anaheim-daily-herald 1921-11-02

If you want help, or have something for sale, Anaheim HERALD want ad columns are the direct route to your audience. VOL. VIII. EIGHT PAGES THOUSANDS State Sunday School Conv TWO BOYS HELD FOR MURDER OF WOMAN NEAR HERE YESTERDAY Mrs. Ricketts Shot To Death When Lads Attempt Hold-Up On Beach At Anaheim Man Called Her "Fat Old Slob" Wants Divorce Mental and physical cruelty are charged by Mrs. Edith M. Wooley in her suit for divorce from Robert John Wooley of El Modena, which is to come before Judge R. Y. Williams tomorrow morning. The plaintiff, who states in her complaint that she is naturally stout, claims that she has suffered great mental cruelty from the humiliation occasioned by the manner in which she was treated by her husband befor friends. The complaint charges that on one occasion in the presence of friends the defendant called her a "fat old slob." "old rip" and other allusions to her stoutness. The Wooleys were married April 3. MRS. RICKETTS SHOT TO DEATH WHEN LADS ATTEMPT HOLD-UP ON BEACH AT ANAHEIM LANDING. Robert Rosser, 15 year old boy bandit, held in the county jail last night in connection with the murder of Mrs. Mary Ricketts of Long Beach, at Anaheim Landing late yesterday, was taken to the detention home today. Charles Handy, 16, his companion in the holdup, was held in the county jail. No formal charge has yet been entered against the lads, who are now booked on a vagrancy charge. Following the inquest over Mrs. Ricketts's body, which will probably be held late this afternoon, according to the plans of Coroner C. D. Brown, a formal complaint charging them with murder is expected to be issued. Rosser admits that he had the gun in his possession when the shooting occurred and exempts his companion from responsibility for that part of the crime. Boy's Father is Sick Rosser is the son of W. B. Rosser, a furniture dealer in San Pedro. He has been roaming about the country for several years and has the appearance of a professional hobe, officers say. Handy's parents live in Van Nuys. The boy's father is ill and is living at Van Nuys for the sake of his health. Both lads have prison records. Rosser has recently spent several months in the Neyada state reform school at Elko where he was placed following his conviction on a petty larceny charge. Youths Met Yesterday Handy has served three months in the San Diego city jail on a petty larceny charge. Neither boy had met the other before yesterday morning at San Pedro when they drifted together. Handy had the gun with him at that time and showed it to Rosser. Both decided to take a trip. Handy wished to go to Oklahoma and Rosser was heading for San Bernardino when they started out together. By walking along the boulevard and being given rides by passing motorists they arrived at Scal Beach. Walking down the beach south of Anaheim Landing, they tried the gun out on ducks and other objects as they went. While traveling along the Wooley of El Modena, which is to come before Judge R. Y. Williams tomorrow morning. The plaintiff, who states in her complaint that she is naturally stout, claims that she has suffered great mental cruelty from the humiliation occasioned by the manner in which she was treated by her husband before friends. The complaint charges that on one occasion in the presence of friends the defendant called her a "fat old clob," "old rip" and other allusions to her stoutness. The Wooley's were married April 3, 1918, and have been separated since August 13 of this year. Wooley has large ranching interests in the county and a reasonable alimony is asked by the plaintiff in her action for separation. WOMAN WHO SEWS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN ASKS DIVORCE Desertion, non-support and cruelty are the grounds on which Mrs. Allene Nutt of Santa Ana is asking divorce from her husband, Harvey Nutt. Mrs. Nutt states that her husband is capable of earning at least $125 a month and asks a reasonable amount for the support of the two minor children who are now living with the plaintiff. Mrs. Nutt says that she is taking in sewing and is forced to live in a tent on the back of a lot in Santa Ana in her effort to support her children, who are 5 and 9 years old. The defendant is now supposed to be in Canada although he has not been heard from for several months. There is no community property. SKETCHES ON LIVES OF ANAHEIM PEOPLE NEW HERALD FEATURE The Herald announces a new feature, which we think will be most interesting to all our readers, particularly the pioneers who settled Anaheim and have had great pride in the wonderful progress of their great city. The Herald will publish a series of human interest sketches on the lives of men and women who have con tributed so much to the advancement of Anaheim and Northern Orange County. Most of these splendid citizens have modestly registered the publicity, but are gradually surrendering to the appeal to their civic consciousness that the whole community, particularly newcomers, may be inspired by the kind of work that will build Greater Anaheim. the other before yesterday morning at San Pedro when they drifted together. Handy had the gun with him at that time and showed it to Rosser. Both decided to take a trip. Handy wished to go to Oklahoma and Rosser was