Evening journal., 1919-11-28
CRIMINAL SUITS
MAY BE FILED

WASHINGTON. Nov. 2s. United
Press drastic government action 10
set the coal mines running is expected
here before the end Of the week.
With the West IN the grip Of blis-
zard which seems about to sweep East
ward the coal operators and representa-
tlves OF striking miners broke up their
Joint conference here late yesterday.
Unable to agree on wage Increase the
conferees adjourned sine die.
Government ofIlcials today hastily ar
ranged conferences. Attorney General
Palmer hurried back TO Washington.
expecting 10 take counsel with Fuel
Administrator Garfield.
President Wilson's cabinet meets To-
morrow. The coal situation viii be the
first question TO be taken up, II is ex-
peoted
What action the government will de
eide upon is not announced.
Federal operation OF the mines Is one
possibility although this is considered
unlikely. The government II Is en-
phosized, would face the same dlnlculty
In getting miners 10 return 10 work that
operators were unable 10 overcome.
More legal action by Attorney General
Palmer would not get the miners back
10 work In large numbers, according 10
many officials. Palmer now is under
stood 10 have evidence upon which 10
base criminal suits against several lead
ers In the miners union.
GfnTa TrHara Araa-n... fa.....H
junction restraining leaders OF the
United Mine Workers from furthering
the strike which began November 1,
palmer's agents have flooded him with
reports from every section Of the coun-
try. These reports have 10 do with
activities Of local union officials fol-
lowing receipt OF the order resembling
the strike sent out by President John
Lewis OF the union under direction OF
the court Operators today promised
that II troops were sent into the coal
fields the strike would be broken quick
ly. Thousands OF miners would return
TO their jobs II they were sure OF pro
lection, operators said. Many operators
10 leave here today for their
homes declared they would make every
attempt TO run the mines.
Government officials replied that
troops are available In every locality
where they may be needed and can be
called upon application 10 the nearest
military center through the State
governor. Secretary Baker long ago
issued orders TO this effect, Il was de-
clared.
Coal now Is being mined at a rate OF
about 40 per cent. Of normal, Official
reports show. Most OF this tonnage Is
being produced by 10000 non-union
miners who refused 10 strike on Novem-
Der 4. The number OF union miners
who so far have returned 10 work In
line with the strike resembling order Is
by union officials as
'neglible."
Although ordinary stocks OF coal are
nearly exhausted, according to reports
lf the railroad administration, fair
sized stocks that were intended for ex-
port are available for domestic use.
These reserve stores are on cars in
Atlahtic ports where they were halted
~ the railroad administration when
he strike began. The conference break
lp came after the miners formally
oted 10 reject the offer Of the operators
u an average wage increase OF "a per
ient. The miners also rejected an
lrbitration proposal offered by the
operators, according to T. w. Guthrie
Who acted as chairman
After the miners voted down the A
'er cent. offer they proposed settle
nent on a basis Of an increase OF 3i.6f
'er cent. as suggested by Labor Secre-
ary Wilson. This was voted down by
he operators.