The Detroit times., 1911-08-18

LONDON, Aug. 1s.--With the rifles
of the British army turned against
them and the muzzles OF the great
guns OF the British navy pointing at
them, British workingmen. engaged in
nation racking struggle for living
wages and human working hours. pre-
sented an unfaltering front today
while undisguised CONSERVATION
reigned in government and capitals
tic circles.
Labor leaders today declared the 70
sponse to yesterdays all-embracing
strike order had far exceeded their
most optimistic predictions.
II is asserted that within three days
all means Of railroad transportation In
England will have been effectually tied
up. Government officials admit pri-
vately that In six days. without trans
portation. actual starvation conditions
will prevail In four.nfths Of the homes
in all the large cities In England.
Railway trafic In the north OF Eng
land is today paralyzed. Everywhere
else II is completely demoralized.
London, the worst sufferer. was fur
ther crippled today. when the tube
men went out Thousands of new ar
rivals here are without baggage. The
steamship lines are planning to run
automobile caravans from London 70
Liverpool and Southampton.
A new and grave phase OF the stu
alton developed today. when from one
end of the country to the other q CRY
OF protest was raised against the EN-
ployment OF the militia to coerce
labor. The pro-labor newspapers are
calling attention to the fact that the
adoption OF almost Identical tactics
by Premier BRAND. OF France, In the
railway strike there, last year. re-
suited eventually In tho downfall or
the BRAND ministry.
The labor leaders assert that they
have little actual fear OF the army,
which is recruited from the same
class OF people as their own ranks.
The government. however. evinces en-
tire confidence in the traditional 10y
atty and discipline OF Tommy Al
kins. ns.i,-
More than $1,000 troops are now
stationed In London. about the Lon
don docks and railway stations. giving
the impression of city under martial
rule.
The appeal for volunteer constables
was answered by about thousand
men, who, unemployed for months and
half starved, seized the opportunity TO
obtain a few days rations. The gov
ernment made Il clear that Its pur-
pose was merely to preserve order,
and In the police department there was
show, at least. of neutrality.
| Americans Stranded.
MANY Americans are among those
stranded here, without baggage and
many OF them without funds. Scores
of tourists who came across on vaca-
tions. with just enough money for the
trip, are desperate at the prospect OF
being held here indefinitely. Among
these are numerous school teachers.
who fear they will be unable to get
back In time to take up their duties.
| The railwaymen's union officials
held a long conference today, consid-
ering the possibility Of reopening the
question OF q royal commission OF IN
| ouiry. The railway managers con-
ferred with Premier Asquith, Chancel
lor Lloyd-George, Secretary OF War
Haidane, and President Buxton. OF the
Board Of Trade.
Shortly after noon II was announced
that the union committees had not al
tered their position and J. II. Thomas.
assistant general secretary OF the
Railwaymen's union. said that the re-
Spouse OF the men had so fortified the
leaders that they were stronger than
ever in their demands.
II is considered probable that par
lament will decide not to adjourn this
evening in view OF the crisis. Home
Secretary Churchill asserted In the
house OF commons that II the govern
ment's precautions to protect the peo-
ple's food supply prove inadequate.
(contInued on Page Five.)