The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-11-03
Rail Engineers Urge New
Conference to Remedy
Prevailing Unrest.
SEE A SERIOUS CRISIS
AttOrney-General 'AmazedA
by Coal Merchants Here
and DenOunces Protest.
U. S. SEEKS CANCELLATION
Will Offer MediatOr's Services
to Operators and
Miners.
j. S. SEEKS CANCELLATION
Snecinl Despafch to THn snN.


Of the United States courts and moral
suasion will be the only force used
by the Government in the coal strike
unless action by troops against dis
order becomes necessary. The court
powers will be used indiscriminately
against those who attempt to take ad-
vantage of the situation to the detri-
ment Of public interest in any way.
This was made plain to-day when At
torney General Palmer warned the
Wholesale Coal Trade Association OF
New York that any move to enhance
prices would be met promptly By
action.
The coal strike will not be in full
force and effect until tomorrow and
officials agree that it's scope and the
quantity of continued coal production
are problenatical. r
No further move in the strike is
contemplated by the Federal authori-
ties at this time with tho exception
OF formal offer OF the services of a
United States conciliator to effect a
settlement If possible. In all strikes
a conciliator is assigned by the de-
partment at the request of either
party direct or on the motion of the
Government or those indirectly af-
fected. This will be done in the
present strike, but no hope is enter
tanned that any offer of any services
will be accepted.
U. =. Authorities Await Moves,
Federal authorities intend to await
developments and a survey of the ef
rect Of the temporary restraining
order issued in Indianapolis. They
are confident that sufficient coal will
be mined at least to protect the gen
eral public from suffering and star
vation.
High officials of the Government
were more optimistic to-day regard
ing the general industrial outlook.
Ihis feeling was noticeable particular
~ In the Office of the Attorney-Gen-
eral. where 1t was said confidential re-
coal mining districts there was a ten
oency to call Off the strike. The re-
ports said that some of the local
unions were showing a Willingness to
this end. but on the contrary othe
districts said that the union miners
We're prepared to stay out until their
demands were granted.
Hope still Is pinned on the attitude
OF the non-union miners, who are
ready to remain at their posts and
TO supply coal. In certain
sections it Is believed some strikers
may ask for work, since the oppor-
tunity now is for a large weekly wage
with increased hours for extra work,
as the demand for coal will be In
creased.
Any men who wish to remain at
work, whether union or non-unlon,
will have the full protection of the q
United States. Attempts on the part
of agttators to lure these men from
their work or prevent them from
working will meet with prompt action
oy the office of the Attorney General.
1t is said that the Department OF
Justice is ready to open war on tho
agitators If they attempt TO invade the
mine fields and halt operations.
Operators without Plans.
Although United States troops are
ready to protect the men who wish to
work, coal operators generally havo
made no plans for the working of their
mines. At the same time the attitude
of the unions toward the working OF
mines is not known, for there have
been reported no Instances in which
picketing has been employed. To-
morrow is expected TO bring the test.
FOR It is a day when the men will show
their stand. whether they wish to
work or Join the strike. In some
quarters to-day the opinion was ex-
pressed that the operators were with
holding their plans to see what Mon
lay would develop in the line OF work.
ng forces.
The day brought forth also the first
disputes as to the number OF men
Who have Joined the strike. In Ala
1ama the union leaders asserted that
1000 miners have left their work, but
he operators contend that several OF
he larger mines in the State are still
n operation. Tomorrow will give a
better line on the conditions in that
state. for there will be no holiday TO
seep the men from reporting.
After the first outburst OF labor
against the use OF the power OF In
junction Government officials feel that
the situation hRs settled somewhat.
There is every indication that the rail-
road brotherhoods will refuse to boz
come involved in the coal strike or other
at this time, They have
taken a conservative attitude and. it is
said, they will keep their pledge TO the
Government to do everything possible
10 steady the situation.