Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-09-27
Preparations Being Made
to Overcome Railway
Workers on Strike.
LOOK UPON TIEUP
AS REVOLUTIONARY
Premier Lloyd George Declares Strike
Is Not One For Wages But an Effort
to Organize Labor For Selfish Pur-
poses--Motormen of London Join
Strikers and Traffic is Completely
Tied Up-Miners May Join.

London, Sept. 27.--The decision Of
the underground motormens union to
support the pational union strike
caused a complete tieup Of the rail-
ways here today.
The government having failed in its
negotiation with the local union to
adjust the situation is said to be pre-
pared to operate the railways with
armed forces if necessary but its den-
mite program for meeting the condi-
tions has not yet developed. 1t has is
sued orders placing all England under
a war regime as far as food and clo-
things are concerned. One of the most
dlsquieting features is that the miners
who, with the railway men form what
is known as the triple alliance, may
also strike.
THE precipitancy of their action gives
the impression of a deliberate inten-
ton on the par: of some individuals 70
seek a quarrel at any cost said Pre-
mier Lloyd-George on the nation wide
strike. at has convinced me 1t Is not
a strike for better wages The gov
ernment has reason to believe 1t has
been arranged by a small body of men
who have sought to organize labor Tor
their own selfish purposes
Army Demobilzations Suspended.
The Associated Press learns author
itatively that the government takes
the view that the railroad strike
called at midnight last night must be
fought with every facility at its COM
mand even to the employment OF
armed force n necessary.
The war office announced it would
be necessary 20 suspend demobalz;l-
ton Of the army and cancel all leaves
of absence forthwith.
The government looks on the strike
as a threat against the life of the
community While it does not propose
to take over and operate the railways,
the government asserts it will protect
any men volunteering for railway SER
vice.
100000 Men Affected.
The strike will affect probably more
than 100000 men.
The government has arranged to
have the mails carried by airplanes
and to have large motor cars from the
to the large towns which will be seri-
ously affected.
The locomotive engineers have an
nounced they would join in the strike,
but it is stated the government has
arranged to have many men who
drove engines during the war make
runs on the principal train service
routes. ...,
The official announcement from
Downing street on the breakdown OF
the negotiations with the railway men
read: .g..
..rhe conference failed to arrive at
an agreement and a strike will take
place tonight"
Immediately after the breach.
James Henry THOMAS, the railway
mems leader, began a consultation
with his colleagues.
Electric Lines Included.
Inquiries at the headquarters oil
the big transport workers federation
elected M. statement as to what az
ton the organization might take In
the situation. .."
The strike will apply to all rail-
ways, whether steam or electric, 1T Is
stated In an official statement by the
railroad men.
On no single point, at any stage
Of the negotiations, was there common
ground between the railroad men and
the government. according to an off,
caal. The government made new Of
fer, and at the same time undertook to
consider any anomolies in the scheme
for wage Standardization. This was
Internationally rejected by the rail-
road mems representatives.
It s understood the cabinet coun-
ell has under consideration plan to
confer extensive powers upon the
food ministry for distributing food over
the highways during the strike,
Wage Offer Rejected. 8,
According to the Evening Stand
ard the government during the con-
ference with the union leaders made
an offer for the continuation Of the
present wages thruout this year and
into next year Until the cost of food.
now reckoned at lis per cent above the
pre-war scale, had fallen to ITO per
cent above the pre-war level and re-
maiAed there. or below that point. for n
three month period.
!. owing to the uncompromising at
titude Of the men, the Standard adds,
an agreement was found to be i'm