New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-07
Troops Won't
Intervene i'm
Mine Problem
Some to Stay in W. Virginia
Until Peace Is Assured,
but Policing Duty Is Up
to State, Weeks Declares
BandEoltz Returns Soon
Goth Infantry Ordered Back
to Camp Dix as Calm i'll
Troubled Area Continues
From The T,i5une.s rasninoton Bureau

From The Tribune's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON. Sept. 6.-The War
Department will retain Federal troops
in West Virginia until all disorders
have ceased and peace has been re-
stored, but no action will be taken by
the War Department In the controversy
between the mine operators and the
miners, Secretary Weeks declared to-
day.
1.-THE department has nothing to do
with any controversy between the
workmen and employers" Secretary
Weeks said. "A Senatorial committee
is to make an investigation there, and
it would not be fitting that the War
Department should concern itself about
that. 1t is the army's business to re-
store peace and order, and that will be
done"
Because of the favorable reports
which have been received by the de-
partment from Brigadier General Harry
II. Bandholtz, commanding the forces
in West Virginia, orders were issued
to-day by Secretary Weeks for the
withdrawal of the 26th Infantry, q
small detachment of the chemical war
fare section and a part of the 88th Air
Squadron. These men will return to
their stations at once. The remainder
Of The Federal troops, about 200 men,
will remain in the disturbed area until
the department is convinced that FUR
Their trouble is unlikely.
Asked if he planned to establish a
permanent Federal garrison at Charles
ton, w. Va, Mr.. Weeks said the depart
ment had no such thought. He said the
army had no funds to keep Federal
troops in any state for the preserva-
ton OF order. and added that it was the
duty Of West Virginia to form ma
tional guard to put down disorders and
maintain peace within it's borders.
The War Department has advised
Governor Morgan that corps of in
structor-inspectors would be furnished
him to assist in recruiting and training
an adequate force of state militia, and
the point has been stressed that the
future employment of Federal troops
there would not be authorized if the
state authorities fail to take steps to
organize the National Guard.
Special Dispatch to The Tribune
CHARLESTON W. Va, Sept. g.
train for Camp Dix and the chemical
warfare detachment and air squadron
expecting orders to leave the war
zone," West Virginia's civil war Of a
week ago has settled down to a hum
drum job of policing on the part of
the 700 army troops that are to re-
main.
General Bandholtz expects to depart
for Washington in day or so, as he
believes his subordinates capable of
handling the situation. In the mean
time West Virginia is pushing with
every energy the formation of rcgi-
ment of the National Guard, which
Federal authorities think should have
been done year ago. with tho intcn-
ton of taking over the police work in
the Coal River "battle sector" as
quickly rs possible.
There is some disposition on the part
of Federal authorities here to criticize
the state government for hardness in
organizing the guard. Governor Nor
gan and Adjutant General Charnock
arc meeting this criticism with un-
usual activity preparatory to recruit
ing campaign in every large town in
the state.
While these military preparations
are going on nothing is being done to
bring about settlement of the indus