New-York tribune., 1919-10-28
Washington Waits
For Miners Moue
No Official Information
as to Their Intention
Has Yet Been Received
Neac York Tribune
lrUoEtn oto,j R,,r.ou


WASHINGTON, Oct 27.- Official
Washington was still without informa-
tion to-day as to the course the leaders
of the United Mine Workers intend
to pursue in response to the Presidents
demand that they call off the strike
IN the bituminous mines of the coun-
try, set for November /. No word was
received either at the White House. the
Department OF Lanor or the Ame rican
Federation of Labor from Acting Presi-
dent Lewis or other officials of the
United Mine Workers, and lacking in
formation as to how the Presidents
statement will be received, no further
moves were made here.
Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer
had half hour conference with Sec
retary Wilson. of the Labor Depart
ment, but declined to discuss it or to
talk about the moves his department
may make in case the miners leaders
refuse to call off the strike. 1t is
known, however, that Mr. Palmer is
prepared to enforce the law to the ut
most and that he is taking ali the
necessary steps, either to proceed by
the ordinary processes of law against
the leaders of the miners, or to resort
to extraordinary judicial proceedings,
such as requesting temporary restrain
ing orders or injunctions.
Baker Silent on Plans
Secretary Baker declined to give anv
animation to-day as to what might be
done IN the way of using Federal
troops if the situation becomes des-
Perate and it IS necessary to protect
miners in non-union plants. Little
doubt is felt that the first sign of
serious disorder Will find the War De-
partment prepared to act.
In Congress the coal strike came up
Tor brief discussion in both Senate
and House, and although no definite
action was taken the general senti
ment evidenced was hearty support of
the President and commendation of his
position.
In the Senate a request for unani-
nous consent by Senator Thomas, of
Colorado, to take up his resolution nro
posing a declaration of support for the
President by Congress failed on the
objection of Senator Borah, of Idaho.
and went over, to be called I'D proha-
bly, tomorrow.
81 do not want to indorse the Adj
mlnlstration program without knowing
what it is," said Senator Borah. when
the Thomas resolution came up. 81 un-
derstand there has been none an
nounced'
Thomas Speaks for President
"The Presidents statement, said
Senator Thomas, "indicated a determi
nation to preserve law and order. The
purpose of this resolution is to place
behind those in authority the moral
support and. if necessary, the physical
support of the government in greater
Crisis than has ever confronted the
country"
81 am not in sympathy with the pro-
gram outlined by Gary" replied Mr..
Borah. "If man representing the
greatest organization of capital in the
world refuses even to meet the oppos-
ing faction | am not in sympathy with
him."
ut is better not to wait for an overt
act" said Senator Thomas, "but take
steps now fully to support the govern
ment. This is q case in which preven-
ton is better than cure"
How is the government going to
protect the people? ?" inquired Mr..
Borah.
~ do not know" replied Mr.. Thomas.
THAT is precisely what I want to
know" said Mr.. Borah. of it is in
tended to call out the militia and deci-
mate those on strike ! am opposed to
it. If it is intended to bring the fac
tions together for discussion of the sit
Na'io9 favor it,"
preparations for the future" said
Mr.. Thomas, "are essential to any pro-
gram of that kind and should be ap-
proved"