New-York tribune., 1902-10-24
FOLLOW ROOSEVELTS LEAD
FRENCH GOVERNMENT WILL TRY TO
END THE COAL STRIKE IN FRANCE.

Paris. Oct. 23-It has been semi-of1clally an
nounced that Premier Combes. in difference 10
the desire of the Chamber of Deputies ana 'iie
government will his influence to secure d
pacific solution Of the coal strike. He VIII open
negotiations Tomorrow with the mine o"heiS
and the striking miners. with the view OF nav
ing the matter arbitrated.
The Chamber of Deputies to-day resumed 'he
discussion of the interpretations on the subject
OF the French mining strike. NJ Jaures' 0'
cialist. asked the government to intervene ana
end the struggle He explained the claims OF
the miners. and asked the Chamber TO pass
laws providing for eight hours work day olo
age pensions and TO adopt other measures III
favor of the miners
NJ. Jaures asked. amid the applause OF 'ne
Chamber. that the State. employers ana miners
furnish equal part of the pensions luilu
He said the companies reduced wages "heh INC
profits were increasing and urged that the com
panies be compelled TO furnish Parliament WIN
an annual statement of accounts The Deputy
added that the government ought 10 bring ihe
companies a better spirit. He recalled 'Ile
successful result of President Roosevelts IN
tervention in the coal strike in the United
States. and asserted that the companies couid
not resist if the Chamber gave the premier
moral authority to arhitrate disputes
Premier Combes replied. justifying the dls-
patch Of troops 10 the coal regions and said that
except for few instances of violence. order
had been maintained. He promised 10 support
the bill dealing with the hours of work now De
fore the Senate and submit 10 Parliament the
question of the old age pensions and insurance
against accident to workmen. But the question
of wages he added. must be settled between the
workmen and their employers. In conclusion
the Premier said:
The government will strive to bring about a
favorable solution of the labor questions, and Is
willing to intervene in order to urge more
equitable solution of the strike which is caus-
ing great misery and is. perhaps. running the
mining industry. while at the same time re-
Joicing our foreign competitors"
The Premier's statement was received with
cheers, except from the extreme Socialists
After several other speeches had been made
NJ. Combes replying 10 assertions with regard
10 the troubles Dunkirk, said that neither he
nor the Minister of War. General Andre. had re-
ceived confirmation of the grave events said 10
be taking place there.
Later. the Premier read two dispatches which
| he had just received from the Under Prefect Of
Dunkrk; the first message related 10 yester-
| days disorders there, and the second reported
| that the strike was ended and that work would
| be resumed tomorrow. the workmen and
| their employers had come TO a complete agree
ment. The reading of this second message was
greeted with enthusiastic applause from all
| parts Of the House. Immediately afteTWard the
| following order of the day was accepted by the
government and adopted by 3Io votes TO lo4:
The Chamber Of Deputies. taking in account
| the declaration of the President of the Council
! that he will press in Parliament the discussion
! Of and vote on the reforms interesting the
| miners and confding in his frmness and wis
dom protect the liberty of work and the free
exercise of the right strike. invites the Presi
| cause both parties 70 accept arbitration"
The Chamber then adjourned.