U.S.A. STRIKE PROGRESS

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 September 1934, Page 7

U.S.A. STRIKE PROGRESS

MANY MEN WORKING TROOPS ORDERED SOUTH [BY CABLE —PBISS ASSN.—COPYBIGHT.] WASHINGTON, September 4. The general textile workers’ strike completed its second day with the reports of its effectiveness still confusing. The Union claims that about three hundred thousand, or half of the workers currently employed, walked out with a nationwide stoppage that is at least 50 per cent, effective. The employers’ group, on the other hand insisted that most of the mills that have closed did so voluntarily, and that a majority of those mills wishing to remain open are able to operate. The Union’s greatest success appeared to be in the State of Connecticut where,it is claimed that there is a 98 per cent, stoppage, and impartial estimates indicated that thirty out of thirty-four thousand operatives have ■their quit work. The strike order became effective throughout New England to-day, but practically no disorder has been reported. Meanwhile, the situation is becoming intensified in the South. National Guard troops have been ordered on strike duty in South Carolina. In North Carolina, it is reported that twenty to forty thousand joined the strike over night, thus making the total out in that State over 100,000. Forty-five mills in the single town of Gastonia, North Carolina, have been forced to close. Powerful picket lines were formed at all of the mills. Many operatives who were attempting to work were roughly treated.

From points in the States of Alabama, Georgia and Texas there came reports of rioting between strikers and non-strikers, but there were no serious injuries. LATER. Increasing scenes of violence have marked the walk-out. Tension grew in many sections as flying squadrons of pickets made spectacular dashes in the effort to close those mills still operating. An Association Press tabulation has placed the number on strike at 199,200 workers out of a total of 653,200 who normally are employed in the three main sections of the textile industry, cotton, silk and wool. Mr George A. Sloan,'the President of the Cotton Textile Institute, and Mr Peter Vonhorn, the Chairman of the Silk Code Authority, said that the response to the strike order had stamped the walk-out as a failure. The strike was effective in tjie South, he said, with New England less affected.