Strike Trouble.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1922, Page 1

Strike Trouble.

A SERIOUS AFFRAY. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. NEW YORK. July 17. At Wellshurg (West Virginia) it is reported that 13 were killed and 25 injured as the result of a clash between the authorities and the striking miners in the Richland Coal Company's mines. Tho battle followed an attempt by a sheriffs party to halt a. party of miners accused of burning loyal workers* homes. NEW YORK. July 17. A later count at Wcllshury shows tliaL only seven men were killed, includinf the sheriff. Two dozen were wounded. Eleven strikers were captured. Some mine guards were compelled to dynamite the mine tip-head to save it from a fire the strikers had set going. The exact number of wounded will probably never be known, tbe strikers having icmoved their injured. The attacking party consisted of more than three hundred men. State troops were arriving nn the scene in the evening to maintain order. Strikers continued long distance sniping from hills during the afternoon. Later: It appears that at Wellsliiir.v most of the attackers were miners from Pennsylvania, just across the State line. The Pennsylvanian mines in the district have been closed since April. When flic Wellshurg sheriff was killed, his son, who was participating in the fighting, tool; his place, lie declares he has the names of 27 leaders responsible for tho attack. All the dead have not yet been identified.

Governor Alorgau, of AVest Virginia declares the mob which attacked AVellsburg was composed mostly of foreigners, numbering between three and four hundred. Threats of such an invasion had been received. Mr Lewis (President of the United Aline AA’orkers of America), commenting on the AA’ellslmrg affray, expressed regret. He declared the situation is deplorable. From various points near AVellsburg come reports of stragglers applying for treatment at physicians’ offices for wounds received in tlie AA'ellsburg fighting.

Tho owners of the mine declare they never employed a large number of private guards, as they always believed a sheriff’s posse’s protection would he adequate. The West Virginian Prosecuting Attorney has lw>gnn an immediate investigation, and has promised a strenuous prosecution of all responsible parties, fie has summoned eye-wit-nesses.

The .Chicago reports state Air Eugene Debs has called upon the railway, workers to unite—to strike together, vote together, and fight together.

Afr Debs said:—“There has been some slight disorder, and a few scabs ha Vo been hurt. This has been the extent of the violence. It has been sufficient to bring to the strikers that for which they fought the world war; and now that the war is over, and Kai.serism is dead, and democracy and liberty are on top, the same crowd to whom you allied in a frenzy of enthusiasm, is lined up against you in battle array- ready to shoot you down, like dogs. Yours is indeed a pathetic plight, if. in the light of this situation you, do not realise the crying need for solidarity o M every front, regardloss of creed.”

The American Federation of Labour has issued a proclamation stating that tho railroad strikers are, in no sense, engaged in any conflic t against the Go comment. “Tho strikers are ready to begin negotiations with the railway managements for a resumption of work.” 0

PRESIDENT TO ACT. NEW YORK, July 17

Hon Air Dougherty states the President will take definite action regarding the railway strike within twentyfour hours.

Disregarding the Railway Labour Hoard’s o decisions, mine operators have replied accepting President Harding’s proposal for arbitration (as cabled oil J id v 15th). President Harding has suggested that tin-v return to their districts and resume mining coal. He intimated protection will he supplied to them immediately. The operators view with seme alarm the opening of mines, especially in unionized territory. The miners’ representatives dim, are the President will find it impossible to increase, coal production, and say that his plan will embitter the workers and get nowhere.