New-York tribune., 1907-06-01
FRENCH PORTS TIED UP
GREAT SEAMEN'S STRIKE.
Crezrs LeaUe atlantic Liners and Ill
OUTGOING Trade Blocked.

Paris May 31.-A general strike of sailors and
others belonging to the French Naval Reserve
began at almost all the ports of France at day
light to-day. and threatens the complete pa
rslvsis of French commerce. The navigation
companies are making energetic representations
10 the government. saying that the movement is
not directed against them. and that unless it is
settled Immediately it viii cause untold injury
n French commerce.
The Naval Reserve comprises nearly the en-
tire maritime population engaged in seafaring
life and number about 117OGO men, of whom
25O00 are serving in the navy. In addition to
practically all the sailors of The mercantile ma
rine. most Of the longshoremen belong to. the
reserve.
The strike was declared by the executive COM
rnittee Of the National Seamen's Union. because
the governments bill increasing pensions from
so 50 10 SO 30 in the case of seamen. and from
s156 to 5000 in the case Of captains Is regarded
bv the members of the union as inadequate.
The tie-up Is almost complete at the Mediter-
ranean Atlantic and Channel ports where the
crews generally left their ships. The govern
rent commissioned transports torpedo boats
and destroyers TO carry on the mail service with
the colonies and with Mediterranean ports
The French Transatlantic Steamship Company
announced this evening that neither La Prov
ence nor La Gascogne would be able TO sail for
having abandoned their ships. Similar condi-
tions prevail on the company's ships at Bor-
deaux.
The officials Of the French Line have re-
ouested the government to lend them crews
from the naval stations. but no reply has yet
been received. All the companies are legally in
position to coerce the men, as. being members
Of the Naval Reserve. the crews are subject TO
heavy penalties for INSTRUMENTATION. but it is
regarded as more likely that the firms will try
10 effect a compromise.
A. Narseines the sailors and longshoremen
struck almost to a man. and even the fishermen
drew up their nets. The strike is also complete
at Havre but up to this evening the men had
not struck at Brest.
At Toulon the strike is complete. at Dunkirk.
Nantes and Bordeau: the men are going out.
and al Rouen the longshoremeu have aban-
doned work
Many persons consider that the Seanen's
Union acted 2lith undue precipitation, and that
III could have been arranged through q con-
sultation With the authorities. The Cabinet will
hold a special meeting to-rnorrov 10 consider
TIE situation.
MarsAfles May 31.-The sailors and other
Naval Reserve men here responded TO the strike
call almost to u man. The crews Of eight vessels OF
the 1Iessageries Maritime Company shouldered
tFlslT KILS ana dlSsT1 parked a1iiC ne cheerS
Of the Iongshorernen. and the crews of the
steamers II the Demonstrations company fol-
lowed heir example after landing the fruit
forming part of the cargoes.
The crews Of the tugs at this port will strike
Tomorrow. 50 as TO complete the movement.
Even the fishermen have drawn up their nets.
The vessels scheduled to sail to-day including
the Roma. bound for New York, got away on
time.
Havre- May 31-The maritime strike here is
complete, the crews leaving both the ocean and
coasting vessels. La Provence and La Gascogne.
Of the French Line, will not be able to sail for
New York tomorrow. Several thousand emf
grants are here awaiting transportation on La
Gascosne.
Algiers May 31-The seamen of Algiers went
on strike to-day. and the lockers and coalers
went out in sympathy.
INC INERC n0lJRTElIi