COAL STRIKE COMMENCED.
TRADES UNION CONGRESS THREATEN GENERAL STRIKE
TO-NIGHT.
PROCLAMATION ANNOUNCES STATE OF EMERGENCY.
TROOPS SENT TO COALFIELD DISTRICTS.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
THE COAL STRIKE HAS COMMENCED IN GREAT BRITAIN, BUT THERE IS STILL A HOPE THAT A GENERAL STRIKE WILL, BE AVOIDED. THE TRADE UNION CONFERENCE DECIDED TO CALL A GENERAL STRIKE ON MONDAY (MID-NIGHT) IF THE A LATE TELEGRAM MINERS DISPUTE WAS NOT SETTLED. DECLARES, HOWEVER, THAT THE CONFERENCE HAS EXPRESSED' WILLINGNESS TO DELAY THE OPERATION OF THEIR NOTICES FOR A GENERAL STOPPAGE IF THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE THE SUBSIDY TEMPORARILY AND THE MINE-OWNERS WITHDRAW THEIR NOTICES. THE COURSE OF THE FEVERISH LAST MINUTE NEGOTIATIONS IS SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING CABLES:
Los Dox, April 30th. The coal situation has been most critical all day.
Mr. Baldwin asked the miners to be in his room at the House of Commons at 10.30 in the morning, and they were still awaiting him there at noon, as Mr. Bald win was still engaged at Downing Street with the coal-owners' negotiating com- mittee whose revised offer it is under stood was based on an eight-hours day and a slightly reduced waRE.
ex-
Meanwhile, a hurriedly convened meet. ing of the General Council of the Trade -Union Congress intensified the pectracy of dramatic developments. The i meeting lasted for one hour and subre- quently 1,500 delegates of the Confer Unions assembled ence of Affiliated awaiting the outcome of the conversa tions between Mr., Baldwin and the miners at the House of Commons.
THE AONGKONG DAILY FRESS. MONDAY, MAY
During the afternoon and evening the negotiations have continued, the Premier taking a leading part, acd a joint meet- ing of the miners delegates and Execu- tives of other Trades Unions has been postponed from hour to bour. Little time now remains for a settlement as notices to the miners expire to-aight. But the prolonged discussions which have taken place are regarded in political circles as indicating that there is still hope of an eleventh-hour development which may avert a stoppage in the coal industry.
(TAROCGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] STRIKE BECUN.
Losoon. April 30th.. The miners have rejected the owners' revised offer.
LITER
An official announcement says that the enal negotiations have failed and and that the strike will begin t midnight..
It was expected that a statement would be made in the Commons at four o'clock in the afternoon, but the House adjourn 1
Losos, May 1st. ed without any statement being made, į
The long drawn tension before the coal Mr. Baldwin having left the miners con- sidering the owners' proposals. The he negotiations broke down and the coal lock out," as miners' sym- lief that a general strike is inevitable strike or was strengthened when it was unofficial-pathisers prefer to call it. came into ly announced that the miners had re-being. has been compared to that preced jected the revised offer and when it was ing Britain's declaration of war in 1014 learned that a special Cabinet meeting had been summoned late in the after noon, while arrangements were being
whole miners made to bring the delegates and the Executives of 200
Meanwhile, energency plans to maes Unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress together ently in the evening the national crisis are maturing. It is when a vita decision was expected to understood that a proclamation of na he taken, the miners acting in conjunctional emergency was signed by the King tion with the whole Trade Union move-
ment.
H.M.
PRIVY COUNCIL SUMMONED.
LATER
the King has arrived from Windsor to attend a meeting of the Privy Council at Buckingham Palace.
The coal-owners arrived at the House of Commons at five in the afternoon and the miners' and Trade Union representa tives also attended. 1 is rumoured that the negotiations will be re-spered.
A demonstration of women Unionists was being held at the Albert Hall, at which Sir Austen Chamberlain in the course of a speech on foreign policy, em phasised the gravity of the coal situation. The meeting closed with the audience standing in silent prayer for several minutea, and the silence was broken by the organ playing the National Anthem.
EMERGENCY PREPALATIONS.
