The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-10-30
Strike Will Start Friday at Mid
night, According to Latest An
nouncement From Indianap-
oils Conference.
OPER ATORS BLAMED
BY MINE WORKERS
Washington Is Moving Swiftly
to Protect People From Dis
tress-Fuel Administration to
Be Revived.

Indianapolis, Oct. "a canvass of
the entire situation showing that
strike Of bituminous coal miners could
not he avoided was the outstanding
feature of a statement issued this aft
ernoon by the conference of officials
Of the United Mine Workers of Ameri-
ca. The statement blamed operators
FOR the strike, saying operators refused
to negotiate a wage agreement not
outstanding the fact that mine work
ers representatives urged and be-
seeched them to do so. 1t said the
miners will be exercising their consti-
utional right in striking.
The statement also set forth that
union officials gave profound consid-
eration of the statement of President
Wilson as il appeared in newspapers
and added no communication on that
subject had been received from the
federal administration.
The conference was dissolved to-
night District presidents and MEM
bers of the scale committees left for
their homes to direct locals in the
strike which is 10 become effective at
midnight Friday.
Charges that miners were endeavor-
ing to force naturalization of mines
We're Indignantly denied.
Washington, Oct. 29.EConfronted
with the refusal of the miners organi-
zation to call off the strike of half
million soft coal miners November i,
the government moved swiftly today
to protect the people from great dis
tress.
First of many steps to deal with the
situation admittedly critical will prob
ably be these:
Whole police or other protection for
miners willing to remain at work.
Revival of fuel administration armed
with full war time powers to prevent
boarding and profiteering.
ALLEGATION and distribution of coal
to homes. railroads and the essential
Industries and efforts to bring the
strike 10 a speedy end through media
ton.
Washington, Oct. 29-The govern
ment viii establish illegality Of the
coal strike without in any way impair
ing the right to strike, as the general
right TO strike is not an issue in any
sense whatever in the present situa-
uon. Attorney General Palmer an
hounced tonight after a conference
with Secretary Wilson, Director Gem
eral Hines. Secretary Tumulty, Assist
ant Attorneys General Ames and Gar
j van.
The statement, which ii was said,
fuly represents the attitude of the
government. declared circumstances
surrounding the coal strike put it out
SIDE the pale of the law. He said the
s2yernment will act under provisions
U the Lever act for control of fuel
enacted as a war measure, but still in
'o'ce IS TO those miners who go on
strike and thereby curtail production.
me food and fuel law with its re-
sANy added criminal penalties of
-aes and Imprisonment will be enforc-
without regard TO persons.
,LFery resource of the government,
.a-ner said. will be used to prevent
.-.onal disaster which is certain to
~'.ow stoppage of work.
-Ade4aate police protection with
s'ops as last resort if necessary will
sven those men desiring to remain
work. Reports from government
.'s shows a large number want to
lain at work. The rights of the
will be protected through revi-
price control legislation. This
,,.1 early drop in the price of soft
ana gives assurance against prof
60 Palmer said production of
~. H's year had been below normal.
h the government plans were
sc97tinued ON page three)