Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 44, Number 325, 30 October 1919 — Page 1

RICHMOND PAIXAJDIUM

H VOX VT TX MCI QO Palladium. Est. 1831. Consolidated ULi. AL.1V..JNU. dO w1th Sun-Telegram 190?. RICHMOND, IND., THURSDAY EVENING, OCT. 30, 1919 SINGLE COPY 3 CENTS

PRESIDENT ATTACKED BY MINE HEADS Abuse of Authority Charged by Lewis and Union Men in

Statement to Labor Secretary. "misuseITpower" (By Associated Press) INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 30. A direct attack upon President Wilson's course in the coal strike situation as "the climax of a long series of attempted usurptions of executive power" "was made today by John L. Lewis, acting president, and the executive board of the United Mine Workers of America. The attack came in a long telegram to Secretary of Labor Wilson, replying to a message from him delivered to the conference here yesterday, of eome four score officials and leaders of the union. The telegrams constituted the first exchange of views between the administration and the union. While the telegram from Secretary Wilson reached here yesterday, the reply was not completed until today when it was submitted to the executive board by President Lewis. It was announced that the reply wa 3 approved by a unanimous vote. Union headquarters refused to give out the secretary's message, saying that its publication was something for the sender to approve. A few of the district presidents and members of the scale committee remained over for today's meeting but most of them were enroute to their home districts to direct the locals in putting the strike into effect. The two dozen members of the executive board were left to clear the decks of the flag ship for action. Just what action might be taken by the executive board was not indicated. It was stated that in addition to the strike business considerable routine had accumulated since the last meeting of the board and that this also would have to be disposed of. Washington Is Silent, Union officials were still inclined todav to rest their case on the statement issued last night by the conference. In that statement the attitude of the federal administration was said to have received earnest consideration but the union leaders pointed out that Washington had been silent so rar as they were officially concerned and that they had been compelled to depend rt-i ' J sapon newiwpf accounts ior . knowledge of President Wilson's t tude. Williams Predicts Biggest Teachers Meet Attendance Thn lareest attendance in the his tory of the Indiana State Teach': d Association is expected by ofP'.Ials of the organization at the pf-.ly-sixth annual session of the association, which opens in Indianapolis today. Advance enrollments are far in excess of previous years and estimates place the number of teachers who will attend the concention at more than 14.000. Charles O. Williams, Wayne County school superintendent and permanent secretary-treasurer of the association, sent out over 14.000 tickets to school officials of the state in anticipation of increased enrollment. Reports received at the office of the state superintendent of public instruction indicate that many cities which have never permitted their teachers to attend the meeting in a body before, are closing their schools for the association this year. Miss Martha Whitacre, of the Richmond High school faculty. Is recording secretary of the federation. Divers Look for Bodies; U. S. Investigates Wreck (Bv Associated Press) MUEKEGON, Mich.. Oct. 30. While federal officers continued their Investigation of the sinking Tuesday of the -lake steamer Muskegon which battled her way across Lake Michigan through a raging storm only to be dashed to pieces against the piers in the harbor here, divers were searching the hull of the vessel and tug crews were dragging the bottom of the channel in an effort to find the bodies of the victims, believed now to number between 20 and 24. Only 6 bodies have been recovered and the exact number of the message has not been definitely established because of the loss of the ship's register. The investigation is being held behind closed doors and the conclusion of the federal inspectors will not be kknown until it is reported to Washington officials. Practically all the survivors were to be heard. New York "Wets" Attack New Enforcement Law (By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Oct. 30 Constitution ality of the Volstead prohibition enforcement act, as it applies to war rohibition. is attacked in a suit which counsel for New York brewers and restaurant men were preparing todav. for filing in the federal court. The netition will ask that agents of the government be restrained from nfnrrine the act. Similar suits, it was stated, will be brought in various other states. Decision to attack the constitution ntv at the measure was reached at a conference of brewing and restau rant interests last night, which con vened at about the same hour that the effectiveness of the Volstead law began to be felt in a series of spectacular raids by internal revenue agents in the course of which two men were Khot. Nine raids and 20 arrests were

