured employee and
others inspected place, Con. Coal Co. v. Young, 31 111. App. 417.
* Con. Co. V. Parker, 100 Ind. 181; Durkin v. Sharp, 88 N. Y. 225;
Eganw. Ry. Co., 42 N. Y. Supp. 188.
462 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF, § 413
does not require a useless act and to inspect or warn an
employee of what he already knew, would be a useless
ceremony. 1
§ 413. Failure to furnish props for roof . — Independ-
ently of a prescribed statutory duty upon the subject, it
would be such a breach of the common law duty, on the
part of a mine employer, to fail to properly shore up or
timber a dangerous roof in his miae, as to constitute
actionable negligence, sufficient to enable an injured em-
ployee to recover.^ Statutes have been passed in most of
the mining States, however, with the object of insuring
the protection of miners, in this regard, by requiring all
mine owners to furnish timbers or props when required
and to send them down into the mine.^ When the timber-
ing should follow immediately after the excavations, to
keep the roof reasonably safe, a failure to timber, within
a reasonable time, is sufficient evidence of negligence, in
1 Aldrich v. Farnace Co., 78 Mo. 559 ; Watson v. Coal Co., 52 Mo. App.
366. Where the roof of a mine or tunnel has been properly inspected, it
is heldj in West Virginia, that an injury thereafter resulting is
assumed. Davis v. Nuttallsburg Coal & Coke Co., 34 W. Va. 500; 12
S. E. Rep. 534 ; and see, also. Western Stone Co. ». Musiale, 85 111.
App. 82.
2 " Where plaintifE was injured by the fall of stone from the roof of
a mine into which he was directed to go while assisting defendant's sur-
veyor in locating an entry, the facts that the roof of the mine was not
supported by props at the point where it fell, and that the material over -
head was shelly, full of seams, cracks, etc., were sufBcient to establish
negligence on the part of the mine owner in failing either to properly in-
spect or support the roof." Wilson v. Alpine Coal Co., 81 S. W. Rep.
278. White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec. 463, p. 611 ; MacSwinney on Mines,
p. 612; Bar. & Adams on Min in U. S., p. 788; Trihay v. Brooklyn Co;,
15 Mor. Min. Rep. 535.
s See chapter Statutes Regarding Safety of Miners. See also Pa. Act,
March 31, 1870; Ohio R. S. 6871; R. S. Mo. 1899, 8805; Iowa Laws
1880, ch. 202; Colo. Sess. Laws, 1885, pp. 137, 141; lad. Act. March 2,
1891; Horner's Rev. St. 1897, Sec. 5480m.
§ 414 INJUEIES FROM DEFECTIVE KOOF, 463
case of an injury, to render the employer liable. ^ The duty
to furnish props cannot be delegated, so as to avoid liability
for an injury from a failure to provide them.^ Under
most of the statutes, however, the employer's duty is dis-
chai'ged when a sufScient supply of timbers is provided, as
it is the duty of the employees to utilize them, when occa-
sion demands ; ^ and a failure to use props, after they were
provided, in Missouri, would be such contributory negligence
as would prevent a recovery ; * but under the Illinois statute,
it is held that neither assumed risk or contributory negli-
gence is a defense to an action for breach of the statutory
duty.^ In Indiana, 6 Pennsylvania,^ Colorado,^ and Ohio,'
contributory negligence is a defense to such an action, and,
manifestly, it should be, for, in such case, the master's
negligence is not the cause of the injury. i" Under most of
the statutes a demand for props, or knowledge of the neces-
sity therefor, on the part of the owner, is essential, ^^ and,
in some of the States, continuing to work, with a knowledge
of the absence of props and the resulting danger, would
constitute an assumption of risk, on the part of the miner. ^^
§ 414. PleadiQg actions for Injuries from. — The rule
permitting the allegation of negligence in general terms, ^^
1 Trihay v. Brooklyn Co., 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 535.
2 Coal Min. Co. v. Clay, 51 Ohio, 541; White Mines & Min. Rem., Sec-
463, p. 612.
s Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, 20 Colo. 320.
* Leslie v. Coal Co., 110 Mo. 31; Spiva v. Coal Co., 88 Mo. 68; Adams
V. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 685.
' Coal Co. V. Pattiag,,.71 N. E. Rep. 371.
8 Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken, 66 N. E. Rep. 775.
' Christoer v. Coal Co., 146 Pa. St. 67;
8 Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, 20 Colo. 320;
' Pittsburg Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 40 N. E. Rep. 726; 53 Ohio, 43.
w Dresser Emp Liab., Sec. 51.
" Lesliew. Coal Co. ,110 Mo. 3 1 ; Pittsburg Coal Co. o.Estievenard, supra.
'^ Pittsburg Coal Co. v. Estievenard, supra.
M Bliss Code Pleading (2 Ed.), Sec. 70.
464 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE EOOF. § 414
permits one injured by reason of a defective roof of a
raining drift to set forth the negligence in general terms
and it has been held sufficiently definite to allege that the
defective condition of the roof resulted from the negli-
gence of the mine owner, without an allegation that the
owner knew of such condition, for this is included in the
allegation of negligence, which would comprise either
knowledge or a condition existing for a length of time from
which notice would be inf erred. i But a complaint will be
defective which does not clearly set forth that the com-
plainant was an employee of the defendant, for without
such an allegation or an equivalent one, from which it
would appear that the defendant owed the plaintiff some
duty, which was violated, the complainant would fail to
show a cause of action, since the basis of the plaintiff's
right is a violated duty owed him by the defendant.^ And
under a complaint alleging only a failure to repair and to
prop and timber a roof, the further allegation of a duty
of inspection, when the evidence shows that the slate in
the roof would be liable to fall in from three to six days
after it became loose, but there is no evidence as to when
1 " Where, in an action for injuries to a servant by the falling of stone
from the roof of a mine, the petition alleged that the mine was in an un-
safe and dangerous condition by reason of the carelessness and negli-
gence of defendant, it was sufficient without an allegation that defendant
knew of the unsafe and dangerous condition of the mine." Wilson v.
Alpine Coal Co., 81 S. W. Rep. 278.
2 " A count in a complaint for injuries to a servant alleging that in-
testate was killed by reason of the negligence of a person whose name
was unknown to plaintiff, who was in defendant's service or employ, and
whose orders aifd diiectlons plaintiff's intestate at the time of his death
was bound to conform, and did conform, and that intestate's death re-
sulted from his having so conformed, was demurrable for failure to
charge that intestate was an employee of defendant at the time he was
killed, or any other fact, except inferentially, showing that defendant or
its employee owed intestate any duty." Logan v. Central Iron & Coal
Co. (Ala., 1904), 36 So. Rep. 729.
^414 INJURIES FROM DEFECTIVE ROOF. 465
the defect was actually discovered by the defendant, the
plaintiff will not be entitled to recover.^
I "In an action by an employee»in a coal mine for injuries sustained
owing to a fall of slate from the roof of an entry, the complainant alleged
that it was defendant's duty to examine and Inspect the roof, but the
only charge of negligence was in allowing the roof to become out of re-
pair, and failure to prop and timber it as required by law. Held, that
under the pleadings evidence that the slate would be liable to fall from
three to six days after it became loose, unaccompanied by testimony as to
when the defect was actually discovered by defendant, was insufficient to
make out a case." Thayer v. Smoky Hollow Coal Co. (Iowa, 1903), 96
K. W. Rep. 718.
30
CHAPTEE XIX..
INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES.
Section 415. Statutes regulating such appliances.
416. Evidence of negligence and contributory negligence re-
garding.
417. Miner failing to signal assumes risk.
418. Miner should look for descending cage.
419. Failure to repair hoisting apparatus.
420. Mine should be free from obstructions for.
421. Breaking of holster rope.
422. Same — When miner assumes risk of.
423. Negligence of fellow-servant operating.
424. Same — Negligence of superintendent or foreman.
425. Incompetent " hoister-man " or "eager."
426. Independent contractor operating.
§ 415. Statutes regulating such appliances. — In an
early English case, it was held to be the duty of "one
who let workmen down into his mine, to bring them up
safely."! Iq furtherance of this common law declaration
of duty, on the part of the mine owner, with reference to
the means of hoisting and lowering persons into the mine,
statutes have been passed, in many of the mining States,
requiring particular kinds of appliances for the purpose,
adapted to the character of the mining operations and de-
signed to preserve the safety of the miner.^ Under
the English statute, requiring a cage, with guides, a mine
owner, who furnishes a bucket, in violation of the stat-
1 Brydon v. Stewart, 2 Macq. Sc. App. 30; B. & W. L. C, p. 632.
' The Missouri Coal Mine statute, requires a " cage covered with
boiler iron." Laws Mo. 1901, p. 211; see III. Act. 1873, ch. 93; Hurd's
E. S. 111., 1901, p. 1202; California Civil Code, 1881; Pa. Act. June 2,
1891; Eng. Met. Miners Act, 1872; Horner's K. S. Ind. 1897, Sec. 5480j
(466)
§ 415 INJURIES TROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 467
ute, was liable to a prosecution. i A tub or bucket, three
feet across, hung upon a rope, has been held not to be a
compliance with the Pennsylvania statute of 1891, requir-
ing a covered cage with guides, ^ and such violations of the
statute, in case of a resulting injury, are held to be prima
facie evidence of negligence, upon the part of the mine own-
ers.^ To entitle an employee to recover, however, for an
injury from a violation of such a statute, the violation
of the statute must be the approximate cause of the
injury and the injured employee must bring himself within
the protection of the statute. The Supreme Court of
Missouri recently denied to an employee, injured as a result
of a defective derrick, the benefit of the Missouri statute,
governing the hoisting and lowering of persons into the
mine.* A miner who had just stepped upon a cage, in Illi-
nois, however, was held entitled to the protection of the
statute of that State, preventing the hoisting of coal, while
a miner was being " hoisted or lowered into the mine, "^ and
the Appellate Court of Indiana holds that a miner, running
cars, at the bottom of the mine, is within the protection
of the " cage statute " of that State, designed to apply to
the hoisting and lowering of persons into and out of the
mine, although such miner, when injured, is neither ascend-
1 Foster v. Mining Co , 1 Q. B. 71.
2 Commonwealth ex rel. Elk Hill Coal Co., 4 Lack. L. News, 80.
8 Spivao. CoalCo-, 88 Mo. 68; Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson, 67 N.
E. Rep. 558; Brower ». Locke, 67 N. E. Rep. 1015. Although no min-
eral has been excavated, a shaft where men are at work is a "working
shaft," under the English Metalliferous Mines Act, and a bucket, uu-
provided with guides, is a violation of the statute. Foster v. North
Hendre Mln. Co., 1 Q. B. 71; 60 L. J. M. C. N. S. 6; 63 L. T. N. S.
468.
* Barrow o. Missouri Lead & Zinc Co., 73 S. W. Rep. 634. For in-
structions as to miner's duty to keep hoisting appliance and shaft in
reasonably safe condition, see Knight v. Sadler Lead & Zinc Co., 91
Mo. App. 574.
' Litchfleld Coal Co. v. Taylor, 81 111. 591; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 684.
468 INJCKIES FKOM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 416
ingor descending into such shaf t.^ If the owner is only made
liable for a willful disregard of the statute, then an intent
to violate it must be shown, to create a valid cause of action,
in favor of the injured miner ,^ and if the negligence of the
miner injured contributed to produce the injury, the employer
would not be liable,^ although assumption of risk is not,
generally, a good defense, upon the part of the mine owner
who has failed to comply with such a statute.*
§ 416. Evidence of negligence and contributory negli-
gence. — Where there is a statute, prescribing the kind
and character of hoisting appliance necessary, in a given
case, the statute itself furnishes the proper test and stand-
ard of care, on the part of the mine owner, and a failure to
furnish the kind of hoisting apparatus required by the
statute, would be negligence, regardless of what a reason-
able man, independently of the statute, would have done.5
In the absence of a statute, upon the subject, then the
proper question is, not whether there were safer or newer
appliances in use, but whether the appliance which occa-
sioned the injury, was reasonably safe, for the purposes
for which it was used.^ Where a miner is riding in a
1 BodellB. Brazil Block Coal Co., 25 Ind. App. 654; 58 JJ. E. Rep. 866.
This is not a well considered case, for to give such application to tlie
statute, one could as well apply it to a miner located at the face of the
drift.
2 Odin Coal Co. v. Denman, 84 111. App. 190; 67 N. E. Rep. 192;
Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Min. Co., 110 Mo. 23.
3 Durant v. Coal Co., 97 Mo. 66; Adams v. Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 493;
Dresser Erap. Liab., pp. 602,603.
4 Durant v. Coal Co., 97 Mo. 66; Green u. Amer. Coal Co., 30 Wash
87; 70 Pac. Rep. 310; Coal Co. v. Swaggerty, 159 Ind. 664; 63 N. E. Rep.
1026; Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting (111.), 71 N. E. Rep. 371.
5 Deserant v. Cerillos Coal Co., 178 U. S. 409; 44 L. Ed. 1127.
8 "In an action lor injuries to a miner from alleged defects in hoisting
machinery, an objection to a question, asked in rebuttal, as to whether
a properly constructed appliance would hare prevented an occurrence
§ 417 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 469
cage, in the performance of his duty and by reason of
some cause, beyond his control, he is precipitated from the
cage and killed, unless the cause of his injury was traceable
directly to an act of a co-employee, his representative
would not be denied a recovery by reason of the negligence
of a fellow-servant and his own negligence would not pre-
clude a recovery by his representative, unless it could be
shown that some act on his part contributed to his death ,i
§ 417. Miner failing to signal assumes risk. — The
danger attendant upon thehoisting and lowering of persons
into mines, is so great, even when conducted with the ut-
most care and caution upon the part of those so engaged,
that the law requires from miners being hoisted out of
mines and those lowered into the shafts, the ordinary care
and caution required of an employee of ordinary experience,
engaged in a dangerous calling. Proper and ordinary pre-
caution would suggest some communication, by signals, or
otherwise, between the miner about to ascend or descend
into a mining shaft, with those on the surface, or in the
mine, and such precaution is required, on the part of a
miner in the exercise of ordinary care for his own safety.^
A miner, ascending a shaft, without having communicated
with thehoisterman, by signal, or without notice or warn-
ing of any kind to those in charge of the hoisting appli-
ance, upon the surface, assumes the risk of injury while
similar to that occasioning the accident, was properly sustained."
Luman v. Golden Ancient Channel Min. Co. (Cal. 1903), 74 Pac. Rep.
307.
1 " Evidence held insuflScient to show any contributory negligence of
a mine employee in riding in a cage where he had a right to be, over the
movements of which he had no control, ending in his being thrown from
the cage down the mine shaft and killed." Beresford v. American Coal
Co. (Iowa, 1904), 98 N. W. Eep. 902.
2 Snyder v. Mining Co., 26 Pac. Eep. 127; Quick v. Minn. Iron Co., 47
Minn. 361 ; 51 N. W. Eap. 244.
470 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 418
being noisted from such shaft,i and the mere act of
going into a shaft where a noiseless cage is liable at any
time to be lowered or raised, without giving some signal or
warning to those operating such cage, has been held to be
contributory negligence sufficient to preclude a recovery in
case of injury.^
§ 418. Miner should look for descending cage. —
Analogous to the duty established by the courts, upon the
part of travelers and employees, in regard to approaching
railroad cars, to "look and listen" for such dangerous
vehicles, the courts have recognized, upon the part of
miners, engaged in underground work, a similar duty to
anticipate, or look for the approach of the cage, or other
conveyance, used to raise or lower the miners into and out
of the mine.3 The shaft is constructed principally to
accommodate the hoisting appliance, just as the roadbed
of a railroad and the rails are made to facilitate the run-
ning of trains of cars to transport persons and property ;
both are similarly dangerous appliances and those familiar
with their use should govern themselves accordingly and
observe due caution to avoid injury therefrom. An ex-
perienced miner who enters a mining shaft, where a cage
is known to be in operation, without looking for the cage,
is guilty of such contributory negligence, that in case of
an injury from being struck by the descending cage, he
cannot recover from the mine owner.*
1 A miner who ascends a shaft, without signaling, and, as a result,
is injured by a drill being lowered into the mine, assumes the risk,
Snyder ». Mining Co., 26 Pac. Eep. 127.
^ Going into a shaft, where a noiseless cage works, without signalling,
is contributory negligence, preventing a recovery. Quick v. Minn. Iron
Co., 47 Minn. 361; 60 N. W. Rep. 244.
3 Richert«. Stephens, 133 Pa. 538; 19 Atl Rep. 410.
» McDonald c. Rockhill Iron Co. (Pa.), 19 Atl. Eep, 797; Eickert ».
Stephens, 133 Pa 538; 19 Atl. Eep. 410.
§ 420 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 471
§ 419. Failure to repair hoisting apparatus. — The
employer's duty as regards appliances, obtains not only to
the original fitness of the appliance, but to its mainte-
ance in a reasonably safe condition as well, and for an
injury from a failure to repair, the employer is, in general,
responsible to the injured employee. ^ If a hoisting appa-
ratus, therefore, is out of repair and occasions an injury to
an employee and the want of repair had continued a sufB-
cient length of time to have enabled the employer to have
notice of such necessity for repair he has been held guilty
of such negligence, in failing to repair such appliance, as
to render him liable to the injured employee.^ But a
failure to repair, like any other negligent act, must be the
real or approximate cause of the injury to the plaintiff, to
hold the master liable therefor, and if, instead of being
due to a lack of repair, the injury is traceable to the neg-
ligent act of a fellow-servant, in charge of the bolster, the
mine owner would not be liable for such an injury.^
§ 420. Mine should be free from obstructions. — The
act of hoisting and lowering workmen into a mine is, from
its very nature, attendant with such risks, that the em-
ployer is bound, as far as possible, to provide for the safety
of his men, by seeing that the shaft is free and clear from
obstructions, likely to come in contact with the cage,
■ Morgan v. Mining Co., 26 Utah, 174; 72 Pac. Rep. 688; Sherman u.
Menominee Co., 72 Wis. 122; 39 N. W. Rep. 365.
2 Morgan v. Mammoth Mining Co., 26 Utah, 174; 72 Pac. Rep. 688.
If the owner permits the engine valve to get so out of repair that it will
omit steam and start the engine automatically, he is liable for the death
of a miner, caused thereby, although he had complied with the Illinois
cage statute in providing the kind of appliances required. Consolidated
Coal Co. V. Maehl, 31 111. App. 252.
3 A failure to repair a hoisting apparatus will not render a master
liable to an employee, whose injury is due to the neglect of the hoister-
man, in not stopping the bolster. Trewatha v. Buchanan Gold Mia. Co.
(Cal.), 28 Pac. Kep. 571.
472 INJURIES TROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 421
used to lower the men into the mine. It has been held, .
therefore, that if the mine owner lowers workmen into the
mine, without first having ascertained whether or not the
mine is free from obstructions, this is such an act of neg-
ligence as to render him liable, incase of injury to the men
so lowered. 1
§ 421. Breaking of hoister rope. — For an injury from
the breaking of a hoister rope, where the rope is being
used for an ordinary purpose, it has been held that the
employer is liable to the injured employee, for the danger
is one arising from a defect that is not patent or obvious,
but is one that the employer should inform himself about
and the miner, engaged in another branch of the service,
would not be bound to investigate or discover.^ What
would, or would not, be considered ordinary use, so as to
hold the employer liable for an injury from the breaking of
a hoister rope, would necessarily depend upon the charr
acter of the mining. operations, the customary use such
rope is put to and the use at the time of the injury com-
plained of. Lowering coal, for the engines, in a stone
1 Alaska United Gold Min. Co. v. Keating, 116 Fed. Rep. 561 : " Where,
long prior to an injury to a, miner who was struck by a descending
cage in a shaft, the owner of the mine had complied with 4 Starr &
C. Ann. St. 1902, p. 845, c. 93, § 2b, requiring a passageway to be
constructed 14 feet wide around the bottom of the shaft, but, by rea-
son of a cave-in, the passage had become blocked and obstructed so
that a man could get through the passageway only by crawling over
the rock and debris, and then by squeezing through a narrow pas-
sage, which condition existed for about six weeks before the injury,
whereas the passage might have been cleared in two or three days'
time, it was no defense to an action for injuries under the statute
that the mine was in the early stages of development as to which the
statute ought not to apply." Chicago-Coulterville Coal Co. v. Fidelity
& Casualty Co. of New York, 130 Fed. Rep. 937.
2 Clear Creek Stone Co. v. Dearmin, 66 N. E. Rep. 609; Kennedy a.
Alden Coal Co., 200 Pa. St. 1 ; 49 Atl. Eep. 341.
§ 422 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 473
quarry, is an ordinary use of such a rope ^ and hoisting men
or mineral from the mine would be the attainment of the
very object for which such rope was provided.^ But if the
miner is guilty cf contributory negligence, which causes
the breaking of such rope,^ or if he uses the rope when he
ought to have used another appliance, provided by the em-
ployer and furnishing a safer mode of going up or down
the shaft, as where the rope is used, when a ladder was
provided and it was shown to be a safer appliance, for the
purpose, then a miner injured from a breaking of a hoister
rope, could not recover from his employer.*
§ 422. Same — When miner assumes risk of. — Where
the breaking of a hoister rope is due to the negligence
of the employer and the defect in the rope was not open
to observation, if the injured miner was without blame, and
the breaking of such rope was the approximate cause of
his injury, the mine owner would be liable to the injured
miner. 5 But where the defective condition of the rope is
1 " The complaiat averred that the rope gave way while a load of coal
for the engines was being lowered. Held, that it was sufficiently shown
that the derrick was being used for an ordinary purpose." Clear Creek
Stone Co. v. Dearmin, 66 N. E. Rep. 609.
2 See, for case arising from the breaking of a hoister rope, in a
mine, Kennedy v. Alden Coal Co., 200 Pa. St. 1 ; 49 Atl. Rep. 341.
' Gribben v. Yellow Aster Mia. & Mill. Co. (Cal. 1904), 75 Pac. Rep.
839. But see Beresford », American Coal Co. (Iowa, 1904), 98 N. W.
Rep. 902.
* Anderson v. Mikado Min. Co., 3 Ont. Law Rep. 581. " In an action
by an employee against his employer for personal iniar'ies received as the
result of the breaking of a rope in which plaintiff was descending, with
his foot In a loop thereof, to the bottom of a mine shaft, where it
appears that ladders were furnished for the purpose of descending, and
were near, and there was no reason why plaintiff should not have used
th^m, his injuries are the result of his own negligence." Gribben u.
Yellow Aster Min. & Mill. Co. (Cal. 1904), 75 Pac. Rep. 839.
6 " Where the breaking of an Insufficient rope holding a wheel in place,
caused the wheel to revolve, which caused a scaffold on which a serv-
ant was working to fail, the breaking of the rope was the proximate
474 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 423
open and obvious, as where it is raveled and torn, ^ or where
the plaintiff is familiar with the defects and danger, and
with such knowledge, continues to use such rope, without
objection, he cannot recover, in case of injury by the
breaking of the rope.^ In England, it is held, that if a
miner is injured as a result of a failure, on his part, to ex-
amine or test the rope used to hoist and lower the miners
into the mine, as provided by a rule of the employer, and
the subsequent breaking of the rope, if it had been prop-
erly tested by him, could have been foreseen, he cannot
recover for such injury from the breaking of the igope, as
his own negligence, in the violationof the rule, made for
his own protection, occasioned, or contributed to his injury.^
§ 423. Negligence of fellow-servant operating holster.
A hoister-man, or " eager" and a miner, at work in the
cause of the fall and a consequent injury to the servant, although, If the
pitmans had been detached from the wheel, the rope would not have
broken." Herbert v. Vfiggins Co., 80 S. W. Rep. 978.
1 "An Instruction that., even if the jury believe that the rope used by
the plaintiff at the time of his injury was raveled, yet if they further
believe that such condition was apparent to the observation of the
plaintiff, and that before the happening of the injury he had a reason-
able opportunity to observe the same, and the danger, if any, caused
thereby, and that plaintiff was not misled or deceived as to such danger,
if any, by the defendant, or by any one acting for the defendant, then
the plaintiff cannot recover for any injury that may have been occa-
sioned merely by the rope being in such raveled condition, is erroneous,
because it omits the element of plaintiff's knowledge and appreciation
of the danger." Illinois Steel Co. v. Wierzblcky, 107 111. App, 60.
2 " In an action for injuries to a servant by the breaking of a rope, an
instruction that if plaintiff protested against the sufiSciency of the
rope, and defendant's agent assured him that the rope was sufficient for
the purpose intended, and plaintiff relied on such assurance, and under
the evidence an ordinarily prudent person would have relied thereon,
and used the rope as plaintiff did, then plaintiff was not guilty of .neg-
ligence in so doing, was erroneous, in eliminating plaintiff's knowledge,
actual or constructive, of both the defects and the dinger." Ft. Worth
Ironworks u. Stokes, 76 S. W. Rpp. 231.
s Senior v. Ward, 1 El. & El. 385 (Q. B. 1859); 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 646.
§ 423 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 475
mine, are very generally, held to be fellow- servants and
for an injury to the miner from the negligent management
of the hoister, or cage, by his fellow-servant, the miner
would be without remedy, against the mine employer. ^
Where an injury to -a miner, however, is due to the failure
to repair the hoisting apparatus, on the part of the em-
ployer, combined with the negligence of a fellow-servant,
since the combined negligence of the master and a fellow-
servant, does not relieve the master, he would be liable for
an injury so resulting.^ Where a miner was injured by a
falling tub, filled with water, striking him while he was at
work at the bottom of the mine and it appeared that the
hoisting tackle was defective, not being fitted with a safe
hook, and that the " jiddy" should have been used for
hoisting the water, as it was used for hoisting rock and
earth, but the plaintiff had himself attached the tub to the
hook, the failure of the hoister-man to use the "jiddy "
was held to be the negligence of a fellow-servant, for
1 See Chapter Fellow -servants in Mines. Coal Creek Mining Co. v.
Davis, 90 Tenn. 711; 18 S. W. Kep. 387; Niantic Coal Co. v. Leonard,
126 111.216; 19 N. E. Kep. 294; Steam v. Schlotheri, 21 111. App. 97;
Eoe V. Thompson (Texas), 61 S. W. Eep. 528; Erickson v. Victor Cop-
per Co. (Mich.), 90 N. W. Rep. 291 ; Jackson v. Lincoln Mining Co. (Mo.
App.), 80 S. W. Kep. 727; Galvin v. Pierce (Pa.), 54 Atl. Eep. 1014;
Chapman v. Reynolds, 77 Fed. Rep. 274; Buckley v. Gould Co., 14 Fed.
Bep. 833. The injury to a miner from a reversal of hoisting machinery,
by a fellow-servant, is the negligence of such fellow-servant and not the
employer's failure to supply a brake on the hoister. Luman v. Golden
Ancient Channel Min. Co., 140 Cdl. 700; 74 Pac. Eep. 307.
2 Keost V. Santa Ysabel Gold Min. Co., 68 Pac. Eep. 771; Jenkins v.
Mammoth Min. Co., 68 Pac. Eep. 846; Loveless ». Standard Gold Min.
Co., 42 S. E. Eep. 741; Youngv. Iron Co., 103 Mo. 324; 15 8. W. Eep.
771; Noble ». Bessemer Co., 127 Mich. 103; 54 L. R. A. 456; 86 N. W.
Eep. 520; Logo v. Walsh, 98 Wis. 384; 74 N. W. Rep. 212; Devfeese v.
Meramec Iron Co. (Mo.), 31 S. W. Rep. 110; Hayne v. Furnace Co., 67
Mo. App. 491, and for other cases, see Chapter, Fellow -servants in Mines.
476 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 425
whose negligence the plaintiff was without remedy against
the employer.!
§ 424 Same — Jfegligence of superintendent or fore-
man. — A miner is not held to assume the negligence of his
foreman or superintendent, operating the hoister or cage,
however, in those jurisdictions where the foreman or super-
intendent is held to be a vice-principal of the miner,
employed in the ground. ^ But in those States where the
dual capacity doctrine is adhered to and the master is held
liable for the act of a vice-principal, only when giving orders,
or acting within the line of his duty, as such vice-principal,
and not for acts in his capacity as a co-employee, or fellow-
servant, the master, upon principle, could not be held liable
for the negligence of such an employee, while taking the
place of a "eager" or hoisterman.''
§ 425. Incompetent hoister man or "eager." — For an
injury traceable to the negligence of a mine employer in
employing or retaining in his service a known incompetent
1 Griffith ». Gidlow, 3 Harlst. & N.fi48; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 639. Proof
that an incompetent person was knowingly retained in charge of an
engine and hoister, will justify a recovery, under Sec. 7 Illinois statute,
preventing a willful disregard of such statute. Niantlc Coal &Min. Co.
V. Leonard, 126 111. 216; 19 N. E. Rep. 294; Consolidated Coal Co. «.
Maehl, 130 111. 551; 22 N. E. Rep. 715.
2 Alaska United Gold Min. Co. v Muset, 114 Fed, Rep. 66; see, also,
Downey ». Illinois Min. Co., 24 Utah, 431; 68 Pac. Rep. 414. "A mine em-
ployee did not assume the risk of being thrown f ro ra a cage-by which the
employes were lifted to the surface, through the negligence of a super-
intendent, who, though he knew he was not a competent engineer, at-
tempted to operate the cage in the absence of the regular engineer."
Beresford u. American Coal Co. (Iowa, 1904), 98 N. W. Rep. 902. A
" pit boss," whose duty it is to see that a hoister is used as providedby
the statute, cannot recover for a failure to comply with the statute, in
Illinois. Beaucamp Coal Co. v. Cooper, 12 111. App. 373.
3 See chapter Fellow -servants in Mines, Sections 295, 296, and cases
there cited.
§426 INJURIES FEOM HOISTING APPLIANCES. 477
hoister man, or " eager," the employer would be liable the
same as for an injury from negligence in a failure to re-
pair or furnish reasonably safe appliances, as the duty to
employ reasonably competent and fit employees is the
same upon the part of the employer as that respecting
the use of reasonably safe machinery or appliances. i
As the responsibility of the mine owner, for injuries from
the incompetency of fellow-servants, depends upon his
knowledge of such incompetency or his ability to know
thereof^ and since the burden of proving such incompe-
tency and knowledge, or ability to know, is on the plain-
tiff,^ prior acts of unfitness, upon the part of the servant
causing the injury, are competent to put in evidence as
going to establish the employer's means of knowledge.*
But it would usually require more than one act of in-
competency or unfitness, on the pai-t of an employee, to
charge his emploj'er, as a matter of law, with notice of his
incompetency, sufficient to hold him liable, on this ground,
for an injury from the retention of such unfit or incompe-
tent employee in his service, and proof that on one prior
occasion a hoister-man was guilty of a remissness of his
duty as such, will not be sufficient to render the employer
liable for retaining him in his employment as an incompe-
tent man for the purpose for which he was employed.^
§ 426. Independent contractor operating. — For an
injury to an employee in a mine, from the negligence of an
independent contractor, in charge of the hoisting appliance,
1 Bailey Mas. Liab. loj. Serv., pp. 37, 67. A mine owner retaining a
reckless hoisterman is liable if he had had lime to discover his incompe-
tency. Princeton C. & M. Co. v. Roll (Ind.), 66 N. E. Rep. 169; Wick-
land V. Coal Co. (Iowa), %3 N. W. Rep. .305.
2 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., pp. 49, 50.
s Michigin Cent. Co. v. Gilbert, 46 Mich. 179; 9 N. W. Rep. 243.
* Kean v. Detroit Copper &c. Mills, 66 Mich. 284; 33 N. W. Rep. 395.
' " An employer would not be chargeable with knowledge of the incom-
petency of a hoisting engineer, simp'y because on one previous occasion
he had made a " mishoist." Mulhernu. Lehi>;h Valley Coal Co., 161 Pa.
St. 270; 28 Ml. Rep. 1087, "In an action by a miner for mjuries re-
478 INJURIES FROM HOISTING APPLIANCES. § 426
where the mine owner reserves no control or supervision
over the appliances or the method of the operations, the
mine owner would not be liable for such injury. l It has,
accordingly, been held, in Michigan, that a miner could not
recover from bis employer, for an injury from the breaking
of ahoisterrope, wherethe shaft and the appliances used in
connection therewith, were, at the time of the injury, under
the control, exclusively, of an independent contractor. ^ But
if a mine owner employs an independent contractor to open
his mine and reserves to himself a supervision or control over
the hoisting apparatus, he will be liable for an injury resulting
from a defective condition of such appliance^ and the same
result would follow whenever he provided the appliance * or
employed a known incompetent or negligent contractor.^
celved in an accident to the cage in which he was descending, the
evidence failed to show how much inquiry was made by defendant, his
employer, before hiring the engineer in charge. On one other occision
while such engineer was in charge the cage descended with great force
but for what reason was not shown, further than that the superintendent
warned him, in the light of such experience, not to run the cage too
rapidly. Held, insufficient to charge the employer with negligence in
employing an incompetent engineer." Wicblund v. Saylor Coal Co.
(Iowa, 1903), 93 N. W. Rep. 305.
1 Lendberg v. Brotherton Iron Min. Co., 75 Mich. 84; 42 N. W. Rep.
675; Boswell v. Laird, 8 Cal. 469; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 616; Fint u. Fur-
nace Co., 13 Mo. App. 61; 82 Mo. 276; Roddy u. Missouri Pacific Co.,
104 Mo. 234; Ziebell v. Eclipse Co. (Wash), 15 Amer. Neg. Rep. 457;
Painter v. Pittsburg, 10 Wright, 213; Harrison v. Hiser, 79 Ga. 588;
Miller v. Min. &c. Co., 76 Iowa, 655; Gas Co. ■». Waters, 123 Pa. St. 220.
One who contracts for the sinking of a shaft on his property, agreeing to
furnish the necessary tools, including a " hoist," while the other party
is to furnish the labor, is held, in Central Coal & I. Co. v. Grlder (Ky.),
65 L. R. A. 455, not to be liable for an injury to an employee through the
breaking of a rope used on the hoist, which is sufBcient when furnished,
but is allowed by the contractor to become de|ective. The above deci-
sion is squarely in conflict with that of Fell v. Rich Hill Coal Min. Co.
(23 Mo. App. 216), by Judge Phillipps.
2 Lendberg ». Brotherton Iron Min Co., 75 Mich 84; 42 N. W. Rep. 675.
3 Fell 0. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 23 Mo. App. 216.
4 Burns v. McDonald, 67 Mo. App. 599,
5 Brannock ». EUsmore, 114 Mo. 55. See White Mines & Min. Rem ,
S r. 394, p. 523.
CHAPTEE XX.
INSUrnCIENT NUMBBE AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES.
Section 427. Scope of chapter.
428. The duty a continuous one.
429. Same — No personal supervision required.
430. Actual or constructive iinowledge essential.
431. Same — How established.
432. Certificate of examining board not conclusive.
433. Employment of infant not necessarily negligence.
434. Insufficient number of employees.
435. Beckless employee placed with inexperienced miner.
436. Vigilance increases with hazards of service.
437. Same — Employee handling dangerous explosives.
438. Employment of intoxicated servants.
439. When risk of assumed.
§ 427. Scope o£ cliapter. — The geueral law govern-
ing actions for personal injuries based upon the negligence
of the employer in retaining incompetent or reckless serv-
ants in his service is treated of in most works upon mas-
ter and servant and the rules of evidence and practice and
the liability and non-liability, of the employer, for the acts
of alleged incompetent or reckless employees, is practically
the same in all vocations, but as the rights of em-
ployer and employee in quite a number of mining cases,
have been considered by the courts, upon this alle-
gation of negligence, while the rule that obtains in this
class of cases, is not essentially different from that in any
other vocation, where the same relations exist, it is not
deemed out of place to present a few of the decisions in
mining cases, upon this duty of the employer, as such de-
cisions are not especially grouped in any text-book or
digest, but must be found, by the practitioner, among the
mass of other similar case law upon the subject.
(479)
480 INSUFPICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. § 430
§ 428. The duty a continuous one. — The employer's
duty, as regards the hiring or retention in his service, of
unfit or reckless employees, is a continuing duty and he
will be liable for an injury to an employee, as a result of
the incompetency of another servant, whether the unfitness
of the servant causing the injury was known by the em-
ployer when he was employed, or he was continued in his
service after he acquired such knowledge. ^
§429. Same — No personal supervision required. —
But while the master's duty is to discharge or refuse to
employ an incompetent servant, whenever he has knowl-
edge of such incompetency, before he will be liable, in
case of an injury, upon this ground, he must have knowl-
edge, either actual or constructive, of the incompetency of
such employee.^ He is not required to exert a personal
supervision over his employees, after employing competent
servants, to see that they remain competent, for the ob-
vious reason that until old age would change the rule,
experience would add to, rather than detract from the
competency of an employee in a given service. ^
§ 430. Actual or constructive knowledge essential. —
The employer is not required to test or examine his differ-
ent employees, as he would inspect his appliances to ascer-
1 Rummell v. Dillworth, 111 Pa. St. 349; 2 A.tl. Rep. 355; Morse v.
Glendon Co., 125 Mass. 282; Colton v. Richards, 123 Mass. 484; Bailey
Mas. Llab. Inj. Serv., p. 47. For a case of an injury from retention cf
incompetent servant see Hall v. New Bedford Quarries Co., 156 Ind.
460; 60 N. E. Rep. 149. " Wtien the character of the business requires
It, the master is as much bound to provide his workmen with a reason-
ably competent foreman as to provide them with tools; but his liabiliiy
ceases when he has made a suitable selection." O'Dowd v. Burnham
(Pa. Super. Ct. 1902), 19 Pa. Super. Ct. 464.
2 Potts V. Post Carlisle Co., 8 W. R. 524; Davis v. Detroit Mill Co.,
20 Mich. 105.
3 Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 200, p. 331 and cases cited.
§ 431 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. 481
tain if they are competent for the service for which they
are engaged, as every person in legal contemplation, is
presumed to do his duty i and the employer has a right to
rely upon this presumption, in regard to the fitness or
competency of his employees, in the absence of notice of
their incompetency,^ and before he could be held liable to
an injured employee, upon this ground of negligence, he
must either have actual knovrledge of such incompetency, or
it must have continued for a sufficient length of time to
charge him, in law, with such knowledge.^ Actual notice
is so far essential, to hold an employer responsible for the
negligent acts of an alleged incompetent employee, that it
has been held, in Michigan, that without such, notice, any
number of previous negligent acts, on the part of such
employee, would be improper evidence, unless such negli-
gent acts were of a character to charge the employer with
notice of the incompetency of the servant guilty thereof.*
§431. Same — How established. — It has been held
competent for the plaintiff to put in evidence previous acts
of incompetency upon the part of the servant causing his
injury, and then to bring notice of such acts to his em-
1 Michigaa Cent. Co. v. Gilbert, 46 Mich. 176; 9 N. W. Kep. 243;
■Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 65.
2 Michigan Cent. Co. v. Gilbert, supra; Larrant v. Webb, 18 C. B.
N. S. 797.
8 Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., pp. 48, 50. Where an engineer has
been in the employ of a mine owner twelve years and always found
sober and competent, the mere fact that on a prior occasion he
failed to reverse the lever of his engine, will not be evidence of such In-
competency so as to charge the employer with notice thereof. McKeever
V. Homestake Min. Co., 10 S. D. 599 ; 74 N. W. Eep. 1053.
1 " A master must have notice of the incompetency ot a fellow-servant
before he is liable for an injurjr from his negligence. Without notice of
the fact, any number of acts of negligence, on his part are incompetent,
unless of a character to charge the master with notice thereof." Wal-
koskee v. Penokee Con. Mines, 115 Mich, 629; 73 N. W. Eep. 896; 41 L.
B. A. 33.
31
482 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. § 431
ployer, for the purpose of proving his knowledge of the
unfitness of the delinquent employee,^ but one or two
previous negligent acts, if the employment has covered a
considerable period, would not, usually, be evidence of a
series of incompetent acts sufficient to charge the employer,
in law, with knowledge of such servant's incompetency, for,
in truth, such proof would not establish the unfitness of
the employee, much less another's notice thereof.^ It was,
accordingly, held in South Dakota, that where an engineer
had been in the service of a mine owner for twelve years
and had always proven himself a sober, competent em-
ployee, the mere fact that on one prior occasion he had
forgotten to reverse the lever of his engine, would not, of
itself, be such evidence of his incompetency, as to charge
his employer with notice of his unfitness.^ But where an
employee had been addicted to drunkenness for a length of
time sufficient for his employer, in the exercise of due care,
to have discovered such weakness, the retention of such
drunken employee in his service, in a business as hazardous
as mining, would be evidence sufficient to render the em-
ployer liable in case of an injury from such servant's
incompetency.* And if the alleged unfit employee was so
1 EvansviUe & G. H. Co. v. Guyton, 115 Ind. 450; 17 N. E. Rep. 101.
"The mere fact of the Incompetency of the servant for. the work upon
which he was employed is not enough to warrant a jury in finding the
master guilty of negligence in employing him." Big Stone Gap Iron Co.
o. Ketron (Va. 1903J, 45 S. E. Rep. 740.
2 McKeeveru. Homestake Mining Co., 10 S. D. 599; 74 N. W. Rep.
1053; Couch w. Coal Co., 46 Iowa, 17. " Where it appears in an action
for the death of an employee that the person whose negligent operation
of machinery is alleged to have caused the accident had been employed at
similar work for many years, and had performed their duties carefully,
and without previous accident, negligence by defendant in the employ-
ment of such persons to work with deceased is not shown." Grams v.
C. Reiss Coal Co. (Wis. 1905), 102 N. W. Rep. 686.
s McKeeverc. Homestake Mining Co., 10 S. D. 599; 74 N. W. Rep.
1053; Couch v. Coal Co., 46 Iowa, 17.
* Keaa v. Detroit Copper Mills, 66 Mich. 284; 33 N. W. Rep. 395.
§ 433 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. 483
inexperience.d or youthful as to be incompetent for these
hazardous or peculiar duties he is engaged to render, the
facts and circumstances, his age or want of experience and
the nature of the service he was engaged to render, might,
of themselves, be sufficient from which a knowledge of his
incompetencj- would be inferred, on the part of the
employer.!
§ 432. Certificate of examining board not conclu-
sive. — It would seem, where a statute required the em-
ployees in mines to be subjected to an examination by an
examining board, before employment by a mine operator,
that the employer would perform his full duty, in the em-
ployment of an employee who had successfully withstood a
satisfactory examination, as this would be some evidence of
his competency and his employment must have been with
knowledge of his incompetency, before the employer would
be liable therefor, in case of a resulting injury to an em-
ployee. But in Illinois, although the statute requires such
an examination of miners, a certificate by an employee
from a duly qualified board is held not to be conclusive, as
to the question of his competency, at the time of his em-
ployment, in a controversy between the master and another
employee.^
§ 433. Employment of infant not necessarily negli-
gence. — While the master would be negligent if he em-
ployed a known incompetent servant to handle an important
1 Wabash Co. v. McDanlels, 107 U. S. 454; 2 Sup. Ct. Rep. 932.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Seniger, 179 111. 370; afHrming 79 111. App.
466; 53 N. E. Rep. 738. A retention of such an employee In the service
after knowledge of the unjustness of his certificate, ought to avoid the
effect thereof, but it would seem that a certificate as to the competency
of the employee, certified to by a public board, appointed, to perform
such duty, ought to be evidence of his competency as of the date when
the certificate was granted.
484 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. § 434
and dangerous branch of his business, whether the incom-
petency resulted from the lack of ability, drunkenness or
infancy of the employee, so engaged, he would not be con-
sidered guilty of negligence by the mere fact of engaging
the services of an iufant, provided he was competent to
discharge the duties he was engaged to discharge. Accord-
ingly, in a Michigan case, the fact that the employee en-
gaged to handle the brake, where the cage in which the
workmen were lowered and raised from the mine was regu-
lated, was but seventeen years old, was held not to raise
a presumption of negligence against the company, although
he permitted the cage to fall, to the injury of an occupant,
where the employee was experienced in the work and for
over seven months had performed the same duties satis-
factorily, i
§ 434. Insufflcient number of employees. — The same
rule, based upon the concern the law has, for the safety of
the employee, which requires the employment of fit em-
ployees for the service and proper appliances for the work,
would require the master to engage a sufficient number of
employees to carry on the work, with reasonable safety.^
Of course what would be considered an adequate number
of employees would necessarily vary with the nature of the
service preformed and the character and extent of the
business.^ As in the proof of any other allegation of
negligence, the burden of establishing that the employer
had failed to engage an adequate number of employees and
1 Walbowski v. Penokee & G. Consolidated Mines, 115 Mich. 62S»; 41
L. E. A. 33; 73 N. W. Rep. 895. See, also, Sutherland v. Troy &c. Co.,
125 N. Y. 737} Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v. Brownlie, 60 Ark. 682; NealB.
Gillett, 23 Conn. 437; Molaske v. Ohio Coal Co,, 86 Wis. 220.
2 Georgia Pacific Co. v. Propst, 7 So. Rep. 635; Booth v. Boston & A.
R. Co., 73 N. Y. 38 ; Mad River Co. v. Borger, 5 Ohio St. 641 ; Bailey
JVIas. Liab. Inj. Serv., pp 68, 69; Buswell, Per. Inj., Sec, 200, p. 332.
' Ante, idem.
§ 435 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. 485
that the injury to the plaintiff arose from such cause, would
be upon the plaintiff in the case.^ The plaintiff would be
required both to allege and prove the reason for the
necessity of a greater number of employees, and a
petition which failed to allege such facts would be
defective.^
§ 435. Keckless employee placed with Inexperienced
miner. — An employee who might not be considered so
incompetent as to render his employer liable, in case of an
injury to another employee of average skill and experience,
might as to any injury resulting to a young, or inexperienced
miner, have such a reputation as to render his employer
liable for having placed such youthful or inexperienced
employee at work with him, as the employer owes the duty
to an inexperienced employee, engaged in a hazardous
business, not only to select proper and fit appliances for
their use, but to put them In no department of the service
where they will be exposed to unusual dangers with which
they are not familiar,^ In a recent case, in Missouri,
where an inexperienced employee was ordered to clean out
the hot ashes from the employer's reduction works and a
reckless assistant permitted him to turn water from a hose
upon the ashes, as a result of which he was scalded by the
' Brothers v. Carter, 52 Mo. 372; Davis v, Detroit &c. Co., 20 Mich.
105; Allen v. Gas Co., 1 Ex. D. 251; 45 L. J. Ex. 668; Buswell Per.
Id]., Sec. 199, p. 330.
2 " Where the negligence counted on is the failare to provide the
plaintiff a helper, the petition is defective if it does not specify the
reasons for the necessity for a helper." Lee ». Kansas City Gas Co., 91
Mo. App. 612.
» TaggB. McGeorge, 156 Pa. St. 368; 26 Atl. Bep. 671; McGinnis w.
Canada B. Co., 49 Mich. 466; 18 N. W. Rep. 819; Runnell v. Delaware,
131 Pa. St. 609; 19 Atl. Eep. 345; Kehler v. Schmeuck, 151 Pa. St. 519;
23 Atl. Eep. 130; Rolling Mill Co. v. Corrigan, 46 Ohio State, 283; 20 N.
E. Eep. 466; Pratt v. Pronty, 153 Mass. 334; 26 N. E. Rep. 1002; Bailey
Mass. Liab. Inj. Serv., pp. 114, 116.
486 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. § 436
steam, the employer was held liable for his injury.^ And
likewise, in Utah, where an inexperienced miner was injured
as a result of having been placed at work with a reckless
employee, it was held competent to prove a custom in the
section, to place a careful, skillful miner at work with one
of little or no experience, in such hazardous undertaking.^
§ 436. Vigilance increases with hazards of service. —
The master's duty as regards the supervision of his em-
ployees nscessarily varies with the nature of the service
they are employed to render and an employee who would be
considered thoroughly competent to perform the simpler
duties of the business, upon the surface of theground, if
he had no experience in the underground work in the mine,
could not be regarded as a proper or fit person to place in
charge of men in the mine, or to carry on or assist in de-
partments of the business wherein he had had little or no
1 Iq Hunts. Dealoge Consol. Lead Co. (Ct. of App. Mo. 1904), 79 S.
W. Rep. 710, "Plaintiff's interstate was ordered to clean out the ash
pits of defendant's reduction works. The ashes were very hot. and the
usual method was to turn water into the pits and cool them down and
then shovel out the ashes with a long-handled shovel. In this case the
employee was ordered in first, then the hose banded to him, and he was
badly scalded and burned. He was a green man, as the foreman knew.
A judgment for plaintiff wasafflrmed. The defendant company had given
orders that none of its employees should be required to work in a place
of danger, but the men selected to carry out its orders were incompetent
or reckless." 16 Amer. Neg. Eep. 155.
2 " In an action agaimt a mining company for injuries to an inex-
perienced miner, claimed to be due to a failure to instruct him how to
perform his services, evidence as to what the usual custom vyas that
prevailed in the mines in Utah and at defendant's mine in respect to
having an experienced miner work with one whom the employer knows
to be inexperienced was admitted to show what precautions were gen-
erally taken in such cases, as bearing on the degree of care which de-
fendant exercised for plaintiff's safety. Held, that the evidence was
admissible for this purpose, without showing that the custom had been
in existence long enough to constitute it a common-law custom."
Pence o. CalUornia Min. Co. (Utah 1904), 77 Pac. Rep. 934.
§ 437 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. 487
experience. 1 The master does not warrant the fitness of his
servants,^ but as in the selection of an appliance, intended
for a dangerous use, more care should be bestowed upon
such implements, than in the selection of 'a tool for the
simpler uses of the business, so an employee, engaged for
the more hazardous duties, should be more carefully
selected.^ An employee, however, unlike an appliance,
would necessarily improve with service, and hence, the em-
ployer is not bound to exert a personal supervision over his
employees to prevent carelessness as he would with his
appliances, for needed repairs.*
§ 437. Same — Employee handling dangerous explo-
sives. — The rule stated in the preceding section is well
illustrated in a recent Pennsylvania case, with reference to
the handling of giant powder, used for blasting purposes
in a mine. The deceased was a son of the plaintiffs and
when killed, was a laborer in the defendant's mine. The
cause of the casuality, which resulted in the death of plain-
tiffs' son, was a powder explosion, of which the deceased
had not been warned. The man employed by the mine
owner to warn the miners of expected blasts had the repu-
tation of being careless, when employed, and frequent
complaints of his unfitness had been made to the defend-
ants superintendent, by other miners in its service. Upon
this evidence of the employee's carelessness in the handling
1 " The greater the danger, the greater the care, is the rule." Bailey
Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 55, citing Hills v. R. R. Co., 55 Mich. 440 ; 21 N. W.
Rep. 878. See, also. Senior v. Ward, 28 L. J. Q. B. 139. For liability in
employing an incompetent mine surgeon, see, Richardson v. Carbon Bill
Coal Co. (Wash.), 32 Pac. Rep. 1013; 20 L. R. A. 338.
2 Beaulieu v. Portland Co., 46 Maine, 291 ; Ormond v. Holland, El. Bl.
& El. 102; Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 198, p. 327.
s Northern Pacific Co. v. Mares, 123 U. S. 710.
* Hord V. Vermont Con. Co., 32 Vt. 473; Buswell Per. Inj., Sec. 200,
p. 331.
488 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. § 438
of such a dangerous substance as giant powder, the trial
court held the defendant liable for his retention in its em-
ployment and the judgment was affirmed. i
§ 438. Employment of intoxicated employees. — The
habitual use of intoxicating liquor is judicially recognized
as exerting such a pernicious influence upon those subject
to its use as to render them unfit for the performance of
any duties accompanied with any degree of skill or danger
and all men are so charged, in law, with a knowledge of
the incompetency of men addicted to the habitual use of
intoxicants, that an employer is held liable for an injury
to an employee, resulting from the negligence of a known
habitual user of intoxicants, engaged in the master's service.^
The business of mining in all of its details, is so hazardous
that only men of experience and sobriety should be employed.
A drunken man handling such dangerous agencies as giant
powder while practically unaccountable for his acts, might,
in a moment's inadvertence, take the life or maim the bodies
of many of his co-employees. An employee in a mine ren-
dered unaccountable by the use of intoxicants, could by the
merest casualty bury alive the occupants of the mine by
the displacement of a single prop or timber. Such haz-
ardous trades, therefore, have no room for those unfortu-
1 " In an action by parents against a mining company for tlie death of
their son, resulting from alleged negligence in blasting, a verdict for
plaintiffs will be affirmed, where It appears that the man whom defendant
employed to direct the blasting and to notify employees of the blasts did
not notify the deceased, that this person came to the defendant with the
reputation of being careless and reckless in blasting, and that frequent
complaints of his carelessness had been made by other employees to the
general superintendent of the defendant." Stasch v. Cornwall Ore Bank
Co. (Pa. Super. Ct. 1902), 19 Pa. Super. Ct. 113.
2 " The habit of intoxication * * * renders otherwise competent
servants incompetent. * » * it counteracts skill. It transforms
prudence and caution into rashness and recklessness." Bailey's Mas.
Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 59.
§ 439 INSUFFICIENT AND INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES. 489
nates addicted to a weakness likely to cause such suffering
to innocent third parties, and an employer who has so little
care for his employees' safety as to retain in his service
an employee addicted to the use of intoxicants is guilty of
such disregard of his duty as to render him liable in case
of an injury from the employment of an intoxicated serv-
ant the same as though he had employed a tool or appli-
ance wholly unfit for the service.^
§ 439. When risk of assumed. — Where the evidence
of an employee alleged to have been injured by the incom-
petency of a fellow-servant, develops that he was, prior to
such injury, informed of the unfitness of such employee
for the service he was engaged in at the time of the injury,
and that he had continued in the service thereafter with-
out objection to the master, he would be held to have
assumed the risk of such injury and could not recover from
his employer.^
1 Efunv. Detroit Copper Mills, 66 Mich. 284; 33 N. W. Rep. 395.
2 Holt V. Nay, 144 Mass. 186; 10 N. E. Rep. 807; Assop w. Yates, 2
Hurl. &N. 768; Kansas Pac. Co. v. Peavey, 34 Kan. 472; 8 Pac. Rep.
780.
CHAPTER XXL
RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS.
Section 440. When mine owner should establish.
441. Act of co-employee mast cause injury under.
442. Reasonableness and suflSciency of rule.
443. Uusage and custom as effecting.
444. Employees must have notice of.
445. Rule must be enforced.
446. Must be definite and certain.
447. Rules for signaling must be provided.
448. No rule required for handling ore cars.
449. Handling ore in bins does not require.
450. Drilling for powder does not require.
451. When violation of, contributory negligence.
452. Same — Violating rule requiring props.
453. Same — Rule requiring report of dangerous places.
454. Same — Rule regarding hoisting of miners.
455. Rule need not be pleaded.
§ 440. When mine owner should establish. — It is the
duty of a mine owner, when the nature and volume of his
business requires it, to make and promulgate proper rules
for the protection of his servants and to use due care and
diligence, after making and promulgating a necessary rule,
to have it enforced .i The duty arises whenever the busi-
ness is so complex or extensive as to make the employer's
personal supervision and direction of it impracticable.^
The necesity for rules is particularly necessary, whenever
the business, as usually conducted, is such that the safety
of a given employee depends upon the conduct of some
other employee, in the discharge of his duty toward his em-
1 Johnson v. Union Pacific Coal Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 1089; Reagen v. St.
L. M. N. & W. Co., 93 Mo. 848; 6 S. W. Rep. 371; Smith v. Oxford Iron
Co., 42 N. J. Law, 467.
2 Giordano v. Brandywlne Granite Co., 52 Atl. Rep. 332.
(490)
^ 440 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OP MINERS. 491
ployer. In every case wHere an employee's safety depends
upon the action of some other employee, the servant whose
safety is so dependent is entitled to have the conduct of his
co-employee regulated by an approved rule, established by
his employer,! and a failure to establish rules, in such a
case, is held to be personal negligence, by the mine
owner, for the consequences of which he is liable to his
servants.^ But a master will not be considered guilty of
negligence in failing to establish rules, if there was no rea-
son for him to anticipate the necessity for such a rule,
and it is only where common ordinary prudence would dic-
tate the necessity for rules that he would be held guilty of
negligence in not providing them,^ and where he had, for
years, conducted his business along given lines, without
rules, with no serious consequences, he would not be held
negligent in failing to establish rules.*
' Eastwood V. Eetsof Mining Co., 86 Hun, 91; 34 N. Y. Supp. 196.
2 Biohlands Iron Co. v. Elkins, 90 Va. 249; 17 S. B. Rep., 890; Wood
Mas. & Ser\r., Sec. 403; Shearm. & Redf. Neg., Sec. 93. " It is the duty of
the master, when the nature of the business requires it, to make and
promulgate rules for the protection of his servants, and to use due care
and diligence after making and promulgating a necessary rule, to have it
enforced." Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co. (Utah), 76 Pac. Eep.
1089.
3 "A master is not negligent for failing to promulgate a particular
rule, unless he should have forseen and anticipated the necessity for the
rule, and that it was a practicable and beneficial rule." Koszlowski v.
American Locomotive Co. (N. Y. Supp. 1904), 89 N. Y. Sup. 55.
* "Where aa employer's business has been, for years, conducted
without rules, it is not negligence to fail to promulgate rules." Morgen
V. Hudson River Ore Co , 133 N. Y. 666, 31 N. E. Rep. 234. " It is the
duty of the master to make and promulgate proper rules for the gov-
ernment of his servants and business whenever it is so large or compli-
cated as to make his personal supervision impracticable." Giordano v.
Brandywine Granite Co. (Del. 1901), 52 Atl. Rep. 332. "Mere failure ot a
master to adopt rules to prevent injury to a servant is not proof of negli.
gence, unless it appears that the master, in the exercise of reasonable
care, should have foreseen the necessity for such precaution." Shaw ».
New Year Gold Mines Co., 77 Pac. Rep. 615.
492 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. § 442
§ 441. Act of co-employee must cause injury. — As a
general proposition the necessity for a rule, in a given
case, is only material as affecting the employer's liability,
where the injury was due to the act of a fellow-servant,
whose conduct should have been regulated by a rule, to
insure the protection of his co-employees. Unless the
injury complained of, therefore, resulted from the act of a
fellow-servant of the injured employee, a failure to adopt
a rule, will not, generally, render the employer liable for
such injury .1
§ 442. Reasonableness and suflaciency of rule. — The
question of whether or not a given rule is reasonable or
unreasonable is said in some States to be one of law
for the court; 2 in others, to be an issue of fact for the
jury.^ The better doctrine would seem to be to hold the
reasonableness of a rule a question for the court, not only
because the evidence in regard to the terms and conditions
of the rule, would, necessarily, be undisputed and where
this is true, the effect of the undisputed evidence is
generally a question for the court,* but also to the end of
securing certainty and uniformity in the construction of
similar rules, as courts, in the adherence to precedents,
would be more inclined to consistency than different juries,
and the court would, also, as a general rule, be better
qualified to interpret the rule than a jury would be.^ The
presumption of law is in favor of the sufficiency and
1 A failure to provide rules will not render the employer liable, if the
injured employee is not injured by a fellow- servant. Benfleld v. Oil Co.,
75 Hun, 209; 26 N. Y. Supp. 405.
2 Vedder v. Fellows, 20 N. Y. 126; Chicago B. & I. Co. ■». McClelland,
8i 111. 110.
8 State V. Overton, 21 N. J. Law, 435; Prather v. H. E. Co., 80 Ga.
427; 9 S. E. Rep. 530.
* Old Colony Co. v. Gripp, 147 Mass. 35; 17N. B. Rep. 89.
* Bailey's Mas. Liab, Inj. Serv., p. 76.
§ 443 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. 493
reasonableness of an employer's rules ; i the court would be
inclined to the construction which would uphold the rule,^
and if, for any considerable period, a given rule has
afforded a fair and reasonable protection to the employees, ^
or if it protects the employees, as well as reasonably can
be done, against the dangers resulting from the negligence
or indiscretions of fellow-servants, the rule will generally
be held sufficient, by the courts.*
§ 443. Usage and custom, as affecting. — As the neces-
sity for rules is governed by the test of what a reasonably
prudent person under similar circumstances, would do, it
is very generally held that where it is not customary, in the
district where the injury occurred, for employers in the same
kind of business to establish rules upon the subject wherein
it is claimed the defendant was negligent in failing to adopt
rules, it is proper to permit proof of such custom, as deter-
mining the question of the employer's carelessness. ^ And
the evidence of a custom would be competent, not only to
establish whether or not a given rule should have been estab-
lished, but also to determine the question of the suffi-
ciency of such a rule, after it had been promulgated.^ And
not only may the employer avoid the charge of negligence
1 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 210, p. 464.
2 Little Rock & Memphis Co. v. Barry, 84 Fed. Kep. 944; 43 L. R. A.
349; 56 U. S. App. 37,
3 Murphy v. Hughes (Ga.), 40 Atl. Rep. 187.
* Abelu. Del. & H. Canal Co., 128 N. Y. 662; 28 N. E. Rep. 663;
Evansville & T. H. Co. o. Tokiel, 143 lad. 60; 42 N. E. Rep. 352.
6 Eastwood ». Retsof Mining Co., 86 Hun, 91; 34 N. Y. Supp. 196.
" Compliance with the usage of any considerable majority of the class o£
employers, to which the defendant belongs, is treated as being con-
clusive in his favor." Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 213, p. 471.
6 The custom of a mine employer to require the father of an infant to
apply to the bookkeeper for an order on the blacksmith for tools for
the son, was not such a custom as could not be waived by the mine em-
ployer. Ringue v. Oregon Coal & Nav. Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 703.
494 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. § 445
as to the necessity for, or sufficiency of a given rule, by
proof of a custom, in accordance with his conduct, but he
may also prove an habitual practice, on his part, of which
the injured servant had knowledge, which was equally as
safe a method, if such practice had been adhered to, as that
of the alleged rule, for the performance of his work.^
§444. Same — Employees must have notice of. —
Before an employer could defeat an action for personal
injuries, by the proof of a violated rule, by the employer,
he must establish, by competent evidence, that such rule
had been brought to the attention or notice of such em-
ployee, for unless this is established, the employee could
not be said to be gailty of any neglect in failing to follow
a rule of which he had no knowledge.^
§ 445. Same — Rale must be enforced. — It was early
held, in an English case,^ that a mine employer could not
urge, as a breach of duty on the part of his employee,
the violation of a rule that the employer had, himself, failed
to enforce.* A knowledge, on the part of an emplover,
that his employee habitually violated his rules, would be
the same as though such rules had never been established
by him, and so it is quite generally held, by the courts,,
that it is not only the employers duty to promulgate rules,
' Kudik V. Lehigh Valley Co., 72 Huq, 492; 29 N. Y. Supp. 533;
Kutledge v. Missouri Pacfic Co., 123 Mo. 131; 24 S. W. Eep. 1053; 27 id.
327.
» Olson V. St. Paul M. & M. Co., 38 Minn. 117; 35 N. W. Rep. 86fi;
Daly V. Brown, 167 N. Y. 381 ; 60 N. E. Eep. 752.
s Senior v. Ward, 1 El & El, 385; 28 L. J. Q. B. N. S. 139 and see Sil-
ver Cord Con. Mln. Co. v. McDonald, 14 Colo. 191; 23 Pac. Rep. 346.
* Like Strap, in Roderick Random, who laid aside his coat to engage
in an unworthy encounter, aod lost it, after he was well beaten, an
employer who has himself abandoned a rule intended for the protection
of his employee, after an injury to the latter, cannot shelter himself be-
hind an authority that he has himself cast aside. Law and Lawyers, p. 221.
