10
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
J
THE STRIKES AT HOMË.
SITUATION IMPROVING,
London, Fab. 5.
An easier situs.ion in Belfast is evidenced by the fact that the strikers' committee is sending a deputation to Lord Pirrio which he consented to receive today, while the meeting of the piece work bailermakers, shiprighia and black- smiths yesterday revoked their resolution passed last week demanding an immediate advance of thirty per cent. on piece rates. This simplifies "to-day's negotiations because only the hours question is now in dispute. There was Ettla change at the majority of Clyde shipyards yesterday but some six to eighty per cent, of the men of various engineer ing works resumed while a meeting of White Inch shipyard men resolved on condemning the present strike methods, deciding to resume to-day relying on the Trade Union leaders to constitutionally secure their demands. One speaker opin ed that the trouble was largely due to inefficient workmen,
THE ELECTRICIANS' THREAT.
Reuter learns that the new Defence of the Realm re- gulation is amply justiñed because the threatened cutting off of electricity is a deliberate blow aimed at the authority" of the Government and the Trade Unions, therefore the Government has either to beat the movement or go under. Furthermore the regulations are justified by the provision of the Gas and Water Act of 1575 making liable to fina or imprisonment any worker wilfully endeavouring to deprive the community of these essentials while the Electric Light- ing Act of 1882 provides penalties for malicious cutting off of supplies. The Government is determined to exercise its almost power to prevent such a calamity is the threat implies Important precautionary measures have already been taken at London's power stations and fulk protection will be afforded to all loyal workers, desirous of continuing at work,
The Electric Trades Union alleges no grievances of ita own but claims to want a pational forty pour"we-l, although as recently as 3rd January this Union concluded an agreement for a forty-seven hour week to begin on 1st. February.
MEN'S BREACH OF FAITH WITH UNIONS. The Trade Union leaders are contemplating strong action for dealing with the revolutionery movement which led to the unauthorised strikes. A lead has been taken by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers whose Executive bas suspended the Society's district committees in Belfast, on the Clyde and in London for violating the Society's rules by participating in unauthorised strikes. Furthermore it is negotiating with the Committee of the Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades which yesterday manifestoed its mem- bess in Belfast, Glasgow and on the north-east coast urging them to resume immediately pointing out that stoppages weaken the efficacy of trade unionism and impose anwar- ranted hardships on loyal trade unionists who are carrying out the decision of the ballot vote. It is emphasised that the threat to plunge London ja darkness was not made oficially by the Electrical Trade Union but by the London and District branches, not because they had any grievances but merely to demonstrate thein resentment at the Govern. ment's refusal to intervena in the Clyde and Belfast disputes. Another Trade Union, the Electrical Power Engineers As- ociation, resolved that the above threat was a blow simed at the Government and has therefore called on its members who are skilled electricians to do their utmost to maintain the supply of electricity. A representative of the Association conferred with the Board of Trade yesterday and arrange- ments were made to supply unskilled labour to support electricians and guards to protect the workers. A meeting of the Executive of the National Union of General Workera, of whom Mr. Cyncs is President" and Mr. Will Thorne is Secretary, resolved. while approving of the desire for shorter hours, that the members en operate locally with the officials of the Union in the neosecution of their claims. The Executive of the Labour Party yesterday agreed to approach the Parliamentary Committer of the Trade Taina Congress with a view to holding a national conference to consider the industrial unrest, The Amalramated Engineers" suspension of its London Committee results in the machinery at the threatened strike to-day bring handed ever to shop stewards whose infuence with the rank and file will be tested by the strength of the strike movement.
ELECTRICAL TRADES POSTPONE STRIKE.,
The railwaymen's representatives had a conference with the President of the Board of Trade' when the latter made a certain offer which the former are discussing to-night, meeting Sir Albert Stanley again to-morrow. One of the delegates opined that an early amicable settlement will be arranged.
Reuter learns that the threatened strike of members of the Electrical Trades Unions has been postponed at least for twenty-four hours,
RAILWAY DISPUTE SETTLED.