Baltimore Beauty Will Marry Major

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Miss Mary George White Miss Mary George White, the beautiful daughter of Mrs. W. G. White of Baltimore, is soon to mary Major Charles F. Bates of the U. S. army in Baltimore. Miss White's maid of honor will be Miss Margaret Wilson, the president's daughter. She was Miss White's most intimate school chum. SENATE READY TO FIGHT OUT LABOR TREATY PROGRAM (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 With a long list of committee amendments to the peace treaty finally disposed of, the senate today lined up for the next big fight of the treaty controversy which is to cente. around an effort to strike out the provision for an international labor organization. The labor section was not touched Wf'H tfcijr-Ued conitCitte-jrrCi - KfiTit llrneram ' Ym uevral - r tnr 1 fight on the floor against it. A motion to strike it out was made in the committee in August by Senator Fall, Republican, New Mexico, but later, was withdrawn with the announcement that he was for a vote on it in the "i-nate. Senator LaFollette, Republican, of Wisconsin, a lso has announced he would make such a motion and Senator Thomas, Democrat, of Colorado, and others, repeatedly have assailed the section in debate. Textually the treaty today was just where it was when it was laid before the senate on July 10, the last of the amendments attached by the foreign relations committee after weeks of de liberation having been thrown out by tne senate yesterday. In view of the present unsettled labor conditions, elements are expected to be injected to the debate on the treaty labor provisions which may prolong it considerably. The leaders do not look for action for a week or more. Score of Richmond Women at District W. R. C. Meet Richmond was well represented at the district meeting of the Women's Relief Corps in Newcastle, Wednesday. The morning session was an open meeting followed by a memorial service in the afternoon for the state post departed president, members of the corps of the Sixth District, members of the post, and the world war soldiers. Ritualistic services were in charge of the Newcastle corps. Savannah Groves of Knightptown was elected president for the coming year and Mary Cassady of Middletown, treasurer. Other officers will be appointed by the president. Among the Richmond women who attended the meeting were: Mrs. Ada Warfel, Mrs. Emma Reid, Mrs. Elizabeth. Mrs. Cora Hayes, Mrs. Anna Keller. Mrs. Frances Davis, Mrs. Carrie Poinier, Mrs. Emma Rothermel, Mrs. Wilda Ellis. Mrs. Anna Wilkins, Mrs. Harriet Wigmore, Mrs. Flora Fenor, Mrs. Emma Rich. Mrs. Maude Vogelsong. Mrs. Eva Thurrer. Mrs. Mary White. Mrs. Mary Mitchell. Mrs. Mary Christopher. Mrs. Mary Thompson, Mrs. Nellie Meyers, Mrs. Fulk, Mrs. Dela Phenis, Mrs. Mary Austin, Mrs. Laura Baxton, Mrs. Jennie Alford, and Mrs. Martha Reber. Deportation of Anarchists Favored by Senators (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct, 30. At the request of Attorney-General Palmer, the senate immigration committee today ordered a favorable report on tho house bill providing for deportation and permanent exclusion from the United States of alien anarchists. Ella Wheeler Wilcox is Dead at Home in Branford NEW HAVEN, Conn., Oct. 30. Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, author and poetess, died at her home, "the Bungalow,' in Bradford, today. Mrs. Wilcox had been ill for some months, having had a nervous collapse while engaged in war relief work in England.

