The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-04-02

Special Gable 20 The NEw York HEsALp.
Copyright, 1891, by THE NEW York HEaaLp.
New York Herald Bureau,
London, April 1.
With the coal fields of the United
Kingdom idle, the first day of the
miners strike. in which 1,2O0, 900 are
estimated to be out, passed quietly, no
fresh moves being made by either the
mine owners or the miners Mine
clerks and officials have taken Off their
coats and gone TO work energetically
trying TO preserve the mines from
damage. In this they are being as
sisted by a considerable number OF
pump men and enginemen who have
refused TO obey the strike order. Flood
ing of mines has occurred in one or
two instances, the deep levels OF one
of the largest mines being completely
flooded.
A Cabinet meeting was held to-day
and the Ministers decided TO remain
in London over the week end. ready to
respond If there are any serious de-
velopments in the strike situation.
There Is intense interest as to the
attitude of the two other members OF
tho Triple Alliance-the railroad mems
and the transport workers unions--who
VIII meet 70 consider what steps shall
be taken to aid their fellow members
OF the alliance. The Government al
ready has made plans 70 transport coal
In the event the railroad men refuse to
carry It. Although q royal proclamation
of a state Of emergency was issued
yesterday. the Government has no in
tention Of curtailing Immediately any
OF the public privileges. but in few
days the domestic deliveries Of coal are
liable to be limited.
The first dag Of the strike was the
warmest day London has had this spring
season and the burning OF coal for heat
ing purposes was unnecessary
No coal VIII be delivered TO industries
which have wceks supply on hand.
and hospitals and bakeries arc to receive
first consideration. While Il is expected
that the cost will begin going UP almost
Immediately. there is sufficient coal
mined for months supply under nor
NAL conditions.
The public is taking the strike OF the
miners with the utmost calmncss The
miners are being widely criticised, how
ever. ard tie feeling IL that they have
weak case. The people continue in
their faith that the Government Is well
able 10 handle the situation
The same machinery which was
planned by the Government when the
last coal strike was threatened Is now
being oiled. Considerable stocks or coal
are being held At strategic points. thus
making Il easy TO transport fuel into
the congested districts Large fleets Of
motor lorries arc at the command OF the
Government. for any emergency. and
there IL every indication that there are
= sutil ,ient number OF volunteers 10 In
sure that supplies viii be forthcoming.
IN Yorkshire emergency men arc
working without Interference and there
IS no immediate anxiety over conditions
obtaining there. However in south
Wales, Northumberland and Scotland The
safety OF the coal pits cannot be guar
anteod. and this is causing much alarm.
In many cases the pite could be fooacd
Or destroyed within twelve hours.
LONDON, April 1.-The United States
Shipping Board representative here
have telcgraphcd r. headquarters IA the
United States that Il would be unneces-
sary 70 ship supplies of bunker coal
from America fof shipping board vae-
sels. az adequate supplies are available
~ France from private owners ard the
French naval stocks