First Moves In Mighty Struggle.

Manawatu Times, 4 May 1926, Page 7

First Moves In Mighty Struggle .

Emergency Measures Completed. Troom and Fleet in Readiness. Mutual Assigning of Responsibility

What the French newspapers, voicing a world-wide opinion, characterise as the most formidable social struggle' in Britain’s history, has begun in earnest. Amongst the earliest manifestations of the battle are the action of the authorities in concentrating all available vehicular traffic and Air Force planes, besides holding troops and the Atlantic Fleet in readiness for action, and the act of the printers in preventing anti-Union matter from seeing the light of day. Hard things are already being said by each side of tho other.

Pinch Being Felt Already

noon issued a manifesto, reiterating the impossibility of the miners accepting a lower standard of Jiving.

HYDE PARK A HUGE MOTORDROME.

The Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies, said to be a nonpolitical, voluntary organisation, whose formation a few months ago, aroused intense Labour opposition sent out an appeal, for reproduction in several of the Sunday papers in London, but the mechanical staffs ot most offices refused to print it, so it appeared only in two papers, and then only after considerable modification. The "Daily Herald’’ says the organisation for the maintenance of supplies tried to have a document printed on Friday jn the shape of handbills, as an appeal to the public. It was set in type, but the machinists refused to print it, and the firm could not fulfil tho order. Trade Union Manifesto “NO SHADOW OF REASON FOR STOPPAGE.” HONOURABLE SETTLEMENT YET POSSIBLE. (Received Monday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. On Sunday night, the general council of tho Trade Union Congress issued a manifesto, declaring that even nov a honourable settlement can be reached, but the Government’s demand that tho miners’ leaders should consent in advance of negotiations to a reduction of wages must be withdrawn. The notices also must be withdrawn, to allow negotiations te proceed without, the issue being prejudiced. The concludes: “There is no shadow of reason why tho miners should be locked out or th e grave decision as to a stoppage, allowed to take effect. If it docs, tho responsibility will lie with tho Government and the owners.” Skirmishing in Hyde Park MOUNTED POLICE SCATTERS CROWDS. (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) ;■LONDON, May 2. The unexpected recall of the mining loaders to London at midnight to see Mr. Baldwin gave hopes of a settlement, but the Cabinet session finally broke up at 12.30 a.m., when it was officially announced that negotiations to avert a general strike had broken down. The “Daily Mail" is not publishing to-day, owing to the printers refusing to permit tho publication of a leading article, calling on all law-abiding citizens to hold themselves ready for service to King and Country. Two Communists and three British Fascists were arrested in Hyde Parle, after a series of day-long skirmishes between these factions. The police drew their batons and called, up the mounted force to disperse the crowd which was trying to rescuo the arrested Communists. A Ruinous Blow ' WILL COOK BE ANOTHER CROMWELL ? (Received Monday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. The “Times,” in a leadox-, says that unless counsels ot x'eason prevail, the country will bo faced with tho gravest domestic menace since tho fall of the Stuarts, and declares it is incredible that the leaders should have really considered the nature of the consequences of a strike, otherwise they would not support a so manifest® disastrous atep. "They claim to speak on behalf of three and a-half millions of people,” continues tho article, “but admittedly only a fraction have been | consulted on tho issud The Jeadcrs 1

JUDGMENT OP GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION,

(Received Monday, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, May 3.

Already the effects of the strike are jhowing. Three big: iron works at Motherwell, Glasgow, have closed on account of the coal shortage and others are following immediately. The British advertising convention was abandoned, after one thousand delegates had gathered at Blackpool, owing to the fear of a railway disturbance. It is understood the railway employees will cease work at the end of the night service this evening and the trams and buses will not be worked on Tuesday. The Great Western railway appealed to its employees, asking them not to break their contracts by striking without notice.

Tho “Daily Herald’’ says in all the newspaper offices, the printers are watching closely what is being said about the crisis.

