Great Falls daily tribune., 1919-10-26

not the rich only. but the poor and the
needy as well-those least able to
provide in advance a fuel supply for
domestic use.
Means country's Paralysis.
1T would involve the shutting down
of countless industries and the throwing
out Of employment of large number of
the workers Of the country. 1t would in
volve stopping the operation Of rail-
roads, electric light and gas plants, street
railway lines and other public utilities,
and the shipping to and from this coun-
try, thus preventing our giving aid to
the allied countries with supplies which
they SO seriously need. The country is
confronted with this prospect at time
when the war itself is still fact, when
the world is still in suspense as to nego-
tiations for peace, when our troops are
still being transported and when their
means of transport is in urgent need Of
fuel.
Unlawful Strike.
From whatever angle the subject may
be viewed, it is apparent that such a
strike, in such circumstances, would be
the most far-reaching plan ever present.
ed in this country to limit the facilities
of production and distribution Of neces-
sity Of life and thus, indirectly. to re-
strict the production and distribution of
all the necessaries of life. A stake un-
der these circumstances is not only un-
justifiable, it is unlawful.
Men Didn't Vote on 1t.
The action proposed has apparently
been taken without any vote upon the
specific proposition by the individual
members Of the United Mine Workers
Of America throughout the United States.
an almost unprecedented proceeding. I
cannot believe that any right of any
A H. g. -.
ton the taking of this extraordinary step,
and | am convinced that when the time
and money are considered, it constitutes
fundamental attack. which is wrong,
both morally and legally, upon the rights
of society and upon the welfare of our
country. ] feel convinced that individual
members Of the United Mine Workers
would not vote, upon full consideration.
in favor of such a strike under these
circumstances.
Public interest Paramount.
when movement reaches Il point
where it appears TO involve practically
the entire productive capacity of the
country with respect to one of the most
vital necessities of daily domestic and
industrial life, and when the movement
is asserted in the circumstances | have
stated and at time and in a manner
calulated to involve the maximum Of
| danger in the public welfare in this
critical hour of our country's life, the
| public interest becomes the paramount
consideration
In these circumstances I soemnlv
request both the national and the local
officers and also the individual members
! OF the United Mine Workers Of America
/ TO recall all orders looking to strike
on November !. and to take whatever
hn
| stoppage Of work
Plain Speaking
''It is time for plain speaking. These
matters with which we now deal. touch
| not only the welfare Of class. but
vitally concern the we'll being. the com
| fort and the very life Of all the people
| ! feel it is my duty in the public interest
/ to declare that any attempt TO carry out
| the purpose Of this strike and thus TO
| paralyze the industry of the country with
! the consequent suffering and distress of
/ ali our people. must be considered a
! grave moral and legal wrong against the
government and the people Of the United
| States. ! can do nothing else than to say
that the Law will be enforced. and the
! means will De found to protect the inter
| ests Of the nation in any emergency that
may arise out of this unhappy business.
/ Il express no opinion on the merits
of the controversy. | have already sug-
gested plan by which a settlement may
be reached. and I hold myself in readi-
ness at the request Of either or both
sides to appoint at once a tribunal to in
vestigate all the facts, with a view to
aiding i'll the earliest possible orderly
settlement Of the questions at issue be-
tween the coal operators and the coal
miners. to the end that the just rights.
| not only of those interests, but also of
the general public, may be fully pro-
tected,'
AT II IT'LL WIFI