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"THE HONGKONG DAILY PRELS, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10г, 1919.
LABOUR DISPUTES APPROACH-
ING SETTLEMENT:
NO FEAR OF GENERAL RAILWAY STRIKE:
SCOTTISH STRIKERS REFUSE TO NEGOTIATE:
GOVERNMENT PRESENT A FIRM FRONT,
VEILED THREAT FROM GERMANY.
BRITISH OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PEACE POLICY.
THROUGH RELTEN'S AGENCY.]
STRIKES IN ENGLAND
THE POSITION IN LONDON
LANDON, February 5a). The situation as regards the London Underground vailways changed Hundreds Demands of workers both male and female, were again compelled to trudge houe to night
in sleet and snow.
..
mains
It is understood that the Government to day armnged to provide the railways with Army engineers capable of driving locomotives, should the threatened strike of lacomotive engitisers materialise,
The Governmen have also takot steps To steal with the threat of the London electrical engineers to plange the Metro- pits auto darkness.
The new Defence of the Realni regula. ton otided the day is intended to protect tl habits from Que grave onuse quences entailed by the cutting off of the supply of light If this is not suffice. uthe steps will, doubtfese, be taken.
The new Delons of the Real Regula Lion, referred to, makes a bronchi ni contract of service or muertering with the electricity six months' rqprisonment. spy linide 14: £100 Gnoj
WAITERS AND COOKS OUT
LONDON, February 5th.
WOOLWICH ENGINEERS' LOYALTY.
At a meeting of the Woolwich Arsenal Engineers last evening, as the result of a ballot. among members, it was announced that 2,10 were in favour of remaining at work, while 1,012 favoured a strike. THE BARROW SHIPBUILDERS. A ballot among the Barrow shipbuild ers and engineers on the hours question resulted in 3,378 favouring & 40-hour week. and 3,353 a 44-hour week. while obtain 4,789 favoured negotiating to shorter hours, and 1,774 favoured a strike. LONDON TRAINS UNABLE TO
START.
LONDON, February ith.
the The early morning trains to sabarbs, on the London South Western Itailway, have not left Waterlod, owing to the non-appearance of the drivers. TRADE UNION ACTION AGAINST
INAUTHORISED STRIKES.
LONDON, February 8th. The Trade Union leaders are conten plating strong action for dealing with the revolutionary movement which led to un- authorised strikes.
LABOUR TROUBLE IN IRELAND.
THE RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES,
LONDON, February 7th. The Railwaymon's, representatives had EASIER SITUATION IN BELFAST. a conference with the President of the Board of Trade. The latter made a cer- tain offer which the former are discussing to-night. They are mooting Sir Albert Stanley again to-morrow.
Ohe delegate expressed the opinion that an early amicable settlement will be arranged.
LATER.
The London Railway dispute has been satisfactorily settled.
MENACE OF GENERAL RAILWAY STRIKE REMOVED.
LONDON, February 7th. The recognition of the Railway Clerks Association bas romoved the menace of a general railway strike.
LONDON, February 6th. The easier situation in Belfast is evi denced by the fact that the Strikers' Com mitter sent a deputation to Lord Pirrie which he consented to receive to-day. while a meeting of piece-work boiler mbkers, shipwrights, and blacksmiths, yesterday, revoked the resolution passed last week demanding an immediate ad vance of 39 per cent. on the piece rates.
This simplifies to-day's negotiations. because only the hours' question is now in dispute
The announcernent of the agreement was received with enthusiasm by the clerks in London last evening, when the Secretary described it as the finest agree- ment ever made, enabling all station. masters and the superior officials to join the Association. He paid tributes to the Richard Horne and said that the delay goodwill of Bir Albert Stanley and Sir in the settlement was not the fault of
of these Ministers, but was due to the desire of the Association not to do anything to imperil public safety.
The Association always maintained the majority rule in its affairs, and is con fident that its members did not favour any unauthorised action.
HOW THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED.
LONDON, February 7th. The Press Bureau states:- The President of the Board of Trade announces that he has agreed with the locomotive engineers and firemen that, pending consideration of general condi tions of the railway service and the underground train men, they will work in an eight hour day Mend time will not be included, but all reasonable Facilities will be given to meet the men's physical needs.
[LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS RESUME WORK.
LONDON, February 7th. The Secretary of the Locomotive Engi neers Union, interviewed, said that notices were issued at midnight closing the strike. All will be working curly to- day.
The arrangements for a national rail. way strike, which was fixed for noon to
have been cancelled
The lead has been taken by the Amalga inated Society of Engineers, whose Executive has suspender the Society's District Conunities at Belfast, the Clyde,r. Bromley added that, if some con and London for violating the Society's sideration had been previously given to Waners and cooks of several West End rulon by participating in unauthorised | the physical disabilities of men working continuously, there would have been no strike.
restaurants and hotels continue striking for an eight-hour day, and the abolition of the stem of pool.og tips.
SITUATION IN LONDON MUCH WORSE.
LONDON, February 8th. The stitke sitnation. in London has become very much worse with the calling out of the locomotive engineers.
The South Western Railway is prac tically at stand-still, whilst the Lon don Brighton and the South Coast Rail- ways are utterly disorganised.
These railways serve the most populous suburbs in Greater London, and, since the tube strike, they constituted the only way, by which hundreds of thousands reached their business places in the Metropolis.
THE CAUSE OF THE RAILWAY TROUBLE.
The cause of this strike is the inter- pretation of the eight-hours' day agree ment. The Union claims that meal tim were intended to be included, and the Government deny this.
MANY DRIVERS REFUSE TO STRIKE
Only a proportion of the engine-drivers are members of the Locomotive Engineers' Union. The remainder, who belong to the Railwaymon's Union, have, up to the present, not struck, except in Plymouth.
ELECTRICIANS CALLED OUT.
LONDON, February 6th.
The London Electrical Trades Union has called out its men for to-night, but it is not believed that the effects of this strike will be so serious ne the Union threatened.
The various Companies supplying Lon don with electricity hope to be able to carry on, at least partially
The situation in the tubes, and in Bel- fret and Glasgow, is unchanged.
UNCONSTITUTIONAL METHODS
DECRIED.
atrikes.
AN APPEAL TO THE WORKERS. Furthermore, the negotiating Com mittee of the Engineering and Shipbuild. ing Trades yesterday issued a manifesto to its members in Belfast, Glasgow and the North-East Coast urging them to resume inmediately, and pointing out that their stoppages will weaken the efficacy of Trade Unionism and impose unwarranted hardships on loyal Trade Unionists who are carrying out the deci sion of the ballot vote.
THE ELECTRICAL STRIKE NOT
OFFICIAL
SERVICES TO RESUME AT ONCE.
LONDON, February_8th.
The Board of Trade announced that at
3.20 this morning, the Conference of the Executive of the National Union of Underground railway companies, resulted Bailwaymen, and the management of the in an arrangement whereby the services will be resumed as soon as possible.
PENDING NATIONAL ACTION. The London Branch of the Electrical Trade Union, last evening, ordered the immediate resumption of work, pending national action.
THE EFFECT ON THE OTHER
MOVEMENTS.
LowDox, February 7th. It is still unerrtain how the Railway settlement will affect the other movements.
It is emphasised that the threat to Wie not plunge London into darkness made officially by the Electrical Trades Enion, but by the London and District Branches, not because they had any grin vances, but merely to demonstrate their resentment at the Government's refusal to intervene on the Clyde and in Belfast. A BLOW AT THE GOVERNMENT,
Another Trade Union, the Electrical Power Engineers' Association, has pasa-Locomotive Engineers, Licensed Vehicle ed a resolution that the above threat was a blow aimed at the Government, and
therefore called upon those of their mem bere whe are
are skilled electricians to do their utmost to maintain the supply of electricity.
elcapricity
A representative of the Association conferred with the Board of Trade yester day, and arrangements were made for a supply of unskilled labour to support the electricians and guards, and protect the workers.
CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNION. A meeting of the Executive of the National Union of General Workers, of which Mr. J. R. Clynes is President, and Mr. Will Thorne is Secretary, resolved that, while approving the desire for shorter hours, the members co-operate loyally with the officials of the Union in the prosecution of their clanes.