The Ministry of Health has circularis ed the local authorities stating that in "the event of a national coal stoppage, the Government will consider it neces
Whether the parallel will be drawn closer or not depends on the decision of the Trade Union Congress to day in re- gard to what help the miners will get from other Unions.
yesterday evening hut it will not be issued unless circumstances warrant it. Arrangements for maintaining essen- tial services will be in the hands of ten Civil Commissioners, one for each of ten districts into which the country has been divided, the Postmaster General being.
the Chief Civil Commissioner.
WARNING TO TRADE UNIONISTS.
LATER.”
· WAS
Keep steady and remember that on earth comes to men of goodwill the message of Mr. Stanley Baldwin-to the nation which was wirelessly broadcast this evening. The Premier's use of this medium of communication is interesting in view of the reported intention of the Government to commandeer the British. Broadcasting Company in the event of the closing down of the press.
Referring to this suggested possibility, an official statement issued at the close of a long sitting of the Trade Calon Con. gress this afternoon says the General Council of the Congress are arranging direct communication with the offices of the Trade Unions to which all authorita tive reports and announcements will be made directly. The General Council warns Trade Unionists to Take to notice of any statement that may be broadcast wirelessly or circulated in any other form,"
32D
[BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE} RUSSO-GERMAN TREATY. FOREIGN SECRETARY AND LOCARNO SPIRIT.
RUOBY, April 30th. Sir Austen Chamberlain, in the course of a speech made at the Albert Hall this alpernoon, referred to the recently con- cluded treaty between Germany and the Soviet Republic of Russia. He said: I am not prepared at the moment to express a considered judgment until I have studied the document very serious ly. But I shall study it in the hope that I shall find that the German Ministers, who assured us that they would do nothing inconsistent with the achieve ments of Locarno, have kept their word. I shall read the document with the hope that may find that its language is ap The Trade Union Conference has de-
propriate to the purposes which I believe cided to call a general strike of vital ser the German Ministers sincerely enter vices, including transport, on Tuesday itain. They no less than we have need there is no settlement of the miners' dis puta.
GENERAL STRIKE OF VITAL SERVICES.
**LATEK.
SHIPS RECALLED TO ENGLAND.
LATER
1926
1
PEACE POURPARLOURS. NEWS FROM UJDA VERY GLOOMY.
PARIS, May 1st. The Moroccan pesce conference is at deadlock... News from Ujda is very gloomy.
TERLAT TO RENEW HOSTILITIES.
FAR EASTERN CABLE NEWS.
(THROUGH RAUTER AGENCY.]
** CHIOHIBU MARU” TRAGEDY, 90 SAVED FROM SEA BUT MANY. MISSING.
UJDA, May ist.
Toro, May 1st. The Riff delegates are returning to thoir
According to the 7, the local territory to consult Abd el Krim regard- ing documents handed to them by General authorities concerned have received a Simon on behalf of the Franco-Spanish despatch reporting that all the crew of delegates. The latter informed the Rif the sis. Chichibu Maru were saved by the delegates that if the Franco-Spanish con vessels Fumi Maru and Grashi Maru
not yet received confirmation. ditious are not accepted, and all prison-which went to the rescue but owners have era held by the Riffs not handed over by May dth, the two Governments will resume. eutire liberty of action on May 7th.
"THE INDIAN RIOTS.
BRITISH SOLDIERS REINFORCE THE POLICE.
CALCUTTA, April 30th.. The situation is quiet but shops in the Indian. quarters are still closed. Four of the wounded have died.
150 STIEL MISSING.
LATER It is officially stated that a wireless message has been received reporting that the Fumi Maru picked up 0 people, who reached land, but 150 are still missing.
It appears the crew attempted to escape by the lifeboats when the vessel went aground, breaking her back, but the atorm drove them out to sea. The search is continuing.
Orders have been received at South Wales ports to suspend export of coal. Ships which have already sailed have been ordered by wireless to return, which is an Indiention that all the coal in the treaty with the Soviet of Russia, subject by "240 men of the Frontier Rifles, 60 during a storm and 230 passengers were
country is under the control of the Govern ment.
The Trade Unions offer to maintain the distribution of essential foodstuffs.
