Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-08-30
Battle Impending
Continued from Page One)

who investigated conditions in the
coal fields was of the opinion that
the state authorities had made but
of the insurgent movement" which led
to a march to the Mingo section.
Governor Morgan in letter to Cen
eral BandholtZ, written Saturday, said
there was every indication that 1.-The
situation which led to my request for
federal assistance has reverted to a
status within the power of the state
authorities to handle"
Il feel. however" Governor Nor
gan writes. sit was necessary for the
federal government to show that it
was ready to strike hard should the
occasion require in order to prompt
ly bring our unruly element to their
senses. This was shown by your
presence and quick action which al
most Immediately restored conf
dence and caused the law breakers to
pause and reconsider
The War department gave out for
publication a Statement from the
White House with reference to the
West Virginia mining situation con-
tanning letter Secretary Christian
to Gov. Morgan and a telegram from
the governor to Secretary Weeks.
Discussing the dinspatch of Gener-
al Bandholtz to the scene the state
ment said:
by the first available transporta :
ton after receipt of the telegram
from Governor Morgan the secretary
Of war sent Brigadier General Band
holtz, U. S. A. accompanied by one
general staff officer to Charleston,
West Virginia with instructions to
investigate the state of affairs ex-
listing in that vicinity to report on
the same and to make recommended
tons as to whether troops were nee
essary.
General Bandholtz arrived at the
capitol building in Charleston about
3:15 A. NJ, August 26, studied the sit
uation from available officers of the
United Mine Workers of America see
him at the capitol without delay. All
parties arrived about A. NJ. The
SoNCi ioi pieiiiiSo IIC Slludlioii dili
stated in effect that he felt oblig-
ed to make the humiliating admis-
sion that the state could not longer
handle the situation.
"Messrs. Keeney, Mooney and
Houston were next admitted, these
gentlemen being respectively presi-
dent. secretary treasurer and. attor-
nj DiStrict IT pf tho TTri NTiro
Workers of America. They were
briefly informed that condition at
least verging on insurerction existed
in the state of West Cirginia, that
this condition was due to the action
of members of district II; that lead
ership entailed responsibility as we'll
as prerogatives and that n case a
state of marital law We're proclaimed
the leaders would be held strictly ac-
countable.
cat $50 A. NJ. Messrs Keeney and
Mooney left to check the forward
march of the miners and to induce
them TO return About $50 p. NJ
they reported by telephone that the
movement had been checked and that
the men had voted to return. AS a
result of his investigation General
Bandholtz is of the opinion that the
state had made only feeble attempt
to check the growth of the insurgent
movement or to keep in reasonable
touch with its progress.
West Virginia has had state
constabulary of about 200 members
which if properly utilized could have
prevented or delayed the initial as
sembly of miners at Marmet within
about ten miles Of the state capitol.
The Legislature before adjournment
passed a national guard act; effective
July l, but by August &c only an ad g
jutant general had been appointed. -
Coal operators in the Williamson
coal field, which includes mines at
Mingo. West, Va, sent telegram to
President Harding today asserting
that some of their employees row be
long to the United Mine Workers.
The diffifficulties there will cease
Immediately if the United Mine
Workers of America are forced TO
discontinue their lawless action"
said the message. which was signed
by Harry Olmstead, one of the OPP
orators.