The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-01
STRIKE OF LONDON
POLICE IS ENDED


struck for an increase of pay. Their
places were only partly filled from the
ranks Of the special constables, a body
which came into existence at the begin
ming of the war and includes men fIom
all grades OF soclety-the titled ella sses,
members Of Parliament, millionaire
manufacturers bankers. business men,
tradesmen.. honorably discharged SOL
diers and patriotic workmen who in
addition to their daily toll serve certain
hours nightly patrolling the city.
The strike was caused by the men
insisting that their pay was insufficient
to support themselves and their families
In these days Of high prices. They de-
manded an increase some time ago, but
had received none, nor any notification
that an increase would be granted Con-
sidering that they had waited long
enough they decided not to do duty to-
day, with the result that between ii 900
and $4,000 of the 22.0o0 Boobies in the
metropolitan district failed to report,
The 1000 policemen in the central dis
trict, known as the city" threw in
their lot with theff sbr sthfen
The rate OF pay OF the London con-
stables has hitherto been $3.50 a week
with an increase of 20 cents weekly
after fifteen years service and a further
increase of rs cents after 3venty-one
years service. Since the beginning OF
the war they have received n weekly
war bonus of 50, with a special allow
ance for married men Of IS cents weekly
Tor each child. They demande ed That the
war bonus be Increased to IS.
After the boobies began their strike
r,fRA toll,
once authorities, under whose turisdic-
ton the police department comes. that
favorable action upon the mems de-
mands had been recommended. but that
sir George Cave. the Home Secretary
mad not passed upon the recommended
tions
The men then demanded that the in
creased war bonus, amounting TO IS. be
made permanent that they receive an
additional war bonus amounting to 81
weekly; that the Government recognize
their union OF police and prison officers,
and that a certain constable dismissed
from the force for his activity in press
ing the demands Of his fellows be rein
stated.
1t has been the generally expressed
opinion here that the pay OF policemen
has been insufficient to meet the expen-
ditures caused by war conditions At
tention has been called by some newc-
papers TO the successful fght Of THE
Sun to increase the pay OF New York
policemen. The conditions in London,
however, are somewhat different from
those in New York, as here the police
are under military regulations and are
directed by branch OF the national
Government The men are under similar
discipline to that OF the army and are
tn oh
pursued by trade unions to remedy
grievances
While traffic at certain congested CEN
tres, such as Trafalgar Square, Plcca-
dilly Circus and Wellington etreet was
at times In state of iusxe icable con
fusion this morning, owing 20 the unfa-
miliarity OF the special cunstables with
this particular work, as the day wore on
they gained more confidence and experl-
ence. When evening arrived they had
The situation well in hand directing the
consoles flow OF vehicles with the preci-
sion of old times.
There were few policemen in evil
dence on patrol duty, but thousands OF
special constables called out in the even
ing took up the work Unusual sights
were witnessed at prominent clubs and
fashionable restaurants. where well
known men sitting at tables CARRIED in
the uniform of policemen bewailed TO
their friends that they had taken on the
work Of those who, in their earlier and
gayer days, had often helped them into
hansoms and sent them home Their
sympathy was altogether with the strik-
ing policemen.
one OF them told THE Sun cor
respondent: II volunteered for war pur-
noses and will refuse TO act as strike
breaker in any disagreement about
wages"
The sentiment OF the labor unions
has been entirely with the policemen
Ben Ti,let, secretary of the Dockers
Union, said his organization strongly
supported the hobbies. At the same
time his union was also endeavoring
to aid the authorities. he said. by OPEN
ing the way to arbitration as a means
OF settling the strike.