§ 446 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. 495
but that he should also see that such rules are enforced. ^
It is said to be the duty of the employer, especially,
to see to the obedience to his rules, on the part of young
and inexperienced servants ; if he has failed to enforce the
rules, until an injury, he is held to have waived the benefit
of such rule ^ and the issue of whether or not a given rule
had, or^ had not been enforced, would be a question of
fact, for the jury.^ The correctness of this position, how-
ever, has been very ably criticised by an auther of great
ability,* who aptly suggests that by bringing to the notice
of a servant, a rule intended for his benefit, the master
has performed his full duty; that after notice of the rule,
the servant should himself, in the performance of his duty
to look out for his ovvn safety, see to the enforcement of
the rule, and if he voluntarily violates the rule, he thereby
selects the more dangerous method of performing his duty,
in which case the law prevents his recovery.*
§ 446. Must be definite and certain. — A rule brought
to the attention of the employee is said to have the force
and effect of a contract between the employer and employee,^
and like any other contract, to be effective, the rule must
1 Texas & N. O. Co. v. Echols, 87 Texas, 339; 27 S. W. Rep. 60;
Labatt Mast, and Serv., Sec. 214, p. 476 and cases cited.
2 Labalt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 214, p. 476.
8 Avillao. Nash, 117 Mass. 319. •' It is the duty of the master, when
the nature of the business requires it, to make and promulgate rules for
the protection of his servants, and to use due care and diligence, after
the making and promulgating of a necessary rule, to have it enforced."
Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co., 76 Pac. Rep. 1089.
* Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 92.
6 Judge Bailey's argument is sound and will commend itself to judges
and lawyers. Like many of the plaintiff's humane doctrines, in this age
of damage suits, a recognition of liability in such a case, seems at
variance with settled rules of law.
■* Memphis &c. R. Co. v. Graham, 94 Ala. 54.'); 10 So. Rep. 283;
Western Co. «. Moore, 94 Ga. 457; 20 S. E. Rep. 940: Labatt Mas. &
Serv., Sec. 215, p. 479, 480.
496 EULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. § 447
be unambiguous, definite and certain.^ If the master pro-
mulgates a rule that is indefinite, ambiguous and uncertain,
since the employee, in such case, could not be held guilty
of violating a rule he could not understand, the rule would
be ignored by the court. ^
§ 447. Rules for signaling should be provided. — The
duty of the master, to so far systematize his business, or
to lessen as far as possible, by reasonable rules and regu-
lations, governing the conduct of his employees, the
hazards of servants engaged in a dangerous calling, has
been considered, in a case that came before an English
court, as applied to a mine owner's protection of his em-
ployees, engaged in hoisting between the bottom and top of
the mine, and the same standard of reasonable care and
prudence that prompted the legislatures of so many States
in the United States ^ to require some uniform system of
signals, between the bottom and top of the mine, influenced
the court to hold, in the absence of such a statute, that the
employer should himself adopt a uniform, regular system
of signals, and for a failure so to do, he would be held
guilty of negligence.* But it has been held that if an
employee, in a mine, knows that a co-employee, in charo^e
of the bolster, has habitually started the cage, without
waiting for a signal, and he places himself upon the cage,
when there is no necessity therefor, and is killed, by reason
of the starting of the cage, his contributory negligence
will preclude his recovery .^
1 Abel V. Del. & Hudson Canal Co , 128 N. Y. 662; 28 N. E. Eep. 663.
2 Chicago, Burlington &c. Co. v. McGraw, 22 Colo. 363; 45 Pac. Rep.
383.
2 See chapter Statutes Regarding Safety uf Miners,
* Murdock v. Macklnnow, 1? Sc. Sees. Cas. (4 Ser) 810.
6 Acme Coal Mining Co. v. McSale, 5 Colo. App. 267; 38 Pac. Kep.
696.
§ 449 EULES GOVEKNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. 497
§ 448. No rule required for handling- ore cars. — In a
recent New York case the question arose as to the neces-
sity for a rule for the purpose of handling ore cars used to
transport minerals from the employer's mine. The plain-
tiff while under one of the cars, clearing mineral off the
track, was injured by another car, loosened by a fellow-
servant, running down the inclined track and colliding with
car where he was employed. The action was based upon
the negligence of the employer in failing to establish
proper rules for the government of the plaintiff and his
fellow-servants, but the court held that no such duty
existed, as the details of handling the cars where the appli-
ances were reasonably safe, was a matter for the discretion
of the employees. 1 But in Illinois a mine owner was held
to be guilty of actionable negligence, who permitted his
employees to make a practice of shunting empty cars down
against those whereon others were at workj without pro-
viding rules govering the conduct of such business, for the
protection of those employees employed at work upon the
cars.^
§ 449. Handling ore in bins does not require. — The
handling of ore, in bins provided for the storage thereof,
is not such work as to require that the employer should
establish rules for the government of the conduct of the
employees, engaged in handling such ore. In a New York
case, where an employee was injured in a salt bin and it
was contended that the master should have provided rules,
prescribing the manner of drawing off such salt and load-
ing the bins, and preventing either, while the employees
were in the bin, the court held against the plaintiff's theory
1 Morgan v. Hudson Eiver Ore and Iron Co., 133 N. Y. 666 ; 31 N. E.
Bep. 231.
2 Winona Coal Co. v. Holmquist, 58 111. App. 507,
32
498 EULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OP MINERS. § 451
and denied the duty, on the part of the employer, to pre-
scribe a rule in such a case.^
§ 450. Drilling for powder does not require. — In a
case recently decided, in Oregon, it was claimed, by the
plaintiff, that the duty of an employee to dig out the
tamping from a drill hole, loaded for a blast, which had
failed to explode, was such a perilous service that the em-
ployer should provide rules controlling the conduct of his
servants, engaged in such dangerous employment. The
court held, however, that there was nothing in such work,
requiring the mine owner to establish rules for the govern-
ment of his employees, so engaged, but that the manner
and mode of accpmplishing such duty, as well as the
means selected therefor, were mere details of the service,
within the discretion of the employees.^
§ 451. When violation of, contributory negligence. —
An employee who knowingly violates a rule of his em-
ployer, intended for his protection, is held as a matter of
law, to be guilty of such contributory negligence as will
preclude a recovery, if he is injured as a result of the vio-
lation of such rule.^ Not only is this true because he
would thereby voluntarily undertake the performance of
his duty in the more dangerous manner, but also because
1 Eastwood V. Retsof Mining Co., 86 Hun, 91; 34: N. Y. Supp. 196.
2 '• There Is nothing in the business of drilling out the tamping from
a hole loaded for a blast, which has failed to explode, that calls for the
promulgation of rules by the master; the selection of means therefor
being details depending on the judgment of the worljmen." Johnson v.
Portland Stone Co. (Or. 1902), 67 Pac. Rep. 1013.
3 Davis V. Nuttallsburg Coal Co., 34 W. Va. 500; 22 S. E. Kep. 639;
Gleason v. Detroit G. & M. Co., 73 Fed. Rep. 647; Senior v. Ward, 1 El. &
El. 385; 10 Mor. Min. R-ep. 646; McCreary v. Ohio &o. Co. v. 49 W. Va.
301; 38 S. E. Rep. 534; Bonner o. Moore (Texas), 22 S. W. Rep. 272;
Southern Pac. Co. ». Ryan (Texas), 29 S. W. Rep. 529; Georgia Pacific
Co, sj.Propst, 83 Ala. 518; 3 So. Rep. 764.
§ 452 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. 499
he would be held to have violated the implied agreement
with his employer, to conform himself to his reasonable
rules, intended for the protection of his employees. i The
only issue of fact, in such case, to be submitted to the jury,
is the question whether or not the violation of the rule oc-
casioned the injury.^ If it did, the employee is precluded
from a recovery, and the rule is the same in regard
to infants as adults, if the minor had sufficient understand-
ing to comprehend the scope and object of the rule.^ But
to prevent a recovery, on account of the violation of a rule,
it must have been brought to the attention of the
employee : * it must have been enforced by the employer,
and the failure to observe the rule must have been the
approximate cause of the injury .^ It is taken for granted,
of course, in the above paragraph that the rule was reason-
able and definite and otherwise binding upon the employee,
for if it was not, it would not have the effect of controlling
his conduct, and, in fact, would not be a valid or binding
rule.*
§ 452. Same — Violating rule regarding props. — In
the absence of a violation, on the part of the employer, of
1 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 365, p. 949; Richmond & D. R. Co. ».
Rush, 71 Miss. 987; 15 So. Rep. 133.
2 Lakebert & Western Co. v. Craig, 80 Fed Rep. 488; 47 U. S. App.
89; Southern Pac. Co. v. Eyan (Texas), 29 S. W. Rep. 527.
» Cullenw. National Metal &c. Co., 114 N. Y. 45; 20 N. E. Rep. 831.
A servant who knowingly violates his master's rules and is injured, can-
not recover. Daviso. Coal Co., 34 W. Va. 500; 12 S. B. Rep. 539.
* Alabama Mid. Co. v. McDonald, 112 Ala. 216; 20 So. Rep. 472;
Brovynu. Louisville& Nashville Co., Ill Ala. 275; 19 So. Rep. 1001; Port
Royal & Western Co. v. Davis, 95 6a. 292; 22 S. E. Rep. 8.33; Turner v.
Norfolk & West. Co., 40 W. Va. 675; 22 S. E. Rep. 83.
6 Alabama G. I. Co. v. Roach, 110 Ala. 266; 20 So. Rep. 132; Wright
«. Southern Pac. Co., 14 Utah, 383; 46 Pac. Rep. 374; Fluhner ». Lake
Shore &c. Co., 121 Mich. 212; 80 N. W. Rep. 23.
6 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Bokamp, 181 111.9; 54 N. E. Rep. 567;
Pittsburg & We>t. Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 63 Ohio St. 43; 40 N. E. Rep.
725.
600 EULES GOVEENING CONDUCT OE MINEES. § 454'
a stiitute regarding props or timbers, it was held, in En-
gland, that if an employee knowingly violates a rule of the
employer, preventing the mine employees from remaining
in their working places, where there was not a sufficient
supply of timber, for props, to make such places safe, and
he was injured, as a result of the violation of such rule, he
would be guilty of such contributory negligence as would
preclude a recovery therefor. ^ As to the defense of con-
tributory negligence, in such a case, for the breach, by the
mine owners, of a statutory duty to furnish props, the
reader is referred to another chapter. ^
§ 453. Same — Rale requiring report o£ dangerous
places in mine. — Where the employer has promulgated a
rule, requiring miners, in his service, to report to a higher
authority, the condition of any dangerous places in the
roof or other portions of the mine, in order that same may
be made safe, and the miners fail to observe such rule, no
recovery will be permitted if injury result therefrom. In
a West Virginia case, where such a rule existed and the
employee had failed to report the dangerous condition of
a tunnel, as a result of which an injury resulted, the court
held that a case of contributory negligence was made out.^
§ 454.. Same — Rule regarding hoisting o£ miners. —
The act of hoisting or lowering persons into the mine is
1 Harcey v. Glasgow Iron &c. Co., 25 8c. Sess. Cas. (i Ser.; 903.
" In an aciion for the death of plaintiff's intestate, caused by the falling
of a portion of the roof of defendant's mine, printed rules of the com-
pany, posted in the mine, warning workmen against risking themselves
under bad roofs, and requiring them to ascertain whether places had
been made safe before entering them, could not operate to cast any bur-
den of Investigation or extraordinary care on deceased ; it appearing from
the evidence that he could not read." Judgment (1901), 99 111. App. 332,
affirmed. Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark, 64 N., E. Rep. 282; 197 111. 514.
2 See chapter Statutes Regarding Safety of Miners.
3 Davis V. Coal & Coke Co., 31 W. Va. 500; 12 S. B. Kep. 639.
§ 455 RULES GOVERNING CONDUCT OF MINERS. 501
such a dangerous proceeding that where the employer has
adopted rules for the safety of his workmen and they vio-
late such rules, no recovery can be had, in case of a re-
sulting injury. In an English case, such a rule was held
in force for a reasonable time after the end of each woris-
ing shift and miners who quit the pit in violation of the
rule, an hour after the contract had terminated, were held
guilty of such contributory negligence, as to preclude a
recovery for a resulting injury. i And where the employer
had promulgated a rule, requiring the testing, each day, of
the hoister rope, a violation of this rule, by a miner, has
also been held to preclude a recovery for an injury
therefrom. 2
§ 455. Rule need not be pleaded. — It is not generally
held to be necessary to specifically plead the terms of a
rule, to enable either an employee or an employer to take
advantage of the insufficiency of such rule, or the failure
to follow its provisions, as a general allegation of negligence
or contributory negligence would be held to fully cover the
charge, the rule itself being only an evidential fact going
to sustain such charge.^
1 Higham u. Wright, 37 L. T. N. S. 187; 46 L. J. M. C. 223; 10
Mor. Min. Sep. 24.
2 The violation, by a miner, of a rule on the part of the employer
requiring the testing, each day, of the rope used to let the pitmen down
into the mine, will prevent a recovery for injuries from the breaking of
the rope. Seniors. Ward, 1 El. & El. 386; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 646.
s Alcorn v. Chicago & Alton Co. (Mo.), 16 S. W. Rep. 229; Henry v.
SlonxCity Co., 66 Iowa, 62; 23 N. W, Rep. 260; Labatt Mas. & Serv.,
Sec. 365, p. 952, and cases cited.
CHAPTER XXII.
WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES.
Section 466. To what employees warning is due.
457. Same — Youthful employees.
458. What warning is sufficient.
459. Same — Warning by fellow-servant.
460. Fellow-servant's negligence combined with failure to in-
struct.
461. When danger was not anticipated — Employee's neg-
ligence.
462. Ordinary obvious dangers — No warning required.
463. Increased risks — Dangerous roof — Excavations.
464. Exceptional dangers known only to skilled employees.
465. Warning of dangerous properties of dynamite.
466. Same — Explosions, from giant powder.
467. Use of dangerous machinery.
§ 456. To what employees warning is due. — The
basis of the master's duty to warn inexperienced em-
ployees of hazards they are likely to incur in his business,
is the otherwise negligent conduct in exposing his em-
ployees to risks, about which they are not informed. The
duty, therefore, as to instruction, is based upon the igno-
rance, or lack of experience of the employee and the master's
knowledge, or means of knowledge, of such lack of infor-
mation, on his part.l The liability of the employer does
not arise from the greater or less degree of danger which
may threaten the employee, but from his negligence, in
failing to inform an employee, ignorant of such danger
thereof.^ As to all dangers of which the master has
1 Mayhew v. Sullivan Mining Co., 76 Me. 100; Bailey Mas. Liab.
Inj. Serv., p. Ill; LabattMas. & Serv., Sec. 235, p. 524; Mary Lee Coal
Co. V. Champbliss, 97 Ala. 171; 11 So. Rep. 899.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Haenni, 146 111. 614; 35 N. E. Rep. 162.
*' It is the duty of an employer to carefully warn a youthful employee of
(502)
§ 457 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 503
knowledge, either actual or presumed, and the servant is
ignorant, whether the dangers are obvious or concealed,
the master is under the duty of warning the servant, if he
had reason to believe, or the law would charge him with
notice of the servant's inexperience or lack of information,
as to such dangers. 1 As to all servants, therefore, who,
because of 'their inexperience, did not appreciate the risk of
their employment, the employer would be under the obli-
gation to warn them of the incident of risks, if he himself
had knowledge of the employee's inexperience, or the law
would charge him with such knowledge.^
§ 457. Same — Youthful employees. — The courts rec-
ognize an exception to the doctrine that an employee
assumes all obvious risks, in entering into the contract of
employment, in the case of employees who are so youthful
that from their want of age or experience, they could not,
in advance, understand the nature of the peril they were to
encounter in the service.^ No implied contract of assump-
hidden dangers Incident to the work engaged in, of which the employee
to the employer's knowledge, is ignorant." E. Patterson & Son v. Cole
(Kan. 1903), 73 Pac. Eep. 64.
1 Bannon v. Lutz, 158 Pa. St. 166; 27 Atl. Eep. 890; Ford v. Ander-
son, 139 Pa. St. 263; 21 Atl. Eep. 18; Pratt o. Prouty, 153 Mass. 334; 26
N. E. Bep. 1002.
2 Rolling Mill Co. v. Corrigan, 46 Ohio St. 283; 20 N. E. Rep. 466.
McGinnis v. Construction &c, Co., 49 Mich. 466; 13 N, W. Eep. 819.
The duty to instract a servant applies wherever the master knows or
ought to know of the peril, and the servant, because of his inexperience,
is ignorant. Con. Coal Co. v. Haenni, 146 111. 614; 86 N. E. Rep. 162;
Bannon v. Lntz, 168 Pa. St. 166; 27 Atl. Rep. 890; May v. Smith (Ga.),
18 S. E. Rep. 360. And for an injury from a failure to warn an inex-
perienced servant, master Is liable. Ft. Smith Oil Co. v. Slover, 68 Ark.
168; 24 S. W. Rep. 106'. " It was not necessary for the owners of a mine
to warn an employee of the dangers he might encounter il he wandered
off the regular path in going to his work, where they furnished him a
guide to take him to the place of work." Smith v. Thomas Iron Co,
(N. J. Sup. 1903), 54 Atl. Eep. 562.
s Tagg V. McGeorge, 155 Pa. St. 368; 26 Atl. Eep. 671 ; Jones v. Flor-
ence Mm. Co., 66 Wis. 268; 67 Am. Eep. 269; 28 N. Y. 207.
504 WARNING TO INEXPEEIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 458
tion of risk could arise ia the case of such employees, for it
would be manifestly unjust to hold that they assumed dan-
gers they knew not of. As to young and inexperienced
employees, therefore, the duty is particularly binding upon
the employer to give warning or instruction as to the perils
of the service, and for a failure to do so the master would
be liable in case of injury. ^ In a well considered case, in
Pennsylvania, the court observed: " In the case of young
persons it is the duty of the employer to take notice of
their age and ability, and to use ordinary care to protect
them from risks which they cannot properly appreciate
and to which they should not be exposed. The duty in
such case to warn and instruct grows naturally out of the
ignorance and inexperience of the employee." ^ The mere
fact of minority, however would not be sufficient to charge
an employer with liability for a failure to instruct, if the
employee, trom his experience or knowledge of the busi-
ness, would be otherwise presumed to know the dangers of
that particular service,'* or if the dangers were obvious to
one of his years and experience.*
§ 458, What warning Is sufficient. — The rule is very
generally recognized that in those cases, where any warning
' Ft. Smith Oil Co. v. Stover, 58 Ark. 168; 24 S. W. Eep. 106.
2 Rummell v. Dillworth & Co., 131 Pa. St. 509; 19 Atl. Rep. 345;
Rummel v. Dlllworth, 111 Pa. St. 343; 2 Atl. Eep. 355; Tagg v. Mc-
George, 155 Pa. St. 368; 26 Atl. Rep. 671.
8 Bartonshill Coal Co. v. McGulre, 3 Macq. H. L. C. 311; Brazil
Block Coal Co. v. Young, 117 Ind. 520; 20 N. E. Rep. 423; Smith v.
Irwin, 51 N. J. L. 507 ; 18 Atl. Rep. 852. The mere fact of an employee's
minority is not flufiacient to charge the master with the duty of instruct-
ing him, as to a duty he would otherwise expect him to know. Alabama
Co. ■». Marcus, 115 Ala. 389; 22 So. Rep. 135; DeGrafe v. Railway Co.,
76 N. Y. 132. But, regardless of his age, if an employer has reason to
believe him ignorant or inexperienced in the dangers of his service he is
liable in damages for not informing him. Anderson v. Daly Min. Co.,
16 Utah, 22; 49 Pac. Rep. 126; Pantzar v. Iron Co., 99 N. Y. 368; Spicer
V. Iron Co., 138 Mass. 426.
'- Dougherty v. Iron. Co., 88 Wis. 343; 60 N. W. Rep. 294.
§ 458 WARNING TO INEXPEEIENCED EMPLOYEES. 505
or instruction at all is required, it is not sufficient to
merely advise the inexperienced employee that a given serv-
ice is attendant with risk or danger, but the employee
must be so fully advised, or instructed, that, as a matter of
fact, he will understand and appreciate the danger and be
enabled, if he heeds the instructions, to avoid it.^ It is
not enough to merely advise an employee of the poisonous
properties of the materials he is required to work with, but
he should be informed of the effects of such a poison and
the means of avoiding it.^ An inexperienced employee at
work under a gravel bank likely to fall, has been held in-
sufficiently warned by being told to " keep two eyes on the
bank and one on the foreman ; " ^ neither are the vicious
propensities of a horse conveyed by a statement that he is
" high lived." * In a Michigan case, an employee was en-
gaged to handle molten metal in the neighborhood of
water. It was held necessary to instruct him, not only
how to handle it in such a manner as to avoid an explosion,
but to inform him of the danger of an explosion, unless the
instructions were observed. ^ An instruction placing an ad-
1 Brazil Block Coal Co. v Young, 117 Ind. 620; 20 N. E. Kep. 423;
South u, Irving, 61 N. J. L. 607; 18 Atl. Rep. 852; Chicago Pressed
Brick Co. ■» Eeinneger, 140 111. 334; 29 N. E. Rep. 1106; Fox v. Pen-
insular White Lead Works, 84 Mich. 676; 48 N. W. Rep. 203; Mc-
Dougal ». Ashland Sulphite Co., 97 Wis. 382; 73 N. W. Rep. 327^2
Thomp. Neg. Sec, 977; Wharton Neg., Sec. 216; Labatt Mas. & Serv.,
Sec. 253, p. 571.
2 Fox V. Peninsular White Lead Works, 84 Mich. 676; 48 N. W.
Rep. 203,
3 Ally V. Hill, 106 La. 170; 30 So. Rep. 254. In the opinion of the
author this case was wrongly decided, as no warning ought to be re-
quired as to such an obvious danger as the falling of a bank of earth or
gravel, due to putting in operation a familiar natural law. See chap-
ter, Bisks Assumed by Miners.
* Wilson V. Sioux Consolidated Mining Co., 16 Utah, 392; 52 Pac.
Rep. 626. .
» Rlbick V. Lake Superior Smelting Co., 123 Mich. 401; 82 N. W. Rep.
279; 48 L. R. J. 649.
506 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 459
ditional burden upon the employer of also advising the em-
ployee of the " nature, force and probable effects of such
an explosion," was held to place too great an onus upon
him. A general warning would be sufficient, however, in
any case where the danger was of such a nature as to be
comprehended by such a warning. ^ All employees of ordi-
nary intelligence are bound to observe the obvious dangers
by which they are surrounded, and to govern themselves
accordingly ; and where the danger is one readily discern-
ible, when one's attention is called to it, a general notice
of such fact is sufficient.^
§459. Same — Warning by fellow-servant. — Where
a warning is required from the master he cannot avoid
liability by proof that he had selected a competent joerson
to give the warning, for unless it was actually given, the
injury could not have been avoided.^ But where actual
knowledge of the danger which caused the injury was
acquired by the servant, prior to such injury, the means
whereby he acquired such knowledge would be immaterial
and a warning conveyed to an employee by a fellow-serv-
vant, will take the place of a direct warning from the
employer.*
1 Smith V. Winona &c. Co., 48 Minn. 87; 43 N. W. Rep. 968; Pratt v.
Prouty, 153 Mass. 333; 26 N. E. Rep. 1002. And tlie duty of warning
only applies as to perils reasonably to be apprehended. Benfleld i>.
Vacuum Oil Co., 75 Hun, 209; 27 N. Y. Supp. 16.
2 Watson V. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 62 Mo. App. 366; Aldrich v.
Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559; Allen v. Jakel, 116 Mich. 484; 73 N. W.
Rep. 555.
3 "Where, In the discharge of the master's duty, a warning Is neces-
sary to be given to an employee. It is not enough that the master has
provided a competent person to give the warning, but the warning must
be actually given." Coffeyville Vitrified Brick & Tile Co. v. Shanks
(Kansas, 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 856.
< Warning from a fellow -servant will take the place of direct warning
from the mine owner. Alabama Collinsville Coal Co. v. Pitts, 98 Ala.
285; 13 So. Rep. 135.
§ 461 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 507
§ 460. Fellow-servant's negligence combined witb
failure to instruct. — Since a master is not relieved from
the effects of his own negligence, simply because the neg-
ligence of a fellow-servant concurred to produce the injury
complained of, an injury due to a failure to instruct an em-
ployee as to dangers in the service which he did not appre-
ciate, will render the employer liable, although the negli-
gence of a fellow-servant with the injured employee com-
bined with that of the master to produce the injury.! << Jt
is only when he has been properly instructed and knows
the dangers of his employment, that he stands upon the
same footing as any other employee and can not recover
for an injury caused by a fellow-servant." ^ Where the in-
jury could not have occurred but for the negligence of a
fellow-servant, however, and it was not reasonably to have
been anticipated by the employer, it is held, in New York,
that the master is not liable for a failure to instruct.^
§ 461. When danger was not anticipated — Employee's
negligence. — Where a given danger was not such a one
as to have been anticipated by the employer, then he can
not be charged with negligence for failing to give warning
of such a peril.* The master also has a right to assume
that his employees will do their duty and will not be neg-
ligent and no duty of instruction can be predicated as to
probable dangers, arising from employee's negligence,^
1 Jones V. Florence Mining Company. 66 Wis. 283 ; 28 N. W. Rep. 207;
Hunt B. Desloge Con. Lead Co. (Mo. App. 1904), 79 S. W. Eep. 710.
2 Bailey's Mas, Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 126.
s Simpson ^;. Gerken, 19 App. Div. 68; 45 N. Y. Supp. 1100.
4 Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sees. 236, 237.
5 The master had a right to assume that his employees, being com-
petent, would not be negligent, and it was not his duty on employing
plaintiff to inform him ol possible orprobable dangers in case they were
negligent. Klos v. Hudson Biver Ore & Iron Co. (N. Y. Sup. 1902), 72
N. Y. S. 156.
508 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 462
nor can such instruction be held necessary in a case where
it was not customary to give instruction.^ But where a
master knows of his servant's inexperience and want of
information about a given peril, he cannot avoid the con-
sequence of a failure, on his part, to give such servant a
timely warning of the peril, by the fact that the servant did
not use the same degree of skill to avoid injury, as the
more experienced servants used, for the absence of such
skill was the very fact which made the instruction, or warn-
ing, necessary.^
§ 462. Ordinary obvious dangers — No warning re-
quired. — The duty of instructions, or warning, only
exists as to such unusual dangers as the master, in the
exercise of due care, should have foreseen that his em-
ployees, or a given employee, would not understand and
appreciate. As to the ordinary dangers, or risks, of the
service, therefore, no notice or instruction is required to a
skilled employee.^ And where the employee has acquired
a knowledge of the danger, as well as the employer, no
notice is required, for this would be a mere useless pro-
1 Where it is not customary to give warning in a given case, then
no negligence can be predicated upon a failure to give. Lehigh Co. v.
Hayes, 128 Pa. St. 294; 18 Atl. Rep. 307; 24 M. M. C. 659; S. W. Va.
Co. V. Anderson, 9 S. E. Rep. 1015; 13 Va. L. J. 634; Reinder ». Coal Co.
(Ky.), 13 S. W. Rep. 719. Warning of the danger of the raising of a
coal chute, by the starting of machinery, is not necessary, as an injury
from such a cause is not likely. Porter v. Silver Cr. & M. Coal Co., 84
Wis. 34; 54 N. W. Rep. 1019. But as to liability of injury from tailing
coal, over sides of chute, see Crown Coal Co. v. Hides, 43 111. App.
310.
2 Anderson v. Daly Mining Co., 15 Utih, 22; 49 Pac. Eep. 126.
" Where a servant who has been employed in a branch of the master's
business where there is but little danger is assigned to work in a haz-
ardous branch, it is the d.uty of the master to give proper instructions
and warning as to the character of his new employment." Giordano v.
Brandywine Granite Co. (Del. 190n, 52 Atl. Rep. 332.
8 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Schneller, 42 111. App. 619.
§ 463 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 509
. Pennsylvania
Asphalt &c. Co., 198 Pa. St. 348; 47 Atl. Rep. 1128; Han. v. Detroit
■ Copper &c. Co., 66 Mich. 297; 33 N. W. Rep. 395; Lemoine v. Aldrich,
177 Mass. 89; 58 N. E. Rep. 178.
6 Bank v. Effingham, 63 111. App. 223; Maryland Coal Co. v. Champ-
bliss, 97 Ala. 171; 11 So. Rep. 897; Brennan v. Gordon, 118 N. Y. 489;
23 N. E. Rep. 810; 8 L. R. A. 818.
510 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 463
it more dangerous. ^ A day crew again, were held not to
assume the risk of a changed condition in the face of the
coal they were engaged in mining,^ and a miner engaged
in sinking a shaft who had no notice of a dangerous fissure
in the side of the shaft, was held entitled to a warning of
such a peril, by his employer.^ Where the fissure or crev-
ice in a bank of earth is open to plain observation, however,
an employee is bound to take notice thereof and for aa
injury from such a cause, although he was ignorant there-
of, if he had the same means of information as his em-
ployer and failed to avail himself of such means, he is held
not entitled to instruction, but assumes the risk of such
obvious defects.*
1 Iroquois Furnace Co. v. McCrea, 91 111. App. 337.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Gruber, 188 111. 584; 57 N. E. Rep. 254.
Eemoving pillars so as to cause roof to f^ill, is negligence .unless proper
warning is given. Cunningham v. M. P. Co., 4 Utah, 206 ; 7 Pao. Rep. 795.
"Where the operation of a shale pit from thirty to thirty-flye feet deep,
with steep walls, requires massive fragments of shale, loosened by
blasting, to be thrown down at irregular intervals from the top of the
pit upon the place at the foot of the wall where men are required to
work, and whose duties prevent them from properly protecting them-
selves against injury from the falling shale, it is the master's du'y to
make efficient and permanent provision for warning signals to be given
in time for such employees to avoid injury." Coffeyville Vitrified Brick
&Tile Co. V. Shanks (Kan. 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 856.
3 Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal, 30 Wis. 674, a leading case.
^ Aldrich v. Furnace Co., 78 Mo. 559. An experienced miner who
steps into a shaft without looking for a descending cage, assumes the risk
of injury therefrom, and is entitled to no warning. McDonald ». Rock-
hill Iron Co. (Pa.), 19 Atl. Rep. 797; Rlcbert u. Stephens, 133 Pa. 538;
19 Atl. Rep. 410. In Coffeyville Vitrified Brick & Tile Co. v. Shanks
(Kan. 1904), 76 Pac. Rep. 856, the plaintiff was employed in a shale pit.
The pit boss told the men under him to pay attention to their work and
he would always inform them when the shale was to be thrown down.
A huge block of 1,600 pounds fell without his warning and crushed the
plaintiff. A judgment for the plaintiff was affirmed. " The pit boss
undertook to perform the function of the vigilant eye and ear and the ,
cautious judgmentfor his men. They were not f ellow-sepvants because
the master was bound to give a warning, and the grade of the co-serv-
ants is immaterial in such a case." 16 Am. Neg. Rep. 154.
§ 464 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 511
§ 464. Exceptional dangers, known only to skilled
employees. — la the business of mining, in all of its dif-
ferent departments, there are more or less risks attendant
upon the duties of the business, which are known only to
the skilled employees, and as to dangers not known to em-
ployees of only ordinary intelligence or experience, the
duty, rests upon the employer to warn his employees who
are ignorant of such danarers. Illustrative of this doctrine
is the leading case of McGowan v. LaPlata Mining and
Smelting Company, where the injury complained of resulted
from an explosion, caused by pouring hot slag into water,
that was near the furnace, in the defendant's smelting
works. The negligence charged was the defendant's failure
to inform the employee of the explosive power of the
hot slag, on coming in contact with water. The court,
upon this feature of the case, very pertinently remarked :
" The explosive power of hot slag, when cast into water, is
not within the intelligence of ordinary men. It is doubt-
ful whether many people of education know the force and
violence of such an explosive. It is not so much a question
whether the injured party has knowledge of all the facts of
his situation, but whether he is aware of the danger that
threatens him. What avails it to him that all the facts
are known, if he cannot make the deduction that peril
arises from the relation of the facts? The peril may be a
fact, in itself, of which he should be informed." i A sim-
ilar holding was recently announced, in Missouri, by the
St. Louis Court of Appeals, where the^danger arising from a
steam explosion caused by throwing water upon hot ashes,
was held to be such an exceptional risk and not so generally
understood by ordinary employees, as to require instruc-
1 McGowan v. La Plata Mining & Smelting Co., 3 McCrary, 393; 9 Fed.
Eep. 861 ; Consolidated Coal Co. v. Wambacher, 134 111. 57 ; 24 N. E. Eep.
627.
512 WAENING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 464
tion.l It is likewise held in Michigan, that an employer is
under the legal duty to advise his employees of the poisonous
character of articles they are required to handle and of
the danger of coming in contact with, or inhaling the
fumes from, such substances,^ and the Missouri Court of
Appeals at Kansas City, has held that the employer is
bound to keep pace with scientific discoveries and progres-
sions of his business to ascertain the dangerous features
thereof and for a failure to warn an employee that disease
or injury may be contracted or effected from certain con-
ditions of which ordinary men are not advised, such em-
ployer would be liable, in damage, in case of a resulting
injury .^ But this rule of liability as to the exceptional
dangers covering injuries to employees of little or no expe-
rience in the business does not apply as to skilled em-
ployees familiar with the exceptional risks of the service,
for as to such employees it is very generally held, the mas-
ter owes them no duty of instruction.*
1 Huatu. Desloge Lead Co. (Mo. App, 1904), 79 S. W. Eep. 710;
Downing v. Allen, 6 Mo. App. 195.
2 Foxu. Peninsular White Lead Works, 84 Mich. 676; 48 N. W. Rep.
209. See, for danger from molten pot of copper coming in contact
with water, Ridick v. Lake Superior Smelt. Co., 82 N. W. Rep. 279; 48
L. R. A. 649.
3 Danger of infectious disease from bacteria. Hysell v. Swift, 78
Mo. App. 39.
* In Missouri as to a skilled employee in chemicals, the master owes
no duty of instruction, but he is held to assume the risk of an explosion
from a given compound. Hill v. Meyer Bros., 149 Mo. 433; 41 S. W.
Rep. 909. No notice is necessary of the ordinary dangers of a particular
service to a skilled employee. Coal Co. v. Schneller, 42 111. App. 619.
Master was held liable for the death of an inexperienced employee in
obeying an order to pour water on hot ashes, as a result of which he
was scalded to death, in Missouri, in Hunt v. Desloge Con. Lead Co.,
104 Mo. App. 377; 79 S. W. Rep. 710. "Where extraordinary risks
may be encountered, known to the master or which should be known by
him, the servant should be warned of their character and extent so far
as possible." Illinois Steel Co. v. Ryska, 103 111. App. 347; judgment
affirmed, 65 N. E. Rep, 734.
§ 46*1 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 513
§ 465. Warning of dangerous properties of dyna-
mite. — An employer is under no duty to warn an
experienced employee of the dangerous properties of
dynamite, for he has a right to presume that he is familiar
with the dangers of a substance he is engaged, as a skilled
miner, to handle. ^ But if the employee, engaged to work
with dangerous explosives, is ignorant of the dangerous
properties of such substance and the employer is aware of
his ignorance or inexperience and fails to warn him of such
dangers, he will be liable, in case of injury to such in-
experienced employee, for a failure to give such warning.^
§ 466. Same — Giant powder explosions. — The United
States Supreme Court has recently considered the duty of
the employer as to instruction of uninformed employees
in regard to danger from powder explosions, and it was
held that the danger from an explosion, caused by the
jarring of machinery, or the overheating of a room, is one
that the employer is bound to know and is not within the
knowledge of an ordinary machinist, unless he has been
specially instructed.^ The employer has also been held
under the duty of giving timely warning to employees of
blasts about to be discharged,* and to disclose to miners
1 Livengood v. Jopliu Lead & Ziac Min. Co., 77 S. W. Eep. 1077.
2 An employer's ignorance of the dangerous qualities of a iiigii grade
explosive is no excuse for not advising an employee of its qualities, if lie
Is inexperienced. Bertha Zinc Mining Co. v. Martin, 93 Va. 791;
22 S. E. Eep. 869. The master should advise an Inexperienced servant
that a jar or blow will explode dynamite, and one injured, when not so
advised, does not assume the risk. Grimaldi «. Lane, 177 Mass. 566; 59
N. E. Eep. 451.
s Mather u. Rillston, 156 U. S. 391; 39 L. C. P. Ed. 464; 15 Sup. Ct.
Eep. 464.
* " Where an employer furnishes a servant, assisting in making an
excavation, with a tent for sleeping at a place made dangerous by the
discharging of blasts, he owes such servant the duty of giving him
timely warning to enable him to avoid the danger." Orman v. Salvo
(U. S. C. C. A., Col. 1S02), 117 Fed. Eep. 233.
33
514 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 466
not advised thereof, the fact of a missed shot, or unex-
ploded blast, so that care could be observed to prevent an
explosion therefrom. i But the employer is under no duty
of advising a skilled employee of the danger of tamping
dynamite with an iron bar, for this is a risk that is incident
to the business and that every skilled miner understands.^
Nor would an employer be negligent in failing to instruct a
miner of four or five years experience as to the proper way
to handle powder, in charging drill holes, for he would have
a right to rely on his experience to prompt him to handle
it in an approved, careful manner.^ An employee, how-
ever, who has been accustomed to use powder of a certain
grade of nitroglycerine, is entitled to a warning, or
notice, in case of a change or substitution of a higher
grade explosive, and for a failure to give such warning,
in case of the substitution of a more dangerous ex-
plosive, and a resulting injury, the employer would be
liable.*
1 It is the duty of a retiring shift boss to disclose to the oncoming
shift a missed shot in the mine. Shannon v. Con. Poorman Co., 24
Wash. Ii9; 64Pac.Rep. 169.
2 The master is not bound to disclose to an experienced miner the
danger of tamping a drill hole of dynamite, with an iron bar. King v.
Morgen, 109 Fed. Rep. 446; Kahn v. McNulta, 147 U. S. 238; 37 L. Ed.
150; Peterson u. Coke Co., 149 Ind. 260; 49 N. E. Rep. 8.
3 " Where a miner, who had been employed four or five years in drill-
ing holes for blasting with dynamite, had worked at some fifty different
mines, and for periods varying from a day to a week, at putting charges
of dynamite into the holes and exploding them, becoming thereby familiar
with the details of this work, and knowing the nature and properties of
dynamite, his employer was guilty of no negligence in putting him to
work regularly at charging the holes, without warning him of the danger
involved." Northern Alabama Coal, Iron & R. Co. v. Beacham (Ala.
1904), 37 So. Rep. 237.
< " A miner, employed in blasting with powder of a certain explosive
quality, does not assume the risk incident to a substitution, without
notice to him, of a powder of higher explosive power and more danger-
ous character; he having a right to rely on the master's performance of
§ 467 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. 515
§ 467. Use of dangerous machinery. — One of the
most frequent causesof injury to ignorant and inexperienced
employees arises from the use of dangerous and compli-
cated machinery. With reference to the master's duty to
instruct youthful employees, in the use of machinery, the
Pennsylvania court has laid down the following rule :
" When young persons, without experience, are employed
to work with dangerous machines, it is the duty of the
employer to give suitable instructions as to the manner of
using them and warning, as to the hazard of carelessness
in their use. If the employer neglects this duty, or if he
gives improper instructions, he is responsible for the
injury resulting from his neglect of duty."i But
where an employee, although a minor, is of ordi-
nary intelligence, he cannot found a right of action
upon the master's failure to warn him of the danger
from the use of a given machine, if the dangers
therefrom are obvious and could not have been made
plainer to him, by instructions.^ This rule is very gen-
erally applied to such apparent dangers as the con-
tact of the hand or clothes in cog-wheels or revolving
the duty of notification." Chambers v. Chester (Mo. 1903), 72 S. W.
Kep. 904. Where an employer refers a workman to another employee, of
large experience, as to the best method to pursue to thaw out dynamite
and the instructions are followed and an explosion results, the master is
not liable for injury caused thereby. Welch v. Grace, 167 Mass. 590; 46
N. E. Rep. 387.
1 Tagg». McGeorge, 155 Pa. St. 368; 26 Atl. Rep. 671. See, also,
Taylor v. Wooton, 1 lud. App.188; 27 N. E. Rep. 502; Wynneu. Conklin,
86 Ga. 40; 12 S. E. Rep. 183. " A young and inexperienced person, em-
ployed, to operate a dangerous machine, should be instructed as to the
manner in which the service may be safely performed, and the risk
incident to it, and how it may be avoided, and admonished against the
dangers of carelessness." Welch v. Butz (Pa. 1902), 61 Atl. Rep. 591 ;
202 Pa. 69.
" Coullard v. Tecumseh Mills, 151 Mass. 85; 23 N. E. Rep. 731.
516 WARNING TO INEXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES. § 467
cylinders, and, notwithstanding the youth of the employee,
such dangers are generally held to be assumed. ^
1 "Failure of the master to warn a servant as to the dangerous nature
of a part of a machine was not negligence, where the servant knew of that
part of the machine and the manner in which it operated." McManus v.
Davltt, 88 N. Y. S. 55; 94 App. Div. 481 ; Demers ». Marshall, 178 Mass. 9;
59N. B.Rep.454. See,also,Caniacku.MerchaQts&c.Co.,146 Mass. 182; 15
N. E. Rep. 579 ; Crowley v. Pacific Mills, 148 Mass. 228 ; 19 N. E. Kep. 344 ;
Gilbert «. Guild, 144 Mass. 601; 13 N, E. Rep. 368; Wilson v. Cotton
Mills, 169 Mass. 67; 47 N. B. Rep. 506; Cunningham u. Bath Iron Works,
92 Me. 501; 43 Atl. Rep. 106; Inglenmon v. Moore, 90 Gal. 410; 27 Pac.
Rep. 306.
CHAPTEE XXIII.
INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT.
Section 468. The duty, independent of statute.
469. Necessity for inspection must appear.
470. Purchased and manufactured appliances.
471. Ordinary common tools — No duty to inspect.
472. As to latent defects in appliances.
473. Koof of drift should be inspected.
474. Inspection of scaffolds and derricks.
475. Powder and similar explosives.
476. Ropes and cables should be inspected.
477. Inspection of boilers.
§ 468. The duty, independently of statute. — No refer-
ence, in this chapter, will be made to the duty of inspec-
tion, under the various mining statutes of the United
States, as construed in the numerous decisions thereunder,
as such statutes and their constructions are treated of else-
where in this work.l The inspections treated of in the
present connection are those required by the rules of the
common law, on the part of the employer, either in regard
to the place of work, or the purchase or manufacture of a
given appliance, or its use, subsequent thereto, in order to
protect the employee against the risk of unexpected dan-
gers, resulting from the use of such appliance, or the place
of work.2 The duty of inspection is a correlative duty to
that existing upon the part of the employer to furnish rea-
sonably safe machinery and appliances, and arises from the
necessity that such should be kept reasonably safe. The
only way in which this can be done is for the employer to
' See chapter Statutes Begarding Safety of Miners.
' Labatt Mas. and Serv., Sec. 152, 165; Bailey Mas, Liab. Inj. Ser., pp.
98, 108.
(517)
518 ' INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. § 469
make reasonable and proper tests and examinations of the
appliances in use by his employees, hence, the duty to make
such examinations, or inspections, a breach of which, con-
nected with a resulting injury to an employee, will render
the employer liable in damages.^ The reasonable protec-
tion of the employee, which is the basis of the duty of in-
spection, will not permit the employer, having furnished
a reasonably safe place or appliances, to remain passive.
" The duty of inspection is affirmative and must be con-
tinuously fulfilled and positively performed." ^
§ 469. Necessity of inspection must appear. — Those
appliances in use that are attendant with the most dan-
ger require the most frequent inspection, as do those that
are subjected to unusual strain or wear, as such are most
liable to cause injuries. But before an employer can be
held negligent in failing to inspect a given appliance
the necessity for an inspection must usually be made to
appear; it must have been customary to make such inspec-
tion, or the appliance must be one that the employer, in
the exercise of ordinary care, on his part, would or should
have seen the necessity to inspect.^ But in the use of
dangerous appliances reasonable and proper care would
require frequent and careful inspection, to prevent injuries
to employees, and where the appliance is such as to re-
quire it, this duty must be constantly performed and for
an injury from a breach of such duty, the employer is
liable.*
1 Conkey t!. Belleville stone Co., 59 N. J. L. 226; 36 Atl. Rep. 473;
Armour v. Brazeon, 191 111. 117; 30 N. B. Eep. 904.
2 Braun ». Chicago &c., Co., 63 Iowa, 595; 6 N. W. Rep. 5; 36 Amer.
Kep. 243.
* Morgen v. Hudson River Ore & Iron Co., 133 N. Y. 666; 31 N. E.
Rep. 234.
4 Northern Pac. Co. v. Herbert, 116 U. S. 652; 6 Sap. Ct. Rep. 570;
Brown V. Chicago &c. Co., 53 Iowa, 595; 6 N. W. Eep. 5.
§ 470 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. 519
§ 470. Purchased and mannfactared appliances. — As
regards the liability of the mine owner for injuries from a
failure to inspect appliances, there is a well-recognized
distinction between appliances that are manufactured by
the employer himself, and those purchased by him from
some reputable dealer or manufacturer.^ As to appliances
or instrumentalities manufactured by the employer, he is
held liable for injuries from any defects that he discovered,
or ought to have discovered, by the exercise of ordinary
care, on his part,''' and unless there was negligence in the
construction of an appliance he himself manufactured,
the mere fact of proper inspections, after it was put into
use, would not release the employer of liability.^ But if
the employer is not, himself, the manufacturer of his appli-
ances, but has acquired the same, by purchase, from some
reputable manufacturer, or contractor, in the absence of
circumstances that would put a reasonably prudent person
upon inquiry, no liability could, ordinarily, be predicated
against the employer, on account of defects in the appli-
ance so purchased.* In purchases of appliances, the em-
ployer has a right, without inspection, to presume that
proper tests have been made,-'' but as to those which he him-
self made he must perform the duty that he had the right
to expect others to perform, in the case of a purchase. ^
1 Daly V. Lee, 67 N. Y. Sapp. 293; 39 App. Div. 188.
2 Tennessee Coal, Iron &c. v. Currier, 108 Fed. Rep. 19; 47 Ct. Cd.
App. 161.
3 Crown Coal Co. v. Hills, 43 111. App. 310.
< Cooley Torts, p. 557; Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv., p. 95; Ardesco
Oil Co«. Gilson, 63 Pa. St. 150; Boswell». Laird, 8 Cal. 469; Bich-
mond &c. Co. ». Elliott, 149 U. S. 266; 13 Sup. Ct. Eep. 887; Shea v.
Wellington, 163 Mass. 364 ; 40 N. B. Rep. 173.
6 Richmond &c. Co. v. Elliott, 149 U. S. 266.
6 Crown Coal Co. v. Hills, 43 111. App. 310. The employer owes the
employee no duty to inspect exploders. Shea o. Wellington, 163 Mass.
364; 40 N. E. Rep. 173. But see, as to boilers, Johnson v. Boston &c.
Min. Co. (Mont.;, 40 Pac. Rep. 298.
520 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. § 472
471. Ordinary common tools — No duty to in-
spect. — In the use of ordinary small tools, such as picks
and shovels, drills and the usual small tools used around a
mine, there is no duty on the part of the employer to in-
spect, but he has a right to expect those of his employees
who are using such tools to report any needed repairs or
the existence of any defects. i The employee, as to the
common tools of every-day use, is supposed to know as
much about them as the employer and the courts recognize
this fact and permit the employer to rely upon the discretion
and knowledge of the employee, as to the fitness of such
tools for service, and for an error of judgment about such
matters, the employee, and not the employer, is held to be
to blame. ^
§ 472. As to latent defects in appliances. — Where an
injury results from a defect in an appliance, before a
failure to inspect will furnish a basis of recovery, it must
appear that the defect was one which an ordinarily
careful inspection would have disclosed, for if the
defect was one which could not have been discovered
by the exercise of ordinary diligence, a failure to
make such a discovery could not be considered negligence.^
But if the defect is one that was open to visual observa-
tion,* the employer must observe it and cannot " shut his
eyes" to his obligation to maintain a reasonably safe
place.® The mere fact that the employer had failed to
discover the defect will not, of itself, relieve the emploj^er,
but to excuse him on the ground of a latent defect it must
1 Miller v. Erie Co., 47 N. Y. Supp. 285; 21 App. Div. 45.
s Wachsmath v. Shaw &c. Co., 118 Mich. 275; 76 N. W. Rep. 497;
Labatt Mas. & Serv., Sec. 154, p. 331.
8 Quintona v. Consolidated K. C. Smelting & Ref. Co., 14 Tex. Civ.
App. 347; 37 S. W. Rep. 369.
* Ersliine v. China Valley Co., 71 Fed. Rep. 270.
' Burns v. K. C. F. S. & M. Co., 129 Mo. 41; 31 S. W. Rep. 347.
§ 473 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. 521
be shown that proper and competent inspections were
made and no defect would be considered a latent defect
which would have been disclosed by a reasonably careful
inspection.^ And a failure to inspect at all is generally
sufficient to predicate an action upon, in case of a resulting
injury from a defective appliance, ^
§ 473. Boof o£ drift should be Inspected. — Under the
mine employer's duty to provide a reasonably safe place for
his employees to work, the employer is held bound to in-
spect the roof of his mine and drifts, at proper intervals,
to prevent loose rock or dirt from injuring the men work-
ing under the roof .^ On account of the effect of blasting
upon the props and timbers in mines, where the ground is
timbering ground, there is a greater necessity for inspec-
tions than would otherwise exist, and to prevent the dis-
placement of the timbers, the owner is required to adopt
more frequent inspections.* The fact that the character of
the formation of the roof is such that the rock is apt to
disintegrate and fall at unexpected intervals, will not ex-
cuse the duty of inspection, 'but this fact only accentuates
the necessity for inspections and the adoption of proper
precautions to protect the miners against such unexpected
1 Flanigen v. Guggenheim Smelting Co., 63 N. J. L. 647; 44 Atl. Rep.
762; Watts U.Hart, 7 Wasli. 178; 34 Pac. Rep. 423; McMillan Marble
Co. V. Black, 89 Tenn. 118; 14 S. W. Rep. 479; Ctiune v. Restine,94 Fed.
Rep. 745; 36 C. C. A. 450; Spicer v. South Boston Iron Co., 138 Mass.
426.
2 International & G. N. Co. v. Elkins (Texasl, 53 S, W. Rep. 931;
Weiden v. Brush Electric Co., 43 Mich. 268; 41 N. W. Rep. 269.
3 If the owner has failed to examine the roof of his mine, in construct-
ing a gangway, the case is properly submitted to the jury, where there is
an injury from loose coal from the roof. Vanesse v. Catsberg Coal Co.,
159 Pa. 403 ; 28 Atl. Rep. 200. " Notice of defective conditions to a mine
manager and to a mine examiner, or to either of tbem, is notice to a mine
owner." Kiverton Coal Co. v. Shepherd, 111 111. App. 294.
* Eddy V. Aurora Iron Min. Co., 81 Mich. 548; 46 N. W. Rep. 17.
522 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. § 474
occurrences. 1 The employer has beea held excusable where
the inspector had tried and was unable to dislodge the mass
of rock that subsequently fell, by prying upon it with a
pick.^ No negligence is properly predicated upon an unsuc-
cessful effort, after a blast, to pry do.wn a bowlder, with an
iron bar,^ or where a derrick was used to attempt to dis-
lodge the loose or dangerous looking rock,* for such efforts
would bear evidence of reasonable and proper care upon
the employer's part. And as the basis of the liability is
the absence of such care, if careful inspections have been
made, there is, generally, no liability upon the part of the
employer. 5
§ 474. Inspection of scaffolds and derricks. — In the
construction of scaffolds and derricks, the employer is
generally responsible for injuries from inherent defects
in the material or construction, whenever the defect was
one that was discernible by a proper inspection. Where
the evidence shows that the material for a scaffold or der-
rick was rotten or defective, the question should generally
be submitted to the jury, whether the condition ought to
have been known to the master, had he properly performed
his duty of inspection. ^ If the defect in the scaffold or
derrick existed at the time it was constructed, the maker
is generally held to be negligent in not having discovered
such defect and taken the proper precaution to prevent
1 Pantzor». Tilly Foster Iron Min. Co., 99 N.Y. 368; 2N.E.Rep. 24.
2 Finalyson v. Utica Min. & Mill. Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 519; 14 C. C. A. 492,
opinion by Caldwell, J. (dissenting).
- Bennett v. Titanic Iron Co., 9 Utah, 291 ; 34 Pac. Rep. 61.
4 Coposo V. Woolf oik, 163 N. Y. 472 ; 57 N. E. Rep. 760.
5 If a proper inspection was made ttie day of the accident, this is con-
clusive evidence of proper and reasonable care. Southwest Virginia Imp.
Co. V. Andrews, 86 Va. 270; 9 S. E. Rep. 1015.
« Roberts v. Smith, 2 Hurlst. & N. 213; 23 L. J. Exch. (N. s.) 819;
Yaw V. Whitmore, 46 App. Div. 422; 21 N. Y. Sup. 781.
§ 475 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. 523
injury therefrom ; ^ but if the defect arose at a period sub-
sequent to the construction of the derrick or scaffold, the
employer would not be liable for an injury caused thereby,
unless he had notice of the defect, or had failed to properly
inspect the appliance and obtain such notice. ^ Where the
appliance is likely to be subjected to great strains, from
blasts or other causes, more frequent inspection ought to
be made than where such causes do not exist,^ and gene-
rally the employer is liable for injury resulting from a fail-
ure to inspect, whenever under the circumstances, in the
exercise of due care on his part, an inspection should have
been made.* But where the defect in the scaffold or der-
rick is not open to a visual and proper inspection, but con-
sists in some latent defect, of which the employer was
without notice, he would not generally be held responsible
for an injury from such a cause, for, in such case, he
would not be negligent in not discovering that which he
could not find out, by the exercise of due care upon his
part .5
§ 475. Powder,and similar explosives. — On account of
the dangerous nature of giant powder, an employer is bound
to adopt such reasonable precautions as will minimize the
danger from the explosive character of such material, to
his employees, and to keep such material in a reasonably
1 McBeath v. Rawle, 93 111. App. 212.
2 Chicago &c. Co. «. Maroney, 170 111. 620; 48 N. E. Rep. 953, affirm-
ing 67 App. 618.
3 Eddy V. Aurora Iron Min. Co. 81 Mich. 548; 46 N. W. Rep. 17.
4 Welsh V. Cornell, 49 App. Dlv. 203; 63 N. Y. Supp. 44; Dyer v.
Pittsburg Co., 198 Pa. St. 182; 47 Atl. Eep. 979; Houston o. Brush, 66
Vt. 331; 29 Atl. Eep. 380.
6 Evidence that a scafEold, before an injury, had a depression so
slight that It had escaped the notice of those who had carefully exam-
ined it, is not sufficient to charge the employer with negligence in not
discovering it. Kaare i). Troy Steel and Iron Co., 139 N. T. 369; 34 N. E.
Bep. 901.
524 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. § 476
safe condition, proper inspection should be made, where
it is stored in large quantities, or is subject to conditions
likely to produce an explosion. i It has been held, in Mis-
souri, however, that a mine employer is not bound to in-
spect blasts for unexploded shots and to inform employees
thereof, as this is a risk incidental to the business and one
assumed by all experienced miners.^ And in Massachu-
setts, it has been held that a quarry owner owes no duty
to his employees to inspect exploders, purchased from
reputable manufacturers, as none but an expert could
properly inspect such articles, and it would be unreason-
able to require inspections of such things by those who
knew nothing about them.''
§ 476. Ropes and cables slionld be subjected to in-
spection. — In a Pennsylvania case,^ the duty of an em-
ployer with reference to the inspection of ropes and cables
used in his service, which are subjected to more or less fric-
tion, was discussed and the court used the following lan-
guage : "The master is bound to know that a rope, under
such circumstances, will last only a limited time. It will
not do for him to fui-nish a sound rope and then fold his
arms until, by actual breaking, it is demonstrated to be in-
secure. It will not do to say that the servant is bound to
know this, as well as the master, and to warn him that
after such a time he ought to secure a new rope. Is the
servant bound to notify the master of that which he knows,
or ought to know, himself, without such information? He
knows how long the rope has been in use ; the servant may
not know." This rule should be applied, particularly as
1 Spelmano. Eisler Iroa Co., 56 Barb. 151; Mather v. Killston, 156
U. S. 762. See chapter Injuries from Powder Explosions.
2 Livengood v. Joplin Min. & Smelt. Co., 77 S. W. Rep. 1107.
3 Sheao. Wellington, 163 Mass. 364; 40 N. E. Rep. 173.
* Baker v. Allegheny Valley Co., 95 Pa. 211; 40 Am. Rep. 634.
§ 477 INJURIES FROM FAILURE TO INSPECT. 525
to ropes or cables used in mining, for they are not only-
subject to constant friction, where used for hoisting and
lowering persons and mineral into the mines, but quite
frequently the safety of human lives depends upon the
good condition of such appliances. The rule is quite gen-
eral, therefore, that such appliances should be subjected
to "ordinary and proper tests." i It has been held that an
employer is not, as a matter of law, free from negligence,
where, for a period of several months, he had not in-
spected a rope, subject to constant friction; ^ and if, from
any cause, he has knowledge that such an appliance is de-
fective, he should submit it to a proper inspection,^ or in
case of an injury is liable to be made to respond in dam-
ages for his neglect.
§ 477. Inspection of boilers. — The rule which requires
the employer to inspect machinery or appliances used in
his service, where, from the nature of the appliance, or
the use made of it, danger is attendant upon its use, with-
out reasonable and proper inspections, is held to apply to
a boiler, used by a mine employer.* Of course the em-
ployer would not be required to subject a boiler to an in-
spection until the use made of it would be of such duration
as to somewhat affect its condition, as to safety, and he
would not, within any definite period, perhaps, be required
to examine or inspect a boiler, purchased by him from a
reputable manufacturer .^ But where a boiler had been in
use for eighteen years, and the experts, on the question of
1 Keesville Iron Co. v. Dobson, 7 La. 369; Linton Coal & Iron Co. v.
Parsons, 11 Ind. App. 26i; 39 N. E. Rep. 214.
2 McGuigan v. Beatty, 136 Pa. St. 329; 40 Atl, Kep. 490.
3 Purcell Mill &c. Co v. Kirkland, 2 Ind. Ter. 169; 47 S. W. Kep. 311 ;
HofEman v. Dickinson, 31 W. Va. 142; 6 S. E. Rep. 63.
* Johnson u. Boston Co. Miningf Co. (Mont.), 40 Pac. Bep. 298.
« Schroeder ». Michigan Co., 56 Mich. 132; 22 N. W. Rep. 220; Shea
V. Wellington, 163 Mass. 364; 40 N. E. Rep. 193.
526 INJURIES FKOM FAILURE TO INSPECT. § 477
the life of a boiler, differed as to the probable period that
it could be used, with safety, and also upon the cause of
the explosion, the court will not, as a matter of law, hold
the defendant blameless, in not examining the boiler and
ascertaining its exact condition, but, with such a state of
facts, will submit the question of the defendant's negli-
gence to the jury, as to whether or not the unsoundness of
the boiler should, in the exercise of due care, have been
ascertained by the defendant. l
I Lehigh Valley Coal Co. v. Kiszel, 80 Fed. Rep. 470; 51 U. S. App.
265.
CHAPTER XXIV.
FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE.
Section 478. Under common law duty as to place,
479. Where work is to make a dangerous place safe.
480. Distinction between mine already timbered and mine
untimbered.
481. Duty to timber mine cannot be delegated,
482. Mine owner cannot place danger frum breach of statute
upon employee.
483. What constitutes breach of statute as to.
484. Assumption of risk from failure to prop roof.
485. Assumption of risk, as to props, in Utah.
486. Assumption of risk, under Washington statute.
487. Promise to furnish props.
488. Contributory negligence — Failure to use props furnished.
489. Miner's contributory negligence as to, as viewed by
United States Supreme Court.
490. The Colorado statute, and construction.
491. The Illinois statute as to.
492. Indiana statute and constructions.
493. Reasonable care the test in Indian Territory.
494. The statute of Iowa.
495. The Kentucky statute and constructions.
496. Miner assumes risk, in Michigan.
497. The Missouri statute and constructions.
498. Pleading injury from, in Montana.
499. The New York statute and constructions.
600. Under Ohio statute, reasonable care the test.
601. The Pennsylvania statute and constructions.
602. The statute of Tennessee.
603. Absence of props assumed by experienced miner, in
Virginia.
504. Employment of "mine boss " relieves employer, in West
Virginia.
§ 478, Under commou law duty as to place. — Under
the absolute duty of the master, at common law, to provide
the servant with a reasonably- safe place in which to work,
(527)
528 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 478
regard being had to the character of the place and the
nature of the work being done, it is the master's duty to
furnish such a supply of props and timbers, irrespective of
statutory provisions, that may be necessary to render the
ro®f of his mine, where miners are employed to work,
reasonably safe.i A servant not employed to timber the
roof of a mine, is not bound to make careful inspections to
ascertain if the roof is reasonably safe or not, but has a
right to rely upon the assumption of a performance of this
duty by the employer, and for an injury from a breach
thereof, is entitled to recover damages. ^ But if the work
of the injured employee was for the express purpose of
making the place of work reasonably safe, then the rule as
to a reasonably safe place, would not apply to him; ^ nor
would it apply, where the character of the work continu-
ously changed the place,* or where, from the obvious nature
of the surroundings and the defect in the roof, the injured
employee, as a reasonable man, careful of his own safety,
would have observed the defective condition of the roof,
and where he did observe it, but failed to make complaint.^
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 463, p. 6U and cases cited.
" Mining companies are obligated to observe not only the duties imposed
by statute, but those which exist by virtue of common law." Junction
Mining Co. v. Ench, 111 111. App. 3i6. See, also, Wilson ». Alpine Coal
Co. (Ky. 1904), 81 S. W. Rep. 278; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep.
204. A dark tunnel, leading to a mine shaft, is such a place a mine
owner is required to keep reasonably safe. Williams v. Belmont Coal
& Coke Co. (W. Va. 1904), 46 S. B. Rep. 803.
2 Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barringer, 109 111. App. 185.
s Indiana Coal Co. v. Batey, 71 N. E. Rep. 191.
^ White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sees. 449, 450, pp. 694, 696.
5 Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining & Concentrating Co. v. Jones, 130
Fed. Rep. 813; Roccla v. Black Diamond Coal Co., 121 Fed. Rep. 451; 67
(5. C. A. 567. Where the plaintiff was injured by falling debris from the
roof of a mine, near where he was blasting, if the evidence fails to show
notice of a defective condition to the defendants' superintendant and of
a necessity for props, or want of notice to the pliintifE, there can be no
recovery. East Jellico Coal Co. v, Golden, 25 Ky. Law Eep. 2056; 79 S.
§ 479 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 529
§ 479. Where work is to make a dangerous place
safe. — The general rule, in respect to the duty of a
master to provide his servant with a reasonably safe place
in which to work, cannot be applied to a case where a
servant, when injured, is engaged in performing such duty
of the master, by making safe a place which has become
dangerous during the progress of the work, or from the
manner in which the work was done. In such case, the re-
lation between the master and servant is changed and the
servant assumes the risk incident to the dangerous con-
dition of the place, as one of the hazards of the employ-
ment, if he knows of it, or should know of it, by the use
of ordinary care and observation. And in an action for
his injury, it is immaterial whether the place originally
became dangerous through the negligence of the master or
not.i But this rule preventing a recovery on the ground
of assumed risk is held, in Utah, not to apply to a miner
who was, at the time of his injury, making excavations to
enable other workmen to place timbers in the mine,^ nor is
it held to appljs in Iowa, to a miner who was not himself
engaged in the work of making a dangerous place safe,^
W. Bep. 291. Where the work an injurecl miner was engaged in, at the
stope of a mine, was not such as to render the place unsafe, it is not
proper to give an instruction that a master is not bound to prop the
roof, or keep it safe, at a place changed by the work of the employee.