Hydo Park was closed at midnight for the purpose of assembling lorries ■n connection with the distribution of milk in the London area. Tho price of milk has increased fiom sixpence to eightponco a gallon. If it is found necessary to use road transport, arrangements have been made to call up the special constables. A battalion of the Cheshire regiment arrived at Cardiff, but no troops will bo moved to the coal-fields unless an emergency arises. Tho Atlantic fleet, which is duo to leave Portsmouth on Tuesday for its summer exercises, Is awaiting the Admiralty’s orders. Newspapers generally point out that a general strike is not a new experiment. It has been tried, and has always failed. They emphasise that four million trade unionists aro arraying themselves against more than forty million of the general community. The general council of the T.U.C. has sent a letter to Mr Baldwin, expressing surprise and regret at the Government’s decision to terminate tho discussion and declaring “the public will judge the nature of the Government’s intention by Its precipitate and calamitous decision,” and deploring that tho sincere work on which the council had been engaged to obtain an honourable settlement had been wrecked by tho Government's unprecedented ultimatum. Air Bombers to Carry Mails OTHERS X’OR TRAN SPORT AND PATROL. ALL TROOPS’ LEAVE CAN CELLED (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. The Labour negotiators arrived at Downing Street at seven to-night, when Cabinet intimated that it would not be ready till nine. In the event of a general stoppage, ■he Air Force's largo bombers will carry mails and important packages. The smaller machines will transport Ministers and officials, and patrol the railways and bridges. There is considerable activity to-daj at tho Naval ports and military garrisons. All leave has been cancelled and troops have already reached several mining areas. Large crowds assembled at Whitehall this morning and witnessed the arrival of members of Cabinet. Though the Government has noi issued a call for volunteers, it has opened registration offices in wartime huts In the Foreign Office quadrangle, and hundreds of men and women of all ages and classes are lined up in 'ueuea of eager volunteer's. The Miners’ Federation this after-

arrogate to themselves the right to inflict incalculable injury on the entire nation and tho Empire. It will bo a ruinous blow to the revival of tho British credit, bringing losa and loverty on innocent milliorj. The .oadors sincerely state that they are net declaring war on the people, but this assertion will not stand the test of facts.” Railwaymen Give Notice G.W.B. APX’EALS FOR RECONSIDERATION. (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. The railway companies have received notices from the employees that they are terminating their employment to-morrow. Tho Great vVestern Railway has appealed to Us employees to remain loyal and to iet tho mining industry settle its disputes directly. Ge: many’s Opportunity TO RECOVER ROST TRADE. (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) BERLIN, May 2. Developments in tho British coal dispute are being watched with interest in Germany. Tho German mine owners, who have recently been suffering from British competition, aro please A at the prospect of regaining their share of the world’s trade, which has been wrested from them by British mines. Leaders of the Socialist and Communist parties are urging the German miners to do their utmost to help their British colleagues. They express the opinion they will übe able to prevent tho direct transport' Of coal from tho Ruhr to Britain and are negotiating with the Dutch labour unions with a view to preventing German coal reaching Britain via Holland. * 1 Foolish Incitements ’ ’ SUCH AS MOBOLISING OF TROOPS (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. The ‘‘Daily Herald,” in an editorial, says; ‘‘Mr Baldwin appeals to goodwill: let him sot an example and cease to be the tool of big business interests in an attempt to lower the standard of life of the masses. There is a chance yot to avoid war; let him get back to consideration of tho Coal Commission’s report, and a four-sided discussion between the Trade Union Congress, miners, owners, and Government, and cease foolish incitements such as moving .troops and emergency machinery, which was not required, seeing that the Trade Unions have guaranteed the food supplies. On these lines, we can hope to have peace.” Overt Acts FREEDOM OP PRESS MENACED. (Received Monday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. A Government statement, giving reasons for tho breakdown .declares that overrt acts have already occurred, including interference with the freedom of the press, involving a challenge to the nation and constitutional rights. Before there can bo a continuance of negotiations, the Government demands that the Labour Congress repudiate those actions immediately and unconditionally , and withdraws instructions for a general strike. Tho coal crisis unfortunately coincides with All British Shopping Week, opening on May 3rd. Hundreds of shops throughout England are specialising in Empire products, including ten and a-half miles of shop windows in London, specially dressed. The organisers nevertheless, are of opinion that everyone will do his best to support the venture. “For King, Country, and Society” TABOOED LEADER’S SLOGAN. (Received Monday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. The “Daily Mail’s” tabooed leader was entitled "For King, Country, and Society.” The operative printers demanded it should be altered, but tho editor refused to comply. Some unions, including compositors, process workers, and telegraphists, decided it was not within their province to discuss tho newspaper's policy, and resolved to carry on, but tho printers, machine managers, stereotypers, and packers ceased work. Tho article pointed out that tho general strike was not an industrial dispute, but a revolutionary movement, and intended to inflict suffering on a great mass of innocent persons, and thereby put forcible constraint upon the Government. Such a movement could not bo tolerated by a civilised Government. All Talk, No Tackling LLOYD GEORGE’S SCATHING COMMENT. LONDON, May 2. Mr. Lloyd George, in a speech at Cambridge, referring to the coal trouble, said that there had been the same perfunctory and dilatory diplomacy, tho same ineffectual, leisurely negotiations which led to the Great War. It had been all talk and no tackling. He appealed to everyone to support the State, which must come 1 first and last ail the time.

