The Topeka state journal., 1919-12-03
Grading, Construction Gangs to
{ Pittsburg at Once.
GOEernOr Hiring More Men for
Z Coal Production.
ALLEN IS STILL At CAMP
Directing Digging and Ship
ment of Kansas Fuel.
Everything in Readiness for a
Long Winter Siege.

3 The state is preparing for finished
fight in the coal fields. Governor AL
5en's army of volunteer workers may
serve for the duration of the winter in
the Crawford-Cherokee district.
! Two big grading and construction
gangs from the Lawrence-Topeka
highway job will go to the coal fields
10 produce coal for shivering Kan
Sans. Outfits include three big
elevator steam shovels. more than
fifty teams with dump carts and grad
frs. two blacksmith shops and two
complete dining room oupfits. These
crews are to be supplemented with nu-
snerous additional construction gangs.
Sfhe men are going TO the fields for
Che winter if necessary, are hardened
sworkers and equipped to care for
themselves without state aid.
Z Cold eather has broken UP active
highway construct work in Kansas.
in consequence n number of large
paving and road building crews will
go to the coal fields where they will
svork under the state receivership to
relieve the fuel shortage forced by the
mine workers strike.
A Train of Equipment.
{ Orders were issued by Governor Al
len today for the loading pf at least
2 train of equipment at Lawrence and
Big Springs. The outfit at Lawrence
Eas used recently in cutting down the
big hill west of the university town.
Equipment is owned by Maley & Kelly
of Kansas City. other equipment lis
Stationed at Big Springs. The state
receivership will pay the expense of
loading and moving the big derricks,
graders and equipment outfits as well
hs providing Transportation for the
men. The men will receive union
wages while on the job.
: John SpitcaufSky of Kansas City
5Vill be in charge of the grading OUT
he ct n itrH h
way contracts. The equipment is to
be used in removing dirt from strip
eoal pits in the Pittsburg field in order
TO permit steam shovels and workmen
TO remove the coal.
Cease Big Contracts.
: A number of contracts with big
construction firms are now being
Receivers. 1t is impossible to resume
highway construction until next
spring. Consequently Governor Allen
is serene ana happy. He knows the
big construction gangs will stay on
4he job until spring-by that time
Someone is expected to evacuate from
she coal strike dugouts.
! Fifteen New Shovel Crews.
s Fifteen additional steam shovel
crews have been organized and will
deave for the Pittsburg field tonight,
according to a statement this morning
by Clyde NJ. Reed, private secretary to
Governor Allen. Twenty-six shovel
erews have already been sent to the
fields.
s Governor Allen continued to direct
Separations in the coal camps today.
lie expects to return to Topeka late
Tonight or Thursday morning.
First Shipment Tuesday.
The first actual shipments of state
PINNED coal left the Pittsburg fields
Safe Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday
sight. Calls for fuel are today being
assembled in the governors office and
sconsignments will be made late this
afternoon.
} Coldwatcr received the first car of
fuel. Eleven other towns are in dis
tress and fuel is now on-the tracks