The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-16
MINERS IN DEFY
Refuse to Break HOWat Strike
Orders in Kansas.
Local Unions Now Due to- Lose
Their Charters.
WORKERS CAN KEEP CARDS
Mine Gear, in Jail, Appeals to
His Followers.
Acting Head of District Says
Only 2 Per Cent Obey.

Pittsburg, Kan. Nov. 16.-The time
limit for the >.reber' coal miners in
the Kansas district to end their strike
and return to work expired today with
the miners still defying- John L. Lewis
and the international organization.
Upwards of 10000 of the miners in
the district now face expulsion from
the United Mine workers.
A check-up. at noon showed there
All mine whistles in the district blew
this morning for the men to return to
work, but only a few responded.
Alexander Howat, from his cell in
Jail, issued an appeal to- his followers
to "stick with the right and not al
low the Lewis forces, to drive them
back to work before the Industrial
court law of Kansas-is wiped from the
statute books.
Keep Their Cards.
Ousting from the union thru revo-
cation of the charters of the local
unions was the penalty announced. All
miners who returned to work, it was
announced. would have their MEM
bership protected altho the local
Unions to which they belonged We're
suspended.
John Fleming. acting head of the
Howat organization, in a statement
this morning said that not more than
per cent of the miners have desert
ed the Howat organization and gone to
the international. IF this is the cru
ciaI day, the fight has been won by
US and the armistice day is at hand, -
Fleming said.
More Mines Working.
A telegram from Frank harrington.
president of the Illinois miners, to the
Howat headquarters here this morn
ing announced that 100000 worth of
provisions would be shipped immedi-
ately to the Kansas strikers. It also
that John H. Walker. pres
1dent of the Illinois Federation of La
Dor, would arrive here Sunday night
to make speeches and otherwise aid
the Howat miners
Mine No. 81 of the Western Coal &
Mining company, near Scammon, rel
sumed operations tf1issmorning, it was
announced by the operators associa-
ton. Fifty-five men were reported at
work. This is the fourth deep shaft
mine operated by the larger coal COM
panies of the district. Two mines of
the Sheridan company and one of the
Spencer-Newlands company, all near
Mulberry, are working
1t also was af1npuncea that mine
No. As, of the Central Coale g. C ole
company, another OF + he lafsse 6peratss
ing companies, resumed work. This
mine is at Nelson, northeast of From
tenac.. Miners at Meas Central, near
Ringo, also desired TO return to work.
but air conditions at the mine would
not permit operation today. The mine
is expected to be in shape for work
tomorrow.
Lewis Won't Talk,
Washington, Nov 16.-John L.
Lewis, president of the L. NJ. w. A,
today declined to discuss the situation
IN the Kansas coal fields where strik-
ing miners have beep ordered by in
ternationaI officers Of the u. NJ. w. A.
to return today to their work. Mr..
Lewis. who is IN Washington as 4
member of the advisory committee of
twenty-one of the American armament
conference delegation, leaves in a day
or two for Indianapolis. where the
offices of the L. NJ. w.
A. are maintained, it was learned to-
day.
More Aid From Illinois.
Peoria. Ill. Nov. 16.-Today's ses-
sion of the Illinois mine workers cons
vention opened with the Introduction
II resolutions and,the concluded report
of the resolutions committee. While
Kansas miners faced the possibility of
losing their union charters thru sup
port of the policies of Alexander |
Howat their president, $4,000 worth
Of provisions were being-rushed to
effect this action will have upon the
officers of the miners
is said to be problematie !