The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-11-08
IN ALIENS HANDS
Coal Operators Case to Gov
ernor if Strike Continues.
Lukins Outlines Stand at State
House Session.
TO COME BACK WEDNESDAY
Meantime, Mine Head Hopes
for Indianapolis Results.
Declares Rights of Consuming
Public Paramount.
TO COME BACK WEDNESDAY

Coal operators of the southwest dis
trict will turn their case over to Gov
ernor Allen in the hope of affecting
settlement with strikers provided fed
eral action in Indianapolis today does
not provide relief. That was the as
surance of F. W. Lukins, president of
the Southwest Coal Operators associa
ton, at a conference in the state house
today with Governor Allen
Lukins will look to the state for re-
lief in this district, provided the mine
workers conference and the federal
Injunction suit do not produce results.
If conditions remain unchanged during
the next few days Lukins will return
to Topeka-probably Wednesday,
with definite proposition for settle
ment of the strike in this district. He
will place his proposal in the hands of
the governor. who will seek to adjust
differences with the strikers and re-
open the mines.
Hope in indianapolis.
In his talk with Governor Allen to-
day. Lukins indicated that he believed
results might be expected from one of
the three moves being made in
Indianapolis. Should the federal in
junction fail, the head of the opera
tors association believes there is a
possibility of early compromise in a
new conference of heads of the mine
workers union. A third ray of hope
is in the apparent return to command
of President Hayes of the mine work.
ers. There is a posi- bility that Hayes
may direct a setting aside of the
orders of John L. Lewis, acting presi-
dent
While he talked frankly with Gov
ernor Allen regarding hopes of early
settlement of the strike, Lukins did
not venture confidence or faith in the
course of Alexander Howat, head OF
the workers in this district. In fact
Lukins might easily exchange compli-
ments with H6wat and finish neck
and neck with the Pittsburg man in
expressions of disfavor.
That Lukins is willing to offer s
compromise agreementson which Gov
ernor Allen may work, was made
clear. Such an offer was withheld al
today's conference merely because Of
| the possibility that nationwide reliel
| might come in a few days.
\. As soon as a proposal is made bs
ALukins. the operators will turn over tc
Governor Allen authority to negotiate
| a settlement of differences. The plar
is to bring about an Independent adj
! justment of differences and to return
1 5000 miners to their work in this
district. At present the operators are
making no effort to keep their mines
open.
Declares Lukins Frank.
'1uklnS was very frank In MS talk
today" Governor Allen said He adj
mitted that the coal produced from
the soil was not for the sole use OF
the operators or the miners. He con-
coded that the greater right-the
right of the consuming public-must
be considered. If differences between
operators and miners are not settled
nationally Mr.. Lul Nns will return to
Topeka next week with an independ-
ent proposition which / will be author
lied to submit to Mr.. Howat and other
heads of the mine workers union in
, the southwest district"
Because of the pending proposal
from Lukins. results of national move
/ ments will be watched carefully by
hstate officials. If steps to be taken
in the next few days do not reopen the
mines. Governor Allen anticipates a
second conference at an early date
probably next Wednesday.