Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1919-11-01

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few, the total would
stand short of 400, 900.
The number Of men, claimed by the
unions to be out before noon, coin
cides almost exactly with the paid
up membership at national headquaS-
ters at indianapolis, namely 4o1 40.
This number was about fifteen per
cent less than the estimated total
membership the missing numbers be-
ing miners then delinquent, whom the
officials expected to pay their ar.
rears. In many instances union Of
ficers said their reports were incom-
plete, that they expected higher totals
later.
In ten more states the unions re-
ported more men out than the total
August paid up membership, on file
at national headquarters. In most IN
stances these discrepancies were COW
cred in the union claim OF an aver
age of 15 per cent of arrears.
North Dakota reported it's 1900 lig-
mite miners at work, in response to
orders from indianapolis headquar-
ters. North Dakota expected to use
this coal Itself. Nowhere were disor-
ders reported during the day. !,
Next Move From Unions.
Washington. Nov. miners must
make the next move in the soft coal
strike was the opinion today OF gov.
eminent officials.
|! The strike was reality today even
! af no
Mine Workers of America were re-
strained from activity by federal
court Injunction Government officials
awaited reports as to the extent OF
the walkout. for upon this information
rested the future course of the gov
ernment.
Should reports that any consider.
able number of miners desire to con.
tinue work, the government was pre-.
pared to furnish them protection.
Should disorders occur, the govern
ment was ready with all the police
powers at its disposal to put them
down.
But the governments activities
were not alone in the coal fields
Maximum prices for bituminOus coal,
formulated to meet wars necessity,
were again in effect. Priority Of dis
tribution, based in part on the war
schedule. was in operation.
Union Chiefs Disband.
indianapolis, Nov. THE execu-
tive board OF the union wound up its
last batch of routine business THIS
morning and the members started at
once for their homes. John l.. Lewis,
acting president of the union, said he
expe ted to leave for his home in
Sprin gdeld tonight and hopes to re-
main there several days.
The silence policy imposed on un-
ion headquarters by the federal court.
was rgidly followed and as result
there was equal lack of activity at
the Offices of United States District
Attorney Slack, in whose hands re-
poses the enforcement of the restrain
ing order.
Quiet at headquarters.
ludianapOhS, Nov !. From the
scene OF most activity in connection
with the strike OF approximately 4Ov,-
o. btuminous coal miners, headquar.
America here has been transferred IN
the last twentviour hours to perhaps
the NEST lethargic.
! The lack of activity is the result OF
the weeping provisions OF the re-
straining order issued yesterday oy
lnitod state District Judge A. b. An
derSon compelling the miners officials
to refrain from taking any part In
conducting or encouraging the strike
of the miners, which, according to dis
patches, has been carried out almost
TO man among the union soft coal
workers OF the country.
Miners leaders az headquarters
thus far. apparently have obeyed the
restraining order 70 the letter. They
mot only decline to give out state
ments and reports concerning the
strike but will not discuss their plans
for combating the action of the gov
eminent in the courts. and unless the
restraining order Is violated by some
Of those against whom IL is directed
miners headquarters probably will re-
main quiet. at least until the govern
ment's injunction proceedings again
. come up in the federal court Nov. s.
The restraining order secured yes
torday is the first step In the gove-1
, mentS plan to render the strike inef.
feCtive On Nov. \ a temporary in
function will be asked, government OF
, ficials pointing out that the first or
, der was merely an emergency measure
! intended. not to prevent individual
. miners from quitting work hut to pro
| .cor,i-uaa an psSA ~