The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-10-31
LONG ARM OF LAW
STRETCHED OUT TO
GIVE PROTECTION
AS STRIKE BEGINS
CONTINUED from Page One.)
determination to keep the mine
full operation.

determination to keep the mines in
full operation.
TO PROTECT MINES
While the only statement given out
after the special meeting of the cabl-
net dealt with issuance of an order
relating to the fixing OF i maximum
coal price, the members are unoef-
stood to have considered means or pro-
tecting miners who will not strike
Reports received from confidential
sources during the past few days, Of
ficials said, indicated that a. consider
able number would keep on turning
out coal If afforded protection and
this, officials added, would be given ID
abundant measure.
State and city police and regulation
consta bulary forces will be pressed INTO
service first. and troops will be called
only as a last resort according TO those
familiar with the programme.
Secretary Daniels announced today that
sailors and marines will be shifted to
land duty and attached to military organ
izations. if their services are demanded
by the President. There has been no
statement, however. as to the policy or
or determination of. using troops. Much
will depend on what happens after the
mines shut down tomorrow night
SOUNDS RASPING NOTE
Satisfied there was no lOuSeI nope VI
avertng the strike, but eager to have
miners and operators mediate, govern
ment officials felt that rasping note
had been sounded by John l.. Lewis,
president of the United Mine Workers of
America, in telegram to Secretary OF
Labor Wilson, attacking President Will
son for his part in trying to bring peace
to the industry. The mine workers pres
ident was replying to a telegram sent by
Secretary Wilson, which the secretary
refused to make public.
With the giving of maximum prices,
both for bituminous and anthracite coal,
and establishment of the proirities list,
Fuel Administrator Garfield again will
take command of the situation, under
his o,d wartime powers. Much of this
work will be carried on through the bu-
raau of mines of the interior depart
merit and the railroad administration.
Director General Hines and DR. Garfield
attended the cabinet meeting and the
mode of procedure adopted was said TO
follow their suggestion.
Coal will be allocated and distributed
in accordance with the plan followed two
wears ago during the severe weather
when the supply was short. If the strike
is prolonged and the output meanwhile
limited the less essential industries will
be forced to curtail There is a growing
belief in official circles, however. that
much coal will come out of the non union
mines and from union mines, working,
pcrhaps. with small shifts.
Whatever is mined will be move
speedily, the railroad administration as
cured the public.
DOMESTIC SUPPLY ASSURED
After checking over bureau reports
Secretary Lane estimated that the cur
tent supply from nonunion mines woui1
be sufficient to meet domestic demand
and provide fuel for public utilities.
But this hopeful view did not min
mize the feeling of concern evidence,
oil about Washington.
Members of the cabinet would not dis
cuss reports received from government
agents bearing on the attitude of tbs
miner. 1t is largely because of the OPP
timistic tone of these reports that thu
| government believes big force of min
! ers will be ready for work Saturday, ol
"taiuiv Mondav.
Leaving the White House after talk
| ing with the President, Attorney Gen
! eral Palmer said the government woul,
deal alike with miners and operator
who attempted to interfere with pro
duction or INDUCED in profteering. TIL
| department of justice is given broa'
| powers under the food control act t
| deal with the strike situation and Nj,
| Palmer said both sides might expect I
find it's policy as drastic as laws woul
/ Kermit. Later it was learned that Judg
Ames, assistant to Mr.. Palmer, i
| charge of enforcement of the food an
| fuel act. had left for Indianapolis t
take charge of the government effort
to meet the strike.