London, Feb. 7.
The railways dispute has been satisfactorily settled, The Press Bureau states that the President of the Board of Trade announces that he agreed with the "locomotive en- gineers and firemen that, pending consideration of the general conditions of railway service, the underground train- men will work an eight hour day. Mealtimes are not in- eluded, but all reasonable facilities will be given to meet the men's physical needs.
SENSIBLE ADVICE TO POSTAL WORKERS.. Addressing a large meeting of postal workers in Lon don this afternoon, at which resolutions arousing, shorter hours, higher wages and, full civil rights were adopted, Mr. Cynes emphasised the desirability of formulating and dis- cussing demands before striking in order to keep the sympathy of the public. He declared that a far higher standard of living must be obtained before there could be peace in Britain, but these things could not be settled by mab law. The workers' wishes must be translated by trusted delegates. (Cheers).
Lord Claud Hamilton in a speech in London said the Government control of railways would continue for two years after the conclusion of peace. He regarded the laccur outlook as serious and attributed the dangerous shape it was assuming to the fact that the country in the last two years bad been debauched by Government money and coaces- ions not made to the argument but to the brute force of man who had never risked their lives for the country. The Government must take off the velvet glove which had been worn too long
ON THE CLYDF.
The Secretary of the Locomotive and Engineers, on being interviewed, said that notices were issued at midnight closing the strike. All would be working early to-day. The arrangements for a national railway strike, which was fixed for noon to-day had been cancelled Mr. Bromley added that if sotme..consideration had been previously given o the physical disabilities of men working continuonaly there would have been no strike. Though a few more engineers seamed on the Clyde yesterday the shipyards were stil ille, Three meetings of boiler-makers, blacksmiths and shipwrights of various Clyde towns resolved to remain on
Castrike for forty hour week? There will be a conferere ta
of national delegates at Glasgow on Saturday to review the forty hour moveme in Rugland and Beotland and deelds upon ratione strike leaders, talk of extending the strike all over!!
Kogland and the von *** change of
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1919.
policy Discontent is spreading among Belfast strikere owing to the failure of the leaders to elect a settlement bat the fact that Lord Pirtis remains in Belfast ready to confer with the man's delegaten as Controller General of merchant shipbuilding is regarded as hopeful. The e- gineers of Manchester have declined to strike in favour fa Torty hour week and called a special meeting to sugaire as to the methods whereby on agitation for forty döurn was begun. A mass meeting of Glasgow engineers considered the spension of the District Commitme and passed a resolu- tion of confidence therein,
Warrants for the arrest of the majority of the Fellast strike leaders have been issued.
Glasgow bakers are expected to cease work on the 8th apon the expiration of strike notices for a forty hour work It is still uncertain how the railway settlement will affect other movements. The Electrical Union at continuously in London yesterday conferring with representatives of the Transport Workers, Locomotive Engineers, Licensed Vehicle Workers and other unions and the Electrical Secretary re- peatedly came out and announced "all out." He also denied a report that the strike was postponed and called off. Never theless work was carried on as usual at the power stations last night and the action of the Union did not appear to interfere with the comfort of the metropolis. There were temporary spasmodic strikes of electricians at a few establish- ments but the public services were in nowise affected and the authorities were nowhere perturbed, while the engineers whose London branches had recently decided to strike had, till a late hour, not taken sction.
NATIONAL ACTION PENDING.
London, Feb 3.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police at Belfast denies that warrants were issued for the arrest of the strike leaders. Lord Pirrie presided at a conference of representatives of the Strike Committee of the firms of Harland and Wolff and Workman and Clark with a view to ending the strike. The meeting lasted six hours and adjourned till today. It is believed a settlement is likely. The Board of Trade announces at 220 in the morning that the conference of the Executive of the National Union of Railwaymen and the management of the underground railway companies resulted in an ar rangement whereby the services will be resumed as soon as possible The London branch of the Electoral Trade Union last night ordered an immediate resumption of work pending national action.
STRIKERS BREAK
AGREEMENT.
Later.
