The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1911-08-18
PROPOSES APPOINTMENT OF
ROYAL COMMISSION TO 40.
JUST THE TROUBLE.
MANY MEN STOP WORK
Railway Mems Committee Issues Man.
ifesto Dsnouncing Governments
Stand Toward the Proposed Strike
Constables Are Appointed and Tav.
erns Ordered Closed.

London, Aug. 17.-At the conclusion
Of conference between representa-
tlves of the railway men and officials
of the board of trade this evening. q
manifesto was issued by the commit
tees Of the Amalgamated Society Of
Railway Servants, which Is associated
with the Society OF Engineers and
Firemen. the general railway workers
union and the Signalmen's and Points
mems (switchmen organization. 1t
denounces Premier Asquith's state
ment made to the representatives Of
the employers at the board of trade
this afternoon. in outlining the gov
ernment's position with regard to the
proposed strike, as an unwarranted
threat against the railway workers
The home office has instructed all the
provincial authorities concerning the
closing of taverns and the enrolment
of special constables. The govern
ment offers to contribute half of the
amount necessary to pay these men.
Wide Cessation Of Work.
there has been wide cessation OF
work, especially on the part Of the
men handling freight traffic. The
passenger service, however. is main
tanned with fair regularity 1t is said.
There are also reports from many
places OF minor disturbances. 1t Is
not yet known whether Scotland Is af-
fected by the strike.
The strike committee was in session
until late today. Before adjournment
1t issued a manifesto reviewing its
position since the 1907 agreement with
the railway companies was entered
into and how the companies have OBJ
served the obligations they assumed
by 1t. It is said the companies adopted
a policy Of delay in considering their
grievances and have harassed the men
until they are worse than slaves.
Turn for the Better.
How tenaciously the government is
clinging to a hope for a settlement
of the dispute and Is working to ar
range one. was displayed by David
Lloyd-George. chancellor of teh ex-
chequer. In speech in the house of
commons tonight, which quickly sent
abroad the impression that the situa :
tioi Idu tuhcu u sttous tuIu iuF tie
better and that fears of an immediate
strike might vanish.
Ramsay Macdonald, the labor lead
er. In the lower house. was prepared
to move vote of censure against the
government for it's use of the military
In strikes Mr.. Lloyd George, how
ever. arose and. addressing the MEM
bers, intimated that the representa-
tlves of the unions had failed to un-
derstand the governments offer to
form royal commission which
should report what amendments were
necessary to the agreement of 1907
between the railway managers and the
men. He said 1t was not intended tC
form an ordinary royal commission
but one composed of three members
one representing the railways and one
the men, the chairman to be mar
we'll known for his impartiality ani
enjoying the general confidence of tn,
community.
The government, he continued, real.
lied the Importance of acting prompt!
lest the men should think It was try
Ing to put off the whole question. HI
proposed that the commission get t.
work Immediately and report withou
delay.
Premier Asquith, the chancellor con
tinued. had made the proposal Of I
commission to both parties to the dis