Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1950-01-19
Denhan' S Move
In Coal Strikes
Raises Doubts
Took No Part in Step
By NLRB Counsel,
Truman Declares
By james Y. Newton

The Government wondered to-
day whether it's latest court in
junction offensive against John L.
Lewis and his United Mine Work
ers would accomplish the desired
effect of filling the Nations nearly
empty coal bins.
General Counsel Robert N. Den
ham of the National Labor Rela-
tons Board is leading the attack
against the tough, hard-bitten
Mr.. Lewis and his men. He has
asked District Court to end the
miners three-day work week and
key strikes involving 10000 men,
which have combined to deplete
coal supplies.
Judge Richmond B. Keech set
January 26 as the date for hear
ing arguments on the injunction.
The President told his news con-
ference today that Mr.. Denham
acted on his own in applying for
the injunction. He was asked
whether the NLRB general counsel
went to court with presidential
blessing. Mr.. Truman replied that
Mr.. Denham worked for the NLRB
and that it was not his business to
bless or unbless him. He added,
however, that Mr.. Denham had
consulted the White House before
proceeding.
Dynamite Rocks Mine.
In the Pittsburgh area dyna-
hitting today rocked a coal mine
as soft coal miners stayed out in
seven States.
The dynamiting destroyed two
giant power shovels, worth $780,
600. even as district officials of the
UNIV circulated through the coal
fields in an effort to get the
strikers back at work.
A terrific explosion rocked the
Guseman Bros strip mine in
Fayette County. Pa. No one was
injured.
Pickets Try to Close Mines.
Rowing pickets in the area have
been trying to close all mines still
operating. Mine owners Ray and
William Guseman said their mine
has been operating this week but
not shipping coal.
In the meantime Duouesne
Light Co., serving the Pittsburgh
area, called off plans to cut off
power to 1000 large and small
factories. It said recent coal
shipments are easing the fuel
shortage. The plants will be able
to run until early next week at
least. All the firms mines are
closed in the mo contract. no
work" walkout.
Effort Indirect.
The effort to restore full coal
production and evert a fast-de-
veloping national fuel crisis this
time is indirect. Twice before-in
1946 and again in 1948-the Gov
eminent was successful in obtain
ing court orders ending mine
strikes. On both occasions, Mr..
Lewis and the UNIV ignored the
orders and were fined heavily for
contempt. But on each previous
occasion the attack was direct
against a strike which threatened
the Nations health and safety.
There was question this time
among lawyers whether the Gov
eminent would get its injunction
and, if it does, whether it will be
effective in sending the miners
to work on a full five-day-a-week
basis.
Meanwhile, new appeals to the
Government to restore full coal
production Immediately came from
industry and small consumers. The
rubber industry. centered in Akron,
Ohio, warned that its production
is threatened by spreading coal
shortages.
President Truman so far has
refused, all appeals that he use
the court injunction powers OF
the Taft-Hartley Act to end the
strikes and three-day week. He
has said that evidence does not
substantiate the wide claims that