The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-02
NATIONAL Mine
STRIKE CERTAIN
CHECK OFF ISSUE
Are Twenty Thousand Men Idle
in Indiana.
No Official Order Has Been
Issued to Men.
PROTEST JUDGES DECISION
Appeal to Supreme Court OF
{. S. To Be Taken.
More Walk-Outs in Central
Field Expected by Leaders.

Chicago, Nov Frank Earring
ton, president of the U. NJ. w. A. OF
Illinois, telegraphed today to his head
quarters at Springfield that inasmuch
as the Illinois coal operators have not
yet abolished the check-off system,
the miners should remain at work.
The telegram instructed that wires
be sent every Illinois district local to
continue work. and to say that inde-
pendent action by locals would injure
the Illinois organization. Life of the
organization, Mr. harrington said. "is
in a critical state and hasty action by
our membership might result in It's
dissolution and death.
indianapolis, Nov. 2-Work in the
Indiana coal field was practically at
a standstill today as a result of walk
outs of twenty thousand men en-
ployed at 800 mines in the state ac-
cording to early reports received at
union headquarters at Terre Haute.
Further walkouts of coal miners
were looked for today as district pres
idents of the United Mine Workers
received kilograms from their inter-
national officers stating that amy
abrogation or setting aside of any
part or section" of the existing joint
agreement between the miners and
operators Including the section pro-
viding for the checking off of dues
and assessments cannot be regarded
as other than a violation of the agree
ment and should be treated accord
ingly by the district officers and local
unions within your Jurisdiction"
Operators Stand Pat.
Operators enjoined by Judge Ander-
son in the federal court from con-
tinuing the CHECK Off system. were
1 expected to abide by the courts de-
cree and cease collection of miners
| dues by the system. This. in the light
of the union officials telegram, would
constitute "abrogation" of a section of
the joint agreement and be cause"
for a strike, it was generally believed.
NJ. L. Gould, president ef the Indi-
ana Bituminous Operators association,
| declared the operators most certainly
will stop the check off system" but
declared he could see no cause for
strike.
Will Ask For Appeal.
Counsel for the operators and the
union are scheduled to appear before
Judge Anderson today to ask for an
| appeal from his decision to the cir
| cult court of appeals at Chicago.
| Union officials have announced they
| would contest not only the order
against the 'check-off' but also the
provision of the injunction prohibit
ing all efforts to unioniza the William
| son coal field of West Virginia.
Counsel for the Borderland Coal
! corporation, which obtained the in
| junction, also are to appear in court
| TO give bond required TO secure the
| defendants against damages that
might result from any acts under the
injunction in case Of a reversal of
/ Judge Anderson's decision. The order
will become effective as soon as bond
is filed by the Borderland corpora
tion.
Administration Is Hopeful.
Washington, Nov. 2.-The adminis-
tration is hopeful that there VIII be no
nationwide coal strike as the result Of
I Judge Anderson's Injunction decision.
I it was stated officially today
Secretary of Labor Davis said he
4 could not discuss the situation while
I it was still in the courts. but indicated
that he was hopeful that the matter
would be adjusted without a strike
and pointed out that an appeal will be
| taken.
| Labor department officials pointed
out that the check off" system was
provided for in the recommendation
Of the bituminous coal commission,
J appointed more than year ago to ad-
{ just the last wage dispute. They sug-
! gested that these recommendation
| might play a part in the future ac-
| ton on the Anderson decision.
Kansas Miners Uncertain.
Pittsburg, Kan. Nov. 2.-What ef-
! feet If any the check-off injunction is
sued by Judge A. b. Anderson at In
, dianapolis will have upon the already
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