Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1913-09-25
DEPENDS ON The COUNTIES
SAYS THE OFFICERS THERE
MUST PRESERVE ORDER AT
ALL COSTS
STATE TO TAKE A HAND
IF PEACE OFFICERS ARE UNsUc-
cEssFUL, MILITIA MAY BE
CALLED UPON

Denver Colo, Sept 25.-Lawless-
ness in any of the coal mining dis
tricts affected by the strike will not
be countenanced and if the county
peace officers are unable to handle the
situation the state will step in, main
tain order, and punish persons respon-
sible for disorders.
This was the program made public
today in a signed statement issued
iby Governor E. NJ. Ammons
The governor explained that the
reason for making a formal state
ment was the misleading reports of
his attitude that have gained circula-
tion in many Of the mining camps.
Referring to his efforts to prevent the
strike and later to arrange settle
ment, he says that while these en-
deavors have been unsuccessful, II
shall insist that lawlessness be pun
ished no matter by whom committed. "
The governors statement in full
follows: (
owing to misleading statements
circulated in the strike districts,
deem it advisable to say there will
he every .co-operation between the
state and local authorities to enforce
order
'I have consulted and have com
plete understanding with the local au-
thorities of all the affected districts
and we have reached the following
understanding:
4That all peace officers will arrest
and punish every person not authoriz-
ed by law who is found carrying con.
cealed weapons. The courts will i'm
mediately investigate, by grand jury
III need be. every act Of violence and
offenders will be prosecuted promptly
and punished, no matter who they
may be. All parties are warned
against incendiary speeches calculated
to incite riot, bloodshed or destruction
of property. and offenders will be
held strictly to account. Wherever
saloons are used as rendezvous for
disturbers their licenses will be re
voked. Both sides to this controver-
sy are expected to assist in bringing
to judgment any person who violates
the law.
II expect the counties to control the
situation. Whenever they shall be
unable to do so, the state will inter
vene and take any steps that may ap-
pear to be necessary to protect life
and property, prevent intimidation
and abuse of all kinds and restore and
enforce order and law. I have been
unable to effect a settlement between
the contending parties. but shall in
sist that lawlessness be punished, no
matter by whom committed"
Statements issued at union and op-
orators headquarters today express
ed qualification with the situation the
miners officials still claiming s5 per
cent Of the men are on strike in Las
Animas and Huerfano counties. and
the operators being equally positive
in their assertions that more men are
at work today than yesterday.
Reports from northern and western
Colorado showed conditions in those
districts practically unchanged.
The governors announcement Of the
states determination to maintain or
der and prevent lawlessness was we'll
received at the headquarters Of the
contending forces. Apparently it tend
ed to create a feeling Of greater secur-
ity among the residents Of the mining
camps whether the individuals were
numbered among the strikers or those
who refused to lay down their tools.
Ethelbert Stewart. federal mediator
appointed by the department Of labor.
is still in Denver. He said this after