Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-10-27

signed by executive officers Of the
United Mine Workers 'in conformity
with the authority vested by the in
ternational convention" at Cleveland
on Sept. Is.
Power to Stop, Strike.
While President Lewis declined
while here to discuss this phase of
the question, 1t Is held that the men
who had the power to order the strike
likewise have the power to call it off.
Some labor officials said the execu-
tive board could act for the whole or
ganization and that Lewis and the 9TH
er executive officers could hold, up or
withdraw the strike order II they saw
fit to do so.
James Lord. president Of the mine
workers division Of the American
Federation Of Labor, declined to COM
ment on the strike situation.
1t was said last night there would
be no announcement Of the govern
ment's policy respecting operation Of
the mines until 1t was definitely known
whether the unions would insist on
the strike.
But there seemed to be no doubt,
that ample protection would be af-
forded miners who stuck to the job.
Inasmuch as there was no strike vote
by the men, the belief prevails in
some quarters that not all of the
thousands affected by the orders will
obey.
Up to Miners Now.
The next movement toward settle
ment Of tho strike. twas said, must
come from the miners, the operators
having accepted 'in its entirety"
President Wilson's proposal made to
the Joint conference Friday, that the
two sides start With q new slate. ne
gotiate their differences, resorting to
arbitration only when negotiations
failed. and yep the mines in opsFsS.
Expect strike ts BE Called OH.
Confidence prevails in official circles
that the union chiefs will call of the
strike ms soon as they realize what de-
fiance Of the government will involve
not only in criminal prosecutions but
in the inevitable disastrous defeat Of
the strikers. II conservative counsel
prevails in the union camp it Is not
doubted that the. strike will be called
OF and the presidents arbitration offer
accepted.
|. Government officials likewise are
confident that President Gompers OF
the American Federation Of Labor will
exert his influence to deter the miners
from striking Neither: Mr.. Gompers
nor Frank Morrison, secretary of the
federation, would discuss the situation
brought about by the Presidents pro-
nouncement, but 1t was learned that
Mr.. Gompers is to have conference
with his advisers on the matter to-
day and possibly q talk with the Sec
retary Of labor.
No A. F:tL. Endorsement.
The federation has not Endorsed the
miners strike and generally has been
upholding President Wilson in mis- ef-
forts to stave OF strikes pending the
postwar Industrial readjustment and
attempts to reduce the high cost OF
living. Influence exerted by Mr.. Com
pers was a factor in the decision Of tine
railway shopmen to call Off their
threatened strike few weeks ago.
II the miners persist In striking they
will wage. their battle against greater
odds than any union ever has Con-
fronted in industrial warfare. They
will ind afrayed against them. not only
the executive arm Of the government
with all ,its resources. but congress and
the sympathy OF the public. It is oplned
that none but foolhardy radicals would
risk their cause In such 9 conflict.
VI .srsefimsnt,s D. .B.E inE h m n RI