The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-15
WILL PROTECT EN-
Order To Be Maintained in Coal
Fields, Governor Says.
Allen Declines to Discuss De-
tailed Plans at Pittsburg.
HE MAY GO TO CRAWFORD co.
Strike Conditions Discussed in
Conference of Officials.
Protection Will Be Provided
Those Who Want to Work.

Order will be maintained in the coal
fields and protection provided for pur-
sons who want to work That is the
policy and purpose of the state in
sending troops to Crawford county,
Governor Allen stated when he re-
turned today from a twelve days east
ern trip. He declined to discuss de-
tailed plans for handling the strike
situation or to forecast probable time
troops would be kept in the field.
Immediately following his return to
Topeka today, Governor Allen was IN
conference with Emmett D. George,
his private secretary; Colonel McLain,
assistant adjutant general, and the at
torney general. He also conferred
with several coal operators who came
to Topeka to discuss strike conditions.
Later he communicated with Craw-
ford county officials over the tele-
phone. He then directed the attorney
general to go to Pittsburg at once.
Governor May Go To Pittsburg.
It is probable Governor Allen will
himself go to Pittsburg to direct the
handling of strike conditions. While
conditions apparently improved today
observers are convinced there is
more serious situation ahead and the
governor may take charge of work IN
the field. The governor stated, tho,
that he had no definite plans for leav-
ing Topeka.
There is no definite statement to
be made at this time" Governor AL
len told press representative after
mJre than an hours conference with
persons in touch with mine troubles
THE policy of the state is to maintain
peace and order and to provide pro-
lection for those who wish to work.
That is the course we Will follow.
This is American government and will
be administered in an American way
and not by foreign elements which
seek to overthrow our system.
Attorney General To Go.
'I have nothing to say as to detailed
vance notices to any one. 1 have or
dered thu attorney general to go to
Pittsburg at once. We will take such
steps as seem necessary under exist
ing conditions. Law and order will be
maintained"
When J. w. (Doc) Moore, publisher
of the Pit-5burg Headlight. came to
Topeka today he didn't bring much
joy with him DOC" Moore is some
what of an optimist, too. He isn't
given to panicky views. But the sit
uat:on in Crawford county doesn't
F-ttsburg editor didn't try to deceive
any one at the state house.
Sc s Long Fight Ahead.
PERSONALLY I doubt if conditions
will improve much this winter" he
said. LAS soon as forces which di-
rect action of the women agree on a
new course, I believe they will be ac-
dren are beginning to get hungry and
the men folks are pushing them to
the front in this situation. I don't
want to be gloomy, but there is a
mighty fine prospect for some trouble
before the winter is over"
Moore was asked regarding work
ing conditions and numbers of men
employed in the Kansas mines.
1T depends on the man you talk
with" he said. This is a fight be-
tween two factions of the interna-
tional union and the operators are
not involved. One crowd--the Howat
organiaz ztion-says there are 300 men
working in the Kansas mines. The
other crowd says there are several
thousand men employed in the district,
which includes both Kansas and Mis-
souri, mines. Maybe both are telling
the truth"
Several operators who visited Gov
ernor Allen today were declared to
have sought assurance that the state
would protect mine properties. Oper-
ators have shown more concern re-
garding sending of troops into the
field than at any time during the
present strike.
One-Thirt1 of Guard Under Arms.
approximately one-third of the ma
tional guard force of the state is now
under arms. A number of the men.
tho are mobilizing in their home
towns. Movement of additional troops
this week will depend on develop
ments in the district.
A number of ex-service men have
volunteered to aid the state in pa
trolling the coal fields The former
service men will be used only in event
the situation becomes sufficiently
grave to demand a call for additional
guards.