Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1919 — VOLUNTEERS DIG KANSAS COAL [ARTICLE]

VOLUNTEERS DIG KANSAS COAL

Veterans of World War Enter Mines to Meet State’s Critical Needs. Pittsburg, Kan., Dec. 1. —Production of coal in the strip pits of the Pittsburg field by volunteer workers under the state receivership, plan began today and before dark operations were in full swing in four pits with three others' ready for work by morning. ‘ The- strip pit mines In the northern and southern districts of Crawford county were under military control tonight. Col. Perry M. Hoisington, fourth Kansas infantry, was in charge. A-, large proportion of the men wore army uniforms and on the shoulders of many were the insignia of the divisions with which they had served overseas. They were dressed for work. Heavy boots and hobnailed shoes had been worn on the battlefields* of France and again were doing service. Crowds of miners gathered tb see the incoming volunteers and expressed surprise at the size and evident strength of the men. In all, foflr carloads of guardsmen and volunteers reached Pittsburg today. Five hundred additional volunteer coal diggers tonight were sent to the Pittsburg district? to. work in the strip pits being operated by |he state, it was announced. This brings the total number of volunteers to approximately 900.