U.S. Press Comment COMMUNITY MUST SIDE WITH CONSTITUTION. (Received Monday, 10.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 2. Editorial opinion widely supports the attitude of the British Government and people in opposing the general strike. The “New York World” says that in self-defence, the community must turn to the side of the recognised authorities and help by holding up their hands. The union men, wiicre their policy is deliberately destructive and against the community, cannot help suffering deep wounds them-.-.elves. The “New York Times” says no government could surrender and preserve merely its self-respect, but its life. Mr. Baldwin may be counted upon, if insane counsels prevail among the .Labour unions, to stand linn for the right of the majority to rule and to demonstrate again the ability of the English people to work cut their own salvation in time or stress and trouble. The “Chicago Tribune” remarks: “Moscow may think the turn is towards Red Communism and Mussolini will think it is towards Italian syndicalism, with a dictator. British labour is infected with the idea that cutting down production is a proper policy to pursue against capital.” The “Boston Herald” says: “Everyone will lose. The miners’ demands may be sound in theory, but the manner of enforcing them is disastrous.” Government’s Decision TERMS CONVEYED TO CONGRESS (Received Monday, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. An official statement issued from Downing Street at 1 o’clock this morning, says the following decision of the Government has been conveyed to-night to Mr. A. Pugh, Chairman of the Trades Union Congress Commit- : tee: “The Government believes that : no solution of the difficulties of the 1 coal industry, which will be both < practicable and honourable to all con- < cerned, can bo reached except by a sincere acceptance of the report of the 1 Commision. In the expression accept- 1 ance of the report, is included both i rc-organisation of the industry, which 1 should bo put in hand immediately, 1 and ponding the results of this, reor- 1 ganisation being attained, such interim adjustment of wages or hours of work 1 as can make it economically possible ’ to carry on the industry. "In tho meantime, it the miners, or 1 the Trade Union Committee on their 1 behalf, were prepared to say plainly that they would accept this proposal, the Government would have been ready to resume negotiations and to continue the subsidy for a fortnight, but sinco the discussions between the Ministers and members of tho Trade Union Committee, it had come to tho knowledge of the Government, not only that specific instructions had 1 been sent under authority of the 1 Executives of the Trade Unions rep- 1 resented at the conference convened 1 by the General Council of the Trade Union Congress, asking their members : in several of the most vital industries 1 and services in tho country to carry ■ out a general strike on Tuesday next, ■ but that overt acts had already occurred, Including gross interference with the freedom of the press. “Such action involves a challenge 1 to constitutional rights, and freedom of the nation. The Government therefore, before it can continue 1 negotiations, must require from the Trade Union Committee, both a repudiation of the actions referred to that have already occurred, and immediate and unconditional withdrawal of instruction for a general strike.” Congress Replies to Government NO KNOWLEDGE OP PRINTERS’ ACTION, (Received Monday, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. The Trades Union Congress, with regard to the Government's flrat reason for breaking off negotiations, namely that specific instructions had been set to trade unionists in several industries and services to cease work, says it is not unusual for workmen to ceaso work in defence of their interests as wage-earners and the specific reason for the decision in this case was to secure for the workers the same right as tho employers insisted upon with their workers, namely, that the negotiations should bo conducted fror from an atmosphere of striki oi lockout. The Council disclaims any Knowledge of overt acts, including interference with tho liberty of the press and says the decisions of the Council definitely forbid any such independent and unauthorised action. It regrets it was not given the opportunity of investigating and dealing with the alleged incidents before tho Government made them an excuse for breaking off the peace discussion. Food Conditions Normal STOCK EXCHANGE TO CLOSE. (Received Monday, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. The Government’s preliminary arrangements for the distribution of supplies are already operating. It has been stated on behalf of the Government, that food conditions arc normal, and that there is no need tor anxiety on the part of tho public, still less anything in the nature of a panic, if, it loyally carries out the Government's regulations in regard to food, coai, petrol and other essential supplies and does not begin hoarding, its comfort and convenience will be safe-

guarded. In the event of the newspapers ceasing publication, tho Government will, keep the public informed by means of wireless and bulletins posted in the town halls and post offices. The “Financial News” says it is expected the Stock Exchange will be closed to-day for the duration of tho strike, in order to avoid demoralisation of the markets. Great Struggle Predicted MOST FORMIDABDB IN BRITAIN’S HISTORY. PARIS, May 2. The Press regards tho threatened general strike as the most formidable social struggle in Britain’s history. 11 is recognised that there must bo inevitable roprecussions in France and other countries in view of the international linking up of the Labour forces. The Communist paper “Humanite” expresses tho opinion that if British nabour forms a single front it must be taken as tho signal of tho renaissance and dawn of a victorious labour offensive throughout Europe, but a compromise settlement will throw back the Continental Labour movement, causing a painful period in post-war history.