The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-07-24
ASK U.S.. ACTION
TOSTOP STRIKE
Illinois Coal Operators Anx-
ious in Face Of Shutdown
of All Mines.
FAMINE WILL BE RESULT

Chicago, July 24---Face to face with
the probability that within the next
forty-eight hours practically every
shipping coal mine in Illinois will be
tightly closed, ana with coal famlne
affecting the country In prospect. Ilii-
nois coal operators today are insistent
In their demands that the United
States government take q decisive stand
In the situation.
The operators, backed up unofficialIy
by coal men throughout the middle
west, who realize that complete shut
down In Illinois will seriously reduce
their supply, desire that the federal
government either step In and do what
II can to save the situation, or adopt
strictly hands on" policy and permit
them to settle the differences.
The operators freely state that the
present tie-up OF the coal industry IN
illinois IL due 20 clash between prank
Farrlngton, state head Of the miners.
and John l.. Lewis, national president
Of the United Mine Workers. They
allege that FurrlnRton's ambition 20
succeed Lewis as the miners national
head is In turn responsible for the clash
between the two leaders.
Illinois officials today expressed their
surprise at the dispatch Of federal con-
ciliators 10 tho strike zones. according
TO advices from Springfield,
Hurry fishwick, vice president OF the
Illinois miners. stated today his belief
that there IL no need for concillation.
The operators are agreed that the
day men should got an increase IN
wages" Fishwick said, The opera
tors have told the men that the only
reason they haven't had the increase
was that the Lever act Is still impend-
ing. They are afraid OF the govern
ment," he concluded.
Fishwlck also insisted that not sim
gle approval Of the various Illinois
walkouts has gone from state head
quarters.
won't attempt n settlement until the
government declares itself, and that the
case Is one OF Its hands off or inter-
ventlon." Beyond sending cancellations
into the strike zones, the government
has given no indication OF what Il
will do.
Springfield Tied Up.
Springfield, llla July 2s,--While press
reports sapeculated on the outcome OF
tho federal conciliatinn coal miners In
Illinois today were leaving mines Idle
in a determined effort 10 obtain higher
wages for company men. Reports re-
eeived at the state headquarters OF the
miners union here Indicate that prac-
tically every mine IN the state Is closed
or about to be closed.
Springfield was tied up completely.
Miners were planning monster open
air meeting here for this afternoon AZ
which the question OF remaining out will
be discussed
President Farrlngton. the state union
head, Ia In indianapolis Other union
officials would not DISCUSS the situation
except to say telegrama Of dissatiAlac~
tlon were being received by locals from
all parts Of the state.
Wilaon Considers Call. -.
washington. July 2t.--Pfeaident WN~
son has under consideration . plan VI
call upon the leaders Of coal worktf.
10 use their efforts 70 eradicate all
labor troubles In the coal industry,
IN the Illinois coal fields. Il
was atatcd at the white House today
III the president takes such action. lt
IA understood that ih will be n teie-
graphic appeal to all mine leaders
The president In expected 70 reply 70
an appeal from Gov, Goodrich. OF in-
diana. that he appoint fuel adminls.
iration, II was strongly Indicated mnt
the president win decline 10 take such
action In the absence % congress.