heading for San Bernardino when they started out together. By walking along the boulevard and being given rides by passing motorists they arrived at Seal Beach. Walking down the beach south of Anaheim Landing, they tried the gun out on ducks and other objects as they went. While traveling along the beach they came-upon Mrs. Rickett, a woman of about 45 years of age, and her companion, G. W. Wolfe, 60, who were resting on the sand. Rosser Suggested Holdup Rosser states that he suggested that they hold up the couple and get some money with which to continue their travels. Handy objected but as Rosser had the gun at the time, did not endeavor to restrain him from carrying out his plan. The younger lad with the gun approached the couple on the beach after covering his face with a handkerchief and threatening them, with the gun forced the man to give over his pocketbook which contained about $15 in currency. Woman Grasps Gun During this part of the holdup, Handy had remained in the background with his hat pulled down over his eyes. At this point, Rosser called to him to come and get the money while he backed away, keeping the couple covered. He turned his head slightly as he called and the woman, who was standing close in front of him, according to his story, grasped the barrel of the revolver and endeavored to take it from him. In the struggle that followed the gun was discharged and both Rosser and Handy turned and ran. Looking back they saw the woman walking around and suddenly fall on to the sand. This was about two minutes after the shot had been fired, according to the story of both boys. The boys continued in the direction of Seal Beach and after a short time stopped a passing motorist and asked to be turned over to the officers. They were delivered to A. J. Whitington, city marshal of Seal Beach, who locked them up pending their transfer to the county jail at Santa Ana about 11 o'clock last night. After looking into the future and seeing what was in store for them, you can't blame some women for becoming "fortune tellers." ANAHEIM GUILD GETS PERMIT TO SOLICIT FUNDS FOR HOSPITAL The Anaheim Auxiliary Guild of the Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital school has been given permission by the county board of supervisors to solicit funds for the purpose of furnishing a suite of rooms for Orange county in the orthopedic hospital school, or for such purposes contributing aid to that institution as may be deemed necessary by the executive committee. The orthopedic hospital school is a non-profit earning institution of Southern California, devoted to the correction of physical defects in children and at the same time providing educational facilities as well. OFFICE OF DR. WATERS ROBBED; COP GETS FINGERPRINTS Excellent copies of the fingerprints of the person who entered the office of Dr. John Waters, Anaheim dentist, Monday night and made away with between $40 and $50 worth of gold, were secured today by Deputy Sheriff Hermad J. Zabel, finger print expert for Orange county. Entrance to the office of the dentist was made through the transom Monday night. The gold was the only loss reported by Dr. Waters. Courtesy Match Polk A NEW YORK, one per cent wrestle here tomorrow for The new kickle will be served with sors, headlock on muscle and bone old orgy days. Various commit official smellers their foot on the Strangler Lewis, of the headlock, and the first match which politeness rule over brawn. Both run the run out of the ring censes revoked if angered by any other fellow. OIL WORKER STOP STRET RETURNS BAKERSFIELD Kern River local union, as well as Joaquin valley, will question of months-old strikers work. The vote was on request by Secret Strikers were points, the first to work, and the case the governors secure for them strikers believe. Votes tabulated five other locals in favor of res unions which voted Lost Halls, Fellows and Coalings. Today's vote of local was being tion picture thent ANAHEIM DAILY HEADLINE ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1921. COS OF MINERS Q Convention In Anaheim Nov. 8- FIRE DAMAGES LARGE TOURING CAR HERE THIS MORNING A large touring car belonging to A. J. Finley was damaged early this morning when fire, which is thought to have started in defective batteries, ignited the oil covering the engine. The flames were extinguished by use of chemicals. Mr. Finley, with his two children, had parked the car near Center and Los Angeles streets and were preparing to leave it when the flames burst from the hood. An alarm was turned in and the fire engine reached the scene in record time. NOVEL ACTS ON BILL AT CALIFORNIA CITIZENS URGED TO CO-OPERATE IN WELCOMING S.S. DELEGATES Program For Three-Day Convention Outlined In Proclamation Issued By ANAHEIM RODEO CLUB PROPOSED TO MEET LAST NIGHT About sixty enthusiasts attended the meeting held last night at the Anaheim Ignition Works. There is at present no club in Orange county admitting beginners as well as experienced radio operators so plans for such a club were discussed. A committee was appointed to meet with the Radio Club of Southern California and determine the possibility of forming a branch club or one that could in some way become affiliated with this club. In view of the many beginners in radio work who will be benefitted