NATIONAL CONGRESS TO BE CALLED.
The Executive of the Labour Party yesterday agreed to approach the Parlin
Losos, February 7th. Addressing & large meeting of postal workers in "London" this afternoon, at which reer-tutions favouring shorter were adopted, M. J. R. Clynes emphasis Congress with
The Electrical Union sat continuously in London yesterday, conferring with re- presentatives of the Transport Workers,
Works and other Unions, and the Electri cal Secretary repeatedly came out and announced All are out."
He also denied the report that the strike has been postponed and called off,
LORD PIRRIE'S EFFORTS AT BELFAST.
!
SCOTTISH MINERS SWEEPING DEMANDS.
THE ALLIES AND RUSSIA. THE SOVIETS CLIMBING DOWN.
The Scottish miners have all resumed work, pending the result of the Confer cace of the Miners Federation of Great
LONDON, February 7th. Britain at Southport on February 12th,
M. Tehitcherin has issued a messago to receive the Government's reply to the stating that the Soviet Government are demands for a 30 per cent. advanos of prepared to begin conversations, immedi wages, a six-hour day, nationalisation 4tely, at Prinkipo, or any other place. of the mines, and full wages for the dee requests the Eatent, immediately, mobilised and unemployed miners. to state where, when, and by what roste
the Bolshevik delegates should be sent.
The Sovies tiverament are willing to acknowledge their financial obligation as regards Enfent creditors and guarantee payment of the interest on the Govern ment's debts by FJ1M materials. Thu Government are also willing to make con- cessions of mines, forests ete to Entente citizens.
GLASGOW SITUATION
UNCHANGED.
LONDON, February 7th. The situation in Glasgow remain un changed materially.
THE GLASGOW BAKERS.
LONDON, February 7th. The Glasgow bakers are expected to crase work on February 8th, upon the expiration of the strike notices, for a 40 Jour week,
PUNISHMENT OF THE GUILTY. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF BRITISH VIEW.
LONDON, February 6th. The Controller of Merchant Shipping Construction, Lordi Pirrie, net the Belfast Strike Committee, and stipulated for the vices--tramways, uns, and electricity. immediate res
restoration of the public ser
LONDON, February 8th. He suggested the immediate
IL resumption
is announced that Sir Gordon pending a settlement, upon the Hewart, the Attorney-General, informed hour week, with the proviso that they will of the punishment of enemy offenders cundition that the men worked in il 54. journalists in Paris that the British view be paul additionally for the time worked undoubtedly is that the offenders. how- over 47 hours.
ever highly placed, must be made to ser suitable avoidable deal are the offenders, what punishment, without Who precisely offences will be charged against then, and by what process punishment will be imposed, are questions requiring the most. careful consideration. The Commission
011 Offeners
and Punishments is really engaged on the zask of criminal investigation: home, Beorney is an important ae despatch. great mass of very valuable material has already been collected and sifted and this is continuing without a pause.
Lord Pirrie proposed the resumption of the meeting on February 6th, if the men agreed and, subsequently, the men notified that they would meet Lord Pir rie on Febrassy 8th. Consequently, he assumes that the men agree to his condi tions.
Meanwhile, Belfast is still in darkness to-night.
DISCONTENT SPREADING IN
BELFAST
Lonnon, February 7th, Discontent in spreading amongst the Belfast strikers, owing to the failure of the leaders to offert in settlement, but the fact that lord Pirrie remains is Bellest, ready to confer with the men's dates, as Controller General of Mer chan Shipbuilding, is regarded as hope- ful.
WARRANTS ISSUED AGAINST
STRIKE LEADERS.
LONDON, February 7th. A sensation was caused in Belinzi, when became known that the Magistrate had issued warrants for the arrest of the chief strike leaders on a charge of conspiracy to prejudice and injure public safety.
BELFAST LEADERS TO BE
ARRESTED.
LONDON, February 7th. Warrants for the arrest of the majority of the Belfast strike leaders have been issued,
SETTLEMENT IN BELFAST LIKELY.
BRITISH DEMAND FOR REPARATION.
A
AUTHORITATIVE INFORMATION.
