The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1902-10-03
NO OFFICIAL AUTHORITY
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT CANNOT
INTERFERE IN COAL STRIKE.

stitution of the United States-The
Strike Situation Discussed at the
White House by the President,
Cabinet Officials and Others With
out Result.
Washington. d. c., Oct. 1.-The
coal strike and the situation resulting
from it was the subject of a conference
held at the temporary white house
today, which the president, At
torney General Knox, Secretary
Moody, Postmaster General Payne
and Governor Crane of Mas
sachusetts participated. Every one
connected with the conference is very
reticent, but it is learned that the presi-
dent is much concerned over the situa-
ton, the neal approach of winter and
the great scarcity of fuel. Just what
action will be taken is not known.
The impression prevails that the rea-
son for the hurried visit of Secretary
Root to New York was for the purpose
of discussing with the leading BUSINESS
men of that city the situation with a
view of ending the strike.
The conferees met again at 2 and
were in session in the residents room.
DR.. Lung called shortly after the sec
ond conference again, but did not see
the president. The latter enjoyed a
good nights rest, and his condition is
pronounced as satisfactory.
The second conference lasted less
than an hour. The coal situation was
further discussed, but the participants
refused to make any statement when
they came from the presidents room.
Has any line of action been taken
that the administration confidently Y
poets will settle the striker" Postmas-
ter General Payne was asked.
"To say so now would be prema-
ture," he replied.
The principal subject under discus
sion and consideration at both confer
ences was the power of the president
TO interfere in any way with the coal
strike, and the result of the conference
thus far is, no matter how much in
terested the administration may be in
the ending of the strike, it does not
seem to have any power to act in the
premises. Legal advisers of the presl'
dent told him they could find no war
rant in the Constitution for federal in.
reference. There had been no inter
ference with mails or deputy marshal
or other federal authorities. The only
way, it was pointed out, by which there
could be federal interference would be-
at the request of Governor Stone o,
Pennsylvania, and it is now stated he
is not likely to ask for federal troops
because he had not yet called out the
entire militia force in his state. The
matter of federal interference by ap
pointment of receivers for the Goa
companies was also discussed, but thu
president was informed there was moth
ing in the Constitution or any law t
warrant such action.
The president is deeply concerned Over
the situation. The approach of winter
with a coal famine imminent, and thu
restitution and suffering that must en-
sue unless coal becomes available, pre-
sents a situation he thinks should re
ceive the attention of the administra
ton if there is anything that can b.
done by the government. Many appeals
have been made to him and many sug
gestions received by him, and it wa
with a view to ascertaining what pow
err the federal authority could evok'
that caused a conference to be held
During the conference every phase O
the situation was discussed. The gen
eral opinion OF advisors of the presi
dent was that the situation did no
present a case in which there could b
federal interference by any warrant 0
law. During the day advices were re
ceived that the strike night be settle
by the operators and miners them
selves, and it was suggested that hast,
action by the federal government nigh
r-,npop+ +hn ot1poioatinn IN n1on
for a strike settlement, if any such wer
, maturing. While recognizing the fulfil
. ity of efforts to end the strike that coul
accomplish nothing it was stated tina
, the president was anxious the end O
! the strike should be brought about a
the earliest possible moment, ant
=, therefore. if the attorney general or an
other member of the cabinet could dc
wise a method by which the presiden
, could proceed he would not hesitate t
! adopt it, unless meanwhile assurance
OF a settlement were received.
The conference will be resumed to
morrow, at which Secrtary Root, VIII
. spent today in New York, will be pres
ent. 1t is understood the visit of Roc
= to New York was for the purpose
consulting prominent business men o
the subject. 1t has been intimated tina
the president may send for the mar
ayers of the coal properties, but thi
: will not be done until after the confer
ence tomorrow. No official statemer
|. was made regarding the conference tC
7 DAY, though IN intimation was give
that some statement might follow tn
; conference tomorrow. AS heretofor
| stated, the main fact made apparent Il
day was that the president will max
7, every effort he can exert properly an
4 lawfully to stop the strike and ave-