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NEGOTIATE KENTUCKY STRIKE HARLAN, Ky., May 20.— With more than half of Kentuckys National Guard bivouacked about the Harlan County mines and the pace of gunfire increasing, the United States government took decisive steps today to end the crisis in this section of the states soft coal fields. Both mine operators and unionists were apparently willing to make the current dispute a final showdown in the decade-long war between the owners and the United Mine Workers of America. But federal authorities appeared equally determined that the long strike be brought to an end swiftly before further blood is shed Meanwhile United States Labor Conciliator John L. Connor held preliminary conferences with both sides. He reported afterward that he had found no "toe-hold" to open negotia tions, but added: "All is hopeful and well continue our conferences preparatory to a joint meeting on, Monday."