Highland Boy Gold Mining Co. v. Pouch, 12* Fed. Rep. US.
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 449, p. 591; Moon Anchor
Consolidated Gold Mines v. Hopkins, 111 Fed. Rep. 298; 49 C. C. A. 347.
But it the master assures the servant the place is safe^ the rule is other-
wise. Faulkner v. Mammoth Mining Co. (Utah, 1901), 66 Pac. Rep. 799.
If the employee, when injured, was engaged in taking out a coal pillar
and there is no evidence that he called for props, he assumes the risk,
in Iowa. Olsen v. Maple Grove Coal & Mining Co., 87 N. W. Rep. 736.
Aod for similar rule, in Missouri, see Watson v. Coal & Coke Co., 52
Mo. App. 366.
2 Faulkner v. Mammoth Mining Co., 66 Pac. Rep. 799.
s Cushman v. Carbondale Fuel Co., 88 N. W. Rep. 817.
34
530 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 480
or to one who had no knowledge of the defects which
made the place of work dangerous.^
§ 480. Distinction between mine already timbered and
mine untimbered. — A miner set to work in a room of a
mine, already timbered, has a right to presume that his
employer has properly performed his duty as to the timber-
ing, and to proceed with his work, in reliance upon this
presumption, unless a reasonably prudent and intelligent
man, in the performance of his work, as a miner, would have
learned facts, from which he must necessarily have appre-
hended danger to himself.^ But a mine owner is not liable
to an employee engaged in sinking a shaft, where the shaft
has never been timbered, if he is a miner of experience
and the injury results, after the master has advised him of
the necessity of timbers, while he is engaged in timbering,
when the cave-in occurs, as he is held to assume the risk
of injury from the known condition under which he works.'
And the fact that mining operations, in a mine, have pro-
ceeded beyond a point, in the stope, to which it has been
timbered, does not so change the portion timbered, into
a place to work, as to bring it within the rule requiring
the master to furnish a reasonably safe place to work, but
he is only under the duty to furnish competent men and
suitable materials for the use of his employees, working in
such timbered portion.*
1 Wahlquist v. Maple Grove Coal & Mining Co., 89 N. W. Rep. 98.
That the rule as to place, does not apply where the work is to make the
place safe, or where i,t constantly changes the place, is held in the follow-
ing cases: Finlayson o. Utica Min. & Mill. Co., 67 Fed. Rep. 507; Con-
solidated Coal&Min. Co. u. Floyd, 51 Ohio St. 542; 38 N.E.Rep. 610; 25
L. R. A. 848; Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, 20 Col. 320; 38 Pac. Rep. 378; 26
L. R. A. 436; Pittsburg & "West. Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 62 Ohio St.
322; 40 N. E. Rep. 726.
3 Western Coal & Mining Co. v. Ingraham, 70 Fed. Rep. 219; 36 U. S.
App. 1; 17 C. C. 71; 2 Amer. & Eng. Corp. Cas. (n. s. ), 689.
3 Stiles V. Ritchie, 8 Colo. App. 398; 46 Pac. Rep. 694.
* Petaja v. Aurora Iron Co., 106 Mich. 469; 64 N. W. Rep. 335; 66 N.
W. Rep. 951; 32 L. R. A, 4!i3, 4,S8.
§ 482 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 531
§ 481. Duty to timber mine cannot be delegated. —
Like the other absolute duties of the mine owner, the duty
as to a reasonably safe place, which he owes to his em-
ployees,^ cannot be delegated by him to a fellow-servant of
an injured employee, so as to avoid liability for an injury
from a known defective place. This rule, which applies to
all working places in the mine, where employees' duties so
occupy their attention that they do not have time to look
after their own surroundings, to see that the place of work is
reasonably safe, requires the employer to furnish timbers,
and, when necessary, to see that the roof of the mine is
securely propped and secured, so as to prevent falling
rocks and slabs and this duty cannot be delegated by the
master to an employee, so that he can avoid liability for a
failure to secure the roof ,2 as a duty imposed either by the
common law or statute, upon an employer, cannot be
delegated.^
§ 482. Mine owner cannot place dangler from breach
of statute upon employee. — In some Illinois cases, mine
owners who had failed to comply with the provisions of the
statute, as to props, attempted, by posted rules, to place
the risk of injury for their own violation of the statutory
obligation, upon their employees, but the courts refused to
permit them to thus take advantage of their wrong and
held that they could not thus avoid a compliance with the
statute, on grounds of public policy.* The attempted
evasion of the statute was undertaken by rules, announcing
the danger of the roofs of mines; that this was a risk
incident to the business of mining ; that the mine manager
' See chapter, Duties of Mine Owner.
2 Western Coal & Mining Co. v. lugraham, 70 Fed. Rep. 219; 36 U. S.
App. 1 ; 17 C. C. A. 71 ; 2 Amer. & Bng. Cor. Gas . (n. s.) 689.
« Cherokee & P. Coal & Mining Co. v. Britton, 3 Kan. App. 292; 45
Pac. Kep. 100.
' Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 97 III. App. 109.
532 FAILURE TO TIMBEB MINE. § 483
did not undertake the responsibility for the unsafe condition
of the roofs but the miners must, themselves, see to the
safety of the roofs and if they failed to do so, they
assumed the risk of injuiy therefrom. ^ The rights of both
the miners and the mine owner were considered with
reference to the statutes of the State, placing the burden
on the employer of providing timbers and props; the rule,
in attempting to shift the responsibility of the employer
for the neglect of his own timberman, was held against
public policy and the contract of the employee, relieving
the employer of the result of his own negligence, was held
void, for the same reason.^
§ 483. AVhat constitutes breach of statute — Unsafe
place. — A failure to comply with the express provisions of
a statute, requiring props and timbers for the roof of a
mine, to make it reasonably safe, is generally held to be
such a violation of the employer's duty, as will render him
liable to a charge of negligence, in case of an injury, and
any other construction of the statute would, manifestlj',
render it inoperative. Accordingly, where the general
mine manager of a coal mine fails to do that which he
knows to be necessary to support the roof of the mine, or
an entry thereto, a jury will be justified in finding that the
company has failed to use reasonable care and diligence to
keep the roof and entries of the mine in a reasonably safe
condition and a verdict for the plaintiff will not be set
aside. ^ And that there may have been props somewhere
in the mine is not a compliance with the statute that they
1 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lundak, 196 111. 594; 63 N. E. Eep. 1079.
2 HimrodCoalCo. u. Clark, 197 111.514; 99 111. App, 332; 64 N. E.
Bep. 282. Tbe defendant cannot shift the duty of providing such a
reasonably safe place as the statute requires, upon the mine employees
and thus avoid the burden placed upon himself. Spring Valley Coal Co.
V. Rowatt, 96 111. App. 248; 196 111. 156; 63 N. E. Rep. 649.
3 Coal Valley Mining Co. v. Haywood, 98 111. App. 258.
§ 484 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 533
should be at the " usual place," particularly if aknowledge
of the props has not been brought home to the miner need-
ing such props. ^
§ 484. Assumption of risk from failure to prop roof. —
Some respectable courts and text-writers favor the doctrine
that a breach of statutory duty is assumed the same as any
other open and obvious danger and in such jurisdictions, or
where such doctrine obtains, if an employee in a mine
should go to a place where the statute was known to be
violated and the roof was not secured by props, he would
waive the protection of the statute and assume the risk
of injury.^ But, because such a contention, by a mine
owner, would not oaly enable him to take advantage of his
own wrongful violation of the statute, but the general
recognition of the doctrine would, in effect, nullify such
statutes, on grounds of public policy the better opinion
seems to be that a mere knowledge of a violation of the
statute, will not relieve the employer, in case of injury.,
On this subject the Supreme Court of Missouri has used
this language: "The next contention of the appellant is
that knowledge, on the part of the plaintiff, that the statute
had not been complied with, should defeat this action.
1 Donk Bros. @oal & Coke Co. v. Stroff, 100 111. App. 576. The
question of whether or not the timbers furnished made the roof
reasonably safe is for the jury. Hamilton v. Mendota Coal & Mining
Co. (Iowa, 1903), 94 N. W. Rep. 282; Good Eye Mining Co. v, Robinson
(Kan. 1903), 73 Pac. Rep. 102.
2 Holmes v. Clark, 6 Hurl. & N. 349; DeToung v. Irving, 5 App. Div.
(N. Y.) 499; Kniseley v. Pratt, 148 N. Y. 372; Higgins Co. v. O'Keefe,
79 Fed. Rep. 900; Keenan v. Edison Co., 129 Mass. 379; 48 Jj. R. A. 68.
Dresser's Emp. Liab., Sec. 51, p. 249. Upon this subject, Mr. Dresser,
in his recent work on Emp. Liab. says: "The true rule is believed to be
that the servant, upon entering the employment, or afterwards, may ex-
pect that the master will comply with the statute; but if the master
does not so comply, and the servant knows the breach and his rights
under it, and appreciates the risks therefrom, he cannot recover in any;
case where it appears that he consented to the violation." Sec. 116, p,..
534 FAILUEE TO TIMBER MINE. § 485
Such a declaration of law would, in effect, nullify the
statute. Knowledge only by the plaintiff, of the failure
of defendant to have the mine provided with these pro-
tections, will not defeat the action. But we do not say,
in this case, that plaintiff could recover, if guilty of negli-
gence himself." i
§ 485. Assumption of risk as to props. In Utah. — A
case quite similar to this was considered by the Supreme
Court of Utah and a similar view of the law was announced
in that State, with reference to an assumption of risk, from
a dangerous known condition of the roof of a mine, to an
■experienced miner. An experienced miner, extracting coal'
under a contract at a fixed price per ton, agreed to do his
own timbering. He was held guilty of such contributory
negligence as would preclude a recovery and was held to
assume the risk, where, on a day when work was not being
carried on in the mine, he voluntarily and without any
sudden emergency, sat down under a hanging wall, which
he knew to be dangerous and liable to fall at any
time.^
604. " It is not the duty of a miner employed to operate a drill in a
mine to inspect the timbering' or the condition of the rock above him,
but he has the right to assume that the master has performed his duty
in making the place where he is directed to work reasonably safe, and
to proceed with his work in reliance on such assumption, unless a rea-
sonably prudent and intelligent man, in the performance of his work,
would have learned facts from which he would have apprehended danger
to himself." Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining & Concentrating Co. v,
Jones (U. S. C. C. A., Ore. 1904), 130 Fed. Eep. 813.
1 Durant v. Lexington Coal Co., 97 Mo., p. 66. See, also, Spring
"y alley Coal Co. v. Eowatt, 196 111. 156; 63 N. E. Rep. 649; Donk Bros.
Coal & Coke Co. v. Strloft, 100 111. App. 576; Himrod Coal Co. v. Clark,
197 111. 514; 64 N. E. Rep. 282; Green v. West. Amer. Co., 30 Wash. 87;
70 Pac. Rep. 310. A miner who has helped trim a roof and knows it is
loose, assumes the risk of falling rock, in going under it, in Wisconsin.
Paul V. Florence MiningCo., 80 Wis. 350; 50 N. W. Rep. 189.
5 Fowler v. Pleasant Valley Coal Co., 16 Utah, 348; 52 Pac. Rep. 534.
§ 487 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 535
§ 486. Assumption of risk, nader Wasbington statute.
The rule which is applied in Washington, is the same as
that which obtains in Illinois, as to assumption of the risk
from the breach of a statutory duty by a mine owner, in
failing to furnish props, required by a statute of the State
to be furnished to miners, for their use in supporting the
roof from caving in and it is held that such a defense
cannot prevail in that State, as to a breach of statutory
duty.i Accordingly, in Washington, where the operator
of a coal mine violated the provisions of a statute, requir-
ing timbers to be furnished to the workmen, and a miner
sustains injury by reason of the lack of timbers, which
should have been furnished, it is held that the mine em-
ployer cannot plead assumption of risk, on the part of the
miner, even though the injured miner knew of the violation
of the statute by the employer. ^
§ 487. Pi-omise to furnish props. — Where the evi-
dence tended to show that the shift boss of a mine, on
being notified that certain timbers in amine, where plaintiff
was at work, were taking weight, not only promised to
erect additional supports, but assured the plaintiff that
it was perfectly safe for him to remain at work, it was
held that such evidence justified an instruction that if the
injured employee, relying upon such promise and assur-
rance, continued to work, believing it safe for him to do
so, he did not assume the risk of the roof falling upon
him.^ But the mere fact of a promise or assurance will
not exempt the employee from an assumption of the risk,
if the defect and danger was apparant and obvious and he
knew this fact. It is held, in Arkansas, that if the em-
ployee noted the falling of stone and the absence of props,
1 See Section, Statute of Illinois.
2 Green v. Western American Co., 30 Wash. 87; 70 Pac. Eep. 310.
■' Highland Boy Gold Mining Co. v. Pouch, 124 Fed. Eep. 148.
536 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 488
although the foreman promised to furnish him timbers,
this would not justify an instruction that he did not after-
wards assume the risk of injury, as the plaintiff would not
have been justified in exposing himself to danger so obvious
and imminent, if a person of ordinary prudence would
have refused to so expose himself, and the question of his
contributory negligence in continuing work, after such
promise, in the absence of props, depended upon a con-
sideration of all the facts and circumstances in evidence. i
And in Washington, where the evidence showed that the
plaintiff was an experienced coal miner, who was especially
employed to timber the mine and make it safe, and he
had knowledge of the dangerous condition of the roof, he
could not recover for an injury from falling stone, while
so engaged.^
§ 488. Contributory negligence — Failure to use props
furnished. — As it is generally held essential that a miner,
injured by reason of a defective condition of the roof,
establish that his injury was due to a breach of statutory
duty, where such is the allegation of negligence relied upon,
it is a good defense, on the part of the mine owner, to
establish that he was not so injured, but that his injury was
due to his own contributory negligence.^ Accordingly, it
1 Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v. Chandler, 71 Ark. 618 ; 77 S.W. Rep. 912.
' Roccia V. Black Diamond Coal Mining Co., 121 Fed. Rep. 451; 57 C.
C. A. 667.
' Dresser Erop. Liab., Sec. 61, et sub.; Spiva v. Osage Coal & Min.
Co., 88 Mo. 68; Adams v. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 492.
But this is not the rule announced in Illinois, Riverton Coal Co. v.
Shepard, 111 111. App. 294. See Chapter, Statutes for Safety of Miners.
" Plaintiff and another were driving a heading in defendant's mine, and
were charged with the duty of pulling down or timbering up loose rocks.
After driving the heading several feet and timbering up one rock, they
drove it a few feet past the timbering, thus partly uncovering another
rock. Plaintiff was then ordered to cut off a corner several feet short of
the last rock, and his fellow-worker continued to drive the heading, thus
further uncovering the rock, and, while the plaintiff was passing under it
§ 488 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 537
is held, in Arkansas, that if the injury to the miner is due,
proximately, to his own or his fellow-servant's failure to
use props that the master has furnished, or if the evidence
is conflicting upon this point, it cannot be said, as a matter
of law, that the injury to the employee was due to a failure
on the part of the employer to furnish props, ^ and if the
employee himself knocks out a prop and makes no effort to
replace it, but continues his work with a knowledge of the
fact, he cannot recover for a subsequent injury, due to a
fall of slate at the place where the prop was displaced.^
But in Illinois the failure of a mine owner to furnish props,
as required by statute, is not excused by the contributory
negligence of the miner injured as a result of such failure,
and a miner who is injured as result of the employer's
breach of statutory duty to furnish props may recover, not-
withstanding his own contributory negligence, where the
injury would not have occurred if the statute had been com-
plied with.^
to get a sledge from his fellow-worker, it fell and injured him. Seld,
that it was as much plaiotiff's duty as that of his fellow-worker to see
that the rock was safe, and in failing to perform such duty he was guilty
of such negligence as would preclude a recovery." Pioneer Min. & Mfg.
Co. B. Thomas (Ala. 1902), 32 So. Rep. 15; 133 Ala. 279. "An instruc-
tion, in an action for injury to an employee in a coal mine through the
falling of a stone from the roof of the room in which he worked, that, if he
requested the foreman to furnish him props, and the foreman promised
to furnish them, then, if plaintiff relied on the promise, and for that
reason continued at his work, he did not assume the risk incident on the
failure to furnish the props, is misleading, as plaintiff would not have
been justified In exposing himself to danger so obvious and imminent
that no person of ordinary prudence would, under like circumstances,
have exposed himself to it; and the question of his negligence in con-
tinuing at work in the absence of props depends on a consideration of all
the circumstances." Kansas & T. Coal Co. v. Chandler (Ark. 1903), 77
S. W. Eep. 912.
1 Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v. Chandler, 71 Ark. 518; 77 S. W. Rep. 912.
2 Dickinson Coal Co. B.Peach, 32 Ind. App. 33; 69 N. E. Rep. 189.
3 Spring Valley Coal Co. b. Rowatt, 96 111. App. 248; 196 111. 156; 63
N. E. Eep. 649; Sunnyside Coal Co. v. Perry Center, 100 111. App. 54 ;0
Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v. StrofE, 100 111. App. 576. If the mast, r
538 FAILURE TO TIMBEK MINE. § 490
§ 489. Miner's contributory negligence, as viewed by
U. S. Supreme Court. — In a case where the death of an
employee in a tunnel, resulted from an alleged neglect
on the defendant's part, to securely prop or timber
the roof of the tunnel, the duty of the defendant, under
the California statute i and the question of the contributory
negligence of the deceased, was considered by the United
States Supreme Court, a few years since. ^ The deceased,
with several other miners, was in the defendant's mine, and
the superintendent, discovering that the roof of the tunnel
had been shattered by blasting, told the men to prop it up
and put a post by the side of the one which had been there
for another purpose, but, on one of the men suggesting
that this should be taken out and another one put in, in its
place, left it optional with them to do so or not, and warned
them against the falling of the roof. The deceased and
his co-employees decided that it would be safe to take the
post out, and did so, intending to go after other timber,
and, after the removal of the post, deceased sat down under
the shattered roof and part of the rock fell on him and
killefil him. It was held that he assumed the risk of injury
from such causes as were apparent to him and that his own
negligence was the direct cause of his death and that a
verdict was properly directed for the defendant.^
§ 490. The Colorado statute and constructions. — The
statute of Colorado makes it the duty of the mining boss
to see that there is sufficient timber in the mine to be used
has concealed the condition of the roof, by hiding the absence of timbers,
the servant cannot be held guilty of contributory negligence in working
there, especially if he is inexperienced. Swensen v. Bender, 114 Fed.
Rep. 1; 51 C. C. A. 627.
1 California Civil Code, Sec. 377.
2 1891.
8 Bunt V. Sierra Butte Gold Mining Company, 138 U. S. 483; 34 L. Ed.
1031.
§ 491 FAILURE TO TIMBEK MINE. 539
for props and the duty of any miner to securely prop the
roof of any working place under his control. i Under this
statute, a coal miner who continues to work within a few
feet of a bad rock, which he knew ought to be propped,
without propping it, or taking any steps to secure it, or
giving any notice concerning it, is guilty of such contribu-
tory negligence as will bar his right to recover for injuries
by the falling of the rock, whether the petition is based
upon common law or statutory negligence on the part of
the employer.^
§ 491. The Illinois statute. — The statute of Illinois*
requires that the mine owner or operator shall furnish a
sufficient supply of props and cap pieces for the purpose of
securing the roof of the mine and to deliver the same, when
required. Neither contributory negligence or assumed risk
is a good defense for a failure to comply with this statute ; *
a violation of the statute makes out a prima facie case of
1 For statute and construction, see Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, 20 Colo.
320; 38 Pac. Rep. 378; 26 L. R. A. 435.
2 Victor Coal Co. v. Muir, supra. In Colorado, for aninjury to a miner
as a result of an insecure stull falling upon liim, which the pumpman had
promised to secure, he was held not to be guilty of contributory negli-
gence. Carleton Min. & Mill Co. v. Ryan, 29 Colo, 401; 68 Pac, Rep. 279.
IhG xvtle volenti non fit injuria, preventing an employee who consents or
knows of a danger from recovering for a subsequent Injury, does not
apply to injuries from breach of statutory duty. Boyd v. Brazil Block
Coal Co., 50 N. E. Rep. 368; distinguishing Victor Coal Co, v, Muir, 20
Colo. 320; 26 L. R. A. 435; 38 Pac. Rep. 378.
3 Hurd's Rev. St. 111. 1889, Ch. 93.
* Riverton Coal Co. v. Shepard, III 111. App. 294. " That there may
have been props somewhere in the mine Is not a substantial compliance
with the statute that they were at the usual place, particularly when
the miner knows nothing about them." Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v.
Stroff, 100 111. App. 576. " A mine owner owes to his servants who an^
required to pass along a roadway in the mine the legal duty to maintain
the same in a reasonably safe condition." Judgment, 112 111. App. 452,
aflBrmed. Henrietta Coal Co. v. Campbell, 71 N. B. Rep. 863; 211 II.
216.
540 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 491
negligence, in case of a resulting injury thereunder;! a
conscious violation of the statute is held to be a willful
violation, within the meaning of the law; ^ it is generally
sufficient to allege that it was the defendant's duty to de-
liver props and cap pieces when required and it failed to
perform this duty ,^ and if the evidence fairly tends to sup-
port the allegation that the injured miner sent up a request
for props, which were not furnished to him, as requested,
and that he was subsequently injured, this establishes a
case for the submission to the jury, as to the defendant's
negligence, under the statute.* But under the prop statute
1 Coal Co. V. Patting, 71 N. E. Eep. 266.
2 Himrod Coal Co. v. Stevens, 67 N. E. Rep. ><589. But see, Niantic
Coal Co. 0. Leonard, 126 111. 216; Beard v. Skelden, 113 111. 584; Litch-
field Coal Co. V. Taylor, 81 111. 690, holding that the refusal must be in-
tentional, or known.
3 O'Fallon Coal Co. v. Laquet, 198 111. 1258; 64 N. E. Eep. 767.
4 Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v. Strofe, 20OII1. 493; 66 N. B. Eep. 29.
Contributory negligence is not a defense for a failure to comply w ith the
prop statute of Illinois. Eiverton Coal Co. v. Shepard, 111 111. App. 294.
The miner, under Illinois statute must order props and cap pieces of a
certain dimension and where he does this, it is no compliance with the
law for the employer to furnish timbers that have to be sawed or spliced.
Western Anthracite Coal & Coke Co. v. Beaver, 192 111. 333 ; 61 N. B. Eep.
335. Contributory negligence, under Illinois statute, is held not to be a
defense, in Western Anthracite Coal & Coke Co. v. Beavers, 192 111. 333;
61 N. E. Eep. 335; Himrod Coal Co. v. Adeck, 94 111. App. 1 ; Odin Coal
Co. V. Denman, 84 111. App. 190; 57 N. E. Rep. 192. The Illinois statute,
as to props, does not supersede the common law, or exempt the master
from the common law duty of providing a reasonably safe place, inde-
pendently of the statute. Consolidated Coal Co. v. Bokamp, 181 111. 9;
54 N. E. Rep. 567. A declaration, under Illinois statute, is sufficient
which states that props were required and requested and they were not
furnished at the working place, as demanded by the statute. Mt. Olive
& S. Coal Co. V. Eademacher, 190 111. 538; 60 N.E. Rep. 888. If a miner
obeys an order of the timberman and is injured, he is held, in Illinois, to
assume the risk, as the two are fellow-servants. Kellyville Coal Co. v.
Humble, 87 111. App. 437. The mine owner cannot, by printed rules, shift
the danger from a failure to furnish props, upon an employee, entitled to
the protection of the statute. Mt. Olive & S. Coal Co. v. Herbeok,92 111.
App. 441 ; 60 N. E. Eep. 105, Knowledge by a timberman that coal had
fallen at a place where props had been requested, was a sufficient show-
§ 491 FAILURE TO TIMBEK MINE. 541
of Illinois, a petition merely avering a failure to furnish props
and to timber the roof of the mine, without any additional
allegation as to the necessity for props and a request there-
for, is insufficient ; ^ the miners should themselves demand
props, when they are needed,^ and not only should they
demand timbers, but where the dimensions are particular
for the work in which they are to be used, they should
specify the dimensions needed, or they cannot complain of
the dimensions of the timbers.^ Where props of a certain
dimension are demanded, however, it is not a compliance
with the statute to send down props that it will be neces-
sary to splice ;'* any workman in the mine is entitled to
the provisions and protection of the statute ^ and a sufficient
ing of a " willful disregard " of the statute, in Illinois. Kellyville Coal
Co. V. Yehnka, 94 111. App. 74. For list of instructions, approved by the
higher court, for violatioD of statute of Illinois, see Donk Bros. Coal &
Coke Co. o. Peton, 192 111. 41; 61 N. E. Rep. 330. A promise, by a mine
owner, to repair a dangerous place, as soon as he could, will prevent an
assumption qf the risk, by his employee. Westville Coal Co. v. Wood,
96 111. App. 616. The fact that props furnished a coal miner were not
of the exact length required for a place in his mine, will not malte the
mine owner liable for a resulting injury, unless the desired length was
requested. Sugar Creek Coal Mining Co. v. Peterson, 177 111. 324 ; 52
N. E. Eep. 475, reversing 75 111. App. 631. One employed to pull down
loose coal after a blast, is held to assume the condition of the roof, in
Illinois, in Muddy Valley Mining Co. ». Parish, 74 111. App. 559. If the
mine has been properly inspected three hours before an accident, there
is no liability, if nothing showed any defects, as a defect not then dis-
coverable could not have been discovered earlier. Missouri & Illinois
Coal Co. V. Schwab, 74 111. App. 667. A mine owner is liable for an injury
to an inexperienced boy miner, from the fall of the timber, insecurely
placed. McLean Co. Coal Co. v. McVey, 38 111. App. 158.
1 Consolidated Coil Co. v. Young, 24 111. App. 255.
2 Consolidated Coal Co. v. Scheller, 42 111. App. 619.
3 Suger Creek Mining Co. v. Peterson, 177 111. 324; 52 N. E. Eep. 475;
reversing 76 111. App. 631.
4 Western Anthracite Coal & Coke Co. v. Beaver, 192 111. 333; 61 N.
E. Rep. 385; affirming 95 111. App. 96.
5 Mt. O.ive & S. Coal Co. v. Herbeck, 190 111. 39; 60 N. E. Rep. 105;
affirming 92 111. App. 441.
542 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 492
demand will be found to have been made for props, where
the evidence showed that for three successive days, prior
to his injury, a miner had, according to custom, written
upon a slate, in the mine, a request for props, which he
had never received.^
§ 492. Indiana statute and constructions. — The law
of Indiana^ requires the employment of a " mining boss "
to visit and examine every working place in the mine every
alternate day and see that it is properly secured by props
and that safety in all respects is assured and that all loose
coal, where miners have to travel, is secured. Under this
statute it is held that the mine owner is not an absolute
insurer of the safety of his men, but the act only operates
to render a violation of its provisions actionable negli-
gence.^ It is held that an employee put to work in a room
of the mine has a right to assume that it has been made
reasonably safe, by the employer; * the failure of the em-
ployer to perform the duties imposed upon him by statute
is held to be negligence per se,^ and a complaint is held
sufficient under the statute, which charges that the em-
ployer failed to employ a competent boss and he failed
to have the mine examined and the props furnished and
failed to properly secure the working places, as re-
quired to do by the statute.^ It is held in Indiana that
1 Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v. Peton, 192 111. 41; 61 N. E. Rep. 330;
affirming 95 111. App. 193.
2 Horner's Eev. St. 1897, Sec. 5480m; Burns' Ke v. St. 1894, Sec.
7472.
s Wooley Coal Co. ■». Bracken, 30 Ind App. 624; 66 N. E. Rep. 775.
4 Diamond Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson, 67 N. E. Rep. 558.
6 Diamond Block- Coal Co. «. Cuthbertson, supra.
* Ante, idem. See, also, Chapter, Pleading Actions for Mining Inju-
ries. In pleading an action for violation of the Indiana statute it is not
necessary to counter on assumption of risk, by denying a knowledge of
the violation of the law. Davis Coal Co. v. Polland, 62 N. E. Rep. 492.
By employing a mine boss, as required by Ind. Rev. Stat. 1894, Sees.
§ 492 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 543
the owner of a coal mine is not liable for an injury to
an employee caused by a fall of top coal from the roof of
the mine, at a place where he was at worli, where he was
an experienced miner and had thoroughly tested the roof
a short time before the fall and believed it to be perfectly
safe, notwithstanding the statute i maliing it the duty of
the mining boss to examine every working place as often
as every alternate day, and to Aee that the same is
properly secured by props and timbers and that safety in
all respects is assured. ^ Under Burns' Ee vised Statutes
7472, 7473, the owner does not relieve himself from the effect of such
boss' negligence. Linton Coal Mining v. Persons, 39 N. E. Eep. 214.
The fact that the statute of Indiana provides for a penalty for its viola-
tion, does not afEect the injured miner's right to also sue for damages.
Davis Coal Mining Co. v. PoUand, 62 N. E. Rep. 492. Failure to provide
props, as required by Ind. Act, March 6, 1885, is an act of negligence
per se. Hochstetler v. Morier Coal & Mining Co., 35 N. E. Kep. 927.
1 Rev. Stat. Ind. 1894, Sec. 7472.
" Island Coal Co. v. Greenwood, 151 Ind. 476; 50 N. E. Rep. 36; 4
Amer. Neg. Rep. 146, citing Finalyson v. Utica Mining and Milling Co.,
67Fed. Rep. 507; 32 U. S. App. 143; 14 C. C. A. 492. "In an action under
Burns' Rev. St. 1901, §§ 7447, 7466, 7472, 7473 (Horner's Rev. St. 1901,
§§ 5472a, 5480g 5480m, 6480n), making mine owners liable for injuries
occasioned by failure to provide sufficient props and for failure to keep
the working places secure by props, there was a general verdict for
plaintiff and also special findings that plaintiff was an experienced miner;
that slate from the roof fell upon him while he was working at the face
of a coal vein; that slate is liable to fall at any time; that the falling of
the slate, if not propped, is an inher nt danger o£ coal mining; that
the plaintiff had knowledge of such danger; that he knew the root of
the room in which he was working was composed largely of slate; that
he knew large quantities of slate had been falling almost daily; that
it is not difficult to tell whether slate is in the roof of a mine; that
plaintiff examined the slate that fell on him a few minutes before it fell,
and believed it to be safe; that defendant's bank boss could not have
made any other test than plaintiff made ; that the driver delivered props
at plaintiff's room three days before the accident; and that slate can be
safely propped. Held, that the special findings were not sufficient to
impeach the finding in the general verdict that defendant had failed
to perform his statutory duties." D. H. Davis Coal Co. v. PoUand,
(,Ind. 1902), 62 N. E. Rep. 492.
544 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 494
1894 of Indiana, Section 7472, requiring an inspection
every alternate day, by the mining boss, to see that all air-
ways are safe and no props are required, in order to insure
the safety of the miners, an allegation that the mining
boss appointed by the mine owner, failed to inspect the
mine as required by the statute, and without the knowledge
of the plaintiff, a miner at work in said mine, the walls
of the drift between where the coal was mined became so
thin that a shot blew one of the walls down upon the
plaintiff, is held to be a good cause of action.^
§ 493. Reasonable care the test 1q Indian Territory.
The common law rule, as to reasonable care by the em-
ployer to maintain a reasonably safe place for his em-
ployees to work, is the test applied in the Indian Territory,
in an action for an injury to an employee in a coal
mine, from a failure to properly timber or secure the
roof of his mine.'' In an action for an injury to the plain-
tiff, while employed in the defendant's mine, by the falling
of its roof, evidence that the roof was supported by a post ;
that such support was ordinarily sufEcient for the purpose
and made a reasonably safe place for the miners to work ;
that it was such as was usually employed in well regulated
mines and that it was impossible to guard against such acci-
dents, which were among the ordinary and usual risks of the
business of mining, was held to be sufficient to disprove the
charge of negligence on the part of the defendant, that it
had negligently failed and refused to timber and secure that
portion of the mine where the injury occurred.^
§ 494. The statute ot Iowa. — Under the statute of
Iowa,* the miner failing to prop the section of the mine
' Eureka Block Coal Co. ». Wells, 29 Ind. App. 1; 61 N. E. Kep. 236.
■■' Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Co. v. Nicholas, 53 S. W. Eep. 475.
5 Ante, idem,
* McLain'8 Iowa Code, Sees. 2463, 2465.
§ 495 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 545
that needs props is made guilty of a misdemeanor and the
owner is required to send down, for the use of the miners,
all such props, when required. In a recent case, which
originated under this statute, it was held that the law did
not apply to a miner engaged in sloping an entry of a coal
mine, used to bring the coal to the surface, where such
miner was not in control of the entry, as it was not his
duty to keep the place of work in repair, as an incident to
his duty as a workman, but the place of work, so far as
he was concerned, was completed, when his work began. ^
It is held, under this statute, that the miner must demand
props, as a condition precedent to a liability on the part of
the owner, for a failure to furnish the same.^
§ 495. The Kentucky statute and construction. — The
statute of Kentucky, as to props and timbers in mines, ^
makes it a misdemeanor for any person employed in a
mine to intentionally or willfully refuse or fail to securely
prop the roof of a working place, under his control, or to
refuse a compliance with the order of the superintendent
to prop or secure such roof. It is held, under this
statute, that the duty to prop the roof applies to work-
men whose labor affects the timbering and that all such,
when ordered to do so, must prop or secure the roof, made
1 Carson v. Coal Hill Coal Co., 101 Iowa, 22 1; 70 N. W. Eep. 185. A
laborer at work In the entry to a coal mine, in Illinois, is held to be
■within the provisions of the statute of that State. Mt. Olive & S. Coal
Co. V. Herbeck, 190 111. 39; 60 N. E. Rep. 105; affirming, 92 111. App. 441.
2 Oleson ». Maple Grove Coal Co., 115 Iowa, 74; 87 N. W. Eep. 736.
Where the evidence is conflicting as to whether or not a miner is en-
gaged in making a dangerous place safe, or working at a place the em-
ployer should make safe, the issue is for the jury. Taylor v. Star Coal
Co,, 81 N. W. Rep. 249. The fact that rock had fallen on several pre-
vious occasions, at the place where the miner was injured, is sufficient
to charge an employer with notice of a necessity for timbers, in Iowa.
Cnshman v. Carbondale Fuel Co., 88 N. W. Eep. 817.
s Stat. Ky. Sec. 2732.
35
546 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 496
dangerous by their work of excavation. It is held not to
apply to a track layer, whose duty is to tend to the track
of the mine owner and not look after the roof, and a fail-
ure to secure the roof, on his part, is not such contributory
negligence as will prevent a recovery, in case of an injury
from a failure to furnish or use props or timbers to retain
the roof .1
§ 496. Miner assumes risk in Michigan. — The right
of an experienced miner to recover for an injury from a
failure to prop or timber the roof of a mine, at a place
where he was at work, has been considered by the Supreme
Court of Michigan, and he is held to assume the risk, if he
has knowledge of the dangerous condition of the roof.
" A miner who knows that overhanging walls in a mine
are liable to crack, if left for any length of time without
protection, and that the wall, in a place where he is re-
quired to work, has been left from the previous day, with-
out sufficient protection, assumes the risk of working in
such place, without a promise, by the owner of the mine,
to put it in a safe condition." ^
1 Ashland Coal, Iron &c. Co, v, Wallace, 101 Ky. 626; 43 S. W. Rep.
207; 42 S. W. Eep. 744, citing Bunt v. Sierra Butte Gold Mining Co.
138 U. S. 483; 84 L. Ed. 1031. In Kentucky, a miner will not be
held to assume the risk of injury from falling roof, after notice of ne-
cessity for props, where the boss has promised to furnish props. Break-
enridge Co. v. Hicks, 22 S. W. Eep. 654; 15 Ky. L. R. 143. The failure
of a coal company to discover rotten and defective timbers, as a result
of vphich an employee is injured, is not such negligence as to render it
liable, where the outward appearance of the timbers was solid. Rein-
der V. Black & P. Coal Co., 12 Ky. L. R. 30; 13 S. W. Rep. 719.
2 Andrews v. Tamarack Mining Co., 114 Mich. 375; 72 N. W. Rep.
242. And see, for leading case, upon rule that owner does not owe Ic
to employee to timber, where work has progressed a short distance
beyond timbering, as this does not bring the untimbered portion within
the rule requiring a reasonably safe place. Petajas. Aurora Iron Mining
Co., 106 Mich. 470; 66 N. W. Rep. 951; 32 L. E. A. 385, 388.
§ 497 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 54T
§ 497. The Missouri statute. — The prop statute of
Missouri,! requires " The owner, agent or operator of any
mine " to " keep a sufficient supply of timber, when re-
quired to be used as props, so that the workmen may, at
all times, be able to properly secure the said workings from
caving in; and it shall be the duty of the owner, agent or
operator to send down all such props, when required."
Prior to the year 1887, this section was a portion of a
chapter, relating to the " health and safety of persons em-
ployed in coal mines'^ and in the year named the act
was repealed and the title changed to "an act to provide
for the health and safety of persons employed in mines,"
the word " coal" being omitted in the new statute. For
many years, on account of the language of the enacting
clause of this section, as originally passed, lawyers of the
1 Sess. Laws, Missouri, 1887, p. 224; E. S. 1889, Sec. 7076; E. S. 1899,
Sec. 8822. " Under Bev. St., § 8822, providing tiiat the owner or operator
of amine shall keep sufficient props, so that the workmen may at all times
be able to secure ' said workings from caving in, and send down all such
props when required,' the word ' required ' means • needed ; ' and it is
the duty of such owner or operator, through his foreman, to know when
such props are needed, and to then supply them, without waiting for re-
quest by the workmen." Bowerman «. Lackawanna Min. Co., 81 S. W.
Eep. 1062. But see, contra, WajlacSa. K. &T. Coal Co., 87 S.W. Eep. 606.
*' Bev. St. 1899, § 8820, provides that, in case of loss of life by reasou ot a
failure to comply with the statute on mining, a right of action shall accrue
to any person who was dependent on the person killed. Held, that where
in an action for the death of plaintifE's son, owing to the failure of de-
fendant mining company to supply proper timbering for use in the mine
as required by section 8822, it appeared that other children supported
plaintiff after the death of deceased, such fact would not deprive her of her
right to recover; deceased having been her support at the time of his
death. Rev. St. 1899, § 8822, requiring the owner of a mine to keep a
suflScient supply of timber, when required to be used as props so that the
workmen may at all times be able to properly secure the workings from
caving In, is not satisfied by furnishing what may be deemed ordinarily
sufficient timber; and the term ' properly secure ' does not mean reason-
ably safe or absolutely safe, but such security as a reasonable person
would afford, commensurate with the threatened danger." McDaniel
V. Boyle Min. Co. (Mo. 1905), 85 S. W. Rep. 679.
548 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 497
lead and zinc region of Missouri, contended that this statute
did not apply to lead and zinc mines, but only applied to
coal mines. However, the Supreme Court held the statute
constitutional because it did apply to all mines and mining
in the State, ^ and since this holding this has been the ac-
cepted application of the statute. The act of 1887 made
the owner liable only for a " willful violation " of the
statute,^ and under the statute before the revision, it was
held essential to establish a request and refusal, on the
part of the owner for props in order to show an intentional
violation of the statute, from which the courts would be
warranted in holding such breach a " willful " violation.^
Since the revision, the appellate courts of the State have
several times construed the statute and the word ' ' re-
quired " appearing therein, in the sense of " needed,"
holding the master liable for a failure to furnish props,
when "needed," although not " requested," * the lat-
est decision going to the extent of holding that a
necessity for props is proven to exist, within the
statutory meaning, on proof of a cave-in and a fail-
ure to furnish them, as required by the statute,^
1 Hammon e. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232. In this case, a
request for props was established and the case held for the jury.
2 Laws 1887, p. 223.
3 Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 110 Mo. 31 ; 19 S. W. Eep. 308.
Knowledge of the owner of a necessity for props, was here held essential
to a recovery.
* Adams v. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 85 Mo. App. 492; Bowerman u.
Lackawana Mining Co., 98 Mo. App. 308; 71 S. W. Rep. 1062.
5 McDaniel v. Royle Mining Co., 85 S. W. Rep. 676. For contrary
holding, see Mountain Copper Co. v. Van Buren, 123 Fed. Rep. 61. For
a defective petition, under this statute, as construed in the Federal
courts for the Western District of Missouri, see Coyleu. Mayne, 122 Fed
Kep. 837, discussed in Chapter, Pleading Actions for Mining Injuries.
An experienced miner who elects to draw the pillars in a coal mine for
extra pay, without propping up the roof, assumes the risk of injury by
such a method. Watson v. Kansas & Texas Coal Co., 52 Mo. App. 366.
Where mining has progressed far enough to suggest the necessity fnr
§ 498 FAILUEE TO TIMBER MINE. 549
but this construction is not followed by the Supreme
Court of the State. i
§ 498. pleading injury from, in Montana. — In a recent
case, the Supreme Court of Montana passed upon the right
of a plaintiff to recover and upon the sufficiency of a peti-
tion, for an injury from a failure to furnish props. It was
alleged in the petition that the plaintiff was in the employ-
ment of the defendant and that he was injured by the fall
of rock from the roof of its mine and that defendant failed
to furnish a reasonably safe place for the plaintiff to work
and negligently allowed the roof of the mine to remain in
an unsafe and dangerous condition and failed to properly
brace or timber the roof , which was liable to cave-in, at
props and the miner requests them and they are refused, this makes a
case, under the Missouri statute. Adams v. Kansas & Texas Coal Co.,
85 Mo. App. 486. A petition, under the Missouri statute, need not deny
notice of the violation of the statute, on the plaintiff's part, since mat-
ters of defense must be pleaded in the answer. Adams v. Kansas & Texas
Coal Co., 86 Mo. App. 486; Fisher v. Central Lead Co., 156 Mo. 479; 56
S. W. Rep. 1107. Where the evidence as to whether or not an employee
in defendant's mine was furnished with props a sufficient time before the
accident for him to have used the same, is conflicting, the question is
for the jury. Hamman v. Cfentral Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; 66 S.
W. Rep. 1091. Whether or not an experienced miner assumed the risk
by continuing work, after knowledge that props were not furnished, is
for the jury. Hamman v. Central Coal & Coke Co., 156 Mo. 232; 66 S.
W. Rep. 1091; Smiths. Coal Co., 75 Mo. App. 177; Hamilton v. Coal Co.,
108 Mo. 364; 18 S. W. Rep. 977.
1 « Where, in an action for injuries to a miner, there was no evi-
dence of any demand by plaintiff en defendant to furnish props prior
to the morning of the day of the accident, and plaintiff testified that he
had never experienced any shortage of props, except on the very day of
the accident, it was error to authorize the jury to find that prior to that
day plaintiff had called on defendant for props, and defendant had
f tiled to furnish them. Where plaintiff did not complain of defendant's
failure to furnish props for the roof of a mine prior to the day plaintiff
was injured, evldeace that there was a general shortage of props, and
that other miners had failed to get thera when they called for them prior
to the day of the accident, was incompetent." Wajtylak v. Kansas &
Texas C.-al Co. (Mo. Sup. Ct. 1905), 87 S. W. Rep. 506.
550 FAILURE TO TIMBEK MINE. § 499
any time, if not so braced and timbered. The evidence
showed, upon the trial, that the roof of the mine was in
an unsafe and dangerous condition, but the fall of rocii, at
the time when the plaintiff was injured, was due to the act
of an engineer, in removing a small portion of the slate to
make a hole to affix a sight in. The court held that it was
error to limit the plaintiff's right of recovery to a fall of
the roof from its own weight, but held the facts entitled
him to a submission of the case to the jury.i
§ 499. The NevF York statate and its interpretation. —
By the statute of New York,^ it is made the duty of mine
owners to properly timber the roofs and sides of each
working place and not to permit any person to work in an
unsafe place, or under dangerous material, except to make
the place secure. Where a miner was killed, by reason of
the fall of a pillar of talc, while he was at work in the de-
fendant's mine and the evidence showed that the mine
owner's superintendent had notice of the dangerous con-
dition of the pillar and had provided props to use to secure
the same but had failed to utilize them, at the time of the
accident, and that the sliding of the pillar resulted fromthe
water seeping through the soft layers of the pillar, the
evidence was held to show a liability of the mine owner,
under this statute.^
1 Freeman v. Sand Coulee Coal Co., 64 Pac. Rep. 347. " An employee
engaged in blasting and pushing a tunnel in a mine, does not assume the
risk of his employer's failure to keep the completed portion of the tun-
nel in a reasonably safe condition." Kelly v. 4th of July Mining Co., 16
MoBt. 484; 41 Pac. Rep. 273. In Montana, where an employee knew
that the " lagging " under a ledge of rock, that he was required to work
under, was knocked away by blasts, he assumed the risk of going under it,
■without adjusting the lagging. Cummings v. Helena Smelting & Reduc-
tion Co., 26 Mont. 434; 68 Pac. Rep. 852.
2 Laws 1897, Chap. 416, Sec. 122.
3 Tetherton v. United States Talc Co., 165 N. Y. 665; 69 N. B. Rep.
1131. In New York, where a miner was killed by the fall of a pillar of
I 500 FAILUKB TO TIMBER MINE. 551
§ 500. Under Ohio statute — Reasonable care the
test. — The Ohio statate,i with reference to props, makes
it the duty of the mine owner or operator, of every coal
mine, " to keep a sufficient supply of timber constantly on
hand " and to deliver the same to the working place of the
miner, and it further provides that no miner shall be held
responsible for any accident which may occur in the mine,
where the provisions of the statute are not complied with.
As this statute is silent as to the existence of a necessity
for props and, unlike many others, does not make it a con-
dition precedent to a right of action, that props should
have been requested by the miner, ^ it is held that the test
as to the degree of care used, or a compliance with the
statute, is to be determined, in each case, according to the
principles of the common law.^ By the terms of the prop
statute of Ohio,* however, the miner is made guilty of a
crime for not using timbers that the owner has furnished,
and the owner is required to keep a supply of timber con-
stantly on hand, and to deliver the same at the working
place of the miners, and the criminal liability of the miner
talc, that he was engaged in removing, and defendant's superintendent
had notice of the necessity of props and they had been furnished but
not used, the defendant was held liable. Tetherton o. TJ. S. Talc Co.,
165 N. Y. 665; 59 N. E. Kep. 1131.
1 Rev. St. Ohio, 1892, Sec. 6871.
2 See R. S. Mo. 1899, Sec. 8822.
3 Cecil V. American Sheet Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 542. A miner who
props the roof until he thinks it is safe, cannot af terwa rds hold the em-
ployer for an injury from falling rock, caused by insufflcient timbering.
Pittsburg & West. Coal Co. v. Estievenard, 52 Ohio St. 32; 40 N. E. Rep.
725. Under the Ohio statute, v?here the alleged defect is a faulty pillar
cap, which permitted a large rock to fall upon the miner, it is a jury
question whether or not this was the approximate cause of the injury.
Cecil V. American Sheet Steel Co., 129 Fed. Rep. 642. The duty imposed
upon a miner by statute to prop the roof of the mine cannot be shifted by
a custom. Con. Coal & Mln. Co. v. Floyd, 61 Ohio St. 542 ; 38 N. E. Rep.
610; 25 L. R. A. 848.
* Revised Statutes, Ohio, Sec. 6571, originally Act April, 1872.
552 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 501
is conditioned upon the compliance with his full duty, by
the mine owner. The Supreme Court of the State holds
that a liability on the. part of the mine owner results from
a mere showing that the necessary timbers were not de-
livered at the working pUces, as required by the statute,
and no request or notice, on the part of the miner, of the
necessity for props, is required as a condition to hold the
owner liable for a violation of the statute. ^
§ 501. The Pennsylvania statute and constructions. —
The statute of Pennsylvania requires the owner of every
mine in the State to employ a competent inside overseer,
who has the exclusive management and control of the mine,
and the owner, if he discovers any defect or danger, is
required to report or give notice to such overseer.^ Under
this act, the mine owner discharges his full duty, when he
employs a competent inside overseer and is not liable for
accidents or injuries traceable to his carelessness or negli-
gence.^ A miner who discovers serious defects in the
mine and gives notice to his mining boss, if hefailsto correct
them, is bound to give notice to the owner, as the boss is a
fellow-servant with such employee ; and if the miner fails
to do this, he continues the work at his own risk.* But a
workman who sees an apparently safe place, with new
timbers just put in, and knows that, under the eye of the
"employer, an experienced workman has just completed the
work, is not required to himself enter upon an inspection
of the place, between the timbers, to determine if the
workman has properly performed his duty, or left loose
1 Pittsburg & Western Coal Co. v. Bstievenard, 53 Ohio St. 43 ; 40
N. E. Bep. 725.
2 Pa. Act, June 30, 1886, Art. 12, r. 24.
5 Liaeoski o. Susquehanna Coal Co., 157 Pa. 153; 27 Atl. Rep. 577; 33
W. N. C. 204; Christner v. Cumberland & E. L. Coal Co., 146 Pa. 67; 23
Atl. Eep. 221.
* Lineoski v. Susquehanna Coal Co., supra.
§ 503 TAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. 553
material liable to fall upon him, but is justified, in accord-
ance with an order to work there, to assume that the place
is reasonably safe.^
§ 502. The statute of Tennessee. — The " prop stat-
ute " of Tennessee ^ requires the mine owner to employ a
competent overseer, who shall see personally that all loose
coal, slate or rock overhead is carefully secured against
falling and requires the miner having charge of a working
place, to keep the roof securely propped. Contributory
negligence is held to be a defense under this statute, the
same as in Missouri,^ and, irrespective of whether it was
the duty of a miner to keep the roof of an entry room or
neck propped, it is held that there can be no liability under
the statute if the evidence shows no negligence of the over-
seer in failing to examine the i-oof and furnish props, but
the injured miner, at the time of his injury, had worked
for a day in undermining the supporting structure to the
roof, without calling the attention of the overseer thereto,
as he was entitled to do.*
§ 503. Absence of props assumed by experienced
miner, in Virginia. — Practically the same rule, with ref-
erence to the assumption of risk, from the known failure
of the mine employer to secure the roof of a mine, that is
applied in Michigan, is announced in Virginia, with refer-
ence to a miner of experience. " A miner who knows that
a piece of slate in the roof of a room in which he is at
work, is loose, and notifies the mine boss, who directs him
1 Vanesse v. Catsburg Coal Co., 159 Pa. 403; 28 Atl. Rep. 200; 25
Pitts. L. J. N. S. 40; 33 W. N. C. 387, Where timbers are rotten or de-
cayed, and as a result tliey fall and injure a miner, ttie employer is respon-
sible, under the Pennsylvania law. Webster v. Monongahela River Con.
Coal & Colse Co., 201 Pa. 278; 50 Atl. Rep. 964.
» Acts Tenn. 1881, Ch-ip. 170.
2 See Section The Missouri Statute.
* Heald v. Wallace, 71 S. W. Rep. 80.
554 FAILURE TO TIMBER MINE. § 504
to prop it, which he promises to do, but fails to thus carry
out the instructions given him, for his own and his fellow-
servant's protection, cannot recover for an injury sustained
by its fall, as he enters the room, after a blast, because of
the assumption of risk."i
§ 504. Employment of mine-boss relieves employer in
"West Virginia. — The statute of West Virginia requires
every mine owner or operator in the State, to employ a
competent mine boss,^ who shall have charge of the under-
ground operation of the employer's mine. The employ-
ment of a competent mine boss, as required by the statute,
is held, by the courts of West Virginia, to be a compliance
with the statute, sufiScient to discharge the employer from
liability under the statute, as he is not liable for any sub-
sequent negligence of the mine boss, employed in pursuance
to the requirements of the statute.^ In this State it is held
that a miner cannot base an action for an injury from fall-
ing slate, upon a failure to furnish props, where the fall of
the slate was caused by the employee tapping the slate, as
he was under duty to do, to ascertain if it was safe, before
propping, as this was an injury assumed by him, incident
to his duties as an employee.* But a mine owner is re-
sponsible for an injury to a miner, from a fall of rock from
the roof of the mine, if, by reasonable care, the owner
could have discovered the unsafe condition of the roof,
where the injured employee is free from contributory negli-
1 Russell Creek Coal Co.o. Wells, 96 Va. 416; 31S.E. Rep. 614; 4 Va.
Law Reg. 597.
2 West Virginia Code, 1891, Append., p. 996, Sec. 11.
3 Williams v. Thaftker Coal &c. Co., 44 W. Va. 599; 30 S. E. Rep. 107;
40 L. R. A. 812.
4 Mafsie v. Peel Splint Coal Co., 41 W. Va. 620; 24 S. E. Rep. 644.
6 Davis V. Nuttlesburg Coal & Coke Co., 34 W. Va. 500; 12 S, E.
Rep. 639.
CHAPTER XXV.
INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES.
Sbctiok 505. Infancy as affecting master's obligation.
606. Infant falsely representing himself of age.
607. Employment in violation oJ parent's instruction,
608. Unlawful employment of child in mine — Illinois statute.
509. Damages for death of infant child.
510. Measure of parent's recovery for injury or death of minor
child.
511. Employment of, in and about dangerous machinery —
Statutes against,
512. Warning to infant employees.
513. Sufficiency and extent of warning,
614. Assumption of risk by infants.
516. Same — Dangers outside scope of employment.
516. Injury to, from fellow- servant's negligence,
517. Placing infant under care of experienced employee.
518. Responsibility for accidents to infants.
519. Contributory negligence of Infants.
620. Instruction on contributory negligence of infant.
521. Infant trespasser burned in ash pile.
622. Appointment of guardian to bring suit for.
§ 505. Infancy as affecting master's obligation An
infant frequently is more experienced and capable of under-
standing and appreciating the dangers and risks of his em-
ployment, than a less experienced man of older years and
the fact of infancy itself, unless the age of the injured em-
ployee is such that he could not have understood the nature
of the risks incurred or appreciated the result of his negli-
gent acts, will not exempt an employee under majority
from the effects of his own acts or an understanding of the
dangers with which he comes in contact. The fact of
infancy, therefore, is only material as affecting the duty of
the employer, to warn or instruct the infant, when by his
(555)
556 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 506
youth or experience he is not familiar or capable of thor-
oughly understanding the risks of his employment, and if
he has such information, or himself causes the injury, by
his own neglect, his position is not essentially different
than that of an adult in the same employment.! In other
words, the rule that an employee takes upon himself all the
risks incident to the employment, is modified, in the em-
ployment of infants, to the extent of requiring the
employer of an infant, to explain to him fully the hazards
and dangers connected with the business and to instruct
him how to avoid them,^ but further than this the same
obligation obtains toward an infant employee that exists
toward an adult.
§ 506. Infant falsely representing himself of age. —
A minor, who, to obtain employment in a hazardous busi-
ness, where he knows of a rule preventing the employment
of infants, falsely represents that he is of age, is held to
be judged, inlaw, by the same rules of negligence as would
apply to an adult employee and this is especially true, if
his age and appearance would indicate that he had reached
his majority, for in such case, he would be responsible for
the employment, brought about by his own fraud, and the
employer would not be charged with the same care and
caution that would pertain to a contract of employment
1 " The mere fact of minority does not, in and of itself, necessarily
impose upon an employer any other or greater degree of care, in respect
of the minor employee, than if the latter had attained full age." Ala-
bama M. R. Co. V. Marcus, 115 Ala. 389; 22 So. Rep. 135. "Though the
plaintiff was but 19 years of age, yet, as he was an experienced miner,
he assumed such risks as were usually incident to his employment
and such other risks, if any, as were glaringly presented to him of his
experience as a miner." Carter v. Baldwin, 107 Mo. App. p. 229; 81 S.
W. Kep. 204. An infant, old enough to understand the danger of the
work undertaken, assumes the risk of injury, the same as an adult.
Dunn V. McNamee, 69 N. J. L. 498; 37 Atl. Eep. 61.
2 Smith V. Irwin, 51 N. J. L. (22 Vroom.) 507; 18 Atl. Rep. 852.
§ 507 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 557
with a minor, known to be such, when employed.! A
minor, however, who, in his application for employment,
falsely answers that he is of age, and by such misrepre-
sentation secures employment in a hazardous business, is
not, for this reason alone, to be treated as a mere tres-
passer, while so employed, nor will he thereby forfeit his
right to the same protection as other employees while
actually engaged in the company's service, but the master
is simply held to the same degree of care and no more that
would obtain toward him, were he of the asre that he falsely
represented himself to be, when employed.^
§ 507. Employment In violation of parent's instruc-
tion. — The parent of a minor child, at common law was
so far regarded as the owner of the child's services, during
the period of minority, or before emancipation, that if an
injury occurred to the child, during its minority, the
parent could recover for the loss of service until it reached
its majority.^ If an employer engages the services of a
minor in a dangerous employment and the minor, in the
course of his service, is injured in such employment, the
master will be liable in damages without proof of other act
of negligence than the employment of the child in the
forbidden service, unless it could be shown that the child
was injured as a result of his own willful act.* But, in the
1 Lake Shore and M. S. Co. v. Baldwin, 10 0. C. D. 333; Brown v.
Railroad, 68 N. H. 518.
2 Marbury Co. v. Westbrook, 121 Ala. 179; Lake Shore & M. S. Co.,
. Baldwin, 10 O. C. D. 333.
3 Texas & Pac. Co, v. Brick, 18 S. W. Eep. 947; Parsons v, Missouri-
Pacific Company, 94 Mo. 287. Where the miner was employed in viola-
tion of the parent's instruction, the defendant, in case of injury to the
minor, is liable to the parent for loss of service to the minor, regardless
of the contributory negligence of the minor or the act of his fellow-
servants. T. P. Co. V. Brick, supra.
♦ Coleman v. Himmerberger- Harrison Land &c. Co. (Mo. App. 1904),
79 S. W. Rep. 981.
558 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 508
absence of a statute creating a different standard of re-
sponsibility for the death or injury to a minor child, the
jury should only consider the benefits that the parent would
receive from the life of the child during its minority and
not during the whole course of its probable existence. ^
And if the parent has consented to the employment of his
child in a hazardous business, he assumes all the risks
reasonably incident thereto, including that of the son's in-
discretion and rashness due to his youth, and he cannot
recover for loss of his service, where he was killed while dis-
charging a dangerous duty, where there was a perfectly
safe way to do it.^
§ 508. Unlawful employment of cMld in mine — Illi-
nois statute. — On account of the hazardous nature of
mining operations and the many sudden perils, where the
best judgment of adults of experience is often needed to
avoid injury to those engaged, legislation should be passed
in all the States prohibiting the employment of children in
mines, of such a tender age as to render them unable to
avoid the dangers of the undertaking, by reason of their
lack of appreciation of the dangers surrounding them. In
Illinois the statute prevents the employment of such chil-
dren in mines ^ and where the statute is violated and a child
is employed in the department of the service interdicted by
the law, the employer is held liable for any injury that may
result to the child as a result of the operation of the mine,
while it is so engaged.* A similar construction is adopted,
1 Parsons v. Missouri Pacific Company, 94 Mo. 287.
2 McCooIj). Lucas Coal Co., 30 W. N. C. 251; 2i Atl. Eep. 360. If
the parent is familiar with the duties his son is expected to perform and
hires him out to do such work, the master has a right to expect that the
father has given the son due warning and instruction as to the proper
way to perform such duties. Bast & W, R. Co. v. Sims, 80 Ga. 807; 6
S. E. Rep. 695.
2 See Illinois Mining Act, Sec. 22.
* Marquette Third Vein Co. v. Dielie, 110 111. App. 684.
§ 509 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 559
in Minnesota, under the statute of that State, preventing
the employment of children between 14 and 16 years in or
about dangerous machinery, and the injury to a child, so
employed, under the statute, is held to establish a prima-
facie case of negligence against the employer. i
§ 509. Damages for death of an infant child. — Under
the English statute providing for the survival of actions
for death, through negligence,^ from which most of the
statutes of the different States are modeled, * the action was
given to the wife, parent or child. The parties competent
to sue for the death of an infant child, depends wholly
upon the provisions of the statute of the State where the
death of the infant occurred, and if no right of action is
given for such death by the law of the State where the
injury or death resulted, no cause of action survives; but
in most of the States of the United States, the action sur-
vives in favor of the parents of a minor child* and in
many of the mining States statutes have been passed,
applying especially to mines, which give an action,
independently of the general damage act.^ The parties
1 Laws Minn. 1895, p. 386j ch. 171; Perry v. Tozer, 90 Minn. 431; 97
N. W, Rep. 137; Tenn. Act. 1893, c. 159. Tlie employment of a child,
in violation of the Tennessee statute, is held to subject the employer to
damages, regardless of the fact whether the infant employee, at the time
of his injury, was in the discharge of his duties or not. Ornamental Iron
& Wire Co. v. Green, 65 S. W- Eep. 399; Queen v. Iron Co., 95 Tenn.
458; 32 S. W. Eep. 460; 30 L. E. A. 82; 49 Amer. St. Eep. 935. For
similar provision, in Missouri, see Sess. Laws, 1901, p. 212.
2 Lord Campbell's Act, 9 & 10 Vict., Ch. 93, Sees. 1 & 2.
3 White Mines & Mining Eemedies, Sec. 402 and cases cited.
4 Ala. Code, 1896, Sec, 25 (2537); Mass. Laws, 1897, ch. 565; Welch
©.Grace, 167 Mass. 690; Burns' Eev. St. Ind. 1901, Sec 7085; Sess.
Laws Colo. 1903, Ch. 77, Sec. 1 ; E. S. Mo. 1899, Sees. 2864 and 3820; and
for construction of the statute see Hammon v. Coal& Coke Co., 156 Mo.
232. Generally, for list of statutes, giving damages for death, and con-
struction thereof, see White Mines & Mining Eemedies, Sees. 402 eis«6.
See also Dresser Emp. Llab., Sees. 41 et sub.
5 B.S.Mo. 1899,Sec. 8820 ; see Chapter Statutes Regarding Safety of Miners.
560 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 510
competent to sue for the death of an infant are
generally, its parents, or, if married, the wife or chil-
dren. 1 These several parties are elsewhere discussed and
their status under the different statutes, and a further treat-
ment of the right of action is not deemed proper here, as
the statute of the State where the action is brought, and of
the State where the cause of action occurred, are always the
best evidence of the right created.^
§ 510. Measure of parent's recovery for injury or
death of minor child. — The basis, in law, for the
recovery, by a parent, for the injury or death of a minor
child, is his or her common law right to the services of the
child, during its minority. While this rule seems devoid of
the finer sentiment and affection that is known to character-
ize the family relation and to especially exist as between
parent and child, the law deals not with the emotions or
affections of the human family, but courts of justice,
realizing the instability of submitting the measure of com-
pensation as to such wounded feelings, to juries, prone to
follow the humane promptings of their hearts, allow no
money equivalent for the loss of other than the value of the
services of the minor child, during its minority. Hence it
is that a parent may have two sons, one past majority and
the other less than the age when the law would emancipate
him, and for the death or injury of the former the courts
would allow the parent no compensation, while for the
injury or death of the latter, the law would afford a
substantial remuneration, based upon the loss of services
1 Ala. Code, 1896, Sec. 26; Mass. Laws, 1898, Ch. 565; Burns' E. S.
Ind. 1901, Sec. 7085; Sess. Laws Colo. 1893, Ch. 77; E. S. Mo. 1899,
Sec. 2864. Under the rule In Alabama, if the injured infant would be
prevented from recovering damages, because of the negligence of a fel-
low servant, this rule would prevent the father from recovering damages
for loss of his service. Woodward Iron Co. i). Cook, 125 Ala. 349.
" See Chapter, Parties to Action.
