THE GENERAL STRIKE.
NEGOTIATIONS TO AVERT CESSATION OF WORK
BROKEN OFF.
HOPES OF ELEVENTH HOUR AGREEMENT DISSIPATED,
THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.}
ALREADY A MILLION MINERS ARE IDLE IN GREAT BRITAIN, AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE GENERAL STRIKE, WHICH WAS DUE TO COMMENCE ON MONDAY MIDNIGHT (TO-DAY 7 AM. HONGKONG TIME) WOULD INVOLVE 1,800,000 WORKERS IN THE TRANSPORT AND ALLIED TRADES. THE "DAILY MAIL " DID NOT PUBLISH ON MONDAY BECAUSE THE PRINTERS OBJECTED TO AN ARTICLE CONDEMNING THE STRIKE. THE GOVERNMENT REFERRING TO THIS GROSS INTERFERENCE WITH THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS STATED THAT SUCH ACTION INVOLVED A CHALLENGE ΤΟ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND THE FREEDOM OF THE NATION." HYDE PARK IS CLOSED AND IS BEING USED AS A MILK DISTRIBUTING CENTRE. WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED," SAYS MR. J. H. THOMAS.
LONDON, May 2nd.
SUNDAY'S MEETINGS.
LATER.
THE HONGKONG
The usual Sunday calm was varied by
DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, MAY 4TM.' : 1920'
At noon, to-day a Cabluct Council was held. In the afternoon the General Council of the Trades Union. Congress. met. It adjourned, while its Negotiat ing Committee visited the office of the Labour Party. Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, leader of the Labour Party was there, and subsequently there was a meeting the decision of which was not disclosed. The
Negotiating Committee then rejoined the General Council, whose deliberations were continued. As even o'clock the Segotiating Committee proceeded to Downing Street and again met the Premier and Members of the Cabinet
Some significance attaches to the fact that the members of the Miners' Execu tive, most of whom returned to their districts after the breakdown of the coal negotiations of Friday, have been re called to London by telegram sent out this morning by the headquarters of
the Miners Federation.
•
In view of the coal stoppage, the Gov- ernment has taken steps to conserve the available coal supplies in this country. It has notified all foreign Governments
a. Teading a succession of meetings of political and that, sa there is no reserve of bunker coal
The Daily Mail is not publishing" morrow (Monday) owing to a strike of printers, who objected to article condemning the general strike,
The Editor of the Mail refused to alter the article.
GOVERNMENT PROTECTION.
LATER.
The Home Secretary issued a notifica
tion late last night stating that the coun- try must be prepared for a general strike
to-morrow.
༣༔
The Government is taking all possible, steps to maintain the supply of "food, fuel and light, to ensure the protection of all engaged in these industries and the preservation of law and order.
Recruiting stations for volunteers will be epened to-day,
GOVERNMENT STAND FIRM.
LATER.
An official statement, issued from No.j 10, Downing Street at one o'clock in the morning says:--
labour leaders, striving to effect a settle- ment.
In the morning a ninety-minute
Cabinet council was held, and meanwhite the General Council, of the Trades Union
at British porta and no prospects of the replenishment of current stocks it will
NEWS.
HOW GERMANY IS AFFECTED: FAR EASTERN
BERLIN, May Rod. Developments in the British coal- micing dispute are being watched most interestedly in Germany, German mine owners, who have recently been suffering from British competition, are pleased at the prospect, regarding their share of the world's coal trade na wrested from them by British mines.
The leaders of the Socialists and Com munist parties are, urging German miners to do their utmost to help their British colleagues, and opine they will be able to prevent the direct transport of coal, from the Ruhr to Britain, and are. negotiating with Dutch Labour Unions with a view to preventing Ger- man Cul reaching Britain, if Holland, JAPANESE SUPPORT FOR MINERS,
TOKYO, May 3rd.
It is reported that after a special, meet.
ing this afternoon the Japan Transport Union have cabled to the British Trans-
ot be possible to provide bunker coalport Enion Our comrades will fight to in this country for vessels, other than the last." those performing services essential to the national interest. The Gloverament has Congress was sitting at its headquarters. added to this the notification that every Wad effort will be made to minimise delay
or inconvenience to foreign shipping. made that the Miners' Executive had been telegraphically recalled from the districts...
The significant announcement
BASIS FOR NEGOTIATION.
LATER.
