The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-05
PROPERTY INTERESTS OF FRANCE ALARMED
 AT THE CONDITIONS
Government is Making Every Prepa- ration to Forestall Impending Strikes and Insure Stability
 of Service by Employees.

Paris, May 4-Premier Clemenceau has apparently taken the bit in his teeth and has decided to test the power of the gov ernment to put down the present "syndi- calist' movement, so far as 1t involves state employees, even if this involves the precipitation of threatened general strike. Dangerous signs are manifest throughout the country, and foreign as well as French observers are of the opinion that the belated determination of the government to vindicate it's au- thority comes none too soon.
 The recent gigantic strikes of "syndi- calism' and It's arrogant attitude under the leadership of the General Federation of Labor, with which the various classes of state employees now insist upon af- filiating, menacing a general strike flor the emancipation of a proletariat," has created something approaching a public panic. The property interests appear ready to unitedly support any measures that the government may take, no mat ter how rigorous. which would end the intolerable agitation.
 cIemenceau Will Fight.
 The attitude of the Combes and other previous radical governments which en- couraged state servants to form unions, even in the navy yards, and the records of M. Barthou and viviani, respectively ministers of public works and labor. have heretofore embarrassed M. Clemenceau, but since the visit of King Edward, who it is understood let the premier see the anxiety existing abroad that France was 6fting into a condition approaching an archy, M. Clemenceau resolved to act At Nice he proclaimed the government $ intention not to tolerate the right of its servants to strike and soon as he re- turned to Paris he began to make elab- crate preparations to meet a possible gen eral strike.
 regiment of trained telegraph oper- ators was distributed among wireless sta tions established on the southern and eastern frontiers to supplement the war ships on the coast and to insure com muncation with the Eiffel tower. The various chambers of commerce were sounded with regard to cooperation with the postal service and automobile deal CTS were asked the number of machines they could furnish to the government. Then suddenly, right and left the sus- pension of the chief agitators began. Seventy eight men were suspended in three days.
 New Strike Planned.
 The agita tors retaliated by threatening a new strike with the support of the General Federation of Labor, whose af- filiated associations, such as the rail- road employees, representing 10000, have in the last two days adopted resolutions of sympathy. The state employees have been invited to join in this agitation but ha Of rn- merits hrmness made a real impression and the loyal employees, hitherto silent, are now making their voices heard in pro- test.
 The secretary of the general association issued an appeal to 10000 state employees, pointing out the privileges which they enjoy, the security of employment and the guaranteed promotion and pensions, and the absurdity of demanding the right to strike.
 At meeting of 700 postal employees to- night resolution was adopted that general strike be declared at a favorable moment and that 1t be continued until victory is won.
 New Secretary Chosen.
 The federal committee of the General Federation of Labor has appointed M. Jouhau, secretary of the State Match makers union, as treasurer or the federation during the detention of M. Mark. who was arrested a few days ago In connection with the strike agitation
 The central committee of the League of Rights of Man tonight adopted resolu- ton condemning the governments action against the speakers representing the pos tai employees as violation of the deelara- ton of the rights of men.
 A meeting also was held at the labor ex- change which was attended by 3O state and municipal tramway employees ana others engaged in public work Repre- sentatives of various trade unions were also present and resolution was passed binding the associations to oppose by all means the governments threatened re- presson of the postal employees