At the same time, however, Congressman Case had been making an on-the-scene investigation of work in the Hall and in July reported to commission secretary Arundel that: Men were required to work with dry drills in a small space, where fine dust was so thick … that it was impossible for one man to see another a few feet away. This practice is not permitted in mining operations and those who spoke to me about it were sure the men were in danger of contracting silicosis and that future damage claims against the government would result.
