The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-11-04
MANY MINERS ARE LEAVING RANKS OF
 STRIKERS, REPORTS
 ID PALMER SHOW
Scattered Reports From 2S States Show First Breaks
 in Ranks of Strikers Oc-
 cur in West Virginia and Colorado
sy Assseiatse Prsn


 Official Washington was firm in the belief tonight that the end of the coal strike was near.
 There was nothing definite or tangible in the way of actual developments to justify this hopeful view of the situa- ton, but everywhere the feeling prevailed that influences were being brought to bear to have the strikers, numbering more than 4ooooo, return to work.
 Confidential reports to the department of justice from it's agents in tho coal fields were said to show many defections from the ranks of the strikers. Some of the reports said that large numbers or idle miners had declared they wanted to return to work. but were afraid to do SO
 FULL PROTECTION PROMISED
 In this connection officials reiterated that adequate protection would be given There was no specific statement as to how this would be provided. but it was explained that troops would Dc available at the call of any governor who believed it necessary to preserve order or protect workers.
 Scattered reports from the fields reaching into 2S states, showed tho first breaks in the ranks or organized labor iu West Virginia and Colorado Advices to Washington headquarters of the oper ators said that all non-union mines wera working to full capacity and turning oui considerably more coal than on Saturday.
 Some of tho operators reports said that union men had gone to work in non union mines, and that therc was grow. ing sentiment that men n themselves should have had the right to vote on the strike before itlwas ordered.
 This information, to q large extent, was in lpe with that received by the govern ment, especially as to defections. or ricials said the strikers rEelized puhs sentiment WAS against them. and soms labor ieaaars were taking tutsrtie~,
 EXPECT END THIS WEEK
 Attorney General Palmer. handling the maln end of the governments case. went to visit his homo in Pennsylvania 10 night, feeling. 1t was said. that the crisis might be over before Saturday. the day on which tho temporary injunction re straining officers of the miners organis zation from activity was made return able Asked what tho government wouic do that day. an official said.
 we will not cross that bridge urr we get to it.
 Tho fact that no disorder was reported anywhere by department Of justice agents5 was taken as q good sign that conditions were hopeful and that the miners reat- ized it was a time for sober judgment and action. Several miners meetings were scheduled for tonight in the cosi fields. and 1t was thought hero that these might have an important bearing on tn" general situation.
 DIRECT STEPS TAKEN
 me efrt "a ! first reported intc-<ion to let tEs strike wear itself out. hope of settling i 1t put all agencies to work. and some i direct steps were taken, but their na- i ture was not disclosed
 1 The sweeping powers of the fedora court injunction in cutting off al strike benefits Is being relied upon by the government to bring the strike ts a speedy end. Local representatives of the United Mine Workers of Amor ica were notified today that cheeks r. cover expenses for rNe last half of cc tober could not be sent at this tin8s because of tho court order.
 likeness of the miners. with no fund; available for their support makes doubtful if they can hold out for any extended period. according to the view of men familiar with strike eond: tions.
 It is largely because of this fact tna 1 laDOr leaders tHeinSeAFsa 4oUN TOT c1Ff- peace in the industry
 Three conciliators of the Departmen of Labor. here from the coal fieirs ! were in conference with officials O., the department today and gave first hand information as to actual condis tons They were Hvmel Davis and James Purcell of Kentucky and W;i liam Rogers of Iowa.
 The question of possible curtailmea1 Of train service has been left to rs- gioral directors for determination, al though railroad men agreed that Ta less the strike is brought to q quick end it may be necessary 10 redrce I sharply both freight and passenger service.
 The railroad administration is ready to seize such coal as It needs and nlovn tho rest to districts where the sup ply is low.
 UNION MINES REMAIN CLOSED l By Associated prsss Charleston. W Va, November STns