§ 511 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 561
during minority of the child. ^ This apparent inconsistency
in the law, when carefully considered, is based upon the
soundest principles, for, as said in a well considered case,
which arose in Maryland,^ "To submit to the jury the
value of a life without limit as to years, would have been
to leave them to speculate upon its duration, without any
basis of calculation. The law entitles the mother to the serv-
ices of her child during its minority only (the father being
dead) ; beyond this, the chances of survivorship, his ability
or willingness to support her, are matters of conjecture too
vague to enter into the estimate of damages merely com-
pensatory. According to the appellant's theory, the
mother and son are supposed to live on together to an
indefinite age ; the one craving sympathy and support, the
other rendering reverence, obedience and protection. Such
pictures of filial piety are inestimable moral examples,
beautiful to contemplate, but the law has no standard by
which to measure their loss."
§ 511. Employment of, in and about dangerous ma-
chinery — Statutes against. — Independently of statute, it
would be negligence, for which an employer would be com-
pelled to respond in damages, if an employer should put
an infant employee of years not sufficient to comprehend
1 " The law presumes the life of a minor child to be of value to his
pa'ent, because he is entitled to his services and is responsible for his
support, during minority. He is necessarily injured by a wrongful act,
resulting in the death of such minor child, which thereby deprives him
of the value of those services and casts upon him, in case of injury
merely, the burden of legal liability for that support, when deprived of
the value of such services, enhanced by the additional expense of pro-
viding medicine, medical attention and nursing during illness and for
funeral charges, when he dies. To compensate him lor this loss and
this burden, the law allows the parent of such minor substantial
damages and they may be measured by the experience and judgment of
the jury." Parsons v. Missouri Pacific Company, 94 Mo. 1. c. 296.
2 State V. Baltimore and Ohio Company, 24 Md. 84.
36
562 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 511
the danger of his surroundings, at work, at or near dan-
gerous machinery or revolving shafts or gearing, likely to
cause him severe personal injury, without proper warning
or instruction.! But statutes have also been passed, in
many States, making it unlawful to employ infants of a
fixed age, in or about dangerous machinery, and where
an infant is employed, in violation of the terms of a
statute, since the breach of the statute would fur-
nish a sufficient violation of duty, as to the child so
employed, in case of a resulting injury to such child,
the employer violating the statute would be compelled to
respond in damages for the injury sustained as a result of
violating the law, passed for the protection of the infant,^
and proof of the unlawful employment and a resulting in-
jury to the child is usually held to establish & prima facie
case of negligence against the employer violating the stat-
1 Janckow. West Coast M. & I. Co., 34 Wash. 556; 76 Pac. Rep. 78;
Chicago-Anderson Pressed Brick Co. v. Eeinneeger, 140 111. 334; 33
Amer. St. Eep. 249; 29 N. B. Rep. 1106; Sachau «. Miller & Co., 123
Iowa, 387; 98 N. W. Rep. 900; Carter v. Fred Dubach Co. (La. 1904), 36
So. Rep. 952; Northern Alabama Coal & Iron Co. o. Beacham CAIa.
1904)j 37 So. Rep. 227; Lowery ». Anderson Co., 89 N. Y, S. 107; 9S
App. Div. 465; Meehan v. Atlas S. & M. Co., 87 N. Y. S. 1031; 94 App.
Div. 306. "At common law the master is not required to gjiard dan-
gerous machinery, though he might be liable for allowing a person, too
young and inexperienced to appreciate the danger and assume the risk,
to expose himself to the hazard." Blair o. Heibel (Mo. App. 1903), 77
S. W. Kep. 1017.
2 Saun. & B. (Wis.) Ann. St., Sec. 1728. See Laws N. Y., Sec. 81,
1898, p. 353, ch. 192; Lowery v. Anderson Co., 89 N- Y. S. 107; 96 App.
Div. 465; Mining Act. 111., Sec. 22; Marquette Third Vein Co. v, Dielie,
110 111. App. 684. Where an accident happens to a child, under lawful
age, when employed, such employment is, of Itself, evidence of negli-
gence. Merino o. Lehmaier, 172 N. Y. 530; 66 N. E. Rep. 572. Burns'
Re^r. Stat. Ind. 1901, Sec. 70871, declaring that no person under 16 shiU
be allowed to clean machinery, while in motion, prohibits the cleaning
of the parts of machinery intended to remain stationary, while the
parts designed to move, are la motion. Bower v. Locke, 67 N. E. Rep.
1115.
§ 512 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 563
ute,l and he is forbidden to set up his violation of a stat-
ute, intended for the protection of an infant employee, as
a defense to an action by a minor for an injury to him,
through the negligence of the employer.^ But in "Wiscon-
sin and Pennsylvania, the mere employment of an infant,
in or around dangerous machinery, in violation of a stat-
ute, will not render the master liable for an injury to the
infant, unless the master's negligence is the approximate
cause of the injury,'' and this is in accord with the general
rule of pleading and practice, in personal injury actions,
that the master's negligence must be the approximate cause
of the injury, and any other rule is subjecting the master
to an additional penalty, not named in the statute.
§ 512. "Warning or instruction to infant employees. —
An infant, engaging in a hazardous employment, is en-
titled to warning from the master of dangers which, on
1 Perry v. Tozer, 20 Minn. 431; 97 N. W. 137.
2 Dion V. Richmond Co. (R. I. 19C2), 52 Atl. Rep. 889.
' Belles V. Jackson, 4 Pa. Dist. R. 194; Kutchera v. Goodwillie, 93
Wis. 448; 67 N. W. Kep. 729. Revised Statute Ohio, Sec. 6986, prohibit-
ing the employment of children under sixteen around dangerous machin-
ery, makes it evidence of negligence to employ such a child in such
service, because the statute indicates that such children are unfit, by
reason of their age, to be so employed. Brecbenridge Co. v. Reagan, 22
Ohio Cir. Ct. R. 71; 12 O. C. D. 50. An infant old enough to understand
the danger of operating dangerous machinery, in the absence of a stat-
ute, assumes the risk of injury, the same as an adult. Dunn u. Mc-
Namee, 59 N. J. L. 498; 87 Atl. Rep. 61. A boy of 15, who undertakes
to operate a machine with unguarded cog-wheels, with full knowledge
of the risk of injury and of the absence of guards, is held to assume the
risk, In Higgins Co. v. O'Keefe, 79 Fed. Rep. 900; 51 U. S. App. 74; 25
C. A. 220. " The mere employment of a boy under 12, In violation of
the statute of Wisconsin, will not render the matter liable for his in-
jury, unless such injury resulted from the negligence of the master."
This is the correct rule as the negligence of the master must be the
approximate cause of the injury. Kutchera w. Goodwillie, 93 Wis. 448;
37 N. W. Rep. 729; Evan v. American Iron Co., 42 Fed. Rep. 519; Ste-
phens D. Stevens, 49 N. Y. S. 850; Belles O.Jackson, 4 Pa. Dist. Ct. R 194,
564 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 512
account of youth and inexperience, he does not compre-
hend and appreciate ; and if such warning or instruction
be not given, or if given and they are inadequate, the
master is held to be in fault and must respond in damages
for the consequences of his neglect, in case of a resulting
injury to such an employee. i But the danger must be such
a one, as, coupled with the experience that the employer
knows the employee to have, would lead him, as a reason-
able man, to believe that he was ignorant of, before warn-
ing or instruction will be required of the master.^ The
master has a right to assume that his employees, being
competent, will not be negligent, and it is not his duty to
give warning or instruction as to possible or jorobable
dangers, resulting from the negligence of his employees,^
nor is he bound to give warning or instruction as to dan-
gers which are obvious, or those which he has reason to be-
lieve that the servant is already informed about, because
the law never requires a wholly superfluous thing to be
done.*
1 Evans Co. v. Crawford (Neb. 1903), 93 N. W. Bep. 177; Ittner Brick
Co. o. Killian (Neb. 1903), 93 N. B. Rep. 951. A servant put to sleep in
a tent, near a place where blasts are discharged, is entitled to warning
of the danger of snch blasts. Orman v. Salvo, 117 Fed. Rep. 233; 64 C.
C. A. 263. Where extraordinary risks may be encountered, known to
the master, the servant should be warned of their character, as fully as
possible. Illinois Steel Co. v. Ruska, 200 III. 280; 65 N. E. Rep. 734;
Waxahachie Oil Co. v. McLain (Tex. Civ. App. 1902), 66 S. W. Rep.
226.
2 Brundige v. Dodge Mfg. Co., 183 Mass. 100; 66 N. E. Rep. 604;
Gaudet v. Stansfleld, 182 Mass. 451; 65 N. E. Rep. 850.
= Klos V. Hudson River Ore & Iron Co., 79 N. Y. S. 156 ; 77 App. Div.
566. A mine owner need give no warning of the danger of wandering
from a path to work where a guide was furnished. Smith v. Thomas
Iron Co. (N. J. 1903), 64 Atl Rep. 563.
* Herbert v. Mound City Co., 90 Mo, App. 305. A mine employer
need not warn an employee of the danger of trying to shove powder in
a drill hole too small to receive it. Kopf v. Monroe Stone Co. (Mich.
1903), 95 N. W. Rep. 72. As opposed to the rule stated in the text, that
negligence of an employer's employees is not to be presumed, it is held,
§ 513 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 565
§ 513. Sufficiency and extent of warning. — Unless the
instruction or warning to an infant inexperienced emploj'ee
is sufficient to inform him of the nature and extent of the
dangerto which his employment subjects him, it had as well
not been given and hence, the warning or instruction, to
constitute a defense to an action for an injury for failing
to give instruction as to surrounding dangers in the em-
ployment of an inexperienced employee, must be of suffi-
cient definiteness to fully appraise the infant of the danger
he is about to encounter, or it will be unavailing. If the
employee is changed from a department of the business not
attendant with much risk, to another branch of the service,
where there is more danger in the performance of his
duties, it is the duty of the master to give proper instruc-
tion as to the character of the new employment.! An
in Louisiana, in a late case, that if an Inexperienced employee is put to
work around dangerous machinery, and he is injured as a result of a
fellow-servant's negligence, in failing to watch such machinery, the
master is liable for not instructing him of his danger. Lindsay v. Tioga
Co., 108 La. 468; 32 So. Kep. 464. The warning of danger from a mas-
ter to a young servant must usually be couched in such plain language
as to insure the latter's understanding and appreciation of it. Addicks
V. Christoph, 62 N. J. L. 786; 43 Atl. Rep. 196; 6 Amer. Neg. Eep. 117.
It is not negligence to fail to instruct a boy 17 years old of the danger of
using an obviously dangerous machine, where he has used it for several
weeks, without injury. Shine o. Cocheco Co., 173 Mass. 658; 54 N. E.
Eep. 245. For list of similar cases, see Bailey Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv.
156, Aboy of 16, sent to perform dangerous work, which he well knew
how to perform, although outside the duties for which he was engaged,
cannot recover, because no instruction was given him. Worthington v.
Goforth (Ala.),. 26 So. Eep. 531. See also Ogle v. Mills, 139 N. Y.
458; Palmer v. Harrison, 37 Mich. 182; Tremantle v. North Star Co., 57
Minn. 52; CouUard v. Tecumseh Co., 151 Mass. 85; Pratt v. Prouty, 153
Mass. 333; TinKhamo. Sawyer, 153 Mass. 485; Williamson & Sheldo-n
V. Marble Co., 66 Vt. 427. For an injury to an employee from dangerous
machinery, where it was held the master, on account of his youth,
should have warned him of the dangers of working near dangerous
machinery, see Bowling v. Allen, 102 Mo. 213; 14 S. W. Rep. 751.
1 Giordano v. Brandywine Granite Co. (Del. 1901), 52 Atl. Eep. 332.
566 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 514
inexperienced employee placed in charge of a dangerous
machine, should be instructed as to the manner in which the
service may be safely performed and the risk incident to it
and how it may be avoided and admonished against the
dangers of doing it in a way different than that as to which
the instruction is given. l And when the work which an
infant employee is set to do, may be done in different ways,
one of which is dangerous, but which experience has taught
may be safely done in another manner, then the inexpe-
rienced employee is entitled to instruction as to the way in
which it ought to be done.^
§ 514. Assumption of risk by infant employees. — A
minor employee, of sufficient intelligence and discretion to
understand the peril resulting therefrom, is held to assume
the risk of dangers connected with his employment which
are obvious to him, and he cannot hold his employer re-
sponsible for an injury therefrom, although the latter has
failed to point out such danger to him, or to give him
warning or instruction regarding such risks. ^ In other
1 Welsh V. Butz, 202 Pa. 59; 51 Atl. Kep. 591.
2 Brislin v. K'mgslOQ Coal Co., 20 Pa. Super. Ct. 234. Repeated warn-
ings to a boy eight years old, who works near cog-wheels, where they
are open to plain view, are not insuflBcient because the danger was not
explained to him, as the danger was open and obvious to anyone and a
warning was sufficient. Bibb Company o. Taylor, 95 Ga. 615; 23 S, B.
Rep. 188. A boy of nineteen should be told of the danger from the steep-
ness of the grade in a tramway, and the liability of cars, he was running
from the mine to the dump pile, from getting loose, but where he was
advised of such danger, by a fellow-servant, this is sufficient, without
direct warning by the employer. Alabama CoUinsvIlle Coal & Iron Co.
V. Pitts, 13 So. Rep. 135. The employer need not Inform the employee
of the chemical composition of different kinds of poisonous leads, but
only the effect of their poi3on9us characteristics, and the proper precau-
tion to avoid being poisoned. Fos v. Peninsular White Lead Works, 84
Mi'cb. 676; 48 N. W. Rep. 203.
" McNamana v. Logan, 100 Ala. 187 ; Hesse v. National Co., 66 N. J. L,
£52; 62 Atl. Rep. 384; Jones v. Phillipps, 39 Ark. 17; 43 Am. St. Rep.
•§514 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 567
words, the mere fact of the infancy of the injured em-
ployee is not, of itself, sufficient to exempt him from the
application of the doctrine of assumed risk, but if the
injury to him resulted from a danger that was plainly
obvious to one of his age and intelligence, he cannot re-
cover, although no warning or instructiffln was given him,i
but to enable him to recover, it must appear that he did
not know or appreciate the danger, and had not equal
means of knowledge with the master of knowing of the
defects or dangers in his surroundings, or that, by the
exercise of ordinary care, he could not have discovered
such peril, due regard being had to the age, capacity and
intelligence of the injured servant.^ But mere knowledge
of the danger of his employment is not enough to defeat an
action by an inexperienced infant for an injury received in
his employment ; it must appear that the injured employee
possessed sufficient intelligence and capacity and had suffi-
cient experience to understand, not only the danger, but
the liability of resulting injury, therefrom, and a mere
knowledge of the defect in an appliance without an appre-
ciation of the danger to which such defect subjects him,
will not defeat his action, on the ground of assumed risk.'*
And infants under the prescribed statutory age are not
usually held to have assumed the risk of injury from the
employment, as the statutory age is taken as the age of
264; Nugent v. Milling Co., 131 Mo, 241; 33 S. W. Rep. 428; Costello v.
Judson, 21 HuQ, 396; Buckleys. Mfg. Co., 113 N. Y. 540; 21 N. E. Rep.
717; Oszkoscil v. Pencil Co., 6 N. Y. S. 501; 25 N. Y. St. Rep. 925; Jones
V. Roberts, 57 111. App. 56; Stuart «. R. R. Co., 163 Mass. 391; 40 N. E.
Rep. 180. But see, contra, Dowling v. Allen, 74 Mo. 13; 41 Am. St. Rep.
298-; Railroad ». Frawley, 110 Ind. 18; 9 N. E. Rep. 594. See, as sup-
porting the text, Dresser Bmp. Liab., Sec. 96, p. 441 and cases cited.
1 Hildenbrand v. Marshall (Tex. Civ. App. 1902), 69 S. W. Rep. 492.
2 Maachester Mfg. Co. v. Polk, 115 Ga. 542; 41 S. E. Rep. 1015.
3 Welsh V. Butz, 202 Pa. 59; 51 Atl. Rep. 591.
568 INJDKIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 515
discretion and understanding of the danger, by the courts,
and the negligence arising from a violation of the statute,
on the employer's part, is held not to be excused or waived
by the obviousness of the danger, to the infant employee. ^
§ 515. Same — Dangers outside scope of employ-
ment. — While a minor is held to assume those risks inci-
dent to his work, as usually performed, or those which are
obvious to him, in the customary discharge of his work, 2^
1 Hickey v. TaafEe, 32 Hua (N. Y ), 7; Cooke v. Lalaace Grosjean Co.,
33 Hun (N. Y.),351; Dresser Emp. Liab., pp. 6O0, 601. For various
incidents of risks assumed by infants, see Chapter, Incidents of Bisks
Assumed. " There Is no presumption that a child of fourteen years has
as much prudence and understanding as an adult; and where such child
has been injured while engaged In dangerous work which he has been
commanded to do, it is for the jury to say, considering his age and ex-
perience, whether he assumed the risks of his employment." Ittner
Brick Co. v. Klllian (Neb. 1903), 93 N. W. Rep. 591. In considering the
assumption of risk, by an infant, the jury has a right to consider his age,
experience and capacity for understanding the danger, in the absence of
a proper warning to him of the dangers of the service. Hill v. Southern
Pac. Co. (Utah, 1901), 63 Pac. Eep. 814. Minor servants are held to
assume, by their contracts of employment, those ordinary risks of their
service, that are obvious to them or that have been pointed out to them,
in a manner suited to their youth and inexperience. Carrington v.
Mueller, 65 N. J. L. 244 ; 47 Atl. Rep. 564. An employee who is eighteen
years of age, has not, on that account, a greater right to recover dam-
ages, than one of age. His age will enable him to understand danger as
well as one a few years older. Carrierle v. ■Williams, 104 La. 678; 29
So. Rep. 333; Carter v. Baldwin, 81 S. W. Rep. 204. For cases, where
minor employees were held not to assume the risk of a dangerous over-
hanging rock, that had evidences of being loose, see McMillan Marble
Co. V. Black, 89 Tenn. 118; 14 S. W. Eep. 479; Carter w. Baldwin, 107
App. 229; 81 S. W. Rep. 204. A ten-year-old boy, employed to couple
coal cars, as a matter of law is held entitled to recover and not to assume
the risk, in Brazil Block Coal Co. v. GafEney (Ind.), 4 L. R. A. 860; 21
N. E. Rep. 1102.
2 Carter v. Baldwin, 107 Mo. App., p. 229; 81 S. W. Rep. 204; Fiok v.
Jackson, 3 Super. Ct. (Pa.) 378 ; 39 W. N. C. 634 ; Anderson ». Winston,
31 Fed. Rep. 528; Morbank v. Home Mining Co., 53 Kan. 731 ; Showalter
u. Fairbanks M. & S. Co., 88 Wis. 376; Aldrich ». Furnace Co., 78 Mo
559.
§ 516 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 569
he is not held to assume the risk of dangers with which he
is not familiar, or those occurring in the performance of
duties that he is asked to perform, outside the scope of the
general duties he was employed to perform .1 In a recent Cali-
fornia case an infant who was reasonably familiar with the
duties of the work he was performing when he received an
order to perform other duties, not within the range of his
employment, was held bound to exercise only such judgment
in view of his knowledge of the danger, attending the per-
formance of the task he was asked to do, as he possessed,
and it was decided that he would not necessarily assume
the increased risk from a defective appliance, although he
was aware of the defect, and an adult, with the same
knowledge, would have been held to assume the risk of
injury therefrom ?
§ 516. Injury to, from fellow-servant's negligence. —
It follows, from the rule that an infant employee is held
to assume the injuries resulting from the work and ordi-
narily incident to the service in which he is engaged, that
he cannot recover for an injury caused by the negligence of
a fellow-servant, for as to such injuries, he is held to have
waived a right of action, in entering into the contract of
employment. The rule exempting the master from liability
for injuries from the negligence of a co-employee in the
same branch of service with the one injured, is a rule of
the common law applicable to all engaging in the employ-
ment of another and under this policy the servant, by
his employment, is held to waive, as to himself, the
rule of responsibility, on the part of the employer, which
> Brewer v. Tenn. Coal Co., 97 Tenn. 615; 37 S. W. Eep. 549.
2 Poley B. Calif ornla Horseshoe Mining Co., 115 Cal. 184: 49 Pac. Eep.
42. But as to an injury which a servant knowingly encounters, although
outside the scope of his employment, see Massie 0. Feel Splint Coal Co.,
41 W. Va. 620; 24 S. E. Rep. 644.
570 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 517
obtains as to third parties, to respond in damages for in-
juries from the negligence of hia employees, done in the
scope of their employment.^ " The rule applies to all who
become servants, whether they are of full age and compe-
tent to contract or not," ^ for, indeed, it would not do to
exempt from the policy of the law, those of less than
twenty-one and hold those in all cases, over that age, for
the settled policies of the law are enforced, regardless of
the age of those upon whom it operates, and ofttimes, in the
application of the doctrine, an infant of little less than
majority, is more competent and skilled in a given service
than a much older man of less experience or natural apti-
tude for the given service.
§ 517. Placing infant under care of experienced em-
ployee. — If an employer should place an infant, inex-
perienced employee, under the care of an incompetent
servant, to show him, or assist him in the performance' of
his duties, he would be liable for a resulting injury to such
inexperienced employee, caused by the negligence of the
incompetent servant .^ But where the employer selects a
known competent and skilled employee and orders the
infant employee to obey his orders and assist him in the
work of the employer, he is not, generally, liable for any
subsequent injury to the infant servant, from the neglect
or want of skill on the part of the employee in whose
society the infant is placed.* In a recent New York case,
the defendant had placed the injured employee, an inex-
1 Dresser, Emp. Liab., Sec. 89, p. 400 and cases cited.
2 King». Boston &W. R. Corp., 9 Gush. (Mass) 112; Dresser Emp.
Jj\ah., supra. In Alabama, the father of an infant child, suing for his
death, by reason of the negligence of a fellow servant, is held to be
debarred ol a cause of action. Woodward Iron Co. v. Cook, 12t Ala . 343.
8 O'Connor v. Golden Gate Co., 135 Cal. 537; 67 Pao. Rep. 966.
4 Hussey v. Coger, 112 N. Y. 618; 20 N. E. Rep. 561; 3 L. R. A. 659;
8 Amer. St. Rep. 790; Cullen v. Norton, 126 N. Y. 1; 26 N. E. Rep. 905.
^518 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 571
periencecl servant, under the care of an experienced servant,
to assist in the demolishing of a blast furnace, where
djnamite was necessary to be used. The servant in whose
care the infant employee was placed did not warn him of
the danger of the use of dynamite and he was injured by
a premature explosion, caused by tamping the powder, but
it was held that as the defendant had placed him in the
hands of a competent employee he was not liable for the
latter' s failure to give him warning of the dangers of the
service, and as the inexperienced employee's injury was
due to the negligence of a fellow-servant, there could be
no recovery.!
§ 518. Responsibility for accidents to infants. — In
some jurisdictions, the employer is held so far under the
obligation to take the necessary precautions to avoid acci-
dents to his employees, which by reasonable care and cau-
tion could have been avoided, or foreseen, even as a result
of their imprudence, inexperience or inability, as to render
him liable for an unexpected accident to an employee dur-
ing a dangerous employment ordered by him, especially if
the employee is an infant, unacquainted v/ith the danger
incurred, and having neither the prudence or experience
necessary to protect himself.^ This rule, however, is not
generally followed, but it is generally held, that as to those
injuries sustained by the employee, even though he may be
under the age of majority, which an ordinarily careful and
skillful employer could not have foreseen would happen in
the business, as usually conducted, there is no liability
on the part of the master,^ and the rule would not
I O'Brien v. BufEalo Furnace Co., 73 N. Y. S. 830; 68 App. Div. 451.
^ This rule was recently announced in a Canada case. McCarthy v.
Thompson -Davidson Co., Rap. Jud. Que., 18 C. S. 272.
8 Beasley v. Transfer Co., 148 Mo. 413; Hysell v. Swift & Co., 78 Mo.
App. 39; Bessemer Land & Improvement Co. v. Campbell, 121 Ala. 60;
572 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 519
be different because of the lack of majority of the em-
ployee injured.
§ 519. Contributory negligence of infant. — The rule
seems to be well settled that a child is not to be judged by
the striot standards of an adult, nor is he charged with con-
tributory negligence if he acted as might reasonably be
expected from one of his age and capacity. In the case of
an infant, therefore, the question is not whether the act is
such as an ordinarily prudent person of mature years would
have committed, but it is whether the act is such as may be
expected from a child of the knowledge, age and dis-
cretion such as the injured child is shown to be
and possess. 1 Unless the infant is so young as to
require the trial court to say that he could not con-
tribute to his own injury, the question of his con-
tributory negligence, in a given case, is one for the
jury to pass upon, by considering all the circumstances
and the evidence of his age, capacity, experience and
his knowledge of the particular danger.^ But the mere
infancy of one injured, will not always protect him
from the result of his own negligence and many cases
arise where the courts hold, as a matter of law, that an
25 So. Rep. 793. In the last case cited, it was held that the fact that the
foreman could not have foreseen that the employee would be suffocated
in the defendant's mine, by reason of a fire, would not relieve the de-
fendant, where a safer course could have been followed.
1 Anderson v. Union Terminal Co., 161 Mo. 411; 61 S. W. Rep. 874;
81 Mo. App. 116. In Railway Company v. Young (81 Ga. 416), it is said
that "No court can hold that childoood and manhood are bound to
observe the same degree of diligence." This is certainly a terse state-
ment of a reasonable rule.
2 Day V. Citizen &c. Co., 81 Mo. App. 471. The infancy of the plaintiff
is only material as affecting the contributory negligence and contribu-
tory negligence is only material when the defendant has been shown
guilty of some negligence. Pueschell ». K. C. Wire & Iron Co., 79 Mo.
App. 459.
§ 520 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 573
infant will be precluded from recovering, because of his
negligence.^
§ 520. Instruction on contributory negligence of
infant. — Although some of the cases hold that where con-
tributory negligence can be predicated of an infant's acts,
the same degree of care will characterize his conduct as
that in the case of an adult person,^ the better doctrine is
deemed to be that as to an infant, his discretion and intel-
ligence are factors to be considered in determining his
ability to avoid the danger, notwithstanding his knowledge
of the risk that he may incur by a given act. In Missouri
an instruction that a child was " bound to exercise such
reasonable care and caution for his personal safety as a boy
of his age, experience and intelligence was individually
capable of" is error, as requiring the highest degree of care
of which the child was capable, instead of that degree of
care which, under similar circumstances, would reasonably
1 Spillane v. Eailwaj', 135 Mo. 414; Payne v. Railway, 136 Mo. 562;
«. c. 119 Mo. 405; cited and distinguished in Anderson u. Union Co., 31
Mo. App., p. 120. In Graney u. St. L., I. M. & S. Co. (140 Mo. 89), the
Supreme Court of Missouri held that the degree or care of a boy
was not different from that required of a man, If the boy was
chargeable with contributory negligence at all. A boy of twelve was
there held chargeable with contributory negligence, as a matter of law,
where the facts showed that he understood the danger; could have
avoided it and voluntarily assumed it. The intelligence and ability of
an infant of thirteen to understand the danger so as to assume the risk,
is held a jury question, in Alabama, in Tutweiler Coal, Coke & Iron Co.
V, Enslen, 129 A'a. 336; 39 So. Kep. 600. For contributory negligence,
on part of boy of fourteen, ordered to handle giant powder, see Orraan
1). Mannix, 17 Colo. 664. The fact that an infant, employed to work on a
scaffold, knew of the absence of lagging, and that blocking had been put
between the timbers, will not render him negligent, as a matter of law,
where the construction of the scaffold devolved upon superior servants,
who made frequent inspections thereof. Eddy v. Aurora Iron Mining
Co. (Mich.), 46 N. W. Eep. 17.
■' Graney v. St. L., I. M. & S. Co., 140 Mo. 89.
574 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 521
be expected of one of his years and capacity .^ Likewise,
it is error to instruct that if an infant had sufficient mental
capacity to know whether or not he was liable to be injured
by taking the position in which he sustained the injury
complained of, then he was guilty of negligence in taking
such position, as he may have lacked the discretion of an
adult person to avoid the danger, although he really knew
and understood it.^
§ 521. Infant trespasser burned, in ash pile. — As a
general rule, the liability of one charged with negligence,
where the injury was to one occupying the position of a
trespasser, is only held to obtain for an injury from negli-
gence after the defendant had discovered the trespasser.
This results from the relation of the parties, as a liability,
for negligence, is only held to obtain where there is a breach
of some duty owing to the injured party and there would
be no duty, as to a trespasser, or licensee, except not to
wantonly injure him, after discovery of his peril. ^ This
rule obtains, as well in the case of an infant trespasser as
in the case of an adult, occupying this position, and, in
Missouri, it is held that a lessee of premises, who piles ashes
and cinders thereon, is not liable, to an infant, who is
burned while running over such ash pile, to reach some
boys fishing at a near-by pond on the premises, for the rule
is general that parties, occupying such a position, whether
1 stern v. Bensiecke, 161 Mo. 146; 61 S. W. Eep. 594.
2 Thompson v. M. K. & T. Co., 93 Mo. App. 548; 67 S. W. Rep. 693.
s Cooley Torts, Sec. 606; Moran v. Car Co., 134 Mo. 642; Klix v. Nie-
man, 68 Wis. 271; Gillispie w. McGowan, 100 Pa. St. 144; Richards v.
McConnel), 63 N. W. Eep. 915; 45 Neb. 367; Margenthaler v. Kirby, 79
Md. 182; 28 Atl. Rep. 1065; Oil Co. v. Martin, 70 Tex. 400; Sterger v.
Vansiclen, 132 N. Y. 499; 30 N. E. Eep. 987; Eatte v. Dawson, 50 Minn.
450 ; 52 N. W. Eep. 965 ; McGinnis v. Butler, 159 Mass. 233 ; 34 N. E. Eep.
259; Grindley ». MoKechie, 163 Mass. 494; 40 N. E. Eep. 764; Peters ».
Bowman, 115 Cal. 348; 47 Pale. Rep. 113; Casicl^ v. Adams, 115 N. Y. 55;
21 N. E. Rep. 673.
§ 522 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. 575
old or young, are trespassers and the proprietor owes them
no duty, save not to negligently injure them, after dis-
covery of their peril. ^ But if there is a violation of a
statutory duty, so that the injured party could claim a
violation of a duty, as to him, without having to rely upon
a discovery of his peril by the defendant, in time to have
avoided the injury, as, in the case of a boy getting into a
pile of smoldering slack, at the mouth of a coal mine,
where a statute required the fencing of such slacli, then the
court might permit a recovery, as a recovery in such a case
was sustained by the United States Supreme Court. ^
§ 522. Appointment of guardian to bring suit. — An
infant bemg incompetent, by reason of his disability, to
bring suit in his own right, it is necessary, if there is not a
regular guardian of his person already appointed, to pro-
cure the appointment of a guardian ad litem for the pur-
pose of prosecuting the suit. The statutes of the different
States differ as to the preliminaries necessary to be com-
phed with in the appointment of a guardian to prosecute
the suit, but, usually, the infant is required to file a peti-
tion, asking for the appointment of a guardian or next
friend, to prosecute the suit, if he is not already under
guardianship and the guardian is required to accept the
appointment, in writing.^ A petition which fails to show
1 Smith M.Jacob Dold Company, 82 Mo. App. 9. See, also, Overholt
V. Vieths, 95 Mo. 422 ; Witte v. Steifel, 126 Mo. 295; Hargraves v. Deacon,
26 Mich. 1.
2 In this case, a boy was injured by getting into a smoldering and un-
guarded pile of slack, at the mouth of a coal mine. The statute of Colo-
rado required the fencing of slack thrown from coal mines and as the
defendant had violated the statutory duty imposed upon it, it was
held liable to the plaintiff for the injury sustained. Railway Company
V. McDonald, 152 U. S. 262.
s Wis. Eev. St., Sec. 2613. Under this statute, an appointment of a
guardian, ad litem, continues until the disability ceases, unless the
guardian is sooner discharged by order of the court appointing him.
576 INJURIES TO INFANTS IN MINES. § 522
that the guardian who sues in behalf of the infant plaintiff,
has been regularly appointed is held bad, on demurrer, in
some jurisdictions,! while, in others, the defect is deemed
waived unless taken especial advantage of, by answer.^
An infant's marriage would not dispense wltli the appointment of a
guardian. Alexander v. Davis, 42 W. Va. 465; 26 S. E. Rep. 291.
Ky. Civ. Code, Sec. 52, Walch v. Davis, 32 S. W. Bep. 281; 2 Starr, &c.,
III. Ann. St. (2 ed.), p. 1470, Sec. 21; Sill v. Sill, 185 111. 694; 57 N.
E. Bep. 812; Bev. St. Texas, Sees. 3498u and 3498v; Lurasdea v. C. E. I.
& P. Co., 23 Tex. Civ. App. 137; 56 S. W. Bep. 605; Iowa Code, Sec.
3482; Wis. v. Schlossler, 82 N. W. Bep. 439.
1 Higgins 0. Hannibal & St. Joe Co., 36 Mo., p. 431.
2 " The petition should allege the appointment, in the mode pointed
out by law, of the next friend, for the minor plaintiff. But the issue that
the petition does not show that such next friend has not legal capacity
to s'ae, on behalf of such minor, In that it does not contain any such al-
legation, is not raised by a general denial. But where the answer speci-
fically denied that such person is the next friend of the plaintiff, it is not
a general denial, on that point." Cohu v. Metropolitan Co., 182 Mo.
577; 81 S. W. Rep. 846. See Chapter Parties to Actions for Injuries in
Mines.
CHAPTEK XXYI.
INJURIES TO THIED PERSONS IN MINES.
Section 523. The principle, respondeat superior.
524:. Act must be within scope of employment.
525. Same — Common law and statutory negligence.
526. Assumption of risk by third parties.
527. Contributory negligence a defense — Injury to striker.
528. Willful, malicious act of servant.
529. Incompetency of servant.
530. Liability does not extend to acts of substitutes.
531. Injury to trespassers.
532. Same — Infancy of trespasser immaterial.
533. Injury to licensee.
534. Pleading injuries to.
535. Joint liability of master and servant.
536. Jury questions in actions for.
§ 523. The principle, respondeat superior. — In an
action to recover damages for the negligence of another,
on the principle of respondeat superior, the plaintiff can-
not recover, unless it is made to appear that the relation
of master and servant in fact existed, whereby the negli-
gent act of the servant, in law, is imputed to the master. ^
Where the relation of master and servant can be said to
exist, however, it is immaterial how the method of pay-
ment for services is regulated or adjusted, or how extensive
the dependence of the agent may be, in the line of his
agency the master is responsible for his negligent acts.^
Accordingly, where a refining company employed a person
1 White Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 404. p. 537 and cases cited.
For distinction between intentional acts of servant, within and beyond
scope of authority, see Cooley Torts, pp. 626, 627 and cases cited. See,
also, Wesley City Coal Co. v. Healer, 84 111. 126; Ardesco Oil Co. v. Gil-
son, 10 Mor. Min. Eep. 669.
2 Cooley Torts, p. 626.
37 (577)
578 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES, § 524
to sell and deliver its commodity to customers, bein^^ paid
by a commission on the amount of sales, he is held to be
an agent, or servant of the company, for whose negligence,
in the conduct of the business, or those employed by him,
the company would be liable.^ But the company would
not be liable for a specific act of negligence done by one
of the company's drivers, under orders from the purchaser,
for if, in delivering such commodity to a customer, the
customer directs a driver how to throw off coal, or other
substance, and in obeying the order, the purchaser is
injured, the negligence will be imputed to the purchaser
and not to the master, for in the doing of this act, the
customer would make the company's agent his own agent,
and his negligence would be his, in law.^
§ 524. Acts must be within scope of employment. —
In order to make the employer liable for the acts of his
servants, where injury results to a third party, the act of
negligence must be one performed within the scope of his
employment and in furtherance thereof, or it will be re-
garded as the individual act of the servant and the master
will not be responsible therefor.^ The relation of master
and servant does not impose on the master liability for any
act of the servant, unless the act was done in the perform-
ance of the master's business and, for the accomplishment
of the object for which the servant was employed. Where
1 Riggs V. standard Oil Co., 130 Fed. Rep. 199.
2 Atherton v. Kansas City Coal & Coke Co., 106 Mo. App. 691; 81 S.
W. Rep. 223. One cannot be held liable, under the doctrine of respon-
deat superior, unless he has the power to discharge the negligent em-
ployee whose act occasions the injury. In the absence of control, no
liability exists. Crudup v. Schreiner, 98 111. App. 337.
3 Cooley Torts, p. 534; Vogeli v. Marble & Granite Works, 49 Mo.
App. 364; Railroad v. Cooper, 32 S. W. Rep. 617; Machine Co. v. Bobbst.
66 Mo. App. 427; State v. Brownlee, 53 Mo, App. 126; Nichols v. Nel-
son, 46 Mo. App. 416.
§ 525 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. 579
the servant, for his own pleasure or amusement and not
to serve his master, or advance his interest, injures an-
other, he alone and not the master, is liable for damages
therefor. 1 But if the act done came within the line of
the duties of the negligent servant, the principal is liable,
even though the act was done in violation of ex-
press orders, for the injured third party could not be
chargeable with the effect of a violation of such orders,
after injury, by an employee whom the master had
placed in a position and a business where he was liable
to cause such injury, in the discharge of the duties of his
employment.^
§ 525. Same — Common law and statutory negli-
gence. — S.ince the basis of the right of recovery as against
a master for a negligent act of his employee, within the
scope of his authority, is the fact of agency on the part of
the employee doing the wrong, where such agency exists
and the wrongful or negligent act is committed within the
general scope of the employment, it is immaterial whether
the nesligence arises from a violation of a common law or
statutory duty, on the part of the employer, or his em-
ployee. The doctrine of agency applies as well to negli-
gence upon common law principles, as to violations of
duty arising from a statute upon the subject, and the
master is liable for the negligence of his servant,
committed in the course of his employment and resulting
1 Bestwhistle v. Woodward, 95 Mo. 113; Sammis v. Chicago, B. & Q.
Co., 97 111. App. 28; Lytle v. Crescent &c. Co., 66 S. W. Rep. 240.
2 Humbser v. Scott, 5 Mo. App. 697; Murphy v. Wilson, 44 Mo. 313;
Began v. Heed, 96 111. App. 460; Alsever v. Minn. & St. L. Co., 88 N. W.
Eep. 841. The last two cases cited arose from an engineer, in the dis-
cbarge of steam, from a stationary engine, doing so, in such a manner
as to injure a passar-by. Where a petition fails to show that the negli-
gent servant was a servant of the defendant and his act was one within
the line of his duties, the same is insu£3cient to allege a cause of action,^
580 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. § 527
in injury to another, regardless of the character of the
negligent act.^
§ 526. Assumption of risk bj' third parties. — While
the common law doctrine of assumed risk, as originally
announced, was held to grow out of the implied contract
of the employment, on the part of the employee to assume,
as risks incidental to his service, all dangers apparent to
an ordinarily prudent servant and all such as arose from
the negligent acts of his co-employees and his implied con-
tract could not be said to arise in the absence of the relation
of master and servant, still to prevent injustice being imposed
upon the employer, the doctrine has been recognized to ex-
tend to cases of injuries to others than employees, as to
risks open and obvious and those that an ordinarily care-
ful person could have anticipated, the same as if such
relation had existed. Illustrative of this rule is a late
Federal case, where the injured party was helping to hold
a guy rope, tied to a chain, which came untied and injured
him. The employees of the defendant had tied the neg-
ligently tied knot, while loading a barge with coal and the
injured party had examined the knot and thought it was
sufficient and all right. It was held that he assumed the
risk of the injury from the knot coming untied and hurting
him and could not recover, because of the defendant's
servant's negligence.^
§ 527. Contributory negligence a defense — Injury to
striker. — The liability of the master for injuries from the
:i£ challenged. Thomas v. McGuinness, 9i 111. App. 248. The test of
liability is not so much the character o£ the act, as whether or not it was
d'OB« ■within the scope of the servant's authority. Dolan v. Hubinser, 109
Iowa, 408; 80 N. W. Eep. 514. An employer is not liable for an injury
to a third person, from a negligent act of his employee, unless the act
was one which pertained to the duty thit the employee was employed to
do. Johansen v. Pioneer Fuel Co., 72 Minn. 405; 75 N. W. Rsp. 719
1 Osborne v. McMasters (Minn.) 41 N. W. Rep. 543.
i Farrell v. CouUneiital lion Works 106 Fed. Uep. 987; 46 C. C. A. 75.
§ 528 INJUEIBS TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. 581
negligent acts of his servants, being dependent upon the
fact that his negligence, through his employees, was the
approximate cause of the injury, if the injury resulted
from other causes, as the contributory negligence of the
plaintiff himself, this is a good defense to the action.
Illustrative of this well established rule, is the case of an
injury to a striker, or bystander, by employees who suc-
ceeded him in the employment of a mining company. It
is held that the company is not liable for the result of a
gun-shot wound, inflicted upon a non-combatant during a
conflict between former employees and their successors,
where the conflict was precipitated by the conduct of such
former employees and the guards employed by the com-
pany and the employees who were being guarded, obtained
possession of arms, without the consent of the company,
which had been originally furnished them for protection,
but subsequently taken away.^
§ 528. Willful, malicious acts of servant. — An act of
a servant, while engaged in his master's work, but entirely
disconnected therefrom, done solely for the accomplish-
ment of an independent, malicious purpose, of the servant,
and not in furtherance of the duties of his employment or
in the scope of his employment, is not the act of the
master, and for injuries resulting therefrom to a third party,
the servant alone is responsible.^ This rule of non-liabil-
ity is illustrated by a recent case in Rhode Island, where
some children, in passing defendant's factory, so angered
its employees, that one of them threw a piece of iron and
struck a child. It was held, b}' the court, that in the per-
1 Thorburn v. Smith, 10 Wash. 479; 39 Pac. Rep. 124. To enable a
party to recover damages for an injury from the defendant's servant's
negligence, he must establish his own freedom from contributory neg-
ligence. Stewart v. Philadelphia W. & B. Co. (Del.), 17 Atl Rep. 639.
2 Evers v. Krause fN. J. 1904), 58 Atl. Rep. 181; Healy v. Patterson
(Iowa, 1904), 98 N. W. Eep. 756.
582 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. § 529
forraance of such a willful, malicious act, the servant could
not be said to act for the master and the defendant was
held not liable. i But in order to make the act done by a
servant, the servant's act alone, there must generally be
a turning away from the master's service, and an entering
upon the affair as one which concerns the servant only.^
§ 529. Incompetency of servant — To render the em-
ployer liable to a third person for the acts of an incompe-
tent servant, there must be clear proof of such incom-
petency and retention of an incompetent employee,
after knowledge of his incompetency. The master
does not owe to third persons the same duty to em-
ploy and retain competent employees that he does to those
in his service, for the latter, by virtue of their employ-
ment, have a right to rely upon the proper discharge of
this duty, as they have to demand reasonably safe tools
and appliances, for, in fact, the servants in his employ are
as much a part of the master's plant as his tools,^ but as
to strangers, the same degree of responsibility does not
exist, particularly as to licensees or those toward whom the
master has not assumed a position which would enable
them to expect that they should only be brought in con-
1 Benton v. Hill Mfg. Co., 26 R. I. 192; 58 Atl. Rep. t)64.
2 Krztkowsky v. Speering, 107111. App. 493. For case of willful injnry
by servant, outside of his employment and to gratify his own malice,
although he was in the master's service, see Brennan o. Merchant & Co.,
205 Pa. 258; 54 Atl. Rep. 891. The tortious act of an employee in
throwing coal at a boy, playing near the employer's engine, as a result of
which, to avoid being struck, the boy is fatally injured, renders the em-
ployer liable. Pierce v. North Carolina Co., 124 N. C. 83; 44 L. R. A.
316; 32 S. B. Rep. 399; Kline v. CentralP. R. Co., 37 Cal 400; 99 Amer.
Dec. 282; Denver & R. G. Co. v. Harris, 122 U. S. 597; 30 L. Ed. 1146.
Owner is liable for act of employee in throwing a large board down, at
a place where injury to the public was apt to result. Holmes v. Tenn.
Coal, I. & R. Co., 49 La Ann. 1465; 22 So. Rep, 403.
3 Bailey's Mas. Liab. Inj. Serv. 136.
§ 531 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. 583
tact with competent employees, in the discharge of some
business relations with such employee, l
§ 530. Liability does not extend to acts of substi-
tutes. — The liability of an employer for the negligence of
a servant does not extend to negligent acts, which result in
injury to a third party, where the negligence is that of a
substitute, engaged by the master's servant without any
authority to delegate his master's power as to the particu-
lar woris in charge of the servant at the time of such dele-
gation.^ But in case of an injury to a third person, by a
substitute of the servant of the defendant, the fact that
the employee was present, so as to direct the work of the
substitute, a volunteer in assistance to the servant, the
presumption may be indulged in that such servant also par-
ticipated in the work, which was delegated to him, by the
defendant.^
§531. Injury to trespasser. — The authorities are
unanimous in holding that a person is under no legal duty
to keep his land or property in a safe condition for tres-
passers. As already seen,* the basis of the right of action,
for a personal injury, is a breach of duty toward the per-
son injured, by the one causing the injury, and where no
such duty exists, no liability results, merely from the fact
1 For alleged incompetency of surgeon, employed by Mm, see Big
Stone Gap u. Ketron (Va. 1903), 45 S. E. Rep. 740; Missouri, K. & T.
Co. V. Freeman (Tex. Civ. App. 1903), 73 S. W. Kep. 642. A finding
that an injury to a third party was due to a known incompetent servant,
was supported, in McGahie v. McClenna, 83 N. Y. S. 692 ; 86 App. Div.
263.
2 Appel V. Eaton & Co., 97 Mo. App. 428; 71 S. W. Rep. 741.
2 Appel V. Eaton & Prince Co., supra.
* Section 2, et sub. Zoetiisch v, Tarbell, 10 Allen, 386; Cramllch v.
Wurst, 86 Pa. St. 74 ; Severy v. Nickerson, 120 Mass. 306 ; 21 Amer. St.
Rep. 514; Shear. & Redf. Neg. C4th ed.) 97, 98; Thompson Neg. 303,
1162; Whart on Neg. 344 et sub.
584 INJURIES TO THIED PERSONS IN MINES. § 532
of the injury. The only duty which the law recognizes
toward a trespasser, on the part of the owner of property,
is not to willfully injure such trespasser, or to avoid injury
to him, after discovery of his presence. ^ If, therefore, it
is not shown that the trespasser was willfully injured, or
that he was injured as a result of a want of ordinary
care, after his presence was discovered, there is no liability
shown, for such an injury. ^ As said in a leading California
case,^ however, " A wrong-doer is not an outlaw, against
whom every man may lift his hand. Neither his life,
limbs or property, are held at the mercy of his adversary.
On the contrary, the latter is bound to conduct himself
with reasonable care and prudence, notwithstanding the
fault of the former; and if, by so doing, he can avoid in-
juring the person of the former, he is liable if he does not,
if by reason thereof, injury ensues." So the rule is well
established that if the employer, or his employee, willfully
injure a trespasser or fail to avoid injury to him, after dis-
covery of his danger, they will be liable, when, by ordinary
or reasonable care, the injury could have been avoided.*
§532. Same — Infaucy of trespasser Iminaterial. —
Since the right of action, for personal injuries, is dependent
upon a fact and that fact is the legal duty toward the in-
jured person, by the one causing the injury, in the absence
of such fact, there can be no liability, regardless of the
infancy of the injured person.^ Hence, the rule is quite
generally followed, that the mere fact of the infancy of
' Shear. & Kedf. Neg. supra., and cases cited.
2 Kohn V. Lovett, 44 Ga. 251; Hargreaves v. Deacon, 25 Mich 1;
Eonlston v. Clark, 3 E. D. Sm. 366; Thompson Neg., supra.
" Needham v, San Francisco &c. Co., 37 Cal. 409.
4 Wharton Neg., Sec. 344 et sub., Thompson Neg. 303.
* Frost V. Eastern R. E. Co., 64 N. H. 220; 9 Atl. Rep. 730; McDonald
V. U. P. Co., 36 Fed. Rep. 38; Woods v. Lloyd (Pa.), 16 Atl. Rep. 43;
Calligan v. Metacomet Co., 143 Mass. 527.
§ 533 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. 585
the injured person, will not, of itself, be sufficient to render
a person liable for an injury to such infant trespasser, un-
less there are other facts or circumstances connected with
the injury, sufficient to hold the owner liable.! Perhaps
the only exception to this rule is what is known as the
" turn-table cases," ^ where the rule is announced that on
account of the infancy of the injured person, if the owner
has been guilty of leaving, in a place likel3r to attract
children, such dangerous agencies as will cause injury to
them, there is a liability. The propriety of these cases,
upon principle, has been seriously questioned, but they fur-
nish an exception to the rule stated'. However, unless there
are such facts as bring a case within such an exception,
there is no liability for an injury to an infant trespasser,
upon principle, any more than there is for an injury to an
adult, under the same circumstances, as the necessary con-
dition, upon which such liability depends, does not, in such
case, exist. This rule is illustrated by a well considered
case, where a coal company left exposed, near a town of
seven hundred people, a hot pile of smoldering slag, through
which an infant ran and burnt himself severely. Although
the infant was but ten years old and a stranger in the town,
it was held that he was but a trespasser and the defendant
was not liable.^
§ 533. Injury to licensee. — As to a mere licensee, who
is given permission to use the premises of another, without
benefit to the owner, his position is not different from that
of a trespasser, and no duty is owing toward him, to main-
tain the premises in a reasonably safe condition,^ But
1 Ante, idem. Beach Con. Neg. 137, 141, pp. 175, 178.
2 Railroad Co. v. Stout, 17 Wall. 657; 2 Dillon, 294.
3 Woods V. Lloyd (Pa.), 16 Atl. Eep. 43; McDonald v. U. P. Co., 35
Fed. Kep. 38.
■♦ Hargreaves v. Deacon, 25 Mich. 1; Beach Con. Neg., Sec. SO, p. 70
and cases cited. The visitor, or licensee, however, must be in the exer-
586 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IX MINES. § 533
where the licensee is upon the premises under an arrange-
ment which is for the mutual benefit of the owner and such
licensee, or he can be said to be upon the premises, under
an invitation, either express or implied, since it would be
wrong to permit an owner to invite one upon his property
when he knew that he was liable to be injured, as a result
of such visit, the owner will be held liable, if latent defects
or dangers are present, of which he is advised, if he fails
to give warning thereof to such licensee. i Hence, if per-
mission, express or implied, is given the public, or a par-
ticular individual, to use a path across one's land, and the
owner knows of a dangerous excavation near such path into
which one using such path, on a dark night, is apt to fall
and be injured, the owner is liable, if he fails to guard
such pit, or give notice thereof, to such licensee.'-' But
the owner must be guilty of an actual wrongful act, toward
such licensee, to render him liable for an injury to the latter,
and if he is ignorant of the defect which causes the injury,
he would not be liable, notwithstanding an injury to such
licensee.^
cise of ordinary care, when injured. Idem. Caniff v. Blanchard Co., 66
Mich. 638; S.? N. W. Eep. 744. See, also, Shirley's Lead. Cas. 276;
Tolhausen v. Davies, 57 L. J. Q. B. 392.
1 Carlton's. Francoaia Iron Co., 99 Mass. 216; Graves w. Thomas, 96
Ind. 361; 48 Atner. St. Rep. 727; Campbell v. Boyd, 88 N. C. 129; 39
Amer. St. Rep. 503; Shirley's Lead. Cas. 278; Ball's Lead. Cas. 292;
Welch V. McAllister, 15 Mo. App. 492.
2 Graves v. Thomas, 96 Ind. 361; 48 Amer. St. Eep. 727.
3 Eisenberg v. Mo. Pac. Co., 33 Mo. App. 85. '' One who enters on
the premises of another by invitation assumes the risks of all dangers
attendant thereon of which he has knowledge," Williams v. Belmont
Coal & Coke Co., 46 S. E. Rep. 802. " Where a servant employed on
excavating work is told to leave his dinner bucket in a boiler house
maintained by the master, and while there eating his lunch is injured by
an explosion of dynamite caps negligently left in the boiler house by the
master, a contention, in an action for the injuries, that the servant was
a mere licensee while in the house so as to preclude recovery, was with -
out merit." Judgment (1901) 96 111. App. 315, affirmed. Heldmaier v.
Cobbs, 62 N. E. Rep. 853; 195111. 172.
§ 535 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. 587
§ 534. Pleading injuries to. — In pleading injuries to
third persons from the negligent acts of the defendant's
servants, or employees, since the liability of the defendant
depends not upon the mere negligence of the employee,
but the fact that, by legal construction, his act, in causing
the resulting injury, is chargeable to another, all the facts
from which such liability would result must be pleaded in
the first instance, with strictness. Hence, it is necessary
to show not only the relation of master and servant, be-
tween the defendant and the employee whose acts occasioned
the injury, but it is likewise essential to show that the
alleged negligent act, which caused the injury, was done,
by the defendant's employee, in the general scope of his
authority, or in the line of the duty of such employee, and
if the complaint fails to show this fact it is insufficient to
allege a cause of action. i
§ 535. Joint liability of master and servant. — As all
the wrong-doers are generally held liable for the conse-
quences of their joint wrong, where the negligence of the
servant could be legally said to include an element of per-
sonal negligence upon the part of the master, the injured
party has his election as to which of such wrong-doers he
will sue, or he can, if he so desires, sue all.^ But to con-
stitute a joint liability of a master and servant, for the
negligent act of the servant, there must be actual negli-
gence, as distinguished from imputed negligence, of the
master, concurring with a negligent act of the servant.^
And a joint action cannot be maintained against a master
1 Raming v. Met. Ey. Co., 157 Mo. 477; 57 S. W. Rep. 268; Farber v.
Ey. Co., 116 Mo. 81; 22 S. W. Rep. 631; 20 L. E. A. 350; 32 Mo. App.
378.
2 Gardner v. Southern Ry. Co., 65 S. C. 341; 43 S. B. Eep. 816;
Schumpert v. Southern Ry. Co., 65 S. C. 332; 43 S. E. Rep. 813; White
Mines & Mining Remedies, Sec. 404 and cases cited.
' Shaffer v. Union Brlcls Co., 128 Fed. Eep. 97.
588 INJURIES TO THIRD PERSONS IN MINES. § 536
and a servant, for an injury from tlie negligence of the
servant alone, the causes of action against the two defend-
ants being separate and distinct and based upon wholly
different grounds.^
§ 536. Jury questions in actions for. — Where the evi-
dence is all one way, upon the issue as to the fact of a
relation of master and servant, the competence or care-
lessness of the servant, and whether or not the alleged
negligent act was within or without the scope of his author-
ity, it is a question of law for the court; ^ but if the facts
are disputed upon such issues and there is evidence on both
sides of the controversy, then these issues are questions to
properly submit to the jury to decide.^ The fact that the
injured person is a trespasser, will not prevent -the sub-
mission of the cause to the jury, if there is evidence that
the injury could have been avoided, after his presence was
discovered, but, in the absence of such evidence, it would
be proper for the court to refuse to submit such issue to
the jury, as this is the only condition under which a liability
results to a trespasser, on the part of the employer of a
negligent employee.*
1 Helms 0. Northern Pac. Co., 120 Fed. Rep. 389; Kelly v. C. & A. Co.,
122 Fed. Rep. 286.
2 Upon the question of whether or not the negligent employee was a
servant or independent contractor, see Gayle v. Missouri Foundry &c.
Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Rep. 987. On question of servant's care or
negligence, see Calumet Electric &c. Co. u. Peters, 88 111. App. 112 ; Shaw
V. Hallenbeck, .65 S. W. Rep. 686. And on question of whether or not
negligent act was within or without scope of servant's authority, see
Girvin v. N. Y. Cent. &c. Co., 65 N. Y. S. 299; 52 App. Div. 562.
" Gayle v. Missouri Foundry &c. Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Rep. 987.
♦ Highland &c. Co. v. Robinson (Ala. 1900), 28 So. Rep. 28; Girvin
V. N. Y. Cent. &c. Co., supra.
CHAPTER XXyil.
ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.
Section 637. Who is an independent contractor.
538. Non-liability established by early English case.
539. How issue as to determined — Court and jury.
640. Joint undertaking, employer. liable.
641. Employer's interference with work of.
642. Contractor for excavation of mine.
543. Appliances furnished by employer.
644. Contractor's failure to guard excavation.
645. Statutory control of.
646. When danger to public imminent.
647. Mining coal by ton — Supervision and control.
648 Employee unloading coal by the car.
§ 537. Who is au independent contractor. — "An in-
dependent contractar is one who undertaljes to do a specific
piece of work for another, without submitting himself to
such other's control, in the details of the work, save as to
the result of the work." This is the definition of an in-
dependent contractor, recently given by the Supreme
Court of Missouri,! which is believed to be an accurate
definition. So within this definition, if one contracts to do
a specific piece of work, furnishing his own assistants and
executing the contract in the performance of the labor,
either entirely according to his own ideas or in accordance
with a plan previously given him by the person for whom
the work is to be done, without being subject to the orders
of the latter, in respect to the details of the work, he is a
contractor and not a servant of the one so hiring him.^
1 Gayle v. Missouri Foundry &c. Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Rep. 987.
See, also, Shear. & Red. Neg., Sec. 164; 2 Thomp. Neg., Sec. 22, p. 899.
" Gayle v. Missouri Foundry &c. Co., supra. See, also, Fink v.
Missouri Furnace Co., 82 Mo. 276; Morgen v. Bowman, 22 Mo. 538; Long
(589)
590 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOES. § 538
§ 538. Non-liability established by early English
case. — In a case decided over a half century ago, in
England,^ the rule which holds a master to a responsibility
for the acts of his servant, done within the usual scope of
his authority, was denied, as to the employer of a con-
tractor or sub-contractor, where the relation of master and
servant did not exist, and this rule is now firmly established
in England. In the case referred to, a railway company
entered into a contract with A, to construct a branch line
«. Moon, 107 Mo. 334; Crenshaw c. Ullman, 113 Mo. 639. An express
contract to pay by the job, is usually held to be strong evidence that the
relation of master and servant does not exist. Gayle v. Missouri
Foundry Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Kep. 987. The method of paymentis
a circumstance to be considered in determining the character of the
relation. But that the work is to be done to the satisfaction of the em-
ployer will not render him liable for injuries from negligence of the
contractor. Indiana Iron Co. v. Gray, 19 Ind. App. 665; 48 N. B. Eep.
803; Wright v. Terry, 23 Fla. 160; Miller u. Minn. & N. W. Co., 76 Iowa.
655; Brown v. Accrington Co., 3 Hurlst. &c. 511. The proper question
to be solved, in determining the liability and who is responsible
therefor, is, " Who had control of the execution of the work that was
being performed? " Charlock v. Freel, 125 N. Y. 357; 34 N. T. S. R.
971; 26 N. E. Rep. 262. "An independent contractor is one who repre-
sents his employer's will only as to the result of his work, and not as to
the means for its accomplishment." Bibb v. Norfolk & West. Co., 87
Va. 711; 14 S. E. Rep. 163; Long v. Moon, 107 Mo. 334; 17 S. W. Rep.
810. One engaged to deliver coal, at an agreed price per load, is a
servant, not an independent contractor. Waters v. Fuel Co., 62 Minn.
474; 56 N. W. Rep. 52. But where a company hires teams and men from
another to deliver its product, the owner of the teams and hirer of the
men is liable for any negligence on their part. Waldock v. Winfleld, 70
Law J. K. B. 925; 2 K. B. 596; 35 LawT. 202. Thetestfor determining
the character of the relation is not the method of payment, but whether
the employee used his own means and methods for accomplishing the
work. Morgen 1). Smith, 159 Mass. 570; 36 N. E. Rep. 101. Whether
the doctrine of respondeat superior applies between the employer and a
subcontractor or not, depends upon the contract, with reference to the
employer's right to direct the latter as to the time, place, and manner of
performing the work. Klages v. Gillett-Herzog Co., 86 Minn. 458; 90
N. W. Rep. 1116.
' Knight V. Fox, 1 E. L. & B. R. 477; 20 L. J. R. (n. S.) Exch. 65;
14 Jur. 963; November 6th, 1850.
§ 539 ACTS OP INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. 591
of road for it; A contracted with B, to erect a tubular
bridge, parcel of the works. B had a surveyor, C, whom
he paid a salary of 150?. a year to attend to his general
business; and after obtaining the contract for the bridge,
B contracted with C, to provide the necessary scaffolding,
for which he was to receive 40Z., irrespective of his salary,
B, to furnish the requisite materials, including lights. One
of the poles of the scaffold rested on the highway, and
owing to the want of sufficient light, to warn the passers-by,
D stumbled over the pole and was injured; subsequent to
which additional lights were placed on the spot and B paid
for them, but the court held that B was not liable and that
D's remedy was against C.
§ 539. How issue as to determined — Court and jury. —
Where the essential facts for determining the relation of
the parties are undisputed or conceded, by the parties to
the cause, the court may declare as a matter of law, whether
1 Kolght «. Fox, siipra, Parke, B., observed: " The act complained of
was not at all done by Cockranej in the character of a servant of the
defendants." Alderson, B, said: "On the evidence it appears that
Cockraae, when he did that negligent act, was act.ng as a sub-contractor
and did it on his own account. The defendants were not concerned in
the matter and the plaintiff's action should, therefore, have been brought
against him." .And Pollock, C. J., en passant, a.\ao said: "No doubt,
taking the case as it stands, you may, by rejecting some of the evidence,
and perverting the rest, make out enough to persuade a jury to find for
the plaintiff, sooner than let her go uncompensated for the injury she
received. But it is otherwise, when you examine all the evidence; and
I may here remark, that when compensation is to come from the pockets of
others, people are extremely liberal in awarding it." See, also, Quarnam
V Barnett, 6 M. & W. 199; Allen v. Hayward, 7 Q. B. 960; Rapson ».
Cubitt, 9 M. & W. 710. The duty of an employer to provide a reason-
ably safe place or appliances, does not extend to one employed by his
independent contractor. Callan v. Pugh, 66 N. Y. S. 1118; 54 App. Div.
645. A contractor is not responsible for the acts of a sub- contractor,
unless there is some act of personal negligence on the part of the con-
tractor, which caused the accident, independent of all other causes.
Nelson v. Young, 87 N. Y. S. 69; 91 App. Div. 457.
592 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. § 540
one is an independent contractor or a servant of the em-
employer.^ But where the facts are disputed, or are not
agreed to by the parties to the cause, the court should
leave it to the jury, under proper instructions, to say
whether the relation of master and servant or that of em-
ployer and contractor existed.^
§ 540. Joint undertaking — Employer liable. — Where
the relation existing between the party in possession of the
place or appliance when an injury occu-rs and the defendant,
is not exactly that of master and servant, or employer and
contractor, but is rather that of persons engaged in a joint
undertaking, in which each expects to realize a profit,
then the employer, or the one occupying the relation of
superiority, is liable for any negligence of the other, through
whose efforts he expects to realize a profit. This relation
is illustrated by a recent case that came before the Su-
preme Court of Missouri, ^ where the plaintiff's husband,
1 Gayle v. Missouri Foundry Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Rep. 987.
2 Gayle v. Missouri Foundry Co., supra. When there is any real
question as to what the exact relation was, the issue should be submitted
to the jury. Sacker v. Waddell (Md. 1904), 66 Atl. Eep. 399; Cratt ».
Albemarle Co., 132 N. C. 151; 43 S. E. Rep. 597; Brennan ?;. Merchants
Co., 205 Pa. 258; 54 Atl. Eep. 891.
3 Rice V. Smith, 171 Mo. 331; 71 S. W. Rep. 128. The court bases
this decision ou the former decision of Roddy v. Railroad, 104 Mo.