Despite the agreement between the Government and the " Locomotive Engineers' Society the underground railways did not resume to-day owing to the Executive of the National Union of Railwaymen deciding the above agreement as being unsatisfactory and ordering their mea not to resume work. These men have hitherto struck "unofficially" with members of above Society and as they are employed at a power station supplying most of the tubes the latter were not able to re- affected the London and South Western and London and Brighton railways which are again running.
The bus drivers threaten to strike owing "inter alia" to growing employment of military motor lorries for transport- ing people to and from business in Loudon, which is neces sitated by the stoppage of the tubes.
The situation in Glasgor is unchanged materially.
There was a sensation in Belfast when it became known that the magistrates had issued warrants for the arrest of the chief strike leaders on a charge of conspiracy to pre jadice and injure public safety.
Mass meeting at Glasgow, Goran and Clydebank re- solved to continue the strike for a forty hour week and talled on their Executive Councils to co-operate with the strikers or resign. Govan favoured inmediate payment of strike money. The strikers' joint committee issued a militant statement claiming that only a few faint bearts had returned to work, asserting that the Committee is more confideat than ever of victory and alleging that the Glasgow carpenters and joiners have decided to strike.
The Municipal employees have decided not to strike. The Scottish miners have all resumed work pending the result of the conference.
The Miners' Federation of Great Britain meet at South- port on the 12th to receive the Government's reply to their demands for a thirty per cent. advance in wages, a six hour day, the nationalistion of mines and full wages for demobilised and unemployed miners.
INTERESTING BALLOT RESULTS.
The Unions involved in the London strikes are en- deavouring to secure the stoppage of trams and buses in the event of Khaki labour being employed at the power stations. The position last night is described as delicate.
At a meeting of Woolwich Arseas) engineers last night -the result of the ballot of members was announced; 2110 being in favour of remaining at their work white 1210 favoured a strike. The ballot at Barrow of ship" builders and engineers on the hours question resulted 3,378 in favour of a forty hour week, 3,353 in favour of a forty- four hours, 4,753 favoured negotiating to obtain shorter hours and 1,774 favoured a strike. The drivers belonging to the Locomotive Engineers' Union were called out last night at New Cross, Battersea, Brighton and Eastbourne. "A goods train consequently was held up. It is feared that passenger traffic may be interrupted though it is understood the Government contemplates military control of the ser- vices The Police Commissioner conferred with the Home Office officials last night.
The strike situation in London has greatly worsened with the calling out of the locomotive engineers. The South-western Railway is practically at a standstill while the Londos Brighton and South Coast service is utterly disorganised. These railways serve most populous suburbs of Greater London and sizee the tube strike they have con- stituted the only way whereby hundreds of thousands reached basinner in the metropolis. The cause of this strike is the interpretamum of the eight hours day agreement The Union claims that meal times were intended to be included. The Government deny this. Only a proportion; of, engine drivers are members of the Locomotive Engineers' Union: 1 The remainder, who belong to the Railwaymen's Union, have hitherto not struck except at Plymouth.
The London Electrical Trades Union called out their men to-night, but it is not believed that the effects of th strike will be so serious as the Union threatened. Various companies supplying London with electricity hope to be al to carry on at least partially.
The situation on the tabes and in Bollast and Glas; qu is unchanged.
-BELFAST STILL IN DARKNESS.
London, Feb. 6.