6 Dead, 120 Hurt, Toll in Western Train-Wreck

(By Associated Press) LOS ANGELES. Calif., Oct.30. Six dead and about 120 persons injured, some seriously, was the known casA ualty list today, as a result of the wreck of the Southern Pacific railroad's San Joaquin valley flyer, late yesterday. The tangled mass of wreckage near Acton, a few miles from here was expected to reveal additional bodies. No official Investigation of the wreck had been arranged early today, but railroad officials said it was caused by the engineer trying to make too much speed on a 10 degree curve. Frank Fielder, of Los Angeles, engineer, the fireman and four passengers, comprise the known dead. ANDY NORTON, "DEAD IN ACTION," CAUSES HIS FRIENDS -SCARE How flops it feel ti he a dead man. back home again in his home town? Andy Norton who, until last Septem ber, was a member of the Third Division of the A. E. F., can answer. Norton was officially reported killed in action by the war department last fall, although he came through the war without even a wound. Everyone here who knew him thought he was dead. "Good Lord! It's. yes. it is, Andy Norton," is the way his friends are greeting him he says. He says that it makes a man feel like a spook to see acquaintances turn ghastly white, and then fall upon him for an explanation. "I'm as good as any Halloween surprise you ever heard of. All I have to do is step out on the street to be met by at least one former friend who immediately looks as if he'd seen a ghost," said Norton Thursday, as he drove a welding machine over a red hot piece of metal in a local garage. He looks like health itself and boasts that he has not even a scratch to remind him of those long months he was "dead in France." H. E. Grazes Him. "The nearest I came to going west was when a high explosive shell tore the front of my shirt off and grazed ihe skin of my chest. That wasnt anything though: didn't even look at a hospital, on account of it." The announcement that Norton had been killed in France brought its toll of deep sorrow to his parents down at Kitchell, Indiana. It was days and days before they were sure that he was still living. The war department investigated and they continued to write letters to him and to his superior officers. Letters from him kept coming home, but the family couldn't be sure that they had not been written before he was killed. At last came a letter from their "dead son" demanding a reason for all he mourning;1 and letters to his officers. "I've not kicked in; I'm feeling fine; came through everything from Chateau Thierry to the end without any trouble at all." . He arrived in the states with the Third Division last month. PYTHIANS HOLD GOLDEN JUBILEE Presenting the necessity of fraternalism. "especially in this country, where there is no class distinction," Robert A. Brown, state officer of the Knights of Pythias, addressed members of Richmond lodge No. 8, at the golden Jubilee Wednesday evening. With the present unrest in the country, fraternal orders are of vital necessity In smoothing out the various industrial and social problems, ne told the lodse. Brown has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for more than 30 years, and has missed but one session. Frank Strayer, local attorney, also gave a short address. The celebratrm was in charee of T. P. Keplinser, A. J. Ford and John Darnell. Follow ing the program, a dance was held. Miller's orchestra furnishing the music. 'RED" LITERATURE, ON WAY TO U. S,, UNCOVERED IN SHIP HELSINGFORS, Oct. SO. What is described as a Bolsheviki "mystery ship," carrying cargo consigned to the American legation, Stockholm, in transit to America, has been captured by a British destroyer in Finnish waters and taken into Bjorko. Under a cargo of flax, it is said, was found a mass of Bolsheviki literature printed in English, French and German. STREETS TO BE VACATED. Adoption of a resolution calling for the vacation of 3 streets and 4 alley3 in Albert W. Greggs subdivision of Pleasant Hill addition was made by the board of works, at the regular session, Thursday. Other minor business was translated. Weather Forecast For Indiana, by the United State3 Weather Bureau Rain probable tonight and Friday. Warmer in north portion tonight. Colder by Friday night. For Wayne County, by W. E. Moore. Heavy showers tonight, probably arriving this afternoon. Friday, showers, colder by night. General Conditions The cool wave has passed to the eastern states and a marked rise in temperature has taken place south of the 45th parallel between the Rocky mountains and Atlantic coast. The western storm, reported over the Rocky mountain state3 has caused general rains as far east as Pennsylvania and south to the Great Lakes. Colder weather i3 approaching behind the storm and may be expected Friday night or Saturday, preceded by heavy rains. Temperatures remain near zero over Southern Canada.