The Cabinet sat from, hve to reven o'clock in the evening when it summoned the Trades Union Council ungotiating committee
This development is held to indiente that a basis for negotiation has been found.
The ponderous machinery in connec- tion with the strike, is gradually gaining momentum. Food Commissioners have arrived at their posts and the National Union of Railwaymen have formulated regulations for running the milk trains. The Railway Companies have received notices terminating employment
MOYTOW.
LATER..
to-
The following decision by His Majesty's Government has been conveyed to-night to Mr. Pugh, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress Committee. The Government believe no salation of the difficulties of the coal industry which is loth practicable and honourable to all concerned can be reached except by sin- TRADES UNIONS' STIPULATION. ette acceptance of the "Report of "the Commission. In the expression, ' accept- ance of the Report' is included both the organisation of the industry, which should be put in hand immediately, and pending the results of the reorganisation being attained, such interim adjustment of wages or hours of work as will make it economically possible to carry on the industry, in the meantime.
"
་
If the miners, or the Trade Union
The General Council of the Trade Union Congress has issued a manifesto declaring, inter alia, that even now, an honourable settlement can be reached but the Government's demand that the mirers' lenders should consent in ad vance of negotiation to a reduction of wages must be withdrawn. The notices also must be withdrawn, to allow the negotiations to proceed without the issue
(THROTOH REUTER'S AGENCY.] NEGOTIATIONS FAIL
LONDON, LATER.
In is officially announced that" the negotiations to avert a general strike have been broken off,
LATE MEETING.
LONDON, May 2nd. The Negotiating Committee of the
Trade Union Congress arrived at nine, in the evening at No. 10 Downing Street where, it appears, that the Committee assembled in one room and members of the Cabinet in another. Mr. J. H. Thomas and Me Pugh acting as inter- mediaries.
Mr. Herbersmith, Mr. A. J. Cook and other members of the Miners' Executive have been recalled from the -country districts and arrived at Down
ing Street by taxicab at 11.45.
This development is considered hopeful.
T.U.C. AND. THE GOVERNMENT.
LATER.
The General Council, of the Trades Union Congress have sent a long letter to Mr. Baldwin expressing surprise and regret at the Government's decision to terminate the discussions, and declaring the public will judge the nature of the Government's intention by its "precipi- tate and calamitous decision," and 'de- ploring that "the sincere work in which
the Council has been engaged to obtain being prejudged. It concludes that there'
an honourable settlement has been wreck is no shadow of reason why the minersed by the Government's unprecedented should he locked out or the grave deci sion for a stoppage be allowed to take effect. If it does, then the responsibility will lie with the Government and the
Committee on their behalf, were prepar ed to say plainly that they would accept this proposal, the Government would have been reddy to resume negotiations and continue the subsidy for a fortnight, but since the discussions which have or eurred between Ministers and members owners. of the Trade Union "Committee, it has come to the knowledge of the Govern. ment not only that specific instructions have been sent, ander the authority "ol | |
BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE) HOPEFUL DEVELOPÍENT.
Recay, May 2nd.
ultimatum.",
their
As regards the Government's first reason for breaking off the negotiations, namely, that specific instructions were sent to trade unionists in several in- dustries and services to cease work, the letter says it is not unusual for workmen to cease work in defence of their in- terests as wage-earners and the specific the Executives of the Trade Unions, re What is regarded as a hopeful develop reason for the decision in this case was to secure for the workers the same right presented at the conference convened by ment in the Labour crisis took place late
with us employers iasist on the General Council of the Trade Union last night when the negotiating coworkers, namely, that negotiations shall Congress, naking their members in mittee of the Trades Union Congress be conducted free from an atmosphere of several of the most vital industries and visited the Premier. Mr. Baldwin was services of the country, to carry out a accompanied by several members of the general strike on Tuesday next, but that Cabinet. It is understood that in the overt acts have already occurred, includ-course of the meeting, a statement was ing gross interference with the freedom made by the representatives of the of the Press, such action involves a challenge to constitutional rights and the Trades Union Congress to the effect that freedom of the nation.
à conclusion of negotiations was in im- "His Majesty's Government, therefore, before, is a continue the negotiations, mediate prospect when the general strike must require from the Trade Union Com-was due to begin at midnight on Mon- mittee both the repudiation of the actions day. The meeting, which lasted five referred to that have already occurred hours, adjourned at 1.20 this morning. and an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the instructions for a gen- éral strike."
strike or lock-out.