The Controller of Merchant Shipping and Constraction, Lad Firrie, has met the Belfast strike committee and stipulated for an immediate restoration of public services, tramways, gan and electricity, and suggested air immediate resumption of work pending a settlement upon the condition. that the men worked a fifty-four hour week but were paid "additionally for the time worked over forty-seven hours. Land Pizze proposed a restantion of the meeting on the cut if the men agrand and wilquently the men notified that they would moet l-ird Port on the 8th Consequent
THE RAILWAY CLERES" ASSOCIATION. The recognition of the Railway Clocks?” Association has removed the menace of a general railway strika, piha an- nomncsiment of the agreement was received with enthusias:: at a demonstration of the clerks în London laas night when - the Secretary described is na tha fint agreement evaz made, enabling all station masters and superior officials to join the Association. It pays a tribute to the goodwill of Bir- Alber. Stanley and Mr. Horne, The delay in the suitlama: was not the fault of these Ministers but was due to the desire of the Association not to do anything to imperil public safety. The Association has always maintained thai is majority rulo ita affairs and is conßdent that its mem- bers would reprobate any unauthorised action. The sitna- tion in London last night was that six tubes and the District Railway and one suburban tramway service were stopped. One tube and the Metropolitan Railway and two overhead electric railways and all County Council tramways ware working
The early morning trains to the subarbs of London on the South-Western. Railway did not leave Waterloo, their drivers not appearing.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.
Berne, Fab. 5. The League of Nations Commission has reported that the formation of the League was an urgent task through which disaster could alone be averted. The League mast firstly prohibit new wars and armaments and if armed force was required the League must control it
The report farones the establishment of free trade and the open door to all countries and colonies and the necessity of the League approving of national tariffs where existing. It says the League should be gives power to control the world's pro- duction and distribution of food and raw materials.
NEW MEMBERS.
London, Feb. 7.
A communique from Paris dated the 8th states that the League of Nations Commission has unanimously agreed that representatives of Czecho-Slovakia, Grecce, Poland and Rumania should participate in its deliberations. The Com- mission has already covered one-third of its taak, having discussed articles dealing with the motives behind the forma tion of the League and its objects. It will safeguard the i constitution of its chief organs and the qualifications for membership. While the Commission's decisions regarding its articles are provisional many apparent difficulties have been resolved and a general agreement has been reached on the principles underlying the whole draft. It is therefore expected that the remaining articles will be covered quickly.
A communique from Paris, datal 7th February, saya that MM. Kramarz, Venizelos, Dmewski and Diamandy, representing respectively the Czecho-Slovak Republic, Greece, Poland and Roumania, took seats as members of the League of Nations Commission which yesterday evening approved of articles dealing with questions pf the greatest Importance concerning the positive functions of the League, Half of the draft is now covered"
THE ARMISTICE COMMISSION.
NON-FULFILMENT OF CONDITIONS BY GERMANY.
Amsterdam, Feb. 7.
According to a Berlin report at the sitting of the Armistice Commission at Spa on the 2nd the German Gor ernment was asked to state what quantities of timber, - chemical products and coal tar Germany could export in return for foodstuffs,
Paris, Feb.
"Marshal Foch, Admiral Wessyms and Generals Bliss and Weygand attended to day's Supreme War Council and con- sidered new conditions for the armistice which is renewable on the 17th and the measures necessary owing to Germany 1 non-delivery of rolling stock, not placing German meridaub- men at the Allies' disposal, the non-surrender of all sub- marines and the refusal of Germany to accede to certain demands which are indispensable for the application of the armistice. The Council deliberated as regards the relative proportions of the Allied forces to be maintained in the occupied territories of Germany and Turkey.. A well in- formed French quarter opines that the Associated Powers may consider the question of the occupation of Dantzig also the Danzig-Thorn railway.
GERMAN ARROGANCE.
ALLIES ACCUSED OF ROBBERY AND VENGEANCE.
Basle, Feb. 7.
At the opening of the German National Assembly Pre- sident Ebert declared that the times of kings by the grace of God had gone for evar. He ascribed the loss of the war to the collapse of Germany's allies, and Germany's own military and economic situation. The German military party had been over confident that the war had 'exhausted Germany's opponants, who werë introducing robbery and vengeance into their conception of peace despite the fact that the Allies had achieved their war zims, namely, the annihilation of German militarism and imperialiam. He threatened the Allies with the prospect of Germany not consenting to participate in the peace negotiations. Ger- many, wanted to enter the League of Nations with equal rights with other Powers. He hailed the decision of German Austria to unite with Germany and urged the workers to realise the necessity of production. The programme of the National Army ought to be the safeguard of the German people and establish a strong Socialist republic.
