STRIKERS SEIZE TOWN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 99, 7 February 1936, Page 5

STRIKERS SEIZE TOWN.

AMERICAN LABOUR DISPUTE. NON-UNION SHOPS CLOSED. United Press Association—Copyright) PEKIN (Illinois), February G. This manufacturing community of 17,000 inhabitants is undergoing wlint is probably the most drastic and effective general strike in the history of American Labour troubles. The loaders, incensed at the alleged unnecessary harshness of the police in breaking a picket line before a whisky distillery, all union labour was called out, and by the middle of the afternoon today every business establishment, except a few certified by the union, had closed its doors. Most of the shops carried placards such as; “Union holiday—closed until further notice.” The distribution of limited amounts of food, coal and medical supplies is allowed under union supervision. Gangs of workers roamed the city, ordering stores to close, with threats of smashing windows or other violence, the police making no effort to stop them. Several thousand National Guard troops were held in readiness in nearby towns, hut the officials appear reluctant to order the strike to be broken by force.