235. In that case, plaintiff was an employee of a quarry owner, who
owned a switch connecting with defendant's road. Defendant fur-
nished a car with a defective brake, and plaintiff, using it on the
switch of his employer, was injured. Defendant contended it owed
plaintiff no duty, but the court said : " We think each of these con-
tracting parties owed to the other, and his employees, the duty of
properly discharging his part of the joint undertaking, in respect to
any matter exclusively devolving upon him. Pickle had nothing to
do with selecting or providing the cars. That duty was intrusted
entirely to the defendant. They were intended for the use of Pickle
and his servants, in discharging his part of the contract, and we
think the obligation rested upon defendant to use ordinary care to pro-
vide such as would be reasonably safe for such use. " The propriety
§ 540 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. 593
while working in the drift of a mine, was struck by a
bowlder, which fell from the roof of the drift and killed
him. The defendants were licensees of the mine, and at
the time of the defendant's death it was being operated by
one Kaynes, who, at his own expense, was to mine the
ore, put it in the tub and attach the tub to the hoister, and
the defendants were to see to the hoisting of it, prepare it
for sale, sell it and divide the proceeds with Raynes.
Raynes employed the deceased and paid him for his wages
and the defendants had no control over him. The defend-
ants contended that Raynes was a mere renter or independ-
ent contractor, and that they were not responsible for his
negligence, but the court held that the contract between
them extended to the condition of the mine, in which there
was a community interest in both Raynes and the defend-
ents, and that the duty devolved upon the defendants to
see that the mine, whose usufruct they enjoyed, was in a
reasonably safe condition for men to work in, and if they
were neglectful of that duty and an injury resulted there-
from, they must respond in damages therefor.
of this decision may well be doubted, as the court had to create a
duty, toward the injured employee o£ Pickle, to hold the railroad com-
pany liable, where none, in fact, existed, but this illustrates the truth
of Lord Pollocli's saying that people are extermely liberal in alleviat-
ing the misfortune of others, "when compensation is to come from
the pockets of others." "Defendants, who were licensees of amine,
entered into an agreement with a third party, whereby the latter was
to mine tbe ore, put it in the tub, and hooli the tub to the hoisting rope-
and thereupon defendants were to hoist the ore, and divide the proflls
with the third party. The latter was to employ the miners to do the
underground worif. Held, that, the undertaking being for the mutual
benefit of the defendants and the third party, It was defendants' duty
to see that the mine was in a reasonably safe condition, and, where
one of the miners employed by the third party was killed by reason of
its unsafe condition, defendants were liable." Rice v . Smith (Mo. 1902,)
71 S. W. Rep. 123. Where employees of a coal minii.g company wrong-
ifully leave a coal car on a track, where it is fetrnck by a passing train
and, as a result of the collision, a brakeman is injured, the coal
38
594 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. § 542
§ 541. Employer's Interference with work of con-
tractor. — Where the employer retains no right of super-
vision or interference with the work of the contractor, but
the latter is left to pursue the same, in the manner which
most commends itself to his wisdom or discretion, the em-
ployer is not liable for personal injuries, resulting from his
lack of discretion or skill, in the performance of his con-
tract, but the contractor alone would be responsible, in
such case, for resulting injuries to third parties.^ But for
any injury to a third person, or to an employee of a con-
tractor, where the employer of such contractor has re-
served and exercised a personal supervision or control of
the method of work, or means of accomplishing the end
sought to be achieved, which can be traced to the negligent
act of the employer, the latter, and not the contractor, will
be responsible.^
§ 542. Contractor for excavation of mine. — It is a
customary occurrence in mining sections for a landowner to
let a contract to sink a shaft, a certain depth, to an inde-
pendent contractor, to be paid so much per foot, throuo-h
earth and rock, until the required depth is attained. Where
such a contract is let, if the contractor furnishes all the ap-
pliances and the owner retains no supervision of the work,
the contractor alone is liable for an injury to his employees
and third parties, during the course of his work. 3 Where,
company is liable for the Injury, caused by tlie neglect ol its em-
ployees. Hess V. Berwind-White Coal Mining Co., 178 Penn. 239; 33
Atl. Eep. 990.
1 Wilbur V. White, 93 Me. 191 ; 56 Atl. Rep. 657.
2 So held, in Pennsylvania, as t > an injury from a boiler explosion,
where the repairs, under the supervision of the employer, were by an
independent contractor. McNeil «. Crucible Steel Co., 207 Pa. 493; 56
Atl. Rep. 1067.
3 Central Coal & Iron Co. v. Bailey, 76 S. W. Eep. 842 ; Same v. Grider,
74 S. W. Rep. 1058; Lendberg v. Brotherton Iron Mining Co., 42 N. W
Rep. 675.
§ 543 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. 595
however, he reserves any supervision of the work, or fur-
nishes the appliances, he will be liable for any injury, re-
sulting from a defect in the appliances furnished, or for
any negligence in the supervision of the work.i In- a
Michigan case, a mining company let a contract for the
sinking of a shaft, to contractors, who had sole charge of
the work, and it was held the employer was not liable for
an injury to one of the contractor's employees, from the
breaking of a rope, used in the shaft; ^ a similar rule was
laid down in Kentucky,^ and in a Pennsylvania case, the
owner was held not liable for an injury from an explosion
of gas pipes, while they were being installed, before ac-
ceptance of the work, by the owner, as the contractor
alone was responsible for negligent acts of its employees or
for the defective condition of appliances used by it.*
§ 543. Appliances furnished by employer. — " The
relation of master and servant does not cease, so long as
the master reserves any control, or right of control, over
the method and manner of doing the work, or the agencies
by which it is effected," ^ and hence, it is held, in Mis-
souri, that if the mine owner employs one, by special con-
tract, to sink a shaft and reserves to himself the kind of
machinery and appliances he will furnish the contractor to
work with, in making the excavations and sinking such
shaft, that he will be liable to an employee of such con-
tractor, for personal injuries received in the course of his
work, due to an unsafe condition of the appliances fur-
1 Fell V. Rich Hill Coal Mining Co., 23 Mo. App. 216.
2 Lendberg v. Brotherton Iron Mining Co., 42 N. W. Rep. 675.
8 Central Coal & Iron Co. v. Bailey, 76 S. W. Rep. 842; Central Coal
& Iron Co. V. Grider, 74 S. W. Rep. 1058.
■♦ Chartiers Valley Gas Co. v. Waters, 23 W. N. C. 175; 16 All. Rep.
423; 123 Pa. 220.
5 Thompson on Negligence, Sec. 29, p. 907; Speed v. Railway Co., 71
Mo, 308. But see Roddy v. Ry. Co., 104 Mo. 226.
596 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTKACTOKS. § 543
nished.' But if the employer, under the contract, agrees
to only furnish the appliances and does not agree to keep
the same in repair, but the contractor himself undertakes
to do this, the employer will not be liable for an injury to
a servant of the contractor for a defect due to a want of
repair, for this would be a personal act of neglect on the
part of the contractor and not the employer. Accord-
ingly, in Kentucky, where the employer engaged a con-
tractor to sink a shaft and furnished him a new rope, he
was held not liable for injuries to the contractor's servant,
due to defects in rope, caused by wear, it not being his
duty to see that the rope remained or continued in a safe
condition. 2
1 Fell.u. Rich Hill Coal & Mining Co., 23 Mo. App. 216, per Phillipps,
P. J., citing Detroit v. Corey, 9 Mich. 165; Sadler v. Hellock, 4 El. & Bl.
570; Heffernon ». Benliard, 1 Robt. 436; Griffiths v. Wolfram, 22 Minn.
185. "A company employed a contractor to sink a shaft on it8 property
under a contract requiring it to ' furnish all necessary tools * * *
for doing this wort, and also a whim or hoist;' 'all labor to be fur-
nished by the contractor.' Pursuant to the contract, the company fur-
nished a whim or hoist, and, as a part thereof, the necessary rope. All
the employees were engaged and paid by the contractor, and the com-
pany did not engage or control them in the perfomance of their duties.
Held, that the relation of master and servant did not exist between the
company and the employees, and it therefore owed them no duty to keep
the rope In safe condition, and was not liable for the death of one of
them, caused by its having become defective." Central Coal & Iron Co.
». Grider'sAdm'r(Ky. 1903), 74 S.W. Rep. 1058; 25 Ky. Law. Rep. 163.
" Where one furnishes a safe rope to independent contractors to use
in work for him in a shaft, he is not liable for injuries to their servants
resulting from defects in the rope caused by wear ; it not being his duty
to see that the rope continues in a safe condition." Central Coal & Iron
Co. V. Bailey's Adm'r 76 S. W. Rep. 842; 25 Ky. Law. Rep. 973.
2 Central Coal & Iron Co. u. Bailey, 25 Ky. L. R. 973 ; 76 S. W. Rep. 842 ;
King V. R. R. Co., 66 N. Y. 181; 23 Ani. St. Rep. 37. See, also. Central
Coal & Iron Co. u. Grider, 25 Ky. L. R. 165; 74 S. W. Rep. 1058. Al-
though defendant had furnished a defective derrick to his contractor, he
was held not liable, unless he did so maliciously or willfully, or it was
inherently dangerous, in Southern Oil Co. v. Church {Tex. Civ. App.
1903), 74 S. W. Rep. 797; 75 S. W. Rep. 817. An owner who furnishes a
bolster to an independent contractor is not liable for any injury to one
§ 545 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. 597
§ 544. Contractor's failure to guard excavation . — The
non-liabijity, on the part of the owner, where there is an
absence of evidence of a reservation of control or method
in the performance of the work, was recently illustrated by
a well-considered Georgia case,i where a property owner
who, for years, had suffered the public to use a thorough-
fare over the same, employed an independent contractor to
make certain excavations thereon, and the latter made the
excavations, and in the course of the performance of his
undertaking, failed to erect or maintain any guard or rail-
ing around the pit, as a result of which one of the licensees
of such property, so using the pathway across the land,
fell into the pit and was injured. It was held that the
owner of the property was not liable for such injury, as he
had reserved no supervision or control of the work, but
the whole was left to the direction and judgment of the
contractor.
§ 545. Statutory control of contractor. — While the
doctrine is quite generally recognized that the rule of re-
spondeat superior applies where the person sought to be
of his employees, due to the improper management of the appliance.
Plette V. Bavarian Co. CMich.), 52 N. W. Rep. 152. The right to insp;ct
the work, when done, or during progress of completion, will not render
the employer liable for the negligent acts of his independent con-
tractor. Gayle v. Missouri Car & Foundry Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W.
Kep. 987. Where the owner reserves the right to furnish plans for the
work and furnishes negligently constructed plans, he is liable for an in-
jury to an employee of a contjjactor, the same as if he had been person-
ally conducting the work. Brannock v. Elmore (Mo.), 21 S. W. Eep.
451. Where there is a duty to furnish safe tools or appliances to a con-
tractor, on the part of the employer, he is responsible for an injury from
defective or dangerous tools, which he furnished. Omaha B. &. T. Co. v.
Hargadine (Neb. 1904), 98 N. W. Eep. 1071. Where an injury results
from a defective appliance used to lift dirt, owing to negligence of the
contractor, if the owner was under no obligation to furnish such ap-
pliance, he is not liable. Bush v. Grant, 22 Ky, Law Rep. 1766; 61 S. W.
Bep. 363.
1 Eidgeway v. Downing Co., 34 S. E. Rep. 1028.
598 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. § 546
charired has the right to control the action of the persons
committing 'the injury, i this is only true, where the right
of control is established by the contract relation of the
parties and does not obtain, as to a statutory right of
control, recognized on the part of the owner, or others, to
whom a lawful right or control is recognized, as a quasi
delegation of the State's right to police the employment, in
order to prevent injury, for this is a legal control, given
for the benefit of the general public and not to create a
legal duty toward any individual, for the purpose of
establishing a contract relation, for a breach of which a
right of action would result. Accordingly, the control
given to a mine owner, by the English Coal Mines Eegu-
lation Act,2 and the rules thereunder, over persons working
in the mines, for the purpose of preventing injuries to
them, in the conduct of the mining operations, doe^ not
make the "sinkers" employed by an independent con-
tractor to sink a shaft in a coal mine, " workmen " within
the meaning of the Employer's Liability Act,^ so as to
render the owner liable for a personal injury to such
«' sinkers."*
§ 546. When danger to public Imminent. — On ac-
count of the interest of the general public, when the busi-
ness of the contractor is such as is likely to result in injury
to any considerable number of people, as where dangerous
substances are handled near crowded thoroughfares, the
owner is not permitted, in some of the cases, to exempt
himself from liability for injuries resulting, by employing
an independent contractor, but will remain liable for such
1 Pioneer Fireproof Con. Co. v. Hansen, 176 111. 100; 69 111. App. 659;
52 N. B. Rep. 17.
2 Eng. Coal Mines, Reg. Act, 1887, Sec. 51.
3 Eng. Emp. Liab. Act, 1880.
4 Marrow v. Flimby & B. M. Coal & F. B. Co., 2 Q. B. 688; 67 L. J. Q.
B. (N. s.) 976.
§ 546 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOKS. 599
injury, if he permits such dangerous work to be proceeded
with in a manner liliely to produce injury, the same as
though he were himself doing the work. This is true,
because, from the general nature of the surroundings, the
owner would be held to a legal duty, toward the public,
which he could not delegate to another,! the same as he
would incur, in the repair or construction of dangerous
places, toward tenants, or others, having a right to expect
a reasonably safe place,^ and, in all such cases, the owner
could not avoid liability by the fact that he had employed
another to do the work, by the contract. However, this
rule is not always followed by the courts, and in a Mary-
land case, although the owner had reason to believe that a
crowd of people would assemble on his land, he was held
not negligent or liable, for an injury from an act of his
contractor, but it was not in the prosecution of a busi-
ness that was, in and of itself, likely to produce injury. ^
1 Penny «. Wimbledon Urban CouacU, 2 Q. B. 212; 67 L. J. Q. B.
(N. 8 ) 754; 78 Law T. Rep. 748.
2 Wilber u.FoIlaiisbee, 97 WU. 577; 72 N. W. Ecp. 559.
s Smith V. Benicls, 87 IVId. 610; 42 L. R. A. 277; 41 Atl. Rep. 59. But
see, Clowdis v. Fresno Flume & I. Co. (118 Ca'. 315; 50 Pac. Rep. 373),
lioldlng that, " a master cannot delegate a daty from himself to the
public, so as to relieve himself from liability for Its improper perform-
ance." See, also, as to liability, where the work contracted for Itself
creates the danger, Downey v. Low, 22 App. Div. 460; 48 N. Y. S. 207.
Where the nature of the work contracted to be performed is, in itself,
dangerous, the owner is liable. Williams v. Fresno Canal & Irr. Co., 96
Cal. 14; 31 Amer. St. Rep. 172; 20 Wash. Law. Rep. 614; 30 Pac. Rep.
961. Whenever an Injury might be anticipated as a result of the direct
process of the work, unless reasonable care is used, the master Is liable.
Wertheimer v. Saunders. 95 Wis. 673; 37 L. R. A. 146; 70 N. W. Rep.
824; Chicago Fuel Gas Co. v. Meyers, 168 111. 139; 64 111. App. 270; 48
N. E. Rep. 66. Where the act contracted to be done is itself a wrong,
the owner is liable In case of a resulting injury therefrom. Crisler v.
Ott (Miss.), 16 So. Rep. 416. For case where owner of property was
held liable for Injury from act of independent contractor, from blasting,
see Wetherbee v. Partridge, 175 Mass. 185; 55 N. E. Eep. 894. The
employer of a blasting company to do so much blasting Is liable for its
600 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTEACTOKS. § 548
§ 547. Mining coal by the ton — Supervision and con-
trol. — As already noted, the test for determining the lia-
bility of the owner is his retention of supervision, control
or government of the details and methods of the work,
or his lack of control of the means or methods, the relation
of master and servant obtaining in cases where contrjol is
retained and that of owner and contractor, in the latter
case.i In an Alabama case, the father ®f minor children
entered into a contract, whereby his children were to cut
coal for the employer, at an agreed price per ton, the
father to furnish the tools, powder and other materials,
but the " bank boss, " of the employer, to have control
and supervision of the work. In an action for personal in-
juries to one of such children, the court held that the reten-
tion of the supervision of the- work, made the employer
liable.^ But in a Virginia case, where one was employed
to do the wood work on dry kilns, under a contract provid-
ing that the owner shall furnish the materials and that the
contractor shall employ the labor and superintend the work
himself, and receive a per diem for himself and each of his
employees, he was held to be an independent contractor,
for whose negligence the owner was not liable. 3
§ 548. Employee unloading coal by the car. — A
laborer, employed to unload coal, by the car, with a shovel,
owned by himself, who sleeps in the coal yard and is on the
negligent acts, i( it reserves the right to determine the place and method
of such blasting and removes the material thrown down by the blast.
Louisville & N. Co. v. Tow, 23 Ky. Law Rep. 408; 63 S. W. Kep. 27.
The owner was held not liable for injuries from blasting, done by con-
tractor, in Bergi). Parsons, 156 N. Y. 109; 50 N. B. Rep. 957; 41 L. R
A. 391; French u. Vix, 143 N. Y. 90; Roemer ». Striker, 143 N. Y. 134,
Gourdier v- Cormack, 2 B. D. Sm. 254.
1 Gayle v, Missouri Car & Foundry Co., 177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W. Rep.
987; Fink v. Mo. Furnace Co., 82 Mo. 276.
« Drennan v. Smith, 115 Ala. 396; 22 So. Rep. 442.
» Bmmerson v. Fay, 94 Va. 60; 2 Va. Law. Reg. 824; 36 S. E. Rep. 386.
§ 548 ACTS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. 601
look out for the job, and who is often employed by the
same employer to unload cars of coal, for which he is paid
by the day, while he is paid for each car load of coal un-
loaded, the employer retaining the right to direct and
govern him, in all matters relating to the work, is held, in
Louisiana, not to be an independent contractor, but an em-
ployee, for whose negligence while engaged in unloading
the coal car, the employer would be liable.^
1 Holmes v. Tennessee Coal, Iron, &c., Co., 49 Li Ann. 1465; 22 So.
Rep. 403. See, also, Waters v. Pioneer Fuel Co. (Minn), 55 N. W. Rep.
62.
INDEX.
References are to Sections.
A
ACCIDENT.
what evidence of sufficient, 84.
Injury from assumed, 200, 224.
injury to infants from, 518.
ACT,
must be wrongful, by defendant, 2.
ACTION,
basis ofj for personal injuries, 2.
elements of, 2.
wrong by defendant and injury to plaintiff essential, 2.
must be breacli of duty to support, 2.
parties to, 9.
in one State tor death in another, 11,
governed by law where injury occurred, 11.
ACTIONABLE NEGLIGENCE,
what constitutes, 3.
test for determining, 3.
may be either of omission or. commission, 3.
definition of (note), 3.
violation of statute as, 328.
violation of ventilation acts as, 376.
ADJOINING OWNER.
injury to from blast, 368.
ADMINISTRATOE. See Executors and Adjiinistbators.
ALABAMA^
statute, authorizing right of action by infant, 17.
statute as to " ways, works," etc., 61.
employers' liabilityj act of (note), 353.
APPLIANCES,
duty as to, 25.
definition of, 25.
common law and statutory duty, as to (note), 25.
need not be absolutely safe, 25.
such as customary sufBcient, 25.
when safety of, a jury question (note), 25, 126.
(603)
604 ^ INDEX.
References are to Sections.
APPLIANCES — Continued.
when safety of, for court (note), 25.
latest improvement not necessary, 25.
as to ingress and egress, 27.
repair of, 28.
reasonable safety of, sufficient, 73.
instructions as to defective, 150.
rope a species of, 168.
assumed risk, from use of, 176.
assurance of safety, as affecting, 193.
if necessary, mister should telegraph for (notej, 200.
selection, of known dangerous, 220.
unfitness of, from use, assumed, 228.
must know of danger from to be guilty of contributory negli-
gence, 255.
inspection as to purchased and manufactured, 470.
furnished independent contractor by employer, 543.
APPROXIMATE CAUSE,
jury question, when, 103.
violation of statute as, 830,
ARIZONA,
statute authorizing suit by infants, 17.
ARKANSAS,
suits by infants in, 17.
action by wife for death of husband, 19.
statute requiring inspections, 383.
ASSUMED RISK,
necessity of pleading, 51.
burden of proving, 78.
jury question, in Missouri, 106.
jury question, in Wisconsin, when, 107.
criticism of Missouri rule, 108.
obvious dangers, cases from (note), 139.
danger from earth bank is, 141.
from unsafe place, when, 145.
instructions to jury on obvious, 151.
instructions to jury on, beyond employment, 159.
instructions to jury on, in selecting tools, 165.
elements of (note), 174.
does not apply to convicts (note), 174.
cause not discoverable an (note), 174.
principal of (note), 174.
youth of employee immaterial, 176.
INDEX. 605
References are to Sections.
ASSUMED RISK — Continued.
specific cases of risks, assumed by infants, 175.
specific cases of risks, not assumed by infants, 175.
from use of appliances, 176.
from employer's methods, 177.
from falling, stone (note), 177.
employer's negligence not an (note), 177.
from use of stairs (note), 177.
obvious risks from negligence, 177.
concurrent negligence of master and servant, not, 178.
necessity of notice of danger, 179.
from fire in mine (note), 179.
of known dangers, 180.
temporary dangers, due to work (note), 180.
threatening dangers are, 181.
appreciation of danger, 182.
from molten copper or iron (note), 182.
arising from equal notice, 183.
danger from unsafe roof an, when, 184.
danger from natural sources, 185.
dangers from scientific causes, 186.
from extraordinary dangers, 187.
dynamite placed near fire (note), 187.
exceptional services as, 188.
potassium and water, danger from assumed (note), 188.
blast without warning (note), 188.
from selecting more dangerous method, 189.
from negligence of fellow-servants, 190.
from latent defects, 191.
from want of repair, 192.
as affected by assnrance of safety, 193.
as affected by orders, 194.
when work changes place, 195.
dangers Incident to work, 196.
dangers not incident to work (note), 197.
at place where no work expected, 198.
while off duty, 199.
from accidents, 200.
from set-screws, 201.
from cog-wheels, 201.
from hoisters, 202.
from violations of statute, 202, 205.
from going into shaft (note), 202.
606 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
ASSUMED RISK — Contlnned.
from use of cage (note), 202.
experience of employee, as affecting, 803.
in use of cars and tramways, 204.
jury issues as to, 206.
illustrations of jury issues regarding (note), 206.
wtiether timbers were properly placed (note), 206.
whether crevice in bowlder was patent (note), 206.
whether missed shots were obvious (note), 206.
whether plaintiff knew of dangerous roof (note), 206.
when defect obvious and danger apparent, question one of law for
the court (note), 206.
Incidents op Risks Assumed, 207, 232.
falling slate, 208.
removal of rope, by fellow-servant, 209.
falling iron, being hoisted, 210.
falling between coal cars, 211,
explosions by experienced drillman, 212.
caving in of shalt, 213.
hot ashes, boiler inspector assumes danger of, 214.
dangers from protruding bolts, 215.
premature explosions, cases of (note), 216.
violation of instructions, 217.
using dangerous passage-way (note), 217.
lifting heavy objects, 218.
difierent incidental dangers, 219.
selection of known dangerous tool, 220.
action of elements, 221.
obeying fellow -servant, 222.
dangerous position, 223.
on top coal cars, 223.
injuries not expected, 224.
falling of metal bar (note), 224.
dangers from ore furnace, 225.
slippery condition of floor or ladder, 226.
danger from fire damp, or gas, 227.
unfitness of tool from use, 228.
sliding earth bank, 229.
striking or chipping of hammer, 230.
injury to infant from cog-wheels, 231.
various risks assumed by infants, 232.
Risks that are not Assumed, 234, 249.
unsafe place due to negligence, .234.
INDEX. 607
References are to Sections.
ASSUMED RISK — Continued.
accident due to negligence (note), 234.
violations of statute, 235.
violations of statute as to cog-wheels (note), 235.
violations of statute as to signals (note), 235.
violations of statute as to cage (note), 235.
breaking of iron handle, 236.
breaking of rope, 237.
breaking of board cover to pit, 238.
due to foreman's negligence, 239.
while obeying orders, 240.
promise to repair, 241.
gearing, dangers from (note), 241.
car on tramway (note), 241.
flying steel cuttings, 242.
flying rocks (note), 242.
from incompetent employee, 243.
from failure to inspect rool, 244.
order to return to shot, 245.
from powder explosions, 246.
substitution of higher explosive, 246.
placing powder near Are, 246.
breaking of appliances, 247.
breaking of chain (note), 247.
breaking of iron handle (note), 247.
defective scaffold, 248.
jury questions regarding, 249.
distinguished from contributory negligence, 251.
in what States a defense to breach of statutory duty , 353.
in handling explosives, 358.
in injuries from gis, 384.
as to falling slabs, 395.
as to falling slabs, jury question, when, 399.
employee removing pillars, 408.
of incompetent employees, 439.
from failure to use timbers, 484.
by tbird parties, 526,
ASSURANCE,
instruction to jury as to, 166.
as effecting assumed risk, 193.
indefinite (note), 193.
negligence not cured by (note), 193.
of fellow-servant immaterial (note), 240.
608 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
ASSURANCE — Continued.
aSecting contributory negligence, 284.
as to slabs, 398.
of safety of roof, 407.
B
BELT,
pleading injury from adjustment of, 60,
jury issues as to method of shifting, 125.
erroneous charge on shifting of, 172.
contributory negligence in adjusting, 276.
adjusting with hand, instead of stick, 280.
BENEFICIARIES,
authority to sue, 11.
BLACKSMITH,
/ and miners are fellow- servants, 308.
BLASTS. See Giant Powder, Explosions.
BOILERS,
duty to inspect, 477.
BOLT,
protruding, in cage assumed (note), 202.
protruding, on revolving shaft (note), 202.
protruding, generally assumed, 215.
C
CAGE,
protruding bolt in, assumed (note), 202.
sudden hoisting of assumed (note), 202.
violation of statute regarding (note), 235.
passing under (note), 270.
carrying drill on (note), 270,
failing to put catch on (note), 270.
failing to signal for (note), 270.
negligence of fellow-servant in working, 270.
operator of a fellow- servant with miner, 307.
miner should look for descending, 418.
incompetent operator for, 425.
CALIFORNIA,
statute regarding ingress and egress, 27.
CAMPBELL'S ACT,
action for death, under, 11.
CAPTAIN,
of miners not fellow-servants, 304.
CARE,
difference in quantum of (note), 5.
INDEX. 609
References are to Sections.
CABE — Continued.
instruction as to, 149.
instruction as to, on notice, 161.
in handlinc; explosives, 357.
CARS AND TRAMWAYS,
assumed risli In use of, 204.
risk ol dirt car flying traclj assumed, 2CW.
car pusher, getting foot mashed (note), 204.
injury from defective, on tramway, assumed (note), 204.
car falling down shaft not assumed in Missouri, although obvious
(note), 204.
falling between cars, assumed, when, 211.
dangers of loading car assumed, 222.
dangers from positions on assumed, 223.
fellow-servants, order as to (note), 240.
pleading injury from (note), 241.
miner crushed by car in tunnel, 255.
contributory negligence in failing to repair, 259.
contributory negligence in use of, 273.
getting under, on incline (note), 273.
going up slope behind (note), 273.
riding defective (note) , 273.
failing to scotch (note), 273.
operator of and miner fellow-servants, 316.
operator of and quarry laborer not fellow -servants, 321.
no rule for handling essential, 448.
CARTRIDGE,
injury from explosion of (note), 180.
striking dynamite, 268.
CAVE -IN,
of trench assumed (note), 185.
of shaft, assumed when, 213.
CHAIN,
when breaking of not assumed (note), 247.
CHILD, See Parent and Child, Infants.
CLOTHING,
contributory negligence to permit to catch on machinery, 275.
COG-WHEELS,
assumed risk from, 201.
injury to Infant from, 231.
violation of statute regarding (note), 235.
contributory negligence in working near, 271.
COLORADO,
suits by infants, 17.
39
610 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
COLORADO — Continued.
action for death of tiusbaad, 19.
common law rule regarding fellow -servants exists in, 279.
statute as to timbers and constructions, 490.
COMMON LAW,
statutes do not abrogate, 327.
COMPETENCY,
See Employees, Servants, DaiY.
CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE,
o£ master and fellow-servant not an assumed risk, 178.
in construction of scaHoId, 178.
CONSTITUTIONAL,
mining statutes are, 326.
CONTRIBUTORY NBGLIGENCE^
definition of term, 250.
in use of passageways, 45.
necessity of pleading, 51,
burden of proving, 78.
in using rope, 94.
a jury question, when, 109,
illustration of jury issue on (note), 104.
evidence showing want of, 135.
evidence establishing, 136.
from lighting match where gas is, 137.
in using rope instead of ladder, 138.
erroneous instruction as to, 163.
distinguished from assumed risk, 251,
should be pleaded, 252,
doctrine of imputed, 253.
a defense to breach of statute, 254.
notice of conditions and dangers essential to, 255.
degree of care exacted from miner, 256.
employee entitled to rely upon performance of duty by master, 257.
from failure to remedy delects, 258.
from failure to repair tools, 259.
from failure to repair car and track (note), 259.
from use of bad rope (note), 259.
combined with employer's negligence, 260.
concurrent of fellow-servants, 261.
when efEect of avoidable, 262.
working under loose rock, 263.
connected with roof of mine, 264.
from failure to furnish props, 265.
INDEX. 611
References are to Sections.
CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE — Continued.
in loading drill hole, 266.
in drilling into unesploded shot, 267.
leaving barrel of gunpowder near blast, 268.
striking dynamite cartridge, 268.
lighting fire near powder, 268.
on scafEolds and platforms, 269.
on hoister, 270.
crossing under (note), 270.
carrying a drill on (note), 270.
failing to put catches on (note), 270.
failing to give signal (note), 270.
fellow-servant's negligence in starting, 270.
working near gearing and set-screws, 271.
dangerous positions, etc., 272.
under rising bucket (note), 272.
from use of ore cars, 273.
breaking of cable (note), 273.
getting under car on incline (note), 273.
striking match when gas located, 274.
from clothing catching on machinery, 275.
in adjustment of belt, 276.
from use of ladder, 277.
in falling into pit of mine, 278.
in disobeying rules, 279.
from selectiOQ of more dangerous way, 280.
in frequenting unused portion of mine, 281.
acts in emergencies, 282.
instances of (note), 282.
by youthful employees, 283.
assurance of safety as affecting, 284.
in what States a defense to violations of statute, 354.
prevents a recovery for injuries from gas, when, 386.
as to falling slabs, 394.
when violation of rule is, 451.
in failing to use props, 488.
a defense to actions by third parties, 527.
CONVICT,
does not assume risk (note), 174.
COPPER,
molten, not an assumed risk, when, (note), 182.
CRUSHER-FEEDER,
fellow -servant with miner, 813.
612 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
CUSTOM,
evidence of, in otlier mines, 81.
instruction withdrawing improper, 170,
D
DAMAGES,
for death, statutes giving, 12, 13.
for injuries to infants, 14.
for death to infant, 14, 15, 509.
for torts of infant, 16, 17.
lor loss of services. Infant, 15 .
for loss of services, wife, 18.
for loss of services and society, husband, 18,
by wife, for death of husband, 19.
for loss of servant's services, 20.
as between lessor and lessee, 22.
rule of, 5.
DAMNUM ABSQUE INJURIA,
rule of, 5.
DEATH,
at common law, 11.
under statute, 11.
of parent or child, 13, 14, 15.
of husband or wife, 18, 19.
DEFENDANTS,
must violate duty, 6.
may use property in any lawful manner, 6.
infants and lunatics as, 15.
joint and separate liability of, 24, 635.
cannot be sued in same action, 24.
negligent as matter of law, when, 133.
instruction and assurance by, 166.
DEFINITION,
of actionable negligence (note), 3.
patent and latent dangers, 152,
fellow- servants, 156.
accident, 200.
appliance, 25.
contributory negligence, 250.
independent contractor, 637,
DELAWARE,
suits by infants, 17.
suits for death of husband, 19.
INDEX. H13
Beferences are to Sections.
DEPENDENCE FOB SUPPORT. See Support.
DERRICK. See Scaffold.
DIRECTION OF VERDICT. See Law, Vbkdict.
DISABILITY. See Infants, Lunatics.
DRILLING,
evidence of negligence in, 95.
when law prevents Injury from, 143.
contributory negligence in, 266.
drilling Into unexploded shot, 267, 362.
miners engaged in, fellow-servants, 312.
miners, and others fellow-servants, 322.
no rule required for, 460.
DRIVER-BOY,
and miner fellow-servants, 319.
DUAL CAPACITY. See Fellow-Servants,
doctrine of, 289.
DUTY. See Master.
must be breach of, 5.
without, damnum absque injuria, 5.
defendant must owe, 6.
must be violated right to constitute, 8.
breach of, gives action, 9.
distinction between contract and public, 9,
as to appliances, 25.
as to mines, by statute, 26.
as to ingress and egress, 27.
repairing appliances, 28.
as to latent defects, 29.
as to employment of servants, 30, 31.
warning of employees, 32.
to provide rules, 34.
to inspect, 36.
as to place, 39.
as to passengers, 44.
pleading should specify, 60.
of servants, after warning, 160.
dangers from, not incident to service not assumed, 197.
off of, assumed risk, when, 199.
employee may assume master has performed, 267.
in regard to roof, 264.
delegated by master, 295.
as to roof of mine, 400.
as to roof, varies with newly excavated, 401.
614 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
Duty — Continued.
as to roof, cannot be delegated, 402.
to furnish competent employees, 403.
continuing care, 428.
to inspect boilers, 477.
as to timbers, 478.
DYNAMITE. See Explosions, Giant Powder, Injuries.
E
EARNING CAPACITY,
injury to, in infancy, 12.
injury to, as affecting parent, 12.
child cannot recover for, 12.
injury to, during minority, 12.
EARTH,
cause of bank slipping, jury question, when, 122.
law question, when, 141.
slipping of in quarry, assumed (note), 185.
slipping of in tunnel, assumed (note), 200.
sliding bank of, generally assumed, 229.
EGRESS. See Ingress and Egress.
ELEMENTS,
action of, assumed risk, 221.
EMERGENCIES.
acts in, as affecting contributory negligence, 282.
EMPLOYEES.
duty to employ competent, 30.
incompetent, discharge of (note), 30.
incompetency alone, not sufficient (note), 30.
incompetency, when knowledge of inferred, 30.
habitual negligence of, 30.
acts of, as evidence, 30.
Insufficient number of, 31.
neglect of warning by, 33.
when they need not Inspect, 38.
evidence must show relation of, 69.
evidence of reputation for care, 74.
evidence of competency, 87.
no recovery for injury from incompetency, when, 146.
dufy to prevent injuries to themselves, 174.
negligence of, assumed, 190.
but not of incompetent, 190, 243.
experience of, as affecting assumed risk, 203.
INDEX. 615
References are to Sections.
EMPLOYEES — Continued.
may assume duty by master, 267.
negligence of, combined with that of master, 260.
concurrent negligence of, immaterial, 261.
negligent, in violating rules, 279.
on surface and miners fellow-servants, 320.
statute requiring certificate as to, 348.
duty to furnish competent, a continuing one, 428.
no personal supervision as to, required, 420.
actual or constructive notice of incompetency essential, 430.
how incompetency of, established, 431.
certificate of board not conclusive, 432.
infant, not necessarily incompetent, 433.
insufficient number of, 434.
placing reckless with inexperienced, 435.
vigilance in employing in hazardous work, 436.
handling dangerous agencies, 437.
intoxicated, 438.
assumption of risk of incompetent, 439.
ENGINEER,
and miner, fellow-servants, 316. .
ENGLISH,
ventilation statutes (note), 333.
metalliferous mines act (note), 352.
EVIDENCE,
must connect injury and negligent act, 68.
must establish relation creating duty, 69.
must show defendant's knowledge, 70.
must show what notice of defects, 71.
must show want of notice to plaintifE, 72.
that appliance or place reasonably safe sufficient, 73.
of employee's reputation for care, 74.
burden of proving vice-principalship, 75.
burden of proving fellow-servant relation, 76.
of negligent order, 77,
of assumed risk, 78.
of contributory negligence, 78.
of plaintiff's prior negligence, 79.
of conditions before and after injury, 80.
of custom, 81.
opinions of experts, 82.
of promises of repair, 83.
of accident, 84.
616 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
EVIDENCE — Continued.
to sustain res ipsa loquitur, 86.
of necessity lor timbering, 86.
of competency of employee, 87.
of failure to give warning, 88.
of enforcement of rule, 89.
of reasonableness of rule, 90.
of willfulness, 91.
of willful disregard of rule, 92.
of employment of child, in violation of statute, 93.
of defective bolster rope, 94.
of negligence io drilling holes, 95.
in death from suffocation, 96.
of notice, under statutes, 97.
of failure to screen furnace, 98.
of insurance, incompetent, 99.
must correspond with pleading, 100.
of freedom from negligence, 134.
of freedom from contributory negligence, 136.
establishing contributory negligence, 136.
EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS,
when authorized to sue, 11.
EXPLOSIONS. See Gas, Giant Powder.
pleading injuries from, 55, 58.
caused by negligent drilling, 95.
law prevents recovery for, when, 142. ^
from unexploded shot, 143.
without warning (note), 188, 363.
by experienced drillmen, assumed, 212, 216.
cases of assumed risks from (note), 216.
from delayed shot, order to return, 245.
from higher grade of powder, 246.
caused by contributory negligence, 266.
contributory negligence in drilling, 267.
from lighting fire near powder, 268.
from striking cartridge, 268.
from leaving barrel of gunpowder, near blast, 268.
returning too soon after (note), 268.
from striking match in gas, 274.
servant handling and miner are fellow-servanta, 322.
statutes regulating gas (note), 333.
care in handling, 357.
when a skilled employee assumes risk in handling, 358.
INDEX. 617
References are to Sections.
EXPLOSIONS — Continued.
neglect of precautions — careless storage of, 359.
from substituting more dangerous powder,. 360.
from returning upon shots, 361.
a Missouri and Eentuclsy case of, 362.
ordering employee to return too soon, 363.
warning to inexperienced employees as to, 364.
wliat warning of sufficient, 366.
by foreman without warnings 367.
injury to adjoining owner from, 368,
failing to heed warning of, 369.
when law or ordinance violated by, 370.
from excessive powder, in blast, 371.
injuries from, by independent contractor, 372.
inspection of, 475.
EYE,
injury to, from flying steel, 242.
F
FALLING OBJECTS,
no recovery for Injury from, when, 140.
falling metal bar, injury from assumed (note), 224.
from roof of mine, assumption of, 264, 265.
due to natural laws, 397.
f"ELLOW- SERVANTS,
defense of, pleading, 62.
burden of proving, 76.
when a jury question, 110.
illustrations of jury issues on (note), 110.
law prevents recovery for negligence of, 132, 190.
instruction to jury regarding, 166.
concurrent negligence of, with master's not assumed, 178.
removal of rope by assumed, 209.
obeying order of assumed, 222.
order of, no excuse (note), 240.
selecting dangerous rope, 259.
concurrent negligence of, immaterial, 261.
negligence in starting cage (note), 270.
conflict of decisions regarding, 285.
doctrine of common law origin, 286.
how status of is determined, 287.
burden of proving non-existence of, 288.
dual capacity, doctrine of, 289.
618 INDEX.
References are to. Sections.
FELLOW- SERVANTS —Continued.
concurrent negligence of, 290.
concurrent negligence, Illustrations of, 291.
grade of service immaterial, 292.
vice -principals and, distinguished, 293.
character of act, proper test, 294.
duties delegated by master, 295.
vice-principals, pro tempore, 296.
superintendence, not decisive, 297.
miners engaged In common work are, 298.
common-law regarding, exists in Colorado, 299.
superintendent and miners are not, 300.
foreman and miner, conflict of authorities regarding status of, 301.
and foremen of different shifts, 302.
relation of " pit boss " and miners, 303.
" mining captain " and miners not, 304.
inspector vice-principal, 306.
" underlooker " and miner are, 306.
bolster -man or eager and miner are, 307.
blacksmith and miner are, 308.
miners using same scaffold are, 309.
timber-man and miner are not, 310.
" fire boss," status of, 311.
workmen upon same machine are, 312.
crusher feeder and miner are, 313.
track-layers, status of, 314.
engineer and miner are, 316.
tramway operator and miner are, 316.
" tubhustlers " are, 317.
" trimmers " and miners are, 318.
" driver boy " and miner are, 319.
surface employee and miner are, 320.
quarry laborer and car operator are not, 321.
" powder man " and miner are, 322.
substitutes for are also, 323.
operating holster, negligence of, 423.
FENCING,
statutes requiring, of mines, 338.
"FIRE BOSS."
status of, 311, 336.
neglect of, 378.
FIRE DAMP. See Gas.
FLORIDA.
suits by infants, under statute in, 17.
INDEX. 619
Beferences are to Sections.
FOREIGN STATUTES. See Statutes.
FOREMAN,
pleading order of, 53.
pleading superintending power of, 54.
evidence of negligent order of, 77.
capacity of act of, jury question, 105.
negligent order to infant to throw dynamite sticli away, 175.
rislss due to npgligence of, not assumed, 239.
conflict of authority regarding status of, 301.
of different shifts, 302.
handling giant powder, 367.
nealigence of, as to roof, 406.
operating bolster, negligence of, 424.
FURNACE,
injury from failure to screen, 98.
instruction on failure to screen, 164.
G
GAS,
Issue as to cause of presence of, jury question, when, 123,
lighting, match in, negligence, 137, 274.
assumption of risk from, 227, 384.
assumption of risk from (note), 240.
statute, ventilation for, 333.
construction of statutes regarding. 335.
duty as to, independent of statute, 373.
test as to care of, 374.
various statutes regarding, 375.
violation of statutes regarding negligence, 376.
statutes requiring " fire boss " to attend to, 377.
neglect of " Are boss " as to, 378.
courts judicially notice generation of, 379.
violation of statute as to,- must occasion Injury, 380.
constitutionality of statutes regarding, 381.
when " willful " violation of statutes as to, essential, 382,
examination for, 383.
concurrent negligence of master and fellow-servant, regarding, 385.
contributory negligence prevents recovery for injuries from, 386.
GEARING,
warning concerning (note), 241.
GEORGIA,
statute for death, 11.
statute as to torts of infant (note), 12.
code of, governing actions, between master and servant (note), 68.
620 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
GIANT POWDER^
Issues as to negligence in leaving unexploded shots, jury questions,
when, 124.
nnexploded shots, law questions, when, 143.
instruction on properties of, 155.
assumption of risks of unexploded shot of (note), 180.
illustrations of risks assumed from (note), 216.
substitution of higher grade of, 246.
contributory negligence in usinsr, 266.
lighting Are near, 268.
leaving barrel of, near blast, 268.
man and miners fellow- servants, 322.
care in handling, 357.
assumption of risk as to, 358.
negligence in storing, 359.
substituting more dangerous, 360.
injuries from delayed shots of, 361.
from unexploded shots in Missouri and Kentucky, 362.
ordering employee to returu too soon upon blasts of, 363.
warning as to, 364.
shots of, without warning, 365.
what sufficient warning of, 366.
foreman handling, 367.
injury to adjoining owner by ,'368.
failure to heed warning of, 369.
when law violated by blasts from, 370.
excessive amount of, in blast, 371.
injuries from, by independent contractor, 372.
inspection of, 475.
GRAVITATION. See Natural Agencies.
instruction as to notice of to jury, 163.
knowledge of presumed, 397.
GROUND BOSS,
duty, as to roof (note), 184.
promise to timber by (note), 184.
relation of, toward miners, 303.
GUARDIAN,
right to sue for injury to ward, 16, 17.
appointment of for infant, 522.
H
HAMMER,
chipping of, assumed when, 230.
INDEX. 621
Beferences are to Sections.
HOISTING APPARATUS,
statutes regarding, 27, 415, 360.
must be reasonably safe, 27.
necessity of repair (note), 27.
pleading injury from, 65.
jury determines suflBciency of, 128.
jury cases, illustrations of (note), 128.
assumed risks about, 202, 422.
injury from falling pin in (note), 202.
contributory negligence on, 270.
crossing under descending, 270.
carrying drill on (note), 270.
failing to signal for (note), 270, 417.
negligently standing on (note), 270.
operative of, a fellow-servant vpith miner, 307.
and signals, statutes, 850.
evidence of negligence in use of, 416.
miner should look for descending, 418.
injury from want of repair, 419.
mine sliould be free from obstructions for, 420.
breaking of rope to, 421.
negligence of fellow-servant operating, 423.
negligence of foreman, as to, 424.
incompetent " hoister-man," 425.
independent contractor operating, 426.
HOOK,
breaking of, a jury question, 120.
HOT ASHES,
and water, danger from not assumed by Inexperienced servant (note),
186.
boiler inspector assumes danger from, 214.
HUSBAND AND WIFE,
authority to sue for death of, 11, 18, 19.
loss of wife's services, 18.
expenses of sickness, 18.
elements of damage, 18.
wife's damages for death of husband, 19.
I
ILLINOIS,
statute against employment of infants, 16.
safety of miners, 26.
Ingress and egress, 27.
622 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
burdea of proving fellow-servants in, 76.
assumed risk for breach of statute in, 205.
statute regarding cage (note) 235.
contributory negligence not a defense to breach of statute in, 254.
act regarding ventilation of mines (note), 331, 333.
act rei;arding escapement shafts in, 337.
act regarding fencing of mine, 338.
act requiring props, 341, 342,
willful violation of statute in, 346.
statute requiring passageways, 347.
statute requiring certificate of manager, 348.
statute requiring lights and signals, 349, 350.
statute requiring inspections, 351.
statute requiring means of ingress aud egress, 352.
IMPUTED NEGLIGENCE,
doctrine of, 253.
INAPPROPRIATE USE,
no liability for, 29.
or substitution (note), 29.
INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEE, See Employbb.
INDEPENPENDENT CONTRACTOR,
rule respondeat superior does not apply to, 21.
liable to his own employees, 21.
illustrations of non- liability (note), 21.
owner liable if he reserves control or furnishes appliances, 21.
illustrations of liability (note), 21.
injuries from explosions due to negligence of, 372.
negligence of, 426.
operating hoister, 426.
who is an, 537.
English rule as to, 538.
how issue as to determined, 639.
joint undertaking, employer liable, 540.
emyloyer's interference with work of, 541.
for excavation of mine, 542.
appliances furnished to employer, 543.
failure to guard pit, 544.
statutory control of, 645.
work of, dangerous to public, 546.
mining coal by ton, 547.
unloading coal by cars, 548.
INDIANA,
safely of miners in, 26.
INDEX. 623
References are to Sections.
INDIANA — Continued.
statute requiring inspections, 37, 180.
statute requiring signals in mines (note), 202, 235.
statute requiring cage in, 202.
assumed rislj for breach of statute in, 20E.
contributory negligence as defense to breach of statute in., 25i.
statute requiring ventilation (note), 333.
statute requiring fencing of mine, 338.
statute requiring timbers In, 341.
statute requiring means of ingress and egress, 352,
INDIAN TERRITORY,
the law as to timbering mines in, 493.
INFANTS. See Parent and Child.
acMons for injuries and death of, 12.
loss of services of, basis of parent's right, 12.
entitled to only during minority, 12.
elements of damage to, 12.
cannot recover for injury to earning capacity during miaority, 12.
right to sue for death of parent, 13.
elements of damage, 14.
cannot sue, if widow survives, 14.
torts of, liability of parent, 13.
liability of infant, 13.
statutes preventing employment of, 15,
prosecution of suits under, 17.
evidence of unlawful employment of, 93.
assumption of risk by, 175.
obeying order to throw dynamite stick (note), 175.
putting cam on shaft, injury to (note), 176.
dangerous method of work, not assumed by (note), 88.
injury to, by cog-wheels, 231.
various risks assumed by, 232.
contributory negligence of, 283, 519.
statute against employment of , 339.
contributory negligence of, under statute, 366.
obligation of master toward, 505.
falsely representing themselves of age, 506.
employment of; In violation of parent's instruction, 507.
unlawful employment of child in mine, 608.
damages for death of, 509.
measure of recovery by parent for, 610.
employment about dangerous machinery, 511.
warning and instructions to, 512.
624 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
INFANTS — Continued.
suffldiency and extent of, 513.
assumption of risk by, generally, 514.
dangers beyond scope of employment of, 515.
injury to, from fellow-servant's negligence, 516.
placing under care of experienced employee, 517.
accidents to, 618.
instruction on contributory negligence of, 520.
as trespassers, 621.
appointment of guardians for, 522.
INGRESS AND EGRESS,
master's duty as to, 27.
statutes regarding, 27, 352.
questions under, 27.
defect in derrick not means of (note), 27.
shaft should be clear of obstructions for (note), 27.
instructions as to (note), 27.
contributory negligence as to, 27.
man -way as means of (note), 200.
INJURY,
must be, to support action, 2.
from natural agencies, no liability, 4.
illustration of, 4.
falling rock and earth, 1.
negligence combined with natural forces, 4.
without duty, damnum absque injuria, 6.
and violated right essential, 8.
to child, 12.
to earning capacity of Infant, 12.
must be connected with negligent act, 68.
cause of, a jury question, 102.
from falling objects, 140.
employee under as great duty as master to prevent, 174.
to infant putting cam on shaft (note), 175.
from accidents, assumed, 200.
while obeying order not assumed, 240.
from flying wheel, 242.
from flying rock, 242.
violation of statute must occasion, 330.
to adjacent owner, from dynamite, 368.
to third parties, 523, 536.
IOWA,
statute of, for death, governs cause in Missouri (note), 11.
INDEX. 625
References are to Sections.
IOWA — Continued.
action for death of husband in, 19.
assumed risk for breach of ventilation statute, 205j 333.
statute requiring props, 841.
statute requiring signals (note), 350.
INSPECTION,
duty as to, 36, 468.
complicated machinery requires, 36.
frequency of, 36.
particularly necessary in mines, 36.
must be proper, 36.
mere failure of, not negligence, when, 36.
equal means of knowledge as to, 36.
statutes requiring, 37, 351.
employee not delegated, need not, 38.
pleading injury from failure of, 64.
jury determines whether made or not, 127.
jury determines whether proper or not, 127.
failure of, risk not assumed, 244,
for uoexploded shots, 267.
of roof, 412.
necessity of, must appear, 469.
of purchased and manufactured appliances, 470.
none as to ordinary tools, 471.
duty as to, in latent defects, 472.
roof of drift, duty as to, 473.
of scaffolds and derricks, 474.
of powder and explosions, 476.
of ropes and cables, 476.
of boilers, 477.
INSPECTOR,
a vice-principal, 305.
INSTRUCTION. See Warning and Instruction.
INSTRUCTIONS TO JURY.
as to burden of establishing negligence, 148.
as to degree of care required, 149.
as to defective appliance, 150.
on open and obvious risks, 151.
on patent and latent dangers, 152.
on notice of natural Jaws, 153.
on duty of warning, 154.
on properties of dynamite, 156.
as to fellow-servants, 156.
40
626 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
INSTRUCTIONS TO JURY — Continued.
as to failure to furnish props, 157.
on failure to repair, 158.
on risks beyond scope of employment, 169.
on duty of servant, after warning, 160.
on reasonable care and notice, 161.
on promise to repair, erroneous, 162.
on injury on scaffold, erroneous, 163.
on failure to screen furnace, 164.
on selection of, risli in selecting tools, 165.
on defendant's assurance, 166.
as to reasonably safe place, 167.
as to safety of rope, 168.
as to warning, erroneous, 169.
withdrawing custom, improper, 170.
on credibility of witnesses, erroneous, 171 .
on shifting of belt, erroneous, 172.
on assumed risk, error in limiting defense to threatening dangers,
only, 173.
INSURANCE.
evidence of, incompetent, 99.
IRON.
cause of breaking, a jury question, when, 116.
molten, and water, not an assumed risk (note), 182.
falling, assumed when, 210.
breaking of handle, not assumed, when, 236, 247.
contributory negligence in carrying molten, 257.
JOINDER OF ACTIONS. See Pleading.
JURY,
province of, 101.
cause of injury determined by, 102, 103.
question of vice-principalship determined by, 104.
determine capacity of foremen's act, 105.
determine assumption of risk, in Missouri, 106.
determine assumption of risk, in Wisconsin, 107.
criticism of Missouri rule, as to, 108.
determine question of contributory negligence, when, 109,
determines who are fellow-servants, when, 110.
determines issue of negligence, when. 111, 112.
determines issue as to whether set-screw,
negligence, when, 113.
INDEX. 627
References are to Sections.
JURY — Continuea.
determines necessity for timbers, when, 114.
determines cause of rope breaking, 115.
determines cause of iron handle breaking, when, 116.
determines whether warning was given, when, 117.
determines whether place was reasonably safe, 118.
determines reasonableness of rule, 119.
determines cause of hook breaking, 120.
determines proper construction of derrick, 121.
determines cause of earth bank slipping, 122.
determines cause of bad air or gas, 123.
determines negligence as to unexploded blast, 124.
determines issues as to manner of shifting belt, 125.
determines safety of appliance, when, 126.
determines if inspection was made, 127.
determines if inspection was proper, 127.
determines sufficiency of bolster, 128.
miscellaneous cases for, 129.
instructions to, 148, 173,
issue as to falling slabs a question for, when, 399.
E
KANSAS,
suits by infants in, 17.
actions tor death in, 19,
ventilation statute of, 336.
status of "fire boss" in, 336, 377.
KENTUCKY,
actions for death in, 19.
statute requiring timbers, 341, 495.
L
LADDER,
negligence not to use, instead of ropes, 188, 270.
breaking of hinge to, assumed (note), 219.
slippery condition of, assumed, 226.
failure to spike (note), 277.
contributory negligence in use of, 277.
LATENT DEFECTS,
definition of, 153,
liability for, 29.
when discoverable by inspection, 29.
when not discoverable by inspection, 29.
628 INDEX.
Seferences are to Sections.
LATENT DEFECTS — Continned.
danger from, when assumed, 191.
breaking of cable due to (note), 273.
LAW,
denies recovery when negligence alleged not proved, l30.
cases where negligence not established (note), 130.
prevents recovery of injury avoidable, 131.
prevents recovery when injury caused by lellow-servantj 132.
when defendant negligent as matter of, 133.
Instances of, note), 133.
prevents recovery when lack of negligence, 134.
illustrations of (note), 134.
prevents recovery when no contributory negligence shown, 136.
prevents recovery when evidence shows contributory negligence, 136.
prevents recovery for gas explosion, when, 137.
prevents recovery for selecting more dangerous way, 138.
prevents recovery for injuries from obvious dangers, 139.
prevents recovery for injures from falling objects, when, 140.
prevents recovery for injury from falling earth-banlj, when, 141.
prevents recovery for injury from dynamite, when, 142.
prevents recovery from unexploded shot, when, 143.
prevents recovery for set-screw injury, when, 144.
prevents recovery for injury from unsafe pi ice, when, 145.
prevents recovery for injury from Incompetent employee, when, 146.
prevents recovery for injury from pumps, when, 147.
explosions violating, 870.
LiJiOoHjilj,
assumes risk of defects in premises, 22.
but not if lessor retains control, 22.
as to dangerous shaft, 22.
liable for injuries after taking possession, 23.
but not as to trespassers or licensees, 23.
LESSOR,
liable for injuries to lessee and others if he retains control, 22.
otherwise lesee liable, 22.
premises defective when leased, 22.
defective shaft, 22.
when lease a mere subterfuge, 22.
LIABILITY,
irrespective of negligence, 7.
violated right and injury essential to, 8.
compliance with statute, test of, 334.
LICENSEE,
child assisting parent, in mine, not (note), 12.
INDEX. 629
References are to Sections.
LICENSEE — Continned.
lessee not liable to, for injury, 23.
third person as, injury to, 533.
LIGHTS,
statutes requiring, 349, 360.
LUNATICS,
liable for their torts, 15.
M
MACHINERY. See Appliance, Repair.
promise to repair, risk not assumed, 211.
clothing catching on, 275.
MANAGER,
statutes requiring certificate of, 348.
MAN-WAY,
when employer must make new, for ingress and egress (note), 200.
MARYLAND,
miner crushed by car in tunnel in, 265.
MASSACHUSETTS,
statute requiring notice of injury, 97.
injury on scaffold in, 178.
statute as to " ways, works and machinery," 331.
assumption of risk from violation ol statute in (note), 353.
MASTER,
liability for servant's negligence, 20.
act must be in course of employment, 20.
illustrations of liability, 20.
when liable jointly with servant, 20.
must furnish reasonably safe appliances, 25.
duties as to safety of mines, 26.
duties as to ingress and egress, 27.
duties as to repair of appliances, 28.
duties as to latent defects, 29.
duties as to employment of servants, 30, 31.
duties as to warning, 32.
duties as to rules, 34.
duties as to inspection, 36.
duties as to place of worli, 39.
duties as to passage-ways, 44.
negligence of, not assumed, 177.
concurrent negligence of, and fellow-servant, not assumed, 178.
must investigate scientific causes (note), 186.
employee may assume duty performed by, 257.
630 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
MASTER — Continued.
negligence of, combined with that of servant, 260.
duties delegated by, 295.
his duty as to roof of mine, 400.
liability for injuries to third persons, 523, 636.
MICHIGAN,
statute against employment of children, 339.
rule as to timbering mines in, 496.
MINE. See Shaft, Statutes.
frequenting unused portions of, 281.
statutes regarding, 325, 356.
statutes requiring fencing of, 338-
should be free from obstructions, 420.
timbered and untimbered, 480.
MINERS. See Servant.
risks assumed by, 207, 232.
caving in of shaft assumed by, 213.
crushed by car in tunnel, 255.
degree of care 'exacted from, 256.
may rely upon performance of duty by employer, 257.
must remedy defects, when, 258.
injured while frequenting unused portions of mines, 281.
engaged in same worlj are fellow-servants, 298.
and superintendent are not fellow-servants, 360.
and foreman, conflict of cases as to status of, 301.
relation of toward "ground boss," 303.
relation of toward " captain," 304.
relation to inspector, 305.
relation of, toward " underlooker," 306.
relation of, toward hoister-man or eager, 307.
relation of, toward blacksmith, 308.
using same scaffold are fellow-servants, 309.
and timber-man not fellow-servants, 310.
and " fire-boss," status of, 311.
working on same machine are fellow-servants, 312.
and crusher-feeder are fellow-servants, 313.
and track-layers, status of, 314.
and engineer are fellow-servants, 315.
and tramway operator are fellow-servants, 316.
and "tubhustlers " are fellow-servants, 317.
and '' trimmers " are fellow-servants, 318.
and driver-boy are fellow-servants, 319.
and surface employee are fellow -servants, 320.
certificate as to, 348.
INDEX. 631
References are to Sections.
MINE OWNER. See Master.
MINNESOTA,
suits by Infants in, 17.
actions for death, 19.
MISSISSIPPI,
actions for deatli in, 19.
MISSOURI.
action in, for death in Iowa Cnote), 11.
statute, for death in, 11.
statute for loss of support, 13, 14.
actions by infants in, 17.
actions for death of husband, 19.
safety of miners, 26.
ingress and egress, 27.
pleading prop statute of, 63.
assumption of risk, jury question in, 105.
injury from unexploded blasts in, 124.
rule as to threatening dangers in, 181.
assumption of risk from breach of statute in, 205.
statute regarding cog-wheels (note), 235.
statute regarding ventilation (note), 333.
statute requiring timbers in, 341.
statute requiring passage-ways, 347.
statute requiring signals, 849, 550.
MONTANA,
pleading actions for Injuries from failure to timber mine In, 418.
MOTIONS. See Pleading.
N
NATURAL AGENCIES,
injuries from, 4.
illustrations of, 4.
falling rock and earth, 4.
negligence combined with, 4.
falling objects, due to, 140.
instruction to jury, regarding, 163.
assumption of dangers from, 185.
NEGLIGENCE,
basis of, 2.
elements of, 2.
definition of (note), 3.
liability, irrespective of, 7.
doctrine criticised, 7.
plaintiff need not deny, 49.
632 INDEX.
Beferences are to Sections.
NEGLIGENCE — Continued.
evidence of plaintiff's prior, 79.
a jury question, when, 111.
illustration of issues as to (note), 111.
statutory, a jury issue, when, 112.
alleged, must be proved, 130.
of defendant as matter of law, 133.
evidence of, freedom from, 134,
instruction, as to burden of proving, 148.
of master not assumed (note), 177.
of fellow-servants assumed, 190.
but not of known incompetent fellow-servants, 190,
risks due to foreman not assumed, 239.
doctrine of imputed, 253.
of master and servant combined, 260.
concurrent, of fellow-servant, 261.
from working under loose rock, 263.
violation of statute as, 328.
NEVADA,
actions by infants, 17.
NEW MEXICO,
actions by infants, 17.
NEW YORK,
statute against employment of infants, 16, 339.
actions for death, 19.
safety of miners, 26.
statute requiring notice of injury, 97.
statute regarding " ways, works and machinery," 331.
statute regarding props, 343.
NITRO-GLYCEKINE. See Giant Powdkk.
•negligence In handling, 359 .
NOTICE,
what evidence of defects sufficient, 71.
absence of, by plaintiff, 472.
statutes requiring, 97.
instruction as to, by defendant, 161.
necessity of, to assume risk, 179.
equal.risk assumed, 183.
to vice-principal of defective roof (note), 184.
of scientific causes, when presumed, 186.
of defective rope not presumed, when (note), 202,
of higher grade explosives, 246,
of conditions essential to contributory negligence, 255.
INDEX. 633
Beferences are to Sections.
NOTICE — Continued.
of unexploded shots, 267.
of dangerous slabs, 396.
to employer of defect in roof, 403.
to employee of defect in roof, i04.
OBVIOUS RISKS. See Assumed Risks.
OHIO,
actions by infants in, If.
actions for death, 19.
safety of miners, 26.
ventilation statute of (note), 333.
statutes requiring timbers, 342.
statutes requiring passage-ways, 347.
ORDERS,
to return upon uaexploded sHot (note), 194.
of boss, not assumed (note), 194.
of quarry superintendent (note), 194.
dangers of, not assumed, 194.
of fellow-servant assumed, 194.
beyond scope of employment, 194.
of fellow-servant, no excuse, 240.
to return to delayed blast, 245, 363.
as to slabs, 398.
ORE FUMES,
injury from, assumed, 225.
OREGON,
actions by infants, 17.
actions by infants for death, 19.
P
PARENT AND CHILD,
suit for death of, 11.
loss of service, basis of parent's right, 12.
loss of service, entitled to during minority only, 12.
earning capacity, after emancipation, 12.
action by one no bar to other, 12.
back wages due child, 12.
pain, suffering and expenses, as elements of damages, 12.
torts of child, parent not liable for, 12.
otherwise in Georgia (note), 12.
634 INDEX.
Eeferenees are to Sections.
PARENT AND CHILD — Continued.
child assisting parent, in mine, not licensee (note), 12.
parent must plead and prove child was unmarried (note), 13.
dependent parent may sue for loss of support, when, 13.
child's right to sue for death of parent, 14.
elements of damages in such suit, 14.
statutes preventing employment of infant, 16.
prosecution of suits under, 17.
PARTIES,
rights of, must be violated, 9.
employees and strangers, 9.
authorized by statutes, 10, 11.
parent and child, 12.
torts of child, in Georgia (note), 12.
torts of, parent not generally liable for, 12.
loss of service, basis of action, 12.
loss of service during minority, 12.
Impairment of earning capacity, 12.
pain and suffering, 12.
other elements of damage, 12.
action to employees, parent cannot sue, 12.
recovery limited to minority of child (note), 12.
otherwise, under statutes giving right to those dependent, 13.
criticism of certain holdings, 13.
child's recovery for death of parent, 14.
cannot sue, if widow survives, 14.
