The Topeka state journal., 1919-10-25
u. S. MAY RUN
MINES, USING
ARMY IN TASK
Cabinet, in Special Session, Is
Planning Action.
VIII Report Governments
Stand to President.
URGES U. S. TO USE FORCE
Senator Thomas Calls on Dras-
tic Executive Action.
Half Million Miners Due To
Strike Next Saturday.

Strike Next Saturday.
Washington, Oct. 25.-A definite
program to be placed before President
Wilson as to the governments attitude
In the coal miners strike, will be for
mulated by the cabinet this afternoon,
IT was said at the White House The
walkout, set for next Saturday, would
affect half million men.
While no definite decision had been
taken when the cabinet recessed for
luncheon. Secretary Tumulty said the
discussion at the morning session dis
closed that the presidents official
family was of one mind and mot a bit
wobbly." He added that when the
program was presented to the presf-
rent, Mr.. Wilson was expected to
make public statement.
1t has been suggested United State-
troops be used to operate the mines.
Calls on Executive to Act.
In the senate, Senator Thomas in
troduced a resolution calling upon the
executive branch of the government to
I'vinGicate the power and majesty of
resolution. which is to be called up
Monday. declares the strike would
''provol-e violence, bloodshed and in
surrectfon."
The resolution would pledge the
constant, continuous and unqualified
support" of congress to the national
administration and all others in
authority" in meeting the great
emergency confronting US"
Cnc Member for II Fight.
Il am for the fight" said one mem
Der of The cabinet.
There apparently was no disposition
to criticize either the operators or
miners for the failure of the negotia
tions conducted by Secretary Wilson.
Officials who discussed the situation,
spoke of a mass attack on the gov
eminent"
Cne phase of the situation which
mos Officials had in mind was that of
cost OF coal to the public during the
threatened strike. 1t was said that
fair price committees working with
Attorney General Palmer to reduce
the cost of living probably would add
coal to the commodities on which
thcy have issued fair prices. Officials
sgd the department of justice would
, lot undertake to set a national price
for coal because of the differences be-
tween mining costs and freight rates,
but that the question would be han
died locally.
Just before the cabinet met, John
L. Lewis, president of the United
Mine Workers of America sent word
to unions thruout the country that
work in the mines would stop next
Friday night.
Fight Until End. Says Lewis
Lewis said the strike would last un-
til the government is able to induce
the stubborn coal operators to deal
humanely with the men who mine
the coal.
And one mans guess is as good as
another's on that" he added
Before leaving for home, members
of the miners full scale committee
said they realized now that public
sentiment was largely against the
miners but contended there would be
a quick change with the first evil
dence Of profiteering" Lewis. in
formal statement, charged that the
operators did not want to make a
new wage agreement because that
would deprive them of the chance
of raising prices"
Consumers already are being re-
quired to pay more for coal than they
paid a month or two weeks ago."
Lewis said
Called Special Cabinet.
President Wilson today, thru Secre-
tary Tumulty summoned the cabinet
in special session.
Director General Hines of the rail-
road administration was asked to meet
with the cabinet to present the situa-
tion from the standpoint of the rail-
troads
Secretary Lansing was confined to
his home with a cold and could not at
tend. All other members of the pres
ident's official family were present
and Secretary Glass presided. Secre-
tary Tumulty was present to convey
the views of President Wilson on the
situation.
Stern Action Necessary.
AS they entered the White House
the cabinet officials declined to make
any forecast. Some members, how
ever, were said to hold the belief that
stern action was necessary in the face
of the grave industrial situation exist
ing over the country.
Following are some of the matters
expected to be taken up by the cabi-
net:
Continuation of coal production de-
spite the strike Of bituminous miners
set for November l.
The recommendation of the national
industrial conference, on disbanding
Yesterday, that Il small committee be
named to draw up an industrial 'peace
program for submission to new con-
ference.
The Indicated intention Of labor TO
fight TO a finish in the steel strike
The demands of the four big brother
hoods and other railroad workers for
more wages.
Director General Hines was warned
today in a letter from the Nationa
Z WholeRle Coal association that while
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