DISORDERED GERMANY:
FIGHTING AT BREMEN,
Amsterdam, Feb. 7.
A message from Berlin reports thirty killed and uns hundred wounded in the Bremen fighting. The latter were taken to hospitals but the total victims is much more numer-
003.
Copenhagen, Feb. 3,
A message from Bremen saya the Government troops have entered the town siter heavy, fighting and occupied
public buildings dice pre nati
STRIKE AT DÜSSELDORF.;
Cologne, Feb.
The situation at, Dusseldorf is bearing a criticsă stage
to resentindort of the middle classes to Spartacis The bourgeoise, including lawyers, doctors, ban telkeepers, the press and shop keepers, Eave sink's' owing to inability to get paatiala ther? demands for the Free meetings?the astablishin
of the
GARLANDS: FOR BEATEN GERMANS.
"EXTRAORDINARY SCENES IN BERLIN,
Judging from the description telegraphed by the correspondent of the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant the entry of the Prussian Guard regiments into Berlin through the Brandenburg Gate appears to have been made the occasion for a remarkable mani- festation of national sentiment.
The pressure of the crowds in the streets, says the correspond- ent, was such as to constitute an actual danger to life. Although thousands of soldiers, pressing forward shoulder to shoulder, endeavoured to open a passage before the entering troops and exerted all possible counter pres- sure against the great throng of the public, it was impossible to bold the spectators back, even when cordons were formed by other soldiers. Progress in regular formation was at first impossible, and eventually men of the Guards themselves had to be told off to assist in making way for their comrades. Nowhere had cordons been formed in advance, not even in front of the grand stand, from which members of the Govern- ment watched the spectaela. But the wildly-excited concourse was good-humoured, and its mood was shared by the troops.
In wave after wave the men struggled forward, amidst flags. evergreens, and flowers. At the head of the procession marched s row of soldiers, holding high banners in the colours of the new | Republic-black, red, and gold. Then came, detachments repre senting regiments from all the Federal States, with their own colours in their rifle barrels.
DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES.” Bavarians were first, with their blue and gold-fine fellows, still well equipped and many of them on horse-back, others seated on gun-carriages covered with flowers and greenery. Alongside many of the infantry- men marched their wives or. sweethearts. The cheering was not very loud, but it ran aš a murmur along Unter den Linden, where all windows, balconies, and roofs. were occupied by sightseers.
Neither on the houses nor among the incoming soldiers were any red flags to be seen; only from the Russian Embassy was this symbol of revolution flown. Some of the bands played Deutschland neber Alles," and others played soldier melodies, but not a single revolutionary tune was heard. It is indeed striking," says the correspondent, how little people sing in revola- tionary Berlín."
On a grand stand in the Pariser-" Plat, far above the crowd, were to be seen Herr Ebert and Burgo master Wermuth, with a single Ganeral, Ebert silkharted like other bourgeois spectators. No officers of high rank were visible in the procession.
To the Berlin population. knowing so well how the ranks of these regiments have been thinned, some of the pictures must have had their melancholy side. There was the knowledge; for instance, that in the last Aisne battle, of a whole proud regiment of Cuirassire of the Guard only two officers, and 42 men survived. No signs of suffering, no effects of forced" marches, however, betrayed them- selves. Only the very poor horses told of what the retreat had meant.
A MILITARY, CITY AGAIN, Flowers and cigarettes were thrown from windows and bal- conies to the passing troops, who were met by motor-cars laden with brilliant chrysanthemums, Berlin was once more & military [city, a city of enthusiasm for soldiers and their deeds. There was nothing in the entry to suggest the national defeat.
Despite the lack of sunshine, the picture was full of colour by reason of the lavish display of flags and flowers, All the after- noon, troops from the West were passing through, and tens of thousands of people were tireless in watching them. The impress ion on the observer was all the more striking because of the revolutionary scenes witnessed in the same surroundings, and the memories, only two days old, of the wild cries of Liebknecht's: followers.
WHEN CITY TRODES RETURN Command
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