SITUATION ACUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23222, 21 June 1937, Page 10

SITUATION ACUTE

RELIEF FOR IDLE WORKERS STEEL STRIKES IN AMERICA (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON, June 18. The W.P.A. announced that relief will be provided for 85,000 workers who are idle through the steel strikes. There will be no djferentiation between strikers and nonstrikers The situation is considered acute, and suffering is reported from many quarters. . MARTIAL LAW DECLARED THREATENED DEMONSTRATION HARRISBURG (Pennsylvania), June 19. (Received June 20, at 7.30 p.m.) Governor Earle has requested the closing of the Johnstown steel plant as a means of preserving peace and avoiding bloodshed. Governor Earle hinted that, in the event of a refusal, he would declare martial law and close the plant with militia. The Governor's action was caused by a telegram from the Johnstown sheriff asking for martial law, owing to the plan of 40,000 united mine workers to- march to Johnstown on Sunday as a demonstration of sympathy with the steel strikers A later message from New York says that the company at Bethlehem refused to close the plant, upon which martial law was declared and 500 additional State police were sent to Johnstown with orders to take over the policing of the plant. They are to suspend all operations and disarm the vigilantes. MARCH CANCELLED INVITATION TO PEACE CONFERENCE HARRISBURG, June 20. (Received June 20, at 7.30 p.m.) Mr Lewis announced the cancellation of the miners' march to Johnstown.. The Federal Mediation Board has invited the heads of the various steel companies and union officials to open a peace conference at Cleveland on Tuesday.