Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-11-13
MARTIAL LAW

Governor Frazier has added another to the already
considerable list Of stupid blunders in connection with the
coal situation by declaring = state OF martial law, and or
dering the hdjutant general to take charge Of and oper-
se tho coal mines Of the state.
There is not the slightest possibility that there would
have BEEN any strike BY North Dakota miners had It not
been for the meddiesomc Interference Of Governor Frasier.
It was not expected 1t the beginning that the North pa
kota miners would become involved in q strike. They
had taken no steps In that direction, ana their own wages
ana fours had not been made tssues in the general situa-
don until the latter had we'll developed. But at the first
susSestion Of 4 strike the governor Of North Dakota came
forth with the appeal to the general strtke leaders for per-
mission 70 mine North Dakota ooal, and with = settlement
that in case Of . strike the mines would be taken over
aod operated BY the state. This was done after the COVER
nor had committed himself to approval Of wage increases
ana Changes in working regulation in the North Dakota
mines. = . m-.w&
With this situation existing the North Dakota miners
TOOK No risks IN striking. They ware a,rs Of employment
at higher wages than they were then receiving and the
strike which followed was the natural consequence Of the
governors interference.
The governors latest step in declaring martial law,
whatever that may amount to-, and directing the seizure
Of the mineA was taken after the issuance OF the original
court Injunction, after the court had confirmed the posi-
ton which it had taken temporarily, after the order had
been issued to MI. Lewis to call his strike off, and after
Mr.. Lewis and his associates in pursuance of the court. or
der had prepared a notice to the striking miners directing
the dfscontlnuance OF the strike, which order had been
submitted to and approved by the court having jurisdic-
ton. At the time when Governor Frazier issued his mar
tll law proclamation, therefore. the miners strike had
been called off by a federal court and by the heads of the
strikers. The action taken BY Governor Frazier is a d.
rect interference with the process Of the federal court. It
impedes the action which was Contemplated in the order
Of that court which was to, have the miners return to
work without further delay or negotiation in order that
coal production might be resumed. Governor Fraziers
action further was taken after the people Of the city of
Williston in a peaceful, orderly and effective manner had
settled this question for themselves r,
1t is idle. as Judge Robinson remarked a few days
ago, to speculate on what Governor Frazier intended. but
the effect of his action is undoubtedly to delay the settle
ment of such controversy as may exist between mine oper-
ators and their employees, and thus to continue a very un-
satisfactory condition of controversy. The only explana-
ton which seems possible of the governors amazing per
formance is that he was determined to seize upon what
he thought a good opportunity to socialixe the coal mines
Of the state, and that having got this notion firmly fixed
In his head he was determined to carry out his purpose
even If that involved defiance of the government of the
United States.
~ &H.a' L<2aE Is +. #-