HOPE LOST FOR RESCUE OF MINERS

Twenty Men Entombed m Burning Shaft of Ohio CoalPit Given up Rescuers . Ordered Out. FIRE STOPS ESCAPE (By Associated Press) STEUBENVILLE, O., Oct. 30 After battling their way to within 150 feet of where 20 miners have been imprisoned since yesterday morning, rescue workers were ordered out of the Y. and O. mine No. 2 at Amsterdam, O., at 6 o'clock this morning by mine officials and state mine Inspectors, who feared an explosion might occur, according to word received here. Hope has been abandoned that the miners are alive. Rescue parties worked all night long in the gas filled mine. At two o'clock this morning they had reached a point 150 feet distant from entry No. 15 west, in which 20 miners were supposed to be held prisoners. Fire broke out then behind the rescue party and Its members were forced to fight their way through the flames and smoke, many narrowly escaping suffocation. Ordered to Leave. After a final tour of insertion Khnrt. ly before 6 o'clock, the inspectors pro nounced it extremely dangerous to continue the rescue work. Officials said they believed the entombed men were dead. All the company's property about the mouth of the shaft was then cleared for fear of an explosion. The list of missing was officially placed at 20 today when it was learned that Andrew McLesson, 41. a loader went into the mine yesterday morning. COAL SUPPLY HERE FOR TWO MONTHS Richmond is well provided with coal. A canvass made Thursday shows that about 75 per cent of the householders, who use each from 10 to ii tons or coal a year, have their stock laid away. Coal dealers have enough on hand to mwt. th late fall demand of the small users, ior aDout bu days. - The ' dealers say thatrtfte -'demand has increased greatly in the last two weeks, but they are filling all orders. They also think that rationing of Coal will be unnecessary. That if the threatened coal strike does go into force on November 1, it will not last for more than a week, Is the opinion of men in Richmond affiliated with the coal business. About 40,000 to 50,000 tons la the yearly domestic consumption of coal in Richmond. Practically all of the Richmond manufacturers have their winter supply of coal, and the strike will only Indirectly affect them. The city light plant reports about 15 cars of coal on hand and about 200 cars on the way from the Kentucky mines. County coal dealers report that practically all the rural residents are amply supplied. HUNDREDS RUSH FOR ELKS' SEATS "With practically every seat for both performances sold, members of the Elks' minstrel troupe are anticipating one of the biggest performances sver staged in Richmond, when they give their annual minstrel show next Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. When the seat sale opened at the Westcott pharmacy at 7 o'clock Thursday morning, the line for reservations was more than a block long, and for more than three hours a continuous stream of people poured into the pharmacy. By 10 o'clock, the majority of the first floor seats had been reserved, and more than half af the balcony seats were gone. Rehearsals for the show have been progressing rapidly, and the finishing touches of the monster first part will be put o the rest of the week. Final rehearsal will be held Monday evening, when the entire performance will be completed, ready for the opening show, Tuesday night. TWO AVIATORS EXPECTED TO FINISH BIG RACE TODAY (By Associated Press) CHICAGO, Oct. 30, Two of the 5 aviators remaining in the 5.400 mile trans-continental army airplane race today were in flying distance of their foal and the other 3, barring accidents and unfavorable weather, should be at their home hangars before the contest officially is ended at sundawn tomorrow evening. CHINA TO HAVE N. Y. BANK. (By Associated Press) VANCOUVER, B. C, Oct. 30. Backed by the Chinese government, a bank capitalized at $10,000,000, now being established in New York, will establish branches in Vancouver, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco and Montreal, according to an announcement made by Hau Un Yuen, privy councillor of the Chinese cabinet, who was here today, on his way home. NEW PROFITEER ARRESTS (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 Many new arrests in a number of states for violation of the food and fuel control law are expected soon by the department of Justice.

Ibanez, Famous Spanish Novelist Whose Books Have Been Read by Millions, in U. S.

NEW YORK, Oct. 30. Vincente , Blasco Ibanez, the Spanish novelist, author of "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" and other books which have enjoyed great popularity in this country, has just arrived in America for a four months' tour. He intends to study this country and make use of it in future novels. Speaking through an interpreter, for he knows no English, Senor Ibanez told reporters that conditions in Europe seemed to make it apparent that a social war was inevitable, which would probably be more terrible than the great war, because instead of being fought along a battle line with scientific instruments of defense as well as attack, it would occur between class and class in city, town and country. Of the United States, he said: "The United States has a perfect government within the limit of human perfection. It is the most perfect government that exists. It is progressive and it cures its own defects. In the old world, in the monarchies, the defects become institutions and in time It becomes necessary to overthrow them." He said the actual writing on "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" was done in 4 months, in the time spared from his official work of writing an elaborate weekly chronicle of the war and directing the allied prop aganda in South America as an agent of the French government. He said he worked continuously for 18 hours a day throughout the war. His appearance indicates remarkable physical vigor. Hj is of middle height, or slightly under, thick and heavy without being fat. An artist desiring to make a portrait or statue of Balzac might find Senor Ibanez useful as a model. The novelist plans to visit all sections of this country and then make a AMERICA REJECTS ITALY'S PROPOSAL ON FIUME, RUMOR (By Associated Press) PARIS, Oct. 30. Notification has been given the peace conference by a representative of Italy, here, that the proposal made by Foreign Minister Tittoni for the settlement of the Fiume problem had not been accepted by the United States. It is declared by authoritative Italian quarters, however, that although the reply of Secretary of State Lansing was unfavorable as a whole, a considerable portion of the Tittor.i proposal was accepted and that the exchanges with, the United States on the subject will be continued. Rumors caused a display of deep emotion in Italian conference circles in Paris. Despite the fact that no official confirmation of the rumor has been received, it is the general sentiment of the Italian delegation that the information is correct and the delegates are showing great disappointment. While the heads of the Italian mission maintain their courteous, diplomatic manner, lesser members of the delegation are outspoken, saying the decision would prolong indefinitely the perplexities and anxieties now facing the Italian government. It appears to be the general feeling In Italian circles that Italy has reached the extreme limit of possible concessions and will stand on her present position. Red Cross Worker of Modoc Dies at Home MODOC, Ind., Oct. 30. Mrs. Smith Lee, 48 years old, well known Red Cross worker of this community, died Thursday morning at her home, two miles east of Modoc, following a week's Illness. She was the wife of the former township trustee of West River township, and was an active worker of the Methodist church of Modoc, and the local chapter of the Red Cross. She is survived by her husband, three sons. Reid, who is in Colorado, i Walter and Albert of Modoc, and two .' daughters, Mrs. Roberta Ward, of Lon1 don." New Work, and Alice Lee, of ! Modoc. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Secretary Baker Addresses Working Women's Congress (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct. 30. Pausing in their consideration of the question of child labor legislation, the International Congress of Working Women session here, heard today an address by Secretary Baker. Later in the day they are invited to take tea at the residence of Mrs. Josephus Daniel.-:, wife of the secretary of the navy. The child labor question is to be kept before the women's congress until a definite plan Is adopted looking toward uniform action on the subject among the nations of the world. In their fight for the betterment of the childhood of the world the women plan to solicit the audit of the international labor conference, also meeting here. AMERICAN HELD FOR THEFT OF HUNGARY CROWN JEWELS (By Associated Press) GENEVA, Oct. 30. The Budapest police have arrested Leander Battik, reported to be an American citizen, and a friend of Bela Kun, former die tator of Hungary, in connection with the theft of the Hungarian royal jewels, valued at millions of marks, according to a Prague dispatch. Battik Is said to have told the police that he had been commissioned by Bela Kun to sell the jewels in the United States and to accept nothing but gold in payment for them. Most of the Jewels, which included a priceless crown, have been recovered.

