The Topeka state journal., 1919-11-17
FIRST MOVE TO
PRODUCE COAL
IN EMERGENCY
To Provide Supply for Indus
trial and Individual Use.
Attitude To Be Taken by the
Operators in Doubt.
GOVERNOR TO MAKE AN APPEAL
Allen Plans To Go Direct to
Camps for Conference.
Patriotic Plea to Union Men
Who Are ON d Strike.
10000 MINERS IN THE FIELD
Property Valuation of Fifty
Millions Is Involved.
First Move in Naturalization
Aimed at Operators.
Allen Plans To Go Direct to
Camps for Conference.
Patriotic Plea to Union Men
who Are on d Strike.
10000 MINERS IN THE FIELD
Property Valuation of Fifty
Millions Is Involved.
First Move IN Naturalization
Aimed at Operators.

Acting under directions from Gov
ernor Allen, quo warrantO proceedings
were filed in the suprt n court late
this afternoon by r. J. Hopkins, at
tofney general, seeking the appoint
mcnt of three receivers for $50 coal
mining properties in Cherokee and
Crawford counties 1t is Governor
Aliens first move to take over and
operate the mines. He plans to go TO
the mining camps tonight and will
pers onally appeal to the 10000 miners
in the field to produce coal for the
state in the present emergency.
Srlit in the supreme court is directed
agd nst the operators; 1t seeks 10
place in the state authority to oper-
ate the mines as an emergency and to
provide a fuel supply for industrial
and individual use. Under authority
"a sked in the petition the receivers Will
be permitted TO operate the mines,
pay the workers, market the output
and make settlement with property
owners on the basis of production.
should the miners respond to Gov
ernor Aliens appeals, every mine in
the district will be opened this week.
Two Counties Left Out.
Mines in Leavenworth and Usage
counties are not affected by today's
suit Fewer than 1000 men are en-
pIoyed in mines in the two counties.
Separate action may later be taken
hand all kansas mine labor may be
concentrated in the Crawford-Chero-
kee district. E
Governor Aliens move today fol-
lowed a conference in Kansas Sunday
with representatives of the mine
workers union, Jake Shepherd of
Fort Scott, attorney for heads of the
mine workers union, approved the
governors. plans for state operation.
He will go with Governor Allen into
4 n
men to return to work. Alexan' -.
Howat is in Washington.
Personal Appeal to Miners.
"Our first step will be a personal
appeal to the miners to go to work for
the state" said Governor Allen 1T
is the innocent bystander-the poor
fellow who buys coal in small guam
tities-who is suffering. The rich
chap has his winter supply. 1 want
the miners to dig coal for the state
that We may take care of the unfor-
tunate 1 want them to go to work
without surrendering any of their
rights-and want the operators to
turn over their property without waiv-
ing their rights"
Governor Allen refused to indicate
his course in event the mine workers
objected to his proposal The fact
that he will be aided by Shepherd-a
wa r1n personal friend of Howat-has
given state officials strong hopes of
ultimate success A AaII dozen meet
ings will be held by the governor
terminating in a monster gathering in
Pttsburg.
Coal operators have refused to
make clear their positions, altho last
week several of their representatives
indicated to Governor Allen they were
ready to turn over their property
Frank Hagerman of Kansas City, at
torney for the operators, today talked
with Governor Allen and Attorney
General Hopkins over the long dis
tance telephone. He urged a post
ponement of action until Tuesday.
State officials refused to grant de-
Law. Hagerman then refused to
pledge that his clients would enter an
appearance.
Asks for Three Receivers.
The quo warranto petition seeks ap-
pointment of three receivers-one
representing the operators, another
the mine workers, and a third receiver
the general public.
Mayor Clarence Sample of Fort
Scott. president of the Liberty Ma
tional bank. may be named as re-
ceiver for the consuming public. His
appointment was forecast today in
state house circles.
Directed EEainst Operators.
Petitions in the case are directed