Infants as, under statutes, against employment in mines, 16.
prosecution of suits under, 17.
husband and wife, actions for death of, 18, 19.
loss of wife's services, 18,
expenses of sickness, 18.
wife, statutory action for death of husband, 19.
master and servant, 20.
servant's injury to third parties, 20.
servant's liability for his wrongs, 20.
joint liability of, 20.
independent contractor, 21.
illustrations of liability (note), 21.
illustrations of non-liability (note), 21.
lesssor and lessee, 22.
lessee assumes risk of defect in premises, 22.
otherwise, if lessor retains control, 22.
when lease is a subterfuge (note), 22.
INDEX. 635
BeCerences are to Sections.
PARTIES — Continued.
shaft in defective condition when leased (note), 22.
accident subsequent to lease (note), 2L.
lessee liable for iujaries to employees and strangers after taking
possession, 23,
but not as to trespassers or licensees, 23.
trespassers, 531.
licensees, 533.
PASSAGEWAYS,
duty to construct, 44.
duty at common law, 44.
duty under statutes, 44.
contributory negligence in use of, 45.
illustrations of (note'), 45.
using isnown unsafe, risk assumed (note) 217.
statutes requiring safe, 347.
PATENT DANGERS.
definition of, 152.
PENNSYLVANIA,
actions by infants, 17.
actions for death, 19.
statutes for safety of miners, 26.
ventilation statute of (note), 333, 377.
statutes requiring escapement shafts in, 337.
statutes requiring guarding of doors, 338.
statutes requiring means of ingress and egress (note), 852.
PILLARS,
an experienced employee removing, assumes the risk, 408.
PIT,
breaking of board over, not assumed, when, 238.
contributory negligence in falling into, 278.
"boss" of, relation toward miners, 303.
statute requiring fencing of, 338.
PLACE,
duty as to, 39.
must be reasonably safe, 39.
affected by character of work, 39.
duty as to, cannot be delegated (note), 39, 40.
master not insurer of, 39.
exempted, when work changes, 39, 41.
to whom duty of applies, 42.
illustrations of unsafe, in mines, 43.
reasonable safety of, sufficient, 73.
636 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
PLACE — Continued.
safety of, a jury question, when, 118,
illustration of, jury issues as to (note), 118.
when injuries from unsafe, assumed, 146.
instruction as to, 167,
dangers from assumed, where work changes, 195.
where no work expected, danger from an assumed risk, 198.
assurance of safety as to, 407.
making dangerous safe, duty as to, 479.
PLANT,
what constitutes under statutes, 332.
PLEADING,
must show relation creating duty, 46.
must correspond with proof, 47.
must show absence of plaintiff's knowledge, 48.
need not deny negligence, 49.
should specify duties performed, 50.
motion to make more definite, 50.
assumed risk, 51.
contributory negligence, 51, 252.
defense of fellow-servant, 62.
order of foreman, 68.
superintending power of, 64.
injuries from explosions, 56, 68.
injuries from scaffolds, 56.
failure to give warning, 57.
violation of statute, 69, 365.
injury from adjustment of belt, 60.
injury from "ways, works and machinery," 61.
injury from roof of drift, 62.
ibjury from failure to prop, 63.
injury from failure to inspect, 64.
injury from holster, 66.
injury from defective rope, 66.
joinder of actions, 67.
not necessary to plead rules, 455.
injuries to third parties, 634.
PROMISES. See Assurance, Kepair.
PROPERTY,
defendant may use In any lawful manner, 6.
BOPS. See Timbbr.
Q
QUARRY,
slipping of earth in, assumed (note), 185.
INDEX. 637
References are to Sections.
<5UA.RRY — CoQtinued.
assumed risk of fellow -servants in (note), 190.
orders of superintendent of, 194.
laborer in and car operator are not fellow-servants, 321.
R
REPAIR,
duty as to, 28.
a continuing one, 28.
cannot be delegated, 28.
necessity, notice of want of, 28,
when duty of, on servant, 28.
when knowledge chargeable as to, 28.
of bolster (note), 28.
evidence of promises to, 83.
instruction as to duty of, 158.
instruction as to duty of, erroneous, 162.
instruction as to promise to, erroneous, 162.
assumed risk, from want of, 192.
failure to, risk not assumed, 241.
contributory negligence from want of, 259.
EEPRESENTATIVES,
authority to sue (note), 10.
under U. S. statute, 11.
RES IPSA LOQUITUR,
evidence to sustain, 85.
RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR,
rule of, 523.
RIGHT,
must be violated, to support action, 8.
not afEected by subsequent repeal of statute, 329.
ROCK. See Slabs, Roof.
duty to discover crevice in (note), 184.
working under loose, 184.
sitting down under, 184.
injury from falling, after warning (note), 184, 265.
thrown by blast, assumed (note), 185.
flying under sledge hammer (note), 242.
negligence in working under, 263.
failing to timber (note), 265.
ROOF,
pleading injuries from, 62.
assumed risks, from dangers of, 184.
638 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
ROOF — Continued.
failure to inspect, risk not assumed, 244, 264.
material falling from (note), 264.
test as to duty regarding (note), 264.
tapping, negligence, when (note), 264.
working under, without propping, 265.
sitting down under dangerous (note), 265.
injury from, when at place where miner not working (note), 281.
failure to trim, 391.
failure to warn concerning, 392.
failure to heed warning as to, 393.
notice of dangers, 396.
employer's duty regarding, 400.
duty as to varies, with newly excavated portions of, 401.
cannot delegate duty as to, 402.
employer's knowledge of defect in, 403.
employee's knowledge of defect in, 404.
how affected by character of works, 405.
negligence of foreman regarding, 406.
assurance of safety as to, 407.
removing pillars from, 408.
what dangers from are assumed, 409.
when injury from incidental to work, 410.
instructions regarding safety of, 411.
failure to inspect, 412.
failure to furnish props for, 413.
pleading actions for injuries from, 414.
HOPE,
pleading injury from defective, 66.
evidence of contributory negligence as to, 94.
cause of breaking, a jury question, when, 115.
negligence to use, instead of ladder, 138.
Instruction as to, as appliance, 168.
notice of defective, when not presumed (note), 202.
renewal of, by fellow-servant assumed, 209.
breaking of not assumed, when, 237.
selection of dangerous, by fellow- servant, 259.
hoister, breaking of, 421.
inspection of, 476.
RULES,
necessity for, 34.
under English statute, as to miners (note), 34.
need not be, In small business, 34.
INDRX. 639
References are to Sections.
BULES — Continued.
instance ol an unreasonable (note^, 34.
reasonableness of, 34.
violation of, when negligence, 34.
violation of, excused by sicljness (note), 34.
effect of, 33.
evidence of enforcement of, 89.
evidence of reasonableness of, 90.
evidence of willful disregard of, 92.
jury issues, as to, 119.
contributory negligence in disobeyiug, 279.
when mine owner should make, 440.
act of co-employee causing injury under, 441.
sufficiency of, 442.
usage and custom as affecting, 443.
employee must show notice of, 444.
must be enforced, 445.
must be definite and certain, 446.
for signaling in mine, 447.
none essential for hauling cars, 448.
none essential for handling ore in bins, 449.
drilling does not require, 450.
when violation of, contributory negligence, 451.
violation of, requiring props, 452.
requiring report of dangerous places, 453.
regarding hoisting of miners, 454.
need not be pleaded, 455.
SCAFFOLDS,
pleading injuries from, 56.
jury determines issue as to construction of, 121.
illustrations of, jury issue as to (note), 121 .
erroneous instruction as to contributory negligence on, 163.
assumption of risk on, by infant (note), 175.
injury on, from concurrent negligence of master and fellow-servant
(note), 178.
defective, not assumed, 248.
employee may assume safe construction of, 257.
contributory negligence on, 269.
miners using same, are fellow-servants, 309.
statutes regarding, 340.
inspection of, 474.
640 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
SCIENTIFIC CAUSES,
when dangers from, assumed, 185.
employer must investigate (note), 185.
when knowledge of, Is assumed, 186.
BCKEEN. See Furnace.
SERVANT,
liable for his own wrongs, 20.
when jointly liable with master, 20.
when he must repair appliances, 28.
willful injuries to third parties by, 628.
SERVICES,
parent entitled to, only during minority (note), 12.
loss of, basis of parent's right, 12.
infant entitled to, after majority, 12.
given by statute, to those dependent for support, la
SET- SCREWS,
whether negligence, jury issue, when, 113 .
injury from, law question, when, 144.
danger from assumed, 201, 215.
contributory negligence in working near, 271.
SHAFTS,
must be clear of obstructions (note), 27.
warning as to Assure in (note), 32.
injury to infant putting cam ou (note), 175.
going across, assumed risks ia (note), 202.
cave-in of, assumed by miner, when, 213,
escapement, statutes requiring, 337.
statutes requiring fencing of, 338.
SHIFTS.
foremen of different, status of, 302.
SIGNALS,
statute requiring, 349, 350.
SLABS,
falling of, assumed, when, 184.
working under loose, 263.
frequency of injuries from, 387.
statutes requiring, 388.
from failure to timber, 389.
from failure to inspect, 390.
from failure to trim roof, 391.
duty of warning as to, 392.
failure to heed warning as to, 39».
contributory negligence as to, 394.
INDEX. 641
References are to Sections.
SLABS — Continued.
assumption of risks as to, 395.
knowledge of dangerous, 396.
falling, due to natural laws, 397.
effect of orders as to, 398.
when assumption of risks from, jury question, 399.
SLAG,
hot, and water, not an assumed riskj when, 186.
SLATE,
falling, when assumed risk (note), 184.
experienced miner assumes falling of, 208.
SOUTH CAROLINA,
actions by infants, 17.
STATUTES,
giving right of action, 10. •
for dealh, domestic and foreign, 11.
English, Lord Campbell's act, 11.
where injury occurred, govern rights, 11.
govern parties, for death, 11.
giving right of action to parties dependent, 13.
child's right to sue under, 14.
against employment of infants, 16, 17.
for prosecution of suits, by infants, 17.
giving right of action for dealh of husband or wife, 18, 19.
safety of miners under, 26.
as to Ingress and egress, 27.
as to passage-ways, H.
pleading violations of, 57.
as to " ways, works and macliinery," 61.
pleading prop statute, 63.
joinder of actions under, 67.
requiring notice of injury, 97.
negligence under, a jury issue, when, 112.
assumption of risk in breach of, 205.
risks from violation of not assumed, 235.
regarding signals (note), 235.
regarding cage (note), 235.
regarding cog-wheels (note), 235.
contributory negligence as a defense to breach of, 25i,
object and nature of mining, 324.
construction of, 325.
mining, are constitutional, 326.
do not abrogate common law, 327.
41
642 INDEX.
Keferences are to Sections.
STATUTES — Continued.
violation of, constitutes negligence, 328.
subsequent repeal of, 329.
violation of, must occasion injury, 330.
respecting "ways, works and machineryj " 331.
what constitutes "plant " under, 332.
requiring ventilation, 333.
compliance with, test of liability, 334.
construction of ventilation, 335.
status of "flre-boss" under, 3.S6.
requiring escapement shafts, 337.
requiring fencing of mine, 338.
requiring guarding of doors in mines, 338.
against employment of children, 339.
regarding scaffold, 340.
requiring props and timbers, 341, 342, 343.
when willful violation of, essential, 344.
evidence of willfulness under, 345.
evidence of willfulness in Illinois, 346.
requiring safe passageways, 347.
requiring certificate of managers, 348.
requiring lights and signals, 449.
requiring signals and holsters, 350.
requiring inspections, 351.
requiring means of ingress and egress, 352.
in what States assumption of risk from breach of, a defense, 353.
contributory negligence a defense under, 354.
pleading violations of, 355.
contributory negligence of infants under, 356.
STEEL,
injury from flying particles of, 242.
SUBSTITUTE,
for fellow-servant is a fellow-servant, 323.
injury to third person by, no liability, 630.
SUBSTITUTION. See Inappropriate Use.
SUFFOCATION,
evidence in death from, 96.
statute as to gas, causing, 333.
SUPERINTENDENT,
and miners are not fellow-servants, 300.
SUPPORT,
dependence upon, gives action, 11.
statutes giving action for loss of, 13.
INDEX. 643
References are to Sections.
T
TENNESSEE,
actions by Infants, 17.
ventilation statute of, 335.
statute against employment of children in mines, 339.
statute requiring timbers, 341.
THIRD PERSONS,
injuries to, 523, 536.
the rule respondeat superior, 523.
right to discharge employee essential (note), 528.
acts must be within scope of employment, 524.
common law and statutory negligence regarding, 525.
assumption of risk by, 526.
contributory negligence a defense for iDJuries to, 527.
injuries to, by willful acts of servant^ 528.
injuries to, from incompetent servants, 529.
Injured by substitutes, no liability, 530.
as trespassers, injury to, 531.
injury of trespassers as, 632.
as licensee, injury to, 533.
pleading injuries to, 634.
joint liability for injury to, 535.
jury questions in suits by, 636.
TIMBERS,
evidence of necessity for, 86.
necessity for, jury question, when, 114.
illustrations of jury issues as to (note), 114.
failure to call for, prevents recovery, when, 147.
instruction to jury as to, 157.
defective, in scaffold (note), 248.
failure to saw proper length (note), 265.
failure to use on dangerous rock (note), 265.
violating rule regarding, 279, 452.
one who looks after, a vice -principal, 310.
8tatut"S requiring, 341.
dangerous roof from failure to furnish, 413.
common law duty as to, 478.
where work is to make dangerous place safe, 479.
in mine untimbered and timbered mine, 480.
duty as to, cannot be delegated, 481.
statutory duty as to, cannot be placed on employee, 482.
what constitutes breach of statute, as to, 483.
assumption of risk from failure to use, 484, 485, 486,
644 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
TIMBERS — Continued.
promise to furnish, 487.
contributory negligence in failing to use, 488, 489.
statute of Colorado as to, 490.
statute of Illinois as to, 491. ,
Indiana statutes and constructions, 492.
Indian Territory rule as to, 493.
Iowa statute regarding, 494.
Kentucky statute regarding, 495.
Michigan rule regarding, 496.
Missouri statute regarding, 497.
Montana, pleading injury from, 498.
New York, act regarding, 499.
Ohio statute regarding, 500.
Pennsylvania statute, as to, 501.
Tennessee statute, as to, 602.
want of, assumed by miner in Virginia, 503.
employment of mine boss, relieves owner as to, in West Virginia, 504.
TRACKLAYER.
Status of, S14.
TRESPASSER,
lessee not liable to, for injury, when, 23.
infant, burned in ashpit, 531.
injury to, no liability, when, 531.
infancy of, immaterial, 632.
TRIMMERS,
fellow-servants of miners, 318.
TUBHUSTLERS,
are fellow-servants, 317.
TUNNEL,
sliding earth in, assumed (note), 200.
crushed by car in, 255.
U
UNDERLOOKEK.
a fellow-servant of miner, 306.
(ON EXPLODED SHOT. See Drilling, Giant Powder, Explosions.
UNITED STATES,
statutes regarding gas (note) , 375.
rule of contributory negligence by Supreme Court of, in failure to usa
props, 489.
UTAH,
action by infants in, 17.
assumption of risk in, from failure to use props, 465.
INDEX. 645
References are to Sections.
V
VARIANCE,
between pleading and proof, 100.
when evidence does not prove negligence alleged, l.SO.
VERDICT. See Law.
directed, if injury avoidable, 131.
directed, wlien injury caused by fellow-servant, 132.
VICE-PRINCIPALSHIP,
burden of establishing, 75.
when injury from, jury question, 104.
distinguished from fellow-service, 293.
pro tempore, 296.
of inspector, 305.
of timberman, 310.
VIRGINIA,
want of timbers assumed by experienced miner in, 503.
W
WAGES,
parent of infant, entitled to, as element of damage, during minority
12.
WARNING AND INSTRUCTION,
duty as to, 32.
dangerous shafts (note), 32.
character of powder, 82.
essentials of, 32.
as to hot slag and water (note), 32.
fellow-servant's neglect no excuse, 32.
as to obvious dangers, 32.
as to known dangers, 32.
neglect of, by employee, 33.
pleading failure to give, 57.
evidence of failure to give, 88.
jury determines whether given, 117.
Illustrations of issues as to (note), 117.
Instruction as to, to jury, 151.
instruction as to, to jury, on duty of servant, after, 160.
erroneous charge as to, 169.
of danger from hot ashes and water (note), 186.
of blast (note), 188.
none as to cogs and set screws, 201.
violating, risi: assumed, 217.
of higher grade explosive, 246.
646 INDEX.
References are to Sections.
WARNING AND INSTRUCTION — Continued.
as to unexploded shots, 267.
as to giant powder, 364, 465.
shooting blasts without, 365.
what sufficient, as to blasts, 366.
failure to heed, of explosion, 369.
as to falling slabs, 392.
to what employees is due, 456.
youthful employees entitled to, 457.
sufflcienoy of, generally, 458.
by fellow-servant, 459.
fellow-servant's negligence combined with failure of, 460.
no danger anticipated, 461.
none, as to ordinary dangers, 462.
as to increased risks, 463.
as to exceptional dangers, 464.
as to explosions from dynamite, 466.
as to use of dangerous machinery, 467.
WASHINGTON,
actions by infants in, 17.
actions for death, 19.
ventilation, statute of (note), 333, 377.
statute requiring timbers, 341, 389.
WAYS, WORKS AND MACHINERY. See Statutes.
statutes regarding, 331.
WEST VIRGINIA,
actions by infants, 17.
actions for death, 19.
ventilation, statute of (note), 333.
statute against employment of children, 339.
statute regarding "mine boss," 504.
employment of, relieves owner, 504.
WIDOW,
right to sue for death of husband, 12, 13, 14.
damages recoverable, under various statutes, 19.
WIFE. See Husband and Wife.
WILLFULLNESS,
evidence of, 91.
in violating rule, 92.
when essential in violation of statute, 344.
evidence of, 345.
in violation of ventilation statutes, 382.
in injuries by servants to third parties, 528.
INDEX 647
Refereuces are to Sections.
WIND,
danger from, assumed, 221.
WISCONSIN,
assumed risk, jury question, when, 107.
WITNESSES,
erroneous instruction as to reliability of, 171.
WORK,
dangers arising from, assumed (note), 185, 196.
selecting more dangerous, assumed (note), 189.
none expected at place of injury, risk assumed, 198.
miners engaged in same, are fellow-servants, 298.
as effecting employer's duty toward roof, 405.
when object of is to make dangerous place, safe, duty as to timbers,
479.
WYOMING,
action by infants, 17.
action for death, 19.
Y
YOUTH,
as affecting contributory negligence, 283.
TABLE OF CASES.
Beferences are to Sections.
A.
A. & N. R. Co. V. SmitlL (20 S. E.
Rep, 763), 12.
Abbott V. McCadden (81 Wis.
563; 51 N. W. Rep. 1079), 177.
Abel V. Del. & H. Canal Co. (128
N. Y. 662; 28 N. E. Rep. 663),
442.
Abeles v. Bransfield (18 Kan.
16), 12.
Acme Coal Mining Co. v. McSale
(5 Colo. App. 267; 38 Pac. Rep.
596), 447-270-189.
Adams v. Coal Co. (85 Mo. App.
493), 27.
Adams v. Iron Cliff Co. (78 Mich.
271; 44 N. W. Rep. 270), 298-
316.
Addicks v. Christopb (62 N. J. L.
786; 43 Atl. Rep. 196; 6 Amer.
Neg. Rep. 117), 512.
Alabaster Co. v. Lonergan (90
I 111. App. 353), 257.
Alabama Coal & Coke Co. v.
Pitts (98 Ala. 185; 13 So. Rep.
'285), 88.
Alabama Collinsville Coal Co. v.
Pitts (98 Ala. 285; 13 So. Rep.
135), 459.
Alabama Co. v. Marcus (115 Ala.
389; 22 So. Rep. 135), 457-200.
Alabama G. J. Co. v. Roaoh (110
Ala. 266; 20 So. Rep. 132), 451.
Alabama Mid. Co. v. McDonald
(112 Ala. 216; 20 So. Rep. 472),
451.
Alaska United Gold Mining Co.
V. Keating (116 Fed. Rep. 561),
128-270-27.
Alaska United Gold Mining Co.
V. Muset (U. S. C. C. A.
Alaska, 1902; 114 Fed. R^.
66), 128, 133.
Alaska Min. Co. v. Whalen (168
U. S. 85-88), 40-184.
Alcorn v. Chicago & Alton Co.
(Mo.; 16 S. W. Rep. 229), 455.
Aldricb v. Furnace Co. (78 Mo.
559), 141-153-106.
Alexander v. Davis (42 W. Va.
465; 26 S. B. Rep. 291), 521.
Allan V. Logan (37 Pac. Rep.
496), 195-41.
Allard v. Hildretb (Mass.; 5 Am.
Neg. Rep. 610), 216 .
Allen V. Gas Co. (1 Ex. D. 251;
45 L. J. Ex. 668), 434.
Allen V. Hay ward (72 B. 960),
538.
Allen V. Jakel (115 Mich. 484; 73
N. W. Rep. 555), 458.
Allerd v. Hildreth (173 Mass.
26), 143.
(649)
650
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Allison Co. V. McCormick (118
Pa. St. 519; 12 Atl. Rep. 273),
25.
Allison v. Tap Rock Co. (78 N.
Y. S. 69; 75 App. Div. 267),
102.
Ally V. Hill (106 La. 170; 30 So.
Rep. 254), 458.
Alsever v. Minn. & St. L. Co. (88
N. W. Rep. 841), 524.
Alton Lime Co. v. Calvey (47
111. App. 343), 365.
Alton Paving & Brick Co. v.
Hudson (74 111. App. 612; 176
111. 270; 52 N. E. Rep. 256),
153-184.
Anderson v. Bennett (16 Or.
515; 19 Pac. Rep. 765), 295-
310.
Anderson v. Clark (155 Mass.
368), 232.
Anderson v. Daly Min. Co. (TJtali,
4 Am. Neg. Rep. 86), 216.
Anderson v. Duckworth (162
Mass. 251), 99.
Anderson v. Fielding (Minn.
1904, 99 N. W. Rep. 357), 81.
Anderson v. Guineam (9 Wash.
304; 3 Pac. Rep. 499), 323.
Anderson v. Mikado Min. Co. (3
Ont. Law. Rev. 581), 270-27-
200.
Anderson v. Minster (31 Fed.
Rep. 528), 41.
Anderson v. Min. & Mill. Co. (39
Minn. 523; 41 N. W. Rep. 104),
151.
Anderson v. Minn. & N. U. Co.
(39 Minn. 523; 41 N. W. Rep.
104), 150.
Anderson v. Nelson &c. Co. (67
Minn. 79; 69 N. "W. Rep. 630),
275.
Anderson v. Union Terminal Co.,
(161 Mo. 411; 61 S. W. Rep.
874; 81 Mo. App. 116), 519. '
Anderson v. Winston (31 Fed.
Rep. 528), 184.
Andrews v. Tamarack Min. Co.
(114 Mich. 375; 72 N. W. Rep.
242), 184-263-496.
Angelo V. Coal Co. (74 S. W.
Rep. 714), 173-246.
Appel V. Eaton & Co. (97 Mo.
App. 428; 71 S. W. Rep. 741),
530.
Archambault v. Archamtoault
(Mass. 1903; 68 N. E. Rep.
199), 177.
Archibald v. Cygolf Co. (Mass.;
71 N. E. Rep. 315), 201.
Ardesco Oil Co. v. Gibson (63
Pa. St. 146; 10 Mor. Min. Rep.
674), 20.
Armour v. Brazeau (191 111. 117;
60 N. E. Rep. 904), 269-468.
Armour v. Galkewska (95 111.
App. 492), 2.
Armour v. Kaiin (111 U. S. 313),
292.
Ashland Coal & Iron Co. v. Wal-
lace (101 Ky. 626; 42 S. W.
Rep. 744), 256-36-174-184.
Ashmore v. Charleston L. H. &
P. Co. (99 111. App. 262), 132.
Ashworth v. Stanwix (3 El. &
El. 701), 293.
Assop V. Yates (2 Hurl. & N.
768), 439.
A. T. & S. F. Co. V. Ryan (62
Kan. 682; 64 Pac. Rep. 603),
18.
Atherton v. Kansas City Coal &
TABLE OF CASES.
651
Kefereuces are to Sections.
Coke Co. (Mo. App. 1904; 81
S. W. Rep. 223), 253.
Atkinson v. Goodrich &c. Co. (60
Wis. 141; 50 Amer. Rep. 352),
253-178-261.
Attix V. Minnesota Sandstone Co.
(85 Minn. 142; 88 N. W. Rep.
436), 121.
Augusta V. Owens (111 Ga. 464;
36 S. E. Rep. 830), 300-308.
Avery v. Nordyke & Marmon Co.
(70 N. E. Rep. 888), 82.
Avilla V. Nash (117 Mass. 319),
445-178.
B.
Bailey v. Cascade Co. (Wash.
1903; 76 Pac. Rep. 385), 120,
295.
Baker v. Allegheny Valley Co.
(95 Pa. 211; 40 Am. Rep. 634),
476.
Baker v. Bolten (1 Camp. 493),
10.
Baker v. Flint & C. Co. (91 Mich.
298; 61 N. W. Rep. 897; 16 L;.
R. A. 154), 12.
Baker v. Holdeman (24 Mo. 219),
12.
Baker v. Maryland Coal Co. (84
M'd. 19; 35 Atl. Rep. 10), 255,
Baker v. McDaniel (178 Mo. 447;
77 S. W. Rep. 531), 67.
Baker v. Sutton (42 N. Y. Supp.
116), 184.
Balch V. Haas (73 Fed. Rep.
974), 301.
Ball V. Gussenhoven (29 Mont.
321; 74 Pac. Rep. 871), 251.
Ballew V. Breach (Ga. 1904; 49
S. E. Rep. 297), 60.
Baltimore Co. v. Neal (65 Md.
438; 5 Atl. Rep. 338), 30.
B. & O. Co. V. Mackey (157 U. S.
72; 39 L. Ed. 624), 18.
B. & P. R. Co. V. Golway (23
Wash. L. R. 308; 2 Joyce Dam.
889), 14.
Bane v. Irwin (Mo. 72 S. W.
Rep. 522), 194-245-289.
Bannon v. Lutz (158 Pa. St. 166;
27 Atl. Rep. 890), 456.
Barker v. R'y Co. (91 Mo. 86),
13.
Barrett v. Bonham Oil Co. (Tex.
57 S. W. Rep. 602), 99.
Barron v. Missouri Lead & Zinc
Co. (Mo. 1903; 72 S. W. Rep.
534), 27-349-415.
Bartlett Coal Co. v. Roach (68
111. 174; 10 Mor. Min. Rep.
682), 338-345.
Bartonshill Coal Co. v. McGuire
3 Macq. 300), 178-190.
Bartonshill Coal Co. v. Reid (3
Macq. 266), 190-304.
Bauer v. American Car, etc., Co.
(132 Mich. 537; 94 N. W. 9),
251.
Baumwald v. Trenkman (88 N.
Y. S. 182), 83.
Bauzhaf v. Ludwig (28 Misc.
496; 59 N. Y. Sup. 535), 340.
Baxter v. Roberts (44 Cal. 188),
32, 88, 197, 392.
Beard v. Skeldon (113 111. 584
59, 91, 344, 491.
Beasley v. Transfer Co. (148 Mo.
413), 84, 174, 396.
Beauchamp v. Saganow Min. Co.
(50 Mich. 163; 45 Amer. Rep.
30), 253, 366.
652
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Beaucamp Coal Co. v. Cooper (12
111. App. 373), 270, 424.
Beaulieu v. Portland Co. (46
Maine, 291), 436.
Beck V. Firmick Co. (82 Iowa
286; 48 N. W. Rep. 81), 275.
Beckman v. Coal Co. (Iowa 57;
N. W. Rep. 889), 175, 273.
Bedford Quarries Co. v. Thomas
(Ind. App. 63 N. E. Rep. 880),
263.
Belese v. Trenton Co. (23 Va.
250), 5.
Belles V Jackson (4 Pa. Dist.
R 194), 512.
Belleville Stone Co. v. Com*es
(62 N. J. L. 449; 45 Atl. Reip.
1090; 61 N. J. L. 353; 31 Atl.
Rep. 641), 203.
Belleville Stone Co. v. Mooney
(61 N. J. L. 253; 39 Atl. Rep.
764; 39 L. R. A. 834), 188.
Bender v. St. L. & S. P. Co.
(137 Mo. 240; 37 S. W. Rep.
132), 251.
Benfield v. Oil Co. (75 Hun. 209;
26 N. Y. Supp. 405), 441, 458.
Benham v. Taylor (66 Mo. App.
308), 204.
Benner v. Dredging Co. (134 N.
Y. 156), 372.
Bennett v. Iron Co. (6 Utah
291; 34 Pac. Rep. 61), 152, 174
473.
Benton v. Hill Mfg. Co. (26 R. I.
192; 58 Atl. Rep. 664), 528.
Benzing v. Steinway (101 N. Y.
550), 36, 390, 412.
Beomer V. Lead Co. (69 Mo. App.
601), 184.
Berea Co. v. Kraft (10 Mor. Min.
Rep. 16), 266.
Beresford v. American Coal Co.
(Iowa 1904; 98 N. W. Rep.
902), 307.
Berg V. Boston Min. Co. (29 Pac.
Rep. 545), 363.
Berg V. Parsons (156 N. Y. 109),
546.
Bergguist v. Iron Co. (Minn. 52;
N. W. Rep. 136), 188.
Bernard v. Merrill (91 Me. 358;
30 Atl. Rep. 156), 12.
Bernard v. Pittsburg Coal Co.
(Mich. 1904; 100 N. W. Rep.
396), 111, 248.
Berns v. Gaston Gas Coal Co.
(27 W. Va. 285; 55 Am. Rep.
304), 227, 292.
Bertha Zinc Co. v. Martin (93
Va. 791; 22 S. E. Rep. 569), 88,
155.
Bessemer Land Co. v. Camphell
(121 Ala. 50; 25 So. Rep. 793),
200.
Bessex v. Ryeo (45 Wis. 481), 29,
36.
Bestwhistle v. "Woodward (95
Mo. 113). 524.
Bethlehem Iron Co. v. Weiss
(100 Fed. Rep. 45; 40 C. C. A.
270), 119, 174, 232.
Beymer v. Hammond Co. (80 S.
W. Rep. 685), 210.
Bib Co. V. Taylor (95 Ga. 615;
23 S. E. Rep. 188), 513.
Bibb V. Norfolk & West Co. (87
Va. 711; 14 S. E. Rep. 163),
537.
Bier v. Hasford (35 Wash. 544;
77 Pac. Rep. 867), 78.
Bigelow V. Danlelson (102 Wis.
470; 78 N. W. Rep. 599), 189.
TABLE OF CASES.
653
Beferences are to Sections.
Big Stone Gap Iron Co. v. Ketron
(Va. 1903; 45 S. E. Rep. 740),
30, 87.
Birmingham Co. v. Allen (13 So.
Rep. 8; 20 L. R. A. 457), 353.
Blackwell v. Lynchburg (111 N.
C. 151), 357.
Blair v. Heibel (Mo. App. 1903;
77 S. W. Rep. 1017), 235, 462.
Blazline v. Iowa Coal Co. (102
Iowa 706; 72 N. W. Rep. 292),
184, 258, 263.
Blessing v. St. L., K. C. & N. Co.
(77 Mo. 410), 288.
Block Coal Co. v. Cuthbertson
(Ind. App. 1903; 67 N. B. Rep.
558), 26.
Bodell V. Brazil Block Coal Co.
(25 Ind. App. 654), 254, 330.
Bodie V. Charleston & Western
Co. (S. C. 1901; 10 Amer. Neg.
Rep. 573), 251.
Boemer v. Lead Co. (69 Mo. App.
601), 179.
Bohn V. Ry. Co. (106 Mo. 534),
53, 73, 77, 81.
Bormer v. Moore (Texas 22, S.
W. Rep. 272), 451.
Bonnin v. Crowley (112 La. 1025;
36 So. Rep. 842), 364.
Booth V. Boston & R. Co. (73 N.
Y. 38), 434.
Booth V. O. R. T. Co. (140 N. Y.
267), 371.
Borch V. Mich. B. & N. Works
(111 Mich. 129; 69 N. W. Rep.
254), 339.
Borden v. Daisy Mill Co. (98
Wis. 407; 74 N. W. Rep. 91),
176, 277.
Borden v. Falk Co. (71 S. W.
Rep. 478), 300.
Borgerson v. Cook Stone Co.
(Minn. Dec, 1903; 97 N. W.
Rep. 784), 184, 301.
Boswell-v. Laird (8 Cal. 469; 10
Mor. Min. Rep. 616), 21, 426,
470.
Boucher v. Robeson Mills (Mass.
1903; 65 N. E. Rep. 819), 234.
Bowerman v. Lackawanna Min.
Co. (98 Mo. App. 308), 13, 86,
91, 112.
Bowman v. White (110 Cal. 23), 36.
Bowyer v. Northern Pacific Coal
Co. (27 Wash. 707; 68 Pac.
Rep. 348), 117.
Boyce V. Fitzpatrick (80 Ind.
256), 178, 261.
Boyd V. Blumenthal (Del. 1902;
52 Atl. Rep. 330), 75.
Boyd V. Brazil Block Coal Co.
22 Ind. App. 329; 50 N. E. Rep.
368), 10.
Boyer v. Coal Co. (68 Pac. Rep.
348), 180.
Bradbury v. Kingston Coal Co.
(157 Pa. St. 231; 27 Atl. Rep.
400), 174, 315.
Bradley v. C. & M. Co. (138 Mo.
293), 41, 195.
Brannock v. Ellmore (114 Mo.
65), 21, 543.
Brazil Block Co. v. Gaffney (119
liid. 455; 21 N. E. Rep. 1102),
175.
Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Gibson
(66 N. E. Rep. 882), 65, 80, 94,
165.
Brazil Block Coal Co. v. Hodlet
(27 N. E. Rep. 741), 338.
Breckinridge Co. v. Hicks (22 S.
W. Rep. 554; 15 Ky. L. R. 143),
495.
654
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Breckinridge Co. v. Reagan (22
Ohio Arct. R. 71; 12 O. C. D.
55), 511.
Breeden v. Big Circle Min. Co.
(Mo. App. 1903; 76 S. W. Rep.
731), 100, 130, 149, 161.
Breeden v. Frankfort Marine,
Accident & Plate Glass Insur-
ance Co. (85 S. W. Rep. 930;
60 Cent. Law Journal 429), 99.
Breen v. Cooperage Co. (50 Mo.
App. 202), 71.
Brennan v. Merchant & Co. (205
Pa. 258; 54 Atl. Rep. 891), 528.
Brewer v. Collins (53 N. H. 442),
5.
Brewer v. Tenn. Coal, etc., Co.
(97 Tenn. 615; 37 S. W. Rep.
549), 193.
Brewing Assn. v. Talbot (141
Mo. 674), 84.
Brewster v. Defreinery (33 Cal.
341), 22.
Bridger v. Asihville Co. (27 S. C.
456; 3 S. E. Rep. 860; 13 Am.
St. Rep. 656), 12.
Brislin v. Kingston Coal Co. (20
Pa. Super. Ct. 234), 117.
Brookside Coal Co. v. Dolph (101
Mo. App. 169), 30, 328, 347.
Brookside Coal Mining Co. v.
Hajnal (101 111. App. 175), 133,
328.
Brothers v. Carter (52 Mo. 372),
295, 434.
Brough V. Homfray (L. R. 32
B. 771; 37 L. J. M. C. N. S.
177; 15 Mor. Min. Rep. 6), 333,
380.
Brswer v. Locke (Ind. App. 1903;
67 N. E. Rep. 1015). 26, 235,
324.
Brown v. Accrington Co. (3
Hurlst, etc. 511), 537.
Brown v. Chattanooga Co. (47
5. W. Rep. 445), 41, 142, 153,
195, 391.
Brown V. King (100 Fed. Rep.
561), 95, 216.
Brown v. Louisville & Nashville
Co. (Ill Ala. 275; 19 So. Rep.
1001), 451.
Brown V. Piper (91 U. S. 37),
379.
Brown V. R. R. Co. (53 Iowa 595;
6. N. W. Rep. 5), 36, 469.
Brown V. Railroad (68 N. H.
518), 506.
Browning v. Kasten (Mo. App.
1904; 80 S. W. Rep. 354), 240,
296.
Brundige v. Dodge Mfg. Co. (183
Mass. 100; 66 N. E. Rep. 604),
512.
Bryant v. Ry. Co. (65 Iowa 305;
23 N. W. Rep. 678), 28.
Bryce v. C. M. & St. P. Co. (103
Iowa 665; 72 N. W. Rep. 780),
151.
Bryden v. Stewart (2 Mac 1. 1. c.
App. 304), 27, 415.
Buck V. N. J. Zinc Co. (204 Pa.
132; 53 Atl. Rep. 740; 60 L. R. A.
453), 308.
Buckley v. Gould, etc. Ck>. (14
Fed. Rep. 833), 307,423.
Buckley v. Mfg. Co. (113 N. Y.
540; 21 N. B. Rep. 717), 514.
Bullock V. Babcock (3 Wend.
391), 15.
Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining
& Concentrating Co. v. Jones
(103 Fed. Rep. 813), 38, 40, 177.
Bunker Hill & S. Mining & Con-
TABLE OF CASES.
655
References are to Sections.
centrating Co. v. Kettleson
(121 Fed. Rep. 529), 179.
Bunker Hill Min. Co. v. Sclmel-
ling (1 Am. Neg. Rep. 782),
184.
Bunt V. Sierra Butte G. M. Co.
(11 Saw. 178; 24 Fed. Rep.
847; 138 U. S. 483; 34 L. Ed.
1031 ; 11 Sup. Ct. Rep. 464), 264,
489.
Burgess v. Stowe (Mich. 1903;
96 N. W. Rep. 29), 99.
Burgess v. Sulphur Ore Co. (165
Mass. 71; 42 N. E. Rep. 501),
184, 232.
Burke v. Anderson (69 Fed. Rep.
814; 34 U. S. App. 132; 16 Cir.
Ct. App. 442), 88, 165.
Burke v. Witherhee (92 N. Y.
562), 39.
Burns v. McDonald (57 Mo. App.
599), 21.
Burnes v. Railway (129 Mo. 41),
71, 472.
Buroughs V. Gas &Coke Co. (L.
R. 5 Exch. 67; L. R. 7 Exch.
96), 253.
Burows V. March Gas & Coke
Co. (5 Exch. 67; L. R. 7 Exch.
67; L. R. 7 Exch. 96), 385.
Burton v. Mo. Pac. Co. (32 Mo.
App. 455), 187.
Burton v. Quincy O. & K. C. Co.
(Court of Appeals, Mo. Apr. 3,
1905; 86 S. W. Rep. 503), 148.
Bush V. Grant (61 S. W. Rep.
363), 543.
Butte V. Pleasant Valley Co. (14
Utah 282; 47 Pac. Rep. 77),
204, 259.
Butterfield v. Forrester (11 East,
60), 250.
C.
Cadell V. Wapello Coal Co. (68
Iowa 737; 28 N. W. Rep. 56),
273.
Cady V. Aurora Iron Min. Co. (46
N. W. Rep. 17), 197.
Caldwell v. Brown (53 Pa. St.
453), 27.
Callan v. Pugh (66 N. Y. S. 1118;
54 App. Div. 545), 538.
Calligan v. Metaconiet Co. (143
Mass. 527), 532.
Gallon V. Bull, (113 Cal. 593;
45 Pac. Rep. 1017), 287.
Calumet Electric etc. Co. v. Pe-
ters (88 111. App. 112), 536.
C. & M. Co. V. Ross, (112 U. S.
377), 293.
Cambria Iron Co. v. Schaeffer
(Pa. 5 cent; 304), 27.
Cameron v. B. Roth Tool Co.
(Mo. App. 1904; 83 S. W.
Rep. 279), 88.
Cameron v. N. Y. etc. Co. (145
N. Y. 400), 146.
Cameron v. Vandergriff, (53
Ark. 381), 366.
Camp V. Hall, (39 Fla. 535; 22
So. Rep. 992), 298.
Campbell v. Boyd, (88 N. C. 129;
39 Amer. St. Rep. 503), 533.
Campell v. Colderbonk Steel and
Coal Co. (25 Ic. Lecc. Cas. 4
Ser. 753,) 279.
Campbell v. T. A. Gillespie Co.
(55 Atl. Rep. 276), 243.
Camff V. Blanchard Co. (66 Mich.
638; 33 N. W. Rep 744), 533.
Cardiff Coal Co. v. Wayback,
(108 111. App. 561), 130-77.
656
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Carey v. H. & St. J. Co. (186 Mo.
635), 152.
Carleton Mill & Min. Co. v. Ryan
(29 Colo. 401; 69 Pac. Rep.
279), 284-490.
Carlson v. N. W. T. B. Co. (63
Min. 428; 65 N. W. Rep. 914),
294.
Carlson v. Ry. Co. (21 Oregon
450; 28 Pac. Rep. 497), 28.
Carlton v. Iron Co. (99 Mass.
216), 23.
Carriere v. McWilliams (104 La.
678; 29 So. Rep. 333), 276, 514.
Carrington v. Mueller (65 N. J.,
L. 244; 47 Atl. Rep. 564), 514.
Carroll v. Oil Co. (67 N. J. L.
679; 52 Atl. Rep. 275), 257.
Carroll v. Penn. Coal Co. (1 Mon.
284; 15 Atl. Rep. 688), 269.
Carson v. Coal Hill Coal Co. (101
Iowa 224; 70 N. W. Rep. 185),
341, 157.
Carson v. Southern, etc. Co. (68
S. C. 55; 46 S. E. Rep. 525;
194 U. S. 136; 48 L. C. P. Ed.
907), 279.
Carter v. Bald-win (107 Mo. App.
217; 81 S. "W. Rep. 204), 106-
129-15.
Carter v. Dubach, etc. Co. (La.
1904; 36 So. Rep. 952), 364.
Carter v. Oil Co. (S. C, 13 S.
E. Rep. 419), 28.
Carter v. Towne (98 Mass. 567),
359.
Carterville Coal Co. v. Atdbott
(55 N. B. Rep. 131; 81 III. App.
279), 254-344.
Cartledge v. Pierpont Mfg. Co.
(47 S. E. Rep. 586), 177.
Carvin v. St. Louis (151 Mo. 334;
52 S. W. Rep. 210), 85.
Casey v. Pennsylvania Asphalt,
etc. Co. (198 Pa. St. 348; 47
Atl. Rep. 1128), 462.
Cassaday v. B. & O. Co. (41 N. E.
Rep. 129), 353.
Cathron v. Cudahy Co. (98 Mo.
App. 343; 73 S. W. Rep. 279),
210.
Catlett V. Young (143 111. 74; 32
N. B. Rep. 447), 254, 353.
Caven v. Bodwell Granite Co.
(Me. 1904; 59 Atl. Rep. 285; 99
Me. 278), 255.
C. B. & Q. Co. V. Abend (7 111.
App. 130), 29.
Cecil V. Amer. Sheet Steel Co.
(129 Fed. Rep. 542), 111-112-
327-26-86.
Central Coal & Iron Co. v.
Bailey's Adms. (76 S. W. Rep.
842), 543.
Central Coal & Iron Co. v. Grider
. (65 L. R. A. 455; 74 S. W. Rep.
1058), 21-543.
Central, etc. Co. v. Mosley (112
Ga. 914; 38 S. E. Rep. 350),
280.
Cerillos Coal Co. v. Deserrant
(9 N. M. 49; 49 Pac. Rep. 807;
178 U. S. 570), 298.
Chambers v. Chester (172 Mo.
461; 72 S. W. Rep. 904), 246-
186-95-155-301.
Chapman v. Reynolds (77 Fed.
Rep. 274), 423, 307.
Charlock v. Freel (125 N. Y. 357;
34 N. Y. S. R. 971; 26 N. E.
Rep. 262), 537.
Chartiers Valley Gas Co. v.
Waters (19 Pitts. Leg. J. 235;
TABLE OF CASES.
657
References are to Sections.
23 W. N. C. 175; 16 Atl. Rep.
423; 46 PUl. Leg. Int. 169), 21.
Chenall v. Palmer Brick Co.
(117 Ga. 106; 43 S. B. Rep.
443), 258-102.
Ckerokee Coal Co. v. Britton (3
Kan. App. 292; 45 Pac. Rep.
100), 175.
Cherokee & P. Coal Min. Co. v.
Dickinson (Kan. 61 Pac. Rep.
450), 190.
Cherokee Co. v. Wilson (28 Pac.
Rep. 178), 357.
Chesapeake, etc. Co. v. Davis (22
Ky. L. R. 748; 58 S. W. Rep.
698), 12.
Chesapeake, etc. Co. v. Lee (84
Va. 642; 5 S. E. Rep. 579), 262.
Chesson v. John L. Roper Co.
(118 N. C. 59; 23 S. E. Rep.
925), 151. '
Chicago-Anderson Pressed Brick
Co. V. Renieger (140 111. 334;
33 Amer. St. Rep. 249), 511.
Chicago & Alton Co. v. "Wise
(106 111. App. 174; 206 111. 453;
69 N. E. 500), 110.
Chicago & A. R. Co. v. Stevens
(91 111. App. 171; 189 111. 226;
59 N. E. Rep. 577), 181.
Chicago & Eastern Illinois Co. v.
Driscoll (107 111. App. 615; 207
111. P. 432; 69 N. E. Rep. 620),
110-287.
Chicago B. & I. Co. v. McClel-
land (84 111. 110), 442.
Chicago, Burlington, etc. Co. t.
McGraw (22 Colo. 363; 45 Pac.
Rep. 383), 446.
Chicago Co. v. Mueller (68 N. E.
Rep. 51; 203 111. 558), 289.
Chicago-Coulterville Coal Co. t.
Fidelity & Causualty Co. (130
Fed. Rep. 957). 354-254-347.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. Blevins (46
Kan. 370; 26 Pac. Rep. 687), 28.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. Maroney
(170 111. 520; 48 N. E. Rep.
953; 67 App. 618), 474.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. May (108 111.
208), 289.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. McLallan
(84 111. 109), 293.
Chicago, etc. Coal Co. v. People
(181 111. 270; 54 N. E. Rep.
961), 326-27.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. Tackett (Ind.
App. 1904; 71 N. E. Rep. 524),
38.
Chicago, etc. Co. v. Lee (66 Kan.
806; 72 Pac. Rep. 266), 252.
Chicago, etc. R. Co. t. Hevey
(203 111. 492), 251.
Chicago, etc. R. Co. v. Prescott
(59 Fed. Rep. 237; 23 L. R. A.
654), 251.
Chicago Fuel Gas Co. v. Meyers
(168 111. 139; 64 111. App. 270;
48 N. E. Rep. 66), 546.
Chicago Iron Works v. Nagel (80
111. App. 492), 289.
Chicago W. & V. Coal Co. v.
Moran (111. 1904; 71 N. E. Rep.
38; 210 111. 9), 206-12-41-291.
Chilsen v. Lansing, etc. Works
(128 Mich. 43; 87 N. W. Rep.
79), 150.
Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Co.
V. Nicholas (53 S. W. Rep.
475), 493 .
Christner v. Coal Co. (146 Pa.
67; 23 Atl. Rep. 221), 330, 394,
265.
42
658
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Ohune v. Restine (94 Fed. Rep.
745; 36 C. C. A. 450), 472.
Cincinnati, etc Co.. v. McMullen
(117 Ind. 439), 295.
Clark V. Soule (137 Mass. 380),
178-309.
Clark V. Wolverine Portland Ce-
ment Co. (Mich. 1904; 101 N.
W. Rep. 845; 11 Detroit Leg.
N. 723), 88.
Clear Creek Stone Co. v. Dear-
min (66 N. E. Rep. 609), 66-421.
Cleveland, etc. Co. v. Baker (61
Fed. Rep. 224), 354.
Clombis V. Tueson, N. & L. Co.
(148 Cal. 315; 6 Am. Neg. Rep.
326), 20.
Clowdis V. Fresno Flume & I.
Co. (118 Cal. 315; 50 Pac. Rep.
373), 546.
Coal & Min. Co. v. Rill (13 Amer.
Neg. Rep. 271), 270.
Coal Co. V. Greenwood (151 Ind.
476), 390.
Coal Co. V. Patting (111. 71 N. E.
Rep. 371), 132.
Coal Co. V. Schwab (74 111. App.
667), 36.
Coal Co. V. S-waggerty (150 Ind.
664; 65 N. E. Rep. 1026), 27.
Coal Creek Co. v. Davis (9 Tenn.
711; 18 S. W. Rep. 378), 298-
200.
Coal Run Co. v. Jones (127 111.
379; 20 N. E. Rep. 89), 197-335.
Coal Valley Min. Co. v. Haywood
(90 111. App. 258), 184-398.
Coal Valley Min. Co. v. Nelson
(87 111. App. 180), 314.
Cobb Company v. Knudson (107
111. App. 668; 207 111. 452 j 69
N. E. Rep. 81G), 167.
CofEeyville Vilrifled Brick & Tile
Co. V. Shanks (Kansas, 1904;
76 Pac. Rep. 856), 459.
Cohn V. Metropolitan Co. (182
Mo. 577; 81 S. W. Rep. 846),
522.
Cole V. Mayne (122 Fed. Rep.
836), 62-63-147-341.
Cole V. St. Louis, etc. Co. (183
Mo. 81; 81 S. W. Rep. 1138),
72.
Coleman v. Dumfee (69 N. Y. S.
261; 59 App. DIv. 467), 120.
Coleman v. Himmerberger-Har-
rison Land, etc. Co. (Mo. App.
1904; 79 S. W. Rep. 98), 507.
Coleman v. Mechanics Iron Co.
(2 Amer. Neg. Rep. 374), 79.
Colley V. Southern Oil Co. (Ga.,
1904; 47 S. E. Rep. 932), 298.
Collier v. Steinhart (51 Cal. 116),
300.
Collingwood v. Illinois & I. Fuel
Co. (Iowa, 1904; 101 N. W.
Rep. 283), 88-240-109.
Collins V. Greenfield (172 Mass.
78; 51 N. E. Rep. 454), 184-255.
Colo. C. & I. Co. V. Lamb (Colo.
App. 40 Pac. Rep. 251), 311.
Colorado Coal, etc. Co. v. Carpita
(6 Colo. App. 248; 40 Pac. Rep.
248), 281.
Colton V. Richards (123 Mass.
484), 428.
Columbia Mining Co. v. Well-
maker (118 Ga. 606; 45 S. E.
Rep. 435), 58.
Commonwealth v. Conyngham
(96 Pa. St. 99), 337.
Commonwealth v. Hutchinson
(Pa. 4 C. C. R. 18), 374.
TABLE OF CASES.
659
References are to Sections.
Commonwealth v. Reynolds (1
Kulp. 218), 338.
Com. ex rel. Elk Hill Coal Co.
(4 Lack L. News, 80), 351.
Cone V. Beads (9 Gray 298), 91.
Conkey v. Belleville Stone Co.
(59 N. J. L. 226; 36 Atl. Rep.
473), 468.
Conley V. Lackawanna Iron &
Steel Co. (N. Y. Sup. 1904; 88
N. Y. S. 123; 94 App. Div. 149),
331.
Conroy v. Vu'can Iron Works (62
Mo. 35), 251.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Bokamp
(181 111. 9; 54 N. B. Rep. 567),
255-273.
Con. Coal Co. v. Bruce (47 111.
App. 444; 37 N. E. Rep. 912),
184.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Carson
(66 111. App. 434), 345.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Fleish-
bein (109 111. App. 509; 207 111.
593; 69 N. E. Rep. 963), 110-
129.
Con. Coal & M'in. Co. v. Floyd
(51 OMo St. 542; 38 N. E. Rep.
610; 25 L. R. A. 848), 279.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Gruber
(91 111. App. 15; 49 N. E. Rep.
254), 110.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Haenni
146 111. 614; 35 N. E. Rep.
162), 456.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Lnndak
(63 N. E. Rep. 1079; 196 111.
594), 157-114-35.
Con. Coal Co. v. Maebl (31 111.
App. 252), 419-352.
Con. Co. V. Parker (100 Ind. 181),
36 Durkin v. Sharp (88 N. Y.
225), 36.
Con. Coal v. Scheller (42 111. App.
619), 328-213.
Con. Coal Co. v. Sdhreiber (65
111. App. 304), 310.
Con. Coal Co. v. Seniger (179 111.
370; 53 N. E. Rep. 733), 22-
146-432.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Shep-
herd (112 111. App. 458), 156.
Con. Coal Co. v. Wormbacher (31
111. App. 288), 303.
Consolidated Coal Co. v. Young
(24 III. App. 255), 157-327.
Con. Company V. Hamilton (60 Md.
340), 12.
Consolidated Kansas City Smelt-
ing Refining Co. v. Osborne
(Kan., 1903; 71 Pac. Rep. 838),
156-76.
Con. K. C. Smelting Co. v. Peter-
son (55 Pac. Rep. 673), 303.
Consolidated Stone Co .v. Staggs
(Ind. App., 1904; 71 N. E. Rep.
161), 180-68.
Cook V. Bullion-Beck, etc. Min..
Co. (12 Utah, 51; 41 Pac. Rep.
557), 282.
Cook V. Lalance Grosjean Co.
(33 Hun. N. Y. 351), 514.
Coombs V. Cordage Co. (102
Mass. 572), 39.
Coom^)s V. New Bedford Co. (102
Mass. 572), 178-188.
Coosa Co. V. Williams (133 Ala.
606; 32 So. Rep. 232), 284.
Copaso V. Woolfolk (163 N. Y.
472; 57 N. E. Rep. 760), 473.
Corbett v. Oregon, etc. Co. (25
Utah, 449; 71 Pac. Rep. 1065),
252.
660
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Corlson v. Sioux Falls Co. (5 S.
D. 402; 59 N. W. Rep. 217),
151.
Corning Steel Co. v. Pohlplotz
(64 N. E. Rep. 476), 254-354-
232.
Corsicana Oil Co. v. Valley (14
Tex. Civ. App. 250; 36 S. W.
Rep. 999), 12.
Coucli V. Coal Co. (46 Iowa, 17),
30-431.
Coullard v. Tecumseh Mills (151
Mass. 85; 23 N. B. Rep. 731),
32-201-467.
Cowan V. R. R. Co. (80 Wis. 284;
■ 50 N. W. Rep. 180), 261.
Cox V. Syenite Granite Co. C30
Mo. App. 424), 296.
Crabtree Coal Min. Co. v. Cam-
ble's Adm'r (Ky. 1903); 72 S.
W. Rep. 24; 24 Ky. Law Rep.
1703), 287.
Cramlich v. Wurst (86 Pa. St.
74), 531.
Cravens v. Smitli (89 Wis. 119;
61 N. W. Rep. 317), 151.
Crawford v. American Steel Co.
(123 Fed. Rep. 275; U. S. C. C.
A. N. Y. 1903), 236-165.
Crenshaw v. Ullman (113 Mo.
633), 21.
Crisler v. Ott (Miss. 16 So. Rep.
416), 546.
Crispin v. Babbitt (81 N. Y. 516;
37 Am. Rep. 521), 289-305.
Crosby v. Lehigh Valley Com-
pany (128 Fed. Rep. 193), 56.
Crowley v. Pacific Mills (148
Mass. 228; 19 N. E. Rep. 344),
467.
Crown Coal Co. v. Hides (43 111.
App. 310), 461.
Crudup V. Schreiner (98 III. App.
337), 523.
Crusselle v. Pugh (67 Ga. 430;
44 Am. Rep. 724), 22.
Cullar V. M. K. & T. Co. (84 Mo.
App. 347), 18.
Cullen V, National Metal, etc.,
Co. (114 N. Y. 45; 20 N. E.
Rep. 831), 451.
Cullen V. Norton (126 N. Y. 1),
95-216.
Cuniack V. Merchants, etc. Co.
(146 Mass. 182; 15 N. B. Rep.
579), 467.
Cunningham v. Bath Iron Works
(92 Me. 501; 43 Atl. Rep. 106),
467-271.
Cunningham v. Sicillian Asphalt,
etc. Co. (49 App. Div. 380; 63
N. Y. S. 357), 257.
Curelli v. Jackson (77 Conn.
115; 58 Atl. Rep. 762), 100-71.
Curley V. Huff (5 Amer, Neg
Rep. 668), 410-4.
Currans v. Seattle & S. F. Ry.
& Nav. Co. (76 Pac. Rep. 87),
109.
Curtis V. McNair (173 Mo. 270;
73 S. W. Rep. 167), 164-98-109.
Cusick V. Adams (115 N. Y. 55;
21 N. E. Rep. 673), 521.
Cummings v. Helena & L. Smelt-
ing and Reduction Co. (Mont.
1902; 68 Pac. Rep. 852), 136-
263.
Cummings v. Helena Imp. & Red.
Co. (26 Mont. 434; 68 Pac.
Rep. 852), 395.
Cushman v. Carbondale Co. (88
N. W. Rep. 817), 180-207-479.
Cushman v. Cushman (179 Mass.
601; 61 N. B. Rep. 262), 276.
TABLE OF CASES.
661
References are to Sections.
Czarecki v. Seattle & S. F. Co.
(79 Pac. Rep. 750), 290-335.
Daily v. Fiberloid Co. (Mass.
1904; 71 N. E. Rep. 554), 204.
Daley v. Steel & Iron Go. (155
Mass. 1), 13.
Daly V. Kiel (106 La. 170; 30 So.
Rep. 254), 153-85.
Daniels v. Hilgard (77 111. 640;
15 Mor. Min. Rep. 280), 382-
326.
Daniels v. R. R. (86 Ga. 236),
13 Railway v. Sweet (45 111.
197), 13.
Davis V. Detroit, etc. Co. (20
Mich. 405), 434-428.
Davis V. Miller (109 Ala. 589),
330.
Davis V. Nutlesburg Coal & Coke
Co.) 34 W. Va. 500; 12 S. E.
Rep. 539), 504-412.
Davis V. Pa. Coal Co. (209 Pa.
St. 153; 58 Atl. Rep. 271), 26-
330.
Davis T. Trade Dollar Consol.
Min. Co. (U. S. C. C. A. Utah,
1902; 117 Fed Rep. 112), 180-
302.
Davis V. Turner (Ohio, 1903; 68
N. B. Rep. 819), 244.
Davidson v. Cornell (31 N. Y. S.
R. 982), 191.
Day V. Citizen, etc. Co. (81 Mo.
App. 471), 519.
Day V. Dominion Iron & Stone
Co. (Can. 36 N. S. 113), 133.
Dayharsh v. Han. -& St. J. Co.
(103 Mo. 577), 289.
Dean v. Woodenware Co. (107
Mo. App. 167), 106.
Deep Min. & Devel. Co. v. Fitz-
gerald (21 Colo. 533; 43 Pac.
Rep. 210), 305-289-250.
DeGraff v. Railway Co. (76 N. Y.
132), 457.
Delaware & Hudson Canal Co.
v. Carroll (89 Pa. St. 374),
298-40.
Deleware Coal Co. v. Carroll (10
Mor. Min. Rep. 47), 184.
Del Sejnore v. Halliman (153 N.
Y. 274; 47 N. E. Rep. 308),
141.
Demers v. Marshall (172 Mass.
548; 52 N. B. Rep. 1066), 144-
215-271.
Dempsey v. Sawyer (Me. 10
Amer. Neg. Rep. 285), 251.
Denver Co. v. O'Brien (8 Colo.
App. 74; 44 Pac. Rep. 766),
316.
Denver & R. G. Co. v. Harris
(122 U. S. 597; 30 L. Bd. 1146),
528.
Denver Tramway, etc. Co. v.
Nesbit (22 Colo. 404; 45 Pac.
Rep. 405), 151.
Detroit v. Corey (9 Mich. 165),
543.
Detroit Oil Co. v. Grable (94 Fed.
Rep. 73), 215.
Devaney v. Iron Works (4 Mo.
App. 236), 295.
Devitto V. Craig (165 N. Y. 378;
59 N. E. Rep. 141), 185.
Devlin v. Phoenix Iron Co. (182
Pa. St. 106; 37 Atl. Rep. 927),
259-261.
Dervoe v. N. Y. Cent. Co. (174
662
TABLE OF CASES.
Beferenceg are to Sections.
N. Y. 1; 66 N. E. Rep. 568),
119.
Deweese v. Meramec Iron Co.
(Mo. 31 S. W. Rep. 110), 423-
290.
Dewey v.. Park (76 Mich. 631),
192.
DeYoung v. Irving (5 App. Div.
N. Y. 499), 484.
Diamond Blacli Coal Co. v. Cuth-
berston (57 N. B. Rep. 558),
64-257.
X»icliinson Coal Co. v. Peach (32
Ind. App. 33; 69 N. E. Rep.
189), 488-258.
TDickenson Coal Co. v. Unver-
ferth (30 Ind. App. 546; 66 N.
E. Rep. 759), 208-355.
Dickson v. Omaha, etc. Co. (124
Mo. 140; 27 S. W. Rep. 476;
25 L. R. A. 320), 282.
Diehl V. Iron Co. (140 Pa. St.
487), 200.
Dion V. Richmond Co. (R. I.
1902; 52 Atl. Rep. 889), 511.
Dixon V. Chicago, etc. Co. (109
Mo. 413), 321.
Dixon V. Union Iron Works (90
Minn. 492; 97 N. W. Rep. 375),
289-301.
Dobbins v. Lang (Mass. 1902;
63 N. B. Rep. 911), 220.
Dolan V. Atwater (167 Mass.
274; 45 N. E. Rep. 742), 202-
232.
Dolan V. Boot, etc. Mills (185
Mass. 576; 70 N. E. Rep. 1025),
81-73.
-Dolan V. Hubinger (109 Iowa
408; 80 N. W. Rep. 514), 20-
524.
Dolese & Shepard Co. v. Schultz
(101 111. App. 569), 309.
Donk Bros. Coal and Coke Co.
V. Denman (185 111. 413; 57 N.
E Rep. 192), 112.
Donk Bros. Coal & Coke Co. v.
Peton (95 III. App. 193; 61 N.
B. Rep. 192), 112.
Donk Bros. Coal Co. v. Strofl
(100 111. App. 576), 326-114.
Donnelly v. Aida Min. Co. (103
Mo. App. 349), 289.
Donovan v. Ferris (128 Cal. 48;
60 Pac. Rep. 519), 132-287.
Dowd V. Erie, etc. Coal Co. (N.
J. 16 Amer. Neg. 122), 271.
Dougal V. Ashland Sulphite Co.
97 Wis. 382; 73 N. W. Rep.
327; 2 Thomp. Neg Sec. 977),
458.
Dougherty v. Iron Co. (88 Wis.
343), 200.
Dowling V. Allen (6 Mo. App.
195), 255.
Downey v. Gemini Min. Co. (24
Utah 431; 68 Pac. Rep. 414), 3-
27-167.
Downey v. Law (22 N. Y. App.
Div. 460), 546.
Downey v. Pence (98 Ky. 261;
32 S. W. Rep. 737), 268.
Doyle V. Pittsburg Co. (204 Pa.
618; 54 Atl. Rep. 363), 165.
Drennen v. Smith (415 Ala. 396;
22 So. Rep. 442), 311-547.
Drew V. 6th Avenue Co. (26 N
Y. 49), 12.
Dryburg v. Mercury Gold Min.
Co. (18 Utah 410; 55 Pac. Rep.
367; 5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 253)
184-277.
TABLE or CASES.
663
References are to Sections.
Duff V. Williamette Iron & Steel
Works (Or. 1904; 78 Pac. Rep.
3C3), 308.
Duffy V. Kivilin (09 ill. App. 493;
G3 N. E. Rep. 503), 128-132-307.
Dunn V. Coal Co. (L. R. 7; Q. B.
244), 22.
Dunn V. McNamee (N. J; 2 Am.
Neg. Rep. 34), 216-362-266-511.
Durand v. Astiestos Co. (Rap.
Jud. Que. 19 C. S. 39), 359.
