The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-09-03
CRISIS NOW DUE
IN LABOR ''WAR"
General BandhOltz Reports
West Virginia Quieting Down.
Arrival of Federal Troops Puts
Damper on Union ArdOr.
HOLD OFF ON MARTIAL LAW
Washington Officials Reluctant
to Take Extreme Step.
GOmperS Asks Conference for
Final End of Dispute.
HOLD OFF ON MARTIAL LAW

Washington, Sept. s. President
Harding today was asked by Samuel
Gompers, president of the American
Federation of Labor, and James Lord,
head of the mining department of the
federation, to call a joint conference
of West Virginia miners and operators
to consider means for a final end of
the labor troubles there.
Gompers and Lord supported the
similar suggestion made by John L.
Lewis, head of the United Mine
Workers of America.
The president informed the labor
leaders that until the authority of the
United States has been established in
West Virginia and order restored, he
does not feel that he can act further.
He said his first duty is the re-estab-
fishing of peace and order.
Situation Quieting, Report.
Official reports indicate that the
situation in West Virginia is quieting,
altho there are unconfirmed reports of
continued fighting. General Band
holtz reported to the war department
this afternoon from his quarters at
Charleston.
General BandhoItz made no recon-
mendations for the PRONUNCIATION OF
martial law.
All troops, with the exception of
those from Camp Dix, now have ar
TlVeQ III WEST NlISAAiAeI anu nave OCNtt
given duty as patrols in the "battle'
areas, General Bandholtz reported.
Crisis Comes Today.
Today will see the crisis in the West
Virginia warfare, in the opinion of
officials here.
With federal troops in the trouble
zones in full force today, Secretary of
War Weeks again expressed the hope
that the armed miners would now
disperse and return to their homes and
that a proclamation of martial law
would be unnecessary.
''War" Quieting Down.
Reports from General Bandholtz, in
command of the federal forces in the
battle zone. indicated conditions were
quieting down. The latest report
from General Bandholtz, received late
had reported everything quiet. altho
"other reports indicate that there was
az least the usual amount of fighting
during the day"
Reports from the office of Governor
! Morgan, Sheriff Don Chafin of Logan
county, and Col. R. r. Smith, one OF
the Logan defenders. indicated that
the crisis had been met with the ar
rival of federal troops.
Reluctant for Martial Law.
The administration is reluctant to
establish martial law in West Virginia
unless 1t becomes abSolutely necessary
| it was stated officially, and final de-
cision on the necessity for this action
| has been placed in the hands of Gen
! eral Bandholtz. Until he recommends
martial law, the proclamation will be
withheld, it was stated.
The last detachment OF troops was
due to arrive in West Virginia today
/ and orders had been issued for the
| distribution of the troops along the
front lines in the fighting zone.
| Gompers Sees Harding.
| Adjutant General Harris stated this
morning that the last report received
| from General Bandholtz early this
morning reported the situation quiet
General Bandholtz made no mention
of necessity for martial law in this re
| port, the adjutant general said.