Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-09-07
ALABAMA MINERS
DUE TO STRIKE At
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
Coal Operators Claim Pro-
duction Will Not Be Great
Iy Affected.
By the Associa ted Press.

A'SPeShiDSi -
With the general strike call set for mid
night tonight, coal operators and union
leaders early today were awaiting re-
ports from the Alabama fields as to the
number of men who returned to work
after the Labor day lay-off. Operators
expressed the belief that the call
would not affect production to any
great extent, while union chiefs freely
predicted that response to the walk
out order would be general, tying lap
all operations in this field.
In the meantime. Gov. kilby's spe-
cial committee of conciliators was
busy in it's efforts to get the warning
factions into conference and stop
the struggle.
Former Gov. Charles Henderson and
Judge J. j. Mayfield, two of the con-
ciliators, were present at the first
meeting. DIR. George H. Denny, presi-
dent of the Alabama State University,
chairman of the commission. was de-
tanned at Tuscaloosa by official bust
ness.
The plan for public hearings was
formed at a meeting of the three con-
ciliators in Tuscaloosa last night.
Each Side Blames the Other.
Statements were issued during the
day by James Bonnyman, in behalf of
the operators. J. ]. Kennemer. presi-
dent Of the miners. and William
Harrison, strike organizer.
Each side blamed the other for the
situation which has arisen in the Ala
bama coal fields. The operators de-
clared they would not yield in their
determination not to deal with the
union. Labor chiefs said recognition
Of the union was the one thing upon
which they would insist above all
others.
= Disappointed at the refusal of ]. r.
Kennamer, president of the Alabama
District Miners Association, to revoke
the strike order, Gov. kilby has IN
structed the board of three members
to take up their work with view OF
seeking to effect an agreement, re-
ceiving testimony from both miners
and operators as to the points In con-
troversy.
At the state capitol it was felt that
both parties were far apart and that
heavy task confronts the commission
ers. Gov. Kilby is in constant COM
munication with the birmingham dis
trict and is receiving daily reports on
the situation. The governor has re-
ceived Mr.. kennamer'S wire refusing
10 revoke the strike call for today,
but agreeing to cooperate in the in
yestigation undertaken by the state.
-
Association agreeing to the investiga-
fion was also received, but it was set
forth that they would not treat with
the union miners.
No Necessity for Troops.
WILLIAMSON. W. Va, September z.
-Disapproval Of the action of Gov.
John j. Cornwell in requesting that
federal troops be sent into the Mingo
county coal strike zone was expressed
<al NV Ir,d0 To Tar nj the
circuit court in his charge to the
grand jury which is investigating the
assassination of Anse Hatfield, at
Matewans three weeks ago.
mo grounds have ever existed" said
the Judge, -for tie bringing of troops
into this county, and not only do I.
on behalf of you and the people of
the county, challenge such grounds,
but as one elected to administer the
laws of the state and county do I
challenge it if there exists in this
county grounds for martial law.
Judge Damron told the jury that he
had been advised by a friend that he
could not hope to be reelected judge
IL he presided over TIE Matewan muir
der trials. He added that he wanted
to announce publicly that he would
not be candidate for reelection.
The twenty-six defendants charged
with murder in connection with the
May 10 shooting at Matewan were in
Williamson today. together with more
than 100 witnesses who will testify
At the trials, which will open tomor-
row.
Col. Burkhardt, in command of the
United States troops on duty in tie
Ningo county coal strike region, COM
menting last night on an unofficial
report from Camp Zachary Taylor.
KY, to the effect that 700 soldiers
were being held there for probable
duty in this district. said he had no
information on the subject.
The colonel declared he had made
no request for additional soldiers.
adding that in a recent conference
with Adjt. Gen. Deweese of Kentucky
it was decided that the services of
more troops were not required at the
present time. He expressed the opin-
ion that additional troops would not
be sent without request from him or
Gov. Morrow of Kentucky.
Car Shortage I'm South.
LOUISVILLE, KY. September T.
Southern states. including Alabama.
Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and
acute car shortage. Southern pro-
ducers of coal. lumber, agricultural
and manufactured products have been
unable to get sufficient empties to fill
shipping orders. said the statement.
which added that many additional
ears will be needed to transport the
forthcoming cotton crop. The Inter
state Commerce Commission may be
asked by the southern shippers to
have eastern and western lines send
cars to the south.