PARIS, February 5th. From ill informed paragraphs, which have appeared in the Allied Press, the opinion sees to be getting abroad that the British delegates are weakening on the question of demanding, from Ger many and Austria, full reparation for the damage sustained by the Allies.
Enquiry in a well-informed quarter elicited the assurance that there is not the slightest foundation for such a state
Great Britain, it ment.
WAR auded etards where she did in this matter.
It is practically certain she will find her legitimate demands inet by the Con- ference
RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE
The extent to which the Soviet Govern- depend on their military position.
ent are willing to met the Entente will
LATER. M. Tehitcherin, the Russian Foreign Commissary, has sent a wireless message that the Government of the Soviets accept the invitation to the Prinkipo Conference and are ready to make peaco with the Allies.
GERMANY. HEAR EBERT IN TRUCULENT VEIN
!
Andy Her Elert declared that tho
Batz. February 7th. At the opening of the therman National times of the king had, by the grace of
ad, gune for ever.
He ribed the loss of the war to the collapse of Germany's Allies and Gor many's own military and economic situa tin. been over-confident.
The German Military Party had
The war had also eximusted Germany's opponents, who were introducing robbery and vengeance into their conception of peace. in spite of the fact thai the Allies bad achieved their war aims, namely, the
and is German militarism
He threatened the Allies with the prospect of Germany not consenting to P in the peace negotiations,
of Nations with squal rights to those wanted to enter the League enjoyed by the other Powers.
He hailed the decision of therman-Aus- tria to unite with Germany,
He urged the workers to realise the necessity of production.
ought to be to safeguard the Gorman The programme of the National Army people and establish strong Socialist Republic.
GOVERNMENT TROOPS IN
BREMEN, COPENHAGEN, February 5th. A telegrum from Bremen states that Government troups lered the town after heavy fighting, and occupied the public buildings.
BREMEN BOMBARDED.
STOCKHOLM, February 6th. It is reported from Copenhagen. that, prior to the occupation of Bremen by the Government troops, Bremen rejected to a bombardment, during which WAS. sub-
Ball and a large number of houses were much damaged the old cathedral, the Bourse, the Town
WAR.
GERMANY'S QUILT PROVED. LONDON, February 8th.
BERNE, February 5th. The Assistant Commissioner of Police At the International Socialist Confer in Boligat denies that warrants have been ence. Herr Eisner, the bend of the issued for the surest of the strike leaders. Bavarian Government, speaking as Load Pirrie presided at a conference of gards the responsibilty for the the representatives of the Strike Coen virtually pleaded guilty on behalf of the mittee and the firms of Messrs. Harland German Socialists, but argued that and Wolff and Messrs.
Workman and Germany could Clark, with a view to ending the strike.
The Conference lasted aix hours and vaheing on thpiate her guilt by ad-
He claimed It is believed
adjourned until to-day. that a acttlement is likely.
LABOUR SITUATION IN GLASGOW.
ENGINEERS RETURNING TO
WORK
LONDON, February 5th. There was little change in the majority of the Clyde shipyards yesterday, but some 60 to 80 por cent. of the men in the WORK GOING ON AS USUAL. various engineering works have resumed, while a moeting of the Whiteinch ship Nevertheless, work was being carried
yard men on ae nsual at the power stations fasting the present strike methods, and de
a passed resolution condemn evening, and the action of the Union did ciding to resume to-day, relying on the not appear to interfere with the comfort Trade Union leaders to secure their of the Metropolis,
demande constitutionally,
There were temporary spasmodic strikes of the electricians in a few establishments, while, the engineers, whose London branches recently decided to strike, had till a late hour not taken action. A RESUMPTION OF THE TROUBLE"
LONDON, February 7th.
WHO CAUSED THE STRIKES? One speaker expressed the opinion that the trouble was largely due to inefficient workmen.
CLYDE SHIPYARDS STILL IDLE.
LONDON, February 7th. In spite of the agreement between the Though a few more engineers resumed Government and the Locomotive Engi work on the Clyde yesterday, the ship neora Society, the Underground rail yards are still idle. Three meetings of ways will not resume
owing to boiler-makers, bleskamiths, and ship- the Executive of the National Union of wrights, in various Clyde Cowas, resolved Railwaymen deciding that the above to remain on strike for a forty-hour agreement was unsatisfactory, and order week,
There will be p Conference of National men have hitherto struck unofficially with the members of the above Society, review the forty-hour movement in Eng and as they are employed at the power land and Scotland, and to decide the stations, supplying most of the tubes, the course of action. latter are unable to resume.
