AMERICAN STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1922, Page 5

AMERICAN STRIKE.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. TO STATE GOVERNORS. AS TO KEEPING ORDER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Washington July 19. In a lengthy telegram to all State Governors, President Harding declares that the responsibility for the maintenance of the nation’s fuel supply and the protection of mining operations must be shared by the State and Federal Governments. The President declares that the Federal Government pledges them every assistance at its command in the task of lawful protection and the maintenance of order. Mr. Samuel Gompers, the Labor leader, declares this represents the brandishing of the mailed fist. The War Department is preparing for strike duty. Should the States be unable to maintain order the War Department will call out the National Guard if the regular troops are not sufficient.

A telegram from Marion, Illinois (the home town of President Harding), reports that six suits have been filed against the Williamson County, the scene of the Herrin massacre, for 217,420 dollars damages arising out of the outrages. The coal company’s claims are the largest, for damage to its mines. Other and smaller claims are for the loss of personal property during the rioting. I Wellsburg reports that 42 suspects have been arrested in connection with the rioting. The coroner’s jury has begun the inquest, which is expected to last several days. MEETING THE CRISIS. CO-OPERATION OF THE STATES. Received July 20. 9.55 p.m. Washington, July 19. "While eighteen Governors have replied to President Harding’s request for co-operation in meeting the situation caused by the strike, two of that number refused to accede to his request to use force to protect the mines. The Governor of North Carolina telegraphed that there were no coal mines in the State, but even if there were he would never consent to use force to protect the mines operated by inexperienced non-union substitute labor. The Governor of Maryland replied that he could not give assent without mature consideration, and said a friendly discussion would better assure peace. POSITION IMPROVES. Washington, July 19. Governors of various States replied to President Harding, promising the fullest support in the protection of the mines when they re-opened. A message from Chicago says that the Union leaders, railway executives and Labor Board are united in the effort to get the men to work next week, and peace seems nearer by the announcement of the Maintenanceway Union that 400 000 workers will negotiate their disputes separately, without joining the strike. Meanwhile there are sporadic disorders throughout the west, but not serious enough to warrant the use of troops, which are held in readiness. THREATS OF GENERAL STRIKE. IF MINES RE-OPENED. Washington, July 19. The Executive of the Council of the American Federation of Labor has called on all organised labor to assist the railway strikers to win the fight by refusing to do any work dropped by the strikers.