by an organization of some sort, it is felt that a club is a practical necessity. As soon as the committee is able to NOVEL ACTS ON BILL AT CALIFORNIA TOMORROW The initial Meiklejohn and Dunn vaudeville road show which was at the California theater last week was enjoyed by hundreds of people who were able to get in this popular playhouse. The program of vaudeville which will be presented tomorrow has been selected with unusual care and every act that goes to make up this wonder show has recently been a headliner at some Los Angeles theater. First of all there is that roly, poly comedian, Ed Blondell, in his mirth provoking sketch, "The Boy From Home." Mr. Blondell, with the aid of his company, is able to transfer his audience from a most pathetic scene to one which is full of laughs within a few seconds. This act has played every house on the aPntages circuit and is sure to win great favor here in Anaheim. Another Pantages favorite is Dancing Davy Jamieson. Mr.Jamieson presents an unusual act in that he follows no set routine during his part of the entertainment but allows the audience to state the dances they prefer. Comedy is not the least of Dancing Davy's act. "Unusual" is the only word which will describe Wire and Walker's part of the entertainment. These daring people present novel gymnastic turn entitled "All in the Air," and besides the wonderful feats which they perform they carry a ton of special scenery and special apparatus. The Native Alpine Trio are real natives of Switzerland and the sweet songs and yodeling which they present are sure to please every one who hears them. What protection has a 170-pound man against a baby vamp? This is the question which is answered in the phototplay, "Moonlight Follies," in which petite Marie Prevost is seen on the screen tomorrow. Popular prices prevail as usual for this show. Courtesy To Rule Match Between Polk And Lewis NEW YORK, Nov. 2.—One half of their war between District Attorney Woolwine and Charles W. Erbstein, brilliant Chicago criminal attorney secured by the Obenchain de- IN WELCOMING S.S. DELEGATES Program For Three-Day Convention Outlined In Proclamation Issued By Committee In Charge. A proclamation pointing out the benefits to be derived by the city of Anaheim in connection with the State Sunday School Convention to be held here November 8, 9 and 10, and urging all citizens to co-operate with the churches in helping to make the thousands of visitors and delegates welcome, was issued today by the convention committee. The proclamation, which outlines the program for the three-day session, follows: The churches of Anaheim have invited the State Sunday School Convention to hold its next meeting in Anaheim. That will be next week. November 8, 9 and 10. The churches of Orange county have seconded this invitation and are co-operating with the churches of Anaheim. The city trustees and the Chamber of Commerce have also seconded this invitation. The convention represents the churches and Sunday schools south of the Teachipli, about 750 in number. It is expected that 1500 visitors will come to Anaheim each of these days. Aside from an excellent program in which sixty speakers will take part and which will be made up of mass meetings and department conferences there will be special features of interest to every citizen. First, on Tuesday night a program entitled "The Rights of the Child," will be given by Anaheim talent. One hundred will take part. It is a beautiful pageant that has been given very successfully in the east and in some places in California. The costumes and lighting and assignment of parts have been worked out very carefully under a local committee of which Mrs. E. A. Collins is chairman. Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Shreve Durham of New York, expert on house to house visitation, will lead the delegates and local people in a canvas of the people in Anaheim, Fullerton and vicinity. A complete survey of these communities will be made in the phenomenal time of two hours. Thursday afternoon, a great parade will move throughout the county, representing the Sunday school workers of California. This parade will contain sections representing the different towns of Orange county. It is expected that there will be several heim ignition Works. There is at present no club in Orange county admitting beginners as well as experienced radio operators so plans for such a club were discussed. A committee was appointed to meet with the Radio Club of Southern California and determine the possibility, of forming a branch club or one that could in some way become affiliated with this club. In view of the many beginners in radio work who will be benefitted by an organization of some sort, it is felt that a club is a practical necessity. As soon as the committee is able to report, another meeting will be called and further plans discussed. A. Bevillard of the Ignition Works is having a section of the wall in his plastered and a part of this will be used as a blackboard on which will appear code matter and general information of interest to novice operators. OBENCHAIN ATTORNEYS WANT MADALYNNE'S TRIAL TO BE FIRST LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2.