AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1922, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

»T73TRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION AMERICAN GRAFT. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, July 19. Under authority of Congress, the department of justice has begun a. prosecution for war frauds. A special grand jury indicated ten individuals and concerns for conspiracy to defraud the Government of 1,800,000d01. in connection with the sales of surplus lumber left over after the war.

AN ECCENTRIC FAMILY. ' (Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 19Charles Garland, a young man has inherited with his brother, several million dollars left by an eccentric uncle who lived in a large walled in estate and grounds, filled with most curious statuary. Charles for time refused to accept his share, declaring richness spoiled life, and retired with Ins wife and two children to an abandoned farm where he lived a. crude, simple lifeAfter a time, however, he accepted bis share of the fortune, and has now donated a million dollars to the American fund for public service organisations, to be used to aid agencies which are so new or experimental that they do not command general public support. U.S.A. COAL STRIKERS. WASHINGTON. July 19 In a lengthy telegram to all the Governors of States, President Harding declares that the resp.ms.Vvil.ty fm the maintenance of the national s fuel s P pl v and for the protection of mrang operations must be shared bv the . • and the Federal Governments lhc President declares the Federal Government'hedges the State Government every assistance at its command in the tasl7of lawful protection and maintenance of order. . Mr Sam Gompers declines that ti n Presidential action represents brandishing of the mailed fist. The U.S.A. War Department is pumrinsr for strike duty. the States lie unable to maintain order, the War Department w H call out the National Guard if tin regular troops are not siifficient THE RECENT CONFLICTS NEW YORK. July 19 A telegram fro.il Mario,, Illinois, reports that six suits have been film , against the Williamson Comity, tlscene of the Herron mine mnss.ui*. im 217,420 dollars damages, arising out of outrages. The Herron Coal ( ompan.\ s claims are the largest, being lor Jamage to its mines. Other and smnllei. claims are for loss ot personal piohave been arrested in connection with rioting. A coroner’s jury bad begun an inquest which is expected to last several days.

STRIKERS’ APPEAL. (Received this day at 12.25 p.'"-) WASHINGTON, July ID- . The Executive Council of the Anieiican Federation of Labour has called on all organised Labour to assist railway strikers to win the tight , by ret using to do any work dropped by strikers. Mine workers have notified the Government that attempts to • reopen the mines under Federal protection will result in a general strike of engineers, pumpmen and other essentials. x , ~r , A Pittsburg message states Unit w ern Pennsylvania mine operators have accepted Air Harding’s invitation to reopen the mines on Monday under the protection of State police and an additional guard, using the wagejschedule which was affecting in 1917.

RATIFIED BY SOUTH AFRICA WASHINTGON, July 19. The State Department have been advised that South Africa has ratified ti.e AVnshintgon Conference Ireaties.

BETTER LOOK OUT. WASHINGTON, July 19. The Governors of various States, replied to Mr Harding promising the fullest support in the protection oi t ’o mines, when they reopened.

hope of settlement. ; (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) CHICAGO, July 19. 1 Union leaders, railway executives, and Labour Board are uniting in an effort to get the men to work next week. Peace seems nearer by the au'nounceinent tiliat the maintenance way union of four hundred thousand workers will negotiate the dispute separately. without joining the strike. Meanwhile there arc sporadic disorders throughout the west, not serious enough to warrant the use ot troops, which are held in readiness.