Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-10-31
Ready for Walkout
Continued fnom Raue 0nel

ments determination to keep the
mines in full operation.
While the only statement given out
after the special meeting Of the cab
met dealt with issuance of an order
coal price, the members were I'M
derstood to have considered serious
iy means of protecting miners who
will not strike. Reports received
from confidential sources during the
past few days. officials said. indicated
that a considerable number would
keep on turning out coal if afforded
protection. and this. officials added.
would be given in abundant measure
State and city police and regula-
ton constabulary forces will be
pressed into service first, and will be
called only as a last resort. accord
ing 10 those familiar with the pro-
gram. Secretary Daniels announced
today that sailors and marines will
be shifted to land duty and attached
TO military organizations. II their
services are demanded by the Pres
ident. There has been no statement,
however. as to the policy or deter
mination of using troops. Much Will
depend on what happens after the
mines are shut down tomorrow night.
Satisfied that there was no longer
hope Of averting the strike. but eager
to have miners and operators meoi-
ate, government officials felt that
rasping note had been sounded by
John L. Lewis, president OF the Unit
ed Mine Workers of America. in
telegram to Secretary of Labor Will
son. attacking President Wilson for
his part in trying to bring peace TO
the industry. The mine workers pres
ident was replying to telegram sent
by Secretary Wilson which the Sec
rotary refused 10 make public.
With the fixing of maximum prices.
both for bituminous and anthracite
coal. and establishment OF the priorf-
ties list. Fuel Administrator Garneid
again will take command OF the SIT
uation under his old wartime pow :
erS.
Director Hines and Dr..
Garfield attended the cabinet meet
ing and the mode OF procedure
adopted was said to follow their sug-
gestions.
Coal will be allotted and distri-
buted in accordance with the plan
followed two years ago during -he
severe weather when the supply was
short. If the strike is prolonged AMI
the output meanwhile limited, the
less essential industries Will be
forced TO curtail. There is a growing
belief. in official circles, however,
that much coal will come out OF the
uon-union mines and from union
mines working. perhaps. with small
shifts. Whatever is mined will re
moved speedily. the railroad admin
istration assured the public.
After checking over bureau re-
ports. Secretary Lane estimated tnat
the current supply from non-unicn
mines would be sufficient TO meet
domestic demands and provide fuei
for public utilities. But this hopeful
view did not minimize the feeling 81
concern evidenced all about WASH
ington.
Members of the cabinet would NOT
discuss reports received from gov
eminent agents bearing on the at.,-
tude of the miners. 1t is largely be-
cause of the optimistic tone OF these
reports that the government De-
lieves a big force of miners will be
ready for work Saturday. or certain
ly Monday.
Leaving the White House after
talking with the President. Attorney
General Palmer said the ogevern-
mert would deal alike with miners
and operators who attempted TO in.
terfere with the production or IN
dulgedin prohteering. The Depart
ment OF Justice is given broad pow
ers under the food control act to deal
with the strike situation and Mr..
Palmer said both sides might expect
10 find its policy as drastic as the law
will permit Later it was learned
that Judge Ames, assistant to Nj.
Palmer. in charge OF enforcement of
the fuel and food control act. had
left for Indianapolis TO take charge
of the governments efforts to meet
the strike.
officials here refused to say
whether the sending of a provision
al battalion of troops from Camp
Taylor, KY. tonight. to the West
Virginia fields was the first of sim
liar troop movements.
General sending out of troops at
this time, IL was said. undoubtedly
would have to be approved by the
War department. but in individual
cases recent orders have provided
that department commanders may
oct without referring the matter to
Was hington.