—Defense attorneys for Arthur C. Burch and Madalynne Obenchain have joined forces in a sharp fight to force Madalynne to trial first, it was believed here today. Burch's unexpected plea of insanity, entered yesterday when he was called for trial for his alleged part in the killing of wealthy young John Belton Kennedy, is interpreted by legal experts as the first move in a joint defense effort to switch the trials. Lawyers to Rush Trial With Burch's sanity under a long-drawn-out investigation, attorneys for Madalynne Obenchain are expected to appear in court and insist upon their client's constitutional right to be brought to trial "within a reasonable time." This will mean that Madalynne will go on trial for the actual murder while Burch is still enmeshed in lengthy preliminaries. Woolwine Opposes Change District Attorney Thomas Lee Woolwine, who will prosecute both defendants in the famous Kennedy murder case, said today that he would exert every effort to block a switch in trials. "Burch must and will be tried first," he said with finality. The defense desires to try Madalynne first because her chances with a jury are conceded to be best. Both Burch and Obenchain defense camps believe that the verdict in the first trial will in effect seal the fate of both defendants. Erbstein Admitted to Court The personal war between District Attorney Woolwine and Charles W. Erbstein, brilliant Chicago criminal attorney secured by the Obenchain de- Courtesy To Rule Match Between Polk And Lewis NEW YORK, Nov. 2.—One half of one per cent wrestling will be served here tomorrow for the first time. The new kickless brew of the mat will be served without a toehold, scissors, headlock or any of the other muscle and bone intoxicants of the old orgy days. Various commissioners, agents and official smellers will be around with their foot on the ring rail when Strangler Lewis, the former exponent of the headlock, and Joe Polk go into the first match Thursday night in which politeness and courtesy will rule over brawn and muscle. Both run the risk of being thrown out of the ring and having their licenses revoked if they should become angered by any impolite act of the other fellow. OIL WORKERS VOTE TO STOP STRIKE EARLY RETURNS INDICATE BAKERSFIELD, Cal., Nov. 2.—The Kern River local of the oil workers' union, as well as locals in the San Joaquin valley, were voting today on the question of calling off the two-months-old strike and returning to work. The vote was called in answer to a request by Secretary of Labor Davis. Strikers were asked to vote on two points, the first an immediate return to work, and the second, a restrike in case the government was unable to secure for them terms which the strikers believe just. Votes tabulated early today from five other locals indicated a majority in favor of resuming work. The unions which voted last night were Lost Halls, Fellows, Taft, McKittrick and Coalinga. Today's vote of the big Kern River local was being conducted in a motion picture theater here. Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Shreve Durham of New York, expert on house to house visitation, will lead the delegates and local people in a canvass of the people in Anaheim, Fullerton and vicinity. A complete survey of these communities will be made in the phenomenal time of two hours. Thursday afternoon, a great parade will move throughout the county, representing the Sunday school workers of California. This parade will contain sections representing the different towns of Orange county. It is expected that there will be several thousand cars and floats in line. The parade will go via Garden Grove, Sandy Ana, Tustin, Orange, Olive and Fullerton, back to Anaheim and will be met by groups in each town representing the civic life. Cars for the delenates will be furnished by the people of Anaheim. It is hoped that all of the Sunday school and church people of the county will take part in this parade. You are hereby invited. Decorate your car and fall in line! The last night, Thursday night, November 10, a three-reel film of "Alice in Hunger Land," representing conditions in Europe at the present time will be given. This will be followed by a humorous lecture, entitled "What's Under Your Hat," by that prince of platform men, Dr. J. Whitcomb Brougher. This lecture has been given in many parts of the United States and committees have gladly paid $100 a night for it. It will be given free in Anaheim! As a sample of what this convention is going for Anaheim, a cartoon of "Doc" Brougher, rushing for the train, silk hat on and costtails flapping in the wind, grip in hand, with the words, "Meet Me in Anaheim," is being sent all over California. The Chamber of Commerce has sent a letter to every pastor and every Sunday School superintendent in Southern California inviting them to come. What are you doing? Do something to make these visitors welcome and to make them want to move to Anaheim to live. All of these meetings will be in the Methodist White Temple, so you can find the place and you will be welcome. If you can take a delegate for lodging and breakfast, telephone H. S. Jayne, 172W. If you can furnish a car and driver for the parade November 10, 2 to 5 p.m., telephone George Allen, 86W. If you can take part in the parade, furnishing a car, telephone W. J. Ellott, 434. Burch must and will be tried first," he said