The Tomahawk., 1919-11-27
STATE WORKS MINES
TO PROTECT PEOPLE.
After Negotiations Fail North Da-
k0ta Takes Full Control.
ALL INTERESTS GUARDED
Inability to Store Ignite Coal Makes
Continuous Operation Necessary
Martial Law Declared to Prevent
Any Interruptions.

Bismarck, N. D.-North Dakota,
which was the only state in the
Union in which soft coal miners
we're at work during the recent
strike, now is operating mines un-
der state control, because of the
failure of workers and operators
to reach an agreement.
When the soft coal strike threat
>ened, North Dakota was in diff
cult position. North Dakota pro-
duces only Ignite coal, which
sIacks SO readily that it is not
practical to store it for any length
Of time. Consequently there was
little coal in storage.
After other means Of preventing
mine tie-up had failed, the gover-
nor issued an order taking over
the mines. At the same time he
declared martial law to prevent
any attempts of operators or men
from interfering with state author.
ity.
Miners will work as state en-
ployes at wages to be adjusted
later, and mine operators will re-
eeive a royalty payment for each
ton the state mines.
North Dakota was included with
other states in the original strike or.
der of November 1. Governor Frazier,
however, was insistent that the people
of North Dakota must not be deprived
of fuel He reminded the workers
that the people of North Dakota had,
through their legislature, enacted the
most modern coal mining code in the
United States for the protection of the
workers, and that the farmers had
proved their friendship for the miners
by granting every legitimate request
Of organized labor as to compensation
acts, eight-hour day, anti-injunction
laws and the like.
AS the result Of the strong showing
made by the governor, the strike order
calling out soft coal miners throughout
the United States was suspended, so
far as North Dakota was concerned,
pending further negotiations with op-
orators, and the Ignite mines contin-
ued operating November 1, when soft
coal mines in every other state were
idle.
Calls Conference.
Immediately after the suspension
order was issued, Governor Frazier
took steps looking toward reaching a
new wage agreement between miners
and operators. President Drennen of
the mine workers, officials of the lead
ing local unions and the mine opera
tors were called into conference. The
workers submitted their wage de-
mands, which were similar to those
made by the union in other states, but
no attempt was made to secure a five
day week or a six-hour working day.
The representatives of the workers
at first declined to meet with the oper-
ators, standing on their demands, sub
mitted in written form. In the inter-
ests of attempted conciliation, how
ever, Governor Frazier finally brought
about meeting, assuring both sides
that he woud see fair play.
The mine workers put a time limit
on their offer to continue work. They
charged that the operators, by adopt
ing dilatory tactics, were attempting
to "play horse" with them and to con-
tinue indefinitely the temporary ar
rangement by which the miners were
working under the old wage scale, so
as to keep the mines open.
Finally the leading mine operators,
Minnesota firm, succeeded in gettir 3
majority Of the perators to vote
by the miners. This broke up the con-
ference. The order suspending the
strike in North Dakota was vacated
and miners stopped work, entering
upon the strike that had become effec
tive throughout the rest of the United
States week earlier.
Martial Law Declared.
Because of the failure of lie work.
ers and operators to reach agreemen
North Dakota, with no reserve stocks
of coal on hand, and with a blizzaI,
sweeping the state, was threatened
with the most serious situation. Gov
ernor Frazier, however, had no hesita
tion in handling matters. He announced
Immediately that the state of North
Dakota would take over the coal mines
and operate them. Regardless of the
differences between the workers and
their employers, the governor declared,
the people must have coal.
Governor Frazier accordingly de-
clared martial law on November IL.
instructing the adjutant general to take
over the coal mines and protect them,
calling upon the militia of the state to
carry out the order.
Pending final settlement, miners
will be paid the wages that were in
effect at the time Of the strike Mine
owners will be compensated by being
paid q royalty ranging from Is to Is
cents Per ton of coal mined.
There is no evidence of any disposi-
ton on the part Of the coal miners to
resist the authority Of the state. The
state of North Dakota has in the past,
under the Ncnpartisan league admins