Evening star., 1921-09-01
President Awaits
: Report From
BandhOltZ
SOLDIERS TO GO
ATHIS COMMAND
Signs Proclamation
for Martial Law
at a Moment.

Expiration at noon today OF the
time limit fixed by President Harding
by proclamation for dispersal OF the
armed bands of citizens in West Vir-
ginia's mine disorders found White
House and War Department omclals
awaiting a report from Brig. Gen. H.
H. Bandholtz. the army's representa-
tive on the scene, as to the situation.
While officials waited for the report
on which a decision as employment of
federal troops and a declaration OF
martial law will rest. all was In reaol-
ness for federal government to step
into West Virginia should that De
found necessary.
Trains were said by Secretary
Weeks to be standing ready on the
side tracks at Camps Dix. N. j., ana
Sherman. Ohio, to move troops at a
moments notice. Thirteen a1rplaneS
were en- route from Langley Field. va,
to make survey of the Whoie
region and report what they observed.
A proclamation declaring martial law
in the counties of Fayette, kanaWna'
Logan, Boone and Mingo was drawn
up and signed, ready for promulgation.
A third regiment OF infantry was
today ordered by Secretary weeks 10
be gotten in readiness at Camp DIX,
N j., for possible service in West Vlr-
ginia. This will be the second regi-
ment to leave from Camp Dix in case
third will go from Camp Sherman.
Ohio.
Il will wait the report of Gen. Band
holtz before making move. Secre-
tary Weeks announced at noon, % mo NO
word has been received from him
since he left for West Virginia. He
probably will report as soon as he
has surveyed the ground after noon"
AS the expiration of the time l1mit
fixed by the President approached COM
from West virginia ON.
cials and citizens poured into the war
Department and White House in an al
most steady stream, all OF the mes
sages asserting that the armed oanos
were disposed to disregard the call to
disperse and calling in urgent lar :
guage for the employment of federal
troops.
Former Gov Harfield at Logan tele-
relief" declaring that "the wiping out
CT peaceful and prosperous commn-
Eity will unQuestionably happ IN with
.;n the next twelve hours unless federal
stroops are dispatched ys-~r.--------7 80 -----7
Proclamation Already Signed.
From Charleston former Gov. W. A.
MacCorkle wired to Sc. retary Weeks,
following a. tour made by himself
through the disturbed territory. that
";he whole mining country is PRACTICAL
ly on the march toward the seat OF
trouble"
The proclamation already has been
signed and requires only TO be pro-
mulgated. Although officials are hope
full that the extreme step will not be
necessary their optimism has been
lowered by recent dispatches from
the disturbed area.
If martial law is declared It will be
the first time this course has been
taken by the federal government since
the days Immediately following the
civil war. In case federal troops are
sent into West Virginia they will be
trder command of Gen BandholtZ.
Philippine constabulary and who in
France was provost marsha general
of the A. E. F.
A telegram signed by members of
the West Virginia delegation which
conferred with Secretary Weeks reached
the War Department from Charleston.
1.-The committee calling on you
yesterday just returned to Charles
ton.' the message said, "and find
miners from practically every camp
In the wha-Fayette-Boone sec
tion rushing to Logan-Boone line. We
personally saw several men on our
return with high-powered rifles in au-
tcmobiles rushing to the troubled
zone. The governor is just advised
from Logan that firing is taking place
at the top of the mountain near the
Logan-Boone line. State is rushing
reinforcements- to that point from
every available station. Miners OPEN
ly state, according to reports to gov
proclamation. Necessary that federal
troops be sent at once if loss of life is
to be avoided. More than 5000 men
under arms close to Boone-Logan line
and more on their way"
Bnndholt1 Bears Letter.
Gen. Bandholtz on leaving WASH
1ngton carried a letter from Secretary
Weeks to Gov. Morgan. 1t said:
''You have received the Presidents 8
proclamation ordering the insurrection-
. airy element in West Virginia to retire
peaceably to their homes by noon on
September l. 1921. l am sending Gen.
H. H. Bandholtz, the bearer Of this
letter, with instructions to report to me
the extent to which the order Of the
President is obeyed. In case it becomes
necessary to send federal troops this
officer is designated to command them.
May ask that you will afford him every
possible assistance and cooperation In
the way of offices, stenographers and
clerks. quarters, transportation, etc.
II very earnestly hope that it may not
become necessary to employ federal
troops. If they're used it will be to re-
store peace and order in the most ef-
fective and prompt way. The problem
will be regarded by the military authori-
ties purely as tactical one."
Message to President.
The White House has made public
the following telegram received late yes
terday afternoon by President Harding
from A. c. Pinson, sheriff, and S. D.
Stokes. prosecuting attorney Of Mingo
county, of Williamson, w. Va:
"The press Of the country is quoting
John L. Lewis and other officials con.
nected with the United Mine Workers
of America as making repeated
charges to. the effect that the present
attempted Invasion of Mingo county
by numerous armed forces consisting
of members of the United Mine Work:
ers of America Is on account of hired
detectives and gunmen being used in
this county for the purpose Of guard
ing mines and intimidating workmen.
"As the situation here has become
nationwide in interest we feel It is
incumbent upon US and our duty to in
form you that from the time the strike
was called by the United Mine Work.
ers of America on July l of last year
no detectives or gunmen have been
employed in this county for the pur-
pose of guarding property or intimi-
dating workmen.
"On the contrary. during all this
time no guards have been permitted
about coal plants except regular au-
thorized state or county officials, not
withstanding that numerous murders
and other crimes have taken place and