The Council disclaims any knowledge of overt acts including interference with the liberty of the Press mentioned in the Government statement, and says the de- visions of the Council definitely forbid any such independent and unauthorised action. It regrets it was not given an opportunity of investigating and dealing with the alleged incidents before the Gov- ernment made them an excuse for break- ing off the peace discussions.
The Japanese miners are expected to send similar messages to-morrow, whilst it is reported the leading labour or garisations are discussing the question of supporting the British strikers in all way possible.
THE DAILY-MAIL" LEADER.
LONDON, May 3rd. The Paily Mail Irader to which the prin sers phjected was hended For King and Country, and said inter alia "The general strike „is not an industrial, dis- pute, it is a revolutionary moment in traded to inflict suffering or the great mass of innocent persotis of the com- manity and therefore, pat forcible con- straint on the Government. It cannot be tolerated by any civilised Government. We call on all law abiding men and women to bold themselves for the service of King and country.”
CROWD RUSH MK, CHURCHILL,
LATER.
CABLE ANOTHER WANCHAI FIGHT.
THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.}
JAPANESE SHIPPING DISASTER. SEARCH FOR CHICHIBU MARU'S" MISSING CONTINUES,
Tokyo, May 3rd..
that ten of the'
Latest reports indicate Chichibu Maru's survivors are members of the crew and the other 50 fishermen. Amongst those rescued, one has died and 13 are in a critical condition.
The search for the remaining 150 con-
AMERICAN SAILORS ATTACKED BY
CHINESE CROWD,"
Last night the conßics in Spring- Garden Lans between Chinesa coolies and American sailors was renewed, About 8.30 pm. a crowd of nearly 200 Chinese assaulted an American sailor, who was alightly the worse for liquor. Опа Chinese struck him over the bead with a bottle, and he received a nasty cut-
He was rescued by Palice Sergeant Clark, who was assisted by four military police in dispersing the crowd
י,
About five minutes later another Ame-› -rican sailor was attacked by a gang of " Chinese, but this man, seeing the danger tinues unceasingly, but is hampered by in which he was in, ran towards the police. tempestuous sens.
In the meantime, it is reported that the Chichibu Mary's "hulf is so badly broken up that salvage will probably be found impossible.
་
COLONEL HAYLEY BELL. ONE OF HIS ASSAILANTS STILL IN HOSPITAL.
Comments from Canton dealing with the assault by pickets on Colonel Hayley Bell last week show that the Commissioner of Customs, in the true Christian spirit, gave rather more freely than he received. He was able to return to his office as usual the same afternoon but Dr. C. C. Wa has informed the British Consul that one of his assailants is not out of hospital yet
.
A military policeman then went to Na,
a Police Station to summon assistance, and Divisional Inspector Ogg, accom panied by Sergeant Roberts soon arriv- ed on the scene, and the Chinese quickly - dispersed.
After this things seemed normal.
A NEW WORLD OF INDUSTRY. GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE'S
INQUIRY.
IMPORTANCE OF WORKERS' WELFARE.
The Committee on Industry, and Trade appointed by the Socialist Government in July 1924, under the chairmanship of Sir Arthur Balfour, has issued "Survey of Industrial Relations" (Stationery Office). which follows their volume entitled A Survey of Over-sea's Markets," published last July, As in the previous case, the volume is descriptive though based on authoritative information and does not action, Paints from the volume, which contain definite recommendations for contains nearly 300 pages, ares
As reported in the Daily Press the Canton Government expressed its regret to the Commissioner for the occurrence and insisted upon the: Strike authorities sending two officials to apologise. The French Bridge has now been picketed by Index Number of wages showed a rise of the police and interference with and about 13 or 14 per cent in the 20 years searching of foreigners have been "for-ing the rates of money wages in 1924 and preceding the war, the committee, examin-
hidden.
SEQUEL TO "TUNGCHOW.""
PIRACY.
PRESENTATION BY OWNERS TO CHIEF OFFICER AND ENGINEER, A very pleasant function took place Mr. Churchill while walking from
at the Shanghai offices of the China Downing Street to Whitehall was rushedNavigation Company on April 6th, by a crowd which the police were keeping Lack of the opposite side of Whitehall. They rushed across and hemmed in the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
A number of police had to be brought from Downing Street to clear a way for him, and eventually Mr. Churchill was compelled to take refuge in the Home
Offce
Menawhile a queue of a thousand strong was lining up in the Foreign Offer quadrangle, waiting to sign on as volunteers to help the Government.
