The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1919-11-27
CABINET DELVES
FUEL SITUATION
Strike May BE Definitely Checked Up
to Wilson If They FAN Down
Production Is StiIl Falling
OF.

Washington, Nov. President
Wilson's cabinet expected to reach
decision today on the wage contro-
versy between the bituminous coal
miners and operators that would send
the miners back to work.
Before entering the meeting, Attor-
ney General Palmer said that If fig
ures as to operators profits given
yesterday by Former Secretary Of the
Tresury McAdoo were correct, it was
not likely that Fuel Administrator
Garfield would permit an increased
price for coal. Any wage advances
granted it was intimated, would have
to come out Of the operators profits.
Chicago, Nov. 25.-Closing of ad-
ditional manufacturing plants in the
middle west, with others placed on a
further curtailed fuel ration, and les
sening of production even in the
mines which have been worked since
the strike of bituminous coal miners
went into effect 25 days ago, was in
prospect today A ray of hope, the
first tangible one to penetrate the
gloom of the steadily growing menace
of coal shortage, entered the situa-
tion, however, with consideration OF
the entire strike question by President
Wilson's cabinet, with possible ref
erenee To the chief executive of the
whole difficulty.
From none of the great production
fields came an indication today thas
the miners had altered their disposi-
tion to await an agreement by the
operators-miners conference at Wash
ington. In Wyoming and Oklahoma
there was prospect of production
being resumed, and in West Virginia.
where the greatest quantity of fuel
has been brought out since the strike
started, state troops were ready to
curb alleged threats Of radicals, and /.
was expected the loss of production
reported yesterday would soon be re-
gained.
Small Production Gains.
The Wyoming miners were to re-
turn today after one-day strike, and
in Oklahoma Governor Robertson pre-
dicted mining operations would b.
started again on the state prison farm
either today or tomorrow.
Indiana factories and public util-
ties today were operated on greatly
reduced basis. Steps to conserve the
short coal supply we're more drastic
in the Chicago vicinity, where many
plants were closed. A wave of crime
that followed cutting off of street Il :
Elimination in Chicago caused revoca-
tion of that order. Enough fuel for
25 days, if used only for necessities
remains in Chicago, it was stated.
Claim Lack of Transport.
An alleged shortage at the mines
in West Virginia and Kentucky of
sufficient number of cars to remove
the fuel being brought out there Of
which could be mined was said by K
II. Dewett and other operators to be
handicapping their efforts to supply
the rest of the country One railroad
official, who would not permit the us,
Of his name, because Hines doesn'5
want any talking except by himself,
explained that the shortage of car
was brought about by various fuel
committees holding cars until it as alb
solutely necessary to release them
Goal cars that go into Canada,
he added, "also are held until loads
for return are available"
In that connection it was said that
no coal was being sent into Canada
from the middle west A ruling BY
Federal Director-G General of Railroads
Hines on shipments Of fuel into Can
ada was awaited.
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