Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1919-11-04
First Desertions Start | 5
Collieries in Operation
in w. Va.
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
REACHED IN COLORADO
Governor of Wyoming
Holds Conference to
Reopen Pits.

Washington, Nov. 3.-Offi-
cial Washington was firm in the
belief tonight that the end of the
coal strike was near.
There was nothing definite or
tangible in the way of actual
developments to Justify this
hopeful view Of the situation,
but everywhere the feeling pre-
vailed that influences were be-
ing brought to bear to have the
strikers, numbering more than
100000, return to work.
Confidential reports to the de-
partment of justice from it's
agents in the coal fields, were
said to show many defections
from the ranks Of the strikers.
Some of the reports said that
large numbers of idle strikers
had declared they wanted to re-
turn to work, but were afraid.
Need Guards Only.
In this connection, officials re-
iterated that adequate protec-
ton would be given. There was
no specific statement as to how
this would be provided, but it
was explained that troops would
be available at the call of anv
governor who believed it neces-
sary to preserve order Or pro-
tect workers.
Go into Nom Union Mines
Scattered report from the fields.
reaching into Is states. showed the first
breaks in the ranks of organized labor
in West Virginia and Colorado Advice~
to Washington headquarters of the OPP,
orators said that all non-uuion lnnes
were working. to full capacity and turn
ing out considerably more coal than on
Saturday, Some of the operators re-
ports said that union men had gone to
work IL non- union mines and that thers
was growing sentiment that the men
themselves should have the right TO vote
on the strike before it was ordered.
May End This Week.
This information TO a large extent.
was in line that received by the governs
ment, especially as 10 detection OFF,
eials said the strikers realized public sem
tihment was against them and some la.
Dor leaders also were taking this view.
Attorney General Palmer handling tho
main end of the governments case. went
to PENNSYLVANIA, tonight feeling. it was
said that the crisis might be over be-
fnr Nat ~.
porary injunction restraining officials "a
the miners organization from activity.
was made returnahle.
No Disorder.
The fact that no disorder was re.
ported anywhere by the department of
justice agents was taken as good sign
that conditions were hopeful and that
the miners realized it was a time fos
sober judgment and action
While it had been the government's
first reported intention to let the strike
wear itself out, hope of settling it put
all agencies at work and some steps were
taken, but their nature were not dis.
closed.
Continued pressure is being brough,
on officials of the United Mine Worker4
of America to cali off the strike Of
bituminous coal miners, Definite as.
surance has been given union officials
that President Wilson and Attorney
General Palmer stand ready to attempt
an adjustment of the controversy that
led to the walkeut as soon as the strike
order has been reseinded,
Palmer offers inquiry.
This assurance was renewed today b
Mr.. Palmer In a telegram to local
union in Glencoe. Ohio.
AT the same time it became knows
that Samuel Gompers, president Of thu
American Federation of Labor, had in.
formed John l.. Lewis. president of the
miners union of the governments atti,
tnde and that Warren s. Stone, grand
chief of the Brotherhood Of Locomotive
tcentinusd ON rags Two.,