with finality. The defense desires to try Madalynne first because her chances with a jury are conceded to be best. Both Burch and Obenchain defense camps believe that the verdict in the first trial will in effect seal the fate of both defendants. Erbstein Admitted to Court The personal war between District Attorney Woolwine and Charles W. Erbstein, brilliant Chicago criminal attorney secured by the Obenchain defense, assumed a new aspect today with Woolwine instead of Erbstein on the defensive. The Los Angeles County Bar association late yesterday turned in a sealed recommendation to Judge Sidney Reeve, favoring Erbstein's admission to practice in state courts in spite of charges filed against him by Woolwine. Judge Regye acted in accordance with the recommendation. Would Oust Woolwine Today the public offices committee of the county grand jury filed a communication with President Frank James of the bar association, urging immediate steps to oust Woolwine from office. Woolwine recently bested this committee when it sought a grand jury investigation of the conduct of his office. With Erbstein now leading the Obenchain defense in open court, it is expected that plans for fighting both the Burch and Obenchain battles will mature rapidly between now and Monday, when Burch is to again appear in court for action on the affidavits of insanity filed by his attorney, Paul Schenck. HERALD If your goods are not moving as fast as you want them to, a well worded display ad in The HERALD will solve the problem. BER 2, 1921. NO. 296 S QUIT WORK Nov.8-9-10. Meet Me There RODEO CLUB USED TO MEET ST NIGHT Police Arrest 400 Who Watch Indecent Movie SAN FRANCISCO, Nov., 2.—Four hundred saddened men had their names on the police blotter here today, all because they attended an "ultra modern" moving picture show. They owed their predicament to the women's vigilant committee, which caused a squad of twenty police to raid a hall where a private showing of a film was being held and arrest the audience." Charges of attending an indecent exhibition were placed against the 400 men, most of whom were able to secure release on bail. The raid occurred late in the evening when the police broke into the hall. GENERAL STRIKE THREATENS AS INDIANA MEN JOIN OUTLAWS Conflicting Court Orders On Check-Off System Puts Operators And Em- IN ATTORNEYS MADALYNNE'S TO BE FIRST ELEES, Nov. 2.—Defense Arthur C. Burch and Benchman have joinedarp fight to force Madalynne first, it was believedexpected plea of insanesterday when he wasl for his alleged part inwealthy young John Belis interpreted by legalfirst move in a jointto switch the trials. Rests to Rush Trial's sanity under a longestigation, attorneys forBenchain are expected toort and insist upon theirinstitutional right to beal "within a reasonablemean that Madalynne willfor the actual murderis still enmeshed ininquiries. Opposes Changeorney Thomas Lee Woollowprosecute both defend-amous Kennedy murdermay that he would exertto block a switchinand will be triedwith finality. desires to try Mada-cause her chances withseceded to be best. BothBenchain defense campsthe verdict in the firsteffect seal the fate ofits. Admitted to Courtwar between DistrictDewine and Charles W.illiant Chicago criminaldeby the Obenchain de- WORKS. There is atlab in Orange county admiers as well as exper-operators as plans forwere discussed. A com-appointed to meet withbob of Southern Californiathe possibility, of form-club or one that couldbecome affiliated withthe many beginners inwho will be benefitted bybom of some sort, it is feltas a practical necessity.One committee is able toor meeting will be calledplans discussed. Of the Ignition Workssection of the Wall in hishand and a part of this willblackboard on whichode matter and generalinterest to novice op- EMERGENCY Traffic CutsU. S. Canadian Trade WASHINGTON, Nov. 2. — TheUnited States "emergency tariff"has seriously reduced trade between theUnited States and Canada. The"emergency tariff"went into effectMay 28. Between June 1 and August31, exports to the United Staesamounted to $67,382,0000,a decreaseof over 50 per cent as comparedwith the same period last year.Duringthe same time, imports fromthe United States were $132,018,000,a decreaseof exactly 50 per cent overthose of the same month a year ago. If this rate of decrease continues,the total value of imports for the entireyear will be $300,000,000 belowthat of last year and the value ofexports probably will suffer in like manner. In the meantime, Canada is lookingabout for other markets. H. H Stevens,newly appointed minister oftrade and commerce, has openedat Vancouver an office for the promotionof trade with the orient. Canada isalso seeking to develop its trade withMexico and Australia. Such developmentis facilitated by the governmentsteamship lines. CYE WORKS BOWLERSBEAT STUDEBAKERSTHREE GAMES The Sanitary Dye Works bowlingteam last night took the Studebakerteam into camp to the tune'of threegames straight. Ford, Dyckman,McKnown,James and Flesner representedthe dye works, and Payne, Bruce,Reynolds, Williams and Logenfeil playedfor the Studebakers. How Fast DoesYour Mind ActHere's One Test INDIANA MENJOIN OUTLAWS Conflicting Court OrdersOn Check-Off SystemPuts Operators And Employees In Confusion. CHICAGO, Nov. 1.