Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-11-10
John [, Lewis, u, M, w, of A,
President Denies That He
Said He Would Comply With
Order Of the Court.
OUTCOME OF MEETING
TODAY PR0BLEMATlCAL
Howat Vows He is Going to
Fight, and Other Leaders
Seem Inclined to Show a.
Disposition to Do Likewise,

indianapolis, Ind, Nov. 9.-John L.
Lewis, acting president of the United
Mine Workers of America tonight de-
MED that he had agreed to comply
with the order of the federal court
here yesterday to call off the strike
Of bituminous coal miners of the coun-
try before p. m. next Tuesday even
ing
Statements to the effect that I shah
or shall not comply with the manda-
tory proceedings of the injunction
writ are unauthorized and premature" i"
declared.
Mr.. Lewis declaration was made in
view of a reported statement of coun-
sci for the miners yesterday that Mr.
Lewis and Secretary Treasurer Will
liam Green proposed to obey the
courts order, but that they could not
speak for other officials. While Mr.
Lewis would not comment further on
the subject, others Indicated that the
statement of the miners attorney was
intended to show a Willingness of the
two officials to call meeting of the
International officials, district presi-
dents, executive board and members
of the miners scale committee for to-
morrow, TO consider the court order.
Union OFFICIALS Meet Today.
The meeting of union officials has
been set for 10 o'clock tomorrow.
Several of the district officials, in
Guiding Frank Harrington, president
- do
or tonight, but none of them would
make any statement
The outcome of tomorrow's confer
ence is problematical. Several district
presidents gave out statements on the
situation last night before leaving
their homes for Indianapolis.
These statements showed a wide di-
yergence of opinion as to what course
should be adopted.
Alexander Howat president of dis
trict No 4, Pittsburgh, Kans., de-
clared that his attitude was un-
changed and that regardless of in
junction, prisons and judges of the
United States he was going to fight
C. F. Keeney, president of district No
II, West Virginia, said that 'if ordered
to do So" he would withdraw the
strike order in his district, as ii was
not his intention to fight the govern
ment. William j, Trickett, secretary
treasurer of district No. 16, Maryland,
expressed the opinion that even IL the
strike order were rescinded the men
would not have to return to work and
added, Il don't think they would"
Contention of Unionists.
Many of the union men have con-
tended ever since the strike was
called that as the strike was ordered
by the full convention of the miners
in Cleveland, only another convention
could authorize calling it off. Another
phase of the situation in connection
with the court order presents the
question of what action the govern
ment might take if the miners as in
dividuals refuse to obey an order of
officials resembling the strike order.
No opinion could be secured in this
connection.
Government officials are taking no
action pending the expiration of the
time given the union chiefs to with
draw the strike order,
C. B. Ames, assistant attorney gen.
eral in charge of the governments
proceedings against the mine workers,
has returned to Washington. John r.
1ItIB IlOIiy Dulttlu VI lhNCStlStllOH VI
fetal, is still in Indianapolis and with
local government Officials in charge
with enforcement of the courts in
junction.
The operators, the third party to
the miners controversy still maintain
the attitude adopted Immediately af-
ter the strike was called-that is to
reopen negotiations as soon as the
miners resume work This attitude
was reiterated by Thomas Brewster,
chairman of the coal operators scale
committee Mr. Brewster said that he
expected production of bitminous coal
to be resumed shortly as he assumed
the court order would be obeyed
Union Heads Are Silent.
John l.. Lewis, acting president Of
the United Mine Workers, refused to
discuss the action of the American
Federation of Labor executive council
tonight. When told of the declara-
tions of the labor leaders he remark
ed:
very interesting
Pressed for the probable effect of
the action on tomorrow's meeting Of
the miners, Mr.. Lewis said:
II have no ether comment to
make"
William Green, secretary treasurer
of the mine workers. said:
Il do not feel that under all the
circumstances I should express an
opinion on the federation action at
this time"
Frank ]. Hayes. president of the
United Mine Workers. who has been
through illness, was ex-
pected to arrive in indianapolis today
from Denver Efforts to locate him
tonight, however, were unavai'ing
and other officers of the mine work
ers said they did not know whether
he had reached the city.