Vicente Blasco Ibanez. visit to Cuba. When he was asked why he thought his books had swept this country, he said: "It was a great surprise to me. I don't know why. I am glad that it was in this country that they made such an impression, rather than in a reactionary or monarchical country." He said he was the first civilian to go to the battle front after the battle of the Marne, where he saw the scenes which he used in the "Four Horsemen." that the novni suggested itself to him in December, 1914, that he worked on it in his mind for more than a year, and wrote, it in 4 months in 1916. Board Members Called in Jack Coyle Case All members of the board of works have received summons to appear in circuit court, Nov. 10. when the Jack Coyle mandamus case is returnable. The suit by Coyle asks for his reinstatement on the city fire force, and denying the charges made by the board of works, as the reason for his dismissal. FORMER ENEMIES TO SE ADMITTED TO LABOR MEETING (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct. 30. The first subject on todays program of the International Labor conference, in session here to promote the improvement of working conditions throughout the world, was the settlement fo the question of the admission of German and Austrian representatives to the conference. Delegates seemed generally agreed that the former enemy power should be admitted without delay. Secretary of Labor Wilson who presided over the opening session, was recommended by the organizing committee as permanent chairman "during the period of organization." No opposition to his confirmation today was looked for in view of the universal custom that chairmen for international assemblies be chosen from the nations acting aa host. The United States will be represented unofficially in the conference through Secretary Wilson, Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, is named as th workers' delegate and the selection of the employer delegate rests with Homer L. Ferguson, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Unite! States, who is to announce today his decision. Separate group meetings of governmental, employers and workers delegates precede the opening of the second session of the conference. Visit of Albert and Elizabeth Closes Today (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON. Oct. 30 The visit of the Belgian royal family to America drew near a close today. This, the last full day of their stay in this country, provided a diversified program, including an informal visit at the white house at 4 o'clock with Mrs. Wilson, and a visit to the naval academy at Annapolis by King Albert and Crown Prince Leopold. For Queen Elizabeth the program called for a visit to John Hopkins hospital at Baltimore and the Red Cross hospital for the blind, accompanied by the countess de Chraay, lady in waiting to he rmajesty; Lieutenant Colonel Nolf, physician to their majesties, and Mrs. Brand Whitlock, wife of the ambassodor to Belgium. JENKINS REALLY KIDNAPPED. SAYS MEXICAN NEWSPAPER fBy Associated Press) MEXICO CITY. Oct. 30 Published Intimations that the abduction of William O. Jenkins, American consular agent at Puebla, presented phases indicative of connivance by Jenkins and certain of his associates with the bandits, are refuted la a story published by the Excelsior. The newspaper's story is the result of an investigation by its special representatives In Puebla. The Exceisior says the consular was really kidnaped, and that Cordova, leader of the bandits, signed a receipt for 300,000 pesos, although it says it is not knkown how much of this amount has been paid or who paid it. COMMISSIONER IN PARIS. (By Associated Press) PARIS, Oct. 30. Colonel William Haskell, high commander for the four great powers in the Near East, has arrived in Paris from Constantinople. He is conferring with the American peace delegation concerning the Turkish situation.