PARIS MURDER.
HX AMBASSADOR'S WIFE FOUND SHOT IN HEAD.
PARIS, May 2nd. Madame Regnault, wife of the ex ambassador to Tokyo. has been discover- ed murdered in her fat. apparently by a burglar.
I
The cook, entering her mistress bed. room, found it in chaos, with furniture lying broken about the floor. Madame Regnault's body was in a corridor, sp parently shot in the head. Her husband
was away from home.
NEW TYPE OF LOCOMOTIVE.
LARGEST BUILT IN BRITAIN. The arrival of the first consignment of the new type of locomotive which Arta- strong, Whitworth's have constructed for the South Australian Government is being watched at Adelaide with great interest by railway men from all parts of the world. The mountain type, which is de signed to overcome special difficulties of haulage in South Australia, is the largest EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS. locomotive built in Britain. It weighs 210 tons and has a wheel base of Talt. llin. These and other locomotives were The magnitude of the threatened gen
already a million miners are idle, and
specially built for this purpose. The the general strike will involve 1,500,000tion with the large capacity of the trucks
mountain type of locomotive, in conjune workers in the transport and allied which the Government, have ordered in trades.
the United States, will revolutionise rail way transport in South Australia..
It is important, says an Adelaide, cor respondent, that British manufacturers of raiNay material should watch closely
LATER.
Explaining that the Board of Trade
1625 as compared with 1974, state' that on the whole this rise may be taken to average between 70 and 75 per cent, over industry as a whole.
Broadly speaking, the proportionate rise has been greater for the less skilled than for the more highly skilled work-people..
The proportionate riso has also been unequal as between different industries, industries largely exposed to foreign com-" the dominant difference being between petition and those less exposed.
The prevailing rates of increase of weekly rates of money wages in the most exposed trades range from 45 to 75 per cent, with an average of about 60, while for the trades sometimes described as
sheltered
the increases range from 80 to 120 per cent, with an average of about
·100.
when Mr. T. H. R. Shaw, head of the Shanghai office of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire; agents of the C. N. Co., made presentations to Mr. J. R. Nisbet, chief officer of the Tugchowe, and to Mr. G. A. Johnston, chief engineer of the ship.
The present to Mr. Nisbet took the
In industries in which time rates of form of a valuable cronometer, while wages prevail, skilled workers fully em Mr. Johnston was the recipient of a ployed in industries directly exposed to. been forwarded to Shanghai from the less well off than before the war, while beautiful gold watch. The presents had foreign competition are on the average head offices of Messrs. Butterfield unskilled workers generally, and workers Swire, in London, as an appreciation of both skilled and unstilled in the so-called the conduct and work of the officers con- "sheltered" industries, have, generally cerned during the four days the Tung-speaking, improved their average position
how was in charge of the pirates. The as regards purchasing-power. presentation was attended by a number The method of payment by results has of offcials of the China Navigation Com- probably been gaining somewhat on par pany, and in banding over the chrono- ment by time. meter to Mr. Nisbet and the watch' to Mr. Johnston, Mr. Shaw, in a felicitous speech, referred to the good work of the recipients, who replied briefly.-N.-C. Daily News.
WANDERLUST.
U.S. WELFARE SYSTEM.
On the question of industrial fatigue the committee believe that researches by the Industrial Fatigue Research Board may have important bearings on indus trial eficiency
The committee refer to improvements in the amenities of workshop life and in industrial relations, and the increased continuity of personnel and productive efficiency which have already taken place and may be expected to result in increas ing measure from the development of wel- fare work.
A MODERN ROBINSON CRUSOE.
At the Central Magistracy, before Major C. Willson yesterday, a naturalised Ger man, named Brown Parkinson appeared charge of vagrancy, and was com
They refer to the increasing attention mitted to the House of Detention, formerly a planter in New Guinea, but had other principal industrial countries, and He told the Magistrate that he was which welfare activity is receiving in the given it up to become a Séaman. He note the trend, especially in America, to desired to get a round-the-world ship,wards regarding provision for welfare as and had come to Hongkong for that puran essential part of good business organ- laation rather than as merely · phílan- The police said that defendant bad thropic activity. arrived in the Colony in December 1821 and was merely an adventurer. He had incurred debts and eventually the Consul refused to recognise him.
