Dynamite Explosions in U.S.A.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 20, 21 July 1911, Page 18

Dynamite Explosions in U.S.A.

THE NATURE OF DYNAMITE.

The kidnapping of tlie "MeNavnaras and their coming trial for the alleged dynamiting of the "Times" building in Los Angeles is causing a groat many people to investigate tho nature of dynamite who knew nothing about it before. It is a fact well known among fire exijorts that dynamite, instead of causing a conflagration will extinguish it (says "Appeal to ."Reason"). There aro certain gases generated when dynamite is exploded that is incompatible with fire. In the great fire at Bangor, Me., recently when water would not extinguish the flame dynamite was used instead. One of "the star witnesses for the defence at Los Angeles will be Dr. J. A. Holmes, director of the United States Bureau of Mines, who will testify to tho following :— s, First: The dynamite asserted to have been used in the "Tinier" explosion is made by the Giant Powder Company in Berkeley. This brand has been tested, and will not set fire to gas. Second: This dynamite will not set fire ro inks or oils. Third: An explosion of dynamite would not be followed by a sheet of flame. It would extinguish flame. _ A mining expert who lives in Kansas City has written to the "Appeal" stating' that ho was in Los Angeles shortly after the explosion, and visited tho building. He examined the cementfloor, and found that it contained not a single dent. It is a well known fact to those who have used dynamite that its expansive force is exerted equally in all directions. It presses downwards as well as upwards and outwards- and an explosion of dynamite would have left its mark in a cement floor.