A
GENERAL CESSATION OF WORK. A conference of the Executives of the Unions affiliated to the Trade Union Con gress met in London secretly, to discuss Lovit policy to support the miners. resolution submitted provides for an en- bargo in handling coal; especially import ed at docks. It is not contemplated there will be a general strike at this stage. The delegates believed negotiations would be re-opened.-
The miners delegates previously sat for pe hour fifty minutes, and decided to leave the conduct of matters in the hands of the Council of the Trade Union Con- gress
M Herbert Smith urged the miners in the districts to refrain from action giving the authorities the excuse of interferenes with our people.
a
Reports from the coal-fields indicate general cessation of work. Everything is orderly. The miners are gloomy, but. determined.
MANCHESTER BUT SLIGHTLY AFFECTED.
ALANCHESTER, May 1st. Big industrial concerns ia Manchester and neighbourhood are well prepared to meet emergencies, and there is little like lihood of curtailed production, for some
-of peace and the British Government.. whether in their case or others, have never sought to stir up trouble between other nations. They have never viewed with jealousy or attempted to prevent any possible improvements in the rela tions between other nations, and the fact that Lerman statesmen have signed the to my examination of its terms, seems to me a perfectly natural thing to do. We have the right to insist that they should be loyal to their professed engage ments, to the partners whom they met at Locarno and that on the eve of their entering into the League of Nations they shall not take any steps or incur any obligations inconsistent with the fui- filmens of the Covenant and with the local membership of that body."
(THROUGH NECTER'S AGENCY.), RUBBER PRODUCERS. NEED FOR COLLABORATION IN
FUTURE
A Government communiqué atates that the Calcutta police has been reinforced
Gurkhas and 30 men of the 1st North Staffs As sergeants, whilst 50 of the Cheshires and Frontier Rifles are coming from Darjeeling.
Raids on known resorts of evil char arters are being vigorously prosecuted with excellent results.
Lord Lytton has arrived from Dar- jeeling, and has toured the affected areas and visited hospitala.
A conference of representatives of the Hindu, Mohammedan and Sikh com- anunities in Bengal has appointed a com- mmittee to formulate measures to restore a better feeling between the Hindus and Moslems, and has also passed, a resolu-; tion declaring the Government to blame for not giving citizens sufficient protec LONDON, May 1st Presiding at the annual meeting of the tion at the beginning and for not adent ing promptly adequate measures to pre Rubbergrowers Association, Mr. W. Uvent the situation getting out of handl. Campbell said he was hopeful that if, as seemed probable, they saw in the futur some collaboration among producers in marketing produce, they might arrive at greater stability of price than was possible in the past.
CALCUTTA, May 1st. Apparently calm has been restored. There were no cases of stabbing or assault yesterday, for the first time since the
ginning of the riots.
DUTCH MOTOR-SHIPS.
A message dated April 28th stated went aground off. Haromashiro, Kuriles, that the Chichibu Maru, of 1,510 tons,
missing. I
DANISH AIRMEN SAFE.
ENGINE TROUBLE CAUSES LAND- ING NEAR YUCHËNG.
SHANGHAI, May 1st. The Danish aviators are safe.. A very.. brief despatch to the local Consul Gen- eral says that owing to engine trouble they landed yesterday at a village ten miles north-east of Yucheng, which is twenty-five miles north-west of Tsinan!u.
FRENCH DEBT TO U.S.
EFFECT OF SETTLEMENT ON AMERICAN STOCKS.
NEW YORK, April 30th. It is understood that the French debb
fication in both countries to make it finally. agreement only requires legislative rati-: binding
Stocks resumed an upward movement under a bullish tendency created by the TO CARRY AUSTRALIAN MEAT TO French settlement, hut French and Belgian currencies sunk to low records of 3.28 and 3.26 on selling originating from Europe.
WELL RECEIVED.
LATER French Bonds reflected Wall Street's
ANOTHER BY-ELECTION. WELL-KNOWN CONSERVATIVE M.P. RESIGNS HIS SEAT.
LONDON, April 20th. Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett, who has been time. Most of the cotton milfs now use Conservative Member of Parliament for Company have been advanced for the con- favourable response to the debt settle- electricity, and depend on Municipal sup- North Rammersmith since the last elec- struetion of two large motor ships of the meat French Government seven per cent. plies, which are not likely to be curtailed yet. Others have the biggest stocks of coal,
Motor lorries began to assemble in Hyde Park yesterday evening as a pre- cautionary measure in order to ensure 'London's milk and produce supplies.