GOVERNMENT MEETS COAL CRISjS FAST Railroad Administration Given Fuel Powers Measure Taken to Ration Supplies While They Last. OPERATORSTo HELP

(By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Oct. 30. Federal government agencies moved swiftly today to meet the situation which will result from the strike of bituminous coal miners Saturday. Developments included: Orders to railroads to confiscate all coal in transit, if necessary to build up and reserve for operation of the roads. Reestablishment of the priorities list of the fuel administration, so that th railroads, public service, utilities and essential industries will have first call on whatever coal "is mined and on that in storage. Preparation of an executive order establishing maximum prices for coal and completion of plana for the department of justice to punish those guilty of profiteering and hoarding. Announcement by Secretary Lane that the government would not hesitate to curtail consumption of coal in. industries 50 per cent, bo that essential industries might be kept in operation. General discussion of the situation by President Wilson's cabinet, which met in special session at the call of Secretary Lansing. Working out of plans by which miners who wish to continue work will be afforded every possible pro tection Including that of federal troops should that become necessary. Revival of the fuel administration to deal with conditions growing out of the strike is not necessary, Dr. Harry A. Garfield advised the president's cabinet today, holding that the war-time powers of the body now are vested in the railroad administration, which will have full authority to distribute coal to essential industries. Members of the cabinet said that If Dr. Garfield's suggestion was adopted, it would obviate the necessity of asking congress to reorganize the fuel administration and that the railroad administration could allocate coal in accordance with the preferential list in effect during the coal shortage two years ago. While revival of the fuel administration had been urged by government officials to prevent hoarding and profiteering the department of justice announced that it had power to handle that situation under the food control act. Prices Are Restored. An executive order restoring maximum prices for coal will be issued by President Wilson, probably today. Officials would not 6ay what maximum had been determined upon. Secretary Lane announced as the cabinet met that the governments would not hesitate to curtail the consumption of coal in industries, 50 per cent in order that the coal on hand and that available from unaffected non-union mines might be equitably distributed to essential industries. The list of the war industries board used during the war would be taken as the basis, it is said. The current supply of coal, from non-union mines, is sufficient to meet domestic demands and supply the needs of railroads and public utilities, Mr. Lane said. New England has stored away two months supply, which will take care of all requirements for that period. The railroad administration today ordered the confiscaion of all coal in transit, where necessary to obtain a reserve supply to keep the roads in operation. In taking over such coal, exemptions will be made, as far as possible, of coal designed to certain classes of consignees, based on the priority list established by the fuel administration. OWNERS PROMISE ASSISTANCE ST. LOUIS, Mo., Oct. 30. Every assistance will be given the government by the mine operators in order that production of coal may continue should a strike of soft coal miners become effective next Sunday, Thomas T. Brewster, chairman of the 6cale committee of the mine operators' association, said today. Mr. Brewster amplified a previous statement that without government aid the operators could not work the mines, and soft coal production would cease with materialization of the strike. He said that the mine owners were anxious to keep the mines work ing to their capacity, realizing the suffering a strike at this time would bring on the country. "In invoking the Lever food Act to continue production," Mr. Brewester continued, "the government has the unreserved support of the operators. Enforcement of this law is in my opinion the only possible way by which the prospective crisis can be averted, unless the strike order is withdrawn. "Every assistance will be given the government by the operators to keep the mines working, and any further action the government takes, whatever it may be, will be given the hearty co-operation of our organization. "We have agreed with the government in every proposition it made The miners have not. We have stated again and again we would resume negotiations with the men and submit all disagreements to arbitration, provided the strike order be rescinded pending negotiations and the award of the arbitration board. "The miners will be wholly responsible for the sufferings caused by the strike if it goes through. It is not desired by the great number of miners, but is being forced on them by ambitious and intriguing leaders. (Continued on page sixteen)

made.