The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-07-19

Pittsburgh, July 19.-The Pitts
burgh Coal Producers association.
after an executive session today, an
nounced they would reopen the BIZ
luminous coal mines in western Penn
sylvania, ito the fullest extent pos
sibIe." in accordance with the invi-
tation extended by President Harding
to do so.
Washington, July 19.-Ten thou
sand maintenance miners, now en-
bumpers in the idle mines in order to
prevent ruin of the mines, will i'm
mediately desert their posts, leaving
the mines to the mercy of flood waters
If strikebreakers are employed by the
operators, it was declared at United
Mine Workers headquarters here to-
day
When the miners went on strike
April 1, they left guard groups behind
them to safeguard the coal mines
against flood waters. possible explo-
sions due to collection of gas in
pockets and against variety of haz-
ards.
Illinois a Stumbling Block.
Great difficulty, it was declared by
miners leaders, would be experienced
by operators who try to replace
striking stationary engineers due 70
the operation of state statutes in
Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois.
providing that all stationary engineers
must have state licenses. Two years
experience in the mines is the requis-
lite for such work, the miners said.
There will be no defections from the
ranks of the union miners" John L.
Lewis declared.
"It is absurd to think that the
United Mine Workers are going TO
fight the United States army" he sad
on commenting on the message sent
out by President Harding to the gov
ernora of states.
But They Won't Arbitrate.
at is well to remember that everv
union miner who wants to return to
the mines was free to do so for sixteen
weeks of the strike. The action of the
federal government as expressed in
the statement of President Harding is
duce coal in any event.
I'VE are ready now as we have been
since last Decemleer to Join in any
constructive m Ne for an adjustment
Striking Minors Mob Dispersed.
Washington. Pa. July 19.-Sheriff
Otto Luellen and a detachment of
state police today dispersed a mob of
striking miners assembled second
time to attack the Wilson mine at
Cokeburg Junction, this county. Some
of the men were firing shots at the
mine when the officers arrived.
The sheriff induced the men to re-
turn home peaceably. The Wilson
mine yesterday started shipping coal
and this aroused the international
union miners.
Washington Isn't Worrying.
(By The Associated Press.)
Washington, July 19.-Administra-
tion officials awaited with confidence
today the response of state executives
and coal operators and miners to the
governments determination to secure
a resumption of coal production, not
withstanding the continued strike of
mine workers.
Meanwhile plans went forward to
put the government fully in a position
to fulfill the pledge of every assist
ance at its command" given by Pres
ident Harding in the teIegam addressed
to the governors of 2s coal states yes
terday in which they were called upon
by the executive to give necessary
protection and safeguards to men and
employees willing to resume work IA
the industry.
The failure TO reach voluntary ad-
justment of the present controversy.
Continued on Page Four