HEAVY CASUALTIES.
AMSTERDAM, February Til.
A telegram from Berlin states that 30
path of Socialism, that Germany is now the most democratic country in the world.
Herr Kantsky, the German Independ killed and 100 wounded during the fight- ent Socialist, declared that decuments ing at Bremen were taken to the hos proved Germany's guilt. Dr. Bethmannitala.
The total number of victims is
VOB Hollweg's statement that France much more numerons. altacked fret was a lio,
IMPORTANT ADMISSIONS,
BERNE, February Oth
GERMAN--AUSTRIA JOINE GERMAN EMPIRE.
AMSTERDAM, February 8th.
A telegram from Berlín states that the
At the International Labour Confer- eur, Doctor Adler, the German Majority Socialist, tabled a declaration that the State Council of German-Austria has war was due to the Imperialist policy adopted of the old German Government.
Bill declaring German-Aug- He tria a nember of the German Empire. recognised the need for a Commission of The Bill will be submitted to the Aus- Inquiry and admitted that the attempt trian National Assembly, to justify the invasion of Belgium (the GERMAN-AUSTRIA'S GREETINGS. breach of international law) violation of whose neutrality failure.
WILS H
WER #
AMSTERDAM, February 8th- A telegram from Vienna statea that the He stated that the German Republic Provisional German-Austrian National did not wish to escape any guilt which Aasumbly enthusiastically passed a re- might be established.
The declaration, which concluded with German Constituent Assembly and ex- sulution sending their greetings t be for causing the war, was referred to a pressing the hope that, both bodies will a demand for the fixing of responsibility Special Commission, comprising two broken in 1868, and thus uniting German succeed in restoring the link forcibly Austro-Germane, two Frenchmen, and two Britons
-Austria with the German motherland Britain is Henderson and Mr. Stuart Bunning.
represented by Mr. Arthur for evermore.
GERMAN PROTELARIAT'S ACHIEVEMENT.
PREPARING TO EVACUATE DANTZIG.
LONDON, February 5th.
The Conference adopted the report of Beuter learn that the German authori the Commission on the Responsibility for tien at Dantzig are hastily removing the the War, which welcomed the declaramilitary stores and clearing out the ware tions of the German Majority Socialists houses.
This indicates that the German Govern-
hours, higher wages, and fall civil rights mentary Committee of the Trades Unioa ing their men not to resume work The Delogates at Glasgow, on Saturday to as showing that the German proletariat mont are reconciled to the idea of losing
" . view to holding a
ed the desirability of tinting and national conference to consider the indus-
discussing all demanda
striking,
trial unrest.
in order to keep the sympathy of the GLASGOW DISTRICT COMMITTEE
public. He declared that a far higher standard of living must he obtained
bofore there could be peace in Great Britain, but these things could not be settled by mob law. The workers' wisbus must be translated by trusted delegates. [Choors.)
RAILWAY TRAFFIC INTER- RUPTION.
LONDON, February 6th. Live Engincom' Union were called out That The drivers belonging to the Locomo evening at New Cross and Battersea.
The Brighton-Eastbourne goods train It is feared was conscquently held up. that passenger traffic may be interrupted, though it is understood that the Govern ment contemplates putting the military in control of the services.
SUPPORTED.
LONDON, February 7th.
of
A mass meeting of Glasgow engineere considered the suspension of the District Committee and passed a resolution confidence in the Committe ELECTRICAL STRIKE POSTPONED.
LONDON, Fobronry 8th. Reuter learns that the threatened strike Unions has been postponed for at least of the members of the Electrical Trades
24 hours,
However, the decision of the Railway- men's Union has not affected the London- South Westorn railway and the London--- Brighton railway, which are again run- ning
TIRM GOVERNMENT ACTION URGED.
BELFAST AND CLYDE STRIKES FIZZLING OUT.
LONDON, February 8th The strikes in Belfast and on the Clyde appear to be nearing their end.
