The Little River news., 1919-10-29
DnaSTRgs AGTE0es TO KEEP
 hgsMES OPEN IS THE PLAN
Prosecution of tue Union Leaders Is Threatened iG S{rike Sees Into
 Effect; Will ;ee To0p>.

Washington, Oct 26.-FolloWing up President Wilson's virtual comlnand to the coal miners to call oil then threatened strike in the bitinouS fields, government officials disc!osed today that the adoption of drastic measures is contemplated in the event that the unions defy the executive and shut down the mines.
 The program of action discussed at tie two cabinet meetinges yesterday includes:
 Prosecution of union officials and also striking miners for violation Of tEe wartime food and fuel act and possibly for conspiracy te hinder Vii tai operations of the government.
 Dispatch of regular army troops to the mine fields to preserve order and protect miners who refuse to strike.
 Government commanding Of some, of not all, soft coal mines in the event of the strike assuming proportions threatening interference with tra"s portation and industrf on large scale.
 Prepare for Action.
 Attorney General Palmer and Secre- tary of War Baker were instructed by the cabinet to proceed with prepara- tions for carrying out those plans for dealing with the strike and each of the department heads was giving con sideration to the program today.
 We shall not lack the means of carrying the presidents decision into effect, said Attorney General Palmer tonight. Under both war and peace laws there is ample ground for prose cutions of persons striking so terrible blow at public welfare as would be involved in the closing of the coal mines
 While prepared to deal progressively With any defense of the executive by the United Mine Workers, cabinet Of ficiaIs will be astounded if the union leaders persist i'll enforcing their strike, effective November l. Conf dence prevails in official circles to- night that the union chiefs will call off the strike as soon as they realize what defiance of the government will in volve not onlvs criminal prosecutions, but in inevitable disastrous defeat Gf the strikers. Ii conservative counce3 prevails in the union camp it is nos doubted that the strike will be called off and the presidents arbitfation offer accepted
 T have heard nothing from the un ion leaders today, though perhaps it i5 too early to expect any word, said Secretary oi Labor Wilson tonight.
 Gompers' Aid Expected.
 Government officials likewise are confident that President Gompers of the American Federation of Labor will exert his influence to deter the miners from striking. Neither Mr. Gompers nor Frank Morrison. secre- tary of the federation, would discuss the situation brought about by the president pronouncement, but it was learned that Mir. Gompers is to have a conference with his advisers on the matter tomorrow and possibly talk with the secretary of labor.
 The federation has not endorsed the miners strike and generally has been upholding President Wilson in his effort to staVa off strikes pending tn postwar industrial raadiustmcnt and attempts to reduce the high cost of living Influence eXertod by Mr. Com pcrs was factor in the decision of the railway shopmen to call off their thre atened strike a few weeks ago.