Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-10-31

lnIantfy ana macnlne SunnerS made up the riot battalion, it was announced, along with the necessary medical detachment and staff off cers.
 The provisional battalions desti- nation was announced as Huntington, w. Va, where they were to detrain and scatter in various towns, accord ing to Col. ". R. Scott, intelligence officer. Col. w. s. Harrell, com mander of the 16th infantry and act ing commander of the first infantry brigade, was in command of the bat talion.
 Washington, Oct. 3O.-The govern ment put on it's fighting clothes to- day to meet the coal strike, due to start Saturday.
 While order after order popped out with startling wartime swift ness, the long arm of the law reach- ed out to protect the public and those miners willing to remain at work in the face of union commands to quit.
 More drastic of all moves during the day was the order of the railroad administration for seizure of coal in transit for roads requiring it, with rationing of stocks on hand to essential industries.
 So far as the government is able to prevent. there will be no profi- teering while the grim specter of winter, with coal bins dangerously low or bare, looms big and close at hand Almost the first step today was drafting of an order, formally is- sued tonight, fixing a maximum price for all grades of coal. Re-establish-, ment of the priorities list will put coal where it is most needed, and if it comes to that the government will curtail consumption.
 Breaking down the barriers which had kept members of the cabinet away from his sick room. President Wilson took hand in the fight today and personally approved every detail in the general plan of dealing with conditions likely to arise with the walkout of the soft coal miners. For 20 minutes. the president prop ped in bed. went over with Attorney General Palmer the various steps. heard what orders had been issued and was put in intimate touch with all arrangements. The president. it was said. was especially gratified to learn of protective measures, both for the homes and the mines.
 The coal strike took precedence over the peace treaty in the senate. which for four hours debated and then adopted resolution pledging it's support to the government in maintaining order during the present industrial emergency. Efforts to have the house take similar action failed. because of the opposition by republican leaders.
 To Protect Workers.
 In and out of congress, however, sentiment seemed to turn through one groove, and there were expres- sions of general approval of the gov- ernment's determination to keep the mines in full operation.
 While the only statement given out after the special meeting of the cabinet dealt with issuance of an or. der relating to the fixing of a. maximum coal price. the members were understood to have considered seriously means of protecting the miners who will not strike. Reports received from confidential sources during the last few days officials said. indicated that 8 considerable number would keep on turning out coal if afforded protection, and this. officials adde, would be given in abundant measure.
 State and city police and ragula- tion constabularv forces will be pressed into service first, and troops will be called only as last resort, according to those familiar with the program.
 Secretary Daniels announced today that sailors and marines will be- shifted to land duty and attached to military organizations if their ser vices are demanded by the president. There has been no statement. how veer, as to the policy or determina- tion of using troops. Much will de- pend on what happens after the mines shut down tomorrow night.
 Garfield in Command.
 Satisfied there was no longer hope of averting the strike, but eager to have miners and operators mediate, government officials felt that a rasp- ing note has been sounded by John l.. Lewis. acting president of the United Mine Workers of America. in a telegram to Secretary of Labor Wilson, attacking President Wilson for his part in trying to bring neace to the industry. The mine workers president was replying to telegram sent by Secretary Wilson, which tt
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