STRIKE LEADERS' THREATS..
LONDON, February 7th. strike all over Scotland, but events in The strike leadors talk of extending the England and the effect of Government action may cause a change of policy.
had abolished the old system.
The report left to the future interna tionale the task of deciding the question of the responsibility for the war.
DECISION RESERVED.
BERNE, February oth The International Socialist Conference has reserved ita decision regarding the responsibility, for the war.
!
Dantzig.
A HOT-BED FOR REFUGEE *COMMUNISTS.
COLOGNE, February ŝth.” The situation in Dusseldorf is nearing of the middle classes against Spartacist a critical stage owing to the reseniment rulo.
The bourgeoisie, including journalists, lawyers, doctors, bankers, hotel-koopera and sliop-keepers have commenced. ' strike, owing to their inability to get satisfaction as regards the demands for the freedom of the Press.
DISASTERS AT SEA LOSS OF A MINE-SWEEPER.
LONDON, February 6th. The Admiralty announce that the twin-
Public meetings for the establishment. worow. 800-Bon mino-swooper Penarth of a constitutional Council of Security
years after the conclusion of pas seri-GLASGOW STRIKERS IN MILITANT trunk mine and sauk off the boast for public and private property were
• Totend has do
LONDON, February 7th. Lord Claud Hamilton, in a speech in London, said that the Government con- trod of railways will continue for two
Ho regarded the labour outlook.ns MANCHESTER ENGINEERS LOYAL has been assuming to the fact that the ous and attributed the dangorous shape it LONDON, February 7th. country, in the last two years, The engintora of Manchester have debauched with Government money, and to line to strike in favour of a forty-hour the concessions made not to Argament, weak and have called a special meeting to but to the brate force of men who never agitation for a forty-hour wook bogan. enquire into the methods by which the risked their lives for their country.
The Government must take off the velvet STRIKE FEVER AFFECTA DUS
glove which they have worn too long. DRIVERS.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS The Unious involved in the. London
LONDON, February 7th. strikes are endavouring to secure the Bus drivers, threaten to strike, owing
SINN FEINERS ABSTAIN FROM BWEARING IN. stoppage on trakia and bunce in the event inter alia, to the growing employment of of khaki labour being employed in the military motor-lorries for transporting power slationa
people to and from business in Louder, The position long evening was described which has been nomitatod by the stop as dellonie.
pago of the tubes.
The Police Commissioner conferred with the Home Office officinis last ever ing. DELICATE POSITION IN LONDON.
LONDON, Hobruary tik.
LONDON, February 5th coremony of swearing-in of the ombers The Bit Foinera did not and the of the House of Commons,
MOOD.
of Yorkshire on February 4th. Forty held." LONDON, February 7thurvivors were landed. the Clyde, Brik rolved to continue the the remaining forty offcom and 'mon,
Mpas meetings at Glasgow, Govan and Tyne trawlers are trigaged in resouing strike forphotr week, and aalled on the Executive Councils to cooperate with
DANISH STEAMER STRIKES A MINE. the strikes, őr Traiga.
Govan favoured the immediate payment of strike money.
The Strikers Joint Committee issued milliant statement, claiming that only a fow faint-heart returned to work and
Merting
Ing that the Committee is more con Adont than over of victory, and alleging that the Glasgow carpenters and joiners
decided to strike,
COPENTAGON Tebruary th The Danish steamer Carmen struck a on One of the crew has been saved; mine, on February 3rd in the North seventeen are missing.
1
NORWEGIAN TRAWLER MEETS WITH BIMILAR FATE,
ChatariANIA, February dish, A Norwegian trawler truck, a ming The Municipal watpløyter have decided off Hangeund Right of the crew were
not-lo sirika.
killed.
A Dusseldorf is in the noul zone troops are consequently harred. It ha become a hot-bed for refngen Communište, HUNGARY.
DIC ANTI-CZECH STRIKE.
AMSTERDAM, February. Teh.
A telegram from Badapost states than A big general anti-Croch strike han spread through entiro, Upper Hungary. Tho participating are merchants, railway, postal, law court and musleiped social Work in so standstill hop, hotels and enfes have been closed.
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