The Washington times., 1913-05-28
SENATORS MAP OUT
/, COAL FIELD PROBE
Investigation Plans Discussed
Informally, But Action Is to
|, Be Taken Soon.

Plans for the investigation into the
conditions in the Paint Creek district
of West Virginia under the Kern reso-
luton were under discussion informally
in Senate circles today.
The Committee on Education and La
Dor will meet this afternoon TO take up
the matter.
The subcommittee probably will con-
sist Of Senators Swanson. Shields, Mar
tine. Borah. and Kenyon. Another plan
which is being supported in some quar-
ters Is for committee OF three, con-
sisting of Senators Swanson, Shields,
and Borah. Senator Kern is anxious for
the larger committee, and so are other
Senator's who are pushing for thorough
investigation. Whether Senator Swan
son or Senator Borah will be chairman
IL not settled, but indications this after
noon are that Senator Swanson will be
chosen.
Plan of Inquiry. .
Strong efforts will be made to keep
uppermost or at least clearly distinct,
the question to what extent the con-
stitutional rights of citizens or resi-
dents Of West Virginia have been fn-
vaded by the action Of the military
tribunal created by the governor. In
the opinion of many Senate lawyers
this is the great feature of the inves-
tigation.
In pursuance Of this plan. it is stated
this afternoon that considerable pce-
diminary evidence will probably be
taken here before the subcommittee 'is
started for West Virginia. Governor
HATFIELD, his adjutant general and
other state OFFICIALS may be asked TO
testify here in order to get all the facts
Of record as to the creation Of the nIil-
itary tribunal and what it has done.
n ether words. the undispute,l. official
fnOtD as 10 the military tribunal its
sending of men to prason and the like
: are wanted as a foundation from which
TO proceed with the inquiry.
Usurpation Is Issue.
The question Of usurpation OF con-
stitutional powers by a military tri-
bunal. AZ viewed by many Senators,
u q distinct question from the allega-
ttens Of brutalities by guards. and like
abuses.
While some preliminary evidence may
be taken here. IL is the purpose of
Senator Kern and other Senators
having the subcommittee get into the
Paint Creek field.
Miners and their friends in West Vir-
ginia and outside the State believe the
revelations of abuses to which the
miners have been subjected will have q
whoiescme effect throughout the coun-
The resolution is sweeping in scope
and 10 as follows:
Resolved. That the Senate Committee
on Education and Labor is hereby au-
thorized and directed to make a
thorough and complete investigation of
the conditions existing in the Paint
Creek coal fields of West Virginia for
the purpose OF ascertaining-
First. Whether or not any system of
peonage has been or is maintained in
said coal fields.
Second. Whether or not postal sery-
ices and facilities have been or are in
terfered with or obstructed In said coal
fields; and IL so. by whom.
Third whether or not the immigra-
ton laws OF this country have been or
are being violated in said coal fields:
and II 30. by whom; and whether or not
there have been Determinations against
the immigration laws at ports of entry.
Fourth. Investigate and report ali
fecte and circumstances relating TO
the charge that citizens of the United
States have been arrested. tried and
convicted contrary to or in violation
OF the Constitution or the laws Of the
United States.
Fifth. Investigate and report to what
extent the conditions existing in said
coal fields in West Virginia have been
caused by agreements and combinations
entered into contrary to the laws of lie
United States for the purpose of con-