The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-01

(By the Associated Press)
New York. April Congressional
action TO prohibit over-development
OF the coal industry was proposed
here today by Philip Murray. vice
president of the L. NJ w A. as "a
cure for the great evil which has
America in the grip of a nationwide
strike today"
Ten thousand bituminous mines
are being worked in this country when
seven thousand mines could produce
sufficient coal for the nations needs"
he declared.
We have seasons Of great activities
in all the mines" he said, followed by
long periods Of idleness- Men are re-
ouired to live 365 Gays on the earn
days There is huge waste of human
power. of money and of cOal-fOllowed
by strikes"
To prevent such strikes. Murray
proposes that congress pass regulatory
legislation prohibiting further devel-
opment of bituminous coal lands for
at least ten years.
He suggests that present mines be
worked out until as their capacity IS
diminished. it more nearly equalizes
the national consumption. When this
stage is reached, according to Mr..
Murray's plan, the government could
authorize the opening of new mines
to replace the old ones that had been
worked out.
Indianapolis. April 1.=Strike of
Americas half million and more coal
miners was on. full swing, today.
The strike. according to reports |
reaching international headquarters lt5f I
the United Mine Workers, is virtually /
100 per cent.
Bidding fair to precipitate the most |
titanic labor struggle in history. the I
walkout OF miners which began off 4
cially at one minute past 2 o'clock |
this morning stopped production in |
approximately 5000 of the continents I
Z 500 coal mines.
At least 100000 men-1OO.oOO of /
them non-union miners-were ex-
pected by the union to be enrolled in 1
he walkout. which is planned to con- !
-inue indefinitely in an effort to force /
operators to accept the miners terms 1
Tor new wage contracts. Preliminary /
reports to headquarter here were said 4
to indicate that few operators who |
conduct their mines on the CLOSED !
shop" basis, planned to attempt con- /
,inued production.
Kentucky viii Not Strike.
For the first time in the history of !
he coal industry union officials said
both bituminous and anthracite fields
we're tied up simultaneously and the
lnion estimate was that 5000 of the
1910 mines in the country were closed
IS a result of the waIkout
The only production by union work
ers was reported from Kentucky.
Nhere five thousand miners are un-
Ter contract to work for another year. !
Reports received at district head
quarters OF the miners union indi-
.ated that the tieup in the Indiana
ield, where $4,000 union miners were
employed. was complete.
Call 1t Greatest Strike.
The first day of the nationwide
suspension fell on the anniversary of
he adoption of the eight-hour day for
he miners, April I. 1898, the miners
II the central competitive field, COM
lrislng western Pennsylvania, Ohio,
indiana and Illinois. gained this con-
,esslon from the operators. Since
hen the eight-hour day has spread
nto other fields In the past April 1
las been one OF general celebrating
Imong union miners in recognition of
he eight-hour day. In the future.
Inion officials said the day also will /,
n the unions history
Winnipeg. April IA conciliation
'oard appointed by the government
will begin sessions at Calgary. Alberta. J.
N Monday in an effort to bring about
n adjustment of the coal strike as it
fleets the mines OF western Canada. .
Estimates today were that 1905
MEMBERS Of the United Mine Workers |
principally in Alberta and eastern !
british Columbia. went out on strike [
simultaneously with the huge walk
ut in the United States. Pumpmen a
nd others required to maintain the I
line property remained at work.
The strike has practically stopped / (
Gal production in the Canadian fields s
Wlkesbarre, Pa. April whistles
ere Just a melody of 4 can't get 'em
lContlnued Daga Tnreel I