—Twenty-five thousand coal miners were out on"outlaw" strike in the central coalfields today in protest against theorder by Judge A. B. Anderson preventingoperation of the "check-off." Indicationswere the strike wouldcontinue to spread. Frank Farrington, head of theIllinois branch of the United Miners ofAmerica, was in Chicago today conferringwith mine operators. Farringtonwas here to find out if theoperators were going to obey Anderson'sorder. There was considerable doubtamong the operators as to what coursethey should follow. Contradictory Decisions Judge Charles H. Miller, in thecircuit court of Franklin county, Illinois,last week issued an injunctionpreventing the operators from abolishingthe "check-off" system. As Anderson's ruling is just the opposite,theoperators fear they will be in contemptof one court or the other, no matterwhat course they pursue. Most of the miners who walked outwere in Indiana and this state.Manyminers in the southern Indiana fieldswere out. Reserve Supply on Hand WASHINGTON, Nov. 2.—The nationhas a reserve supply of coal sufficientto last from three weeks to two monthsif production is halted by a minersstrike, figures obtained todayfromthe government sources and the NationalCoal association showed. Quit in Indiana Fields INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 1.—Officers of the coal miners union today prepared for a probable strike of its350,000 members. If the mine operators obey thejunction issued by Judge A. B.Anderson preventing operation ofthe check-off system, union leaders instructed their men to regard it asaviation of contract. This in itself would be sufficientto cause the men to walk out whereverthe operators refuse to continuethe check-off system of collecting union How Fast Does Your Mind Act Here’s One Test Applicants for position in the New York state mounted police are obliged to tackle the following questionnaire. The questions were designed to see how fast a man can think: With your pencil make a dot over any one of these letters, F, G, H, and a comma after the longest of these words: Boy, mother, girl. Then if Christmas comes in March make a cross right here —, but if not pass along to the next question and tell where the sun rises —. If you believe that Edison discovered America cross out what you just wrote, but if it was someone else, put in a number to complete tails sentence: "A horse has — feet." Write “yes,” no matter whether China is in Africa or not—and then give a wrong answer to this question: "How many days are there in the week?" Write any letter except G after this comman — and then write “No” if 2 times 5 are 10. Now if Tuesday comes after Monday, make two crosses here —, but if not, make a circle here —, or else a square here —. Be sure to make three crosses between these two names of boys, George — Henry. Notice these two numbers, 3, 5. If iron is heavier than water, write the larger number here —, but if iron is lighter write the smaller number here —. Show by a cross when the nights are longer: In summer — or in winter — Give the correct answer to this question: “Does water run uphill?” and repeat your answer here — Do nothing here (5x7) unless you skipped the preceding question, but write the first letter of your first name and the last letter of your last name at the end of this line — INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 1—Officers of the coal miners union today prepared for a probable strike of its 350,000 members. If the mine operators obey the injunction issued by Judge A. B. Anderson preventing operation of the check-off system, union leaders instructed their men to regard it as a violation of contract. This in itself would be sufficient to cause the men to walk out wherever the operators refuse to continue the check-off system of collecting union dues. No general strike order would be needed. Already several hundred men have refused to work in the Indiana fields. Union Chiefs Meet The union chiefs gathered here, however, inspected their financial resources and otherwise drew their lines in preparation for a general strike call, provided they deem it necessary. Judge Anderson today read the instruction sent out by the union heads on his injunction. He reserved comment. It will be for Judge Anderson to determine whether this message violated the injunction. United States District Attorney Frederick Van Nuys said the matter had come to his attention. Operators to Obey Injunction M. L. Gould, president of the Indiana coal operators, said today that his association plans to obey the injunction rather than the miners’ threat. “It’s damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” he said. Gould said there is a provision in the Indiana wage contract and possibly others which says both the miners and their employers must consider the contract subordinate to federal injunction whenever the two conflict. Lewis’ order affects only a portion of the union membership. The check-off is not used in the anthracite fields and the Canadian union districts are not affected by the injunction granted in this country. Woman Files Petition To Stop Joint Tenancy Petition for the termination of the joint tenancy of Franklin H. Lester was filed today by his widow, Mrs. Minnie Lester. The property consists principally of oil lots in Brea.