The railway companies have prepared plans of a skeleton service if a general strike materializes.
Special trains are said to be ready at Plymouth Dockyard work, and certain specialist naval ratings have been notified to hold themselves ready for any emergency.
THE PATAL ROCK.
The coal negotiations broke down be cause the miners finally absolutely re- fused to accept a reduced wage at the 1921 rate before the reorganisation of the industry.
tion, has resigned nis seat,
JAVA.
AMSTERDAM, April 30th. Plany of the Royal Packet Steamship
Indiapoeia type for the Java-Australia, service.
They will be equipped with refrigern- tors for the import of Australian meat
to Java.
HOME BOXING.
Mr. E. Ashmead Bartlett, C.B.E., is and of Britain's most famous war corre The recommendations of the Short Timespondents. As long ago as 180s he ne Committee that the American Spinning companied the Turkish Army during the Section should cease working temporarily Graeco-Turkish War, and since that time, has seen war service in South Africa, next week will ease matters. The opinion
in the Russo-Jajianese War, with French is generally expressed that the coal stop- "page will only slightly interfere with and Spanish campaigns in Morocco, with HOLDER RETAINS HEAVYWEIGHT the Italian army in Tripoli, in the First Balkan War, and throughout the Great War, first at the Dardanelles and later in France. He has published many books on his experiences. He is 45 years of age.]
TROOPS MOVED AS PRECAUTION.
LONDON, May 1st.
The Government, as a precaution, have moved detachments of troops into South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland,
untoward incident that possibly might lead to bloodshed.
STILL A HOPE OF PEACE. ·
LATER
CHAMPIONSHIP.
and eight per cent. Bonds advanced gradually to the highest price of this year. Most Municipal and railroad stocks rose.
The settlement is generally favourably received, prominent bankers describing it athe outstanding international event since the League of Nations fiasco in nities offered, French credit will escape disaster by a narrow margin. March. If full use is made of the opportu
THE GEIDING INFLUENCE. The New Fork World says that from the viewpoint of reasonableness the agree meat is satisfactory. Early payment will neither burden France unduly nor upset international trade.
LONDON, April 30th. At Manchester to-night in a twenty- rounds contest for the heavyweight cham- pionship of Great Britain, Scott, the holder, Leat Boy McCormick in the tenth A memorandum cf the Trade Union
round. McCormick's second threw in
It concludes that the Debt Commis- the towel. Congress says the trades involved in the
McCormick was completely outclassedioners were more influenced by the need strike call include all forms of transport,
though plucky. Scott appeared to play for a prompt settlement than by any printing trades (including the Press). iron and steel, chemical and building
with him when he could have knocked change in the Caillaux figurés. him out McCarmick failed land a
SENT TO CONGRESS. workers except those employed in hous-
WASHINGTON, April 30th. or hospital work; electricity and gas,
President Coolidge has transmitted the development in the crisis this evening after the eighth round, punished his op tinned.
There will be no interference with health 4s, on the invitation of the Premier the ponent. McCormick was obviously weak French debt settlement to Congress for
Trade Union Congress Negotiating Com-at the end of the ninth round. Scott ratification and food services.
long conference with the forced the pace in the tenth and scored The memorandum prescribes the regulamittee held tions of Trade Union discipline, and de- Premier and the Cabinet at No. 10, Down- repeatedly with lefts and rights to the clares that any found inciting the workersing Street. It is understood that in the head. A hard right midway in. the course of the meeting the Trade Union round staggered McCormick, who was to riot alust be dealt with immediately..
Congress representatives stated that if lost down when his seconds threw in resumed negotiations were immediate the towel. there was the prospect of the general
sary that part of the organisation al: dard, namely the same percentage as the in the sanitary services are to be con- There may possibly be an important single blow of any power, while Scott
ready arranged to cope with emergencies should be set in readiness to operate. Accordingly, the Ministry transmits a list of Civil Commissioners and Divi- sional Staffa which will be established upon the issue of a Proclamation under the Emergency Powers' Acts, should the Government deem such Proclamation necessary in the national interest. The Circular adds if the stoppage is confind ed to the enal industry it is hoped it will not be necessary to expand this eniergency organisation extensively or to call for recruits to assist in maintaining essential services, but in the event the stoppage of other industries effecting such services, it is hoped the local authorities will co-operate as fully as possible with the volunteer service com- mitleen.
[BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE.]
HOW THE DAY WENT.
The owners offered a uniform national minimum of 90 per cent, over the stan 1001 settlement. The offer was made on the basis of an eight-hour day because they were of opinion that in view of the poor state of the exporting districts it would otherwise be impossible offer an acceptable uniform national minimum.
to
The Government, in conveying this offer to the Trade Unionists, guaranteed the carrying out of the Royal Commis- sion's reorganisation proposal.
but
T.U.C. POLICY.
4 LATER.
The Trade Union Congress representa- tives, it is understood, contend that owing to the lateness of the owners offer, pre- sented to them on Friday evening, there was no time for real negotiations on this.
The Chairman of the Trade Unions' Con-strike, due to begin at mid-night on Mon- The Trade Unionista replied expressing ference said the Trade Unionists full day not being carried out. their willingness to co-operate with the supporting the Council's policy numbered Government. instituting such reor 4,033,527, and the Trade Unionists who ganisation, and declaring that until re-negatived the policy 18,911.
Mr. Ernest Bevin expressed the Coun- organisation had brought the industry greater prosperity the miners should not cil's appreciation of the magnificent re- be called on to surrender any of their sponse of the various executives to its present inadequate wages, conditions.
proposals. The Council did not submit proposals for action until it was learned that the Emergency Powers Act had been signed and propaganda had been started, which was considered as proof that the Government were bebind the scenes in mobilising the forces of war.
NO WAGE REDUCTION,
PROSPECT OF FURTHER DISCUSSIONS.
=
[RECTER'S AMERİCAN SERVICE]
MOTOR RACE RECORD.
300 MILES IN TWO HOURS AND
QUARTER..
"FAIR AND JUST."
LATER. In a message accompanying the French debt document President Coolidge ex- pressed the opinion that the settlement is fair and just to both Governments.
TREASURY BECRETARY'S VIEWB.
Mr. Andrew W. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury, in an interview, expressed the opinion that the settlement repre A sented substantially France's capacity to
M
NEW JERSEY, May 2nd. Harry Hartz, of California, covered a 1300 miles. motor race in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 14.18 seconds, which is claimed to be the world's record.
RUM RUNNING.
TO SEEK CLOSER CO-OPERA.
TION WITH BRITAIN.
The Government then enquired whether,
The meeting of the Premier and the if the coalowners suspended the notices,
Trade Unionists at Downing Street ad the miners would accept the recommenda- RUGBY, April 30th.
journed at 1.20 this morning, after a five We have hour sitting Negotiations in the coal dispute have tion of the Royal Commission that while
War Mr. H. Thomas, in an official. an- been proceeding actively from an early re-organisation should proceed the miners
not declared war on the community. should consent to a reduction in wages in
has been declared by the Government."nouncement to the Fress, "does not reveal U.S. hour this morning.
The Premier was in conference with the meantime.
concludes by saying "The matter was The miners replied they were not pre-We are selecting certain vital trades to the subject matter of the discussions, but bear the first brunt of the contest, and Sir Arthur Steel Maitland, Minister of
WARRINGTON, April 30th Labour, and Colonel Lane Fox, Secre-pared to accept a reduction of wages as there must be no argument as to who adjourned with the hope that further
A delegation of State Department and tary for Mines, at eight o'clock this a preliminary to re-organisation of the shall remain in, and who shall come out. negotiations will occur to-day
industry, but were prepared fully to con- morning. At noon the Premier and his sider all the difficulties of the industry You must take and obey orders. Mem WILLINGNESS TO DELAY NOTICES Prohibition officials is expected to sail for Britain on May 22ad to arrange two colleagues received representatives when the Government initiated schemes
Loknos, May 2gi 'bers told to operate the voluntary services of the coal owners who submitted details of re-organisation. The Government in must not be interfered with.
