Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-07-21
TEXT OF GOV. SPROUTS
STRIKEPROCLAMATION

Harrisburg, July 81. - This procla-
nation was issued last night by Gov
ernor Sproul:
Whereas. The long continued sus-
pension of operations in n large pro-
portion of the coal mines of the coun-
try. due to strike of the miners.
which has now lasted for fifteen weeks
and has so depleted the supplies of fuel
that not only the normal industrial ac-
tivities of the Nation. but the health
and welfare of the people arc mem
aced;
Whereas. The President Of the United
States, the supreme executive authority
of the republic. representing the J0 per
cent Of our citizenship who have no
part in the unfortunate controversy be-
tween the mine owners and employees
except to bear the burden of cxpenst
and suffering which must follow the
strike. has vainly offered the services
of his great Office in arranging for an
inquiry ana proper arbitration OF the
issues in dispute. and. failing TO in &.
duce all parties to agree. has appealed
TO the operators and miners to open
the mines and produce coal TO serV"
the public need, and has called upon the
authorities Of the various states ="
Immediately take such steps. with the
assistance of the Federal Government,
as will give assurance of the main
tennncc Of order and the protection OF
all in their constitutional rights. in
cluding their privilege of working when
and whore they please in comfort ana
safety for themselves and their falHl'
lies:
Now. therefore. I. William Cameron
Sproul. Governor of the Commonwealth
Of Pennsylvania. charged by the Consti-
tuition and laws with the duty OF main
tanning peace and order wi thin the
State. hereby give solemn notice to all
good citizens and all persons within the
jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. that
the Government of Pennsylvania will
exercise every power within its author.
ity to CO. operate with the President oil
the United States in his plans and pur-
poses to avert national peril. with
full confidence in the good will and pa
triOtism of our people, their desire to
deal justly and their appreciation of tn"
present emergency. I call upon all pub
lie officials. the sheriffs of our counties,
those officers responsible for the main
tenancc Of peace and good order III par
ticular. and all loyal citizens. to give
full support and aid in meeting the
situation confronting us and to be alert
and viligant in the discouragcment Of
all lawleSSness.
The State. through its State police.
whose record for the just and vigorous
enforcement of the laws of the Com
mOnwealth and the preservation of the
rights Of the people. will be prepared
NJ all times to assist the local authOri-
ties in enforcing obedience of the laws.
while such units of State troops. SOL
diers Of the gallant Twenty eighth Di-
vision of glorious achievement. as may
be necessary. will be within convenient
reach for service in case of need. with
the entire National Guard division in
reserve in eventualitirs.
The time TO stop disorder is before
IL starts. and experience has shown US
in the past and recent iamcntablr
events in other States. as well ms
threatened riotous demonstrations here.
have proved that the assembling Of
crowds in or near points where thcr"
is public excitement and the marching
o" moving of large bodies of people from
place to place during industrial dis
turbanccS nie extremely dangerous.
cannot be tolerated and such are hereby
forbidden: and the laws against tn"
possession Of firearms and other wrap.
ons. against the preaching of >cdition
and melting to riot. against the use Of
explosives. against trcspaSsing upon
property and the other statutes ,r,-
cidlnc for the pubic safety, will be
strictly enforced.
Warning is given that the peace and
dignity Of the Commonwealth will he
preserved at whatever cost: that lhr
rights OF every citizen vii. be defcnGcd.