Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 May 1917 — U. S. TAKES COAL MINES [ARTICLE]

U. S. TAKES COAL MINES

TROOPS SEIZE PROPERTY AT SOUTH FORK, PA,. Strikers Demand Raise in Wage®— Government to Operate Plant and Resume Shipments. Johnstown, Pa., May I'l. —The federal government stepped Into tlib coal situation in District No. 2, United Mine Workers of America, and took over the mines of the* Stineman Coal company at South Fork. Soldiers were stationed around the property and officials of the company were instructed to refuse all information as to the coal mined or its destination. Three hundred men struck on Tuesday for an advance of 33 1-3 per cent. Approximately 40,000 other miners in the district have made the same demand and have served notice: on the operators that unless the increase is granted they will strike next Tuesday. Many industrial plants operated with coal from the district are at work on government contracts, and if the mines are closed they will be compelled to suspend operations. The action of the government at South Fork is said to forecast what may be expected throughout the district unless the miners and operators reach an agreement. Kansas City. Mo., May ll.—Agreement was reached by conferees considering the increased wage demands for the 40,000 coal miners of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Advances of 10 cents a ton for mining and 20 per cent in day wages were incorporated in the agreement. A committee of six was appointed to co-op-erate with the national defense council in pushing coal production.