Evening journal., 1919-10-30
Governments Statement ON
the Nine Strike Situation

While il is perfectly plain that the
war is siiil on ana any contract run
ming until It's conclusion is stil in
force. whatever weight may be given
10 the argument that the successful
opeIuti0n Of the war no longer re
quires such contracts, IL has no ap-
plicaiion Whatever TO the large num-
ber Of such contracts which expire
at a fixed date without regard for
the war period The armstice did
not end the war and the courts In
many cases have held that The war
emergency statutes are stlll in force;
the same rule must apply TO war
emergency contracts The Congress
has held 10 this position so late, as
October -. when an act OF Congress
was approved making even more ef-
fecil,e the Food and Fuel Control
Act.
The suspension OF the restrictions
as 10 the price of coal j. not neces-
sarlly permanent and conditions war
rant a renewal OF these restrictions
at this time. and yet The Govern
ment. II Il rcinsiales the order flXing
a maximum price. would be abso-
lutely helpless TO protect the people
AGAINST cXorbitant prices OF the pro-
duet II The contracts made under It's
sanction should now be deliberately
broken This does not mean that
change could not be negotiated. and
eithet agreed upon or arbitrated, n
proper protection Of the public be
accorded in the settlement. but it
does mean that the public welfare
in The war time emergency must sim
be the same permanent interest TO be
served by both parties. The Gov
ernment is the protector OF the pub
lie welfare.
The proposed strike, II carried 10
It's logical conclusion, will paralyze
transportation and industry. n will
deprive unnumbored thousands OF
men who are making no complaint
pbout their employment OF their
right TO earn a livelihood for
themselves and their families,
will put cities in darkness
and, II continued only for a few
days. Will bring cold and hunger to
millions OF our people, n continued
for a month 1t viii leave death and
starvation In its wake. 10 would be
a more deadly attack upon the life
Of the nation than an invading army.
BY enacting the Food and Fuel
Control Act Congress has recognized
the vital importance In the present
circumstances Of maintaining pro-
ductlon and distribution OF the
necessaries OF life and has made It
unlawful for any concerted action.
agreement or the arrangement to be
made by two o. more persons to
limit the facilities Of transportation
and production. or to restrict the
supply and distribution OF fuel, or to
aid or abet the doing OF any act hav-
ing this purpose or effect. Making a
strike effective under the circum-
stances which / have described
amounts 10 such concerted action or
arrangement.
10 Is the solemn duty Of the De-
psrtment Of Justice TO enforce this
statute. We have enforced IL in
many cases, we must continue 10 do
so irrespective OF the persons in
volved in its violation / hope IL
viii not be necessary to enforce e
IN this case. Indeed, am hearing
from many sources that large num-
bers OF the miners themselves do not
wish 10 quit work and Will not do
so II assured OF the protection Of the
Government. OF which they properly
feel themselves part. It Is prob
ably unnecessary for me to say that
such protection will everywhere be
given. so that men may exercise
their undoubted right Of continuing
TO work under such terms and condi-
tions as they shall see ut. The facts
present a situation which challenges
the supremacy Of the law. and every
resource Of the government win be
brought 10 bear 10 prevent the ma
tional disaster which would inevi-
tably result from the cessation Of
mining operations.