The Topeka state journal., 1919-11-28
COAL STRIKE CHALLENGE
Kansas VIII Accept Challenge and
Protect Citizens, Gov. Allen Says.

The coal strike is a challenge to the
government and Kansas will accept
the challenge, Governor Allen declared
in q statement, and also asserted the
full power of the state would be used
in protecting it's citizens from suffer
ing. The statement:
''It is the duty of government, and 1t has
the inherent power, to protect the people
whose welfare is dependent upon It, Fac
ing a desperate situation, thru stoppagc
of coal production at the beginning of OF
winter, government in Kansas is brought
to the pass of using all its powers to pro
unspeakable unless relief is afforded. IL
government is to mean anything, then its
Obligation is to prevent innocent people
from becoming the victims of fuel famine
which, in the course of events, is both un-
natural and unnecessary.
Every department of human life is
bound up in this issue. Every industry and
private occupation which government is
organized to support is affected by IT, end
the challenge of those who would bring
upon US this catastrophe is a challenge to
government. So far as Kansas is concern
ed, government s going to accept the chal-
lenge For this sole purpose we are ask
ing for volunteers whose services we viii
accept as rapidly as mining operations can
be increased. The duty to which these men
are volunteering is hard labor, but they
are accepting 1t willingly out Of their
recognition of call as patriotic as any
that has brought men into service. 1t Is
the age old obligation of just government
to protect the innocent against the ruth
less quarrels in the making of which
they have had no part
1.-THE people of this state are interested,
of course, that ust and equite BILE settle
ment shall be reached between the coal
miners and the coal operators. but they
see no reason why the industrial activity
of the state should cease and its very life
be threatened. while two parties at interest
bicker over the distribution of a human
necessity which forms the basis of their
trafficking.
Responses which have been coming in
assure the fact that we will have no diff
ticulty in securing enough men to mine
an amount of coal sufficient at least to
alleviate suffering in the present emergency.
From every section there are coming offers
of assistance and expressions of approval.
The people know that this is not in any
not intended to affect the adjustment of the
issues between the miners and the opera
tors. But once and for all it must be
understood that the powers of the state
now summoned into action for the protec-
tion of its people are above and beyond
those Of any association or organization,
whether of capital or-of individuals.
81 shall appreciate it very deeply If the
! public will follow the course of events
with sufficient interest to keep in close
, touch with q situation which viii change
brave and loyal citizens and ! shall use
the power of the state for only one purpose
to relieve the coal famine, and to protect
/ the lives of those engaged in carrying out
! this effort, and the good order of the
! mining district while the work is going for.
I ward. HENRY J. ALLEN,
Governor"