Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1917-08-14
NORTHWEST STATES
GOVERNORS MEET
ORGANIZATION OF HOME GUARDS
DISCUSSED BY CONFERENCE
AT PORTLAND.
COMBAT IDLE MEN MENACE
Had If Necessary-WorId Looks
to West for Foods and We
Must Produce.

Portland, Ore.-The governors OF
six western states met here Saturday
with Colonel Charles E. Dentler, u.
S. A., who commands all troops in
Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana,
Wyoming and Utah, and discussed
measures for meeting situations which
might arise from any disturbances; to
propose steps by which the states
might get home guards, or home con-
stabularies to replace the organized
militia which are now in the federal
service and to talk over steps to be
taken in the event of trouble over the
war draft
The conference took place behind
closed doors. The governors declined
to make public its details, except in
general way. They did, however,
agree to cooperate in suppressing any
activities wherever they may occur in
their respective territories. Preventa-
tive measures we're agreed on as the
most effective and Colonel Dentler
/
provided where actually needed. For
disturbances which might, however,
not warrant federal troops, state con-
stabularies were discussed as probably
the desirable step. Special sessions
of the legislatures, to act in this con-
nection were likely to be necessary,
the governors pointed out.
The governors attending the confer
ence we're: Ernest Lister, Washington,
who presided as president of the west
ern conference of governors; James
Withycombe of Oregon; Sam V. Stew
art, Montana; Emmett D. Boyle, New
ada; Moses Alexander, Idaho, and ST.
mon Bamberger, Utah. Governor Boyle
was accompanied by George B. Thatch-
er, attorney general of Nevada.
Keep Going During War
In deciding to deal vigorously with
agitators, the governors made clear
distinction between them and what
they described as legitimate labor or
CARNATIONS.
"We feel that during the war period
every effort possible ought to be put
forth to keep our industrial plants in
continuous operation" said Governor
Lister. "To do this, employers and
employees ought to be ready to talk
over their differences. The general
public, too, is vitality interested in the
achievement of spirit of Cancellation
between working men and employers,
We want the public to feel that theirs
is partly the responsibility"
Need Determined Action,
Governor Stewart, coming fresh from
the troubles at Butte, offered sugges-
tons that we're taken up by the gov
ernors. "Direct action is necessary in
putting down labor invasions," he said
at is fatal to let these opponents oil
destruction get a foothold. Experience
has taught us that determined action
rather than procrastination is what is
effective"
The step of Governor Withycombe
of Oregon in appointing a week ago, a
state board of conciliation and media
ton to adjust labor troubles before
they reach the breaking point, was moi
Endorsed entirely by the governors, but
the principle was Endorsed generally.
1t was also made plain that the west
ern states will not adopt a policy Of
arbitration or Cancellation with the
agitators.
Stimulate Food Production.
Because the "whole world is looking
toward the west to produce much o.
the food needed during the war;" tht
governors took up the food production
situation, and will advocate large
acreages next season. The effect will
be felt next year, as the crops haC
been planted in April when war wa:
declared.
Rate Advance Not Wanted.
WashingtonE-In accordance will
the new law increasing the member
ship of the interstate commerce com
mission from seven to nine, the com
mission has notified all railroads tina
applications for increasing rates o
fares without prior approval of tn,
, commission must be discontinued unit
January 1, 1920.
At Roseville, Cal, Aug. II, Wesli
L. Perry shot and killed Edwin L
Greenhigh, his brother-in-law, and af
ter shooting his own wife through tn
> hand and missing Mrs. Greenhigh witt
another bullet, shot and killed himself
Police said the shooting was the resul
of domestic trouble.
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