New-York tribune., 1919-10-26


use to avert the strike or to break ii
if the miners defy the President, was
not made clear tonight. Secretary
Glass, of the Treasury Department
who presided at the two sessions to-
day and who acted as spokesman for
to amplify the Presidents statement,
and other members took the same at
titude.
"War Is Still Fact"
1t was pointed out that the state
ment says that "the war itself is still
fact" and that this may be a remind
er to officials OF the United Mine
Workers that the President still has
the war time authority to take over the
mines if he deems it advisable In the
public interest and operate them as the
government now is operating the rail
roads. There was not much credit
given to the report that such action
might be taken. The government has
had one experience with the railroads
and is not likely to assume another
responsibility of the same sort, since II
it attempted to operate with the strik-
ing miners it probably at once would
be confronted with a demand for high
er wages and shorter working hours
such as precipitated the present dis
agreement.
1t was the opinion in many quarters
that resort is much more likely to be
taken to the courts for injunction pro-
ceedings, and if court orders are not
obeyed the armed forces of the nation
could be used to make them respected.
Action of this kind would not.be under
taken, II at al, except as last e%-
tremity. but the Administration al
ready has made it clear that it would
not hesitate to make use of the army
If necessary.
Ample Power to Act
Members of the Cabinet believe there
Is ample power in the Lever act to
prevent a strike. 1t makes it unlawful
to strike in war time to decrease pro-
duction in q commodity like coal, and
all the processes of the courts could
be directed against the miners If nee
essary. Proceedings might be begun
against the leaders of the mine work
ers. as they are the responsible au-
thorities. and If this were carried out
against the local leaders in every Fed
eral jurisdiction the strikers would be
seriously crippled and would face the
prospect o. terms in jail.
The statement was said tonight pur-
posely to avoid any threat. The Cabl-
net memrers are still hopeful that the
re that their cause is unpopular and
that they can never hope to have the
public with them, but will put the prop
er weight also on the possible violation
of Federal law. There was some hope
tonight that the leaders will see the
light and that conference of the MIN
ers will be called to take up the strlke
question, the strike in the meantime
10 be suspended. Cabinet members
have little doubt that such convention
would in some way find solution
which the operators, in turn. would take
voluntarily or would be forced TO take
by the weight OF public opinion.
Bakers Speech Recalled
In connection with the suggestion
that armed forces be used the speech
delivered in Cleveland recently by Sec
retarv Baker OF the War Department
vas recalled. -.
I'VE have an army of tried soldier!
and true Americans" said the Secre
tary in that address. They have seer
tho effect and the consequence of dis
order in the world until they have ne
affection for it, and they are goini
TO see, as the Administration IN Wash
ington is determined they shall see
that the processes OF the Federal gov
ernment shall go en- unobstructed Il
this country and that if any civil dis
order breaks out which the governmen
"a unable to control the Federal force
will assist them to the full limit.
at is important to add that the arm.
Of ... ...',.u states Is not partisa,
IN any industrial dispute. 1t is no
taking sides in any of these contro
versies. There is only one controvers,
in which it is taking sides AS be
tween the people who want order II
America and the people who are try
ing to create disorder in America, tn
army is on the side of the people VIII
want order
Hines at Cabinet Meeting
Director General Hines, Of the rail
road adm tration, sat with the Can
met at the two meetings to-day. 1t !
not believed that the government WI
permit the railroads to be tied up b
the coal strike Something is certain I
ensue If the walkout lasts for even
short period. The railroad admlnistra
ton might be able TO conhscate Goa
in transit when the strike is calico
and probably has q small reserve, bu
both would not be sufficient, except t
unusual cases, TO keep the roads gon
more than two weeks.
The Cabinet meetings to-day wer
marked by gravity that they have nc
assumed since the days just before tn
United States entered the war. Their
4 was no division of opinion whateve
and 1t was generally agreed that tn
only course 10 pursue was the on
outlined in the Presidents statemen
It was the product OF session whlc
began shortly after 10 o'clock an
lasted for two hours and of anothe
in the afternoon which lasted almos
as long. Secretary Lansing was tn
only member absent.
Put 1t Up to President
The members could see no oscar
from putting the situation squarely u
TO the President himself and fnall
this was done. The statement was n,
In the Presidents hand much mo,
than long enough for him carefully
read IL and return it with his approvs
Just before the Cabinet went in'
session to-day to consider the coal 81
Gstion John L. Lewis, president Of II
United Mine Workers. wired an ord1
20 all subordinate unions that work
the mines must cease next Frida
night
Before President Wilson's stateme,
was issued Mr.. Lewis had departed +,
Springfield, H., 70 take personal chare
of the strike. His parting words were