New-York tribune., 1913-11-20
LONDON UNMOVED
BY JAMES LARKIN
Dublin Agitator Fails to Rouse
Big Audience with His Fiery
Cross" Propaganda.
IRY Cable 70 Tha Tribune |

TBy Cable TO The Tribune
London, Nov. 20-James Larkin, the
Dublin labor agitator, missed fire at the
Albert Hall last night. Ten thousand
persons gathered in the hall TO hear
him, and great crowd assembled out
side to see the anticipated fight be-
tween Larkinites and a band OF medi-
cal students. The fight took place in
side, however, and was a small af-
fair.
Larkin spoke for an hour, but al
though at times he reused cheers his
speech was on the whole disappoint-
ment to his hearers. He seemed 10
have exhausted his volcanic energy at
Manchester. or perhaps the vastness of
the Albert Hill engulfed him.
George Lansbury presided and made
the most effective speech of the even
ing. He said: Go out and rouse up
holy discomfort among men and
women. We don't care what means
the workers take to secure their saliva
ton so long as they take some means.
We must get rid once and for all of the
wage system in this country"
An uproar broke out when one of the
speakers announced the Parliamentary
committeo's decision to call a special
trade congress, but 1t turned to a howl
Of derision when the information was
added: 1T is to take place in three
weeks time"
II the trade union leaders were in
earnest, said the speaker amid cheers
the conference would be called for next
Monday. There were shouts OF APP
plause when the orator remarked that
he would like to know what was in the
heads of the leaders. II there was any
thing.
Clearly the English labor leaders are
embarrassed by Larkin's crusade.
While there is little fear of a general
sympathetic strike in England. many
OF the rank and file among trade union
lists, notably railway men and trans
port workers, strongly admire Lar
kin's achievements, and the leaders,
who fear the effect Of his eloquence
upon these men. cannot make up their
minds to approve his campaign. They
dare not. however discourage II. Lar
Kin is endured rather than welcomed.
London, Nov. 19.-The first appearance
as an orator In London Of James Larkin,
head OF the Transport Workers Union OF
Dublin. or king Larkin." as he is now
called by his adherents. led TO wild scenes
Of disorder at the Albert Hall tonight.
where several thousand had gathered 10
hear him.
When Larkin was liberated a week ago
from Mountjoy Prison, where ne was
serving seven months term for sedition.
he announced that he was going To Eng
land Ito raise the fiery cross" and he
predicted a general strike throughout
Great Britain. Much interest, therefore,
was aroused in his appearance tonight.
a large body Of students from the COL
leges connected with London University
made an organized attempt to upset the
meeting, and fierce rioting both outside
and inside the hall occurred. A large
force of police was requisitioned and free
fights occurred.
Many persons we're injured before the
meeting was able 10 proceed. for the stu
dents successfully stormed the entrance
and gained admission to the floor OF the
hall There further fighting took place,
and sticks and umbrellas were freely
used. Fireworks were let off amid scenes
Of pandemonium. and for a time there
was danger Of a panic. The organist con-
tinued playing, however. and the audience
began singing socialistic songs, TO which
the students responded by singing God
Save the King" and Rule Britannia