роке.
THE STRENUOUS LIFE. COMPENSATION OF HIGH TAXES
Attention is also drawn to the loss of time in certain important industries, e.g. the engineering, shipbuilding, and build- ing trades, due to demarcation dia- putes" due largely to the modern ten dency to sub-division of operations, which results in disputes between different bodies of skilled workmen as to their
right to perform a particular branch of
work..
"WAR DECLARED." War has been declared " was the statement made by Mr. J. H. Thomas to negotiations would be undertaken by the eral strike is guageable by the fact that transported in a new type of motor ship was his specific for the maintenance of the wards, prohibition of strikes and com Pressmen after the breaking off of the negotiations,' ····
Addressing the Leeds Luncheon Club,
The Committee refer to the develop Sir Arthur Balfour said the buying of ment of the Joint Industrial Councils and British, goods was all right within fimite, consider that probably far fewer disputes but, if carried too far, might seriously today arise out of mere misunderstand. damage international trade. Production ng than before the war,
Referring to the systems of compulsory present standard of living Giver á no means pessimistic. If they looked into higher standard of production, he was by pulsory investigation of disputes adapted in certain Dominions, they draw atten- the trade of the world it was instructive tion to the danger suggested by the ex- to see that we were doing 2 per cent, more
periences of Australia and New Zealand of the world's trade than ever before, and
that where compulsion. is present Con-.. we were in direct touch with more cus ciliation in the true sense will be tomers than ever,
neglected.
An official statement, issued from No. 10 Downing Street, before the meeting, stated that the Premier has received a letter from the General Council of the Trades Union Congress advising him that the conduct of the dispute and
General Council, and that the General Council would hold themselves available It is learned that the Government's at any moment should the Government preliminary arrangements for the dis desire to discuss the matter further. The tribution of supplies are already operat- Premier had, thereupon, invited the re- Meanwhile thousands of volunteers ing. It is stated on behalf of the Gov presentatives of the Trades Union Con- have already enrolled at the temporary“ ernment that the food conditions are grezz to meet him.
recruiting office, a wooden but in the normal, and that there is no need for After the meeting, Mr. G." H. Thomas court yard of the Foreign Office. anxiety on the part of the public, and one of the Negotiating Committee of the The Electrical Power Engineers Asso-these and similar developments. They not been all bad. It had made us look still leas anything in the nature of a Trades Unior Congress, said: The ciation, representing technicians emmay be entirel unsuitable to the British more closely into our private affairs and panic, if they loyally carry out the Gov Prime Minister, having received a com- ployed at the electrical stations, have railway systems, but this should not into our businesses, and one result would stage at only for a 200, Mr. Stephen ernment régulations with regard to food, munication from the Trades Union Consent a letter to the Premier declaring debar British firms from adapting their be that our sons would be brought up in Taish, P. coal, petrol and other essential supplies gress, invited the Congress Committee to they have resolved to help to maintain designs to meet the special needs of this a harder school. The young had a strenu and do not indulge in hoarding. Their explain it. After a long discusion, it essential public services in connection country, whose great distances and unious: life to face, and he thought there To the best of my scientife belief what comfort and convenience will be safe was found necessary that further ex-with the supply of electricity.
que transport problems demand special ought to be more time spent in the homes I am saying is the truth-that life in a guarded and in the event of the news planations should be given, which was Hyde Park was closed to the public at treatment. If the new locomotive achieves and less in the streets and cinemas. In permanent thing.—Sir Oliver Lodge, Papera ceasing publication, the Govern done by a small committee of that wody. midnight, and is to be used as a milk the anticipated success, the great British that way they would absorb their educa- Most of us would be better for being ment will keep the public informed by The matter is adjourned with the hope distributing centre for London. Ar- firm has made an important contribution tien better, and would be preparing rationed and exercised as a racehorse means of wireless and bulletins posted that further negotiations will take place rangements have been made to call up to the development work of the Common themselves for a life which would call for is rationed and exercised.-Prof. Leonard at Town Halls and Post Offices.
to-day, (Sunday.)
special constables.
Wealth
nerve and grit by sitting up at nights."
He thought that the high taxation had
The horse is rapidly passing into a