Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-10-31
GENERAL SHORTAGE
IN COAL SUPPLY IS
NOT ANTICIPATED
Secretary Lane Says Cur
rent Supply From Nom
Union Mines Sufficient for
Public Utility Needs

of the coal operators scale commit
tee.
Developments in the proposed
strike of bituminous coal miners
called for midnight Friday are as fol-
lows:
Secretary of Interior Lane an
uounces that the current supply of
coal from non-union mines is suffici-
ent to meet demostic railroad and
public utility demands and that New
England has on hand a two-month' s
supply.
At the conclusion of the special
cabinet meeting Attorney General
Palmer announced that the fuel ad-
would take control of
the handling of the coal and would
use his authority under the Lever act
to take whatever steps might be
necessary to meet the situation.
Mr.. Palmer's announcement, which
was authorized by the cabinet, said:
day to make an order cancelling the
suspension of restrictions as to price
of coal which will have the effect
of restoring the maximum prices.
Upon the making of that order the
fuel administrator will tage such &C
ton as may be necessary to protect
consumers both as to price and dis
tribution Of fuel"
Attorney General Palmer backs up
President Wilson's recent declaration
that the strike is unlawful and
threatens to prosecute those involved
in it under the food and fuel con-
troll act.
Executives of the United Mine
Workers of America declare the
strike is inevitable and issue a state
ment denying that their move is un
lawful. They put the responsibility
on the operators, and prepare for a
long industrial battle.
The railroad administrator orders
the confiscation of all coal in transit
where necessary to obtai ma. reserve
supply to keep the roads in opera
ton.
Operators of the Alabama coal
fields prepare to resist the strike
while workers fuse their strength at
throughout the district
Adjutant general of the state confers
with national guard leaders in Birm
ingham.
Miners of Walker county, Alabama
meet at Jasper to hold a referendum
vote on the Walkout The novel situa
ton arose when certain of the min
ers contended that they had not
voted on the question, declaring they
would not quit u til a vote was taken
Unions claim more than 100000
miners will walk out in western and
central Pennsylvania and West Vir-
ginia.
Governor Cornwell of West Vir-
gina, has issued a call to all may
ors and sheriffs to organize imme-
diately in each county and mu-
y icipality. "a committee of public
spirited citizens, men who can be
trusted and whose loyalty to the
and it's institutions is be-
yond question"
Thomas T. Brewster, chairman Of
the scale committee of the Mine OPP
orators association, pledges every as
sistance to the government in order
that production of coal may con-
tinue.
Mobilization of Colorado national
guard is begun.
Union officials estimate that CO..
900 miners will lay down their tools
in Illinois.
Troops will be used, if necessary,
to keep order.
State police officials of Pennsy1-
vania today said they were ready for
any emergency growing out of the
coal miners strike, while the gov
ernor's office was keeping the adju-
tant generals department informed
as to reports received.
It is estimated that $4,000 soft
coal miners in east Tennessee and
southeastern Kentucky, District No.
10, United Mine Workers of America,
will go on strike. Federal troops
now in Knoxville on account of the
street car strike situation also ara
available for service in the coal
fields in the event of trouble there.
Miners who wish to continue work
will be afforded every possible pro-
lection, including that of federal
troops, should that become necessary.
Approximately 1000 soft coal
miners and $50 mines with an an
nual production of 100000 tons will
be affected in Arkansas by the pro-
posed coal strike called for Novem-
Der 1.
John L. Lewis, acting president of
the Mine Workers, makes direct at
tack on the presidents course in
the coal strike situation, which he
characterizes as "the climax Of a
long series of attempted usurpations
of executive power
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3O.-The cur
rent supply of coal from non-union
mines is sufficient to meet domestic
demands and supply the needs of
railroads and public utilities, Secre-
tary Lane told the cabinet today.
New England has stored away two
months supply. which will take care
of all requirements for that period,
he said.
Secretary Lane announced as the
cabinet met that the government
would not hesitate to curtail the con-
sumption of coal in industries SO er
cent in order that the coal on hand
and that available from unaffected
non-union mines might be equitably
distributed to essential industries
Protection for miners willing to re-
main in the mines despite the strike
order was given serious conside~ation
by the cabinet. The general under
standing is that the ordinary police
forces, state a local, will be used
first, but troops will be ordered to
the mines, if necessary.
Congress was virtually helpless In
the face of the announced determi-
nation Of labor leaders to go through
with the strike as scheduled.
1t was expected that the senate
and possibly the house would go
on record in vigorous protest against
any compromise, but congress was
looking to the White House for what