The Sunday Times learns that the closer co-operation with Great Britain Mr. Ramsay Macdonald said the Govern of new proposals
ally offered if the miners accepted the people's Council of the Trade Union Congress at to check ignoramuggling from Britain. It is understood that these proposals the report of the Commission, including ment had deviled to figlieved they and last night's conference with Mr. Baldwin. It is believed that some form of Treaty consisted of new wages terms and n national minimum which the coal-owners wages, to establish an Advisery-Com- got peace at ten o'clock last night, and expressed willingness to delay the opera is contemplated.
nittee on which the miners and owners the decision of the Government to break tion of notices for a general stoppage if were prepared to offer in return for a would be represented, to advise the
off negotiations last night was a crime the Government will grant temporarily vision on hours, and that it was explain Minister of Mines in regard to the re- against society, and was an unnecessary continuance of the subsidy and owners
organisation of the industry.
wicked and criminal fight. They would withdraw their notices. raise the whole question in the House of Commons on Monday by standing by the miners, but he was still hoping something would happen before then to enable the workers to continue at their posts,
MINERS' LEADER'S 'AFFEAL TO MEN,
ed that this did not necessarily mean a week of 48 hours. The coal-owners' new
The miners' leader, in his reply; made it perfectly clear that he could not accept any reduction in wages, so the negotia
tions terminated at 1130.
N
STATE OF EMERGENCY
"LATER.
offer was conveyed to the miners and to the Industrial Committee of the Trades Union Congress. The Miners' re presentatives considered the proposals at a lengthy meeting and consulted the Trades Union Congress Committee. The
A proclamation published in the London result of their deliberations is stated to have been unfavourable to the proposals. Cazette dated Buckingham Palace, The miners' leaders then took the steps April 30th says that whereas the pre- of instructing the National Conference sent immediate threat of a cessation of of Miners Delegates to join the confer ence of Executives of other Trades Unions with a view to a discussion of the whole position by the Trades Union movement generally.
work in the coalmines constitutes a state of emergency under the Emergency Powers Act, 1920, we do by and with the advice of the Privy Council declare that a state of emergency exista.
LATIF
Mr. Cook, the Miners' Secretary, said We shall urge the men to keep the peace and protect the mines and carry on safety work. I personally appeal to the men to observe instructions, so as to avoid any (Continued on next column.)
[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE.] HOW AMERICA 18 AFFECTED.
NEW YORK, May 1st.
WIRELESS PHOTOGRAPHY. LONDON PICTURES PUBLISHED IN NEW YORK:
NEW YORK, May 1st. The first commercial photographs.wire- The British strike decimon was held lessed across the Atlantic are published responsible for the irregular opening of in the Herald and Tribune. The photo- the Stock Market. Recent bullish en- graphs are of an English horse-race, thusiasm was dampened by the selling of two groups of pilgrims, a dinner in sterling, demand rate dropping of cent. honour of the Marquis Reading, and the
Other markets are also adversely in World, publishes a lifelike portrait of P fluenced, but the coal-market is buoyant Mr. Stanley Baldwin, in expectation of higher prices and better demand. in the American market, Shipping circles foresce a rise in charter rates,
All are recognisable, though slightly hazy with weathering the storm en route. The photographs were transmitted from
London in 105 minutes.
рау.
He added that unless France was en- abled soon. to Ex the amount of her obligations abroad and definitely provide for them in her Budget, there might be grave danger of a complete breakdown in
French finances.
SCENE IN SENATE
LATERL Prior to the receipt of President, Coolidge's message the floor of the Senate was the scene of a bitter debate. on the debt agreements.
Senator Reed led the opposition, charg- ing the Debt Funding Commission with exceeding the law under which it was created,
Senator Smoot, in reply, emphatically declared that the Commission had only done what Congress, desired by settling debts according to the capacity of the
debtor countries to pay..
PRESIDENT SIGNS BILLS...
WASHINGTON, May 1st. President Coolidge has signed Bills making effective the war debt funding. arrangementa negotiated with Belgium, Latria and Esthonis respectively.
THE SCOUT MOVEMENT. SIR R. BADEN-POWELL VISITS AMERICAN PRESIDENT.
Naw Yong, April 30th Lieut-General Sir Robert Baden- Powell, who is attending a meeting of the National Council of Boy Scouts fr America at Washington, has been pre- sented to President Coolidge..