Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-10-26
Firm Stand Taken by
President No Sur
prise to Official
Circles.
STRIKE HELD TOBE
ATTACK ON PEOPLE
Congress Sentiment Bound
to Be Strongly in Support
of Administration
Attitude.
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

M n. U. MESSENGER.
President Wilson's proclamation to
the bituminous coal miners and
operators was no surprise to official
Washington in the confidence of the
administration. who were aware of
| the spirit obtaining in the highest
administration circles for the past
few weeks. The logic and firmness Of
his announcement were everywhere
approved. and it was freely predicted
that 1t will turn out to be one Of the
most popular acts Of his career.
Immense Importance was attached to
his declaration that strikes of the
character Of the one now threatened
will be regarded as overt acts against
the government Of the United States
and will be dealt with in accordance.
This was construed to be a warning
against other Industrial actions which
the public has reason to apprebend.
For Strenuous Measures.
Earlier in the day the opinion had
been expressed on the floor Of the Sem
ate that the government should use
every means in its power to avert
the strike and to see that the produc-
ton and distribution Of fuel con-
tinue without abatement
It was believed by public men that
the action OF the President will be
sustained by an overwhelming senti-
ment in Congress and that tho lesis-
lative branch of the government will
hasten to support this arm 81 the
President in any move he may make
to carry out the spirit Of his procla-
nation to the miners.
The Presidents words substantiated
information that had been possessed
by men in the confidence Of the ad-
ministration that just such course
would be followed by him in the last
emergency Of the coal strike.
President Wilson put into words the
determination that had previously
been reached by the cabinet in con-
sidering the possible outcome Of the
strike negotiations for several weeks
past. The President pointed out that
the government would not counte-
| nance the breaking Of contracts by
either party to the coal controversy.
Seen as Attack on People.
The President also made it clear
that a strike of the peculiar nature
Of the one now ordered and Of such
magnitude would be regarded by the
administration as an attack upon the
people Of the United States and upon
| the government itself.
| the miners was regarded in congress
sional and official circles as one of the
most momentous acts of his admins
tration, and the prediction was freely
made that it will touch a responsive
chord in the public at large and meet
| with immediate favorable response by
the great mass of the people:
| Some public men thought that the
logic of the Presidents arguments
might appeal to large numbers of the
miners themselves, who, as he stated,
have not been consulted by their. lead
ers on the strike. and induce them to
| remain at their posts. For those to
| whom the Presidents words might
! not appeal, it was pointed out that
| he stated in no uncertain terms that
the government will not permit this
great outrage to be perpetrated upon
the people of the nation.
| At first blush no one ventured to
express an opinion as to the means
] to be adopted to prevent tying I'D
the fuel production. The main inter-
est conferred last night in the spirit
and tone Of the Presidents procla-
nation, and in this new phase in
| American affairs where the execu-
tive has denounced an industrial
movement OF this character as an
attack upon government itself.
Somewhat Similar Situation.
l. The nearest approach to such a sit
uation was found in the action of
President Cleveland in sending fed
eral troops to settle the great Chf.-
cago railway strike. Public opinion
sustained President Cleveland In his
course, and, as is well known. the
strike was soon ended.
In discussing the possible means
Of preventing the cessation Of produce
ton Of fuel public men noted the fact
that the war powers conferred upon
the President by the Congress are in
full force and effect. He has COM
plete authority Of law to take any
measures deemed necessary to pro-
tect the nation against such a ca
lamity as is threatened.
Moreover. he has at his command
trained and disciplined body of
troops which he can use to enforce
public order. 1t was declared that it
would be entirely lawful for the
President to take over the coal mines
and operate them under guard of
federal troops II he sees At.
The hope was generally expressed
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