The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-03-22
GOVERNMENT WILL WAIT FOR STRIKE
 BEFORE I ACTS
Daugherty Likely to Take Hand Should TranSporta- ton Derangement Result
 From Walkout
By Associated Press

Washington, March 21.-While the government has not entirely abandoned it's efforts to get settle ment in advance of the coal strike called for April l, particularly in the bituminous fields, and while the department of justice is studying possibilities of legal redress in case danger results to public peace and welfare, it was learned today in White House and cabinet circles that no action is contemplated unless the strike develops.
 Secretary of the Labor Department Davis. who has represented the gov ernment in direct negotiations in the industry. had no comment to make when word of the United Mine Work CTS call for suspension of work on April 1. in both the bituminous and anthracite fields, reached Washing ton, but Attorney General Dougherty indicated he was inclined to consider that the legal branch of the govern ment might take some steps, particd- larly in case transportation deranss- ment was occasioned after the strike was underway.
 Coal Surplus Exists
 At tine White House, along with the statement that tho effort 10 bring about national conference between the employers and the miners in tho bitum inous industry was still con tinuing, notwithstanding the almost complete refusal of the operators to cooperate the existence of great coal surplus, was emphasized as most important factor. The govern ments surveys indicated. if was said, that with production continuing i'll nonunlon fields, the surplus would prevent any shortages in industry, and should prevent any imitation of coal prices.
 The governments concern with che anthracite situation is not so great because of the disposition there for amicable relationship between the mine owners and their uufonized senss ployes.
 Mr. Daugherty, reviewing the legal aspects. and mindful of department of justice plans to defend railroad operations by injunction against threatened strike suspension last Oc- tober, declared that the coal strike had not reached point where his responsibility began. He des sd to know. he said. whether the goVern- ment, capable of preventing. disrup ton of railroad traffic by use of legal powers. could not also prevent the same disruption if oceasioned. by shortage of coal.
 Cannot Use Force
 The Attorney General declared that he was not sure that tho operators or miners could be forced into con ferences to settle their disputes nor was he as yet certain that action He declared he knew of no law pre- venting a man or group of men from quitting their employment.
 However, he added, he stood for the proposition Of a man or group of men being able to accept employ ment upon conditions agreed upon between the employer and employe. If 1t is within the province Of the government. he continued. to insist upon the railroaGs performing the functions required in their operation and preventing interference. would not the government have the same authority to prevent interference to fuel as to transportation itself when fuel is indispensable to transports tion; and might not fuel come within the same classificationg
 Mir. Daugherty declared that the situation had not come to that point yet and he hoped it would not come to it. Many moro persons, he sad. were interested in the situation than were interested in the production of fuel and the government was inter ested when the public was pinehed.f In those circumstances, he added. the government was expected to do what it could to prevent the pinch.
 The Af4 ferb her stated. was not disposed to take sides between employer and employe un- less some violence was done. Tbe re- sources of the country, he continued. belong to the country and 1t shol.d be permitted to enjoy them.