Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-04
STRAIN Of STRIKE
BREAKS GOVERNOR
Colorado Executive CoIIapses
While Preparing Message
to Legislature.
FEDERAL TROOPS GIVE
A SENSE OF SECURITY
District Attorney Refuses to Call on
Soldiers to Raid Strikers
Camp.

strain over events of the last two weeks
in the strike zone. Gov. f. NJ. Ammons
has been unable to prepare his message
for the special session of the legislature
which convened today to consider legis-
lation in connection with the strike. Last
night while working upon the message
Gov. Ammons broke down and was forced
to his bed
In consequence. It was announced early
today. the governor would ask both
branches of the legislature to meet in
joint session and he then was to ask
them to enact a measure permitting the
issuance of bonds to pay the expenses
incurred by the state. in maintaining the
militia in the strike zone, a sum which
now has reached more than s1.O00,0o0
The legislators were to be asked to en-
act a law prescribing arbitration and
means of enforcing the dictum of the ar
biters in future cases of labor strife.
The appointment Of a permanent state
constabulary to be used in event of peace
disturbances Of magnitude, and the pro-
hibition of the sale of munitions OF wal
and liquor in infected regions, also was
part of the legislative program.
Among the legislators today there was
an undercurrent which threatened to
break into storm over the conduct of
neuvering for action against certain indl-
viduals. Party leaders were divided. but
the forces usually in harmony with Lieut..
Gov Fitzgerald, democrat, Joined
those supporting the governor to combat
any criticism of the administration. 1t
was also said that republican leaders
were inclined to uphold the conduct OF
the administration. Progressives and the
woman members of the house and SEN
ate were expected to combat the legis-
t1,n I'd, ivic 70
The selection of ]. H. Slattery as the
democratic caucus candidate for speaker
by vote of % to IL was regarded as a
victory for the supporters OF Gov Am
mons. This assured Slattery's election
as speaker. The administration support
ers appeared to favor the payment OF
the militia. but opponents declared that
If such legislation were attempted an at
tempt would be made to bring about the
governors impeachment.
Confidence in U. S. Troops.
Heavy patrols Of federal troops scat
tered throughout the strike zones gave
state officials sense of security to-
day which they had not felt since the
inception of the Industrial strike. With
the coming Of troops and their estab-
lishment at various ceners of disorders
practically all of the Colorado National
Guardsmen were withdrawn, and po-
lice officers gave over the task Of pre-
serving order to the federal soldiers.
In every portion Of the state peace and
quiet prevail
The matter of disarmament has not
been undertaken yet, and probably
will not be until the arrival late today
Of Col. James Lockett with the 18th
Regiment, United States Cavalry. Off
Gals of the Colorado Fuel and Iron
Company in discussing the question of
disarmament of mine guards declared
that just as soon as the commander OF
the federal troops is ready to disarm
the men and afford protection at the
mines the guards in their employ Will
turn over their arms.
No intimation had been received.
however, as to the manner in which
the strikers would observe the procla-
nation of disarmament
Would Punish Both Sides.
TRINIDAD, Col. May 4-District At
torney ]. J. Hendricks said today that he
had refused a request Of representatives
of the southern Colorado coal mine own
ers to call on Maj. w. A. Holbrook. COM
manding the federal forces in Colorado
and request him to arrest every man In
San Rafael tent colony Of the strikers
on charge Of murder. growing out Of the
Forbes battle.
This office will remain absolutely neu-
trail in the matter of prosecutions, he
said. Il did not ask Maj Holbrook to
use the military forces of the govern
ment in making arrests, because I do not
believe in mlitarism. If any one has a
complaint to make and can bring proof
to substantiate it. I will make the ar
rests myself.
However, there is going to be a square
deal in this affair. If the operators wish
the strikers prosecuted on murder charges
in connection with the battle of Forbes. l
,icf IStff ~
militiamen and mine guards who took
part ir the battle of Ludlow. with a
view to prosecuting them on charges of
murder or arson.