Durand v. N. Y. & L. B. Co. (65
N. J. L. 656; 48 Atl. Rep. 1013),
149.
Durant v. Coal Co. (97 Mo. 67),
157-235-27.
Durant v. Lexington Coal Min.
Co. (97 Mo. 62; 10 S. W. Rep.
484), 255-91-27-349.
Durell V. Hartwell, Williams &
Kingston (26 R. I. 125; 58 Atl.
Rep. 448), 57.
Durkin v. Sharp (88 N. Y. 225),
412.
Duval V. Hunt (34 Fla. 85; 15 So.
Rep. 76), 13.
Dwyer v. Amer. Express Co. (55
Wis. 543), 54.
Dyas V. Southern Pac. Co. (Cal.
1903; 73 Pac. Rep. 972), 80.
Dyer v. Pittsburg Co. (198 Pa.
St. 182; 47 Atl. Rep. 979), 474.
Dynes v. Bromley (57 Atl. Rep.
1123; 208 Pa. 633), 117.
Eagle & Phoenix Mills v. Herron
(119 Ga. 389; 46 S. E. Rep.
405), 160.
East & W. R. Co. V. Sims (80 Ga.
807; 6 S. E. Rep. 595), 507.
East Jellico Coal Co. v. Golden
79 S. W. Rep. 291; 26 Ky. Law
Rep. 2056), 147, 184.
East Jellico Coal Co. v. Stewart
(24 K. L. R. 420; 68 S. W. Rep.
624), 117.
Bast Tenn. Co. v. Hughes (17 S.
E. Rep. 949), 12.
East Tenn., etc. Co. v. Smith (89
Tenn. 114; 14 S. W. Rep.
1077), 279.
Eastwood V. Retsof Mining Co.
(86 Hun. 91, 34 N. Y. Supp.
196), 440.
Eddy V. Aurora Min. Co. (Mich.
46 N. W. Rep. 17), 175-184-473.
Egan V. Ry. Co. (42 N. Y. Supp.
188), 36, 412.
Bhlen v. O'Donnell (68 N. E.
Rep. 706), 100.
Eisenberg v. Mo. Pac. Co. (33
Mo. App. 85), 533.
Eldridge v. Atlas Co. (55 Hun.
309; 28 N. Y. S. R. 501), 187.
Elkins V. McKean (72 Pa. St.
493), 360.
Ellsworth V. Metheny (104 Fed.
Rep. 119, 51 L. R. A. 389), 199.
Emmerson v. Fay (94 Va. 60; 2
Va. Law. Reg. 834; 26 S. E.
Rep. 386), 547.
E. Patterson & Son v. Cole
(Kan., 1903; 73 Pac. Rep. 54),
456.
Epperson v. Postal Tel., etc. Co.
(155 Mo. L. C. 372), 78-194-392.
Equitable Powder Co. v. Greene
(109 111. App. 403), 83.
Erickson v. Victor Copper Co.
(90 N. W. Rep. 291), 307.
Brskine v. China Valley Co. (71
Fed. Rep. 270), 472.
664
TABLE or CASES.
Beferences are to Sections.
Eureka Co. v. Bass (81 Ala. 200;
8 So. Rep. 216; 60 Am. Rep.
153), 251-268.
Elureka Block Coal Co. v. Wells,
(Ind. App. 61; N. E. Rep. 236),
232-343.
Evan V. American Iron Co. (42
Fed. Rep. 519), 511.
Evans v. Carbon Hill Coal Co.
(47 Fed. Rep. 437), 314.
• Evans v. Chessmond (38 111. App.
615), 264.
Evans Co. v. Crawford (Neb.,
1903; 93 N. W. Rep. 177), 512.
Evansville & G. H. Co. v. Guyton
(115 Ind. 450; 17 N. E. Rep.
101), 431.
Evansville & T. H. Co. v. Tokiel
(143 Ind. 60; 42 N. E. Rep.
352), 442.
Evarts v. St. Paul M. & M. Co.
(56 Minn. 141; 57 N. W. Rep.
459; 22 L. R. A. 663), 262.
Ewan V. Lippincott (18 Va. 192),
295.
F.
Farber v. Ry. Co. (116 Mo. 81;
22 S. W. Rep. 631; 20 L. R. A.
350; 32 Mo. App. 378), 534.
Faren v. Sellers (39 La. 1011;
3 So. Rep. 363), 152.
Farrell v. Continental Iron
"Works (106 Fed. Rep. 987; 46
C. C. A. 75), 526.
Faulkner v. Mammoth Min. Co.
(Utah, 1901; 66 Pac. Rep. 799),
479-193-250.
Fehlhauer v. St. Louis (178 Mo.
636), 22.
Feitel v. M. R. Co. (109 Mass.
398), 23 Congreve v. Smith (18
N. Y. 79), 23.
Fell V. Rich Hill Coal Co. (23
Mo. App. 216), 21.
Ferguson v. Phoenix Mills (106
Tenn. 236; 61 S. W. Rep. 53),
151.
Fick V. Jackson (3 Super Ot. Pa.
378; 39 W.N. C. 534), 515.
Fickett V. Fiber Co. (91 Me. 268,
39 Atl. Rep. 996), 279.
Fillingham v. St. Louis Transit
Co. (102 Mo. App. 573), 251.
Fink V. Furnace Co. (13 Mo.
App. 61; 82 Mo. 276), 426-547.
Finlayson v. Utica Min. Co. (67
Fed. Rep. 507), 27-4.
Finley v. Richmond, etc., Co. (59
Fed. Rep. 419), 296.
Finnerty v. Burnham (54 Atl.
Rep. 996; 205 Pa. 305), 25-247.
Finney v. St. Paul M. & M. Co.
(43 Minn. 496; 47 N. W. Rep.
78), 88.
Fisher v. Central Lead Co. (156
Mo. 479; 56 S. W. Rep. 1107),
127, 184.
Fiske V. Bailey (51 N. Y. 150),
23; Radway v. Briggs (37 N.
Y. 206), 23.
Fitzgerald v. Alma, etc. Co. (131
N. C. 636; 42 S. E. Rep. 946),
283-266.
Flanigen v. Guggenheim Smelt-
ing Co. (63 N. J. L. 647; 44
Atl. Rep. 762), 472-277.
Fleming v. Buswell (62 N. Y.
Sup. 1137; 48 App. Div. 635),
276.
Flesh V. W. U. Co. (131 N. Y.
604; 30 N. E. Rep. 196). 36.
Fletcher v. Smith (5 Mor. Min.
Rep. 78), 4.
F. L. I. Co. v. People (103 111.
TABLE OF CASES.
665
Eeferences are to Sections.
App. 554; Aft'd 66 N. E. Rep;
379), 20.
Flike V. B. & R. Co. (53 N. Y.
550), 31.
Flockart v. Hocking Coal Co.
(Iowa, 1905; 102 N. W. Rep.
494), 38.
Flonda, etc. Co. v. Mooney (40
Fla. 17; 24 So. Rep. 148), 280.
Fluhner v. Lake Shore, etc., Co.
(121 Mich. 212; 80 N. W. Rep.
23), 451.
Forgety v. St. Louis Transit Co.
(180 Mo. 490; 79 S. W. Rep.
664), 289-104-105.
Foley V. California Horse Shoe
Min. Co. (115 Cal. 184; 49 Pac.
Rep. 42), 5151.
Foley V. Chicago, etc. Co. (64
Iowa 644), 292.
Folk V. Schaeffer (186 Pa. St.
253; 40 Atl. Rep. 401), 255.
Forbes v. Coal Co. (Iowa, 84 N.
W. Rep. 970); 204.
Ford V. Anderson (139 Pa. St.
263; 21 Atl. Rep. 19), 32-456.
Ford V. Mount Tom Sulphite Co.
(172 Mass. 544), 232.
Ford V. R. R. Co. (110 Mass.
240; 14 Amer. Rep. 598), 279.
Fosburg V. Phillipps Co. (61 N.
W. Rep. 400), 318.
Foster v. Kansas Salt Co. (60
Kan. 859; 57 Pac. Rep. 961),
269.
Poster V. North Hendre Min. Co.
(12 B. 71; 60 L. J. M. C. N. S.
6; 63 L. T. S. 458). 415-352.
Fowler v. Pleasant Valley Coal
Co. (16 Utah 348; 52 Pac. Rep.
504), 184-263.
Fox. V. Spring Lake Iron Co.
(89 Mich. 387; 50 N. W. Rep.
872), 295.
Fox. V. White Lead Co. (84 Mich.
676; 48 N. W. Rep. 203), 32-
182-408.
Frangiose v. Horton & Hemen-
way (R. I., 1904; 58 Atl. Rep.
949; 26 R. I. 291), 221.
Frank v. Bullion-Beck, etc., Min.
Co. (19 Utah 35; 56 Pac. Rep.
419; 5 Amer. Neg. Rep. 733;
112 111. App. 452), 281-174-189.
Franklin v. M. K. & T. Co. (97
Mo. App. 473; 71 S. W. Rep.
540), 102.
Frawley v. Sheldon (20 R. I.
258; 38 Atl. Rep. 370; 3 Amer.
Neg. Rep. 734), 289.
Freeman v. Coal Co. (Mont. 64
Pac. Rep. 347), 411-290-184-498.
French v. Vix (143 N. Y. 90),
901-546.
Frost V. BJastern R. R. Co. (64
N. H. 220; 9 Atl. Rep. 730),
532.
Ft. Smith Oil Co. v. Slover (58
Ark. 168; 24 S. W. Rep. 106),
456.
Ft. Wayne v. Christie (156 Ind.
172), 232.
Ft. Wayne Gas Co. v. Niemann
"(Ind. App., 1904; 71 N. E. Rep.
59), 355.
Ft. Worth Iron Works v. Stokes
(Texas ; 78 S. W. Rep. 231),
166-422.
Fuchs V. St. Louis (133 Mo. 168),
379.
Fulger V. Boothe (117 Mo. 475),
278-232.
Fuller V. N. Y. & N. H. Co. (175
Mass. 424), 232.
666
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Fulton V. Wilmington Star Min.
Co. (U. S. C. C. A. 111., 1904;
133 Fed. Rep. 193), 346-91-254.
Furnish v. M. P. Co. (102 Mo.
119), 18.
Gallagher v. Edison Co. (72 Mo.
App. 576), 85.
Galveston H. & S. Co. v. English
(Tex. Civ. App. 59 S. W. Rep.
626), 149.
Galveston H. & S. A. Co. v.
Gormley (91 Texas 393; 43 S.
W. Rep. 877), 5.
Galvin v. Pierce (54 Atl. Rep.
1014), 294-307.
Garnel, etc., Co. v. Monfort
(Texas, 81 S. W. Rep. 1029),
81.
Garden v. Southern Ry. Co. (65
S. C. 341; 43 S. E. Rep. 816),
535.
Garity v. Bullion Beck & Cham-
pion Min. Co. (Utah, 1904; 76
Pac. Rep. 556), 109-187.
Garragan v. Falls River Iron
Co. (158 Mass. 596), 36.
Gas Co. V. Waters (123 Pa. 220),
21.
Gaudet v. Stansfleld (182 Mass.
451; 65 N. E. Rep. 850), 512.
Gay V. Winter (34 Cal. 153), 252.
Gayle v. Missouri Car & Foun-
dry Co. (177 Mo. 427; 76 S. W.
Rep. 987), 21-110-536-547.
Geist V. Rapp. (55 Atl. Rep.
1063; 206 Pa. 411), 121.
Geldard v. Marshall (Oregon,
1903, 73 Pac. Rep. 330), 94-115-
237.
Geloneck v. Dean Steam, etc.,
Co. (165 Mass. 202; 43 N. E.
Rep. 85), 331.
Gemachle v. Rosenberg (Ct.
App. N. Y., 1904; 16 Am. Neg.
Rep. 168), 327.
George v. St. Louis Co. (159 Mo.
333; 59 S. W. Rep. 1097), 270.
Georgia Pacific Co. v. Propst
(7 So. Rep. 635), 434.
Georgia R. & B. Co. v. Nelson
(82 Ga. 70; 9 S. E. Rep. 10449),
28.
Gila Valley & G. N. Co. v. Lyon
(71 Pac. Rep. 957), 103.
Gilbert v. Burlington (C. P. & N.
Ry. Co. (U. S. C. C. of App.,
Eighteenth Circuit), (128 Fed.
Rep. 629), 189-217..
Gilbert v. Guild (144 Mass. 601;
12 N. E. Rep. 368), 176-467.
Giles V. Diamond Iron Co. (Del.
8 Atl. Rep. 368), 39.
Gillispie v. McGowan (100 Pa.
Ct. 144), 521.
Gilmore v. Oxford Iron Co. (55
N. J. L. 39; 25 Atl. Rep. 707),
301.
Gilson V. Mining Co. (67 Fed.
Rep. 507), 41.
Giordani v. Brandywine Granite
Co. (Del., 1901; 62 Atl. Rep.
332), 87-243.
Giordano v. Granite Co. (52 Atl.
Rep. 332), 32.
Girard Coal Co. v. Wiggins (52
111. App. 69), 345.
Girvin v. N. Y. Cent., etc. Co.
(65 N. Y, S. 299; 52 App. Dlv.
562), 536.
Gisson V. Schwabacher (99 Cal.
419; 34 Pac. Rep. 104), 184.
TABLE OF CASES.
667
References are to Sections.
Glassheim v. New York, etc., Co.
(34 N. Y. Supp. 69), 275.
Glasscock v. Swofford Bros. Co.
(106 Mo. App. 656; 80 S. W.
Rep. 364), 71.
Gleason v. Detroit G. & M. Co.
(73 Fed. Rep. 647), 451.
Gmaelile v. Rosenberg (178 N. Y.
147; 70 N. E. Rep. 411), 56.
Gable v. Kansas City (148 Mo.
470; 50 S. W. Rep. 84), 80.
Good V. Towns (56 Vt. 410; 48
Am. Rep. 799), 13.
Good Eye Min. Co. v. Robinson
(Kan. 1903; 73 Pac. Rep. 102),
295-184.
Goodhart v. Pa. Co. (177 Pa. St.
10; 35 Atl. Rep. 192), 12.
Gormey v. R. E. Co. (101 Tenn.
380), 289.
Gorman v. Des Moines, etc. Co.
(99 Iowa 257; 68 N. W. Rep.
674), 271.
Gould Steel Co. v. Richards (Ind.
App., 1903; 66 N. E. Rep. 69),
154.
Gowen v. Bush (76 Fed. Rep.
349; 78 Mo. Min. Rep. 433),
305-232-390.
Goudier v. Cormack (2 E. D. Sm.
254), 546.
Graff V. Imp. Mill Co. (58 Minn.
833; 59 N. W. Rep. 1049), 275.
Graham v. Coal Co. (30 W. Va.
273), 180.
Graham v. Newburg Orrel Coal
Co. (38 W. Va. 273; 18 S. E.
Rep. 584), 333-380.
Grams v. C. Reiss Coal Co. (Wis.
1905; 102 N. W. Rep. 586),
431.
Graney v. St. L. I. M. & S. Co.
(140 Mo. 89), 356-519.
Grant v. Acadia Coal Co. (34 N.
S. 319), 35-338.
Grant v. Barney (Colo. 40 Pac.
Rep. 771), 310.
Grattis v. K. C. P. & G. Co. (153
Mo. P. 395), 285-321.
Graves v. Thomas (96 Ind 361;
48 Amer. St. Rep. 727), 533.
Greatz v. McKeagie (9 Wash.
696; 38 Pac. Rep. 377), 366.
Green v. American Foundry Co.
(Ind., 1904, 71 N. E. Rep. 268),
26.
Greene v. W. U. Co. (75 Fed.
Rep. 250), 398.
Green v. Western Amer. Co. (30
Wash. 87; 79 Pac. Rep. 310), 27-
74-87-264-328-341.
Greenway v. Conroy (160 Pa.
St. 185; 28 Atl. Rep. 692), 296.
Gribben v. Yellow Aster Mining
Co. (142 Cal. 248; 75 Pac. Rep.
839), 94-138-256.
Griffen v. R. R. (24 N. E. Rep.
358), 195.
Griffin v. Ohio etc. Co. (24 N. E.
Rep. 888), 301.
Griffith V. Gidlaw (3 Hurlst. &
N. 648; 10 Mor. Minn. Rep.
639), 423.
Griffiths V. Walfram (22 Minn.
185), 543.
Grimaldi v. Lane (117 Mass. 565;
59 N. E. Rep. 451), 88-155.
Grindley v. McKechie (163 Mass.
494; 40 N. E. Rep. 764), 521.
Gross V. Miller (93 Iowa 72; 01
N. W. Rep. 385; 26 L. R. A.
605), 279.
Gruendahl v. Consolidated Coal
668
TABLE OP CASES.
Eeferences are to Sections.
Co. (108 111. App. 644). 110-149-
161.
Gni e v. Swan (19 Johns. 381), 24.
Gulf C. & S. P. Co. V. Johnson
(83 Texas 630; 19 S. W. Rep.
151), 151.
Gundlach v. Schott (192 111. 509;
61 N. B. Rep. 332), 125.
Guthridge v. Ry. Co. (105 Mo.
250; 16 S. W. Rep. 943), 29.
H.
Haas v. Marritt (62 Mich. 386),
309.
Hablishaw v. Standard Quick-
silver Co. (131 Cal. 430; 63
Pac. Rep. 728), 114-206.
Hackett V. Masterson (84 N. Y.
S. 751), 29.
Haddock v. Com. (103 Pa. St.
243), 27, 337, 388.
Hagerdy v. Powers (66 Cal. 368),
12.
Hailey v. Vulcan Iron Works (43
N. Y. Supp. 699), 275.
. Hale V. Cheney (159 Mass. 268),
271.
Haley v. Kein (151 Pa. St. 117;
25 Atl. Rep. 98), 303.
Hall V. Topwood (49 L. J. M. C.
N. S. 17; 15 Mor. Min. Rep.
42), 333.
Hall V. Johnson (34 L. J. Ex.
222; 3 H. & A. 589), 184, 297,
391.
Hall V. Simpson (Pa., 1902; 52
Atl. Rep. 4), 134, 335.
Hamilton v. Coal Co. (108 Mo.
364), 72, 173.
Hamilton v. Mendota Coal &
Mining Co. (Iowa, 1903; 94 N.
W. Rep. 282), 81, 109, 118, 263.
Hamilton v. State (101 111. 387),
27.
Hamman v. Central Coal & Coke
Co. (156 Mo. 232), 4, 72, 36,
106, 114, 173,265, 358.
Hamrick v. Quarry Co. (132 N.
C. 282; 43 S. E. Rep. 820), 358.
Hancock v. Kean (5 Ind. App.
408; 32 N. E. Rep. 329), 184.
Hanheide v. St. Louis, etc., Co.
(104 Mo. App. 323; 78 S. "W.
Rep. 820), 250.
Hanley v. California, etc., Co.
(127 Cal. 232; 59 Pac. Rep.
577; 47 L. R. A. 597), 263.
Harcey v. Glasgow Iron, etc. Co.
(25 S. E. Less. Cas. 4,Ser. 903),
453.
Harder v. HafCner Coal Co. (104
Fed. Rep. 282), 232.
Harder Co. v. Schmidt (104 Fed.
Rep. 282), 398.
Harder Coal Co. v. Schmidt (9
Am. Neg. Rep. 227), 184.
Harding v. Trans. Co. (83 N. W.
Rep. 395), 177.
Hargraies v. Deacon (25 Mich.
1), 521, 531.
Harp V. Cumberland T. & T. Co.
25 Ky. Law. Rep. 2133; 80 S.
W. Rep. 510), 95, 362.
Harriman, et al. v. Stowe (57
Mo. 93, 99), 20.
Harris v. Balfour Quarry Co. (N.
Y., 1904; 49 S. B. Rep. 95), 54,
95, 100, 245.
Harris v. Cameron (81 Wis. 239),
12.
Harris v. Quarry Co. (131 N. C.
553; 42 S. E. Rep. 773), 358.
TABLE OF CASES.
669
References are to Sections.
Harris v. Simon (32 S. C. 593),
366.
Harris v. Union Pacific Co. (4
McCreary 454), 250.
Harrison v. Kiser (79 Ga. 588),
21, 426.
Harte v. Fraser (104 111. App.
201), 220.
Hartfield v. Roper (21 Me. 615;
84 Am. Dec. 273), 22.
Harvey v. Alturas Gold Min. Co.
(31 Pac. Rep. 819), 193.
Harvey v. Glasgow Iron Co. (25
Sc. Less. Cas. 4 Ser. 903), 279.
Harvey v. Mountain Pride Gold
Min. Co. (70 Pac. Rep. 1001),
179.
HarwiclL v. Hawes (67 N. E. Rep.
13; 202 111. 334), 106.
Hathaway v. Atlanta Steel Co.
(155 Ind. 507), 232.
Haugh v. T. & P. Co. (100 U.
S. 213), 178.
Havens v. Rhode Island Co. (26
R. I. 48; 58 Atl. Rep. 247), 74.
Hawley v. Dailey (13 Bradw.
391), 59, 91 344, 382.
Hajme v. Furnace Co. (67 Mo.
App. 491), 423.
Hazlett V. Powell (30 Pa. St.
293), 22.
Heald v. Wallace (Tenn. 1902;
71 S. W. Rep. 80), 136, 180.
Healy v. Burke (71 N. Y. Supp.
1027), 340.
Healy v. Patterson (Iowa, 1904;
98 N. W. Rep. 756), 528.
Heath v. Coal Co. (65 Iowa, 737),
184, 193.
Heavey v. Hudson River Water
Co. (32 N. Y. S. R. 565), 197.
Hedges v. Frazier (31 Ark. 58),
17.
Hedlun v. Holy Terror Min. Co.
(92 N. W. Rep. 31), 95, 99.
Heffernay v. Benkard (1 Robt.
436), 543.
Heldmaier v. Cobbs (62 N. E.
Rep. 853; 195 111. 172), 281, 535.
Helfenstein v. Medart (136 Mo.
595; 36 S. W. Rep. 863), 279.
Helms V. Northern Pac. Co. (120
Fed. Rep. 389), 535.
Hempke v. Thilman (Wis. 8
Amer. Neg. Rep. 172), 275.
Hempstock v. Lackawana Iron
& Steel Co. (90 N. Y. S. 663;
98 App. Div. 332), 109, 121.
Hendsley v. Williams (23 Atl.
Rep. 365), 95, 216, 358.
Henderson v. Kansas City (177
Mo. 477; 76 S. W. Rep. 1045),
69.
Hengler v. Cohn (N. J. Sup.,
1902; 53 Atl. Rep. 280), 219.
Henrietta Coal Co. v. Campbell
(71 N. B. Rep. 863; 211 111. 216),
53, 77, 106, 240, 255.
Henry v. Sioux City Co. (66
Iowa 52; 23 N. W. Rep. 260),
455.
Herbert v. Mound City Co. (90
Mo. App. 305), 251, 462, 512.
Hess V. Verwind-White Coal Co.
(178 Penn. 239; 35 Atl. Rep.
990), 540.
Hesse v. National Co. (66 N. J.
L. 652; 52 Atl. Rep. 384), 514.
Hesse V. Railroad Co. (58 Ohio
St. 167; 50 N. B. 355), 251.
Hester v. Delf Co. (84 Mo. App.
457), 188.
670
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Hester v. Packing Co. (84 Mo.
App. 454), 71.
Hewett V. Swift (3 Allen 420), 24.
Hickey V. Taafe (99 N. Y. 204),
175, 514.
Higgins V. Hannibal & St. Joe
Co. (36 Mo. p. 431), 521.
Higgins V. O'Keefe (79 Fed. Rep.
900), 484, 511.
Higgins V. R. R. (73 Ga. 149),
84.
Higgins V. Williams (144 Cal.
176; 45 Pac. Rep. 1041), 202.
Tighorn v. Wright (L. R. 2 C. P.
397; Mor. Min. Rep. 24), 34.
Highland Boy Gold Min. Co. v.
Pouch (TJ. S. C. C. A. Utah,
1903; 124 Fed. Rep. 148), 157,
166.
Highland, etc. Co. v. Robinson
Ala. 1900; 28 So. Rep. 28), 536'
Highlow V. Wright (37 L. T. N.
S. 187; 10 Mor. Min. Rep. 24),
279, 454.
Hightower v. Gray (.Tex. 83 S. W.
Rep. 254), 4.
Hildenbrand v. Marshall (Tex.
Civ. App., 1902; 69 S. W. Rep.
492), 514.
Hill V. Drug Co. (Mo. 3 Am. Neg.
Rep. 229), 266.
Hill V. Meyer Bros. Drug Co.
(140 Mo. 433; 41 S. W. Rep.
909), 88, 186.
Hill V. Southern Pac. Co. (Utah,
1901; 63 Pac. Rep. 814), 514.
Hillsboro Oil Co. v. White
(Texas, 54 S. W. Rep. 432),
188.
Hillyear v. Dickinson (154 Mass.
502), 331.
Hilton & Dodge Co. v. Ingram
(Ga., 1904; 46 S. B. 895), 296.
Hilts V. Ry Co. (55 Mich. 444;
21 N. W. Rep. 878), 30.
Himrod Coal Co. v. Adack (94
111. App. 1), 265.
Himrod, &c., Coal Co. v. Clark (99
111. App. 332; 197 111. 514), 4,
62, 114, 257.
Himrod Coal Co. v. Stevens (67
N. E. Rep. 389), 112.
Hinckley v. Horazluski (133 111.
359), 178.
Hissong V. Richmond, etc., Co.
91 Ala. 514; 8 So Rep. 776),
262.
Helm V. Western ' Granite Con-
tracting Co. (Minn., 1905; 102
N. W. Rep. 384), 365.
Hoard v. Blackstone Co. (177
Mass. 69), 232.
Hochstetler v. Maurier Coal Co.
(Ind. App. 35 N. E. Rep. 927),
329, 492.
Hodnett v. R. R. (156 Mass. 86),
13.
Hoffman v. Dickinson (31 W. Va.
142; 6 S. E. Rep. 53), 476.
Holland v. Coal, etc. Co. (90 Ala.
444; 12 L. R. A. 232; 8 So.
Rep. 524), 88, 154, 252, 462.
Hollerin v. Iron Co. (133 Mo.
470), 173.
Hollingsworth v. Pineville Coal
Co. (74 S. W. Rep. 205), 211,
223.
Holman v. Kemp (70 Minn. 422;
73 N. W. Rep. 186), 174.
Holmes v. Tenn. Coal, I. & R. Co.
(49 La. Am. 1465; 22 So. Rep.
403), 528.
TABLE OF CASES.
671
References are to Sections.
Holt V. Nay (144 Mass. 186; 10
N. E. Rep. 807), 439.
Holycross Gold Min. Co. v. O'Sul-
llvan (Colo. 60; Pac. Rep. 570),
206.
Homestake Min. Co. v. Fullerton
(69 Fed. Rep. 923), 202, 398.
Hone V. Mammotli Min. Co. (75
Pac. Rep. 381), 177, 250.
Honor v. Albright (93 Pac. St.
475; 11 Mor. Min. Rep. 6), 339.
Hooper v. Southern Co. (112 Ga.
96; 37 S. E. Rep. 165), 12.
Hoosier Slate Co. v. McLain (133
Ind. 231; 31 N. E. Rep. 956),
308.
Hopkins Co. v. Burnett (85
Texas 15; 198 S. W. Rep. 886),
230.
Horan v. R. R. Co. (89 Iowa 328;
56 N. W. Rep. 507), 279.
Hord V. Vermont Con. Co. (32
Vt. 473), 436.
Horff V. Green (168 Mo. 308; 67
S. W. Rep. 576), 21.
Horton v. Vulcan Iron Works (43
N. Y. Supp. 699; 13 App. Div.
508), 271.
Houston Co. V. Dial (135 Ala.
168; 32 So. Rep. 268), 102.
Houston V. Brush (66 Vt. 331;
29 Atl. Rep. 380), 474.
Hove V. Boston & N. St. Ry. Co.
(72 N. E. Rep. 341), 312, 322.
Howard Oil Co. v. Davis (76
Tex. 630), 39.
Howells V. Landore Steel Co.
(L. R. 10; L. B. 62), 311, 336.
Howells V. N. A. Co. (24 Wash.
689; 64 Pac. Rep. 786), 18.
Hoykey v. Smithville Co. (29
Conn. 256), 183.
Huddleston v. Lowell Machine
Shop (106 Mass. 282), 232.
Huffman v. Ry. Co. (18 Mo. 60),
30.
Hughes v. Clyde Coal Co. (19 Sc.
Sess. Cas. 343), 333.
Hughes v. Improvement Co. (20
Wash. 294; 55 Pac. Rep. llC),
311, 378.
Hughes V. Maiden, etc., Co. (168
Mass. 396), 141.
Hughes V. Maiden & Melrose Co.
(163 Mass. 815), 232.
Hugue V. Furnace Co. (62 Mo.
App. 491), 290.
Humbser v. Scott (5 Mo. App.
597), 524.
Hunt v. Lead Co. (104 Mo. App.
377; 78 S. W. Rep. 710), 88,
154, 182, 186.
Hunt V. Kile (98 Fed. Rep. 49;
38 C. C. A. 41), 130.
Huntingdon Coal Co. v. Decker
(84 Pa. St. 419), 295.
Hurlburt v. Ry. Co. (130 Mo.
657; 31 S. W. Rep. 1051), 279.
Hurst V. Burnside (12 Or. 520; 8
Pac. Rep. 888), 275.
Hussey v. Coger (112 N. Y. 618;
20 N. B. Rep. 561; 3 L. R. A.
559; 8 Amer. St. Rep. 790),
517.
Hutchinson v. Parker & Co. (39
App. Div. 133; 57 N. Y. Supp.
168), 268.
Hysell V. Swift & Co. (78 Mo.
App. 39), 182, 186.
Illinois Central Co. v. Prickett
672
TABLE OF CASES.
BeferenceB are to Sections.
(210 111. 140; 109 111. App. 468;
71 N. B. Rep. 435), 74-81.
Illinois Central Co. v. Whitte-
more (43 111. 420), 34.
Illinois Con. Coal Co. v. Pieisoh-
tiein (207 111. 593; 69 N. B.
Rep. 963), 289.
Illinois Con. Coal Co. v. Gruber
(188 111. 584; 59 N. E. Rep.
254), 287.
Illinois Fuel Co. v. Parsons (38
111. App. 182), 260-270.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Bycyznskl
(106 111. App. 331), 134.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Coffee (107
111. App. 582, reversed, 205 111.
206; 63 N. B. Rep. 751), 110,
287.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Mann (100
111. App. 367), 177.
Illinois Steel Co. v. McNulty (105
111. App. 594), 258-272.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Ryska (102
111. App. 347; 65 N. E. Rep.
734; 200 111. 280), 109-240-512.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Schynanow-
ski (162 111. 447; 44 N. E. Rep.
876), 289.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Star (199 111.
116; 64 N. E. Rep. 964), 112.
Illinois Steel Co. v. Wierbicky
107 111. App. 69; 206 111. 201; 68
N. B. Rep. 1101), 168-422.
Indiana C. Coal Co. v. Batey
(Ind. App. 1904; 71 N. E. Rep.
"191), 41-179.
Indiana Coal Co. v. Buffey (Ind.
App.; 62 N. B. Rep. 279), 257.
Indiana Co. v. Buskirk (32 Ind.
App. 414; 78 N. B. Rep. 925),
53.
Indiana Co. v. Parker (100 Ind.
193), 28.
Indiana Iron Co. v. Gray (19 Ind.
App. 565; 48 N. E. Rep. 803),
537.
Indiana Nat. Gas Co. v. Marshall
(22 Ind. App. 121), 194.
Indiana Natural Gas & Oil Co. v.
Vauble (Ind. App. 1903; 68 N.
E. Rep. 195), 56.
Inglenmon v. Moore (90 Cal.
410; 27 Pac. Rep. 306), 467.
Inland, etc., Co. v. Folson( 139
U. S. 558; 11 Sup. Ct. Rep.
658), 262.
International & G. N. Co. v. Elk-
ins (Texas, 53 S. W. Rep. 931),
472.
International & G. N. Co. v. Penn
(Tex. Civ. App. 1904; 79 S. W.
Rep. 624), 74-79.
Iowa Gold Mining Co. v. Diefen-
thaler (76 Pac. Eep. 981), 78-
139-204.
Iron Co. V. Pace (101 Tenil. 476;
48 S. W. Rep. 232; 7 Am. Neg.
Rep. 109), 378.
Island Coal Co. v. Greenwood
(151 Ind. 476), 36-180.
Island Coal Co. v. Risker (13 Ind.
App. 98; 40 N. B. Rep. 148),
258.
Island Coal Co. v. Swaggerty
(159 Ind. 664; 65 N. B. Rep.
1226), 119-235.
Ittner Brick Co. v. Killian (Neb.
1903; 93 N. W. Rep. 951), 109-
266-283-512.
Jackson v. Cornelia (52 Hun. 77;
5 N. Y. Supp. 306), 25.
TABLE OF CASES.
673
References are to Sections.
Jackson v. Lincoln Min. Co.
(Mo. App. 1904; 80 S. W. Rep.
727). 307-317.
Jackson v. Mining Co. (106 Mo.
App. 441), 105.
Jackson v. M., K. & T. Co.
(Texas, 78 S. W. Rep. 724), 67.
Jackson v. Powell (Mo. App.
1905; 84 S. W. Rep. 1132), 171.
Jacobson v. Smitli (Iowa 1904;
98 N. W. Rep. 773), 140-350.
Jaffe V. Harteau (56 N. Y. 398),
22.
James v. Christie (18 Mo. 162),
10.
James y. Emmet Min. Co. (55
Mich. 335), 298.
Jamison v. Gas Co. (128 Ind.
555), 357.
Jancko v. West Coast Mfg. &
Inv. Co. (Wash. 1904; 76 Pac.
Rep. 78), 109-364.
Jarvis v. New York Marble Co.
(55 App. Div. 272; 67 N. Y.
S. 78), 269.
Jayne v. Coal Co. (108 Mich. 262;
65 N. W. Rep. 971), 202.
Jenkins v. Mammoth Min. Co.
(Utah 1902; 68 Pac. Rep. 845),
156-290-423.
Jennings v. Iron Bay Co. (47
Minn. Ill; 49 N. W. Rep. 685),
28.
Jensen v. Commodore Min. Co.
(Minn. 1904; 101 N. W. Rep.
944), 240.
Johansen v. Pioneer Fuel Co. (72
Minn. 405; 75 N. W. Rep. 719),
524.
Johnson v. Ashland Water Co.
(71 Wis. 557; 37 N. W. Rep.
823), 25.
Johnson v. Boston Ltd Min. Co.
(Mont; 40 Pac. Rep. 298), 477.
Johnson v. Coal Go. (183 Pa.
623; 39 Atl. Rep. 10), 131.
Johnson v. Gladden (5 Amer.
Neg. Rep. 97), 12.
Johnson v. Pittsburg Co. (114
Pa. St. 443), 293.
Johnson v. Portland Granite &
Stone Co. (68 Pac. Rep. 425),
190.
Johnson v. Roach (82 N. Y. S.
203; 93 App. Div. 351; 13 N. Y.
Am. Cas. 86), 97-331.
Johnson v. Union Pac. Coal Co.
(Utah 1904; 76 Pac. Rep.
1089) , 11-26-129-80-89-82-440193.
Johnston v. Oregon S. N. & U.
N. Co. (23 Or. 94; 31 Pac. Rep.
283), 151.
Jones v. Florence Mining Co. (66
Wis. 268; 57 Am. Rep. 269; 28
N. W. Rep. 207), 32-88-187.
Jones V. Phillipps (39 Ark. 17; 43
Am. St. Rep. 264), 514.
Jones V. Roberts (57 111. App.
56), 514.
• Joraszeski v. Mfg. Co. (Minn.;
8 Amer. Neg. Rep. 441) i 275.
Joyce V. Worcester (140 Mass.
245), 178.
Judson V. Powder Co. (107 Cal.
549), 359.
Junction Mining Co. v. Bnph
(111 111. App. 346), 25-73-90-92-
100-478.
Junction Mining Co. v. Goodwin
(109 111. App. 144), 129-287.
Junior v. E. L. & P. Co. (Mo.
29 S. W. Rep. 988), 255-462.
Jupiter Coal Min. Co. v. Mercer
(84 111. App. 96), 330-345.
43
674
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
K.
Kaare v. Troy Steel & Iron Co.
(139 N. Y. 369; 34 N. B. Rep.
901), 474-232.
Kahn v. McNnlta (147 U. S. 238;
37 L. Ed. 150), 466.
Kaminski v. Tudor Iron Works
(Mo. 1902; 67 S. W. Rep. 921),
163-252-261-82.
Kane v. Falk Co. (93 Mo. Ap.p.
209), 109.
Kansas & Texas Coal Co. v.
Brownlie (60 Ark 582), 146-433.
Kansas & T. Coal Co. v. Chand-
ler (Ark. 1903; 77 S. W. Rep.
912), 157-160.
Kansas ,etc., Co. v. Fitzhugh (61
Ark. 841; 33 S. W. Rep. 96),
262.
Kansas & Tex. Coal Co. v. Reid
(85 Fed. Rep. 914), 204.
Kansas City, etc., Co. v. Kler (41
Kan. 661; 21 Pac. Rep. 770; 13
Amer. St. Rep. 311), 279.
Kansas City Smelting & Refin-
ing Co. V. Allen (67 Pac. Rep.
436), 130.
Kansas Pac. Co. v. Little (19
Kan. 267), 310.
Kansas Pac. Co. v. Peavey (34
Kan. 472; 8 Pac. Rep. 789),
439.
Karr Supply Co. v. Kronig (167
111. 560; 47 N. E. Rep. 1051),
250.
Kean v. Detroit Copper Mills (66
Mich. 284; 33 N. W. Rep. 395),
190-30-438.
Kebst V. Santa Ysabel Gold Min.
Co. (68Pac. Eep. 771), 290,, 423.
Keenen v. Edison Co. (129 Mass.
379; 48 L. R. A. 68), 484.
Keenan v. R. R. Co. (145 N. Y.
190; 39 N. E. Rep. 711; 45
Amer. St. Rep. 604), 279.
Keesville Iron Co. v. Dobson (7
La. 369), 476.
Kehler v. Schmenck (151 Pa. St.
519; 25 Atl. Rep. 130), 435.
Keller v. Schwenk (151 Pa. St.
519; 25 Atl. Rep. 130), 32.
Kelly V. Cable Co. (7 Mont. 440;
20 Pac. Rep. 669), 267.
Kelly V. C. & A. Co. (122 Fed.
Rep. 286), 535.
Kelly V. Fourth of July Min. Co.
(16 Mont. 484; 41 Pac. Rep.
273), 184.
Kelly V. Hogan (76 N. Y. S. 913),
134.
Kelly V. Howell (11 Ohio St.
188), 162.
Kelly Island Lime & Transport
Co. V. Pachuta (Ohio 1904; 15
Am. Neg. Rep. 652), 367.
Kelly V. Mayberry T. (154 Pa. St.
440; 26 Atl. Rep. 395), 18.
Kelly V. Stewart (93 Mo. App.
47), 300.
Kelly V. Wilson (21 111. App.
141), 197.
Kellyville Coal Co. v. Humble
187 111. App. 437), 491-310.
Kellyville Coal Co. v. Yehuka
(94 111. App. 74), 491.
Kender v. Woolaston (32 N. Y.
Supp. 742), 277.
Kennedy v. Chase (119 Cal. 637),
2-5.
Kennedy v. Merremack Co.
TABLE OF CASES.
675
References are to Sections.
(Mass. 1904; 10 Amer. Neg.
Rep. 89), 201.
Kenny r. Shaw (133 Mass. 501),
190.
Kentucky Freestone Co. v. Mc-
Ghee (25 Ky. L. R. 2211; 80 S.
W. Rep. 1113), 38-188.
Kery v. De Castro Co. (5 N. Y.
Supp. 548, 9), 175.
Keystone v. Newbury (96 Pa. St.
246), 292-303.
Kelly V. Belcher Sil. Min. Co. (3
Sawyer, 437; 10 Mor. Mia. Eep.
32), 196.
Killelea v. California Horseshoe
Co. (140 Cal. 602; 74 Pac. Rep.
157), 172.
King V. Boston & W. R. Corp.
(Mass.; 9 Cush. 112J,516.
King V. Morgen (109 Fed. Rep.
446; 10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 200),
142-18.
King V. R. R. (66 N. Y. 181), 543.
Kivem v. Providence G. & S.
M. Co. (70 Cal. 392), 190.
Klages V. Gillett-Herzog Co. (86
Minn. 458; 90 N. W. Rep.
1116), 537.
Kleehauer v. Western Fuse, etc.,
Co. (138 Cal. 497; 71 Pac. Rep.
617; 60 L. R. A. 377), 359.
Klein v. Garvey (87 N. Y. S.
998;, 33.
Kleps v. Donald (4 Wash. 436;
30 Pac. Rep. 991), 18.
Klepsch V, Donald (18 Wash.
150), 371.
Kline v. Abrahams (178 N. Y.
377; 70 N. E. Rep. 923; 7 Am.
Neg. Rep. 554), 177.
Kline v. Central P. R. Co. (37
Cal. 400; 99 Amer. Dec 282)
528.
Klix & Nieman (68 Wis 271)
521.
Klos V. Hudson Riv. Ore & Iron
Co. (79 N. Y. S. 156; 77 App.
Div. 566), 87-461-512.
Kneckel v. O'Connor (76 N. Y.
S. 829), 139.
Knight V. Pox (1 E. L. & E. R.
477; 20 L. J. R. N. S. Exch. 65;
14 Jur. 963), 21-538.
Knight V. Sadtler Lead & Zinc
Co. (91 Mo. App. 574), 27-150-
204.
Kinsley v. Pratt (148 N. Y. 372;
42 N. B. Rep. 986; 32 L. R. A.
367), 353.
Knowles v. Dickinson (2 El. &
El. 705;, 29 L. J. M. C. N. S.
135), 380-333.
Knox. V. Coal Co. (90 Tenn. 546;
18 S. W. Rep. 255), 194.
Knozville Iron Co. v. Pace (101
Tenn. 476; 48 S. W. Rep. 232),
263.
Kohn V. Lovett (44 Ga. 251),
531.
Kohn V. McNulta (147 U. S. 238;
37 L. Ed. 150; 13 Sup. Ct. Rep.
298), 152.
Kopf V. Monroe Stone Co. (Mich.
1903; 95 N. W. Rep. 72; 10 De-
troit Leg. N. 185), 81-95-212.
Koster v. Gallagher (6 Daly N.
Y. 231), 370.
Koszlowski v. American Locomo-
tive Co. (N. Y. Supp. 1904; 89
N. Y. Sup. 55), 140.
Kraft V. Meyer (92 Wis. 252; 65,
N. W. Rep. 1039), 251.
676
TABLE OF CASES,
Ecfereuces are to Sections.
Krampe v. St. Louis Ass'n (59
Mo. App. 277), 177.
Krause v. Morgen (52 Ohio St.
325; 40 N. E. Rep. 886), 254-
326.
Kruitzman v. Ry Co. (84 N. Y. S.
243), 290.
Krzthowsky v. Speering (107 111.
App. 493), 628.
Kuss V. Fried (66 N. Y. Supp.
487), 340.
Kutchera v. Goodwillie (93 Wis.
448; 67 N. W. Rep. 729), 511.
Labelle v. Montague (174 Mass.
453), 232.
Lafayette Co. v. Adams (26 Ind.
370), 23.
Laflin v. R. R. (106 N. Y. 136),
84.
Laflin Con. Co. v. Tearney (131
111. 322), 359.
Lago V. Walsh (98 Wis. 384; 74
N. W. Rep. 212), 290.
Lakebert & Western Co. v. Craig
(80 Fed. Rep. 488; 47 U. S.
App. 89), 451.
Lake Shore & m: S. Co. v. Bald-
win (10 O. C. D. 333), 506-175.
Lake Superior Co. v. Erickson
(10 M. M. R. 39), 39.
Lamb v. Mo. Pac. Co. (147 Mo.
1. c. 204), 250.
LaMotte v. Boyce (105 Mich.
545; 63 N. W. Rep. 517), 152.
L. & N. Ry Co. V. Bouldin (110
Ala. 815), 54.
L. & N. Co. V. Buck (116 Ind.
566), 295.
L. & N. Co. V. Graham (98 Ky.
688; 34 S. W. Rep. 229), 18,
L. & N. Co. V. Wilson (88 Tenn.
316; 12 S. E. Rep. 720), 34.
Lane v. Atlantic Works (111
Mass. 136), 261-178.
Lane v. Colton (12 Mod. 488), 20.
Lane Bros. v. Bauserman (Va.
1904; 48 S. E. Rep. 857), 87.
Lantry v. Silverman (1 Colo.
App. 404; 29 Pac. Rep. 180),
301.
Lanyan Zinc Co. v. Bell (Kan.
1902; 68 Pac. Rep. 609), 130-
200.
Lanza v. Le Grand Quarry Co.
(Iowa; 11 Amer. Neg. Rep.
209), 95-111-216-129.
Langley v. Wheelock (Mass.
1902; 63 N. B. Rep. 944), 224.
Larrant v. Webb. (18 C. B. N. S.
797), 430.
Larson v. Mining Co. (71 Mo.
App. 512), 41-173-193.
LaSalle v. Kostka (190 111. 130;
60 N. E. Rep. 72), 185.
LaSalle County Carbon Co. v. Of-
fergeld (104 111. App. 494), 193.
Last Chance Mining Co. v. Ames
(23 Colo. 167), 92.
Lawer v. Srgal (30 Vt. 66), 11.
L. E. & St. L. Co. V. Clark (152
U. S. 220; 38 L. Ed. 422), 18.
Lebanon Coal & Min. Ass'n v.
Zerwick (77 111. App. 486), 294.
Lebbering v. Struthers (157 Pa.
St. 312; 27 Atl. Rep. 720), 294.
Leduc V. North Pac. Co. (Minn.
1904; 100 N. W. Rep. 108), 90-
111.
Lee V. Kansas City Gas Co. (91
Mo. App. 612), 31-220-434.
Lee V. Reg. Co. (87 Mich. 544; 49
N. W. Rep. 909), 30.
TABLE OF CASES.
677
References are to Sections.
Lehigh Co. v. Hayes (128 Pa. St.
294; 18 Atl. Rep. 387; 24 M. M.
C. 559), 4G1-25.
Lehigh Valley Co. v. Warrick
(o4 Fed. Rep. 8C6). 295.
Lehigh Valley Coal Co. v. Kiszel
(80 Fed. Rep. 470; 51 U. S.
App. 2G6), 477.
Lehigh Valley Coal Co. v.
Jones (10 Mov. Min. Rep. 30),
184.
Lehman v. Bagley (82 111. App.
197), 280.
Leitner v. Grieb (Mo. App. 1903;
77 S. W. Rep. 764; Mo. App.
173), 218-83.
Lemoine v. Aldrich (Mass.; 8
Amer. Neg. Rep. 637), 275.
Lendberg v. Brotherton Iron
Min. Co. (75 Mich. 84; 42 N.
W. Rep. 675), 21-426.
Lendberg v. Iron Co. (97 Mich.
443; 56 N. W. Rep. 846), 202-
272.
Lenk V. Kansas & Texas Coal
Co. (80 Mo. App. 374), 189-281.
Leonard v. Storer (115 Mass.
86), 22.
Lepalla v. Cleveland Iron Min.
Co. (Mich.; 81 N. W. Rep.
553), 189.
Leslie v. Rioh Hill Coal Mining
Co. (110 Mo. 31), 86-91.
Leslie v. Rich Hill Coal Mining
Co. (110 Mo. 31), 59-117, 157.
Lewis V. Seifert (116 Pa. St.
628), 11 Atl. Rep. 514), 34.
Lillie V. American Car & Foun-
dry Co. (Pa. 1904; 53 Atl. Rep.
272), 295.
Lilly V. N. Y. Cent., etc., Co. (107
N. Y. 566; 14 N. E. Rep. 503),
25.
Lindsay v. Tioga Co. (108 La.
468; 32 So. Rep. 465), 512.
Lineoski v. Susquehanna Coal
Co. (157 Pa. 153; 27 Atl. Rep.
577; 33 W. N. C. 204), 501-336-
303.
Linton Co. v. Persons (11 Ind.
App. 264; 39 N. B. Rep. 214),
295-185-305-476-232.
Lipschulz V Ross (84 N. Y. Sup.
632), 99.
Litchfield Coal Co. v. Taylor (81
III. 590; 10 Mor. Min. Eep.
684), 27-91.
Little Rock & Memphis Co. v.
Barry (84 Fed. Rep. 944; 43 L.
R. A. 349; 36 U. S. App. 37),
442.
Little Schuylkill Coal Co. v.
Richards (10 Mor. Min. Eep.
661; 57 Pa. St. 142), 22.
Livengood v. Joplin Mining Co.
(179 Mo. 240; 77 S. W. Rep.
1077), 95-124-143-155.
Livengood v. Lead Co. (179 Mo.
Loc. Cit. 240), 124.
Lofrano v. N. Y., etc., Co. (55
Hun. 452; 8 N. Y. Supp. 717),
155.
Logan V. Central Iron & Coal
Co. (Ala. 1904; 36 So. Rep.
729), 414.
Long V. Moon (107 Mo. 334), 537-
21.
Loose V. People (11 111. App.
445), 337.
Loprana v. N. Y. & Ind. D. Co.
(55 Hun. 452; 8 N. Y. Supp.
717), 88.
678
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Lord V. Pueblo Sm. & Min. Co.
(12 Colo. 390), 177.
Lore V. Amer. Mfg. Co. (160 Mo.
G08; 61 S. W. Rep. 678), 326.
Lorich v. Mails (18 R. I. 513; 28
Atl. Rep. 661), 153,
Louisville ,etc., Co. v. Hunt (101
Ala. 34; 12 So. Rep. 130), 262.
Louisville & N. Co. v. Tow (23
Ky. Law Rep. 408; 63 S. W.
Rep. 27), 546.
Loveless v. Standard Gold Min.
Co. (42 S. B. Rep. 741), 290-
423.^
Lowden v. Idaho Min. Co. (55
Cal. 443), 180.
Lowery v. Anderson Co. (89 N.
Y. S. 107; 96 App. Div. 465),
511.
L. T. Dickason Coal Co. v. Peach
(Ind. App. 1903; 69 N. E. Rep.
189), 13S.
Ludd V. Wilkins (Ga. 1903; 45 S.
E. Rep. 429), 68.
Luman v. Golden Ancient Cha!-
len Min. Co. (140 Cal. 700; 74
Pac. Rep. 307), 82-176-94-140.
Lumsden v. C, R. L & P. Co. (23
Tex. Civ. App. 137; 56 S. W.
Rep. 605), 521.
Lundberg v. Shevlin &c. Co.
(68 Minn. 135; 70 N. W. Rep.
1078), 353.
Lynch v. Allyn (160 Mass. 248;
35 N. B. Rep. 100), 175.
Lyons v. Boston &c. Co. (163
Mass. 168), 283.
Lytle V. Crescent &c. Co. (66 S.
W. Rep. 240), 524.
Lyttle V. C. W. M. Co. (84 Mich.
289; 47 N. W. Rep. 573), 32.
M.
Mace V. Ashland Coal & Iron
Co. (82 S. W. Rep. 612), 53-57.
Machine Co. v. Bohbst (56 Mo.
App. 427), 524.
Mad River Co. v. Borger (5 Ohio
St. 541), 434-30.
MaGoen v. Bullion Beck Min. Co.
(15 Utah 534; 50 Pac. Rep.
834), 255-274-131.
Maher v. McGrath (58 N. J. L.
469), 277,
Mahoney v. Bay State Pink
Granite Co. (68 N. B. Rep.
234), 184-258.
Mahoney v. Dankarth (Iowa; 6
Am. Neg. Rep. 278), 372.
Mahood v. Coal Co. (Utah; 30
Pac. Rep. 149), 175.
Manley v. Coal Co. (55 Iowa
671), 191.
Malique v. Iowa Gold Min. & Mil.
Co. (71 Pac. Rep. 427), 313.
Mallen v. Waldowski (101 111.
App. 367), 187.
Malott V. Hood (66 N. B. Rep.
247; 261 111. 202), 249.
Manchester Mfg. Co. v. Polk
(115 Ga. 542; 41 S. E. Rep.
1015), 514.
Mancus v. K. C. (74 Mo. App.
138), 22.
Manigold v. Black River Co. (84
N. Y. S. 861; 81 App. Div. 381),
99.
Mansfield Coal Co. v. McEnry
(91 Pa. St. 185), 36.
Manshon v. Worcester (150
Mass. 439; 23 N. B. Rep. 228),
30.
TABLE OF CASES.
679
References are to Sections.
Marbury Co. v. Westbrook (121
Ala. 179), 506.
March v. Toledo &c. Co. (113
Mich, 154; 71 N. W. Rep. 464),
296.
Marsus v. Loane & Co. (133 N.
C. 54; 45 S. E. Rep. 354), 158.
Margenthaler v. Kirby (79 Md.
182; 28 Atl. Rep. 1065), 521.
Marvin v. Lehmaier (66 N. E.
Rep. 572; 173 N. Y. 530), 339-
283-15.
Marks v. Harriett Mills (135 N.
C. 287; 47 S. E. Rep. 432), 81.
Marquette Third Vein Coal Co.
V. Dielie (208 111. 116; 70 N. B.
Rep. 17), 59-67-16-77-93.
Marrow v. Plinby & B. M. Coal
& F. B. Co. (2 Q. B. 588; 67 L.
J. Q. B. N. S. 976), 545.
Marsh v. Chickering (101 N. Y.
396), 277-25.
Mary Lee Co. v. Champbliss (97
Ala. 171), 331.
Maryland Clay Co. v. Goodnow
(Md. 1902; 51 Atl. Rep. 292),
300.
Mason- V. Min. Co. (92 Mo. App.
367), 264.
Massie v. Peel Splint Coal Co.
(41 W. Va. 620; 24 S. E. Rep.
644), 409-330-264-515.
Mast V. Kern, (34 Or. 247; 54
Pac. Rep. 950; 5 Am. Neg.
Rep. 88), 294-216-95.
Mathews v. Daly West Min. Co.
(Utah; 75 Pac. Rep. 722), 282.
Matta V. Chicago &c. Co. (69
Mich. 109), 254.
Matthews v. Rillston (156 U. S.
391; 39 L. Ed. 464; 15 Sup. Ct.
Rep. 464), 155-32-475-255-88.
Mattson v. Qualley Const. Co.
(90 111. App. 260), 204.
Maule Coal Co. v. Partenheimer
(55 N. E. Rep. 751), 10.
Maxneld v. Graveson (131 Fed.
Rep. 841), 269.
Maxwell v. Zdariski (93 III. App.
334), 126-105.
Mayhew v. Mining Co. (76 Me.
100), 295.
Mayott V. Narcross (R. I.; 52
Atl. Rep. 894), 31.
McAndrews v. Bums (10 Vt.
117), 320.
McBeath v. Rawle (93 111. App.
212), 474.
McCane v. Gallagher (N. Y.; 2
Am. Neg. Rep. 613), 36.
McCann v. Atlantic Mills (20 R.
I. 500; 40 Atl. Rep. 500), 278.
McCarthy v. Mulgrew (107 Iowa
76; 77 N. W. Rep. 527), 271.
McCarthy v. Thompson-Davidson
Co. (Rap. Jud. Que. 18 C. S.
272), 518.
MacCarthy v. Whitcomb (110
Wis. 113; 83 N. W. Rep. 707),
132.
McCarthy v. Whitney Iron
Works (48 La. Am. 978; 20 So.
Rep. 171), 250-263.
McClafferty v. Fisher (Pa.; 1
Cent. Rep. 571), 274.
McCool V. Lucas Coal Co (30 W.
N. C. 251; 24 Atl. Rep. 350),
507-303.
McCormick Harvester Co. v.
Wojciechowski (111 111. App.
641), 83.
McCovrick v. Kealy (70 Conn.
542), 17.
McCoy V. Westboro (172 Mass.
680
TABLE OF CASES.
Befereuces are to Sections.
504; 52 N. B. Rep. 1064), 263-
184.
McCune v. Gallagher (N. Y.; 2
Amer. Neg. Rep. 613), 412.
McDaniels v. Royle Mining Co.
(85 S. W. Rep. 679), 86-341.
McDermot v. Hannibal &c. Co.
(87 Mo. 285), 292.
McDonald v. Rockhill Co. (135
Pa. 1; 20 Am. & Eng. Enc.
Law pp. 58-59), 27-197-271-463.
McDonald v. Standard Oil Co.
(N. J. 1903, 55 Atl. Rep. 289),
219.
McDonald v. U. P. Co. (35 Fed.
Rep. 38), 532.
McDonnell v. Illinois &c. Co.
(105 Iowa 534; 75 N. W. Rep.
336), 278.
McFadden v. Rauscli .(119 Pa. St.
507; 13 Atl. Rep. 459), 365.
McGahie v. McClenna (S3 N. Y.
S. 692; 86 App. Div. 263), 529.
McGinnls v. Butler (159 Mass.
233; 34 N. B. Rep. 259), 521.
McGinnls v. Canada B. Co. (49
Mich. 466; 13 N. W. Rep. 819),
435.
McGlynn v. Brodie (31 Cal. 378),
182.
McGovern v. Ry. Co. (123 N. Y.
289; 25 N. E. Rep. 373), 34.
McGowan vs. La Plata Min. &
Smel. Co. (3 McCrary 393),
186-187-88-154.
McGowan v. St. L. I. M. &c. Co.
(Oi Mo. 528), 288.
McGregor v. Reid &c. Co. (178
111. 464, 53 N. E. Rep. 323; 69
Am. St. Rep. 332), 290.
McGulgan v, Beatty (136 Pa. St.
329; 40 Atl. Rep. 490), 476.
Mcintosh V. M., K. & T. Co. (103
Mo. 340), 10.
Mcintosh V. Mo. Pac. Co. (103
Mo. 131), 13.
McKane v. Colo. Fuel & Iron Co.
(71 Pac. Rep. 425), 217-134.
McKeever v. Homestake Min.
Co. (10 S. D. 599; 74 N. W.
Rep. 1053), 430.
McKune v. Coal &c. Co. (66 Cal.
302), 293.
McLain v. Sewall Co. (51 Cal.
255), 308.
McLaughlin v. Bidletz (64 N .Y.
Supp. 193; 50 App. Div. 518),
340.
McLean Co. Coal Co. v. McVey
(38 III. App. 158), 491-175.
McMahan v. Banning (3 Fed.
Rep. 353), 178.
McMahon v. Ida Min. Co. (101
Wis. 102; 76 N. W. Rep. ,1098),
267-303.
McMahon v. McHale (174
Mass. 320; 54 N. E. Rep. 854),
331.
McManus v, Davitt (88 N. Y. S.
55; 94 App. Div. 481), 467.
McMillan Marble Co. v. Black
(89 Tenn. 118; 14 S. W. Rep.
479), 263-514-472-412.
McMillan v. North .Star Min. Co.
Wash. Sup. Dep. 1903; 15 Am.
Neg. Rep. 203), 180.
McMllan v. U. P. Co. (6 Mo. App.
434), 12.
McNamara v. Logan. (Ala.; 14
So. Rep. 175), 175-400-514.
McNeil V. Crucible Steel Co.
(207 Pa. 493; 56 Atl. Rep.
1067), 541.
TABLE or CASES.
68]
References are to Sections.
McPhee V. Scully (163 Mass.
216; 39 N. E. Rep. 1007), 230.
McShane v. Baxter (7 Times L.
R. 58), 278.
McVay v. Waterford &c. Co. (Jr.
L. R. 18; C. L. 159), 260.
Meany v. Oil Co. (N. J. L.; 47
Atl. Rep. 803), 152.
Meehan v. Atlas S. & M. Co. (87
N. Y. S. 1031; 94 App. Div.
306), 511.
Meikle v. C. & A. Company (79
N. W. Rep. 22), 391.
Mellors v. Sbaw (9 Mor. Min.
Rep. 678), 90.
Mellsdon Coal Co. v. Smifh (10
A,m. Neg. Rep. 445), 184.
Memphis, &c. R. Co. v. Graham
(94 Ala. 545; 10 So Rep. 283),
446.
Mendota L. & A. Co. v. Dafferty
(92 111. App. 74), 279.
Merino v. Lehmaier (172 N. Y.
530; 66 N. E. Rep. 572), 511.
Merrifield v. Maryland Gold
Quartz Min. Co. (Cal. 1904; 76
Pac. Rep. 710), 117-129-175.
Metropolitan West Side Ele-
vated Co. V. Portin (107 111.
App. 157), 190.
Metzler v. McKenzie (Wash.
1904; 76 Pac. Rep. 114), 296.
Mexican Cent. Co. v. Sprague
(114 Fed. Rep. 544), 286.
Meyers v. Chicago &c. Co. (103
Mo. .App. 268; 77 S. W. Rep.
149), 23.
Meyers v. Highland Boy Gold
Mining Co. (Utah; 77 Pac.
Rep. 743), 80.
Michigan Cent. Co. v. Gilbert (46
Mich. 179; 9 N. W. Rep. 243)
425-30.
Mickle V. Rey (79 N. W. Rep.
22), 195.
Middaugh v. Mitchell (120 Mich.
581; 79 N. W. Rep. 806), 275.
Miller v. Bullion-Beck, etc., Min.
Co. -(18 Utah 358; 55 Pac. Rep.
58), 284-193.
Miller v. Brie Co. (47 N. Y. Supp.
285; 21 App. Div. 45), 471.
Miller v. Min., etc., Co. (76 Iowa
655), 21.
Miller v. Stone Co. (61 111. App.
662), 358.
Mining Co. v. Clay (51 Ohio St.
542; 38 N. B. Rep. 610), 184.
riining Co. v. Persons (11 Ind,
App. 264; 39 N. B. Rep. 214),
378.
Minnier v. Sedalia, etc., Co.
(167 Mo. 94), 108-255-173.
Minster v. Citizens Co. (53 Mo.
App. 276), 290-253.
Missouri & I. Coal Co. v.
Schwab (74 111. App. 567), 351-
264.
Missouri, K. & T. Co. v. Freeman
(Tex. Civ. App. 1903; 73 S. W.
Rep. 542), 529.
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Co.
V. Gist (Texas; 73 S. W. Rep.
857), 252.
Missouri, K. & T. Co. v. Rodgers
(39 S. W. Rep. 383), 12.
Missouri, K. & T. Co. of Texas v.
Smith( 82 S. W. Rep. 787), 150.
Missouri Malleable Iron Co. v.
Dillon (106 111. App. 649; 206
111. 145; 69 N. B. Rep. 12), 110.
Missouri-Marshall v. Schricker
(63 Mo. 308), 287.
682
TABLE OF CASES.
Keferences are to Sections.
Mitchell V. Chicago, etc., Co.
(Mo. App. 1904; 83 S. W. Rep.
289), 88.
Mitchell V. Prange (Mich.; 67 N.
W. Rep. 1096), 365.
Mitchell V. Robinson (80 Ind.
281), 295.
Molaskee v. Ohio Coal Co. (86
Wis. 22), 146-433.
Momenoe Stone Co. v. Groves
(64 N. E. Rep. 335; 197 111. 88),
120.
Momence Stone Co. v. Turrell
(68 N. E. Rep. 1078; 205 111.
515), 118.
Money v. Lower Vein Coal Co.
(55 Iowa 671), 391.
Monford v. Hughes (3 Ed. Sm.
591), 20.
Monongahela River Con. Coal &
Coke Co. V. Campbell (25 Ky.
L. R. 1599; 78 S. W. Rep. 405),
133.
Montgomery Coal Co. v. Barrin-
ger (109 III. App. 185), 255-71-
72-129.
Moon Anchor Consolidated Grold
Mines v. Hopkins (111 Fed.
