Norwich bulletin., 1919-11-04

Washington, Nov. 3.-Ofhcial Wash !agton was firm in the belief tonight that the end of the coal strike was near.
 There was nothing definite or tangi- Die In the way of actual developments 10 justify this hopeful view of the sit uation. but everywhere the feeling pre- y4ted that. influences were being brought to bear to have the strikers. numbering more than 100000. return to work.
 Continental reports to the depart r1ent of justice from its agents in the coal fields were said to show many de- fect.ons from the ranks of the strikers. Some of the reports said that large nnrnbers Of idle miners had declared they wanted 10 return to work, but were afraid.
 In this connection officials reiterated t1at adequate protection would be giv eai There was no Specific statement as 10 hoy this would be provided, but it was explained that troops would be arnilabie at the call of any governor . who believed 1t necessary to preserve order or protect workers.
 Scattered reports from the fields, reaching into 2S states. showed the flrHt breaks in the ranks of organized labor in West Virginia and Colorado. Advices to Washington headquarters Ofsthe operators said that all non union mines were working to full ca pacity and turning out considerably more coal than on Saturday. Some of the operators reports said that union men had gone to work in non-union mines and that there was growing sentiment, that the men themselves should have had the right to vote on the strike before 1t was ordered.
 This information. to a large extent, vas in line with that received by the government. especially as to defec- tio-1s. Officials said the strikers real tze4 public sentiment was against them and some labor leaders also were talk ing this view.
 Attorney General Palmer, handling the main end of the governments case, vent to Pennsylvania tonight. feeling, it was said, that the crisis might be over before Saturday. the day on which the temporary injunction restraining ohicers of the miners organization from activity was made returnab ble. Asxed what the government would do that day. an official said:
 We win not cross that bridge until Ve get to t."
 T6e ss-t that no disorder vas re-
 
 tfce agents was taken as a good sign that conditions were hopeful and that the miners realized 1t was q time for sober Judgment and actions. Several miners meetings were scheduled for touikht in the coal fields and it was thought here that these might have an important bearing on the general sit- uation
 While N had been the government first reported intention to let the strike wear itself out. hope of settling it put all agencies to work. and some direct steps were taken, but their nature was not discussed.
 The sweeping powers Of the federal court Injunction in cutting off all strike benefits is relied upon by the govern ment 10 bring the strike to a speedy elld.- Local representatives of the Cnsted Mine Workers of America were notified today that checks to cover ex- penses for the last half of October could not be sent at this time because O. the courts order.
 likeness of the miners with no funds available for their support makes il doubtful if they can hold out for any ertended period. according to the view of men familiar with strike conditions It Ia largely because of this fact that 4Apor ieaoers tnemSelNeS LOOK TOT early peace in the industry.
 Three conciliators of the department of labor. here from the coal fields, were in conference with officials of the de. pa-tment today. and gave firsthand in formation as to actual conditions. They were Hymel Davis and James Purcei or Kentucky and William Rogers O Iowa
 The question of possible curtailmen or train service has been left to re Sionaf directors for determination. al though railroad men agreed that unles the strike is brought to a quick end i may be necessary to reduce sharpl, both freight and passenger service The railroad administration is read, 10 sei=e such coal is 1t needs. and nov ths res ito districts where the suppl. is low.