The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-11-05
The United States Government
VIII Use It's Power to Pro-
tect the Public
THE COURTS AND ARMY
8 WILL BE RELIED UPON
Strikers and Prohteers VIII
Both Be Regulated By Gov
ernment

SIllttiSut
Washington, Oct 30.-The govern
ment put on its fighting clothes to-
day to meet the coal strike due to
start Saturday.
While order after order popped out
with startling warlike swiftness, the
long arm Of the law reached out to
protect the public and those miners
willing to remain at work in the face
OF union commands to quit.
Most drastic of all moves during
the day was the order of the railroad
ADMINISTRATION for seizure Of coal in
transit for roads requiring it, with
tial industries.
So far as the government is able
TO prevent there Will be no profiteer-
ing while the grim specter Of winter
with coal bins dangerously low or
bare, looms big and close at hand.
Almost the first step today was draft
ing Of an order fixing maximum
price for all grades Of coal. Reestab-
lishment OF the priorities list will
nut coal where it is most needed ana
if it comes to that, the government
will curtan consumption.
Breaking down the barriers which
had kept members of the cabinet
away from his sick room. President
Wilson took hand in the fight to-
day and personally approved every
detail in the general plan Of dealing
with conditions likely to arise with
the walk. out of the soft coal miners.
For twenty minutes the president
propped up in bed, went over with At
torney General Palmer the various
steps, heard what orders had been is
sued and was put in intimate touch
with all arrangements. The presl-
dent 1t was said, was especially graf
fled to learn Of protective measures
both for the homes and the mines
The coal strike took precedence
over the peace treaty in the senate
which for four hours debated and
then adopted "a resolution pledging
its support to the government in
maintaining oraer during the present
industrial emergency. Efforts to have
the house take similar action failed
because Of opposition by Republican
leaders
SIN and out of congress, however.
sentiment seemed to turn through one
groove and there were expressions OF
general approval Of the governments
determination to keep the mines III
full operation.
While the only statement given out
after the special meeting Of the cab
met dealt with issuance Of an order
coal price. the members were under
stood to have considered means Of
protecting miners who will not strike.
Reports received from confidential
sources during the past few days, Of
f;cials said. indicate that a consider
able number would cooperate on
tnrning out coal if afforded protec-
ton and this officials added, would
be given in abundant measure.
State and city police and regulation
censtabulary forces will be pressed
into service first, and troops will be
called only as last resort, according
to those familiar with the program
Secretary Daniels announced today
that sailors and marines will be
shifted to land duty and attached to
military organizations if their services
are demanded by the president. There
has been no statement, however, as
TO the policy or determination Of using
troops. Much will depend on what
happens after the mines shut down
tomorrow night.
~
Of averting the Strike. but eager to
have miners and operators mediate.
government officials felt that a rasp-
ing note has been sounded by John
L. Lewis, president Of the United
Mine Workers Of America, in a tele-
gram to Secretary of Labor Wilson.
attacking President Wilson for his
part in trying to bring peace to the
industry. The: mine workers presi-
dent was replying TO a telegram semi
by Secretary Wilson which the .secre-
1ary refused to make public.
. With the fixing Of maximum prices
both for bitun1inouS and anthracite
coal, and esta blishment Of the priori-
ties list, Fuel Administrator Garfield
again will take command Of the Situa-
ton under his old war time power.
Much of this work would be carried
on through the bureau Of mines Of
the interior department and the rail
road administration. Director Hines
and DR.. Garfield attended the cabinet
meeting and the mode of procedure
adopted was said to follow their sug-
gestions.
Coal will be allocated and distrib-
uted in accordance with the plan fol-
lowed two years ago during the Sc
we're weather when the supply was
short. # the strike is prolonged
and the output meanwhile limited. the
less essential industries will be
forced to curtail. There is a growing
belief, in official circles, however.
that much coal will come out OF the
pcn-union mines and from union
mines, working, perhaIs, with small
sllifts. Whatever is mined will be
moved speedily the railroad admin
istration assured the public.
ffor cbcclsinp over bureau reports