Rep. 298; 49 C. C. A. 347), 479.
Moon V. Richmond Co. (78 Va.
745), 293.
Mooney v. Seattle (Mass. 1902;
62 N. B. Rep. 725), 134.
Mooney Coal Co . v. Bracken
(Ind. App. 1903; 66 N. E. Rep.
775), 26.
Mooney v. Coal Co. (55 Iowa
671; 10 M. M. Rep. 56), 180-40.
Moore v. Cataba Power Co. (68
S. C. 201; 46 S. E. Rep. 1004),
53.
Moore v. K. C. P. S. & Co. (146
Mo. 572), 189.
Moore Lime Co. v. Johnson's
Adm'r (48 S. E. Rep; Va. 1904,
557), 84.
Moore Lime Co. v. Richardson
(95 Va. 326; 28 S. E. Rep. 334;
64 Am. St. Rep. 785), 301-200.
Moran v. Car Co. (134-642), 521.
Moran v. Devlin (134 Mass. 87;
1 Ch. PI. 66), 15.
Morback v. Home Min. Co. (53
Kan. 731; 37 Pac. Rep. 132),
193-184-301-515-303.
Morewood Co. v. Smith (57 N. E.
Rep. 199), 271.
Morgan v. Carbon Hill Co. (6
Wash. 577; 34 Pac. Rep. 152),
295.
Morgan v. Hudson River Co.
(133 N. Y. 666; 31 N. E. Rep.
235), 34, 189.
Morgan v. Pacific Mfii<5 (i5g
Mass. 402; 33 N. B. Rep. 581),
12.
Morgen v. Mammoth Min. Co.
(26 Utah 174; 72 Pac. Rep.
638), 28-27-149.
Morgen v. Smith (159 Mass. 570;
35 N. E. Rep. 101), 302.
Morrison v. Whittier Mach. Co.
(Mass. 1903; 67 N. B. Rep.
646), 259.
■Morse v. Glendon Co. (125 Mass.
282), 30-428.
Morton v. Ry. Co. (81 Mich. 433;
46 N. W. Bep. Ill), 36.
Morton v. Zwierzykowski (91 111.
App. 462), 257.
Mosgrove v. Zimbleman Coal
Co. (81 N. W. Rep. 227), 205-
333.
TABLE OF CASES.
683
Beferences are to SectioDS.
•Mountain Copper Co. v. Van Bu-
ren (123 Fed. Rep. 61), 85-86-
88-497.
Mt. Olive Coal Co. v. Herbeck
(92 111. App. 441; 60 N. E. Rep.
105), 202-341.
Mt Nebo Anthracite Coal Co. v.
Williamson (Ark. 1905; 84 S.
W. Rep. 779), 383.
Moyer v. Ramsey Brisbane
Stone Co. (119 Ga. 734; 46 S.
E. Rep. 844), 100-130-57.
Moyes v. Ogden Clay Co (Utah,
1904; 77 Pac. Rep. 610), 129.
Moynahan v. Hills, etc. Co. (146
Mass 586), 40.
Muddy Valley Min. Co. v. Par-
rish (74 111. App. 559), 184.
Muddy Valley Min. Co. v. Phil-
lipps (39 111. App. 376), 345.
Muenchow v. Theo. Zschetzsche
& Son Co. (Wis., 1902, 88 N.
W. Rep. 909), 139.
Muirhead v. H. & St. J. Co. (103
Mo. 251; 15 S. W. Rep. 530),
25.
Mulchey v. Met. Rel. Sol. (125
Mass. 487), 24.
Mullen V. Phila. etc. Co. (78 Pa.
St. 25), 287.
Mulligan v. McAlpine (15 So.
Sess. Cas. 4 Ser. 789), 268.
Mullins V. California Horse Shoe
Co. (105 Cal. 77; 38 Pac. Rep.
535), 290.
Murdock v. Mackinnon (12 Sc.
Sess. Cas. 4 Ser. 810), 447.
Murphy v. Amer. etc. Co. (159
Mass. 256; 31 N. E. Rep. 268),
226.
Murphy v. City Coal Co. (172
Mass. 324; 52 N. B. Rep. 503),
239-184-255-272.
Murphy V. Hopper (N. Y., 1902;
78 N. Y. S. 657; 75 App. Div.
606), 65.
Murphy v. Hughes (Ga. 40 Atl.
Rep. 187), 442.
Murphy v. Marston Coal Co. (183
Mass. 385; 67 N. E. Rep. 342),
97-247-236-116.
Murphy v. Wilson (44 Mo. 313),
524.
Myeberg v. B. & S. M. R. Co. (25
Wash. 364; 65 Pac. Rep. 539),
88.
Myers v. Hudson Iron Co. (150
Mass. 125), 39.
Myhan v. La. Power Co. (41 La.
Am. 964), 187.
N.
Narramore v. Cleveland, etc., R.
Co. (96 Fed. Rep. 298), 251.
Nash V. Dowling (93 Mo. App.
156), 82-126-242-174.
Nattas V. Lumber Co. (76 Wis.
128; 42 N. W. Rep. 1135), 201.
Nat. Co. V. Travis (102 Tenn, 16;
125; 42 N. W. Rep. 832), 290.
Naylor v. C. & N. W. Co. (11 N.
W. Rep. 24), 396.
Neal V. Gillette (23 Conn. 437),
433-146.
Neanow v. Utrech (46 Wis. 587),
250.
Needham v. San Francisco, etc.
Co. (37 Cal. 409), 531.
Neilson v. Nebo Brownstone Co.
(Utah, 1902; 69 Pac. Rep. 289),
95.
684
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Nelson V. Young (87 N. Y. S. 69;
91 App. Div. 457), 538.
Neutz V. Jackson Hill Coal Co.
(38 N. E. Rep. 324), 305.
Neves v. Green (86 S. W. Rep.
508), 309.
Newell V. Woolfork (N. Y. 91
Hun. 211), 371.
New Jersey, Gilmore Co. v. Ox-
ford Iron Co. (55 N. J. L. 39;
25 Atl. Rep. 707), 287.
New Pittsburg C. & C. Co. v.
Peterson (35 N. E. Rep. 7),
398.
Newport Co. v. Baumelster (102
Va. 677; 17 S. E. Rep. 821),
237.
Niantic Coal Mining Co. v.
Leonard (126 111. 216), 59-40-91-
190.
Nicholas v. Crystal Plate Co.
(126 Mo. 55; 27 S. W. Rep.
516), 255.
Nichols V. Nelson (45 Mo. App.
446), 524.
Nixon V. Smelting Co. (36 Pac.
Rep. 803), 294.
Noble V. Bessemer Co. (127
Mich. 103; 54 L. A. R. 456; 68
N. W. Rep. 520), 290.
Nord V. Boston & M. Consoli-
dated Copper & Silver Mining
Co. (Mont. 1904; 75 Pac. Rep.
681), 78-100.
Norris v. Litchfield (35 N. H.
271), 23.
Northern Ala. Coal, Iron & R.
Co. V. Beacham (Ala., 1904;
37 So. Rep. 237), 466-364-511.
Northern Cent. Co. v. Mills (61
Md. 355), 18.
Northern Pac. Co. t. Herbert
(116 U. S. 652; 6 Sup. Ct. Rep.
570), 469.
Northern Pacific Co. v. Mares
(123 U. S. 710), 436.
Northern Pacific Coal Co. v.
Richmond (58 Fed. Rep. 756),
299.
Norfrhern-Reed Stone Co. v.
Steele (Ind. App., 1903; 69 N.
E. Rep. 198), 60.
Nowakowski v. Detroit Stove
Works (9 Det. Leg. N. 25; 89
N. W. Rep. 956), 145.
Norwalk Gas Co. v. Norwalk
(63 Conn. 495), 379.
N. P. Co. V. Heiberd (116 V. S.
652; 6 Sup. Ct. Rep. 590), 36.
Nugent V. Milling Co. (131 Mo.
241; 33 S. W. Rep. 428), 514.
Nye V. Button (Mass. 73 N. B.
Rep. 654), 213.
Oaks V. Mase (165 U. S. 363),
293.
O'Brien v. Buffalo Furnace Co.
(73 N. Y. S. 830; 68 App. Div.
451), 517.
O'Brien v. Capwell (59 Barb.
497), 22.
O'Brien v. Staples Coal Co. (156
Mass. 435; 43 N. E. Rep. 181),
279.
O'Brien v. Sullivan (195 Pa. St.
474; 46 Atl. Rep. 130), 257.
O'Connor v. Adams (120 Mass.
127), 185.
O'Conner v. Golden Gate Co.
(135 Cal. 537; 67 Pac. Rep.
966), 517.
TABLE OF CASES.
685
References are to Sections.
O'Connor v. Roberts (120 Mass.
227). 292.
Odin Coal Co. v. Denman (84 III.
App. 190; 57 N. B. Rep. 192),
254-345-270.
O'Donnell v. Baum (38 Mo. App.
245), 29.
O'Donnell v. Welz & Zerweck
(N. Y. Sup., 1904, 89 N. Y. S.
959), 284.
O'Dowd V. Burham (19 Pa.
Super. Ct. 464), 224.
O'DrlscoIl V. Faxon (156 Mass.
527), 232.
O'Fallon Coal Co. v. Laquet (88
111. App. 13), 290-341-112-157-
491.
Offerman v. Starr (2 Pa. St. 394;
44 Am. Dec. 211; 10 Mor. Min.
Rep. 614), 22.
Ogle V. Mills (139 N. Y. 458),
512.
Ohio Co. V. Fishburn (61 Ohio St.
608; 56 N. E. Rep. 457), 373.
Ohio Coal Co. v. Denman (84 111.
App. 190; 57 N. E. Rep. 192),
354.
O'Keefe v. Thorne (Pa.; 16 Atl.
Rep. 737), 201.~
Ohio Valley Coal Co. v. McKin-
ley (33 S. W. Rep. 186), 173-
264.
Oil Co. V. Martin (70 Tex. 400),
521.
Olcorn V. C. & A. Co. (108 Mo.
81; 18 S. W. Rep. 188), 251.
Old Colony Co. v. Tripp (147
Mass. 35; 17 N. E. Rep. 89),
34-442.
Old Colony, etc. Co. v. Slavens
(148 Mass. 363), 24.
O'Leary v. Buffalo Union Fur-
nace Co. (N. Y. Sup. 1905; 91
N. Y. S. 579), 171.
O'Leary v. R. R. (52 m. App.
641), 110 Neal v. R. R. (57
Minn. 365; 59 N. W. Rep. 312),
110.
Oleson V. Boston and C. M. Co.
(71 N. H. 427; 52 Atl. Rep.
1097), 102.
Oleson V. Maple Grove Coal Co.
(115 Iowa 74; 87 N. W. Rep.
736>, 157, 341.
Olsen V. Cook Inlet Coal Fields
Co. (121 Fed. Rep. 726; 58' C.
C. A. 146), 109.
Olsen V. Maple Grove Coal &
Mining Co. (87 N. W. Rep.
736), 147.
Olsen V. McMullen (34 Minn.
95), 141-153-4-184.
Olsen V. Nixon (61 N. J. L. 271),
277.
Olsen V. Or. Coal, etc. Co. (96
Fed. Rep. 109), 289-305.
Omaha B. & T. Co. v. Harga-
dine (Neb., 1904; 98 N. W.
Rep. 1071), 543.
O'Maley v. So. Boston Gas. Co.
(158 Mass. 135), 232.
O'Malley v. R. R. Co. (113 Mo.
329), 71.
O'Neal V. C. & I. Coal Co. (132
Ind. 110; 31 N. E. Rep. 669),
151.
O'Neill V. Wilson (20 Sc. Sess.
Cas. 2 Ser. 427), 226.
O'Reilly v. Brooklyn, etc. Co. (82
App. Div. 492; 81 N. Y. Supp.
572), 252.
Orman v. Mannix (17 Colo. 564;
30 Pac. Rep. 1037; 17 L. R. A.
686
TABLE OF OASES.
References are to Sections.
602; 31 Amer. St. Rep. 840),
283-175-519.
Orman v. Salvo (117 Fed. Rep.
233; 54 C. C. A. 265), 117-466.
Ormond v. Holland (El. Bl. & El.
102), 436.
Ornamental Iron & Wire Co. v.
Green (65 S. W. Rep. 399), 508.
Orr. V. Southern Co. (132 N. C.
691; 44 S. E. Rep. 401), 257.
Orstot V. Indiana I. & I. R. Co.
(103 111. App. 136), 143.
Osborne v. Lehigh Valley Coal
Co. (97 Wis. 27; 71 N. W.
Rep. 814), 176.
Osborne v. MoMasters (Minn. 41
N. W. Rep. 543), 525.
Oskoscil V. Pencil Co, (6 N. Y.
S. 501; 25 N. Y. St. Rep. 925),
514.
Overholt v. Vieths (95 Mo. 422),
521.
Ozinbierski v. Mott Iron Works
(56 App. Div. 58; 67 N. Y.
Supp. 256), 255.
Pa. Co. V. Kelly (31 Pa. St. 372),
12.
Pa. Coal Co. v. Nee (Pa, 13 Atl.
Rep. 841), 39.
Pagels V. Myers (193 111. 172;
61 N. B. Rep. nil), 110.
Painter v. Pittsburg (10 Wright,
213), 21-426.
Palmer v. Harrison (57 Mich.
182), 512.
Palmer v. Kinloch Co. (31 Mo.
App. 106), 189.
Palmer Brick Co. v. Chenall (Ga.
1904; 47 S. B. Rep. 329), 100-
85-111.
Pantzear v. Tilly Foster Iron
Min. Co. (99 N. Y. 368), 178-
310-473-295-190.
Parke Co. Coal Co. v. Barth, (5
Ind. App. 159; 31 N. E. Rep.
585), 191.
Parker v. Hannibal & St. J. Co.
(71 Mo. 66; 36 Amer. Rep.
454), 150.
Parker v. Silver Cr. Co. (84 Wis.
424), 405.
Parkhurst v. Johnson (50 Mich.
70), 32.
Parlett v. Dunn (Va. 1904; 46
S. B. Rep. 467), 159.
Parotte v Holbrook (127 Fed.
Rep. 1013), 73.
Parsons v. Hammond Co. (96
Mo. App. 372; 70 S. W. Rep.
519), 102.
Parsons v. Missouri Pacific Co.
(94 Mo. 287), 507-10-12-17-13.
Paterson v. Wallace (1 Macq. H.
L. 748), 295.
Paule V. Florence Min. Co. (80
Wis. 350; 50 N. W. Rep. 189),
409-184.
Pawnee Coal Co. v. Royce (184
111. 402; 56 N. B. Rep. 621),
345.
Payne v. Railway (136 Mo. 562;
S. E. 119 Mo. 405), 519.
Payne v. Reece (100 Pa. St. 301),
25.
Pederson v. Rushford (41 Minn.
290), 141.
Peerless Stone Co. v. Wrap (152
Ind. 27; 51 N. B. Rep. 326),
263.
Pemy v. Wimbledon Urban
TABLE OF CASES.
687
Keferences are to Sections.
Council (2 Q. B. 212; 67 L. 3.
Q. B. N. S. 754; 78 Law. 9
Rep. 748), 546.
Pence v. California Mining Co.
(27 Utah 378; 75 Pac. Rep.
934), 73-81-435.
Pennsylvania Co. v. McCaffrey
(139 Ind. 430), 232.
Pennsylvania Co. v. Witte (15
Ind. App. 583; 43 N. B. Rep.
319), 185.
Penwell v. Harvey (78 111. App.
278), 280-263.
Peppercorn v. Black River Falls
(89 Wis. 38; 61 N. W. Rep. 79),
12.
Perry v. Marshall (25 Ala. 659),
178.
Perry v. Rickets (55 111. 234), 202
Adams v. K. & T. Coal Co. (85
Mo. App. 486), 202.
Perry v. Tozer (90 Minn. 431;
97 N. W. Rep. 137), 508.
Peru v. French (55 111. 317), 19.
Petaja v. Aurora Iron Min. Co.
(106 Mich. 463; 66 N. W. Rep.
951; 32 L. R. A. 438), 303-480.
Peters v. Bowman (115 Cal. 348;
47 Pac. Rep. 113), 521.
Peters v. McKay & Co. (136 Cal.
73; 68 Pac. Rep. 478), 102,
Peterson v. New Pittsburg Coal
Co. (149 Ind. 260; 49 N. E.
Rep. 8; 63 Am. St. Rep. 289),
188.
Peterson v, Rushford (42 N. W..
Rep. 1063), 41.
Peterson v. Wallace (28 Eng.
Law. & Eq. 48; 1 Macq. H. L.
Cas. 748), 256.
Peterson v. Whitebreast, etc. Co.
(50 Iowa 673), 292.
Phelps V. Wait (31 N. Y. 78), 20.
Phila. Co. V. Hughes (119 Pa. St.
301; 13 Atl. Rep. 286), 29.
Pierce v. North Carolina Co.
(124 N. C. 83; 44 L. R. A. 316;
32 S. E. Rep. 399), 528.
Piette V. Bavarian Co. (Mich.
52 N. W. Rep. 152), 543.
Pioneer Fireproof Con. Co. v.
Hansey (176 111. 100; 52 N. E.
Rep. 17), 545.
Pioneer F. C. Co. v. Sunderland
(87 III. App. 213; N. E. Rep.
928), 20.
Pioneer Min. & Mfg. Co. v.
Thomas (Ala., 1902; 32 So.
Rep. 15), 136-393-33-263-184-488.
Pittsburg & Western Coal Co. v.
Estievenard (53 Ohio St. 43;
40 N. E. Rep. 725), 342-260.
Pittsburg Coal Co. v. Peterson
(35 N. E. Rep. 7), 294-54.
Pittsburg Co. v. Devinney (17
Ohio N. S. 197), 293.
Pittsburg, etc., Co. v. Henderson
(37 Ohio St. 549), 261.
Plafka V. Knapp-Stout & Co.
(145 Mo. 316), 140-85.
Plato V. International Silver Co.
(129 Fed. Rep. 652), 73.
Poor V. Watson (92 Mo. App. 89),
14.
Portland Gold Mining Co. v.
Flaherty (111 Fed. Rep. 312,
49 C. C. A. 361), 123-267.
Port Royal & Western Co. v.
Davis (95 Ga. 292; 22 S. E,
Rep. 833), 451.
Potts V. Post Carlisle Co (8 W
R. &24), 428.
688
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Prather v. R. R. Co. (80 Ga.
427; 9 S. E. Rep. 530), 442.
Pratt V. Prouty (153 Mass. 334;
26 N. E. Rep. 1002), 435-32.
P. R. Co. V. Kerr (25 Md. 521),
23.
Prentiss v. Kent Mfg. Co. (63
Mich. 478; 30 N. W. Rep. 109),
201.
Pressed Steel Car Co. v. Herath
(110 111. App. 596), 25.
Priestly v. Fowler (3 Mees. & W.
L; M. & H. 305; 7 J. L. N. S.
42), 250-179.
Primeau v. Merchants, etc., Co.
(Rap. Jud. Que. 19 S. C. 62),
279.
Princeton Coal Co. v. Roll (Ind.
66 N. B. Rep. 169), 270-27-135.
Prophet V. Kemper (95 Mo. App.
224), 173.
Purcell Mill, etc. Co. v. Kirk-
land (2 Ind. Ter. 169; 47 S.
W. Rep. 311), 476.
Pueschell v. K. C. "Wire & Iron
Co. (79 Mo. App. 459), 519.
Pursley V. Edge Moor Works
168 N. Y. 539; 60 N. B. Rep.
1119), 340.
Q.
Quarmam v. Barnett (6 M. & M.
499), 538.
Queen v. Dayton Coal & Iron Co.
(95 Tenn. 458; 32 S. W. Rep.
460; 30 L. R. A. 82), 339, 508.
Quick V. Minn. Iron Co. (47
Minn. 361; 50 N. W. Rep. 244),
152-416.
Quigley v. Bambrick (58 Mo.
App. 192), 88.
Quincy Coal Co. v. Hood (77 111.
69), 184-403.
Quincy Min. Co. v. Kitts (42
Mich. 34), 200-304.
Quinn v. Baird (172 N. Y. 631;
65 N. B. Rep. 1121), 395.
Quintana v. Consolidated K. C.
Smelting, etc., Co. (14 Tex.
Civ. App. 347; 37 S. W. Rep.
369), 273-473.
R.
Radley v. Louden, etc., Co. (64
L. J. Exch. N. S. 573; 35 L.
T. N. S. 637), 262.
Railroad Co. v. Ward (1 Am.
Neg. Rep. 590), 36.
Railroad v. Baugh (149 U. S.
368), 293.
Railroad v. Cooper (32 S. W.
Rep. 517), 524.
Railroad v. Prawley (110 Ind. 18;
9 N. E. Rep. 594), 514.
Railroad v. Hamby (154 U- S.
349), 293.
Railroad v. Peterson (162 U. S.
346), 293.
Railroad v. Stout (17 Wall. 657;
2 Dillon 294), 533.
Railroad v. Thompson (101 Ga.
26; 28 S. E. Rep. 429), 279.
Railway Co. v. McDonald (152 U.
S. 262), 521.
Raiter v. Mining Co. (75 N. W.
Rep. 219), 41.
Raming v. Met. Ry. Co. (157 Mo.
477; 57 S. W. Rep. 268), 534.
Raney v La Chance (96 Mo.
App. 479; 70 S. W. Rep. 376),
20.
TABLE OF CASES.
689
References are to Sections.
Rannell v. Dilwortli P. & Co.
(131 Pa. 509; 19 Atl. Rep. 345),
88.
Rasmussen v. C. R. I. & P. Co.
(21 N. W. Rep, 583; 65 Iowa,
236), 195-41-4.
Ratte V. Dawson (50 Minn. 450;
52 N. W. Rep. 965), 521.
Reagen v. St. L. M. N. & W. Co.
(93 Mo. 348; 6 S. W. Rep. 371),
440.
Rebick v. Lake Superior Smelt-
ing Co. (123 Mich. 406; 48 L.
R. A. 619; 82 N. W. Rep. 279).
88.
Reddon v. M. P. Co. (5 Utali
344; 15 Pac. Rep. 202), 302.
Redfield v, Oakland Co. (112 Cal.
220; 43 Pac. Rep. 1117), 18.
Redmond v. Butler (168 Mass.
367; 47 N. E. Rep. 108), 154-
88.
Redstone Coke Co. v. Roby (115
Pa. St. 364; 8 Atl. Rep. 593),
378-303.
Reed V. Stockmeyer (74 Fed.
Rep. 186), 301.
Reese v. Biddle (112 Pa. St. 72),
303 Haley v. Kein (151 Pa.
St. 117), 303-292.
Reese v. Morgan Silver Min. Co.
(15 Utah 453; 49 Pac. Rep.
824), 256-189.
Regan v. Reed (96 111. App. 460),
524.
Regan v. Sargent Co. (98 111.
App. 617), 113.
Relnder v. Black & P. Coal Co.
(12 Ky. L. R. 30; 13 S. W. Rep.
719), 495.
Reinder v. Coal Co. (Ky. 13 S.
W. Rep. 719), 461.
Reisert v. Williams (51 Mo. App.
13), 88.
Reiter v. Winona Co. (72 Minn.
225; 75 N. W. Rep. 219), 153-
195-185.
Renlund v. Commodore Min. Co.
(Minn., 1903; 93 N. W. Rep.
1057), 105.
Republic Iron & Steel Co. v.
Berkes (162 Ind. 517; 70 N. W.
Rep. 815), 129.
Republic Iron & Steel Co. v.
Ohler (Ind., 1903; 68 N. B.
Rep. 901), 242-206.
Revolinsky v. Adams Coal Co.
(Wis., 1903; 95 N. W. Rep.
122), 109-80-107-249.
Ribick V. Lake Superior Smelt-
ing Co. (123 Mich. 401; 82 N.
W. Rep. 279; 48 L. R. A. 649),
458-154-182.
Rice V. Smith (171 Mo. 331; 71
S. W. Rep. 123), 540.
Richardson v. Carbon Hill Coal
Co. (Wash. 32 Pac. Rep. 1012;
20 L. R. A. 338), 436. •
Richardson v. Cooper (88 111.
270), 25, 28
Richardson v. Kier (4 M. M. R.
613), 3.
Richardson v. Mesker (171 Mo.
666; 72 S. W. Rep. 506), 271,
312.
Richards v. MoConnell (63 N. W.
Rep. 915; 45 Neb. 367), 521.
Richards v. Riverside Iron
Works (W. Va., 1904; 49 S. K.
Rep. 437), 219.
Richlands Iron Co. v. Elkins (90
Va. 249; 17 S. B. Rep. 890),
440.
Richmond & D. R. Co. v. Rush
44
690
TABLE OF CASES.
Keferences are to Sections.
(71 Miss. 987; 15 So. Rep. 133),
451
Richmond, etc. Co. v. Elliott
(149 U. S. 266; 13 Sup. Ct.
Rep. 837), 470-29.
Richmond, etc. Co v. Yeamans
(86 Va. 860; 12 S. B, Rep. 946),
262.
Richmond Granite Co. v. Bailey
(92 Va, 554; 24 S. B. Rep. 232),
308.
Richmond L. M. Works v. Ford
(94 Va. 627; 27 S. E. Rep. 509),
303.
Rickert v. Stephens (133 Pa.
538; 19 Atl. Rep. 410), 463-418.
Ridgeway v. Downing Co. (34 S.
E. Rep. 1028), 544-543.
Rietman v. Stalte (120 Ind. 314;
22 N. E. Rep. 304), 152, 176, 277.
Riggs V. Standard Oil Co. (130
Fed. Rep. 199), 523.
Riley v. Lidtke (49 Neb. 139; 68
N, W Rep. 356), 18.
Ring V. Iron Works (120 N, J.
433). 17.
Ringue v. Oregon Coal & Nav.
Co. (75 Pac. Rep. 703), 443-69.
Rion V. Rockport Granite Co.
(171 Mass. 162; 50 N. E. Rep.
525), 300.
Riverside Mills v. Jones (Ga.,
1904, 48 S. B Rep. 700), 280.
Riverton Coal Co. v. Shepard
(207 111. 395; 69 N. B. Rep.
921; 111 111. App. 294), 254-
177-26-129-71.
Robards v. Murphy (75 Mo. App.
39), 111.
Robbins v. Big Circle Min. Co.
(Mo. App., 1904; 79 S. W. Rep.
480), 126-129-83.
Roberts v. Fielder Salt Works
(72 S. W. Rep. 618), 104-111.
Roberts v. Port Blakely Mill Co.
(30 Wash. 25; 70 Pac. Rep.
Ill), 102.
Roberts v. Smith (2 Hurlst & N.
213; 23 L. J. Exch. N. S. 319),
474.
Robertson v. Corlneson (34 Fed.
Rep, 716), 34.
Robinson v. Mining Co. (179 Mo.
240; 77 S. W. Rep. 1077), 124.
Robinson Min. Co. v. Tolbert
(Ala., 1901; 31 So. Rep. 519),
365.
Robinson v. Black Diamond Co.
(14 Mor. Min. Rep. 93), 4.
Robinson v. Dinning (96 Va. 41;
20 S. E. Rep. 442), 263.
Rocoia V. Black Diamond Coal
Min. Co. (U. S. C. C. A. Wash.
1903; 121 Fed. Rep. 451), 151-
174.
Roche V Denver & R. G. R. Co.
(73 Pac. Rep. 880), 295.
Roche V. Llewellen Iron Works
(140 Cal. 563; 74 Pac. Rep.
147), 169-99-79.
Rock V. Orchard Mills (142 Mass.
522; 8 M. E. Rep. 401), 32-271.
Rockport Granite Co. v. Bjorn-
holm (115 Fed. Rep. 947), 174-
177.
Roddy V. Mo. Pac. Co. (104 Mo.
234), 21-426.
Roe V. Thompson (Texas, 61 S.
W. Rep. 528), 423-202-307.
Roemer v. Striker (143 N. Y.
134), 546-372-546.
Rolling Mill Co. v. Carrigan (46
Ohio State 283; 20 N. E. Rep.
466), 435.
TABLE OF CASES.
691
Eeferences are to Sections.
Kosemand v. Southern Ry (44 S.
B. Rep. 574; 66 S. C. 91), 286.
Ross V. Stanley (185 111. 390; 56
N. E. Rep. 1105), 267.
Ross V. Union Cement & Lime
Co. (25 Ind. App. 463; 58 N. B.
Rep. 500), 303.
Roul V. Palmer Brick Co. (114
Ga. 910; 41 S. E. Rep. 40), 131.
Roulston V. Clark (3 E. D. Sm.
366), 531-23.
Rowley v. CoUian (90 Micli. 31),
295.
Rue V. Myer (16 Stew. N. J.
377), 17.
Rummell v. Dillworth (111 Pa.
St. 349; 2 Atl. Rep. 355), 30-
175-150.
Runnel v. Deleware (131 Pa. St.
509; 19 Atl, Rep. 345), 435.
Rush V. Coal Bluff Min. Co. (Ind.
30 N. E. Rep. 904), 270-194.
Rush V. Gas, etc. Co. (65 N. J.
L. 399; 47 Atl. Rep. 504), 274.
Rusher v. Aurora (71 Mo. App.
418), 80.
Russell V. Dayton Coal & Iron
Co. (70 S. W. Rep. 1), 385-
335-112.
Russell V. Tillotson (140 Mass.
201; 4 N. E. Rep. 231), 275.
Russell Cr. Coal Co. v. Wells
(96 Va. 416; 31 S. E. Rep.
614), 258-250-174.
Ryan v. Bagley (50 Mich. 179;
45 Amer. Rep. 35), 300-304.
Ryan v. Los Angeles Co. (112
Gal. 244; 44 Pac. Rep. 471; 32
L. R. A. 524), 296.
Sachan v. Miller & Co. (123 Io-
wa 387; N. W. Rep. 900), 511.
Sadler v. Hellock (4 El. and Bl.
570), 543.
Sakewitz v. American Mfg. Co.
(78 Mo. App. 144), 85.
Sakol V. Richel (113 Mich. 476;
71 N. W. Rep. 833), 275.
Salem Stove etc. Co. v. Griffin
(139 Ind. 141; 38 N. B. Rep.
411), 255.
Salem Stove & Liine Co. v.
Tepps (10 Ind. App. 516), 232.
Sammis v. Chicago B. & Q. Co.
(97 111. App. 28), 524.
Sampson Min. Co. v. School
(15 Colo. 197; 23 Pac. Rep.
89), 412.
Samuelson v. Cleveland Iron Co.
49 Mich. 164), 22.
San Antonio Co. v. Belt (59 S.
W. Rep. 607), 18.
Sanborn v. Madera Flume etc.
Co. (70 Cal. 261; 11 Pac. Rep.
710), 255-175-40-192.
Sandy River Canal Coal Co. v.
Candell (60 S. W. Rep. 180),
394.
Sangamon Coal Min. Co. v. Wig-
gerhouse (25 111. App. 77; 122
111. 279; 13 N. E. Rep. 648),
349.
Sanks v. Chicago & A. R. Co.
(112 111. App. 385), 53.
Sawyer v. Arnold Co. (90 Me.
369; 38 Atl. Rep. 333), 99.
Scagel V. Chicago, etc. Co. (83
Iowa 380; 49 N. W. Rep. 990),
256.
Schepper v. Chemical Co. (113
Mich. 582), 359.
Schermerhorn v. Portland Ce-
ment Co. (88 N. Y. S. 407; 94_
App. Div. 600), 129.
Schlacker v. Ashland Ironi Q^ts,
692
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
(59 Mich. 253; 50 N. W. Rep.
839), 188-263.
Sohmalstieg v. Coal Co. (65 Kan.
753; 70 Pac. Rep. 888; 59 L,
R. A. 707), 311.
Schmalsteig v. Leavenwortli
Coal Co. (Kan. 13 Am. Neg.
Rep. 71), 378.
Sohmitz V. St. L. I. M. & S. Co.
(46 Mo. ,App. 380), 12.
Schoover v. Car Co. (56 Mich.
132; 22 N. W. Rep. 220), 201.
Schorenbraich v. St. Cloud Fiber
etc. Co. (56 Minn. 116; 60 N.
W. Rep. 1093), 226.
Schoultz V. Eclihard Co. (112 La.
568; 36 So. Rep. 591), 217.
Schroeder v. Mictiigan Co. (56
Mich. 132; 22 N, W. Rep. 220),
477.
Schultz V. Chicago & M. Co.,
(Wis., 1902; 92 N. W. Rep.
377), 102.
Schumpert v. Southern Ry. Co.
(65 S. C. 332; 43 S. B. Rep.
813), 535.
Schwab V. H. etc. Co. (106 Mo.
74; 16 S. W. Rep. 924), 34.
Schwartz v. SchuU (45 W. Va.
405; 31 S. B. Rep. 914; 5 Am.
Neg. Rep. 496), 357.
Selleck v .Janesville (100 Wis.
157; 8 N. W. Rep. 944), 18.
Senior v. Ward (I E. & E. 385;
10 Mor. Min. Rep. 646), 34-
436-254.
Settle V. R. R. Co. (127 Mo. 336),
251.
Severance v. New England Talc.
Co. (75 Vt. 181; 47 Atl. Rep.
833), 118.
Severy v Nickerson (20 Mass.
306; 21 Amer. St. Rep. 514),
531.
Sexton V. Turner (16 Va. L. J.
584; 15 S. B. Rep. 862), 267-
358.
Shaffer v. Union Brick Co. (128
Fed. Rep. 97), 535.
Shailer v. Corcoran (11 O. C.
D. 599), 200.
Shanahan v. Emus (51 W. Va.
137; 41 S. B. Rep. 140), 358.
Shannon v. Con. Poorman Min.
Co. (24 Wash. 261; 64 Pac.
Rep. 174), 302-466.
Sharp V. Mo. Pac. Co. (161 Mo,
44; 61 S. W. Rep. 829), 262.
Shaw V. Bambrick-Bates Const.
Co. (Mo. App., 1903; 77 S. W.
Rep. 96), 132-75-76-54-110-288.
Shaw V. Hallenbeck (55 S. W.
(Rep. 686), 536.
Shaw V. New Year Gold Mining
Co. (Mont., 1904, 77 Pac. Rep.
515), 129-130-440.
Shea V. K. G. P. S. & M. Co. (76
Mo. App. 29; 20 Am. & Eng.
Enc. Law. 2 Bd, 89), 36.
Shea V. Wellington (163 Mass.
364; 40 N. E. Rep. 173), 475.
Sheehan v. Prosser (25 Mo. App.
569), 298-315.
Sherman v. Menominee Co. (72
Wis. 123; 39 N. W. Rep. 365),
261-178-28.
Shickle-Harrison & Howard Iron
Co. V. Beck (212 111. 268; 72
N. B Rep. 423), 88, 135, 287.
Shine v. Cockeco Co. (173 Mass.
558; 54 N. B. Rep. 245), 512.
Shippey v. Grand Rapids Co.
(Mich. 83 N. W. Rep. 284), 278.
TABLE or CASES.
693
References are to Sections.
Showalter v. Fairbanks M. & S.
Co. (88 Wis. 376), 515-184.
Sievers v. Eyre (U. S. D. C. N.
Y., 1903; 122 Fed. Rep. 734),
353-258.
Siltes V. Missouri Granite Co.
(92 Mo. App. 12), 109-287.
Sill V. Sill (185 111. 594; 57 N. E.
Rep. 812), 521.
Silviera v. Iversen (128 Cal. 187
60 Pac. Rep. 687), 282.
Silver Cord Min. Co. v. McDon-
ald (14 Colo. 191; 23 Pac. Rep.
346), 282.
Simmons v. McConnell (86 Va.
494), 371.
Simonds v. Georgia Iron & Coal
Co. (U. S. C. C. A. Ga. 1904;
133 Fed Rep. 776,), 100-174.
Simpson v. Gerken (19 App. Div.
68; 45 N. Y. Supp. 1100), 460.
Sinberg v. Falk Co. (98 Mo. App.
546; 72 S. W. Rep. 947), 106-
238.
Sinclair Co. v. Waddill (99 111.
App. 334; 65 N. E. Rep. 437),
257-102.
Sioux City Co. v Smith (36 N.
W. Rep. 285), 293.
Skapura v. National, etc. Co.
(83 App. Div. 21; 81 N. Y.
Supp. 1085), 272.
Skelton v. Pacific Co. (Cal.,
1903; 74 Pac. Rep. 13), 294.
Skidmore v. W. Va. Co. (23 S. E.
Rep. 713), 392.
Slack V. Carter & Rogers (N. H.
1903; 56 Atl. Rep. 316), 241.
Slack V. Harris (65 N. B. Rep.
669; 200 111. 96), 240.
Sloss Sheffield Steel «Sf Iron Co.
V. Mobley (139 Ala. 425; 36
So. Rep. 181), 111-126-82-332.
Smallwood v. Bedford Quarries
Co. (Ind. App., 1902; 63 N. B.
Rep. 869), 222.
Smeizel v. Iron Co. (116 Mich.
149; 74 N. W. Rep. 488), 269-
257-36.
Smith V. Belshaw (26 Pac. Rep.
834), 22.
Smith V. Bennick (87 Md. 610;
42 L,. R. A. 1277; 41 Atl. Rep.
56), 546.
Smith V. Coal Co. (75 Mo. App.
177), 4.
Smith V. Hillside Co. (186 Pa.
28; 40 Atl. Rep. 287), 392.
Smith V. Irwin (57 N. J. L. 507;
18 Atl. Rep. 852), 175.
Smith V. Jacob-Dold Co. (82 Mo.
App. 9), 521.
Smith V. Little Pittsburg Coal
Co. (75 Mo. App. 177), 255.
Smith V. Oxford Iron Co. (42 N.
J. Law, 467), 440-34-197.
Smith V. Peninsular Co. (65
Mich. 507), 39.
Smith V. Thomas Iron Co. (N.
J., 54 Atl. Rep. 562), 278.
Smith V. Wabash Co. (92 Mo.
359), 293.
Snydan v. Moore (8 Barb. 358),
20.
Snyder v. Viola Mine & Smel.
Co. (2 Idaho, 771; 26 Pac.
Rep. 127), 283-298-308.
Somer v. Harrison (81 Atl. Rep.
799), 322.
Sommers v. Carbon Hill Coal
Co. (91 Fed. Rep. 337), 227-137.
694
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
South V. Irving (51 N. J. L. 507;
18 Atl. Rep. 852), 458-175.
Southern Bauxite Min. & Mfg.
Co. V. Fuller (43 S. E. Rep.
64), 39.
Southern Co. v. Stewart (108 111.
App. 652), 52-288-76.
Southern Foundry Co. v. Bartlett
(137 Ala. 234; 34 So. Rep. 20),
53.
Southern Foundry Co. v. Jen-
nings (137 Ala. 247; 34 So.
Rep. 1002), 61-355.
Southern Indiana Co. v. Harrell
(68 N. E. Rep. 262), 190.
Southern Indiana Co. v. Moore
(71 N. E. Rep. 516), 54-297.
Southern Oil Co. v. Church (Tex.
CiT. App. 1903; 74 S. W. Rep.
797; 75 S. W. Rep. 817), 543.
Southern Pac. Co. v. Seely (152
U. S. 145; 14 Sup. Ct. Rep.
530), 25.
Southwest Virginia Imp. Co. v.
Andrews (86 Va. 270; 9 S. E.
Rep. 1015), 473.
Sowden v. Idaho Quartz Min.
Co. (55 Cal. 443; 2 Mor. Min.
Rep. 199), 360.
Spade V. Lynn (168 Mass. 285),
5.
Speed V. Ry. Co. (71 Mo. 308),
543.
Spelman v. Eisler Iron Co. (56
Barb. 151), 475.
Spicer v. South Boston Iron Co.
(138 Mass. 426), 472.
Spillane v. Railway (135 Mo.
414), 519.
Spilman v. Fisher Iron Co. (56
Barb. 151), 32.
Spiva V. Osage Coal & Min. Co.
(88 Mo. 68), 235-27-254.
Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Patting
(210 111. 342; 112 111. App. 4;
71 N. E. Rep. 371), 129-27-235-
205.
Spring Valley Coal Co. v. Robias
(207 111. 226; 69 N. E. Rep.
925), 110.
Spring Val. Coal Co. v. Rowatt
(111 111. App. 49), 316.
Spring Val. Coal Co. v. Powatt
(63 N. E. Rep. 649; 196 111.
156), 149-328.
Springside Coal Co. v. Grogan
(67 111. App. 487), 290-345.
Stadtler v. Huntington (153 Ind.
354), 143.
Stasch V. Cornwall Ore Bank Co.
(Pa. Super. Ct. 1902; 19 Pa.
Super. Ct. 113), 437.
State V. Baltimore & Ohio Co.
(24 Md. 84), 510-12-13.
State V Clark (29 N. J. L. 98),
91-344.
State V. Overton (24 N. J. Law.
435), 442.
State V. Quarry Co. (55 Atl. Rep.
366), SOL
State V. Schwind Quarry Co.
(Md., 1903; 55 Atl. Rep. 366),
52-55-322.
St. Bernard Coal Co. v. Southard
(25 Ky. L. R. 688; 76 S. W.
Rep. 167), 204184-179.
Stearn v. Schlothari (21 111. App.
97), 307.
Steele v. May (135 Ala. 483; 33
So. Rep. 30), 20.
Steel Co. v. Ryska (65 N. E. Rep.
734; 200 111. 280), 78.
TABLE OF CASES.
695
References are to Sections.
Stephens v. Doe (73 Cal. 26),
301.
Stephens v. Ry. Co. (86 Me. 221),
34.
Stephens v. Stevens (49 N. Y. S.
850), 511.
Stephenson v. Duncan (73 "Wis.
406; 41 N. W. Rep. 337), 176-
193.
Sterger v. Vansiclen (132 N. Y.
499; 30 N. B. Rep. 987), 521.
Stern v. Bensiecke (161 Mo. 146;
61 S. W. Rep. 594), 520-356.
Steube v. Iron & Foundry Co.
(85 Mo. App. 640), 296.
Stevens v. Deastherage Lumber
Co. (Ct. of App. Mo., 1905;
86 S. W. Rep. 481), 289-132.
Stewart v. Ferguson (60 N. Y.
Supp. 429), 340.
Stewart v. Philadelphia W. & B.
Co. (Del. 17 Atl. Rep. 639),
527.
Stewart v. Rippon (38 Wis. 584),
12.
Stiles y. Ritchie (8 Colo. App.
393; 46 Pac. Rep. 694), 480-
213-232.
St. Jean v. Tolles Co. (72 N. H.
587; 58 Atl. Rep. 506), 364.
St. Louis Bolt & Iron Co. v.
Brenan (20 111. App. 555), 273-
228.
St. L. Co. V. Freeman (36 Ark.
41; 2 Joyce Dam. 854), 3, 18.
St. Louis etc. Co. v. Miller (126
Fed. Rep. 495), 25L
St. L. I. M. & S. Co. V. Higgins
(63 Ark 458; 14 S. W. Rep.
653), 282.
Stockmeyer v. Reed (55 Fed.
Rep. 259; 37 Alb. L. J. 488),
289.
Stoher y. St. L. I. M. & S. Co.
(91 Mo. 518), 14.
Stoll V. Daly Min. Co. (19 Utah
271; 57 Pac. Rep. 295), 315.
Stomme v. Hanford Co. (108
Iowa 137; 78 N. W. Rep. 841),
174.
St. Peter v. Deminson (58 N. Y.
416), 7-568.
Strahlendorf v. Rosenthal (30
Wis. 674; 10 Mor. Min. Rep.
676), 32-187.
Strawbridge v. Bradford (128 Pa.
200; 24 W. N. C. 536; 18 Atl.
Rep. 346), 283.
Stringham v. Hilton (111 N. Y.
188), 39.
Strobble v. Ry. Co. (70 Iowa
558; 31 N. W. Rep. 63), 228.
Strode v. Conkey (78 S. W. Rep.
678; 105 Mo. App. 15), 289-
104.
Stuart V. R. R. Co. (163 Mass.
391; 40 N. E. Rep. 180), 514.
Studenroth v. Hammond Co.
(Mo. 81 S. W. Rep. 487), 192-
100.
Stumbo V. Duluth Zinc Co. (Mo.
App., 1903; 75 S. W. Rep. 185),
167.
Stutz V. Armour (84 Wis. 623; 54
N. W. Rep. 1000), 301.
Sugar Creek Min. Co. v. Peterson
(177 111. 324; 52 N. E. Rep. 75;
75 111. App. 631), 342, 184.
Sullivan v. Mfg. Co. (113 Mass
396), 201.
Summit Coal Co. v. Shaw (16
696
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Ind. App. 9; 44 N. E. Rep. 676).
255.
Sunnyside Coal Co v. Perry Cen-
ter (100 III. App. 54; 6 N. E.
Rep. 649), 488.
Supple V. Agnew (191 111. 439;
61 N. E. Rep. 392), 110.
Sutherland v. Troy, etc. Co. (125
N. Y. 737), 433.
Sutton V. Wauwatosa (29 Wis.
21), 250.
Swanson v. Great Northern Co.
(68 Minn. 184; 70 N. W. Rep.
978), 141-185.
Swanson v. Lafayette (33 N. E.
Rep. 1033), 41.
Sweet V. Coal Co. (78 Wis. 127; 47
N. W, Rep. 182; 9 L. R. A. 861),
177-182.
Sweney v. Berlin Co. (101 N. Y.
501), 197.
Swensen v. Bender (U. S. C. C.
A. Cal.. 1902; 114 Fed. Rep.
1), 109-284-234.
S. W. Va. Co. v. Anderson (9 S.
E. Rep. 1015; 13 Va. L. J. 634),
461.
Sykes v. Packer (99 Pa. 465),
152.
Sykes v. St. L, & S. F. Co. (88
Mo. App. 193), 36.
Syndicate v. Murphy (Ky. 60 S.
W. Rep. 182), 410.
Tagg V. McGeorge (155 Pa. St.
368; 26 Atl. Rep. 671), 32-435
Tailor v. Bailey (74 111. 178), 22
Taylor v. Carew Co. (142 Mass.
470), 254.
Taylor v. Felsing (164 111. 331;
45 N. E. Rep. 161; 63 111. App.
624), 280.
Taylor v. Star Coal Co. (Iowa,
81 N. W. Rep. 249), 198-118.
Taylor v. Wooton (1 Ind. App.
188; 27 N. E. Rep. 502), 467.
Tel. Co. V. McGill (57 Fed. Rep.
699), 13.
Tenn. Coal, Iron, etc. Co. v. Cur-
rier (108 Fed. Rep. 19; 47 C.
C. A. 161), 101-47-256.
Tenn. Coal, Iron, etc. Co. v.
Herndon (100 Ala. 451), 331.
Tennesse Coal, Iron, etc. Co. v.
Garrett (Ala. 37 So Rep. 355),
264-244.
Terre Haute Electric Co. v.
Kiely (Ind. App., 1904; 72 N.
E. Rep. 658), 167.
Terry v. Schmidt (TJ. S. C. C. A.
• N. Y., 1902; 116 Fed. Rep. 627),
175.
Tetherton v. United States Talc.
Co. (165 N. Y. 665; 59 N. E.
Rep. 1131), 343. .
Texas & N. O. Co. v. Echols (87
Texas, 339; 27 S. "W. Rep.
00), 445.
Texas & Pac. Co. v. French (86
Texas 96; 23' S. W. Rep. 042),
153.
Texas & Pac. Co. v. Smith (61
Fed. Rep. 524), 232.
Texas & Pacific Coal Co. v. Man-
ning (Texas, 78 S. W. Rep.
545), 296 54.
Texas, etc. R. Co. v. Bryant (8
Tex. Civ. App. 134), 251.
Texas, Portland Cement & Lime
Co. V. Lee (Tex. Civ. App.,
1904; 82 S, W. Rep. 306), 273.
TABLE OF CASES.
697
Keferences are to Sections.
Thayer v. Smoky Hollow Coal
Co. (Iowa, 1903; 96 N. W. Rep.
718), 414-70-170.
Tremantle v. North Star Co. (57
Minn. 52), 512.
Thirdvein Coal Co. v. Dielie (110
111. App. 684), 26.
Thomas v. McGulnness (94 111.
App. 248), 524.
Thomas v. Quarter Maine (18
Q. B. Div. 697; 7 Law Notes P.
89), 251.
Thompson v. Clemens (96 Md.
196; 53 Atl. Rep. 919; 60 L. R.
A. 580), 22.
Thompson v. C. R. I. & Pac. Co.
(86 Mo. App. 144), 188.
Thompson v. M. K. & T. Co. (93
Mo. App. 548; 67 S. W. Rep.
693), 356, 520.
Thorburn v. Smith (10 Wash.
479; 39 Pac. Rep. 124), 527.
Thorp V. Mo. Pac. Co. (89 Mo.
650; 2 S. W. Rep. 3; 58 Amer.
Rep. 120), 251.
Tilley V. Hudson River Co. (29
N. Y. 252; 37 N. Y. 287), 14.
Tinkham v. Sawyer (153 Mass.
485), 512.
Tolhausen v. Davies (57 L. J-
Q. B. 392), 533.
Toomey v. Donovan (158 Mass.
234), 331.
Towle V. Stimson Mill Co.
(Wash., 1903; 74 Pac. Rep.
471), 126.
Townsend v. Laugles (41 Fed.
Rep. 919), 25-201.
Tradewater Coal Co. v. Head (66
S. W. Rep. 721), 179.
Tradewater Coal Co. v. Johnson
(Ky., 1903; 72 S. W. Rep. 274;
24 Ky. Law Rep. 1777), 136.
Tranghear v. Coal Co. (62 Iowa
576; 17 N. W. Rep. 775), 298-
184.
Trapasso v. Coleman (76 N. Y. S.
798; 74 App. DIv. 33), 131-179.
Trask v. California, etc. Co. (63
Cal. 96), 25.
Trewatha v. Buchanan Gold Min.
Co. (Cal. 28 Pac. Rep. 571),
315,419.
Trihay v. Brooklyn Mining Co.
(15 Mor. Min. Rep. 535), 40-
187-256.
Tublowish V. Lathrop (104 111.
App. 82), 287.
TuUis V. R. R. Co. (105 Fed.
Rep. 554; 44 C. C. A. 597),
279.
Turner v. Norfolk & West Co.
(40 W. Va. 675; 22 S. E. Rep.
83), 451.
Turner v. Tunnel Co. (1 Am.
Neg. Rep. 270), 373.
Turrentine v. Wellington (N. C,
1904; 48 S. E. Rep. 639), 88-
161-321.
Tutweiler Coal, Coke & Iron Co.
V, Bnslen (129 Ala. 336; 30 So.
Rep. 600), 283-519.
U.
Union Gold Min. Co. v. Crawford
(69 Pac. Rep. 600), 22-27-133-
307.
Union Pac. Co. v. Eades (37 Kan.
715; 16 Pac. Rep. 131), 256.
U. P. Co. V. Jones (21 Colo. 340;
40 Pac. Rep. 891), 18.
698
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Upthegrove v. Jones & Adams
Coal Co. (Wis., 1903; 96 N. W.
Rep. 385), 175-271-231.
Uren v. Golden Co. (24 Wash.
261; 64 Pac. Rep. 174), 302.
Usher v. West Jersey Co. (126
Pa. St. 206), 11.
"Utah Saving & Trust Co. v. Dia-
mond Coal & Coke Co. (26
"Utah 299; 73 Pac. Rep. 524),
96-335.
V.
Vallie V. .Hall (184 Mass. 358; 68
N. B. Rep. 829), 69.
"Van Den Hewel v. Furnace Co.
(84 Wis. 636; 54 N. W. Rep.
1016), 302.
Van Dusen v. Lepellier (78 Mich.
502; 44 N. W. Rep. 572), 36.
Vanesse v. Coal Co. (159 Pa. St.
403; 28 Atl. Rep. 200), 473-184-
501-257.
Vedder v. Fellows (20 N. Y. 126),
34-442.
Velas V. Patton Coal Co. (197 Pa.
St. 380; 47 Atl. Rep. 360), 303.
Victor Coal Co. v. Muir (20 Colo.
320), 254-255.
Vincennes v. White (24 N. E.
Rep. 747), 195-232.
Vinson v. Morning News Co.
(119 Ga. 655; 45 S. E. Rep.
481), 52-76-160.
Virginia Iron Coal & Coke Co. v.
Hamilton (65 S. W. Rep. 401),
118.
Vitto V. Farley (N. Y. 2 Amer.
Nag. Rep. 47), 216-361.
Vogeli V. Marble & Granite
Works (49 Mo. App. 354), 524.
Vose V. Lancanshire, etc. Co.
(1858; 2 Hurlst & N. 728; 27
L. J. Bxch. N. S. 249), 286.
Vosheiskey v. Hillside Coal &
Iron Co. (47 N. Y. Sup. 386; 21
App. Div. 168), 273.
W.
Wabash Co. v. McDaniels (107
U. S. 454; 27 L. Ed. 905), 146-
431.
Wabash Co. v. Propst (92 111.
App. 485), 189.
Wachsmuth v, Shaw, etc. Co.
. (118 Mich. 275; 76 N. W. Rep.
497), 471.
Wadsworth v. Bugg (71 Ark.
501; 76 S. W. Rep. 549), 163.
Waddell v. Simpson (112 Pa. St.
557; 4 Atl. Rep. 725), 286-319.
Wagner v. Jayne Co. (147 Pa.
475; 23 Atl. Rep. 772), 154.
Wahlquist v. Maple Grove Coal
& Min. Co. (Iowa, 1902; 89 N.
W. Rep. 98), 39-480-4.
Wajtylak v. Kansas & Texas
Coal Co. (Mo. Sup. Ct. March,
1905; 87 S. W. Rep. 506), 86-
341-91-213-147.
Walch V. Davis (32 S. W. Rep.
281; 2 Starr, etc. 111. Ann. St.
2 Ed. P. 1470, Sev. 21), 521.
Waldock V. Winfleld (70 Law. J.
K. B. 925; 35 Law. T. 202), 537.
Walker v. Atlantic, etc Co. (103
Ga. 820; 30 S. E. Rep. 503; 4
Amer. Neg. Rep. 26), 280.
Walkowski v. Penokee & G. Con.
Mines (115 Mich. 629; 41 L. A.
C. 33 ; 73 N. W. Rep. 895), 433, 146.
TABLE OF OASES.
699
References are to Sections.
Wallace v, Conners (38 Ga. 199;
95 Amer. Dec. 385), 279.
Wallace v. Standard Co. (66 Fed.
Rep. 260), 392,
Walters v. Puller Co. (77 N. Y.
S. 681; 74 App. Div. 388), 121.
Ward V. NaugMon (N. Y. Sup.,
1902; 77 N. Y. S. 344), 222.
Washington Mining, etc. Co. v.
Barnett (19 Ky. L. R. 958; 42
S. W. Rep. 1120), 262.
Waters v. Fuel Co. (52 Minn.
474; 55 N. W. Rep. 52), 537, 548.
Watkins v. Kaolin Mfg. Co. (13
Am. Neg. Rep. 197), 368.
Watson V. K. & T. Coal Co. (52
Mo. App. 366), 183-184-147-153.
Watts V. Hart (7 Wash. 178; 34
Pac. Rep. 423), 472.
Waxahachie Oil Co. v. McLain
(Tex. Civ. App., 1902; 66 S.
W. Rep. 226), 512-301.
Weaver v. Iselln (161 Pa. St.
386; 29 Atl. Rep. 49), 175, 303.
Webster v. Monongahela River
Con. Coal & Coke Co. (201 Pa.
278; 50 Atl. Rep. 964), 501-114.
Weeks v. Scharer (U. S. C. C.
A., Colo., 1904; 129 Fed. Rep.
333), 89-299.
Weiden v. Brush Electric Co. (43
Mich. 268; 41 N. W. Rep. 269),
472.
Welch V. Bath Iron Works (Me.
1903; 57 Atl. Rep. 88), 180.
Welch V. Butz (Pa., 1902; 51
Atl. Rep. 591; 202 Pa. 59),
467-514.
Welch V. Grace (Mass. 1 Am.
Neg. Rep. 614), 216-95-331.
Welch V. McAllister (15 Mo.
App. 492), 533.
Welsh V. Cornell (49 App. Div.
203; 63 N, Y. Supp. 44). 474.
Wellington v. Oil Co. (104 Mass.
64), 360.
Wellston Coal Co. v. Smith (65
Ohio St. 70; 61 N. E. Rep. 143;
55 L. R. A. 99), 258-184.
Wendall v. Chicago & Alton Co.
(100 Mo. App. 556; 75 S. W.
Rep. 689), 118.
Wendler v. Red. Wing Gas. etc.
Co. (Minn., 1304; 99 N. W.
Rep. 625), 364.
Wers V. Krause (N. J., 1904; 58
Atl. Rep. 181), 528.
Wertheimer v. Saunders (95
Wis. 573; 37 L. R. A. 146; 70
N. W. Rep. 824), 546-541.
Wesley C. C. Co. v. Healer (84
III. 128), 91-523-27-59-282-344.
Western Anthracite Coal Co. v.
Beaver (95 111. App. 95; 61 N.
E. Rep. 335), 254-353-342.
Western Coal Co. v. Berberich
(94 Fed. Rep. 329), 174-357.
Western Coal & Mining Co. v.
Ingraham (70 Fed. Rep. 219;
36 U. S. App. 1; 17 C. C. 71; 2
Amer. & Eng. Corp. Cas. N.
S. 689), 480.
Western Co. v. Moore >94 Ga.
457; 20 S. E. Rep. 940), 446.
Western Stone Co. v. Muscial
(196 111. 382; 63 N. B. Rep.
664), 122-77-32-153.
Weston V. Lackawana Mining
Co. (105 Mo. App. 702), 254-91.
Westland v. Gold Coin Min. Co.
(101 Fed. Rep. 59), 182-248-114.
West. Union Co. v, Woods (88 III.
App. 375), 12.
roo
TABLE OF CASES.
References are to Sections.
Westville Coal Co. v. Milka (75
111. App. 638), 214.
Westville Coal Co. v. Schwartz
(177 111. 272; 52 N. B. Rep.
276), 289-310.
Westville Coal Co. v. Wood (96
111. App. 616), 193.
Wetherbee v. Partridge (175
Mass, 185; 55 N. B. Rep. 894),
546.
Wetjen v. Southern White Lead
Co. (5 Mo. App. 598), 60-276.
Whaley V. Coleman (88 S. W.
Rep. 119), 212-322.
Whalen v. Alaska-Treadwell Gold
Min. Co. (168 U. S. 88), 184.
What Cheer Know Coal Co. v.
Johnson (56 Ted. Rep. 810), 301.
Wheatley v. Zenida Coal Co. (26
So. Rep. 124), 273-200.
Whitcomb v. Oil Co. (153 Ind.
513), 331.
Whitson V. Wrenn (N. C, 1903;
46 S. B. Rep. 17), 217-279.
Wickland v. Coal Co. (93 N. W.
Rep. 305), 30-27-425.
Wieder v. Bethlehem Steel Co.
(Pa., 1903; 54 Atl. Rep. 788;
205 Pa. 186), 22.
Wilber v. Fallansibee (97 Wis.
577; 72 N. W. Rep. 559), 546.
Wilbur V. White (93 Me. 191; 56
Atl. Rep. 657), 541.
Williams v. Belmont Coal &
Coke Co. (W. Va„ 1904; 46 S.
E. Rep. 803), 478-232-175.
Williams v. Bonnell (15 Mor.
Min. Kep. 14), 326.
Williams v. C. R. I. & P. Co. (106
Mo. App. 61; 79 S. W. Rep.
1167), 26-11.
Williams v. Churchill (137 Mass.
243), 197.
Williams v. Delaware, etc. Co.
(116 N. Y. 628), 191-151.
Williams v. East India Co. (3
Bast 192), 359.
Williams v. Fresno Canal & Irg,
Co. (96 Cal, 14; 31 Amer. St.
Rep, 172; 20 Wash. Law. Rep.
614; 30 Pac. Rep 961), 546.
Williams v. Hays (143 N. Y.
442), 15.
Williams v. Thacker Coal Co.
(44 W. Va. 599; 40 L. R. A.
12; 30 S. B. Rep. 107), 336-
303-504.
Williams v. Walton, etc. Co. (9
Houst. 322; 32 Atl. Rep. 726),
225-152.
Williams v. Wllkesbarre Coal
Co. (29 Leg. Int. 213; 15 Mor.
Min. Rep. 31), 326.
Williamson v. Marble Co. (Vt.
29 Atl. Rep. 669), 175.
Williamson & Sheldon v. Marble
Co. (66 Vt. 427), 512.
Willingdale v. Rockdale Oil, etc.
Co. (101 Ga. 718; 28 S. E. Rep.
30), 276.
Willis Coal & Min. Co. v. Griz-
zell (100 III. App. 480), 345-
330.
Wilson V. Alpine Coal Co. (Ky.
1904; 81 S, W. Rep. 278), 478-
38-244-184.
Wilson V. Cotton Mills (169
Mass. 67; 47 N. E. Rep. 506),
467.
Wilson V. Dunreath Q. Co. (77
Iowa 429), 294.
Wilson V. Powder Co. (40 W.
Va. 413), 359.
TABLE OF CASES.
701
References are to Sections.
Wilson V. Sioux Consolidated
Min. Co. (16 Utah 392; 52 Pac.
Rep. 626), 458.
Wilson V. Tremont Mills (159
Mass. 154), 232.
Winona Coal Co. v. Holmquist
(51 111. App. 507), 400.
Wisconsin v. Schlossler (82 N. W.
Rep. 439), 521.
Wiskie v. Montello Granite Co.
(10 Amer. Neg. Rep. 634), 216.
Witte V. Steifel (126 Mo. 295),
521.
Woerkner v. Brie Motor Car
(187 Pa. St. 206; 3 Am. Neg.
Rep. 601), 12.
Wood V. New Bedford Coal Co.
(121- Mass. 252), 292-304.
Woods V. Lloyd (Pa. 16 Atl. Rep.
43), 532.
Woodward Iron Co. v. Cook (124
Ala. 349; 27 So. Rep. 455),
316-12-509.
Woodward Iron Co. v. Herndon
(130 Ala. 364; So. Rep.. 370),
255.
Woodward Iron Co. v. Jones (80
Ala. 123), 273.
Wooley Coal Co. v. Bracken
(Ind. App., 1903; 66 N. E. Rep.
775), 37-326.
Womble v. Merchants, etc. Co.
(135 N. C. 474; 47 S. E. Rep.
493), 42.
Works V. Nuttall (119 Pa. St.
149; 13 Atl. Rep. 65), 25.
Wormington v. R. T. & A. Co.
(46 Mo. App. 159), 251.
Wright V. Compton (2 Mor. Min.
Rep. 189; 53 Ind. 337), 20-39.
Wright V. Southern Pac. Co. (14
Utah 383; 46 Pac. Rep. 374),
451.
Wright V. Terry (23 Fla. 160),
537.
Wright V. Wilcox (19 Wend.
343), 20.
Wrisley Co. v. Burke (203 111.
250; 67 N. E. Rep. 818), 238.
Wynne v. Conklin (86 Ga. 40;
12 S. E. Rep. 183), 32-467.
Yates V. Iron Co. (69 Md. 370;
16 Atl. Rep. 280), 132-191-290.
Yaw V. Whitmore (46 App. Div.
422; 21 N. Y. Sup. 731), 474.
Young V. Missouri Pacific Co.
(63 Mo. App. Lioc. Cit. 275), 84.
Zentz V. Chappel (Mo. App. 77
S'. W. Rep. 86), 398.
Ziebell v. Eclipse Co. (Wash.,
1903; 15 Am. Neg. Rep. 457),
21, 426.
Zinc Co. V. Bell (Kan. 68 Pac.
Rep. 609), 180.
Zink V. Furnace Co. (10 Mo.
App. 61; 82 Mo. 276), 21.
Zoebisch v. Tarbell (10 Allen
385), 531.