UNDER SIEGE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1356, 6 February 1912, Page 5

UNDER SIEGE.

semi-Military camps in city, "we are on a good wicket." (ReCi'Fob'riiary 5, 8.30 p.m.) Brisbane, February 5. The city presents the appearance of suffering from a .siege. Semi-military camps are formed, ami the Government Domain and Botanical Gardens are dotted with tents and long hbrse-lineS. The drilling of special constables with batons and mounteds in sword exercise is in full swing, nnd strong squads aro parading the streets. . A number of motor-cars have been placed at tho disposal of the Government, to be utilised by the police in the event of omorgency calls. Tho Premier conferred with the police heads this morning, when arrangements wero completed for starting the trams. The first cars were mostly filled with special constables, Mr. Badger, manager of the Tramway Company, riding in one. Mr. Coyne, president of the Strike Committee, interviewed after the start, stated that the committee had issued strict orders agninst any attempt at violence, adding, "Wo are on a good wicket, and can afford a peaceful attitude. You may anticipate, within a couple of days, n Complete upheaval throughout Australia." Mr. Collins, another member of the committee, stntea that he has received the following message from Sydney when you say tho word, we aro ready to paralyse this city." Posses of special constables are guarding tho Premier's house. It is understood Hid police have taken these precautions owing to alleged threats against Mr. Denham, who has objected to Iho presence of tho guard, tlcclnring that ho was all right. The Strike Committee held frequent meetings to-day, and it is rumoured thai tho outcome is likely to be far-reaching. CARS RUN THROUGH THE DAY, NO TROUBLE EXPERIENCED. (Rec. February 6, 0.15 a.m.) Brisbane, February 5. The trams continued running till evening. Tlioro was no trouble and fair patronage by tho public. More special constables were sworn in to-day, including u number of prominent business men. A mrcting of the Federated Employers' Union and other employers' organisations resolved that ae tho Government guaranteed protection for all trades, they would at the Government's request resume business to tho oxfcenfc of rolioting those retailers supplying foodstuffs and necessaries Of life, but only on the understanding that traders would not accept any terms or conditions of the unions' committee. Contradictory reports are coming from the northern towns. Some stato that tho waterside and othor men have struck, and others that they arc still waiting ami ai'o ready for tho call to oomo out. STRIKE LEADERS' RESPONSIBILITY. FOOD FOR UNIONISTS. (Rcc. February 5, 9.30 p.m.) Brisbane, February 5. Mr. Fiulayson, n member of the Assombly, in referring to the warning of the Commissioner of Police that Iho strike lenders would be held responsible for any disorder and arrested if there was trouble, declared: "If you arrest five hundred of our vigilance officers others will take their places. Wo havo twenty-two thousand to depend upon if the police aro seeking an excuse- to arrest tho leaders." Tim Premier's action in starting the trams .came as !i surprise to tho strikers, who hnd anticipated that they-would bo started to-morrow. Mr. liadgor denies that ho rode on n tram, Fifty thousand loaves were distributed this morning from the Labour bakeries. Sis restaurants nnd a number of (irocem and butchers' ehops iu each suburb >voro

I opened under union auspices, and thonsands of coupons distributed to the striken. MR, FISHER'S EFFORTS. TO BRING MATTER BEFORE TOE COURT. (Rec. February G, 0.5 a.m.) Melbourne, February 5. The Prime Minister, Jlr. Fisher, states that his efforts will be directed to meeting tho Brisbane trouble in the Federal Arbitration Court. A COOLNESS IN THE SOUTH, FINANCIAL SUPPORT ONLY. (Roc. February 5. 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, February 5. The Tramway Employees' Union is forwarding an additioual £:M to tho Brisbano strikers. A secret meeting of the Executive of the Sydney Labour Council was held to-day. Two Labour members of tho Queensland Parliament attended. No information was available beyond tho statement of tho president: "We have decided to give Brisbane our best assistance." (Roc. February 6, 0.20 a.m.) Sydney, February 5. The Executive of the Labour Council has decided to advise the union to give financial support to the Brisbane strikers, but to tnko no precipitate action. (Rec. February R, 0.20 a.m.) Melbourne, February 5. It is officially stated that the Waterside Workers contemplate no action in support of tho Brisbane strikers, certainly not in the immediate future. THE PORT BUOCKED. VESSELS NOT CALLING. (Rec. February 5, 0.30 p.m.) Sydney, February 5. All steamers are cutting out Brisbane as a port of call. Tho Howard Smith Company is withdrawing the Burwah from the northern trade. The departures of the A.U.S.N. Company's steamers Wyreema and Mallina have been postponed. Probably the latter vessol will bo paid off. Nono of tho companies are receiving cargo for northern ports. BEER TO BE CUT OFF. THE LATEST STOPPAGE. (Rec. February C, 0.15 a.m.) Melbourne, February 5. Tho eecretary of the Federated Liquor Trades' Union is taking steps to prevent tho sending of boor from Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane, where all the breweries are closed. WHY MILITARY AID WAS REFUSED. Melbourne, February 5. Mr. Andrew Fisher (Federal Prime Minister) states that he has been asked to call the Federal Parliament together to consider tho position. He considers this is impracticable, as the Commonwealth has no right to intervene in a Stato matter. "Why should I call Parliament together to enablo' the Opposition to direct that troops Should be sent to aid the Queensland Government?" he said. "If they arc sent," declared Mr. Fisher, "there will surely bo bloodshed." PKAYBRS FOR PEACE, Brisbane, February 5. Special prayers wero said in all tho churches yesterday for the restoration of industrial peace.