Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1919-12-05
u. S. TO FORCE
Mine OPERATION
Troops viii Protect Workers if
Needed, Is the Official
EdiCt.
BAKER TO FURNISH SOLDIERS
Department Commanders to Use Reg
uIars to Preserve Order and Pro-
vide Protection for Those De-
string to Work.

Washington, Dec. 1.-The govern
ment served blunt notice on soft coal
miners and operators that interference
with coal production would not be
tolerated.
Warning that legal prosecution
would be employed to thwart conspir-
acies by either side and troops sent
wherever necessary to protect miners
willing to work came from the depart
ment of justice after members of the
cabinet had considered every phase of
the fuel situation, admittedly critical.
in view of the abrupt breaking off of
negotiations.
It is not the intention of the gov
eminent to let the mines remain idle
with half of the country in the grip
of cold weather and the coal sup
plies rapidly diminishing.
Seizure of mines where the owners
do not show a disposition to CO.
operate in increasing production has
been decided upon, it was stated Off
cially.
The administration, it was thought,
had fully expected the miners to re-
ject the IA per cent wage increase
offered by Fuel Administrator Gar
field. Anticipating this, plans had
been considered for augmenting the
present output of bituminous mines,
officially figured at better than 40
per cent of normal.
A statement by Assistant Attorney
General Ames gave assurance to all
miners that they would be afforded
ample protection if they returned to
work, even if troops had to be called
out. This was the only definite state
ment of policy from the government.
In official circles it was said that the
federal authorities were determined to
force resumption of operations on the
terms laid down by the fuel admins
traitor.
Secretary Baker, Mr.. Ames said, al
ready has authorized department COM
manders when requested by state au-
thorities to use troops to preserve or
der. That policy provides protection
for those desiring to work, he said.
Discussing department of justice
plans, Mr.. Ames said:
"All United States attorneys in the
bituminous fields have been officially
advised Of the result of the negoti-
atoms at Washington and have been
given instructions relative to the stu
alton.
1T is, of course, obvious that the
time has come when ample protection
will be furnished all persons desiring
to work in mines. All persons, wheth-
er miners or operators, making an
agreement or arrangement with each
other to restrict the supply of coal will
be proceeded against as the law pro-
vides, and it should be understood that
any person who aids or abets in re-
stricting the supply of coal is likewise
guilty by the terms of the Lever act.
Constructions heretofore issued by
the war department are still in force
and, under these instructions, depart
ment commanders will act in proper
Eases WuCA 4CquOSICN ~ Wv ~ w
the state authorities"
Operators set out to resume. pro-
duction, as far as possible under the
muddled conditions, by telegraphing
notice for posting at mines everywhere
offering an increase of Il per cent
for all men willing to work.
There were few expressions as to
how this information might be re-
ceived, but representatives of the mi
ners still here said it would be no in
centive and that it would be ignored,
especially in the central competitive
fields, embracing Ohio, Illinois, Indi-
ana and western Pennsylvania.