Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-10-30

The government, however, will make no efforts to bring about in- dictment of officers of the United Mine Workers of America, who call ed the strike, on charges of con- necessary product.
 Government officials asserted to- night that reports from confidential sources showed that not all of the miners would strike, that public sentiment was overWhelmlng!y against the walkout at the beginning of winter, and that duration of the strike would be brief.
 Refusal of the miners organization to withdraw the strike order was distinct surprise to officials, who changed quickly from hopeful to a fighting attitude. There was no disposition to dispute the right of the men to strike, but officials were grimly determined to see that men who do not strike will be protected in and out of the mines, even if that means the presence of troops.
 Before the first word of rejection of the presidents appeal reached ] here from Indianapolis federal ma chinery was being made ready to deal with conditions likely to arise 1 in the coal fields.
 The government will establish the 'illegality" of the strike of coal miners without in any way impair | ing the general right to strike" as the general right to strike is not an issue in any sense whatever in the present situation" it was declar- ed in a statement issued after a conference in the office of Attorney General Palmer at which he dis cussed the situation with Secretary Wilson, Director General Hines. Sec retary Tumulty and Assistant At- torneys General Ames and Garvan. As to those miners who go on strike and thereby curtail production, the food and fuel control law, with it's recently added criminal penalties of fine and Imprisonment, will De enforced without regard to persons. This attitude of the government, Attorney General Palmer made clear does not affect the right of workers to strike for redress of grievances in other cases where no violation of the law is involved.
 Resume Fuel Control.
 The statement which it is said, fully represents the attitude of the government, declared that the inn pending coal strike was ordered in manner for a purpose and with necessary effect. which taken to. gether, put it outside the pale of the law"
 One decision of the government conference was to recommend to the president the re-establishment of maximum prices on coal which pre- vailed when the fuel administration went out of existence.
 The government will act in the strike under the provisions of the Lever food control act. enacted as war measure, but still in force.
 Dr. H. A. Garfield. former fuel ad- ministrator, made the announcement as to resumption of price control He declared that his recommends tions, which will go to the presi- dent will comply with the recon. the question of prices and would not be concerned with the allocation of fuel or the zoning system of deliver. | ies.
 These prices are considerably low. CT than the prices now prevailing. Il is considered certain that the presi. dent will comply with the recon.- mendation, which means that a sub. stantial reduction in soft coal prices including those specified in large contracts made since February 1 will become effective almost imme diately.
 Garfield was summoned here iron Massachusetts for a conference al the White House and until the very last he was strong of the opinior that the strike would not take place
 When he returned to the White House late in the day, after the min ers' committee had spoken it was tc deal, however, with a different sit uation. There was no loss of time Dr. Garfield. still technically head of the fuel administration. has nc skeleton organization, but his forces can be quickly mobilized Administra- tion leaders said congres would have to provide immediate funds, and assurances came from leaders of both l lcontinuedT on page sa.)